February 2007 Update
I hope you’re not freezing wherever you are. It’s just cold enough here to make me want snow, but not cold enough to actually do it. Winter is an annoying season that way! Anyway, here are a few things happening and things to pray about.
Sunday Dinner with our Friday Sandwich Friends
Each Friday a group of us has been taking lunch out to between 20 and 30 homeless people in the city center. We’ve been able to develop relationships with some of the regulars, and through these relationships we want to be able not only to feed them, but to share the gospel with them in words and actions.
Last Sunday, our church rented out a space in the city center, cooked up a hot dinner, and invited our friends to come eat with us. We invited 25 and only a few came, but the ones that did had a wonderful time. One of the guys, René, enjoyed chatting with new people and telling stories from his stranger than fiction life that keeps being proven to be true, no matter how crazy his stories are. Marcos came, left, and came back with his girlfriend. We were able to give both of them warm coats and lots of clothes. Pedro came and stayed for a little while, making sure we remembered to take food later to his wife and daughter. It was fun to get to sit down and eat a meal with these people rather than just meeting them on the street. It was encouraging watching our church jump in and get excited about service. I was tired at the end of the day to say the least, but I’m really glad we did it.
Still in Negotiations on a Permanent Space
We’re outgrowing the university snack bar where we hold our services, so we’re looking for a more permanent space. We’ve been in negotiations with an owner about a local (storefront) for the past couple months, and eventually we had to say no to him because he insisted on a 6 month deposit. Now that we’ve said no, they’re considering a letter of guarantee rather than the money, so negotiations are still on! Pray for God’s provision if this is the place for us.
Support Raising From Spain
2006 was an expensive year with more taxes than expected, a computer breakdown, and two weeks of field orientation—basically, it drained my account much more than I expected. 2007 looks to be about the same with fees to get my resident visa and furlough back in the States in August. I’ve also lost some of my support base in the U.S. over the past year and need to build that back up as quickly as possible. Pray that God will provide the contacts with churches and individuals that I need, and that He would provide the finances needed for me to stay here. Life here is definitely a constant lesson in trust!
New (ish) Website
I can’t remember if I’ve officially announced my website to all of my supporters, but just in case not, here it is! I used to have only a blog (kind of like an online journal), but now I have expanded it to include fun photos, artsy stuff, etc. There is even a section especially for my supporters! To check it out, visit http://web.mac.com/kellyinmadrid. Be sure to click the link called “supporters stuff” for current info, and my blog for stories about daily life here.
I think that's it for now. Or the tip of the iceburg, anyway, and I should stop before I get on a roll and write a novel. Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and support. I thank God for you!
Peace,
Kelly
Sunday Dinner with our Friday Sandwich Friends
Each Friday a group of us has been taking lunch out to between 20 and 30 homeless people in the city center. We’ve been able to develop relationships with some of the regulars, and through these relationships we want to be able not only to feed them, but to share the gospel with them in words and actions.
Last Sunday, our church rented out a space in the city center, cooked up a hot dinner, and invited our friends to come eat with us. We invited 25 and only a few came, but the ones that did had a wonderful time. One of the guys, René, enjoyed chatting with new people and telling stories from his stranger than fiction life that keeps being proven to be true, no matter how crazy his stories are. Marcos came, left, and came back with his girlfriend. We were able to give both of them warm coats and lots of clothes. Pedro came and stayed for a little while, making sure we remembered to take food later to his wife and daughter. It was fun to get to sit down and eat a meal with these people rather than just meeting them on the street. It was encouraging watching our church jump in and get excited about service. I was tired at the end of the day to say the least, but I’m really glad we did it.
Still in Negotiations on a Permanent Space
We’re outgrowing the university snack bar where we hold our services, so we’re looking for a more permanent space. We’ve been in negotiations with an owner about a local (storefront) for the past couple months, and eventually we had to say no to him because he insisted on a 6 month deposit. Now that we’ve said no, they’re considering a letter of guarantee rather than the money, so negotiations are still on! Pray for God’s provision if this is the place for us.
Support Raising From Spain
2006 was an expensive year with more taxes than expected, a computer breakdown, and two weeks of field orientation—basically, it drained my account much more than I expected. 2007 looks to be about the same with fees to get my resident visa and furlough back in the States in August. I’ve also lost some of my support base in the U.S. over the past year and need to build that back up as quickly as possible. Pray that God will provide the contacts with churches and individuals that I need, and that He would provide the finances needed for me to stay here. Life here is definitely a constant lesson in trust!
New (ish) Website
I can’t remember if I’ve officially announced my website to all of my supporters, but just in case not, here it is! I used to have only a blog (kind of like an online journal), but now I have expanded it to include fun photos, artsy stuff, etc. There is even a section especially for my supporters! To check it out, visit http://web.mac.com/kellyinmadrid. Be sure to click the link called “supporters stuff” for current info, and my blog for stories about daily life here.
I think that's it for now. Or the tip of the iceburg, anyway, and I should stop before I get on a roll and write a novel. Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and support. I thank God for you!
Peace,
Kelly
posted by kelly_w at 8:39 AM
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