We are filled with gratitude looking back over 2008 and we are filled with joy in the prospect of what is to come in 2009! Please let us share with you some events that have encouraged us in recent weeks...

















We are so thankful for each of you! You keep us going with your prayers, words, and financial care. May Christ fill your hearts with thanksgiving and joy this Christmas and New Year!

BIG NEWS, SMALL NEWS, ALL THE NEWS...

In these times of financial turmoil, we have been keeping this verse in mind, remembering that our father, God, faithfully provides for all our needs. Even as we look for ways to pinch pennies (putting in energy-efficient light bulbs, using our water heater less, eating more rice and beans) we know many of you in the U.S. are doing the same, and it moves us deeply that you continue to give steadfastly to our ministry with HCJB Global. Together we are investing in lives and we rejoice to know the dividends are eternal!

NATIONAL NEWS:

At the end of September, a majority of Ecuadorians voted to approve a new constitution, the 20th constitution this nation has had since it gained independence about 180 years ago. The new constitution is so large - 444 articles - it is unclear what changes will be immediate and to what extent they will be enforced. As new rumors swirl each day, we ask you to join us in praying for wisdom and integrity for legislators. No matter what happens, we know that God will never leave nor forsake us!

ALLIANCE ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL NEWS:

Spiritual emphasis week occurs once a semester, and this September was one of the best yet. As Greg Collord, Dave's former Bible teacher, said, "It was low on hype and high on practical biblical content." We were especially blessed by a chapel service in which students were invited to pray for a teacher who had impacted them. We were both in tears as several students prayed over Dave, blessing him for pouring himself into their lives.

Student mentoring is blossoming as Dave spends at least three lunch periods a week connecting with several young men and Beth has started meeting weekly with one of Dave's female students. Please pray for these relationships and especially for healing for the young woman Beth mentors, as she struggles with multiple health issues.


CHURCH NEWS:

This summer, English Fellowship Church, where we attend, found itself without a regular music leader. Beth stepped up, along with two others, to fill the void, and is now leading worship several times a month. There is a lot of musical talent in our culturally, denominationally and linguistically diverse church, and Beth asks for discernment and anointing for herself and fellow leaders, Sally and Brad, as new worship teams are developed.


HOME FRONT NEWS:

Levi and Luke have been enjoying playing with each other so much that we decided to forgo preschool this year. Instead, the boys are attending weekly Bible Study Fellowship gatherings with Beth, as we study the life of Moses. It has certainly captured their imaginations, as we often find them playing with their doll, "Moses," and pretending to be his parents, Amram and Jochebed. Levi and Luke have also started the Cubbies program of our local Awana club.


Beth just finished Ecuadorian driving school and is looking forward to getting her license in the next few weeks. One step closer to wheels! If you would like to give to the car fund, please include a note saying so with your tax-deductible gift. Thanks so much!


Even as we enjoy building community here in Quito, we miss all of you up north very much! We love our friends! Please keep in touch!

A HAPPY NEW YEAR'S FOR THE SAAVEDRAS

In August? You bet! We're getting into the New Year spirit of goal setting for the future and reflecting back on the past as we prepare for another school year at the Alliance Academy International.

First, reflecting back:

We've had a jam-packed summer in the U.S. with friends and family. What an emotional rollercoaster to sandwich so many hellos and goodbyes into such a short time! We were encouraged by our visits with so many of you, bummed out to miss a few of you, and grateful for the prayers and hugs and hospitality shown to us. Thanks especially for your prayers for the boys, who were real troopers through six location changes and many hours in the car.

While we enjoyed our time in the U.S., we felt homesick for our lives in Quito, which was a neat confirmation that we are where we need to be.

For a musical photo extravaganza of our lives in Quito up until our trip to the U.S., please watch Dave's video creation below:



Next, looking ahead:

While in the U.S., Dave stocked up on resources for the coming school year. He'll be teaching a new class, "World Religions and Cults" as well as repeating "Discipleship" and "Bible Study Methods."

More than anything, Dave wants his students to see Jesus in him this school year. He also has goals of mentoring relationships with at least five students, as well as starting to help out with coaching the junior varsity boys' soccer team.

One of Beth's goals for the new year is to get to know Ecuador better by cooking more Ecuadorian food.


Beth is also shooting to join up with Bible Study Fellowship, as well as continue her involvement leading music for Titus Women, her church Bible Study.

Both of us are excited to keep having students over to our home. Purchase of a vehicle would be a giant step toward facilitating this goal. It's not safe to walk after dark in Quito and we would like to be able to chauffeur friends (and our family of five!) around when need be. Would you please consider making a gift toward the car fund? Thank you!

(A Bit of) What We Did This Summer ...

WHERE IS HOME ANYWAY?

If you want to hear a missionary hem and haw, try asking that question. It's one we've been asking ourselves for the last few weeks as we've moved into a new apartment and are also preparing to go on "Home Ministry Assignment" in the U.S. this summer.

First, our new digs: After house-sitting for the last year and a half, we've finally moved into our own place. Now the kids can destroy our furniture instead of someone else's! For the first time in our married lives, we've bought a fridge, stove, washer and dryer. It's said that "stuff ties you down," and in a good sense, we feel that by furnishing our own place, we've crossed an emotional threshold toward making Quito our home. We've even got a spare bedroom, so ya'll come down to visit now, ya hear?


Second, even as we've been settling into our new home, we've been dreaming of going "home" this summer to the U.S. As a missionary kid, Dave learned that "home is where the people you love are." So we'll be going "home" to see those we love in IL, MN, CO and KS.

The summer ahead of being "pilgrims" reminds us that our true home is in Christ. What a comfort to know there is a place where we will always belong!

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Even as our eyes glaze over while dreaming about U.S. playgrounds, Wendy's Frostys and thrift store shopping, what we most look forward to this summer is visiting our friends! Here's is a brief overview of where we'll be. Please let us know when we can take you out for a meal or outing. We will continue to check our e-mail address (see bottom of the page) and can give you phone numbers of where we'll be if you drop us a line.

June 18: Arrive in Chicago
June 22: Share at Palos Bible Church in Palos Heights, Illinois
June 23-28: Reunion with Beth's family in Minnesota
June 29: Share at Hope Christian Church in Shoreview, MN
July 12: Leave MN for IL
July 13: Share at Trinity Vineyard in St. Charles, IL
July 21-31: Reunion with Dave's family in Colorado
August 1-3: Attend seminar at IHOP in Kansas
August 4-13: In Illinois


JOURNEYING TOGETHER

In the final days of the Alliance Academy school year, Dave has heard from a number of students who are eager to take his Bible classes next fall. We are encouraged by their interest and hope you are, too, since our work here is a team effort with you!

Recently our average support has been running about $200/month under target. We also are at a point where purchasing a car makes sense both for our family's needs and for more opportunities to connect with students outside of school. If you could help with a monthly pledge of support or with a special gift for a vehicle, please contact HCJB Global by phone, internet or mail. Thanks so much!!!