Hollands

Inner City Car Camping

2012-01-22T07:24:00.001-06:00

Unintentional...

pitter patter...I promise you

Has been raining all day- light misty rain-

you get wet with many soft droplets... you almost stay in the wetness because you feel as if you are breathing under water magically...then reality hits.

Our evening plans were ruined. The soft mist became heavy rain- mean rain that got you wet just thinking about it.

We were sitting in line to get gas when I noticed the police men standing under the covering avoiding the downpour. I noticed them because of the bright yellow vests they wear. The vests that tell you they are in authority and how they can pull you over if its not your day to drive your car according to your license plate number ending...

Gasp for air in the wetness. It was friday- we are going to the games at the local high school to support our students. FRIDAY- our day to not drive- the bright yellow vests threatening a pull over if they see us few feet ahead. We must get out of this storm to safety. Which means pull over somewhere and park. Car is not moving- the yellow vests can't get us.

Windshield wipes away droplets. The world spins slower as we try to sneak away from the situation and wish for an invisible coat to put on. We made it out of the gas station- with no gas and the light on-

The rain drops seem to pour in slow motion as we hold our breath outa there. Turn right. Stop. Park. SAFE. Lungs fill with air as I notice the sound of the droplits hitting the windshield. Collecting and falling. Collecting and falling.

Now what? We are powerless to move our car unless we want an $88 fine and impounding of the vehicle overnight. We must wait until 7:30pm, then we are legal to start the engine. It is only 5pm. Husband and I look at each other and laugh.

Zane is sleeping in the back unaware and not caring of our predicament.

Rain softens again as we go through our options. We could get in a taxi and still go to the games. We both instictavly look around to scope out the safety of the street. Amount of traffic, business around, people around, only one wall has graffiti...

our minds run to what happend a few weeks before. The back window was punched out and they stole our car seat base (piece of plastic! really?!) and the face off of our CD player. Husband got creative on how to cover up the window so we could drive it around while we are waiting (a month!) for the windshield to be replaced.

From a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the most dangerous we were probably at a 4. So we could leave it.

In the review mirror I see a tow truck. Both husband and I watch the car parked behind us get towed. Realization hits we are not allowed to park here. Hearts beat faster in the same rhythm of the water outside. As long as we stay IN the car we are allowed to be there. But as soon as we leave the car- it will get towed. Sweet.

So we spend our Friday night doing nothing we planned on doing. We got to read about Mathew Henry and Jonathan Edwards on our Kindle all cozy like in the car with the rain covering as privacy.

Zane wakes up to enjoy our inner city car camping with us.

Teddy Grahams is part of our dinner as we mentally thank Fellowship Bible Church support team who sent us that sweet Christmas packet of goodies!

Excitement an hour later is wearing thin as the rain dwindles.

Feed the baby time. In the car. still. waiting... pitter patter. Cars passing us in the street going somewhere- and we are not. Yet at the same time we were right where God wanted us.

As the sun sets we talk about still being stuck and more important things. Reasons why we enjoy being together even when it is not what we set out to do. Reasons why we were exactly where we needed to be. together.

2 and 1/2 hours later we started the car up and went home. But really we were already home all evening.

Blogsy on the iPad

2012-01-20T13:52:00.001-06:00

First blog post from our iPad! Last year we decided instead of buying another computer we would get an iPad- tons cheaper- but I couldn't do what I normally do on the computer on the iPad (update our blog with personal and ministry information (really one and the same))- so it was deemed useless for me. But now I am excited to use this new app designed for blog posting on the iPad! It is called Blogsy.

Now loren can take our computer to work and I can still post on our blog. Excited!!

Ok- here I am playing with the different features on this Blogsy to see what all I can do.

This is a video my sister AJ (mk living in the jungle with her shoes always off) showed me when we were hanging out around Christmas time.

Let me describe to you one of the ways my 12 year old sister inspires me. Aj and a friend decided they were going to collect clothes for the homeless. So they hopped on their bikes and went door to door collecting extra clothes and took them to the local Jungle hospital to give to those in need who came from the deeper jungle. So imagine two girls on bikes with bags filled with clothes going to the hospital. There is a window look into how AJ hears God's voice and acts on it even when she didn't have to and could have come up with other things to do.

I will now post this to check out how it does. Thank you for being patient while I play. ;-)

Carry me...

2011-12-19T13:14:00.001-06:00

My brother Mirike carried his bride Amber to his truck after they got married this last November.
Looking back on that photo it made me think... a lot.

Many times in our marriage we have to carry each other.

God designed it that way.
When I sprained my ankle at the beginning of this week, Loren, my groom had to carry me up 4 flights of stairs. Emotionally we carry each other through struggles. When my husband is overwhelmed- I pray I can carry him well. When I hit rock bottom, he is there for me.

I am so thankful that my husband carries me to Immanuel, God with us.
Through the unknown when we were raising support to come to Ecuador and had no home- He carried us.
Through tragedy when we lost our first baby, he carried us.
Through pain when we sinned against each other and Him, He was right there with open arms of forgiveness.
Through fears that financially we can't go on anymore- Immanuel provides for our needs.
When we don't have the strength to continue Immanuel, God with us, carries us both. Through joy of having our son, Immanuels strong arms wraps around us.

Have you recognized Immanuel in your life?
GOD is with YOU.
with YOU.
YOU.

God devised a plan so that we who are estranged from Him can be lifted back into his arms like a groom carries his bride. Husband and wives- we are painting a picture to the world that screams glory to God or hatred to Him. May your marriage reflect the unconditional love God shows us.

Thank you Mirike and Amber for the sweet reminder.

jogging around is dangerous

2011-12-14T10:33:00.000-06:00

Stay at home mom- enjoying being able to serve my family when

up...
high altitude breathing...
down...
around...
dodge poop...
up steps...
down hill...
huge hole...
tree...
up hill ("i think i can" book running in my head)...
curving...
planning my rout...
sure isn't bor------ twist

face plant.

know right away i cant stand up. 3 blocks from my house.

4th week of running after having baby and it felt so good. Got me out of the house alone, fresh air, and exercise.

Gave me such energy to clean my house, cook dinner, and plan events with people.

Now- I sit on our couch. Feed Zane-change his diaper-put him to bed. (right beside the couch because I can't walk with him anywhere).
Missing my 20 min morning run. Why did I twist my ankle... 3rd day still swollen and barely can put pressure on it.

Having to cancel going to Christmas events. NOOOO! All that delicious food and games...
Canceling meeting with the girls I mentor... NO! Lord- that is what I'm here for... right?!
What I found I could be accomplished in was taken from me just from one morning run.
Crawling to the bathroom...talk about humbling.

I am so thankful for my Husband. He has been serving ME- the stay at home mom- while still working his job. He does his meetings and tasks during the day with many breaks to come check on how we are doing. He texts me regularly to see if I need anything. Cooks me breakfast in bed and dinner on the couch. Cleans our house, gives Zane a bath, gathers my snacks. I know I am causing him way more work than help right now. Yet he has reminded me of a few of my favorite recent found quotes.

"By walking away from a busy, accomplishment-oriented society into a quiet world of deep relationship, service, and home life, I will establish a far reaching legacy that extends throughout many generations" -Laura Booz

"Your loving touch, patient service, sacrifice of time today, this week, is not in vain. It is a service of worship to the One who laid down His own life in moments of time." -Sally Clarkson

God reminded me of this verse: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Thank you Loren- for your example. The Holy Spirit is taking away what I could do 'on my own' and reminding me it's about serving HIM. Not getting things checked off my list.

Craft Mania- Easy Advent Calendar!

2011-11-30T12:51:00.002-06:00

This year we are doing an advent calendar- and because I have limited time between feeding my 2 month old and household chores, it is a really simple one to make.

1. First I spray painted our cork board black

2. I bought a box of cute thank you cards

3. I came up with what we wanted to do each day

4. Wrote on sticky notes what we were going to do each day

5. Inserted the sticky notes inside the cute thank you cards

6. And Pinned them to my board! (that is ALL!)

The rest of the events we are doing that you do not see in the 'note' above are the following:

10: get a food basket ready for the building grounds keeper and his family

11: Watch a classic Christmas movie

12: Host a game night with a Christmas ugly sweater theme

13: Make apple cider and drink it by the tree while skyping with friends wishing them a merry Christmas

14: Volunteer at Pan de Vida (ministry giving bread to the poor) and take clothes to them

15: Make caramelized red and green popcorn

16: Attend the Alumni Christmas event at AAI

17: Make reindeer foot prints and finger prints- the idea came from Pinterest! (which by the way is one of my favorite places to look up fun crafts!)

18: Make and decorate Christmas cookies with our youth group

19: Give out free coffee and say Feliz Navidad in downtown Quito

20: Go look at Christmas light decorations

21: Video Skype with family wishing them a Merry Christmas

22: Make a marshmallow/corn flake green wreath with red hots as 'berries'

23: Wrap all Christmas presents

24: Bake a birthday cake for Jesus and go the the Christmas eve service at church

25: Eat red and green pancakes and celebrate Jesus by reading the Christmas story

Final Product!

I really enjoyed making this and next year I can just change the sticky notes to match our next year's schedule!

