August 2012 Newsletter
The two months since our last newsletter have seen two events
that have been special, not because of the events themselves but because
of what they represented. The routine of daily life- church services,
counselling, helps ministries, classes in the schools and more- become
more satisfying when you see goals become realities.
SCHOOL GRADUATION: On the 3rd of July we concluded another
school year. This one was special because this year we had two
schools together. The graduating class from our Secondary School
(grades 7-9) included Juan Carlos and Ernesto, two indigenous
students whom we have sponsored for the last two years along with the
help of some of our supporters. We have covered their schooling, room
and board, and clothing along with their personal expenses. They both
plan to continue their studies and the Tolman Sr have made it their
personal project to raise support for them through the next level of
studies.
The
second school that participated in the graduation was our new Primary
School finishing it’s first year of classes. Even though we only
graduated one student in sixth grade, our class inscription for our
1st year students this fall is almost full.
SUNDAY
JUNE 10th we celebrated our 21st anniversary of
the Iglesia Cristiana de Xalisco (Xalisco Christian Church).
Twenty-one years ago it was just 3 walls, a dirt floor and no roof
when Pastor John Bell officiated the church inauguration along with
the graduation exercise for our Bible School students. Today the
church sanctuary is finished and we are in the process of building
more rooms for our children’s and youth activities.
Two church
plants in the city of Tepic have been birthed from ICX (Xalisco
Christian Church) aside from the church splits that have happened
through the years. Even now 4 smaller village works depend on ICX for
ministers and spiritual support along with some financial aid also.
Twenty-one years sound like a long time but the church has been well
established and even when we are long gone the church will continue
to flourish.
A BOOK that is a must
is the new book written by Elizabeth Tolman called
Pilgrims
with Purpose
available from SHM (us), online at Amazon.com or from the publisher.
It is the story of David and Elizabeth Tolman's ministry;- a life time of missionary experiences on two
continents and three countries that will make your faith grow.
Please
continue to pray for the ministry that the Lord has given us and your
offerings make all of this possible. Your monthly support is much
needed. Blessings in Jesus name.
Philip,
Lucy, Simri & Vanessa Tolman
