Updates…
Dear Friends,
Last month I shared a need for prayer for several events. Here’s how God has answered:
RETREAT:
Forty-one students attended the Merida retreat two weekends ago. Students told us that God’s hand was incredibly evident in the weather for the entire weekend. First it downpoured Friday afternoon, causing riots to disperse and allow students to reach campus to leave. The next day, the sun shone and dried out the whole venue so the bonfire was able to proceed as planned. The stars shone in the clear sky during the bonfire and weren’t covered by clouds until everybody was back inside for fun and games. The students also commented on the excellent talks from the speaker and most agreed that it was the best retreat Merida has had yet.
TRAVEL:
The wedding in San Cristobal was incredible, both as a cultural experience as well as an opportunity for extended quality time with several students. As is common here in Venezuela, the reception was incredibly high energy and lasted until about 4 am. The next week I was in Maracaibo to begin planning our national conference and spend thanksgiving with the whole Venezuelan Campus Crusade Staff. It was encouraging to feel part of a larger team there and made me thankful for my even larger team of prayer and financial supporters back home. (I don’t think I say it enough, so THANK YOU!). Finally, the last week out of the country to renew our Visas also went smoothly and provided a chance to relax and recharge a little before returning to finish the semester. Overall, the two weeks of travel went smoothly and God kept us safe every step of the way.
VOTE:
The NO vote won and the controversial Constitutional Reform was denied! Talk about celebration! As the results were announced around 1 am Monday morning, a great clamor of banging on pots, voices yelling, and loud noisemaking firecrackers filled the streets. The next day, in the evening, as we left from our servant team meeting, the streets were packed with rejoicing Venezuelans in cars and on foot waving flags, honking horns, dancing, and generally making noise. We walked the 15ish blocks back home, and even stopping for dinner, still reached our apartments before cars that we had seen as we started walking. About two blocks from our home, we saw a large group of students with a HUGE Venezuelan flag. They would bring it low, then lift it high in the air and direct cars to drive underneath it. It is definitely a huge praise, especially considering that many people rejoicing now would likely be rioting if the vote had resulted differently. Instead, we have the opportunity to enjoy the celebration and our continued safety. ~In his hands, Eben
And additional prayer needs.
Pray that we would finish the semester of ministry well as students leave for Christmas vacation Dec. 14th.
Pray for safety, fun, and smooth travel as my parents visit the week before Christmas.
Please continue to pray for a new apartment with a good landlord to open up near our current location.
Pray for a Christmas outreach dinner event at which we’ll help at a local church this Saturday, Dec. 8th.