Capture this moment

2011-11-10T21:51:00.001-06:00

Words cannot express how thankful I am to our neighbor and friend Carla! Because of her we have some precious baby photos of Zane!
Check out her blog: http://www.breathingdeepwheretheairisthin.blogspot.com/
She is so creative and I just love getting to spend time with her and her family. Plus I love to soak up her wisdom and be inspired by all her fun crafts!

So precious! Thank you CARLA!!! LOVE these photos!

Yesterday we went to the doctor for Zane's check up. Zane is only 5 weeks old and is already over 6 pounds now. He has also grown 5 centimeters. The doctor kept saying "Don't worry that he is not fat- he has grown so long it has distributed what would have been fat". We just smile and nod. I had to go in the other room when they gave him his HepB shot. It's so hard to knowingly watch him hurt.

This Tuesday I am flying to Texas for my brother Mirike's wedding!! I am super excited about going to the states, celebrating Mirike & Amber, and having Zane meet family. I am also nervous with flying for the first time with a baby. Loren won't be able to go (we can't afford it) so he will be here in Ecuador working on one of his seminary papers he has due soon. Zane and I will join back up with Loren in Ecuador for Thanksgiving.

STOP

2011-11-04T21:10:00.003-05:00

When was the last time you stopped-

~to think and enjoy God?
~to spend time with your family- even if it wasn't 'productive'
~to read a good book that inspired you?

Life with a newborn has taught me a few lessons and Zane is only a little over a month old. I have realized how busy I was before he was born. Well- now with midnight feedings and midday feedings and feedings in between it has forced me to STOP. Every 2 and a half hours I STOP whatever I'm doing- even if it is sleeping to feed precious Zane. During this past month I have enjoyed getting to catch up on my reading, my time with God, and cuddle with my little boy.

I had about 6 books on my shelf (and on my kindle) I wanted to read but never 'had the time.' I have read 'Radical' by David Platt which was an excellent book about missions and how to radically change your life for God. I also just finished 'the Help' by Kathryn Stockett which was about racial segregation back in the '60's.

Do you notice that when a baby is in the room it seems like all eyes just STOP and watch the baby? It doesn't matter if the baby is sleeping or awake. It made me wonder about when our baby grows into a toddler, child, teenager, and grown man... will we sit and just spend TIME together? Will we STOP our busy productive lives and allow some staring *hopefully with some conversation. ;-)
I have truly enjoyed getting to spend this time with my son and my husband. We are learning how to balance life now with a person who needs us so much.
I have enjoyed watching Loren play, talk, and comfort Zane. Loren helps me with dirty diapers and he will take the screaming baby away for an hour so I can get some rest. He is a true gift from God and I am very much in love with him.

Most importantly do we STOP and listen to God? Do we give the God who created us the time of day? (that He designed!) I am learning that God is the source of my strength through this difficult phase in life. I have been thankful for having to STOP. Although its been hard, makes me sleepy, and somewhat depressing at times.

Please don't wait until you have a newborn (or have the excuse those years are long gone) to make you STOP. Enjoy every moment of life in the stage your in... even if it's difficult.

Birth Story Time with Zane Holland

2011-10-11T13:15:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time on a Tuesday with the date being September 27th Alaina went in to see her doctor for her 39 week appointment. The doctor informed her with the technology of the ultra sound that her placenta had been 'calcifada' to use the Spanish term. Which means that the umbilical cord that was bringing Zane his nutrients was not going to be giving him food for much longer because of its maturity. The doctor said Zane needed to come out soon! Loren and Alaina got really excited that they would see their little boy out in the wild!

Their doctor promotes natural solutions first (that is why the Hollands like him so much). He said one thing they could try is taking a fourth of a pill of a certain hormone a woman’s body naturally produces when it goes into labor. The doctor said some women it will help start contractions while it doesn’t even effect other women. Alaina was wondering if would help her or not.

Alaina took this pill thursday morning. Around 8 am Alaina started having contractions that were painful. The contractions started at 2 minutes apart from the start. It threw Loren and Alaina for a slight surprise because they were suppose to go to the doctor when the contractions got down to 5 minutes apart for an hour. Well- they started at 2 minutes apart and with enough pain that Alaina could not walk while a contraction was happening at all. She was about to go walk around the park with Loren when she realized she couldn’t even walk around the house very well anymore. They decided to do some laps around the house instead.

At 9 am they were ready to head to the clinic because the contractions were still going strong every 2 minutes apart. Thankfully the clinic they were going to was not too far away although Alaina remembers there were way too many cars on the street for her liking.

When they reached the clinic the doctor told her she was already 2 centimeters dilated. They proceeded to a room where she could labor any way she wanted. Walk around, squat, sway, or lay down. Alaina was having contractions every minute and a half by now and she stood rocking back and forth while Loren rubbed her back. The clinic nurse brought her some tea and some message oil that Loren could use. Between contractions Alaina would sip her tea and walk around the room.

By 11:45 am the contractions were much stronger and Alaina asked Loren if he could go get the doctor because she was starting not to be able to stand the pain and the contractions were only 40 or so seconds apart and lasting a minute. The doctor came in and Alaina was worried he would say she was only 3 centimeters. But the doctor and everybody was really surprised when he said she was almost fully dilated (almost 10 cm)! They said they needed to get her into the birthing room.

The first thing Alaina noticed in the birthing room was how they started filling the tub with hot water incase Alaina decided to have Zane as a water birth. She was in so much pain she sat right on the birthing stool upon entering the room. This contraption is just what it sounds like, a stool made for birthing. Alaina really liked the birthing stool because she said it felt very natural with gravity helping the pushes.

The pain was intense and the doctor told Alaina that she could be holding her baby in the next three pushes if she pushed hard. Alaina pushed like crazy and sure enough baby Zane came out at 12:15pm! The whole labor process was only about 4 hours total! She was so relieved to be holding Zane finally in her arms!

Zane was 19.25 inches long. And weighed 5lbs 11oz. His birthday is September 29th, 2011. Zane means “God’s gracious gift” in Hebrew. His middle name Gregory is his daddy’s middle name. That first night he blessed his parents with a total of 4 hours of sleep straight! Thank you God that Zane is healthy!

August Weddings

2011-08-25T14:12:00.013-05:00

Our friends Jessica and Daniel got married here in Ecuador! We were overjoyed getting to celebrate with them this life changing moment! They are missionaries here too and don't live too far away from us and we look forward to hanging out more.
Daniel and Jessica did a special celebration that when they took communion they also served it to their wedding party.
Announcing Husband and Wife!
The beautiful bride and her groom!

Our classmate from high school, also named Jess, got married here in Ecuador. (Loren and I are high school sweethearts). It was a blessing getting to see her and celebrate with her! She was stunning in her wedding dress! She married an MK from Kenya. I actually went to college with his cousin! What a small world it is!

Two other ladies from our class were there -Laurie & Jamie- we hadn't seen either of them since we graduated 6 years ago. They looked beautiful like always and are both married now as well.

8 months pregnant and dancing at a lively wedding is definitely a sight to see! It was a joy to get to move like that although I realized its a different game when you're this pregnant!

This last weekend we had our first Road Trip in our Ecua Car! Jungle here we come! We are so thankful we made it there and back with no car trouble. It was the last week I was allowed to travel- so we took advantage of it.
Talking about weddings in August...We had the special privilege of spending the weekend with my parents as they celebrate their 30th Wedding anniversary the 22nd of August! About an hour from where they live in the jungle there is this beautiful place you can eat and look over the little town. It was a joy getting to be with them at this special time in their lives.

