When I think back to when we started working in 9 de Octubre I can’t help but smile; we had just finished Bible training and we were sent out to change the world….starting with 9 de Octubre. I smile when I think, we had no idea what we were doing; it was all about trial and error and of course complete dependents on God.
We were blessed with an incredible group of devoted “seekers” and we were blessed by how God used them to teach Esther and I. One of my favorite stories is of how we met Blanca. It was our very first day of work; Esther and I were walking around and trying to get a feel for the area. About noon we decided to get an “American lunch” (meaning a small meal) and rest for a few minutes. I, being scared to get sick from eating off the street suggested we just get some crackers and a soda. We passed a few stores before we finally decided the store on the corner looked nice; looking back, I know that God was leading us to Blanca.
Blanca, a very sweet elderly woman owed the store, she was very interested in knowing what we were doing in the area. Esther shared with her that we were there to work as missionaries and share God’s love. We asked if Blanca was going to church anywhere and she said “Not anymore, my late husband and I went to the Catholic Church”. It was clear to us that she had a hunger to know more so we asked if we could come back later in the week when she had some free time. And that was the beginning of our friendship and the start of her new life. It was awesome for us to see how she grew, how God opened her eyes to the new and wonderful things He had planned for her.
Esther and I would like to express our thanks to God that we had the privilege of working with so many incredible people, I wish I could tell you more stories but there’s just not enough time or space for all the stories I have. And we’d also like to thank each person who gave their time, money and joined us in daily prayer for this community. We believe that God is (and will be) working in the lives of many who were not touched by us personally, we know He has GREAT plans for 9 de Octubre.
We are happy to report that services are still held at Rosa’s house on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday school on Sunday mornings. Although attendants have dropped, God continues to grow those that have been faithful. So we give Him all the praise for He is worthy!
With all our love,
Bri and Esther
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friday, December 3, 2010
Our Hearts Content
I still remember when I was baptized, I was 9 years old and it was a hot summer day in Kansas. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I wanted the WORLD to know that I had given my life to Jesus. Do you remember how you felt when you came up out of the water? Although it’s just a symbol, I felt new and complete; like God had just washed me clean! My prayer is that all those who were baptized this Sunday will continue to shine for our Savior and always remember the day they told the world they are following Jesus!
Between all three church plants here in the city we baptized 8 new Christians, and many from our Mother churches were there to show their support. 9 de Octubre baptized two, Rosa and her grand-daughter, Janith. It has been a true pleasure to watch Rosa and Janith grow in their faith. Rosa has truly been a shining light to her family and neighbors.
A few weeks ago Janith (15) shared her testimony with the church. She told us that she used to love to go out with her friends and party, but since Esther and I came to her house and she accepted Christ she no longer has a desire to go out. WOW, isn’t God awesome! Esther and I had the GREAT joy of being with Janith and her boyfriend as they welcomed their baby boy into this world, we also had the joy of being at church the night they dedicated that little boy (Jan Aidan Kaler) back to God. I don’t think my heart could be any more content.
“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
In His service, Bri and Esther
Between all three church plants here in the city we baptized 8 new Christians, and many from our Mother churches were there to show their support. 9 de Octubre baptized two, Rosa and her grand-daughter, Janith. It has been a true pleasure to watch Rosa and Janith grow in their faith. Rosa has truly been a shining light to her family and neighbors.
A few weeks ago Janith (15) shared her testimony with the church. She told us that she used to love to go out with her friends and party, but since Esther and I came to her house and she accepted Christ she no longer has a desire to go out. WOW, isn’t God awesome! Esther and I had the GREAT joy of being with Janith and her boyfriend as they welcomed their baby boy into this world, we also had the joy of being at church the night they dedicated that little boy (Jan Aidan Kaler) back to God. I don’t think my heart could be any more content.
“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
In His service, Bri and Esther
Baptisms
Janith (In purple) and Rosa (In white)
Rosa being baptized!
Janith being baptized!
Left to Right: Me, Rosa, Janith, Esther and little Kaler
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
An Answer to Prayer
So where are we now? Well, let me tell you about what God has been doing in 9 de Octubre.
A few weeks ago we decided to show the Jesus Film in the plaza as a way of getting some new contacts. The morning of the showing Esther and I passed out 420 invitations, we went door to door and if no one was there we would slip an invitation under the door : ).
In the afternoon we came back to the compound, rested and finished getting ready for the showing. We have little info cards that have our names, the dates and times of our service and Sunday school. Well, we changed the time of our Sunday school so by hand I went through and corrected all that we had printed. As I was correcting them, I began to pray for the turn out for the film and for each person that would receive one of our information cards.
I learned this tactic years ago when our church put on the “Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames” drama and every night we would meet and pray over he auditorium, the invitations, the actors, and the information cards. I can remember year after year seeing how God moved, how He healed the sick, He provided for every need….and more, but most of all I remember that same room that we prayed in being filled with people who had watched the drama and now desired to accepted Christ as their personal Savior. I saw God move when His people prayed!
