God Gives The Increase

To the Corinthian church Paul the apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God gave the increase." It is so important that we take to heart these words in our Christian service. How fights, quarrels, and competition would be eliminated if we really took these verses literally. I was struck by this entire chapter when I reflected on the month of November...

Early in the month I had a few teaching opportunities. I was able to teach another Foundations Class for those in the fellowship who were new to the faith or simply just wanted to learn more of what it means to be a Christian. I was given the topic of teaching on why we can trust the Bible to be God's Word. I also taught one class for a course Pastor Raf teaches at the Bible College called "Lessons in Ministry." I titled my message "Keeping it real." I was able to discuss with the students that although ministry is a privilege and joy, it is also a lot of hard work that requires sacrifice. I really challenged the students to "count the cost" as well as check their own motivations to why they serve God and people.

Pastor Raf and Loretta both enjoyed the opportunity to go to the Bible College in Murrieta, CA to teach some classes. While gone, I was able to fill in for Raf and teach on a Sunday morning. I taught on "Waiting on the Lord." I went on to discuss that God wants to build our spiritual muscles by sometimes letting us feel the weight of life. As well as how we grow during the tough times of life and see that our "weight trainer" Jesus Christ knows exactly what we need. How we need to trust Him more than we think we do!

The last week of the month, we had a team from Calvary Chapel Montebello led by Pastor Abel Maldonado come here to Mallorca. We had been planning this short-term mission trip for months. Pastor Abel really wanted to focus on ministering in the city of Palma. The team did a variety of things and made the most of their week here with us. They really sought to reach all ages. They did everthing from dress up like clowns to minster to children at some hospitals, go to the local skateboard park and pass out free shoes and skateboards, to throwing a carnival for the kids. They also did a lot of street witnessing passing out some tracts that one of our team members designed. The Gutierrez brothers also came out for a few days and ministered through music for our English service at the church and our Spanish service in the evening. They did both worship and their own material in both languages. There are so many cool stories to share, but that would take a few more blogs:)

In closing, the trip was a success. Although the harvest of souls that was reaped was "small" in some eyes, it wasn't in God's. Not only did God choose to use Montebello to plow and till soil out here, but they also planted seeds and watered others. Besides all that, if God brought the Gutierrez brothers and team all the way out here for the salvation of just one soul, then Biblically and Spiritually speaking it was a success! God is still working in this field even now. Please pray for the new converts. Praise Jesus Christ that we can have a part in His work. May God continue to give the increase here in Mallorca, Spain...

By His Grace,
Eric

On the Same Team

King David wrote in Psalm 133:1: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethern to dwell together in unity!" How true this verse is even more so in ministry. One of many things I have learned from Pastor Raf is the importance of working together on the mission field. Raf has often said: "we are not in competition with one another, but complement one another." It is no wonder Satan attacks unity among missionaries in the same battle field. I am glad the month of October was filled with unity...

Pastor Raf and I were able to fly to El Rincon De La Victoria (outside of Malaga) for a couple of days to visit Ivan and Eunice. It had been almost one year since I had last seen them. As the church is developing with Ivan and Eunice, other matters of ministry have come to their attention. As a result, they asked Pastor Raf to come over and help with some legal/financial issues in regards to the new church plant. I was also able to catch up with them and see the family of Eunice. It had been almost five years since I had been to the mainland of Spain and seen her family. Raf hit it off real well with the family and Tio Pepe (Eunice's father). While there, Raf and I drove with Ivan and Eunice to the village where Raf's mother was born. While going up and down the streets trying to find the home she grew up in, we ran into old friends who knew her. All in all, Raf and I had a great two days with Ivan and Eunice. It was fruitful, productive, and a great time of reunion for me.

This past month, we also celebrated our one year anniversary at our Thursday night Home Fellowship in Palma. We all couldn't believe how fast time had flown by! I reflected on how prayers have been answered, praise reports have been shared, and on how I have become good friends with the people I teach on a weekly basis. I definitely was challenged by God to count my blessings in regards to this Home Bible Study. A lot of good memories this past year.