My sister AJ who is 12 made this wonderful fold out card for my parents. She is so creative!
We officially are in our new apartment now. What a blessing it is to have HOT water and water pressure! God has blessed us.

~~~FYI: Pray that with our old landlord we can cut off ties on a good note. She sent plumbers in (3 weeks too late) to put in a new shower head at our old place to 'fix' the problem so we wouldn't leave. We were already at our new place by then. Plus that wouldn't have fixed anything. Pray we can be honest but are able to balance that with kindness when we don't always feel like saying nice words.~~~

This is the panoramic view from our new balcony. As you can see we live right across from a park which is such a blessing when you live in a big city of almost 3 million people.

We tried to get a photo with the mountain in the back- but the camera focused on us and didn't capture the mountain Cotopaxi which is the second highest summit in the country and 17 miles south of Quito.

Mount Cotopaxi is the the fifth highest active volcano of the world and stands at 19,347 ft (5,897 m). Since 1738, Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times and is still active to this day.
This is the view from our bedroom window. LOVE waking up to God's majesty in what he has created!

moving... again

2011-08-10T21:10:00.006-05:00

To keep our house cleaner- to de-clutter- and get rid of stuff you don't use anymore everyone should move every 6 months. ;-)

This move was unplanned and unexpected. We thought we would be here for as long as we were in Ecuador. Little did we know that the future held...
a landlady who refuses to help get our water working. Our Califon (what heats our water) randomly works and went out for 4 days straight. It needs replacing. Our pipes are very old and have a lot of build up- and need replacing. The pressure never was great to start with either. If we do get hot water it is so scalding you cannot enter without burning- or extremely cold. Fun. With a baby coming we prefer not to scar him for life.

Unfortunately, as I am now 8 months pregnant, it will be more challenging to move. Thankfully we have friends here who can help Loren with all the lifting! Look at how much baby boy Holland has grown!

Blessings with having to move: We will have working water. Our new place is across the street from a park that our child can play at. It is walking distance from English Fellowship Church where Loren will be working as the youth pastor.

I am trying out my green thumb again- this time in planters. I see little sprouts forming and it makes my heart leap with joy! My first attempt in our little yard you might recall failed permanently when some plumbers came and dug up my yard. This time- I will protect these little guys and hope they produce something! I have planted tomatoes, onions, oregano, and cilantro.

Baby Registry!

2011-07-21T20:53:00.008-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Believe it or not we can't get some baby items here in Ecuador! You can help by going to our Amazon.com Baby Registry!! Click on the title of this post "Baby Registry!" above and it will send you to the right page!

We have decided to cloth diaper because the disposable diapers here in Ecuador are imported and extremely expensive. You can help us cloth diaper by purchasing a diaper for us from our registry!! Thanx!

If you order from the Amazon Baby Registry the item will be automatically sent to Lorens Parents house in MS who will be coming down to Ecuador the week before the baby is due. That way they can bring the items! We have been given baby clothes generously! Thank you to all who has given to that. If you do want to purchase any clothes for our baby boy we would just need size 6months and older.

Thank you all so much for being in our lives and loving our little boy.

Love in Christ,
The growing Holland family.

Never a dull moment

2011-07-08T20:02:00.018-05:00

Let me tell you about the last couple of months- what an exciting adventure we are on!
My cousin Chandler got to come down on a missions trip to Ecuador!! We (my parents and sisters) were really excited to get to see her. It was her first time in Ecuador and she had a great experience. Thanks Chan for coming down! Hopefully we can see you down here again!!!
We got a wonderful chance to go to Shell (the jungle town Loren grew up in) after school let out. It was a joy getting to spend time down by the river and hang out with my sister Katelyn who was in town for the summer from College. The whole week we were there we played dutch blitz and settlers of catan. I love playing games and Loren was a great sport in humoring me. ;-)

Four Seniors got baptized at the end of this year. That was a really exciting time to witness!

Our last youth group we had a party and played games. I played 'rigamarole' and Loren played 'clue' with another group.

Our friend Joseph had a birthday party we got to attend. It was a funny clash of cultures because it was put on by Ecuadorians and was a cowboy themed party for an American Korean.
We did the traditional Ecuadorian 'smash his face in the cake' event that everyone loves. He is here working for the Korean Peace Corps and a huge help to our youth group. Joseph's knowledge, wisdom, and insight into the scriptures are wonderful and we look forward to continuing working with him this next year!
Bells, Bells, Bells, Bells.. so many weddings coming up!
My brother Mirike got engaged July 14th to Amber! We are really excited for them! My brother asked Amber in such a romantic way: On a hot air balloon overlooking the texas plains while the sun was coming up! Yay- that's my brother. If you go to my facebook page I have a link to the video he made of him asking Amber to marry him! You can watch it there. So exciting!
We got to watch our dear friends Ashley and Ricky get engaged! Ashley we have worked with at Alliance for 2 years and Ricky is a great man of God who also works at Alliance. They will get married this spring here in Ecuador so we get to attend! We enjoy so much spending time with them!
Jessica's bridal shower was a fun event towards the end of school and we get to attend her wedding this August here in Ecuador. She has turned into a great friend of mine and we look forward to hanging out more often. Dan is her groom and Loren has known him since high school years. So we are excited for their friendship and marriage.
This picture captures the day of our 2nd year anniversary! From now on we won't be alone just us two! What a blessing it was to get to hang out at an Italian restaurant with Loren and have a romantic dinner!
June 3rd was Loren's Birthday! He had to work at the school so I came at lunch time to surprise him with his favorite Cherry Pie and cookies! I interrupted his small group time but I don't think they minded.

Loren set up our babies pack-in-play and tried on his towel hat for size.

The Wailing Wall

2011-07-03T15:04:00.012-05:00

Graduates of Alliance Academy International received their diplomas and the great disperse begins. The cross cultural work we do means many goodbyes. These goodbyes mean that they will go somewhere in the world and who knows when we get to see them again. We had a hard time this year (like last year) having to say goodbye to the students we mentor. Here are a few photos that capture a moment in time of that night. After graduation when you get to say goodbye to the Seniors the circle they stand in around the gym has been known as the wailing wall because it's an emotional time of transition.

Sadly goodbyes do not only extend just to the seniors. The wailing wall is also a place for goodbyes to those not coming back to school at Alliance. Loren will miss Marcel as he moves to the states before his graduation. Loren and Marcel played basketball together Thursday nights. I will dearly miss Leesha. She will be doing her senior year in the States. She was in my small group this last year and is a treasure from God. She will be missed greatly.

There we have a sneak peak into the life of a transitional kid- moving- again. May they learn that God will be their only constant in a life where everything else around them will change. Even if you have been in only one place your whole life- do you rely on God to be your foundation? Do you lean back on what is comfortable or step out into the unknown blackness where trust in God is all you have?

TN Suprise Baby Shower!

2011-05-30T13:44:00.009-05:00

Our wonderful support team in TN gave Loren and I a surprise baby shower! What a joy it was to celebrate with them. They have blessed us beyond words. THANK YOU FELLOWSHIP SUPPORT TEAM! You all are amazing!

Yes- Alaina could fit into the baby swim hat for our little boy. ;-)
Plus the team got us a suitcase to pack all the baby items back to Ecuador with! They also gave us money to buy a stroller with a car seat in it! How thoughtful they are!!

We had yummy treats to snack on. What a treat!

The women of the group parted ways with the men as they had an encouraging time for Alaina. Different women shared advice about being a mom and they read scripture. They also had a prayer time. It was so meaningful.

The cake they had was so beautiful! It was a joy getting to see all these friends for a great party!

These ladies were in my small group while I was in college! When I first met them they were in 7th grade! How time goes by! What a joy it is to re-unite.

Here is a picture of Alaina and Jen.
Our dear friend Jen Howell took these photos! Thank you for them!

Our American Adventure

2011-05-30T09:36:00.016-05:00

It was such a joy getting to go to Morgan & Margarets Wedding! Morgan is Loren's brother. We are so glad Margaret has joined the Holland family! What a treasure she is. Great choice Morgan! We are proud of you!

We had a very fast visit to the USA for this celebration. It was wonderful getting to spend time with most of the Holland clan! What a joy they are. Loren's mom did an excellent job with the rehearsal dinner! We had plenty of food and it tasted delicious! She is such a wonderful host and all your needs are always taken care of before you even knew you needed something! I need to learn many hosting skills from her!! We had fun together shopping for the rehearsal dinner and planning. Every second together is cherished!

We were able to fly in to TN when we first arrived. I wish I had pictures of the time I was able to spend with my roommates from college- but the camera I took those pictures on must have been stolen from our luggage because I can't find them! The time spent with Lydia & Ross at Cracker Barrel eating yummy breakfast was treasured. We also got to stay and have a big sleep over at Christa & Adam Robinson's house. Charley and Katelyn were able to hang out with us too and our conversations were so meaningful. I miss them so much!
We were able to attend Fellowship Bible Church (one of our supporting churches and the church I went to throughout college days). It was a blessing seeing many of our supporters. They also threw a HUGE surprise baby shower for us! They even provided the suitcase for us to take the baby things back to Ecuador!! What a joy they are in our lives! We felt so loved, cared for, and just saw Christ's love oooozing out of them!! THANK YOU FELLOWSHIP SUPPORT TEAM!

We had the honor of speaking at North Park Church for both of their services. They have blessed us tremendously and we are excited to be their missionaries abroad. THANK YOU NORTH PARK!

We did a lot of shopping between hanging out with friends and family. And a lot of our shopping happened with friends and family so we don't miss one minute of time together! In this photo I am trying to find some maternity pants that fit my small height and expanding belly! Quite a challenge when I can usually shop in the little girls section- but now have a big belly with our baby boy!