So can you imagine the victory I’m about to tell you about! Once again our God was and is Faithful! We didn’t get an exact count, but I’m guessing there were 80-100 people that came to the movie. And the best part, at the end when our District Superintendent gave the salvation message 16 people gave us there names and addresses. Not all of them accepted Christ, but many of them were open to having us visit. Praise the LORD, right? I think so! : )
As Esther and I have been doing the follow up, not all lived in the 9 de Octubre area, and some changed their minds and no longer wanted us to visit, some have started going to church again, and others are now in discipleship class. Our favorite story from this night is the story of Margret.
When we went to see Margret the first time, she was on her way out, but asked that we return later to talk. We went back the next day and when she opened the door she had a big smile on her face and she greeted us with a warm kiss. She invited us in to sit for a while. She began to tell us that she was raised in a Christian home and that her Mother is a Pastor. She had fallen away from Christ in her teen years, but is now trying to get back to Him. We asked if she would like to start these discipleship lessons with us, she of course agreed. We then invited her to join us at one of our Thursday evening services. She was surprised to hear that we are meeting in a house.
Esther then explained to her what exactly we are here doing and that is when she said we were more than welcome to have a service in her house as well if we wanted. I know she must have seen the look on mine and Esther’s face, because there was no hiding our joy in the moment. You see Esther and I have been praying that someone would open their home in the upper section that way we could start a second service. And now here we were being offered a place in the perfect location, in moments like these how can you not believe that God hears and answers prayer?
So we have started a second service on Tuesday nights dedicated to prayer, last week was our first week so it was Esther, Margret and I…..but we are hopeful that more people will be coming tonight now that they know about it. Esther and I are so thankful for the prayers God has answered for us and we are looking forward to seeing more. Please continue to pray for the people of 9 de Octubre and the work that Esther and I are finishing in 9 de Octubre.
In His Love and Service, Bri and Esther
A few weeks ago we decided to show the Jesus Film in the plaza as a way of getting some new contacts. The morning of the showing Esther and I passed out 420 invitations, we went door to door and if no one was there we would slip an invitation under the door : ).
In the afternoon we came back to the compound, rested and finished getting ready for the showing. We have little info cards that have our names, the dates and times of our service and Sunday school. Well, we changed the time of our Sunday school so by hand I went through and corrected all that we had printed. As I was correcting them, I began to pray for the turn out for the film and for each person that would receive one of our information cards.
I learned this tactic years ago when our church put on the “Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames” drama and every night we would meet and pray over he auditorium, the invitations, the actors, and the information cards. I can remember year after year seeing how God moved, how He healed the sick, He provided for every need….and more, but most of all I remember that same room that we prayed in being filled with people who had watched the drama and now desired to accepted Christ as their personal Savior. I saw God move when His people prayed!
So can you imagine the victory I’m about to tell you about! Once again our God was and is Faithful! We didn’t get an exact count, but I’m guessing there were 80-100 people that came to the movie. And the best part, at the end when our District Superintendent gave the salvation message 16 people gave us there names and addresses. Not all of them accepted Christ, but many of them were open to having us visit. Praise the LORD, right? I think so! : )
As Esther and I have been doing the follow up, not all lived in the 9 de Octubre area, and some changed their minds and no longer wanted us to visit, some have started going to church again, and others are now in discipleship class. Our favorite story from this night is the story of Margret.
When we went to see Margret the first time, she was on her way out, but asked that we return later to talk. We went back the next day and when she opened the door she had a big smile on her face and she greeted us with a warm kiss. She invited us in to sit for a while. She began to tell us that she was raised in a Christian home and that her Mother is a Pastor. She had fallen away from Christ in her teen years, but is now trying to get back to Him. We asked if she would like to start these discipleship lessons with us, she of course agreed. We then invited her to join us at one of our Thursday evening services. She was surprised to hear that we are meeting in a house.
Esther then explained to her what exactly we are here doing and that is when she said we were more than welcome to have a service in her house as well if we wanted. I know she must have seen the look on mine and Esther’s face, because there was no hiding our joy in the moment. You see Esther and I have been praying that someone would open their home in the upper section that way we could start a second service. And now here we were being offered a place in the perfect location, in moments like these how can you not believe that God hears and answers prayer?
So we have started a second service on Tuesday nights dedicated to prayer, last week was our first week so it was Esther, Margret and I…..but we are hopeful that more people will be coming tonight now that they know about it. Esther and I are so thankful for the prayers God has answered for us and we are looking forward to seeing more. Please continue to pray for the people of 9 de Octubre and the work that Esther and I are finishing in 9 de Octubre.
