Newsletter
I spent my first 13 years in ministry focusing on evangelizing children
It has been an amazing, busy, but rewarding year! I have seen and witnessed things in 2019 that have made it evident that the Lord is raising up kids for His kingdom purpose today. When I surrendered to full-time ministry in 1988, little did I know that it would be in children’s ministry. I had no idea! But it has been my greatest joy reaching children with the Gospel. Then, the Lord gave me new direction in the summer of 2002 with L.I.T. (Leaders In Training). After spending my first 13 years in ministry focusing on evangelizing children, I realized the Lord had a greater plan for their lives today. He created them for a relationship with Him. I continued reaching lost children with the Gospel, but I turned my focus on making disciples as I taught children how to walk with the Lord and how to tell others about Him. In doing this, I saw change and transformation like I had never seen before. They met their King and Savior and became passionate about walking with and following Him daily.
L.I.T. October 2019 Newsletter-L.I.T. in Piedras Negras, Mexico
L.I.T. in Piedras Negras, Mexico Update by Alex and Diana Aburto
L.I.T. students and staff from Vine and Branches Ministry, Piedras, Negras, Mexico, headed an hour down the road to Acuña City for a day-long mission trip. We invited 35 children from the ranching community to come to our friend’s farm for the day. The students were the missionaries sharing the Gospel, counseling those who desired to accept Christ, sharing their testimonies, leading the worship, games, and class time while their mentors looked on and encouraged them. It was so delightful to watch the L.I.T.s trust God to work through them (for some their first time on a mission trip), leading outreach or responding to the Holy Spirit guiding in this way.
Releasing Preteens to Minister-September 2019 Newsletter
Releasing Preteens to Minister
It is a true joy seeing the impact of churches around the United States and international. I talked with Russ Zacek, and he is seeing the fruits of releasing children in his church to lead. His preteens are leading out and teaching in their children’s church services. His son, Freedom, taught one Sunday with amazing confidence. He even turned a backflip during his message. I love how the Lord is raising up children and preteens in our midst and using their gifts to His glory. It is amazing to step back and experience God’s presence and power, just like we do when they discover God’s purpose for their lives.
From Fear to Fearless Preteens Hearts Were Set on Fire for the Gospel-August Newsletter 2019
August 2019 Newsletter
From Fear to Fearless Preteens Hearts Were Set on Fire for the Gospel
One of the things I love seeing on the L.I.T. Mission Trip is watching preteens turn from fearful to fearless. As we watched them arrive this summer in Waxahachie, Texas, Catoosa, Oklahoma and Lewisville Texas, there was a little bit of a fear that you could see on the L.I.T.s faces, especially for those who were on the mission trip for the first time. Their fear turned into fearlessness in a matter of four days. What brought this about for them was experiencing their faith firsthand. Many times they cried out to God for help and strength and we then watched Him come and intercede on their behalf. I truly love this form of discipleship. We get to witness God’s hand working in their lives throughout the week and it becomes obvious in how their countenance changes. The confidence builds and when they leave the trip they are ready to go home and conquer their world. This summer over 200 preteens (4th, 5th and 6th graders) lead 84 people to Christ. It is our prayer that they will return home and continue their mission trip experience.
L.I.T. July Newsletter: We Had an Amazing Preteen Mission Trip Last Week in Waxahachie, Texas!
Last week was an amazing week for our 29th L.I.T. Mission Trip in Waxahachie, Texas. Nine churches came together to work as one. Doors were opened at the Salvation Army and the Children’s Home for us to minister. This past week, more than 70 preteens went into the community to minister. They arrived a little fearful, but their confidence level excelled throughout the week. These shy introverted preteens became fearless for the Gospel as they experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence speaking in and through them. These young missionaries led 50 children to Christ! What I love the most is that they get it. Our discipleship plan is working because many of them will take it home with them and reach their neighbors and friends as well. We celebrate with the angels over these 50 whose names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We also rejoice in taking part in discipling these preteen L.I.T.s and lighting a fire in their hearts for the Gospel.