KEEPING  UP  WITH  THE  JONESES  JANUARY  2014  

“The  word  became  flesh  and  dwelt  among  us.”  John  1:14a  Dear  Family  and  Friends,      To  truly  reflect  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  through  our  lives,  we  must  do  what  He  did.    The  verse  above  reminds  us  that  Jesus  came  to  us  and  lived  among  us  that  we  would  see  the  glory  of  God  through  Him.    This  letter  comes  to  you  a  week  or  so  later  than  usual  because  I  wanted  to  return  home  from  Colombia  and  share  a  little  about  our  trip.    Samuel  and  I  had  a  wonderful  opportunity  to  go  with  35  team  members  from  our  partner  church  in  Bogota  to  a  remote  rural  town  4-­‐5  hours  out  into  the  country  and  live  among  the  people  for  a  week  conducting  morning  children’s  ministry  and  evening  film  ministry  in  the  central  park  of  the  town.    We  also  filled  and  hauled  sandbags  by  hand  for  a  work  project.  They  hope  

to  establish  a  church  in  this  area  in  the  next  year  or  so.    The  outreach  is  challenging,  but  exciting.    People  are  being  saved,  and  a  ministry  property  is  being  developed  as  2-­‐3  weeks  of  the  year  are  committed  to  this  endeavor.  I  received  several  compliments  from  the  children‘s  leaders  regarding  Sam’s  good  attitude,  rapport,  and  participation  with  the  children.    Many  of  the  local  kids  clung  to  him  each  day.    The  film  ministry  produces  good  results  and  I  am  grateful  to  see  how  often  and  effectively  they  use  it.    I  look  forward  to  future  opportunities  to  assist  them  in  anyway  we  can  in  this  good  work.    We,  and  the  Renacer  Baptist  Church  in  Bogota,  thank  you  for  your  prayers  and  support  for  this  ministry.  

From Samuel: God has opened my eyes through many different experiences, but I never could have imagined how much God would show me and work in me through this trip to Colombia. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I was able to meet many people and make many lasting relationships. I was welcomed there as part of their family. Many aspects of Colombia are very different than the United States and were eye-opening experiences for me. When we traveled to Ambalema to do ministry work, we slept in tents and ate what we were given. Not once did anyone complain or waste anything. I never realized how easy my life is here in America. Even though I could only speak a little bit of Spanish, some of the children and translating adults would help me to communicate with people. It was amazing how God broke down the language barrier so that I was able to serve Him in a foreign land. I was able to sing and play and show God through me to the children in Colombia, even though I probably looked really funny to them. In all, it was an absolutely wonderful experience and I would go again in a heartbeat. And even though I am now back in the United States, a part of me will always remain in Colombia. Thanks to all of you who prayed for me and to those who gave so sacrificially to make this possible! At  home  while  I  was  away,  AnnaMae  weathered  the  below  freezing  cold  and  a  few  broken  pipes  fairly  well.  She  was  very  thankful  Stephen  and  Timothy  were  around  to  help.  Also  one  of  the  heating  units  was  acting  up,  but  hopefully  that  is  being  resolved.  We  are  so  blessed  and  continue  to  be  humbled  by  your  generous  gifts  and  faithful  prayers.  (We  are  looking  for  a  closing  on  the  Florida  property  sale  on  Jan  31st!)  

Serving  Him  together,  Mike,  AnnaMae  &  family  mdamjones1321@bellsouth.net  334.361.1227