July 17th

July 17, 2005

Sorry it’s been a while since our last update, but our laptop is in the shop and could be for quite a while. It seems the fan expired, which caused a shutdown of other important functions such as the keyboard and video monitor. We are praying for a quick arrival of a new fan and repair.

I (Mark) have been spending much of my time over the past couple of weeks on construction of the seminary with David and the pastors of the regional convention. The library is nearing completion! Stucco has been applied to the interior walls and ceiling, electric has been run, and Monday morning we will be pouring the floor. Many of the men and the students from the English fellowship will be lending a hand to make it all happen. Then all we need to do is apply some paint, install the doors and windows, lay the floor tiles, and lighting fixtures. Many of you who have had a hand in the construction would be pleasantly surprised at the progress.

The vision for the seminary not only includes theological training for pastors and lay leaders, but also includes housing for seminary students, a youth center, and a place for the convention to hold larger regional events and conferences. Progress might be slow, but this project has unified the pastors of the Baptist Convention! I consider it pure joy to work with them, laugh with them, sing with them, and share my life with them.

Susan and I just found out about another opportunity for ministry that is starting to take flight. Steve and Lois (missionaries from TEAM Missions) and the Reeds have been talking about joining forces to make a skateboard park a reality in La Paz. Steve has taken some steps to secure a grant though a Christian organization in the States which would cover most of the costs of land and construction materials. The vision is to reach out to the community and provide a clean, supervised, drug-free, and well-maintained park for kids to skate or just hang out together. We are praying that this dream becomes a reality.

Pictures will follow of the seminary progress, and we have much more to say, but don’t have time at the moment! To be continued. . .