April update

JALAPA UPDATE -- As most of you know, four youth of the church in Jalapa were shot on March 3 while returning home from a church event. Two were killed, the other two injured. The violence was gang-related, carried out because one of the boys had recently converted to Christ. One of the deceased was a young man named Juan, age 17, who played the keyboard for the church and whose mother cleans the clinic every day. The other youth who died was named Armando. The two boys who survived (Kevin, Juan's younger brother, and Victor, the recent convert to Christ and the principal target of the shooting) were discharged from the hospital within three days of the shooting. Many of you contributed to an offering for the funeral expenses of the two boys. Over $9000 was given, which paid the entire funeral costs plus other expenses incurred by the families since that time. The church in Jalapa has sent a warm "thank you" to all who prayed and gave. Please continue to pray for them as they serve Christ in the aftermath of this tragedy.

GOLF TOURNAMENT UPDATE -- Rain, wind, and cold are predicted for this Saturday. Therefore,we are rescheduling the tournament for Saturday April 14, at the same place and time. We still have openings for teams and hole sponsors. Here are the details: Chesley Oaks Golf Course in Fairview -- 4-man scramble format -- Cost: $500 per team ($125 per golfer) -- To register a team or sponsor a hole, contact Jeff Fowler (256-714-1203) or Randy Stewart (256-302-4296).

MEDICAL MISSION TRIP -- On Saturday April 28, 17 volunteers will travel to Jalapa to minister, returning May 4. They will finish and furnish the new clinic at Los Pinos on Monday and Tuesday and will dedicate the clinic on Wednesday and begin treating patients there. In addition, medical care will be given at the existing clinic in Los Laureles, a morning women's Bible study will be conducted, a Wednesday afternoon youth basketball clinic will be held, and daily children's activities will be offered. In light of the recent events in Jalapa, a special emphasis during the week will be encouragement and comfort to the church members there. Please pray for these volunteers as they prepare to serve: Keith Collins, Clay Crawford, Lindsey Elrod, Jeff Fowler, Matt Galanty, Phil Garrison, Hallie Gipson, Ted Green, Charles Matthews, Cindy Matthews, Mark Mays, Dustin McWilliams, Taylor Alice McWilliams, Randy Parker, Connor Reece, Carlee Sansom, and Randy Stewart.

LOS LAURELES CLINIC (March)
Feb 26 - Mar 3 = 124 patients

Mar 5 - Mar 9 = 108 patients
Mar 12 - Mar 17 = 148 patients

Mar 19 - Mar 24 = 108 patients
Mar 26 - Mar 29 = 74  patients
TOTAL: 562 patients