Hope you all spent a wonderful Christmas and New Years with family and friends and that the new year has started off great! I am so grateful that I was able to spend 2 weeks back at home and be with my family and visit a few friends! The time was so special to me and came at the perfect moment. I am so grateful that God has surrounded me with people, like all of you, who encourage me, love me, and support me in so many different ways!
Being back in El Salvador has certainly not been slow-pace. I've been hitting the ground running in a variety of ways. Since it's the beginning of the year everyone in the ministry is finalizing all the plans we have for the year, getting ready as the kids start back at school, and excited to see all God has in store.
I had the privilege of serving with a team in Guatemala in a girls prison. We shared the love and hope of Jesus through the means of a sports activity. It's incredible to see people who love Jesus and want to serve Him come together and pour into the lives of these young girls. Spending time with these girls was really baffling; I say that because they seem so innocent and so young that it's hard to imagine they have made some bad decisions worth putting them in prison. Many of the girls decided to believe and follow Jesus at the end of the outreach. Please be praying for these girls that were able to hear the Gospel; pray that they may really know God and choose to live a life that honors Him and loves others. I wish I could share picture with you all but unfortunately the rules were very strict within the prison so I wasn't allowed to take any.
Another great blessing is that a few people from Honduras and Guatemala came to El Salvador to train those of us in sports ministry. Since we will be expanding our sports ministry, this was a wonderful opportunity to grow and impart knowledge to our coaches and those involved in this area. I love learning and this was a very wonderful experience to learn and know how to better serve the kids here in El Salvador, through the means of sport. It has given me more confidence as we begin to start up these new sports.
Some of the prayer requests that I have are: 1-For the wisdom to know how to best guide and lead these girls in running and volleyball ministries. 2-For rest and peace as things are getting really busy and hectic, especially with planning for the team and missionaries that we will receive Spring and Summer breaks! 3-The Lord continues to draw me close to Him each and everyday so that I can better hear and follow Him.
I want to thank you for supporting me and playing such a HUGE role in me being here. I don't think you realize that I could not do ANY of this without each of you! Your prayers, gifts, and encouragement literally allow me to continue on this path that God has lead me to! You are a blessing and I am praying for you too! Please please don't ever hesitate to contact me and let me know how I can be praying for you specifically! I really LOVE being able to do that!
In faith, 2015 is going to be a GREAT year!! :)
Many blessings,
Lauren
(Here are some photos from our sports ministry training and some time spent with the kids putting it into practice!)