Over the past few months, I have also been busy working with Pastor Abel Maldonado and others from CC Montebello to prepare for their arrival to Palma. They will be doing a short-term mission trip here at the end of November. Pastor Raf had delegated to me the responsibility of taking care of the financial and administrative side of things in preparation. I have also had some help from other church members and students. It has been interesting being on this side of the mission trip.

At the end of this month, we took the students to the other side of the island for the Semester Retreat. Justin Clark is one of the students here that is from CC Upland. Justin was saved just one year ago. My family introduced him to me almost a year ago when I was on furlough, then I saw him again this past summer. Long story short, it truly has been a privilege to have him at the school and watch him grow. Justin and I have not only gotten to know each other better over the past couple of months, but we also get together once a week to study the Word and pray. Justin also attends the Thursday night Home Fellowship in Palma. While at the retreat, he felt very strongly that it was time to be baptized. So, Raf and I both shared in the joy of baptizing Justin in the Mediterranean Sea! It was a very special moment in time.

In closing, pray for continued unity among the missionaries of Spain...

By His Great Grace,
Eric

Fall Semester 2008

Solomon wrote in his latter years in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To everything there is a season, a time
for every purpose under heaven." The month of September was definitely the beginning of a familiar season...

The students arrived last month for the Fall semester of Bible College. For a majority of the students, it is their first semester. The students are also very young this semester, with a majority of them being anywhere from eighteen to twenty-one years old. I began remininiscing about my first semester in Bible College, which was eight years ago. It was a very hard and humbling semester, but the Lord won my heart even more. The lessons I learned were priceless. My prayer is that they would seize the moment and enjoy God and all He has for them this semester.

I am teaching Missions again, and Ecclesiastes for the very first time. So far, it has been a privilege to teach these students. Every time I teach Missions, the Lord reignites a fire within me about Missions and specifically Spain. I can definitely relate to Hudson Taylor and his passion for China. He would often say: "If I had 1,000 lives, I'd give them all for China."

As I mentioned last newsletter, Johnny and I went to the prison on September 1st to turn in all the necessary paperwork. They were going to possibly call at the end of September, they didn't. I know right now is a "season" of waiting. Please continue to pray that the Lord would get me in there, to minister that is:)

At the end of last month Mike was admitted to the hospital for some mental issues/problems. I actually received a call from him from the hospital as he was being admitted. Mike has had a series of episodes over the years due to his past addictions. I also believe a definite element of spiritual warfare is involved. Please also pray for him. I have visited him a few times as he seems to being doing better. He was released from the hospital yesterday. I will keep you posted. He has continued to become very dear to my heart. You might remember me mentioning Mike in past newsletters as well as seeing him in some photos.

Mike is one of the people I pick up for Church on Sunday mornings. I am currently going through Romans with him on a weekly basis, and he faithfully attends the Thursday night Home Fellowship I teach at in Palma. All this to say, our relationship has become so close, with the Lord in the center of it. Mike has also grown close to PJ and Nell (hosts of the home Bible study) as well as Rick and Monica (attend the home fellowship). All six of us have also hung out with Mike in social settings. We have done a lot of things together the past year: beach volleyball, going to the movies, eating out, swimming in the Mediterranean, and going to different locations on the island. Mike once told me after one of our Bible studies together; "Eric, I just hope you don't think you are wasting your time with me." Man, what a heart check! I pray the Lord continues to keep my heart like His in ministering to people. No person is ever a waste of time! I know there is a purpose for every "season" under heaven...

In closing, may the Lord continue to bless you with His presence and unconditional love! "If I had 1,000 lives, I'd give them all for Spain.."

By His Great Grace,
Eric

One Year Later

Paul the Apostle wrote to the church in Ephesus: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." It has always fascinated me that God not only wants to save our lives, but also use our lives. How sad it is that many Christians have the free gift of salvation, but are not walking in His plan for their lives. They are not fulfilling the purposes of God, but their own. Not doing those good works He has specifically prepared and planned beforehand for them to walk in. Last month I thought about this verse a lot. August 17th marked one year that I have been here on the mission field of Mallorca, Spain...