Our last day in America consisted of being on the phone with LAN airlines. They canceled our flight reservations without our knowledge and we had to contact them to get it fixed. NOT an easy task to accomplish. Lets just say finally a day later we were on our return trip back to Ecuador... and very exhausted!

To have and to Hold!

2011-05-17T10:28:00.003-05:00

The Holland family (Loren, Alaina, + baby boy in the womb) get to travel to the U.S.A. this weekend!!
We are going for Morgan (Loren brothers) wedding!! He is marrying Margaret who we think is wonderful! We will celebrate with them as they say their vows to have and hold each other from now until death do them part. Celebrating these two will be a blast. We are also looking forward to having time with family and friends and holding them finally in an embrace!

We had a gender revealing party for our baby last weekend. We went to our 18 week ultrasound checkup and told the doctor if he could tell to write the gender on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope. We gave the paper (forcing ourselves not to look at it so we didn't know) to our friend Renae who made the cake with the appropriate frosting blue or pink. At our party we cut the cake to find out if it was a boy or girl!
This dear baby boy is due October 1st and we are looking forward to have and holding him in our arms.

Update on Alliance: The school flooded- we were having so much rain that the sewers overflowed plus the rain came pouring in. Thankfully now the school is 'back to normal' with no more water trapped. Thank you all for your continued prayer as we have a full month left of working at Alliance before the school year ends.

Camping @ Cotopaxi

2011-04-20T10:02:00.014-05:00

Our camping adventure started out with some mud. There was this big yellow truck that got stuck in the road and we couldn't pass him. Our only choice was to go around because they were going to be there a long while. We filled some deep holes up so our car wouldn't get stuck. Just down a few more curves, bumps, and sliding action I captured this video of our friends car getting stuck in the mud!

There was a common tent we cooked in and hung out under. What a fun group of people we have to hang out with!

This was where Loren and I set up our tent! We loved this spot and it was so beautiful!

Then we had to go back to the city. It was fun getting to camp at Cotopaxi!!

YGKarlaSEWHornsCardboardsBaby

2011-04-04T17:44:00.011-05:00

Youth Group has been going great. Lots of kids keep showing up and we love getting to hang out with them. We have had students from the German School, Scottish school, Ecuadorian schools, Alliance, and from SEK international, and Anderson International school. We are working with students from literally all over the world and it is exciting!
Let me introduce you to little baby Karla. She is an orphan girl from the orphanage in shell Casa de Fe. Visit http://lacasadefe.org/blog/ for more information. She had to come up to Quito because she was about to die after getting pneumonia. She is over a year old but first acted as a newborn with her motor skills because she was so malnourished when the orphanage found her! Alaina had the privilege to organize a team of ladies to stay with her in shifts because she needed an adult 24 hours while she was recovering in the hospital for a week. Now she is much better and back in Shell.

Dave the Horn Guy came down for our Spiritual Emphasis Week at Alliance Academy!! Check out what he does at his website: http://davethehornguy.com/
He did a great family comedy night for us!

Seriously people- book him for your next church/school/assembly/business meeting/sports event!! He has a unique act of playing horns and he is passionate about our Lord Jesus! Look up what he is all about on You Tube! Search Dave the Horn guy.

Cardboard testimonials was something we did during our Spiritual Emphasis Week at Alliance Academy. A cardboard testimonial is someone saying two phrases on how God has helped them through a certain situation without saying a word! One example is a student wrote: "Living in a broken home has broken me" She turns the cardboard over to the other side "God has healed my broken heart".

The phrases are shown to the audience and the impact is life changing. One also wrote: "I tried to commit suicide 3 times" "God has given me something to live for". It was amazing to see students be vulnerable in front of their peers! God did some miracles in the lives of students who broke down and poured out their heart on these cardboards and testifying to a great God!

On the last day of Spiritual Emphasis Week we opened the cardboard testimonials to anyone who wanted to write one, we ran out of cardboard before we ran out of students who wanted to write one. God works in powerful ways from student to student opening up about our mighty God.

We are excited to announce Baby Holland is growing inside mommy's belly! Alaina is just starting 14 weeks. Baby should be making its way out around October 1st.

Sure- dig up my garden without asking

2011-02-06T11:12:00.006-06:00

This Sunday morning we woke up to someone pounding on our cement wall with a chisel. Loren went downstairs to find out what or who it might be. There were some pipes leaking in our wall and I guess they wanted to fix them. So they worked away at the wall to attempt to expose the pipe so tomorrow a plumber could come in to fix the pipes. No one called us to inform us this would happen today.

Next thing we knew they had a shovel and were digging up all the dirt on the right side of our yard. Loren ran outside to ask what they were doing. They said the landlord decided we didn't need that yard portion and they could just fill it with cement because it was leaking water when it rained. If you don't understand what I am talking about right now- your not alone- we don't get it either.

Looking outside our window to our little yard plot we have hole on the right and my garden on the left. Thankfully we stopped them before they dug up my whole garden I planted. Now they are waiting on their boss to get here to determine what the problem is and to bring some other tools besides a chisel and a shovel. (I would think that the boss would come BEFORE digging up our yard). They are also waiting on our landlady to see why she said to put cement over there. As I type this out it is raining super hard and creating a nice mud hole where they were digging. I am not sure what is going on. The workers don't even know what is going on. I am so proud of my little garden and I hope they wont dig it up! I planted Zucchini, Onions, Broccoli, Tomatoes, cilantro & lettuce.

Yesterday we had our annual Turkey Bowl at Alliance. There were 6 different flag football teams. One of them was our Youth World team. The championship was between Youth World and AAI faculty team. Youth World ended up reclaiming the title after not having it for years with AAI faculty usually winning. The day was beautiful and the community got together for a good skill oriented time. A student took these two photos of our team in a huddle and me right before the ball was hiked. I took the photo of Loren running down the field to catch a long pass!

Meet the Rescued

2011-01-19T08:02:00.008-06:00

Take a moment to pray for Ecuador and the girls and boys who are trapped in the sex trafficking here.
This last semester my small group got a chance to serve those who have not known what true love is.

One of the verses we studied is the following. Now WAIT> I know the tendency is to skip the verse and move on-

(why do i know that? because I tend to do that. yes. and I want to make a commitment with you now NOT to skip over the most important Word we could hear today!)

I encourage you to read every word of it... SLOWLY. What is God trying to tell you through a part of his word Today?

James 1:22-27

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

The point of my small group is not just to learn about oppression and injustice but to actually DO something about it in the immediate world around us.

Action locally: We did a cookout for the girls who are rescued from the brothels here in Quito. My small group girls served like crazy and loved on these girls who many of them were younger than them or their same age. There were 2 new babies born from girls who were around 16 years old. My small group girls held their babies so the moms could play a game.

Action globally: We spoke to our school during chapel about Human trafficking facts around the world and here in Ecuador. Out of that we promoted an action for our whole school to join us in. We did the "loose change to loosen chains" campaign that International Justice Mission puts on. http://www.ijm.org/getinvolved/youth

We raised $250 in coins which covers the cost of six days of aftercare for a victim. I was very proud of our students who stepped out and gave beyond cents to dollar amounts from their heart.

Ecuador is a source, transit, and destination of sex trafficking.
Over Half the women in Latin America are Victims. 33% of sexual exploited girls have it happen to them by the time they reach 16. It is most prevalent along the coast but girls and boys are taken from various cities to the coast. If YOU are interested in learning more about sex trafficking read the following book and go to the following websites:

“Not For Sale” book by David Batstone.

The most recent website I have come across is: http://www.callandresponse.com/

• International Justice Mission (IJM) www.ijm.org
• Anti-Slavery international www.antislavery.org
• Bal Vikas Ashram www.freetheslaves.net
• Children of the Night www.childrenofthenight.org
• Churches Alert to sex trafficking
Across Europe (CHASTE) www.chaste.org.uk
• Coalition Against Trafficking in Women www.catwinternational.org
• Coalition of Immokalee Workers www.ciw-online.org
• Coalition to abolish slavery and trafficking www.castla.org
• Development and education program for
Daughters and communities www.depdc.org
• Florida coalition against Human
Trafficking (FCAHT) www.stophumantrafficking.org
• La Strada International www.lastradainternational.org
• Polaris Project www.polarisproject.org
• Protection Project www.protectionproject.org
• Rugmark www.rugmark.org
• Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org
• Sojourners www.sojo.net
• Standing Against Global Exploitation www.sagesf.org
• Stop the Traffik www.stopthetraffik.org
• Tiny Stars www.tinystars.org
• World Vision www.worldvision.org

The mission Organization Loren and I are apart of is called International Teams. One of IT's many focuses is about human trafficking. Go to their website for more information: http://endslavery.iteams.org/

The IT End Slavery in TN has put together this website: www.bethejam.org
If you live in TN this would be a great place to volunteer!

My friend Julie is the coordinator of End Slavery Ministries with IT in Michigan. If you are near that area to volunteer or want to pray for what they are doing visit: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganAbolitionistProject

Our friends Jonathan and Juliet Stuck, End Slavery Thailand team members, are raising support so they may return to Thailand and do important prevention work in rural villages. Pray for them that they can raise all their funds.

IT has two other End Slavery locations:
Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where they are currently recruiting for team leaders to develop an End Slavery team focused on prevention and education. If you or someone you know is interested in this team, you can fill out a 5 minute interview for them at this website: http://www.iteams.org/us/explore/what/go/

May God give you a heart to heal those oppressed around you. May you have a holy passion that makes you want to get out and make a difference.

Is God enough?

2011-01-08T09:48:00.006-06:00

I would like to share with you guys a piece of my journal that displays some of what I have been learning (how slowly I learn! Forgive me God!).

