¡Muchas Gracias!

I cannot stop giving thanks to all of you who are partnering with me in my mission to share Jesus Christ with Bolivian university students. My prayer and financial team continues to grow in a way that makes me marvel more and more at the beauty and truth of Paul’s words when he states: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Thank you again to Nueva Vida (my sending church), my friends (old and new), co-workers, and family members who are advancing me closer and closer to Bolivia.

Beyond the support raising process, I am taking steps to shore up more knowledge and training before I head south. I recently enrolled in a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program. This 11 week course will help prepare me to teach effectively in a foreign culture and in a foreign language. I am also excited to share that I ascertained Christ-centered curriculum from a missionary friend in Bolivia. Whatever we do, whether in word or deed, we are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17) and this curriculum will help me achieve that end.

As I continue to prepare to leave for Bolivia, God has placed it upon my heart to work on building up unity in the body of Christ by praying for those who are partnering with me. I will be setting aside time every week to lift you up in prayer. If you have specific prayer requests, please e-mail them to me. I want our partnership to go both ways.

For the month of March please pray for me as I reach out to churches, Bible study groups, and individuals–that I may share my vision with wisdom and clarity, and that the Lord would open hearts and minds to consider a partnership. Please pray also that the Lord would begin to soften the hearts of those He wants me to reach in Bolivia. As I reflect upon Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, I will merely be planting seeds, but it is God who gives the growth.

May you walk in the grace and peace of the Lord.

En Cristo,

Derek