How are you? I’m doing good. Well, here is my update before I leave on a trip. More on that later.
I spent all of February in a class called “Alfabetizacion” – it’s “Literacy” in English. 🙂 The students took the literacy class in order to be able to use this tool in the future to teach the people in the tribe how to read, and then eventually they will be able to read God’s word for themselves! The teaching was done by a missionary that worked in Panama, Bolivia, Columbia, and Paraguay. I even helped her out by teaching a few classes in Spanish! Literacy is one of the things that I’m very passionate about. I personally love being able to read, and it’s a huge blessing for me to be able to read God’s word for myself. During my first year and a half here in Mexico, Amy and I spent time each week teaching a group of children in an orphanage how to read. Anyway, I was excited to have this opportunity to pass on my passion about Literacy.
The first week of March was spent getting all my papers in order on my car to keep in Mexico and getting my year long Mexican visa! Praise Jesus that we have an easy time receiving visas here!
In March, I had the opportunity to teach a 3 day worship to the students. I taught a class in Spanish regarding a computer program (CLAware) that we, as missionaries, use to help us organize and process recordings, photos and culture events. It was my first time to teach a class all by myself in Spanish, and it went really well!
Jovenes Leader
This year I have taken on the role of leader of the older group of our young adults at church. It has been a very good growing experience for me, my Spanish, & continued understanding of the Mexican culture. Please pray for me as I organize the Bible studies and activities, that I can be culturally sensitive to their needs.
Hector & Amy
Hector and Amy are continuing to move forward in making their wedding plans. Last week was a very difficult week for them, Hector had his interview for his visa in the American consolate, but they denied him the visa. So instead of planning for a wedding in Florida in June and another in Mexico in August, they are now just planning on one wedding here in Mexico in June. Anyone interested in making a trip to Mexico for Amy’s wedding on June 9th?!
We have a visitor!
I know it’s probably weird to write about a visitor, and that visitor is a cat, and that when I say “we” it refers to myself and my cat July, but that’s okay! I’m taking care of the black & white cat: Quito, while his owners are in the mountains finishing building their home. He has been here at the Ranch since January, and will probably stay until sometime in June. July (my cat) has enjoyed having a buddy around, but I don’t think I’ll get another cat any time soon. 🙂
Language Practicum
The next big news :: is that I’m running away for 5 weeks! Well not really, but kind of. One important part of the Missionary Training is a live-language practicum. Here at Rancho Siloe, it is a requirement to be able to graduate in May. This year, four staff members: Dorr & Nancy, Edwin, and myself, we will be accompanying the 13 students to a town near where the Pima Indians live – it’s about 6 hours from Chihuahua City. The students will spend 5 weeks using the tools that they have learned here at the Ranch to learn an unwritten language – it is the same method that I used to learn Spanish. I am accompanying the group because I have learned and used this process for learning a language. I will be like a living resource for the students & staff while we are there! Please pray for these 5 weeks: for the students to be encouraged, for strength & good health, good attitudes, and for the opportunity to learn more about themselves and how God can work through them.
Ricky & Nidia
Please be praying for my friends Ricky & Nidia. I got to know them last fall before I moved out to the Ranch. Ricky is the brother of my friend and previous language helper Ana. Ricky & Nidia are married & have three wonderful children. They are not Christians, but are very open to hearing about God. Through numerous invitations for meals, and birthday parties, a few weeks ago they were able to open up to myself & another staff couple out here – Edwin & Anita. They are searching for answers. We are praying that after the 5 weeks in Maycoba that we can start a Bible study with them by studying the Chronological Bible Lessons. Please pray for all 5 of us, that we will have a set time each week so that we can begin the Chronological Bible Teaching with them!
Please let me know if you have any prayer requests or praises that I can be praying for you!You’ll hear from me in about 5 weeks!
Crystal Pierce
Living He loved me,
dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming,
oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
“Glorious Day” sung by Casting Crowns
“If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.” 1 cor. 15:17 I’m so thankful for the empty tomb that justifies Jesus’ life and our faith in Him for the forgiveness of our sins!