It is really a bit crazy to think that in less than a month we will not all be in the same town once again. Holidays are usually full of business, traveling, time with family, sharing good news, and at times goodbyes. We are experiencing all of the above as a team. First let me tell you a bit about how our training has gone these past couple of months.

We have had the honor of being in close proximity to several wonderful men and women who have “been there” and “done that” when it comes to missions and ministry. A few weeks ago, our team met with David Wray, an Undergrad./Grad. Bible Professor at ACU. He has wisdom concerning the dynamics of small groups, and we were able to talk with him about the “ins and outs” of small groups. This was wonderful considering we are in and of ourselves a “small group” as well as preparing to work with small groups in Peru. He was able to give us some research that has been done on how to best handle being in small groups as well as his own knowledge and experience with small groups. Our time with him was definitely productive.

Then, just last week, the guys on our team got to meet with Kent Smith, an ACU Professor who is extremely involved in North American missions - specifically house churches. He spoke with the guys about the positive and potentially difficult things about several different church models. They were able to discuss with one another the vision they each have for our church in Peru. Do we meet in homes? Do we follow a Cell Celebration model? Do we rent a facility and meet in a large group? These are the types of things we hope to discuss and pray about before reaching Lima. Ultimately, we know that God will lead us in His own timing and way. Knowing that God is in control gives us much peace.

In a couple of hours from now, we women are getting the chance to meet with Frances Green, the wife of Gary Green who is leading our training at ACU. She and her family were missionaries in Venezuela for 8 years, and we look forward to picking her brain, asking tons of questions, and sharing fears as well as our excitement with one another. She has been a sweet and caring mentor for each of us. What more could a future missionary-woman want?!

As you can tell, we are staying busy. We continue to want to express our thanks to the A&M Church of Christ in College Station, TX for the support they are giving us right now - financial, spiritual, and emotional! We could not be doing these things if it weren’t for this congregation.

On a final note, here are a few things on our upcoming calendar…

Our Christmas holiday will be very busy, and we all look forward to enjoying time with family and friends. One last bit of information. Everyone needs to check out the Yoakum’s blog (linked at the bottom) for some exciting news. Looks like our child population is growing!

Have a wonderful week!