At the beginning of August, Pastor Rafael went to Dublin, Ireland to do some ministry and then had some vacation time. I had the privilege of teaching three Sunday mornings at the church to fill in for him. I took the congregation through a series of studies I simply entitled "Why the Bible?" Through the course of three weeks we went through arguments skeptics and critics have concerning the Bible. I sensed that God led me in this direction for a few reasons. One of those reasons was many people over the years left the church because they said that Raf and the church were too much into the "Word of God." That was the reputation given to Raf and the ministry in Santa Ponsa. My heart was that the people would know why they believe what they believe. The church ended up recording all three studies. I was happy to hear that some of them were anxious to mail them back to the United Kingdom for friends and family to hear. Especially those who didn't believe that the Bible was true. Prayerfully more lives will be touched and transformed by His Words.

As I have mentioned in past newsletters, I share the responsibility of being a taxi for Jesus by giving people rides to church and back to their homes every week. Every Sunday night since March/April of this year I have been picking up Nicolas, a 51 yr. old Mallorquin. Every week I get to practice my Spanish with him and he practices his English with me. Over the months we have developed a friendship. As a result he has opened up to me about his life. There were a few instances where he didn't want to come to the Spanish service any longer. Pastor Raf has shared the gospel with him and he has heard many Bible studies over the months. Well, during the last week of August I was really sensing the Lord telling me to pop the question and ask Nicolas if he would like to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. So, on Sunday night August 31st, after service I shared with Nicolas the gospel in Spanglish and then showed him some evangelistic verses in the Bible in Spanish. I also have the "sinner's prayer" in the back of my Spanish/English Bible, and there in my car Nicolas received Jesus! It was a very special moment for both of us. Since then Nicolas has been trying to read the Bible on his own. The Gospel of Luke is where he has started.

On September 1st, Johnny and I went to the prison in Palma. Raf and I finally had all the papers necessary to mail to the Ministry of Justice in Madrid. While at the prison, a former inmate of 6 years started a conversation with Johnny sharing his hardships in there. Johnny shared with him what I would be doing in the prison and he was very happy about that. He also said many foreigners were in there who didn't know Spanish. They have it the worst, as fellow inmates and guards make fun of them and give them a hard time. As I am waiting to see if I am approved, please pray that I would receive favor from the Spanish government. I really want to get in there.

Looking back at all the photos and newsletters I have posted this past year, God has done in and through my life above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined or even prayed for. I know God doesn't need me here, but I know that He loves me and wants me here. I think of how much I would have missed out on if I didn't leave my home in California and come here to Spain last year. I am sincerely looking forward to the next year here in Mallorca, Spain. All glory to Jesus Christ who uses sinners who are saved by His grace to extend that same grace to others! May I also encourage you to walk into those good works He has for you this coming year!

By His Grace,
Eric

More Responsibility

Jesus said in Matthew 25:21&23: "...Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." I have learned and continue to learn over the years, the wisdom and genius of God in regards to how he prepares a man and woman for ministry. Giving them a little at a time and not asking for success, just faithfulness. This lesson I experienced in the month of July...

The beginning of last month I returned from my furlough in California and hit the ground running. There was a lot of financial and administrative things to attend to. I had mentioned a couple of newsletters ago that Pastor Rafael has wanted to bring more structure to the church and Bible college. Our team has been going through many changes as we have gained some new members as well as lost some. We are also developing an internship program.

More and more I am continuing to do the accounting and bookkeeping on my own. I am also now responsible for everything and anything that falls under finances. This includes all the transactions for the Bible College students, as well as paying rent for some of the apartments. It has been a lot of work, but nonetheless a growing experience. I am also seeing more and more what it takes to run a Bible College.

This Fall I will be teaching Missions again. I will also be teaching the book of Ecclesiastes for the first time and helping to teach some classes for Men's Discipleship.

I have also continued to be a taxi for Jesus giving people rides to church and helping with church cleaning.

At the end of the month, I went with Trevor our Youth Pastor to the other side of the island for a youth retreat. We camped by the beach and had a great weekend together. Some parents came up to us who served at the retreat, and said their kids had a great time and couldn't stop talking about it. This trip definitely brought back fond and funny memories of my time serving the youth of Calvary Chapel Upland.

In closing, the Bible says in Proverbs 20:6: "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?" May we all desire to be people who are faithful to the Lord in whatever He has placed before us on His perfect path of provision!

