April Update

Calvary Team  This past week I had the privilege of being with 14 really great kids from Calvary Church in Charlotte as they came to Santa Marta to experience a different culture and to see what God is doing in another part of the world.  There is something incredible about seeing kids who don't speak the same language communicate in ways that they never even knew were possible.  It was so cute when one boy from the group proudly proclaimed, "I made a new friend!!!".  One thing that was confirmed for me during this trip, Colombians love Americans. They love the language and the culture, so any chance they can get to rub shoulders with americans, they usually take it. God used this group of students to help encourage the Colombians, the missionaries, and our ministries.  I believe with all of my heart that what most people need is just an opportunity to see.  It's not until we can actually see the needs, both spiritual and physical, that we will be moved in our hearts to actually do something about it.  Please pray that God would use this trip in every aspect to His glory. Through my time in Colombia this week, God reaffirmed for me my love of Colombia.  It seemed like everyone that I talked to was anxious for us to come back, and we are too!  I'm thankful for the love that was expressed to me this week by our friends.

We will be back on the road again hoping to meet with folks and share about the ministry that God has blessed us with in Santa Marta.  We are up against the clock somewhat since Amanda and the children's visas will expire in June if we don't meet our required support level.  Please pray that God, in His timing, would provide all that we need to return.  We have a significant amount of support to raise over the next several weeks.  We are praying for families that will join us both in prayer and financially as we seek to continue ministering in Santa Marta.  We are praying that God would provide 15 families at $50/month, 10 families at $30/month, and 4 families at $75/month.  We need your fervent prayers and your help pointing us to others who have resources to steward toward God's work in the world.  We know that God is faithful to accomplish all that He desires.  We are thankful that we have partnered with many people over the last few years, and we are excited that God will bring new people into our lives to work together to see the gospel proclaimed.  If you would like to know more about our ministry and how you could partner with us either through prayer or financially, please send us an email at jahoward@samlink.org.   We are thankful for each and everyone one of you that has been praying for us and supporting us during this journey.

Our Ministry:  God has given us a passion for standing with young people and their families as they learn, grow, and even wrestle with their faith.  He has blessed us with many opportunities in Santa Marta to fulfill those passions as we work in a church, a school, and growing church plant reaching out to those that don't know Him, and equipping those that do.