Dave and Sheri DeBolt - Emmanuel Mexico Mission

ENDINGS  &  BEGINNINGS
Recently I was told "There is a reason for every ending, becuase God has plans for a new beginning". 

During our journey to San Luis Potosi on July 4, we had a serious car accident.  We had just ended a wonderful 3 year ministry with Colegio Biblico.  Three years of blessings, serving young men and women who have a passionate desire to learn from the Word of God and a motivation to preach the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The 2004, vehicle we used for over 10 years was totaled, but God will provide for a better means of transportation, we are confident in that.  We may have ended our ministry to help young men and women from Colegio Biblico, but we will continue to preach, teach and love those that God places in our path.  Ontañon Church of Christ continues to work closely with the Bible College here in San Luis Potosi (Colegio Cristiano del Centro).  Jose is working with students each week as they come to Ontañon to serve the church.

Later in July, we served at a church camp (July 22 - 26).  An entire year of planning and preparation went into making that week a complete sucess.  We saw lives changed, hearts surrendered to Christ and funds raised to help "Feed My Starving Children".

Like any activity, you anticipate and plan for, there is a closing.  Camp ended, but new beginnings were made that week that will never be broken.  The camp kids raised enough funds to feed 3 children for a year and had a matching gift from the Valley Christian Church - plus one.  So 7 children in total are being fed for an entire year through the ministry of "Feed My Starving Children".

It had been two years since we were able to visit our daughter, Renae and her family in California.  We took advantage of every second to make the most out of our 11 day visit in August.  Precious memories fill our hears with time well spent with our grand daughter, Isabella, who is now 8 years old.  We tearfully said good-bye at the Oakland, California, airport, but there will always be the next family visit and we know it will be just as if we never left.

God never closes a door without opening a new one.  Coming back to the Ontañon church in August we experienced a new church plant as 48 members left to start a new church in the Balcones del Valle area of San Luis Potosi.  It was a 2 year growth plan and it worked without any problems.  Perfect unity and harmony as we said good-bye to 48 members of the church, but knew it was God's will and timing.

Jose continues to oversee the Ontañon ministry and we are proud to say that the average attendance for August at Ontañon was 24.  Total seating capacity of Ontañon is 55.  There never has been a Sunday with more than 60, but now God grew His church in these two locations to more than 72 in just one month.

Endings and beginnings, I'm glad for those opportunities to see and experience changes.  What does the future hold for us?  For sure endings at times, but always looking forward to the new beginnings God has in store for His servants.  

Matthew 28:19  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.  And surely I am with you always , to the very end of the age."

Serving the Kingdom with you.
David and Sheri DeBolt

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