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Ephesians 1:9-10 and Hope
“God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.”
As I sit and write this I marvel that we have completed more than 3 years of life in Costa Rica. God has done so much in such little time. Our staff has grown from 6 adults and 4 kids to 12 adults and 8 kids--yes, we’ve doubled! And while one of the originals leaves this month, there are newbies headed this way over the next several months. We’ve gone from scouting out ministry possibilities to having 6 solid sites up and running, with lives and communities being impacted by the daily presence of our staff members and their service. This year alone we had the privilege of hosting about 225 students and team members who worked alongside our staff in each of the ministry sites. While these are the broad strokes, some of the other highlights are easier to miss: the way that Catalina, a 6th grader, takes it upon herself to help tutor the younger kids at the tutoring center, or Jeannette, who says the only place she’s ever been open to God is in the meetings with the other ladies from the micro-finance site, or the good-sportsmanship demonstrated by our guys soccer team during the national championship when they were treated unfairly for being from Los Guido, or the students that came back this year and told of how their lives had been changed since their first trip the year before, or Ana, who never went to school, but is determined to learn English, and Doña Xinia who meets with her to study, or the ladies from Cailah’s aerobics class that love her so much they host a cafecito in her honor every time she travels somewhere. In big ways and small ways we have seen glimpses of hope and of God’s kingdom growing.
Sometimes I get discouraged by the many challenges and problems that come up that seem unique to this ‘missionary’ lifestyle we’ve chosen, but then when I step back and try to see things from another perspective, I’m reminded of how big and how good our God is. And I’m reminded that this is his work, that he is in charge of changing people’s lives, of transformation. In the grand scheme of things, he’s working out all the details. God is bringing everything together under Christ’s authority. God sees and understands the many dimensions that I cannot. God has a plan that pleases him--to bring everything together when the time is right--to make it all right. And I love that our little part here in Desamparados fits into that big plan. When it seems hopeless, I am reminded of the hope there is in Jesus. So many of the people we work with need to know that there is hope, just as you and I do. They need to know that there is a God who sees them, who is working on their behalf, and who will fulfill his plans and their desires when the time is right. And sometimes I need to remind myself of the evidence I see of God’s work, too.
So as I marvel at all God has done here so far, I wonder, what will I be writing about in another 3 years?
More Travel
Arkansas: Dec. 15-21. Sharing at Village Bible Church on Sunday, Dec. 18.
Colorado: Dec. 21-30.
California: Dec. 30-Jan. 10. Sharing at Neighborhood Church on Jan. 1. Sharing at Savior’s Community on Jan. 8. Dessert: Saturday evening, Jan. 7 at Savior’s Community. All are welcome!
Please contact us for more details at thedixonz@gmail.com
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The Little Dixons
Olivia just finished 1st grade with flying colors, and is ready for a break from academics. She enjoyed ballet and tae kwon do this year, and is looking forward to the next level of ballet when she starts again in February. Olivia is a responsible helper, loves to organize people and count her international collection of money. Sawyer will be heading to kindergarten in the new year, though I’m already pretty impressed with the cursive and math skills that he picked up in preK (seriously!). He beats his own drum and learned a lot this year about being a good friend, as well as listening to his teacher. (Whew.) Lynnea is almost 15 months--where did the last year go?? Her personality is growing much more quickly than her hair. She loves to keep up with the big kids, and started attending a childcare center this fall. Lynnea lets us know that she’s ‘ready for school’ by putting her lunchbox on her arm and waiting at the door for us. Thankfully, Lynnea loves her teachers and the other children at her school; I think she gets bored at home!
How to Give*
If you feel lead to give a one-time gift or to join our support team please make your check out to: Students International, include a note saying it is for the Dixon Family, and send it to:
Po Box 2733
Visalia, CA 93279
Or call 559-627-8923 if you would like to give via credit card.
* Contributions are solicited with the understanding that Students International has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
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Looking into 2012
Just as God was faithful in 2011, we trust he will be in 2012. We have several new people joining our staff team in the first half of the year, assuming that support and other details come together as we are hoping. Pray for these transitions, and for staff that will be finishing their time here with us during 2012. Also, Nick Miller, who has been on staff in Guatemala, will be on loan to us for a year to help in the micro-finance site and also in the SI-CR office. This year also marks the beginning of semester study abroad programs for us in Costa Rica. The first 8 students to participate in this program will arrive from Fresno Pacific University just two days after we get back from our holiday travels in the States. They will study Spanish, intern in our ministry sites, and take classes in culture and community development. We are looking forward to mentoring these students in a longer-term way that isn’t possible with our shorter term groups. However, we love our 1 and 2 week teams as well, and are almost at capacity already for 2012! If you are thinking about bringing a group this year (or next!), contact the SI office in California to reserve a space ASAP!
Blog
Don’t forget for more frequent updates and more pictures visit our blog at: dixondiary.blogspot.com
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Support Update
We would like to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to each of you that have supported us this year through your prayers or your finances!!! Thank you! As you know, we consider you a vital part of our ministry here in Costa Rica. The Lord moves the mountains through the generosity of your time, intersession and giving. We are continually humbled by the opportunity to be here serving and strive to do everything (word or deed--Colossians 3:17) in the name of, and as unto, Jesus, though we are far from perfect! Due to inflation in Costa Rica, some of our costs will be rising this next year (rent, school tuition, etc.). Also, we are planning to continue sending Lynnea to daycare several mornings a week to free Tracey to teach a semester program class and support several of our ministry sites. Because of organizational growth, we also need to begin covering the employer’s portion of our social security, which is an increase of 10% by the end of 2012. We have played around with our budget some and estimate needing to increase our support by $500/month. Please pray about joining our support team, or increasing your giving. We are confident of our Father’s provision. We pray blessing over each one of you; may you enjoy a holiday season filled with the blessings of loved ones and knowing the incarnate God of hope more intimately.
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