Last Updated on 06.03.12 Written by Wayne Dale
Dear Family and Friends
January has been such a busy month it is difficult to know where to begin. If this is an indication of how the year is going to pass then we need to put on our running shoes. 1 Cor 9:24
Ministry
Last month we celebrated Rylee's birthday at a house of one of the church members. We had "tacos al pastor," and we had a small round cake that had a baby inside. In case you are a bit confused, allow me to explain about "El Dia de Reyes," a day traditionally held in Mexico to celebrate when the wise men brought gifts to Jesus. Part of the celebration includes a cake that is similar to our version of fruitcake. Known as 'Rosca de Reyes' (King's Cake), this holiday dessert offers much in the way of symbolism. Shaped in the round to signify a king's crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Baked inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. The hidden baby is also a reminder that Jesus had to be hidden from King Herod. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion of 'Dia de la Candelaria' (Candlemas Day), which occurs each year on February 2nd. We are happy to report that we did not eat any small children and Rylee enjoyed receiving a game of Star Wars from the Ramos family.
Wayne returned to Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary to speak in chapel and classes about the Timothy program. This is a program through Baptist Church Planters that encourages students and others to be mentored by missionaries. Wayne was able to see lots of missionary kids of parents he knew. He was glad to return to Phoenix, as it was snowy, windy, and very cold.
For most of the month of January and some of February we have had an intern living with us to learn about ministry and the unique cultural experience here at the church. Crystal is a Bob Jones grad and has been surprised by the cultural diversity here within the United States. She has had a busy schedule of visiting people, practicing Spanish, serving in the church at all age levels, and reading and writing reports. She has been willing to be involved in whatever task we give to her and that has been a blessing.
Wayne has enjoyed coordinating the Spanish Bible hermeneutics class on Monday nights. Baptist Church Planters has filmed college level classes in Spanish on DVD. The group of about 15 has been faithful to classes and has enjoyed the videos and the information from the manuals. In the future, Wayne may be directing another class with a small group from another nearby Spanish group as well.
A couple of weeks ago the septic line at church broke. Years ago the church chose to stay with a septic tank rather than connect to the city sewer system. After locating old drawings we called a company and the backhoe found the tank, the problem was located, and the line was repaired. Thanks to my father-in-law who had to front the $$$$+ on his credit card or otherwise we might still be without bathrooms.
Family
Praise the Lord our family is doing well. Thanks to those who sent cards and letters for Rylee. Rylee turned 8 last month and we took him and two friends to an indoor trampoline place. He was enjoying the time until a girl, who was practicing her gymnastics moves, almost knocked him out as she was finishing her back flip snap kick. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured and now he knows to stay away from girls, as they lead to much pain and sufffering.
Gloria is progressing well in her 2nd grade curriculum and is anticipating a trip to the Dentist's office. She just lost a tooth last week, and has reported that 2 more are wiggly - the top 2 front teeth. She is learning the scripture songs in Psalm 19 and loves to open her Bible and read the verses and sing along.
Claire is learning how to channel her energy in a positive manner. She has become a great helper with cleaning up her room, and helping daddy pull weeds in the back yard. She is very expressive and able to tell you exactly how she is feeling. We are also trying to emphasize to think about how her actions make others feel as well.
Last month Wayne's parents were in a car accident in New York State. Although his dad was uninjured, his mom has been in the hospital under precautions of internal injuries. Praise the Lord she is recovering and doing better.
We have a need for an updated computer for our home. We have been using donated machines that Wayne rebuilt and now the hard drives are full and the hardware is outdated. If you know of someone who would like to donate (just the computer, not the monitor,) or knows where we can get an inexpensive one, we would be very appreciative. These are used both for ministry and for our kid's learning as well. Thanks and God bless!
Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
In Christ,
Wayne, Shanna, Rylee, Gloria, & Claire Dale
-Wisdom
-Outreach
-Discipleship of families
Future Spanish Bible Study
-upcoming Missions conference
-2 potential supporters
-Wayne's Mom's health
-need for computer
-Baseball Chapel
-Future plans
Praises
-God's care for us
-Septic tank repair
-positive experience w/ intern
-Recovery of Wayne's mom
-blessings of ministry
-possible support from Chinese Church
-possible support from Missions conference
-health of family
-spiritual growth of kids
