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August 2005 Dear Family and Friends, It was getting late, and we were getting tired, but there was too much to talk about before we could say goodnight to our guests. Sitting around our small dining room table, we could hardly pull ourselves away from the one topic we had been discussing all night: God and Ministry. As we talked with the Hispanic sitting across from us, it was clear that the Lord had planted a vision in their hearts to work with the lost Hispanics in our area, and it was even clearer that He had led them to our table that night. Danny and Gretchen had passion for Christ and for doing His work - these were the kind of people we had been looking for! Not only were they Hispanic, but they were actively involved in their Hispanic church just down the street from our apartment. They were looking for new ways to minister to our community, and had several ideas. Talking with them not only gave us more connections and ways in which we can reach out through Youth for Christ, but it also showed us a whole new need that we had no idea Hispanics had. Gretchen, a public health worker, shared story after story that night about the different Hispanic girls who came through to get treated Ð mostly for sexual reasons. The majority are young girlsÑmost under the age of 15 who have either contracted a disease or are pregnant and are told that abortion is their best solution. It was clear in talking to her how much of a need these Hispanics have for Christ! With over 15,000 in Tacoma alone, it is easy to understand why the Hispanic population is rising. In the entire United States, one in five children under the age of five are Hispanic. In California, Hispanics are no longer a minority, but a majority! As the population grows, so does the need to spread the gospel to these people. Our conversation made us eager and excited for what the Lord could do through us and this young couple! As we said good-night to our guests who had walked through our door as strangers, but were leaving as our partners, we thanked God for all that He had brought to us that night, and for the added passion and excitement he had given to us through these new friends. This is a small picture of what our life looks like right now. As we plan new ministries in Hispanic schools and communities and as the ideas and the visions for different outreaches pour in, so do the workers and the people who can be used to facilitate them. Starting a new ministry is often times slow and it can be discouraging as many people do not see the need for Hispanic ministry. But God is so faithful and He does bring people to us who share our vision and our passion for the Hispanic community here in Tacoma. Along with the Hispanic ministry, we are keeping busy being involved in our church. Starting in September we are going to lead the Jr. High Youth Group. Remembering what it was like for us to be in Jr. High, we know the amount of pressure and stress this age group can be under, but we also know the great ways in which their faith can grow as they mature into men and women of God! Please pray for us as we begin that journey. Please also pray for Nathaniel as he is involved in mentoring young men during the week, and for Alicia as she has been working with the Women in the Church in planning activities, and is involved in ministering to Hispanic women. We also want to thank you for giving toward our ministry. Thus far your support has covered 50% of our budget! Thank you! The other day, a local pastor reminded us that our work is of eternal consequence. He said that in asking for support we are not just asking for money, we are asking for people to invest in the eternal kingdom - the eternal outcome of kids. With this in mind, thank you for your investment - for you enable us to bring the lost to Jesus. And please pray with us that the Lord would continue to use His people to meet the remaining need. As we pray for you each day we realize that you, our supporters, are the people that God has chosen to make this ministry possible, and we are so grateful that God has put you in our lives and in this ministry. With much gratitude, Nathaniel and Alicia Gutierrez
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