2009 a year of Hope!

A NEW YEAR, A NEW PERSPECTIVE.
2009




A new year has arrived, there are new expectations, we all thinks that maybe things will be better this time because new year is new life. Everybody starts writing new resolutions, plans, new agendas are starting to be filled with notes, there is optimism in the air. Hispanic have hopes in that the new goverment will bring an immigration reform that will allow them to become legal residents and achieve their "American Dream"
Others are expecting an economic boom that may improve their finances. More employments, better health system, better salaries. My personal expectations are to grow as a minister of the lord. To grow in service to others, in preaching the gospel, in being an example to younger generations in church. in respect for others, and more than any thing in wisdom. I'd like to learn
how to be more interested in what others have to say than speaking about myself or about my own interests. To grow in relationship and in the accompaniment of those who are less fortunate than what I am.
I am anticipating a growth of the small congregation I am actually leading. an enlargement of the
Hispanic Ministry in our presbytery and an outreaching vision that is shared by every pastor, elder and deacon.
I hope to be opened and willing to share with other ministers across the border in Mexico where a religious revival is already happening.
I am really happy that we are starting a new year!

HERE ARE THE FIRST NEWS OF THIS YEAR

Mission trip to "Agua Prieta" Mexico.

A group of voluntaries coming from different churches in our presbytery took a mission trip
to visit the " Frontera de Cristo" project in "Agua Prieta" Mexico On January 2nd to 9th.










Rev. Paul Uzell minister of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa is putting gas in our van.




Rev. Bien Acosta preaching at "Lirio de los valles" Presbyterian church in Agua Prieta, Mexico.
on Sunday, January 4th, 2009.

PICTURES OF OUR TRIP TO AGUA PRIETA.
Dona Amelia del pozo Martinez born in a presbyterian family.
she's now 76 years old. Lives in "Agua Prieta" she has served to the church and to the city as a clinic psicologist.She's one of the interesting characters we met there.





THIS IS THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN DOUGLAS, ARIZONA WHERE WE ATTENDED ON SUNDAY MORNING FOR WORSHIP.

Rev. Bien Acosta in the cleaning of the wilderness in Sonora, Mexico.

Worship at "Lirio de los Valles" Presbyterian church in "Agua Prieta" Sonora, Mexico, the senior pastor is the Rev. Rodolfo Angel Navarrete Arrieta. Presbyterian Minister in town. His wife, Lorena is a teacher, she holds a Bachelor Degree in Education.Actually, they are developing a project to help young single mothers who are working at the "Maquiladoras" in Agua prieta. They are starting a day care for the children of these workers and an education program for adults so that single mother may complete their high school education (GED). The requirements for children be admitted in the day care is that mothers register on this educational program and complete their education in order to obtain better jobs.Some women who are church member are studying at the university to be teachers in this church project. Let's pray for Rev, Navarrete and his family.

OUR CONGREGATION IN FORT DODGE:

This is part of the regular attendants to Sunday morning service at the chapel of Fort Dodge First Presbyterian Church. ( Both pictures are courtesy of Mrs. Jean Black)

We are planning to receive 21 people as members this year. to baptize 7 new people.
to order deacons and elders, to start a Sunday school and to find a bigger place to worship.

We start our services right in time with a few people who's arrived in time.Others will keep arriving during the service.