Having the mind of Christ in Christmas = )

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross". - Philippians 2.5-8

Spending precious time with mom in December !!!!!

I send a big hello to all of you in this beautiful season of CHRISTmas and New Year with family and loved ones. The Lord has brought me to this verse in Philippians 2:5-8 that illustrates clearly what Christmas is about and links it so perfectly to the Cross. Not just the manger, which is a beautiful scene of love but the Cross and the Empty Tomb which is an even greater scene of love and redemption. Two key concepts have been resounding in my mind and heart from this piece of Scripture: "No Reputation" and "Bondservant". This is the example that this season calls me to imitate and live after, to make myself of no reputation just as my Jesus did and to take the form of a bondservant after Him for the sake of the Gospel and the expansion of His Kingdom, in myself and in others. There is a such a strong picture of humility and selflessness in these two that moves me to call upon Jesus and say: Please make me more like thee, my Lord! 

It's been already 2 months since dad's passing and I have to confess it has not been easy or predictable for us. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, dad was a strong spiritual leader, and for our family that's been the hardest part. We all miss his encouraging words, his bible verses shared with so much passion and his prayers for all of us, in person or through skype, dad was always willing to jump into prayer when hearing about anything be it good or bad. I personally miss his spiritual leadership and his encouragement since I went out in faith to the mission field. He would always challenge me to serve the Lord in every single way and he would pray for me whenever I would bring up any doubt or any trial. The Lord has been showing me what a wonderful and godly man I had as my dad, even more now that he's not here, the Lord has moved my heart to an attitude of gratitude for the blessing He gave me with my earthly father and His example. In addition, God has opened more my eyes to Him as my heavenly Father. I think I see it differently whenever I read the Bible or I pray. The word FATHER sticks immediately out to me, and I really ponder about it, now that my earthly father has been taken to heaven. My God is my father and has always been but I just feel it different in some way. It's amazing to think how close and intimate my God wants to be with me that He reveals Himself to me as my Father..... There's so much authority, respect, love and example to me in thinking about God as my father, as my only father now. He's so loving to teach me more of Himself even through this trial. Let's give Him glory!!!! 

Mom has been my first ministry during this time.... just being there for her, and pouring His love to her as much as I can. We have studied the Word together, prayed together, cried together and even the Lord gave me the opportunity to visit with her 2 couples that my parents were discipling and encouraging in the faith during the past year....They truly miss dad and his wisdom teaching the Word. However, they were truly encouraged to see and hear mom talking about dad's passing with such faith and contentment knowing that it was God's decision and that we are to praise Him in all, so I see God being glorified even through this! 

I have also seen the purpose of God with me being here to help a missionary family (the Hartman's) from Iowa that arrived in Medellin 3 months ago to support a church plant and to build a house to host missionary groups in the future. They came in faith sent by an independent Christian church in Iowa and in obedience to what God showed the father, Dan who had come here in several mission trips. They are Dan (father), Lois (mother), Jessica (daughter) and Ivan (son) and it's amazing how much God has used them to encourage me, to remind me of my calling and to hurt and share Christ with my own people Colombian people. They are so simple, loving and sold out for the Gospel and for the Colombian souls that it's truly challenging just to be around them! It's crazy how I met them and how God has used them for me and me for them, it's definitely His way !!!. They don't know any Spanish, except for Lois, who knows just a little bit to get by, and have no language support or local people guiding them in anything, so they are truly depending on the Lord. It's been so so hard for them to start this building project because of the language and also to support and minister here because of the culture and the language, but it's clear that God brought them and He will do it!. I have served them in different opportunities, translating for them, counseling them in terms of the local culture and way of doing things, explaining so many things they don't understand and also encouraging them when they feel frustrated or unfitting to be here. I would kindly ask you to please pray for them and for the vision that God is giving them... may He bring more people that speak English to help them adjust to this big change as a family and may He use them to bring many to Christ in this town. Here is a picture with them when they came for Christmas Lunch!

With the Hartman's - Missionary Family in Medellin !!!

In addition, I had the opportunity of visiting a new Calvary church plant in a town, close to my home town, it's called Capilla Fidelidad and it was planted by Hernando, who used to be the assistant pastor of my first Calvary in Cali, Colombia. Him and His family are very dear to me and the church is only 3 years old. I was invited to share about Costa Rica and what God is doing there and I also decided to share about dad's passing and the lessons that God has revealed to me in this time. It was so so sweet to be there ! It's a small church but a solid and grounded one! The teaching and the people were such a blessing to me and I had the opportunity to talk to a couple at the end that has not accepted Christ but has been attending for like a month. Their names are Cindy and Jairo (I think, don't remember his name so well), and I shared a couple of verses and a testimony of mine encouraging them to accept Jesus into their hearts and to make a life decision before year end. Please pray that they feel that imminent desire and need to follow Christ so strong that they can't choose otherwise and pray that Hernando can come alongside to disciple them and love on them. Here is a picture with Pastor Hernando, his wife Claudia and his kids: Gabby and Mateo. Please pray for them and their ministry in the town of Jamundi as well.

Im holding Gabby and next to me is: Hernando, Claudia and Mateo-Dear Family!

I promise this is my last prayer request ; ) . The Lord has opened the door for me to attend the 2013 Calvary Chapel Mission's Conference in Murrieta, CA and I am so so grateful and excited for I know that It will be a wonderful time in the Word and getting His vision to go back to the Mission Field again. My heart is truly craving this conference and the encouragement that God always brings to me with all the people there. I will be traveling on Jan 6 to be there Jan 7-11 so please pray for the trip, for me saying bye to mom, for my heart to be soft and ready and for divine appointments in His will with other missionaries and ministries. I will travel back to Costa Rica on January 12, so please also pray for that and for adjusting back to normal in San Isidro! I am so excited to go back though I will miss mom for sure! But I also miss the team, the girls and the kids and I know the Lord has wonderful plans for 2013 mom and for me and many souls in His heart to save, and grow in Him !!!! May we walk in obedience and faith in Him and Him alone !!!!

Thanks once again for your prayers and support, and for your gestures of encouragement for me and my family. May the Lord bless you and use you, wherever you are for His kingdom.  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!!!!!

Love in Christ,