Counting the cost of discipleship

We learn from Luke 14:28-33 that God has given us the ability to calculate the resources we have to carry out a project, as well as what we can lose and what we can gain. When we weigh our own strength against the magnitude of suffering and sacrifice required by the Christian life, we must give up all hope in our own merits and  place our faith in the righteousness of Christ, with which we are clothed in baptism. But this faith, which we receive as a gift from God in Christ, also gives us the confidence to measure and plan good works in this life. God also wants us to "count the cost" of what we would do for him here on earth. That's why basic education is important, especially reading, writing, and math. Therefore, we are pleased to organize a math workshop, primarily for young people starting high school next school year. The workshop was led by Eliezer Montoya, a member of Corpus Christi Lutheran Church in Barinas, who holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and is a teacher by profession. Professor Montoya covered addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers and fractions, and even a little algebra.

Renovation continues

The renovation of our former preschool space continues. Mi Pequeña Lucecita (My Little Light) House of Study is the new name of our educational program. We are preparing for an older group of students, from first grade up to sixth grade, with some of our communicant members who are attending high school as Luz Maria’s teacher’s aides. Our vision for the future includes more Bible studies and workshop in specific subjects for adolescents and adults. A new study table for taller people is nearly ready. Bookshelves are in place. What we still need: more chairs, a gas stove for the kitchen, a ceiling fan for better air circulation, and a water filter and cooler. Also, we would like to recondition an outbuilding with public restrooms that we closed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Let us pray together 

Global Lutheran Outreach recommends a  “Mission Circle” model of  a group of Christians who meet regularly to:
• Engage in a deeper study of God’s mission through the Word;
• Become informed and involed  God’s mission in other localities through communication with a specific crosscultural missionary;
• Pray for their missionary and for God’s mission in their own surroundings.

I would like to start a monthly “Mission Circle” podcast based on a videoconference between myself and whoever else would like to participate. It would last no longer than 30 minutes. The first videoconference would be on Monday, September 15, 8 p.m. Central Standard Time. Please let me know if you would like to be involved and I will send you a user ID and password.

Lord God, heavenly Father, who has placed the nations of the world under the authority of your Son, by your Holy Spirit incline the hearts of all who govern to submit themselves to the Lord of lords and King of glory, that the peace of heaven might prevail on earth. Let there also be peace in the church, in our homes and in our hearts. Amen.