"We make Gods' gifts to us our gods. -Husband, child, family- Many times I 'worship' these way more than my God who gave these gifts to me. -Brains, Talent, Work, Ministry- We view these things as 'ours!' How twisted our minds are- they are gifts from the ultimate brainiac & talented One! -Food, home, time- We take advantage and for granted the fact that we have food, a house, and are living. We think those are things we need. All we truly need is God Almighty- the giver of these unlimited gifts."

Do we have a yearning for God? What is the one thing you long for with all your heart? Is it God? Or is it simply a gift given by God?

"Give me a man in love; he knows what I mean. Give me one who yearns; give me one who is hungry; give me one far away in the desert. who is thirsty and sighs for the spring of the eternal country. Give me that sort of man; he knows what I mean. But if I speak to a cold man, he just does not know what I am talking about." -Augustine 1,500+ years ago.

Do we long for God like a man in love or deeply thirsty or extremely hungry?

God has blessed us with a great home. Look at the great view we have of the city! We are amazed at his provision.

Late Merry Christmas!!
We made red and green pancakes for breakfast!!

Loren started putting on his stockings after he got all the goodies out of them! Christmas break was a great time for us to spend quality time with each other and our Lord.

For New Years Loren and I went to the beach!! It was beautiful and a very relaxing time to re-focus.

Hollands new years: Imagine sitting on the beach at night with a giant fire in front of you, not to keep warm, just to make smores and for some light. In the background you see the ocean and hear the waves crashing in. Look up and down the beach and you watch the display of many fireworks. And the not so pleasant part: Loud techno music blasting from next door. When I say loud I don't know if you understand... I'm talking about so loud it is hard to hear the waves of the ocean although your sitting right by it... so loud that you have to lean in to hear the person next to you talking if they are using a normal voice volume. And did I mention repetitive? It is not only the same beat but when the music has lyrics it is the same line over and over and over again... That is how Ecuador likes their new years. Loud music and lots of fireworks.

We stayed at this house right on the beach where other missionary families joined us. One night we had a Cajun Shrimp Broil. We ate it right on the table on top of newspaper!! It was so good!

Once the clock hit 12 we celebrated then went to bed. Let me re-phrase that... tried to go to bed. The music did not die down 'till 3 in the morning!! We wished we had ear plugs!

We had a time of reflection when we were by the fire and Loren and I realized it was a hard year. It was hard loosing our baby. Thankfully God is in the business of restoration and He is enough for us through the trials. God is teaching us many things through these last few months. We have learned to focus our attention on the Giver of the good gifts we have here on this earth and not on the gifts themselves! The gifts are momentary but our Lord is eternal!!!

Blankets to warm the Oppressed

2010-12-15T08:31:00.023-06:00

We threw away a traditional Christmas party option this year for my Girls small group who are learning about Injustice. We decided instead to DO something for those who are oppressed this Christmas. Last night we all plopped on the floor and started making blankets for the women who were rescued from the Brothels here in Ecuador. It was totally a God thing how this project began. This year there is a new French teacher here at Alliance named Jess. We have been hanging out a lot and she was telling me how she wants to make blankets for the poor. Then I was talking with my friend Desire who moved here from Holland to work with the girls who are rescued from prostitution. We have had Desire over to speak to my small group about what is going on here in Ecuador with the sex industry. Recently she told me that the home these girls live in are looking for blankets. I connected the dots and decided this would be a great project for my small group girls. So we had Jess over teaching my small group how to make the blankets and we had Desire and her Fiance over helping us as well. Most of the girls in the rescued home are between 12 and 18 years old. A lot of them also already have children. Please be praying for this Saturday. We will have a Christmas party for the girls and give them the blankets we made them! Pray that my small group will share Christ's love in practical ways to these other girls who are their same age but completely different life experiences.

About a month ago Loren and I went on a field trip to Mindo with the 7th graders from the school! It is a town about 2 hours from Quito that is known for its nature. Beautiful butterflies and birds that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Here is a slideshow of us getting to zip line in the jungle with our students!

"Picnik Show"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

This is when we went on a 5 hour hike to a waterfall with the students. One of our favorite quotes we heard from a student that day was: "I have never walked this long in my whole life, have you?" haha!

"Picnik Show"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

We have more updates to share with you soon, stay tuned!!

God Of Second Chances W/ Danny

2010-12-09T14:54:00.000-06:00

I found this video on my friends' facebook page! It is super amazing about a homeless guy who came up to this man while filming for his new music video!

Quito Celebration

2010-12-07T13:52:00.013-06:00

Let me introduce you to Celebrations we just went through here in Quito.
The quotes are from GoEcuador.com.

"Every year, on the 6th of December, Quiteños celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of their city and Ecuadorian capital. San Francisco de Quito, as it is officially named, was founded in 1534 by the Roman Catholic Spanish conquistadors on the ruins of the Inca capital Kitu."

"The main focus of the week long event is the Feria de Toros Jesus del Gran Poder which is held at the Plaza Monumental de Toros. The bullfights go on every afternoon, rain or shine, for eight days, culminating on December 6th. The festival in Quito is arguably the most important and traditional bullfighting affair of the Americas."

I want you to glance again at the name of the Bullfighter... Jesus del Gran Poder... if you know a little bit of Spanish you will see that translated his name is "Jesus of great power". Wow- if you ask me that is one confident bullfighter!! This year Loren and I didn't go to any of the bullfights- but we have been before. It is quite the adventure with drunks in the stands and men killing bulls in a dancing form.

That is the reason for the celebrations and these are some ways how they celebrate!
~Going to the bullfights
~Riding a chiva

The Chiva rides around the city while people dance to techno music and blow a whistle. We had Monday off because of the holiday- so we went to some old Catholic Cathedrals downtown with our friends. In the picture is our friend Lauren who is now our next door neighbor since we moved into our new place. She is the elementary Chaplain at AAI. Ashley is also with us and she works with us in the Chaplains office. Ricky- who is not in the picture 'cause he is taking it, was there as well.

We ended the lovely day by eating at "Vista Hermosa" (Beautiful View) downtown and this was our view of the city, truly hermosa!

we love our job

2010-11-15T17:34:00.012-06:00

Friday Nov. 5th: I (Alaina) had a sleep over with my small group. It was a good time of hanging out, eating, learning about human trafficking, and some sleeping. We got watch a movie called 'Human Trafficking' which shows what is happening today in the sex slave industry. We also got to invite over my friend Desire who is from Holland and has moved here in hopes to start a girls home for victims of forced prostitution. We got to spend time hearing her story and talking with her about what is going on right here in our own Ecuador, and what we could do as a group to help! We are excited about that possibility in the future. At midnight we got to skype with my friend Holly who lives in Greece and is working with prostitutes there. Her blog is the following if you are interested: http://hhorsch.blogspot.com/2010/11/prayer-update.html
We meet every other Tuesday night- so you can be praying for those times!

Friday the 12th we had a half day at school that the Chaplains planned. It was a great day for the students to hang out and interact differently with each other and other teachers than they do normally at school. First of all we had a pancake breakfast for everyone. That included all high school and middle school! This picture is of the line to receive the pancakes! They were worth the wait though! The coffee shop was booming as the students came by and got to order Latte's and Frape's to go with their pancakes! It was a blast to have the students and teachers so chill and in a hang out mode. We got to spend some quality time hanging out and talking with students about how they were really doing in life. We also got to play ping-pong, fuse-ball, pool, soccer,& basketball with the students if we wanted to for a little while.
Chapel was soon after the hang out time we had. We all went to the Chapel and watched the documentary "Beyond the Gates of Splendor". It is about the 5 missionaries who were speared to death here in Ecuador reaching the Waorani people. If you look at our blog back to this summer you can see pictures and hear how we got a chance to live with the Wao for 3 weeks. After we showed the documentary we had a panel of men who spoke. We had a man speak who is named Dr. Wally Swanson. He has been doing ministry here in Ecuador for 50 YEARS! He was around here when the Missionaries were killed and went into the Waorani tribe when there was a huge Polio outbreak and helped cure them. Chet Williams who is a missionary here with our mission working with the Wao we interviewed about current events in the tribe. (Chet was also Loren's dorm dad when he was in high school at Alliance!) Also on the panel of discussion we had Miniweh who is the grandson of one of the Waorani men who killed the 5 missionaries. Talk about redemption and God turning a bad situation in the eyes of men into good! Here is the grandson of these murderers testifying to God's grace, forgiveness, and a desire to share that with all people! Hallelujah! Our God is amazing! Here is a photo of Jake (our team leader), Dr. Wally, Miniweh, Chet, Loren, and I.

'Copy of your passport please'... here you go... 'NO- we need a black and white copy- NOT a color one...come back...again' -Ecuador Procedures

2010-10-29T14:06:00.007-05:00

Let me tell you a story about how to attain your License in Ecuador:

Step 1: Must get your blood type test done. Loren and I went to get this done at the Police Hospital. While we walked into the building the News crew was outside filming the bullet holes in the wall from when the President was captured and held there a few weeks before.

We go to a window and pay $2.60 each then proceed to the lab where they will prick our thumb. The medical facility there looked like a storage warehouse- not a 'clean medical lab'. We went inside and the man told us to hold out our thumb. He pulled out this small razor blade and sliced the thumb. That produced blood enough for him to put it on the glass plate. He told us to then go and sit down. We sat about 5 minutes when he called me (Alaina) back in. They had to re-do my test and squeezed my healing thumb for more blood. Loren on the other hand did not have to do this extra testing... Then they came back with our results.