By His Grace,
Eric

Taking a Furlough

The military word Furlough is defined in Webster's Dictionary to mean: "a leave of absence from duty granted esp. to a soldier; permission." We see that taking a furlough is not only a good thing to do, but a Biblical thing to do. The apostle Paul himself after his missionary journeys would go back to Antioch to report on what God did in and through his life. Acts 14:27 says: "Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles." The beginning of the month was filled with a variety of ministry here on the field and then I went home on furlough for 2 weeks to California...

I finished the book of Daniel with Mike and also studied the book of Philemon with him. Mike is doing real well and is continuing to grow in the grace of God. Please pray that the spiritual seed sown will continue to grow and produce fruit.

Johnny has shared with me some instances of being able to share the Lord with people while on the job. His boss Martin has continued to ask for a Bible in order to start reading it himself. I am so amazed to not only see the power of the Gospel change a life, but to also see that life go on and be used by God.

At the end of May and the beginning of June I also had to take care of some practical things in regards to living in a foreign country. I was able to renew my visa for another year and pay off my car which was a total gift from the Lord. It was such a miracle how God provided this car. The previous owner not only let me make payments without interest, but let me pay in my own timing. I share these things with you to point out God's perfect provision and meeting me in this land every step of the way. As both of these things cost money, I pray I continue to be a good steward of God's resources and your generous gifts to this mission endeavor.

What a reunion it was going home to California! I was very happy to be reunited with my family, friends, and home church. I was not only able to have some fun and relax, but take care of some things in regard to Spain. It was a privilege to "give report" and teach God's Word at several fellowships including my home church Calvary Chapel Upland. I was also able to meet the staff of Go Ministries out of Calvary Chapel Norco, who blesses missionaries by taking care of their taxes and the paperwork that is involved. I was also able to obtain my International Driver's Permit enabling me to drive legally here in Spain.

Thank you all for your open arms, unconditional love, support, encouragement, prayers, and generous gifts. All this motivates me to want to be a "good soldier of Jesus Christ." Although I am glad to be back in Spain, I am looking forward to my next furlough with you all...

By His Grace,
Eric

End of Spring Semester 2008

Solomon wisely wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:8: "The end of a thing is better than its beginning..." We see this principle true not only in ministry, but in our relationship with and to Jesus Christ. May was a month of closure and new beginnings for me personally...

The month of May marked the end of another semester at Bible college for the students as well as a new beginning for those who graduated. I loved teaching Missions again this past semester and watching the Gospel and God's Words work in and through the lives of the students. This semester Pastor Rafael taught a class entitled "Lessons in Ministry." The class was offered to the students but required for the staff. It was great to hear how God has worked in the life of Pastor Rafael and made him the man he is today. I learned many things throughout the class, was reminded of important lessons, and became more thankful to the Lord for putting me here to serve with Pastor Rafael.

This month I also started to take a venture of faith. Most of you know I served at Juvenile Hall for 3 years in California. I loved it and miss it greatly. That being said, I am currently going through the practical steps of getting approval to get access to the prison in Palma. The prison in Palma is not only the prison for Mallorca, but is the only prison for all the Balearic Islands. There is also a lot of other nations represented there. Please pray for favor with the Spanish authorities and diligence on my part to go through all the paperwork. One of the officers told Johnny that this is needed. Roman Catholic priests, Muslims, and teachers of Judaism are already going in.

In an effort to bring more structure to the Church and Bible school, Raf and the Board decided to put certain staff members as overseers of different departments of ministry. I will be overseeing administration and continuing to serve as the accountant. I am really excited about the changes and definitely think the new format will help things run smoothly and more efficiently.

In closing, I have been thinking lately about how it is a privilege to serve the Lord in any capacity. From church cleaning, giving people rides to church, or even being a newscaster in a Easter play:). This semester was a blast and I am looking forward to this summer! God continues to amaze me from month to month. Thank you for your heartfelt prayers and thoughts!

