LAMP-Miami

A cool reminder

Jim Holway — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:02:06 +0000

As we melt through these sweltering “dog days” of August, it might be refreshing to remember the past winter. Back in January, we woke up to an amazing sight — frost on the cars! One of the more unpleasant tasks of winter “up north” was unfrosting the windshields of the three women in my life. While this Miami frost was a motive of glee and amazement for me, it was an extremely threatening sight for our farmers and growers. And while the Miami heat causes me to suffer right now, I know that it is providing a good livelihood for my friends in the A/C/ business!

Catching Up (1)

Jim Holway — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:28:16 +0000

A little over a year ago, a van carrying the Cochabamba, Bolivia youth group lost control and rolled down a steep embankment. Three girls from the group died and numerous others were injured. Last November, I was invited by one of the missionaries in Cochabamba, Josh Marcum, to be the speaker for a national family camp held in the mountains above Cochabamba. Josh and his wife Julie were co-workers with the Latino church plant in Memphis, and truly have hearts to serve Christ. While the physical injuries Josh and the others suffered were healing, the emotional and spiritual scars were slower to heal. The family camp was another step towards recovery.

Camp Kewina is located in Colomi, some 11,000 feet above sea level, with the same winding roads overlooking steep chasms with little protection as where the accident took place. Only a few of the kids on that fateful trip were able to summon the courage to make the trip back into the mountains.

The weekend was an amazing experience! I got cold at night, sunburned during the day, but had a wonderful time with fellow travelers on the path towards heaven. I met with church planters and members, church leaders and staff, and some veteran soldiers of the cross. My two regrets were that I couldn’t stay longer and that Kathryn was not with me.

Click to view slideshow.

Summer Song: Catching Up Is Hard To Do**

Jim Holway — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:45:37 +0000

**Sung to the tune of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

The date of my last post: November 2009 . WOW.

I could go into long explanations, but why waste your time and mine.

Suffice it to say that I will begin to bring the site all up to date over the coming weeks.

Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Bendiciones!

Jim

Mission Accomplished…sort of

Jim Holway — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:32:34 +0000

Our mission to Leon, Nicaragua has reached an important milestone. In three short years, the Sunset church, working alongside the Ruben Dario church, with God going before us, beside us, and watching our back, was able to construct a church building for the congregation. It was a true collaboration of resources, time and effort.

While this phase of the work is done, we do not intend to abandon it. Our future involvement will share differente types of resources, those focused more on teaching and coaching.

God be praised for his amazing work!

Doc Michelle takes good care of her patients!

The “before” shot, when the building was just a dream.

The Ruben Dario church in front of their completed building

The church enjoying the new facilities

This baptism took place just recently — the brothers are continuing the work!

Pompano Beach beach baptism

Jim Holway — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:28:06 +0000

No, it’s not a misprint. The church building where the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking church meets has been contaminated with mold, and the baptistery is not functional. So when Gabriela wanted to begin her new life with Jesus, we headed to the beach in Pompano Beach.

One of the negative consequences of owning church buildings is that everything tends to be done inside the building, hidden away behind thick walls. It adds to our fortress mentality. Public baptisms have proven to be some of the most outward-focused and impactful things we have done here in South Florida. Many Latino congregations here rent storefront space, and head to the beach for every baptism.

It’s amazing to see people’s reaction to this ancient tradition practiced on a modern beach. Kids gather around. Beach walkers stop to gaze. Boogie boarders take a break. Much of the party atmosphere quiets a bit out of reverence for this holy act. And invariably, there will be some who linger just a little bit longer to find out what this is all about.

What a wonderful way to proclaim our faith in the resurrected Jesus!

Gabriela is from Mexico, and she has found a “home away from home” with the Pompano Beach church. The week before her baptism, she learned that her father had been killed by narcotraficantes. Though shaken, her faith never wavered.

Carlos takes Gabriela’s confession in the presence of the gathered church and beach goers.

The sea was rough that day, but nothing would hinder this determined young lady from beginning her new life in Jesus.

Three of the young men who witnessed the baptism hung around to ask questions. The two church leaders, Carlos Preciado (far right) and Carlos Guzman (second from left), were able to begin a conversation that could lead to more people drawing near to Jesus.

The wind was blowing strong when we gathered for the customary group shot.

Afterward, we took over a little beachside pizza joint to celebrate Gabriela’s birth into Christ.