When my fourth grade teacher saw me at the beginning of sixth grade, she commented how much I had grown. Surprised, I stated my own parents never seemed to notice my growth. She responded with an observation that comes to my mind now: "Your parents don't see your growth as clearly, because they see you every day."

As the year nears its end and I look back over the past year, I am brought up short as I realize the growth that has taken place in lives. I have to pause to thank the Lord for what He is doing.

The recent Bible conference we attended in Texas has provided me with a context in which to review the growth of the brethren and of the congregation:

Eph. 4:16 "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

The desire we have held for Atotonilco since we arrived here 7 years ago is to see the Lord raise up a congregation of believers with recognized local leadership where members are equipped to minister to one another and reach out to the lost. This is still our desire. Over the past year, we've seen growth toward that goal, as the congregation learns to minister "one to another" and take responsibility for the growth and outreach of the church.

This church has been the main host for two Bible conferences, in November of last year and September of this year. In the first conference, the involvement of the believers was principally in the actual event, with classes, cooking, errands and emergencies. In the conference this September, they were more involved in the pre-event planning: a multitude of trips to the site, setting up a tent, cleaning, organizing and taking responsibility for the myriad of details that come up before a conference.

When conference time arrived, they showed a degree of maturity in another way, allowing others to take charge, accepting their role as learners and receivers. And they shared music and testimonies when they found opportunity.

In other areas, we see the families growing. One family shares how they are now praying together every night. A father tells how the Lord has led him to set aside a specific time with his children. A family is sacrificially paying off their debts. In the men's meeting, different ones bring up subjects of concern, make recommendations for aspects of the church life, differ with one another on some point of conviction without offense or anger, take responsibility for activities or needs in the church, and share personal battles or struggles openly. At the women's meetings, the ladies comment that what they learned in the previous study or on Sunday is impacting their lives. We constantly hear the believers relate how they spoke of Christ to this or that neighbor or relative.

God's word is bringing fruit in this community and a lasting testimony to Christ is being established here.

Here are some specific things to pray about:

• While several families or individuals have confessed Christ and appear genuinely to be converted, they have not been added to the church. The congregation would nearly double if the people who are professing the Lord were to begin meeting.
• A group of believers representing various organizations and churches is holding a meeting in the Highlands to consider how to organize a training program for Mexican workers wanting to reach the Circle of Silence. They have asked me to participate.
• Radio Encounter, an organization that assists in setting up Christian radio stations, is interested in seeing a station set up in the Highlands. They have contacted me and I am praying about how to proceed. This is probably a long range project, but I need prayer to know how and to what degree I should be involved.
• We have just entered our final twelve months of the five-year process to move from "immigrater" to "immigrant". Pray that nothing will go wrong in this last stage, and that we will be able to obtain immigrant status without impediment.
• We are looking at purchasing property or a house here for our own home. Pray we will have the clear direction of the Lord in every aspect of this.
• This year was the year of living the "empty nest", with all of our children out of the home. Pray for us as we counsel our children, who are moving into different phases of life and ministry.