By His Grace,
Eric

Making Disciples

Jesus Said: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This passage of Scripture found in Matthew 28:18-20 has been commonly called the The Great Commission, and rightly so. These are some of Christ's final words to His disciples before leaving earth and ascending back to heaven. More and more I see the depth and richness of this passage as I am here in Mallorca. In August of last year I came to Spain. In the month of March I saw the miracle of salvation and the beauty of baptism. The month of April for me was a month of truly teaching and making disciples...

Johnny has been on cloud nine since March. He is filled with joy, meaning, and purpose like never before. His co-workers have also noticed the difference and are beginning to ask questions. Johnny is also noticing more and more Spaniards have questions, they are just afraid to voice them. Johnny and I have continued to study the Gospel of John together in Spanish and English. It's so exciting because Johnny is so new to the Bible and has never read it before. In our times together, he has shared so much of his past with me and the reasons why he wanted nothing to do with God. He can't believe he can actually read the Bible for himself. As Johnny is reading John for the very first time, his face lights up! He also shares his initial thoughts about the text. I myself am enjoying very much the Gospel of John. The Word of God never gets old! There is a constant freshness when you read it every time.

Mike and I have also continued to study through the book of Daniel. Mike is 18 months old in the Lord, but he constantly tells me that he is has barely started reading the Bible. He is totally soaking it up and has many questions. I should also mention that both Johnny an Mike have gotten over their timidness in praying publicly. It is such a blessing to hear both of their hearts as they commune with God. More and more in both relationships, I am growing in my understanding for the need of teaching and discipleship.

At the end of the month we took the students to the other side of the island for the semester trip. It was a balance of getting away on your own to be with the Lord, fellowship, and fun in the sun! I was very honored and privileged to be able to pray and talk with students that were very troubled and worried about their future. These conversations made me recall and recount when I graduated from the Bible College in Murrieta six years ago. Looking back, God's promises to me back then have testified to be true today! What an awesome God we serve.

I was also able to teach at the youth group this past month and as usual it was a blast. More and more I am learning to do the accounting on my own. Rick and I are becoming one mind:) As far as my progress in Spanish, I am learning to not look at it as a destination. I simply want to enjoy the journey as with this overall mission to Spain. I know it is going to take time and patience. With the semester ending soon, we have 3 and a half months of summer break. My desire is to devote even more time to language study. I also hope and pray for the salvation of my tutor.

In closing, God has given me more than I could have ever wanted. Too invest in lives makes see and understand more and more the value of one single life. Truly Jesus was right when He said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." I only continue to look forward to meeting more people as time goes on and make disciples...

BY His Grace,
Eric

New Chapter in Mallorca

So Great A Salvation

Someone once said: "Salvation is so simple we can overlook it, so profound we can never comprehend it." We also learn from Scripture that God uses many in the work of salvation. There are those who plow, while others plant, still others water. Then there are those who have the privilege of reaping the harvest. Such was my experience in the month of March....

It turns out that my new roommate Johnny had never fully given his heart and life over to Jesus Christ.It all started with Johnny having a wonderful Easter Sunday. He participated in the play as one of the disciples, and was overwhelmed by the love he received from the Body of Christ at the church. Later that night I was able to share the gospel with him in English and broken Spanish:) I took him to the Bible showing him many verses explaining what it meant to be saved. The conversation went for two and a half hours. Johnny had shared with me that he wanted to be a part of "us." He had felt like an outsider looking in.

Friday of that same week, Raf came out to our house and shared more with Johnny. Then Johnny prayed with Raf and I that night on March 28th to receive the Lord Jesus Christ! Then on Sunday March 30th Raf and I baptized Johnny in the Mediterranean Sea after church! I already see major changes in his life just by the things he says as well as his actions. He is also reading his Bible and praying alot. His co-workers are also seeing the changes, asking questions, and wanting to know the Bible.

Johnny now attends the home Bible study I teach in English Thursday nights. However, in his hunger for the Word of God he wants to be taught the Bible more. We are currently going through the Gospel of John (John for Johnny) one chapter at a time. We read the chapter in Spanish and English, then I teach in Spanglish. We then pray and enjoy a dinner together. I have also introduced him to some Spanish worship music I have, he really likes it. I have also had many trips to the hospital this past month with Johnny as his health is not the best. He now says: "that's secondary." He also says: "I see people in a whole new way." He desires that the rest of his family and friends would come to experience the same joy that he has now.

