Information About American's Chapter 11 Reorganization

Since this could affect air fares and travel (probably won't) I thought it relevant to post. We have always traveled AA since they are pretty much the only airline that flies there (American airline, that is (no pun intended)). So if you're wanting more info before buying a plane ticket for our trip this summer, check out this link. As for me, my plan is to go ahead and buy our tickets as usual. 4 of our group already has bought theirs.

Information About American's Chapter 11 Reorganization:

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Prayercast - Activating world changing prayer

What a great way to pray for unfamiliar nations. Watch and pray along with person from that country while watching video of that country's people. < 5 min and you've impacted the world. #radicalexperiment #prayer #missions #untilHecomesagain

Prayercast - Activating world changing prayer:

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Kazakhstan | Operation World

We're praying toward a summer trip in 2013. Join us in praying for people of central asia (especially the unreached people groups there).

A great place to quickly learn a lot about this country:

Kazakhstan | Operation World:

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Partnering with GCF in Curacao

All Potential Curacao Peeps,

I think last year was our best mission trip to Curacao yet. I've taken 5 groups and every trip has been very good. But we're getting a momentum and level of trust that we've never experienced there.

Our church (Grace Christian Fellowship) will be going back for our 5th time in 5 years. I felt like last year we weren't just really blessed. I felt like we really contributed to the overall impact of the trip. Certainly more than ever before. So...

We're already talking details with our potential people about going back to Curacao next summer. We're committed to going the first week of July (week of the 4th). We also have folks going down the week before and there is the potential for ministry that week if you prefer. 

If I go (and that depends on how many of you decide to go + our youth), my focus will be on non-VBS projects plus coordination with non-Grace Christian Fellowship groups. My plan is to go if really needed, basically. Oh, and 2 of my daughters are returning so I have extra incentive to return as well. 

I'm planning a group Skype session soon to talk about the upcoming trip. I may just create a video but I'd like it to be a chat if possible. This assumes that I can pull that off without too much expense.

Couple of other things...

First, we're hoping to do additional projects to our normal VBS routine. We've been doing that in previous years too but we're trying to do even more. 

Second, the idea of having other churches join us is new. So for now I'm not sure how we'd do it exactly. Here's what I'm thinking though...

If you wanted to bring less than 5 people, we might just say come as part of our group. That means that you'd stay where we stay and function as a part of our group. You'd ride with us, eat with us and pretty much function as a team member.

However, if you brought a group of 5 or more, I'd say we'll partner with you but encourage you to act more independently--especially as it relates to transportation, food and lodging.

Of course, all of this is subject to change. I'd want to talk to you about your goals for your group and make sure we were on the same page and all. My goal is to get you to be as independent as possible as soon as possible. That said, some folks just want to play it safe the first trip. I'm game for considering both extremes. 

So, if you want to talk more about it, let me know. But I'd suggest that if you're seriously considering this trip that you let your people know before Christmas. If you figure the cost of the trip at around $1,000, they might like to put this trip on their Christmas list if you know what I mean.

Oh, who can go? Youth can go but there are some limitations depending on their age, maturity and how many leaders you're bringing. Of course, it's not limited to youth either. I think it's a better trip when our youth go but then their great youth so I'm biased. But if you just bring adults, that's certainly fine. I'd say keep it at high school or above. If you want to take middle schoolers I'd limit it to exceptional middle schoolers over 13. That's been our policy to date and it has served us well.

So perhaps we'll be Skyp-ing sooner than later...

Or maybe better, email me your questions and I'll put together a quick video that explains all of this.

Have a great day!

Darien

PS If you know anyone else who might be interested, get word to me somehow.

Curacao 2012 pizza lunch meeting

All are invited to join for pizza immediately following the worship service.

We will talk about VBS 2012 in Curacao so those interested or even just curious can start their planning and preparation. VBS will take place July 2 – 6, 2012. Service opportunities are available in the local community even if VBS may not be the ideal for you.

Curacao 2012 dates coming into focus

Group shot from 2011

In the category of getting you info asap, the dates for Vacation Bible School (VBS) in Curacao next summer are July 2-6, 2012. While this isn't all that we'll do, it's the ministry we build our trip around since it's such a major part of the trip for us.

We would send our team down the Friday or Saturday before and return the Saturday or Sunday afterwards.

Also, there is a small team going down the week before. You can choose to travel with either group. Obviously, your lodging and food costs would be higher if you chose to stay 2 weeks.

If you are interested in being on the list of those considering Curacao next summer, email Darien at darien.gabriel@gracetoday.net or you can call Darien at 843-832-3775.

7 days in 5 min

13 going to Curacao this summer!

Charles and Ilse during VBS

Quick update:

We're taking 13 youth and adults to Curacao the 2nd week of July this summer!

Some will go down a week early and help with pre-week preparations.

Emma and Cesar will be in Hawaii that week enjoying a much-needed and well-deserved vacation for free! We look forward to seeing them again.

Flooding at Abundante Gracia Iglesia

Hurricane Tomas flooded Curacao and our friends at Abundant Grace Church when it passed by to the north. Here are some pictures. We've asked how we can help. Watch for details.  Darien

Prayer request for Caroline in Curacao

Dear Friends,

I am looking for another house to move into and to continue my ministry. It has been confirmed since we were in prayer this month for personal revival, that we have come to the conclusion together with my pastor, Calvin Varlack, that my ministry philosophy is different than Silvia’s. That means we are going separate our ways. I am more of a risk taker and open house kind of ministry and Silvia is more cautious and has certain rules which I respect. Lud will continue to be my right hand in ministry. Silvia is a quiet servant and has a very generous heart. I thank God for allowing us four years together under one roof. God has reminded me of the vision He has shown me a few years ago, and that I should pray again until He provides. That is for a place to live and minister out of.  Apart from something small to call “home” to have three outside bedrooms with bathrooms to sleep a total of 24. On the same property a place with a roof for shade and rain where about 30 can sit and eat together, and also where we can have teaching session, workshops, and meetings. It will be a place where groups from abroad can come and stay to do short term mission work. Please join me in prayer that God will provide the strength and financial means to move again. Also pray for a place to call home while waiting on the piece of land for the vision to become reality. I appreciate your prayers and support. May we all continue to SEE the glory of God’s amazing grace! May you also experience a personal revival and see Him at work in and through you in a new and fresh way. Ephesians 3:16-21