AMUSING OURSELVES TO DEATH

How do you get students at the Alliance Academy all riled up? Make a moral judgment about their media choices. When Dave questioned the influence the rapper Eminem - a popular listening choice - had in the lives of his students, they vehemently denied the music had any negative effect on them. Posting a picture of Paris Hilton on the board for a discussion on media, kids vigorously jumped into a debate on whether it was a "waste of time" to follow her life. When asked about their free time, most students say they spend at least a few hours every day surfing the internet.

(I love my computer, but I want to love God more!)

Imagine if they spent those passions for God! So we asked ourselves, "Are students seeing in our lives a powerful and enticing work of God? Or do they see what some students have told Dave: Christianity is boring?" We know that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power," (1 Corinthians 4:20), so we started praying that this power would be more evident in our lives and in the lives of the students.

The book of Acts is full of examples of God acting powerfully and Dave has been challenging his students to act as the disciples did, to pray right away for someone when they are hurting. It is an answer to prayer to see students making the connection and getting excited about God. One student reported that he prayed for his mom and her migraine went away. You could almost see the light bulb go on for another student as she said, "I finally get it! You actually want us to DO what we've been reading about!" YES!

Please keep praying along with us for spiritual awakening in the students' lives.

PRAYING TOGETHER

We are honored to have you join with us in praying for the following:

- We're moving in May! After 16 months of housesitting, we're finally getting our own place. Please pray for a smooth transition and that we can find affordable furniture and appliances.

- Dave took a tumble in the Turkey Bowl (flag football tournament at school) and got a bad muscle injury. Please pray for rapid healing for his leg.

- Beth took a hiatus from worship leading after Aaron was born, but has started leading music again in women's Bible study. Please pray for her as she balances mothering three kids with her music ministry.

-Aaron needs both Ecuadorian and U.S. passports to be able to travel with us this summer. Please pray the paperwork for this gets done quickly.

- Luke turned two on March 29! He has been extra clingy since the baby arrived, so please pray that he would feel secure and that Beth would have extra patience in caring for him.

- Family changes since Aaron's birth have been a stretch for Levi, too, who has been acting out at preschool. Please pray for peace for him.

- Praise God, though, that both boys seem to enjoy their little brother Aaron a lot. Our three musketeers bring us great joy!


(l-r: Luke, Aaron and Levi)


(Saavedra family at Easter)


(Luke dives into birthday presents)