I've taken some time to think about an appropriate subject to discuss for my first blog of the new year, and new semester. Let me start by saying this semester will be just that: new. Circumstances have changed substantially. The number of participants has been reduced from five to three, which will change dynamics considerably. Also, the Eden Bus ministry is canceled for the time being, due to lack of funding. The "Bus" used to take place on  Monday evenings, which will now be occupied at a youth group in a nearby section of this Island. My entire team had a meeting about all of this earlier today. We went "back to the drawing board," literally. As we were each discussing different goals and objectives, there was one that never left my mind. Those of you who received my update letter will know exactly who I'm talking about. My main goal for this semester concerns this boy who I see during the week. My goal is to get him to attend church regularly by May. To some of you reading this, that may not sound so challenging, but I assure you that it is ambitious, given the circumstances. Pray for his salvation.

    We have not yet begun our official reading, but I have a few books that I've brought to read on my own. I'll try to blog about them from time to time. In Biblical studies, I've been reading through the book of Isaiah. I admit that a lot of it is foreign me (namely the chapters concerning the destruction of many civilizations), but this morning I read a verse that has resounded since: