Looking back and forward....

This week we finished working on the campus for the semester. The last day of classes was today, and the students have their final exams for the next two weeks. This week was definitely different, as we helped host a professors luncheon on Wednesday, and also had a Vida Estudiantil planning meeting for next year this morning. Its wierd to think that this semester is wrapping up, and the 2008 year is coming to a close.

Looking back on this past week, for our last sharing time on campus, Juan Carlos and I ended up talking with a guy named Luis Alberto. After asking him a couple questions, we transitioned into sharing the 4 Laws booklet with him. We proceeded through the first truth (God loves you and has a marvelous plan for your life), and into the second point (Man is sinful, and is separated from God, which is why he cant know or experience God's love or plan in life). As we read through the associated Bible verses, about how the wages of sin is death, and how we're all sinners, the expression on Luis' face fell. He read over the pages again, his face looking like he was in total despair. I will never forget the look of utter hopelessness on his face, as it was a strong reminder of how destitute and desperate we are without God. The reality of that point really struck me. As we continued to talk, it was absolutely incredible to be able to share with him that there is a solution to this separation, and a magificent hope. That he doesn't have to be lost in this life, but can find fulfilment. And that the ultimate hope is found in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. God devised a way for us to know Him personally, and to save us from hopelessness: the ultimate expression of His love for us!!!

Looking forward, the next couple weeks are gonna fly by! Here is a glimpse of some of the things we're gonna be doing:
--Dec 6-12 is the Shepherding visit, where 3 Canadian staff are coming down to visit us. They're coming to see how our STINT team is doing, to give us some training and to take us on a refreshment retreat. It should be a good time!
--Trip to Santiago - We're gonna have the opportunity to visit the Vida Estudiantil crew in Santiago, to give them some training and join them for their Christmas party!!
--Dec 18th is the VE Christmas party (here in Panama City)
--Meetings to review & evaluate the past semester
--and of course, CHRISTMAS on the 25! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!!!
Needless to say, we're going to be busy.