I also made a few hospital visits this past month in regards to Mike. Due to his battle with alcohol, his health was in serious jeopardy. I had the privilege of picking him up at the end of two weeks. He has now for the rest of the month been sober! His boss is also giving him his old job back. Continue to pray for Mike. He so loves the Body of Christ praying for him.

I also had the privilege of having a few teaching opportunities. I was able to fill in for Trevor and teach the youth group twice. I still love to be with the youth, it made me think of the youth back at CCU. Raf also asked me to share at the Sunrise service Easter morning.

We also read in 1 Corinthians 3 that it is God who gives the increase to that seed of salvation that is planted in the heart by faith. Raf said Johnny's conversion was one of the most powerful he had ever witnessed. Johnny went on to tell us the many different people from different countries over the years who shared the gospel with him. Raf is included in that number as he shared with Johnny three years ago. I was the last one to share with him. Raf and I simply had the privilege of reaping the harvest! May God get all the glory for the beautiful story He writes!

In closing, a German named Sasha gave his life to the Lord also last month. Many have taken Sasha and have began to disciple him. Raf and I also had the privilege of baptizing him right before Johnny. I am so blown away by God. Who would have ever thought that I would be baptizing a Peruvian and German in Spain! Truly, it is about reaching all nations no matter where you are at in this world!

One life at a time

Jesus said: "...there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Jesus gives three parables in Luke 15 regarding the importance of just one life. As you study the four gospel accounts you see how although Jesus ministered to the multitudes, He always made time for the individual. These kingdom principles best summarize the month of February...

I started meeting once a week with Mike. Mike (48 yr.old Englishman) attends the church on Sunday mornings and comes to the mid-week home fellowship I teach on Thursdays. We are going through the book of Daniel one chapter at a time. We also grab some lunch and pray together. Please pray for him as he openly asks for prayer with his ongoing battle with alcohol.

Just recently I met Nicholas (51 yr.old Spaniard), who I was assigned to give a ride to the Spanish service that takes place on Sunday evenings. He knows a little English and wants to practice it. I speak to him in Spanish and he answers in English, good deal. I am looking forward to getting to know him more.

Then there's Johnny, my new roommate. This first month living with Johnny has been a blast. Almost every night we have a nice dinner together and spend hours talking about many things. 95% of our conversations are in Spanish. I have also been able to answer many questions that Johnny has concerning the Lord. Continue to pray for Johnny's growth as he told me the other day he is actually one year old in the Lord.

While working out at the gym, I met a young Spaniard named Alberto. He knew only a few words in English but was very gracious with my broken Spanish. We have had two conversations so far and he asked me what my "mission" was. I had shared where I work in the community, that I am a Christian, and why I came here to Mallorca. He said he was interested in Christianity because his family was Roman Catholic and he personally wasn't interested. He also has struggles with alcohol and when visiting South America Christians shared with him.

My tutor Toni (48 yr.old Spaniard) just recently started sharing more of her life with me. She said when she was 17 she helped in Catechism class then soon after went to the other extreme of living a wild party life. Now, she is in the middle with many questions. She said she would like to meet outside of class to ask me these questions. However, just today during our lesson she asked me what the differences were between Roman Catholicism and Christianity. She also inquired about other religions. Please pray for the seed of the gospel to grow as I was able to share with her that it wasn't about religion, but about a real love relationship with Jesus Christ.

In closing, the winds of change blow my way again. No longer will I be helping with the youth group on Friday nights. This past month Raf and I started to co-teach a home Bible study with a couple from Uruguay in Palma. They also come to the church Sunday evenings. We are teaching through the book of 1 Samuel. For the time-being Raf translates for me when I teach, but I am getting more practice speaking Spanish in our times of fellowship. Last month I also attended my first board meeting. It was exciting to hear the vision for the church and Bible school. Pray for me as I continued this month working like crazy in regards to learning how to be an "accountant." The Spring semester students also arrived last month. I am teaching Missions again this semester. The students seem genuinely excited to be here and I look forward to what God will do in their lives.