They were excited to tell me I had A positive blood type. I looked at it and said- last I checked I had A negative blood. We asked them to re-do my test again. So I gave them some more drops from my throbbing thumb. The first test they did (just by a man looking at my blood in the light) he said "I can't tell". Then they put some more drops into a test tube and told me to go sit down. They came back 2 minutes later and said- You do have A negative blood type! I looked at them not really sure if I was relieved or not. Let us just say I made sure to call my mom and confirm my blood type with a more reliable source than what they said!

Step 2: Must attain your Ecuador Police record. The next day from the blood type test we hopped in a taxi and went to a different Police place near the market. As soon as we got their it had closed 20 minutes before at 4 in the afternoon. We just knew that would happen- so we went to a Venezuelan restaurant and ate an arrepa (if you don't know what that is please come visit us, we will show you!!). The next day bright and early we went down to the police station. On the wall we read the day before "all you need to get your police record is your Censo." We brought multiple copies of our passports, copies of our censos, our actual censos, and a $20. We got up to the front of the line and she saw the information we had and said- we need your actual Passport, not just a copy. And exactly $5 each- not $20. We just turned around and walked out. Attempt 2 failure. And they said on their window WHAT! So- the third day we got there as soon as they opened. We walked up to the front and actually gave us our Police records- and did not need a copy of one single thing! It really just depends on who your teller is. Isn't that comforting.

Those are all the steps we have taken so far- the process will take I am guessing a few months- if not longer... oh the days where we lived in the states and you could renew your license all in one day! We would love to update you on the next adventure with actually getting our license here. Our next step is to take the written test (all in Spanish). We must first wait for some paperwork to come back- we will let you know when we get our license...Some day... <3 Alaina

Injustice

2010-10-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

I am currently doing a Bible study with some great teenage girls about the International Justice Mission. We are all learning a lot right now about the injustice in the world. I would love to share with you guys some links I have come across preparing for our Bible study.

For those of you who live in TN and beyond- this is a GREAT resource I want you to check out about the human trafficking going on in TN and in the world. It is put on by our mission organization we are with International Teams. I am so proud of them!!

http://endslaverytn.org/index.htm

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Human-Trafficking-Task-Force/468892615262?v=wall

Here are some other resources if you are interested about Human Trafficking and what you can do to help or share with others!!

http://neazoi.org/resources/

http://www.stopthetraffik.org/language.aspx

https://secure6.bluecentral.com/destinyrescue/aus/

http://redbrown.org/category/victims-of-the-sex-trade/

www.ijm.org

http://www.persecution.com/public/aboutVOM.aspx?clickfrom=bWFpbl9tZW51

In Joy and Sorrow

2010-10-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

Greetings Everyone,

I can't believe we haven't updated anything since August 23rd.

The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away. In that amount of time we found out we were pregnant with our first child! The joy of telling everyone and having a community of believers around us rejoicing was probably the highlight of my life so far. Last Thursday we found out that the baby had died. How could we not be blown away?
Doctors and friends have comforted us and given welcomed counsel. A good friend and mentor encouraged the question, "What could God want from us?" As I wrestle with this question along with all the sorrow that rolls like sea billows, He has assured me that He is doing what is best for His Name. Alaina and I have found our delight in Him, nothing this world offers could every satisfy as He has. No matter what He gives or takes away, in eternity, just to know that He is mine and I am His is enough.

Thank you all for your prayers. We look forward to begin trying for a child again ASAP!

-Loren and Alaina

Summer time closing while coffee shop opening!!

2010-08-23T18:30:00.006-05:00

We are in the process of renovating the coffee shop yet again! Now we are expanding it so it is bigger! We also had a group of youth who helped paint it as well! They did such a good job!

This summer we have gotten to continue our youth group at our house. One week we went bowling. Another week we went to a real Chinese restaurant where the menu's were in Chinese too! Thankfully a student was with us who could read what was on the menu!
The students have asked us to continue the youth group time into the school year! Pray we can find a good night to meet and students will encounter GOD!

I love all the fresh fruits and vegetables I can have here year round. I also am enjoying the juicer we are borrowing from my parents because we can make fresh juice drinks!

Living Waorani Style 2

2010-08-04T18:32:00.003-05:00

Loren got to play in the river a game the team made up that was a mix between soccer and american football. Looked like so much fun! We had soccer tournaments that were going on with all the Waorani tribes represented at the Conference. Loren and I were on the Gringo-pare girls and guys teams.

During the week they found a lethal snake. If this thing bites you they said you would be dead in 20 minutes

. It was only by God's protection that the Wao killed it before it harmed anyone!

The Waorani men and youth broke up into their Bible study classes.

These women are literally racing to their Bible class destination to gain a prize. The whole time they were running by I heard them giggling and trying to keep their babies in the sling! Many of the young mothers I talked to who have one or two children are about 19 years old. If you see the lady in all blue: her ear lobes are all stretched out from the old tribal style. The new generation does not practice that anymore.

These children

are listening intently to the Bible story. Some of the younger ones do not know Spanish and only Wao. While others understand Spanish better and don't know much Wao. This proved to be quite the challenge to little ones' attention span as the teacher would have to give the lesson in both languages! The reason some children know Spanish better is because of school. Their schooling is all in spanish while their home life is all in Wao. Talk about third culture kids, you can even find them way out in the jungle. Loren and I can relate to how they feel with living in two languages growing up.

The greatest part about the conference was the 49 people who got baptized! Loren got to help baptize people. It was a great testimony of God's work!

I took this photo of this precious Waorani girl named Naida on Dan's (works at Youth World with us) great camera! Thank you to the US team and Dan for these great photos! It really captures the timid personality that most Waorani people have when you first meet them. Give them a few minutes, hours, or days to warm up to you and you won't want to leave! I enjoyed learning about their culture. Every tribe I have been around (Venezuelan tribes and others here in Ecuador) I have noticed how unique God has created them. One thing I love about the Waorani are their patience. Food might be right in front of them but they don't grab and run, they wait with hungry stomachs until the food is given to them.

Thank you for those who pray for us, in whatever ministry we find ourselves in!

Living Waorani Style 1

2010-08-04T14:33:00.047-05:00

For the past two weeks we were in Waorani land! We had the opportunity to help put on a Bible conference in the community of Nuneno.

Reynaldo and his wife Blanca ran the whole family Conference in the jungle.

The Williams family are missionaries with Youth World and invited us to go with them. We are so thankful!

This is the team from Rancho Baptist Church in California who helped us in the jungle.

Traveling to the Waorani village.

We got to hike through the jungle while Nanto showed us what all the plants are used for!

Everything from diapers to red die to what they make baskets out of. Nanto is the leader of the community Nuneno where we stayed for 10 days.

Loren got got to spend many hours talking with him and hearing his many great stories.

We braided many

heads during the week because they saw how the US team wore braids.

The one in the middle with the grey shirt is

Dana. She also works with Youth World and is a wonderful leader.

We would have a service in the morning with all the people and one at night. Telling everyone about the love of God. Loren helped translate for the conference. The message went from English to Spanish to Waorani.

I asked a 5 year old girl what was her favorite

thing to do. She answered "washing clothes". I asked her sister who was 7 what her favorite thing was and she said "cooking". What would a 5 and 7 year old say to that question in your hometown?

During the week we not only fed ourselves but also all of the Waorani who were in Nuneno for the conference. After every meal we would wash all the dishes in the river.

Cecelia (wonderful

Christian woman who

cooked for

200+ people breakfast, lunch, and dinner all week!) and Kasey (Youth World Intern who is a wonderful example of Jesus with skin on) working in the kitchen.

Cooking fresh meat that was just hunted. When you worked the kitchen you cut up many Platanos (a type of banana), potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and yucca.

Sushi Shell & Summer

2010-07-13T12:34:00.020-05:00

We are sad that the Devries family (works at Youth World with us) are moving back to the states. They have been a great part of our transition back here to Quito. We will miss their smiles, energy, and family!

Goodbyes are a huge part of Missionary Kids' lives. Loren had a party for Kyle and
we gave Jess, Grace, and Rachel a "Glad we said hello" party... they won't be back next year and we will miss them tons!

The end of the school year went well and these gals got to spend a lot of time with me in the Coffee Shop!

We are having Summer youth group nights at our house every Wednesday night. This was our first night together and we ate, played pass the pigs, had a Bible study, sang songs, and hung out!

The next youth group night we had Sushi! We went shopping, then made it all from scratch! Lina and Diana helped me all afternoon in the Kitchen. We had wonderful Sushi thanks to Lina's expert help!

Loren and I got a chance to go to Shell and visit his brother Morgan who is doing an Internship at the HCJB hospital. This is a photo of us in front of the Nate Saint House. The house is currently under construction for restoration.

This is Sammy, a little boy from Casa de Fe Orphanage in Shell, who absolutely loved Loren.
While we were in Shell we stayed at a Hosteria that use to be Loren and Morgan's house when they were growing up! It now has a pool in the backyard and a new paint job!

Coffee Shop Make-over!

2010-06-19T13:06:00.020-05:00

We had our last BYOM CHOM (bring your own mug coffee house open mic)! This is a snap shot of the families who came! About 150 people. Students are welcome to come with their instruments and talent! It was a huge success and families can't wait until we do it again next year!
Presenting the new Coffee Shop look! The Coffee Shop got a make-over with the help of a team that came from TN!
Alaina and some of her gal's at the coffee shop hanging out!This is my friend Nicole who is here for 6 weeks studying Spanish. She helped us paint the coffee shop!

Loren completed another year on June 3rd!
This is the last month all us girls can hang out because my parents are going to the states for 8 months for their furlough time and putting Katelyn in college!

We had our one year anniversary celebration June 6th. We went to the Jungle and stayed in a tree house! Being married for one year now enables me to predict when Loren is going to hide around the corner to scare me. ;-)