In His Love and Service, Bri and Esther
Two Months
“Do not be anxious about anything.” Philippians 4:6
“Anxiety should never be found in a believer. In spite of the magnitude, quantity, and diversity of our trials, afflictions, and difficulties, anxiety should not exist under any circumstances. This is because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His “one and only Son” (John 3:16), and whose complete joy and delight it is to continually assist them under all circumstances. We should heed His word, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”
~Streams in the Desert~
It’s so easy to read this verse, but to live by it is a whole another story. We have two months left in 9 de Octubre and to be honest we’re struggling. I found myself becoming VERY anxious, thinking” we have so little time and we aren’t even close to being done here. God, how can we ever finish and finish strong?”
When I read the above scripture I was filled with a peace, knowing that 2 months is a world of time to our God. I’m have this incredible feeling that God is going to work some miracles in these next two months, I believe that He has GREAT plans for this area and these people. His is not finished yet…..and neither are we!
Yesterday Esther and I had a meeting with the pastor of our “Mother Church” to talk about what we have planned for the upcoming months. We talked about having a day of evangelism, where we will canvas the area, going door to door sharing about God’s love and His wonderful plan for each of us. We also want to have an outreach event in the plaza, ending with a movie or Pastor preaching. And this is just a few of our idea so far; we are still thinking and praying. We are very excited to see what God is going to do, please join us in praying for a God movement in 9 de Octubre!
In His service, Bri and Esther
“Anxiety should never be found in a believer. In spite of the magnitude, quantity, and diversity of our trials, afflictions, and difficulties, anxiety should not exist under any circumstances. This is because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His “one and only Son” (John 3:16), and whose complete joy and delight it is to continually assist them under all circumstances. We should heed His word, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”
~Streams in the Desert~
It’s so easy to read this verse, but to live by it is a whole another story. We have two months left in 9 de Octubre and to be honest we’re struggling. I found myself becoming VERY anxious, thinking” we have so little time and we aren’t even close to being done here. God, how can we ever finish and finish strong?”
When I read the above scripture I was filled with a peace, knowing that 2 months is a world of time to our God. I’m have this incredible feeling that God is going to work some miracles in these next two months, I believe that He has GREAT plans for this area and these people. His is not finished yet…..and neither are we!
Yesterday Esther and I had a meeting with the pastor of our “Mother Church” to talk about what we have planned for the upcoming months. We talked about having a day of evangelism, where we will canvas the area, going door to door sharing about God’s love and His wonderful plan for each of us. We also want to have an outreach event in the plaza, ending with a movie or Pastor preaching. And this is just a few of our idea so far; we are still thinking and praying. We are very excited to see what God is going to do, please join us in praying for a God movement in 9 de Octubre!
In His service, Bri and Esther
Friday, September 17, 2010
Picture#1 Jan Aidan Kaler was born Sept. 16th, 2010Kaler and Mama are doing GREAT! Daddy is a little scared, but he'll get over that soon!
Picture# 2 "Aunt" Bri holding little Kaler for the first time!
Picture# 3 (Left to Right) Jan Carlos (Daddy), Janith (Mama), Kaler, and Bri
Picture# 4 "Aunt" Esther loving on Kaler!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Baby, Baby, Baby!
Esther and I can now say that we have planned a baby shower! Last Saturday we threw a baby shower for Janith and her boyfriend, Jan Carlos. They are expecting a baby boy on the 18th of this month. Janith is one of our very first contacts, and we’re hoping that she will be one of our first members. When Janith first told us she was pregnant she said she would name the baby after me if it was a girl……lucky for the baby it’s a boy : ). Since they can’t name a boy Brittany, she asked me to write out some boy names that I liked and they would consider using one of them.
I’m honored to say that they have decided to use one of the names I picked; the baby’s name will be “Jan Aidan Kaler”. Not really sure if one of these names will be used as a middle name or if he will just have three first names. I’m sure you can guess what name I picked….yes, Aidan. Thank goodness they will just be calling him Kaler : ).
Planning the baby shower was lots of fun and work. More than anything we wanted Janith and Jan Carlos to feel loved by the church, and I think they did. We had close to 30 people come and half of them were from our group (Other 40/40’s, our cluster support Mom and the D.S.’s wife) the other half were friends and family of Janith and Jan Corlos and youth from our Mother church. They were showered with love, words of encouragement and of course gifts!
I’ll be sure to let you know when Kaler is born! Please pray for Janith and the family as this will be a big adjustment for their family!
Love always, Bri and Esther
I’m honored to say that they have decided to use one of the names I picked; the baby’s name will be “Jan Aidan Kaler”. Not really sure if one of these names will be used as a middle name or if he will just have three first names. I’m sure you can guess what name I picked….yes, Aidan. Thank goodness they will just be calling him Kaler : ).
Planning the baby shower was lots of fun and work. More than anything we wanted Janith and Jan Carlos to feel loved by the church, and I think they did. We had close to 30 people come and half of them were from our group (Other 40/40’s, our cluster support Mom and the D.S.’s wife) the other half were friends and family of Janith and Jan Corlos and youth from our Mother church. They were showered with love, words of encouragement and of course gifts!
I’ll be sure to let you know when Kaler is born! Please pray for Janith and the family as this will be a big adjustment for their family!
Love always, Bri and Esther
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