Well, I am signing off for now. Please remember to pray for these lives. Once again, I am continuing to learn what it means to really pastor or shepherd people. One life at a time...

By His Grace,
Eric

Learning New Things

Someone once said: "Unless we accept lifelong learning as a habit, we're shortening our lives." How true that is especially for the Christian. I am reminded of what Moses prayed to the Lord in Psalm 90:12: "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." As January marks the start of the new year of 2008, it marks yet another chapter in this God story. This month coming back after my two week visit to California, I continued in the things the Lord has set before me as well as learn some new things along the way...

I had the privilege of teaching God's Word many times this month. As Trevor (youth leader) was in California himself for the holidays, I was able to teach one Sunday morning as well as two Friday nights. It was such a privilege to answer their questions and just hang with them. This opportunity reminded me of how it used to be to teach youth, and how I really do miss this age group! I also taught four times for Pastor Rafael while he was in California and Germany. I taught on two Sunday mornings as well as evenings for the Spanish service. I hadn't taught the body here since last October and I was reminded of how gracious they are! It was also great to fellowship with people afterward and to just listen to how the Word of the Lord connected with their hearts as truth was spoken into their lives.

I also helped with many practical things this month to prepare for the spring semester students. Everything from church cleaning to running errands, putting up shelves to cleaning flats. With this came learning new things. I had to really learn to drive manual transmission in order to use the church cars for ministry purposes this month. Brenda (woman in charge of the flats)who gave me a refresher course, has survived to see another day! It was fun. I also met with Rick this month to continue learning the accounting tasks and bookeeping that will soon be handed over fully to me in regards to the church and school. So far, it is going well and we accomplished a lot for our first meeting. Steve Flores you are amazing and thank you for the lessons I learned from you in this field!

I also moved this month to the capital city of Palma. There are about 1 million people on this island and half of them live in the city. The city reminds me a lot of mainland Spain. I moved in with a 76 year old Peruvian man named Johnny. Johnny is 6 months old in the Lord and hungry for the Word of God. I met him at the church as he has been going there for three years. Although he speaks English, he told me this:"you give me the Bible, and I will give you Spanish." The Lord totally provided this place to live through many circumstances. I also see this as a ministry opportunity as well as another avenue to practice speaking Spanish.

In closing, the Lord also provided a car for me to commute in as well as to serve the body. It is a purple 95 Volkswagon Golf, which has become to be known as "the purple people eater." That is a crazy story as well! I continue to be amazed everyday as God continues to meet my needs every step of the way. How I enjoy being a missionary to this country of Spain! I love you all!

By His Grace,
Eric

Variety in Fall Semester

End of Fall Semeser 2007

Close of a chapter

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 6:8a: "The end of a thing is better than its beginning..." How true this verse is in our lives walking with Jesus and serving in ministry. Well, it was a close of another year and my first semester serving here at Mallorca Bible School. December was a month of mixed emotions...

The first two weeks of December were the last two weeks of the Fall Semester here at the Bible College. Not only did we have to wrap up finals and classes, but also make sure the apartments were clean for the next semester. The staff and any remaining students also did one big church cleaning before the semester break. We also had a staff lunch and spent the day together.

It was hard to say goodbye to all the students, but it was comforting to know a good portion of them would be coming back in the spring. What a privilege and honor it was to be a small part of their lives with Jesus.

My Spanish lessons with my tutor Toni are going very well. I am learning so much from her and truly enjoy the journey of learning this new language. The ultimate goal of course is to share the gospel message with the people in their own tongue. It has been said before that "one's first language, is the language of their heart." I plan on continuing with my tutor and prayerfully I will be fluent in the language within the year.

My last two weeks of December as all of you know, was spent coming back to California. I was so happy to see my family and church family. My time in California was very refreshing. It was great to see all that God was doing on that side of the world as well. I was also happy to see the youth group doing well. Seeing their faces reminded me how privileged I was to be entrusted with overseeing them and teaching them God's written Words. I will always have a heart for those youth and will continue to pray for them.

In closing, I am looking forward to 2008 and what God will do in and through my life. I am reminded of what Joey Buran always says: "the best is yet to come!" I love you all and once again thank you for being there for me in your prayers and friendships!