A Special Goodbye

Jeff and Paula flew back to El Salvador last Thursday evening.  Because we were still in Managua, we didn't get to see them until Sunday morning when we picked them up to go to church in Lourdes.  It was a great morning of worship--I just can't tell how beautiful it is to sing Christmas carols in Spanish.  Pastor Steve Kern's message was titled, "Why do we celebrate Christmas with lights?"  He encouraged us to remember that Jesus is the light of the world and all the Christmas lights (wherever they are) should remind us of His birth.

At the end of the service, they had a special goodbye for Jeff and Paula.  First, there was a presentation called "Thank you for your Footprints," next, the little kids came forward and read a thank you card to each of them and then the Pastor Koky and Pastor Julio presented a placque to them.  It was a very touching goodbye and there wasn't a dry eye in the church.

After lunch we drove up north to attend the 7th anniversary celebration of Iglesia Buatista Vida Nueva, Aguilares.  After the worship and preaching, the deacons and pastors ordained Joel Lopez as the new pastor.  

This morning we picked them up at 5:00 and drove them to the airport.  Jeff starts his new position as outreach pastor at Topeka Baptist Church on January 3.  We are so sorry to see them go, but we are so thankful to have been able to work with them for the last 3 years.