a brief moment of grace...

But now we have been given a brief moment of grace... I see these early pictures from Siempre... just a little more than 7 years ago- an Indian Summer like afternoon -Arturo, just a baby in Aracelis lap, Noemi- barely up to Aida's shoulders... all the kids so small... God was watching over our innocent little flock.  Incredibly- through so many children -lovingly, He's watching, loving and providing for us still.

We dreamed of a safe place to rescue children- today it's a reality.  We dreamed of a missions house- today Alisha and Courtney, missionaries to Siempre's kids, are making that dream a reality as they give themselves in love.  We dreamed of Samaritan's House, a place to welcome workers, builders, friends of Siempre- groups now enjoy it's comfort as they come to serve.  We dreamed of Beginnings@Siempre, a home to abandoned infants- today the home is filled with joy, love and learning as little abandoned babies begin to crawl, take first steps, speak their first words and grow up protected- dozens of infants and toddlers have already been adopted into "forever" families where they've found a home, a name, a future and a hope.

We dreamed and workers stood up to build.  We dreamed and many of you began to support the work financially.  We dreamed... and soon the dream was so much greater than anything we ever imagined... it had become the dream of so many others... and we dreamed of what God might do next.

A brief moment of grace- it's really all we have -whether we live to be 103 or not nearly so full an age- it's brief -and we have today to make the most of it.  This photo's from a book our son John made us back in 2005.  In it he poses the question: "Dad, is this what you imagined when you first had a dream?"

All of that... and so much more!  These kids, all the kids in the cold, heartbroken and without today, they all need the dream of Siempre Para Los Ninos - always for the children, a place where they can find family, a place to dream and discover the life God wants for them.  To find a future and a hope.

How long does a dream last?  We know we've been given His Grace for this "brief moment."  The dream we're living out through Siempre is big enough to share.  The need is beyond our imagining.  There's more than enough room for you.  Children grow up so quickly.  Arturo's nearly 8 and the life of Siempre.  Noemi turns 16 this year... a beautiful young woman.  Aida, now 18, Siempre's first girl, moved out last week.  Our prayers and love go with her... she's family... she's a reminder: we have today... and it's brief.

Happy New Year!  Make the most of each moment.  Live out your dream... and if your dream seems a little like the dream of Siempre... You're Invited.  You're Needed.  Now, more than ever.

Siempre,

Eric M. Denton, pastor

Central Community