March brought the opportunity for
us to present a puppet play of the passion story to the neighborhoods near
the church property. “Nicolas Noticias” (Nicholas News) reported
the story of Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem. The drama was well received
and our youth puppeteers did a fine job. PRAY that the Lord will continue
to provide us with opportunities to share the Good News of salvation through
the puppet ministry.
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This past Sunday we celebrated a
dedication service for the construction of the church and school. It has
been a long year of prayer, planning, getting permits, etc… to reach
this point. Matt spent several hours during our time in the States tying
up all of the loose ends in order for the construction to begin. The service
was truly beautiful as the construction was dedicated to the Lord. PRAISES are lifted as we see the building project finally beginning. We also PRAY that God’s mighty hand be upon every aspect of the construction…from
providing the necessary resources to protection for all those who have
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Our son, Mark, was confirmed on
Pentecost Sunday. He made it through all of the questioning in great form
and was confirmed by Pastor Prince. It is a joy to see him grow in his
faith. PRAISE the Lord with us for this milestone in Mark’s life
and PRAY that he will continue to grow strong in his love for the Lord. |
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Nicolas interviewing the crowd as Jesus
is crucified.
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Mark being confirmed
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| We spent three
weeks in the States during June and July. Cathy’s parents celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary and we were very thankful to be in Davenport
for the big party.
The visit
also gave all of us the chance to connect and catch up with friends from
Trinity. They are one of our Together In Mission congregations and will,
hopefully, be sending a construction work team down sometime next year.
We PRAISE the Lord for partnerships such as this with congregations in
the States. PRAY that many more churches will be moved to become directly
involved in interceding for and supporting world missions. |
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Model of the church and school
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Finally, we’ll fill you in on our family
news. The boys are back in school, having begun classes on August 7th.
This year is starting out much more smoothly than last year, now that we “know
the ropes”. Cathy is also going to school…as a teacher of first
grade in a bilingual school about two blocks from where we live. It has
been quite a learning experience so far!! You learn a lot about a culture
by becoming a part of their educational system. Prayerfully, all of this
learning will be helpful when we are ready to start up a Lutheran school.
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| We returned to Puerto Rico in mid-July
with about a week to finish up preparations for our Vacation Bible School.
We were able to rent a community center in the neighborhood to hold the
event, which really worked out well. We hope to continue to hold monthly
events in the center for the children in the community. A group of five
volunteers from Texas joined us for the week and were a wonderful help.
Mike and Matt have been able to make follow up visits to most of the homes
of the 23 children who attended. One family has begun to join us for our
Sunday worship services on the land. PRAISE the Lord for His guidance and
strength during the preparations and week of VBS. PRAY that the seeds planted
during our time together will take root and grow in these children and
their families. PRAY that blessings will be showered down upon our monthly
events and that relationships with those in the community will be established
and grow. |
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Michael at the groundbreaking dedication
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Volunteers from Texas, family, youth and
others who helped with VBS
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We close now with thankful
hearts for all of the people we know are in prayer for this ministry.
God’s blessings
to each of you as you serve and grow in the Lord.
Your servants in Christ,
Michael, Cathy, Lucas, Nathan, Mark and Adam Tanney
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