My cousin Riley and my grandma are in town for the next two weeks for my sister's graduation and a mission trip to the Jungle.
This picture is of Loren and I praying for seniors' future at the baccalaureate service.

The whole senior class! We will miss these guys when they leave!
Bare, Holland, Lolley, and Lacefield families represented for Katelyn's graduation!

The End!

Alliance Happenings!

2010-05-16T20:01:00.042-05:00

This past month has been a whirlwind of activity!

We had the student worship team over for dinner at our house! It was a blast!

This last weekend we had a basketball tournament! This is a picture of the chaplain girls working the coffee shop booth!

Loren got to play with a childhood friend from Sucua, Ecuador. Alaina's dad helped out by refereeing the whole day.

Alaina and her basketball team!

We both spoken in chapel!

Loren spoke about including God in our everyday ordinary lives and that we must train for it! Hence the picture of the girls arm wrestling. It was one of his catchy

illustrations.

Alaina spoke about her experience living through a tornado and how God has a plan for each of us still breathing. It was hard for her to get through the talk with out a few tears because she came so close to loosing her life and the lives of her friends.

Loren and Adam playing air hockey by the coffee shop!!

Loren and his small group are playing a huge game of Hal0 together in our living room on projectors!

Alaina's

sisters Katelyn and Aujaleen had GREAT birthday partys we attended!

Alaina also spent a weekend sponsoring a seniors

birthday party that was a couple of hours from Quito. They relaxed in the cabin and natural hot springs!

We already feel like we have been here a whole year with all the students we have bonded with! We love our job. Thank you so much for praying for us!

Photos

2010-04-10T08:51:00.011-05:00

'Pray for the student next to you' picture Loren took for chapel one day.

These were Alaina's guardian girls when she was in HS. Guardians is a program where the high school students learn to run a youth group and mentor the middle school students. Now they are seniors and one of them is a Guardians leader today!

Chaplains office where we work when we are not in the coffee shop.

This is our prayer chapel.

We are putting together the new small groups.

Alaina is making her favorite drink- the Carmel Latte!

Loren is making his favorite drink- the Vanilla Latte!

Walk to School

2010-04-08T21:55:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick walk from our apartment building to the front door of the Alliance Academy. Its a little shaky, but you get the idea. The 10 minute walk takes about 2 1/2 minutes in the video. We live on the same street as the school. Our apartment is "up the hill" from the school. The hill is really the base of the volcano Ruco Pichincha. Hope you like walking to school with me

-Loren

2010-04-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

My Small Group of amazing guys helped me put together this amazing video for chapel. The topic was concerning the resurrection of Christ. In the video a group of friends share what the event might have been like for them. It was a blast making the video. Hopefully there will be more fun videos like this in the future.

Miracle!

2010-04-06T17:34:00.002-05:00

My aunt who was in a diabetic coma for the last 11 days just came out of it! Her kidneys, lungs, and heart are working much better. Thank you for your prayers! She still has a ways to go, but she is awake! Thanks be to God she knows who she is and who the loved ones around her are!

Reflecting back on the timing of this event I am able to peek slightly in to what Jesus' family and disciples must have felt when their messiah was killed. Jesus died (even less hope than a coma) yet three days later was walking and talking among them! When my aunt came out of her coma today what joy filled my heart. How much more joy did the disciples feel when Jesus rose from the dead? Their broken hopes and dreams lived again with joyous celebration!

Is the joy of Jesus being ALIVE displayed in your life?

-Alaina

Please Pray

2010-03-28T21:47:00.003-05:00

My Aunt Connie went into a diabetic coma this last friday night. Please be praying for our family as there doesn't seem to be much hope that she will come out of it. My mother and Katelyn will be going to the US to be with the family. Katelyn is a senior in high school and can't afford to miss many days of school, but she is very close to her aunt and will spend the next few weeks in the US. Pray that my mom is able to get some rest. Pray that my other sister AJ who was also close to my aunt will feel loved although she is not able to go. My dad is in Peru right now for meetings and is hoping to get an early flight to Ecuador so he can see mom and Katelyn before they go. Please pray that in this whole situation God will receive glory.

Alaina

Coffee Shop Tour!

2010-03-18T20:06:00.003-05:00

This is a quick tour of the coffee shop, Subsuelo at the Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador. We are so privileged to have this space. Now that you know what it looks like, you can pray more specifically. Thanks so much!

For those that are wondering...Alaina is doing much better. She is on antibiotics to fight a bad stomach infection. We are actually both still fighting some stomach issues, but are on the mend. Hopefully no more emergency room visits for a looooong time.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Loren and Alaina

Subsuelo Coffee Shop!

2010-03-14T14:32:00.010-05:00

Loren and I have been busy these last few weeks with getting this coffee shop up and running!

Thankfully we have the help of an intern Emily

who knows ALL about coffee!

Here is a picture of Loren and my sister Aujaleen painting the coffee shop.

It has been such a joy living in the same city as my family. We don't see them all the time, but when we do get to hang out it is a true blessing!

We are feeling more and more settled in our apartment all the time. I am enjoying learning how to cook on a gas stove, walk everywhere, speaking spanish, drinking juices, and buying wonderful fresh fruits and veggies!

This weekend we replaced my phone that was stolen! We got the cheapest one we could find because that one might be stolen again this next week.... (hopefully NOT!) It took us most of yesterday getting the phone replaced.

Here are some pictures of the coffee shop and wh

at it looks like now. In the photo are two of our team members, Emily and Dave. We will be having an event coming up this week called BYOM 5 (alive) CHOM which stands for: Bring Your Own Mug (5= 5th time we've done it) (alive just rhymes with 5) Coffee House Open Mic. The students love this time because they can bring their musical talent and show it off while the audience can enjoy great coffee and fellowship. When we had this event last month 110 people showed up! Our next one is this thursday the 18th. We love this time because the students who normally do not care about God will come to these events because they want to play their instruments. Pray that we can engage in great conversations about God with them through means of coffee and music.

Loren and I had the opportunity to be seminar leaders for the students half day last friday. This was a true blessing because we were able to speak to students about what was on our heart. I spoke to the girls about 'whats your worth' and Loren spoke about establishing a foundation in Christ before going off to college.

I really enjoyed my time with the girls who came to my seminar. I orchestrated my seminar to be different than a regular classroom setting. I had candles around the room and moved all the desks and brought in cushions for the students to sit on. I spoke from my heart about how our security must be in something that cannot be taken from us ie: Christ. I also had them think about what they didn't like about themselves then poured truth on them through scripture on how they were created beautiful. I told them any time they think of that aspect about themselves that they do not like, they must rebuke it because it is a lie! At the end I had them listen to a song by Bethany Dillon about how in Christ we are completely satisfied. I had a good response from the girls who came and they seemed to enjoy the interaction with games and stories. Thank you for your prayers. Please keep praying for these young women at Alliance who are attracted to the world more than Christ.

This are some photos of our Ingles Student Ministries team: Ashley, Adam, Loren, Dan and Dave working hard in our office. One day Adam and Dave came to work matching (Dave is wearing pink too but the flash took it away). It was a photo moment. We have a lot of fun with this team we are apart of.

Coffee Shop Shopping!

2010-03-02T20:53:00.004-06:00

We have been BUSY these last couple of weeks figuring out our schedule at the school as Chaplains.

One of the best parts about our days so far is that none of them are alike! This last week we have been concentrating on getting this Coffee Shop running. We have been painting, shopping for supplies, and running all over Quito figuring out where on earth they even sell coffee supplies. Its been a good challenge.

These are some pictures of the crowd the coffee shop brings plus the initial pictures of what it first looks like, and we will update the pictures when we have it all painted!!

We love what we do here, and are continuously making those connections with the students about who Jesus is!

Loren is doing great with managing the Coffee Shop as well as getting back into Leading the Chapel Worship times. These students just LOVE him and its so fun to observe!

My schedule every day is different. For example I have spent lunch time with girls who are at In School Suspension, been a Sub for a sick PE teacher, lead small groups, and spend time in meetings, prayer, and at the coffee shop!

Thank you for your prayers! My cell phone was stolen on Monday, so that was a slight complication in my day. There are continuous events that could distract us from why we are here. Pray that we will keep our focus on Christ and Him glorified! Thank YOU!

Did someone say high altitude?

2010-02-19T15:34:00.005-06:00

We are here in lovely WARM Ecuador!

As we walk up the steps to our apartment carrying our belongings to move in we notice the lack of oxygen in these parts. We live at around 9500 ft.

Here is a photo of the outside of our place. We live on the second story. We are house sitting for a missionary family who will be in the states for a year. It is a huge blessing since they already have a washer, fridge, stove...ext.

Ecuador is a beautiful country as you will see in this video.

We have a skype number and anyone can call us and it is like you are calling a cell phone in the states. We have to be at the computer with it online to actually talk with you. If we are not online when you call, you can leave a message for us! We would love to hear from you guys! Our number is: 601-621-4066

We will be telling you more details about our adventures on a later blog!

Flying to Ecuador!

2010-02-13T23:31:00.008-06:00

We are on our way!!

Flying to Ecuador on Sunday!!

Here are some snapshots of our last week in North America as we say goodbye to family and friends.

Our next update will be made from Ecuador!

Thank you for your prayers!

Constant Blessing

2010-01-30T17:35:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share a story:

Someone I've known for a long time had a birthday recently. When I called to wish him a Happy Birthday I asked him what he did to celebrate. He had gotten together with friends and sort of had the usual birthday stuff, but then says, "Let me tell you what else I did!" Instead of asking for gifts, he had told his friends to bring just money. He said he didn't really need anything, but rather wanted to use his birthday to raise support for Loren and Alaina Holland. When I heard that, I was floored. What a sacrifice. In the past I've heard birthdays described as the ultimate worship of self. Look at me! I was born! This isn't always the case as others want to appreciate us and tell us what we mean to them. But, to use the occasion to help others in need seems almost unheard of. What hit me more than that, was how he chose to give to us what we all hope for once a year. Not to buy something, but to share in what the Lord is doing. Thank you so much!

Let's take a good look at our every day lives. Our motivations are usually us centered. Even in our attempts at good, there so often lies an evil desire to gain something. This guy challenged me to look at my life. For me, it seems every day is like the celebration of myself. How far will I get today? Will I be happy? Will someone care about me today? Will I do the right thing and get some attention? So sad. Will you walk with me as we seek to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Christ? I have a feeling we are a long way from what that verse is trying to get us to do. In humility, let's approach the throne of grace and better see ourselves for who we really are. Then we can better see Christ for the redeemer He really is.

-Loren

Whataweek!

2010-01-30T16:35:00.007-06:00

What a week we have had! We spent a night and day in Houston and visited former dorm parents Bob and Carol Snell and friends Jeff and Chelsea Swenson. Its been such a long time since I'd seen them. It was great to connect and share what God's been doing in our lives since we were in high school.

Something I realized while I was there, was how focused we have been in trying to get people excited about missions. For 8 months now we have been traveling and promoting the cause of Christ in foreign missions. Alaina and I are burning out. We need some people that would commit to loving and caring for us while we do

this work. Carol heads up an amazing ministry that provides support for missionaries from their church. Groups called Barnabas Groups are organized to care and support missionary

families. Not just for communication with the home church, but to really care for their spiritual and emotional health on the field. The group provides a caring community from a home team that is cheering them on. The tendency for missionaries over seas is to become discouraged in what their doing and feel the have no one who cares for them personally. This ministry seeks to encourage them as well as keep them

accountable. After listening to her explain how it all worked we immediately wanted to share the idea with Fellowship Bible Church, our church in Jackson, TN. Pray that the right group of people would commit in being our Barnabas Group.

Last Sunday we spoke at one of the oldest churches in Texas, Independence Baptist Church

where Sam Houston the founder of Texas found the Lord. Pretty neat story how all that happened. It was great connecting with some friends of Alaina's from Venezuela days!

Since it was Alaina's Birthday the 28th we moved on up to Ft. Worth and spent some time with her family. But of course we had to stop at the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX.

We had to be in Jackson, TN for church on Sunday since we were being commissioned by the church there. Unfortunately ice and snow covered over half of the way there between Ft. Worth and Jackson, so we went to Meridian, MS on Friday and drove up today (Saturday) to be here in time for tomorrow's service. God has protected us on this trip so far, but I sometimes wonder what He's up to. For example the moment we arrived in Jackson, we were informed that church was canceled for Sunday. Therefore we aren't sure why we rushed over here so quickly. Oh well. He knows what He's doing. Hopefully we will be able to connect with some friends and perhaps return next week for the commissioning service.

Thank you all for your prayers. We need them. Some days Alaina and I are reminded of how difficult it is to live all over the place. Because we are not in one place we so often feel alone and separated from any community. Emails are so encouraging, calls would be GREAT! Lord willing we will be in Ecuador before the end of February. We are still waiting for Visa work and last minute paperwork. May He bless and keep you.

-Loren (and Alaina)

Approaching Fears

2010-01-12T16:21:00.005-06:00

Prayer and Fears,

Our departure date grows closer every day. We are still hoping for a mid-February arrival in Ecuador, but there are many details that have to come together first. Will you commit to praying for a few things?

Alaina's Visa - There is a lot of paperwork yet to be accomplished. Communication between continents can take time. Pray for smooth processing, quick and clear communication and patients as we know God's hand is on each of those involved in the process.

Homework - Alaina and I both have to finish several assignments that are designed to prepare us for the mission field. Pray that we can grasp what God has for us and accomplish them on time.

Responsibilities - Upon arriving in Ecuador we will both have responsibilities at the Alliance Academy as chaplains. Ministry will be demanding from the beginning. Pray that we can pace ourselves well and remain focused on our calling and not just filling needs. There are needs and there is our calling. Pray for constant discernment as to which is which.

Arrival - We will need a place to live when we get to Ecuador. There is an opportunity to house sit beginning in the summer that we may accept, but we will need somewhere to live before then.

Fears - Some days the life and tasks ahead of us cast long shadows over both of us. There is absolutely no way we could take on our future without having entrusted our lives to Christ long ago. Pray that our faith will be strengthened as we trust Jesus with every worry, fear, and doubt. Satan whispers and sometimes screams reminders of our inadequacy and I thank him for the reminder. Only Christ is sufficient to supply all we need for the life He gives us. It is by faith we live.

Support - It has become apparent that we will never be fully supported by people. There really is no 100% mark. Financial numbers rise and fall, but support comes entirely from the Lord. We have shared our stories and passions with hundreds of people across the US and continue to do so, but the money of men and will never get us to Ecuador to accomplish the task of glorifying God. It is God who sustains from the beginning and it is God that carries us to the end. We need your prayer. Pray for our daily strength. Pray for diligence and study in His Word. Pray for our testimony as we work with students at the Alliance Academy.

Thank you all so much for giving, it means so much. God has called us to His service and we will go. Thank you for sending us and going with us in your prayers and gifts.

-Loren

(Illustration by Matt Mahurin)

Finest Woman

2009-12-23T11:28:00.002-06:00

I thought I should share this.

Thank you.

Illmo

2009-12-14T19:23:00.002-06:00

Greetings All,

The past weekend we spent in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. If you have ever seen the movie: Planes, Trains and Automobiles the landscape they cross when the train breaks down seemed to be exactly the same place we were. Distant relatives of mine invited us to share at the evening service of Illmo Baptist Church. The people there were very kind and inviting. Pray that Christ was glorified in our presentation and lives and that any foolishness or self exalting will be forgiven and forgotten by those we encountered, for His Name's Sake.

This week I finish my collegiate duties and await my Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. Thank the Lord that its practically over. I will take the final on Wednesday and from then on be free to read any book I want. It has been a long 4 1/2 year journey of ups and and a lot of downs, but He is good.

This month pray for three very distinct things if you will:

Clear Vision of His hand at work

Assurance of our Calling

Passion for that Calling

Alaina and I are thankful for the Lord's continued provision. We are so close to being at 100% supported financially, but until we are supported financially and through the prayers of God's church we will not be going anywhere.

Merry Christmas!

Loren

(the picture is of our mission home in Jackson, TN)

November News

2009-12-12T08:32:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Support
After four months of traveling, speaking and raising support, October showed the second lowest amount received this year. Talk about discouraging! From nearly 1/2 raised to only a 1/4 was a real blow. We have not stopped praying and seeking the Lord’s face and this past month we have seen Him work miracles. In the month of November, 10 new families have committed to support and pray for us regularly. Three times now we have spoken to small groups of friends and family in their homes and have found wonderful encouragement. Many have expressed assurance and encouragement of and from our calling to Ecuador. We are now at roughly 1/3 of our needed monthly support pledged. Praise God as He does His work exactly as He intends.
Recently, we finished reading the book of Acts. From the Day of Pentecost to the journey of Paul we saw how the hand of God is at work mightily in those that deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus. The truth rings clear; He is enough. Every disappointment, discouragement or loss is made up for in Christ Jesus and He will never leave us. Freedom, love, hope and grace are ours only through Him.

Health
Both of us had H1N1 and successfully passed it on to friends. Sharing is caring. We have both recovered just fine, but during our period of sickness I was asked to lead worship for Fellowship Bible Church’s youth group. I was so excited to be able to play, but my voice was almost gone. Thankfully, the students were forgiving and they decided they would have me back in the future.
Praise God that the possible cancer scare Alaina’s mother endured turned out to be nothing. She came to the US for some tests and nothing showed up. We were able to visit her in Texas while she was States side. While in Texas, I had the privilege of attending the TCU - Utah game at TCU. Yeah, horned frogs!

Celebration
Nov. 28, 2009, Kristen Cisneros and Trevor Schmidt were married in Hooper, CO. It was a huge blessing to attend and be in the wedding. Trevor and I have walked through much of our lives together and I am so glad he has found Kristen. She is a wonderful woman of God and I couldn’t be happier for both of them. While we were in Colorado we spent Thanksgiving with my grandparents and aunt and uncle’s family. Alaina has found that she fits right in with my cousins as they are all red heads and love to play Dutch Blitz. Unfortunately there just wasn’t enough time or snow to go snowboarding while we were there, but on our return across the south we experienced snow in Amarillo and again outside Ft. Worth. So beautiful, so long as you have a warm coat and a board under your feet.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. They have been felt and so deeply appreciated. Alaina and I have both known the influence of Satan when we are not covered in prayer. Some days we just seem angry for no reason at all, when we know full that the Master is in control. It seems everyday we learn a little more about trusting our God for every single need.

In Him

Loren and Alaina Holland

6233 15th Ave
Meridian, MS, 39305
601-572-5176 (AT&T - US)
Skype - gregeoryh
www.hollandfamilylife.com

If you would like to contribute to our monthly support there are a variety of ways to give. A check can be made out to International Teams. Indicate either on the check or on a separate note “for the ministry of Loren and Alaina Holland”. Exact wording is important for IRS reasons. You may give online at www.iteams.org/give where you will also find a link to setting up an Electronic Fund Transfer.
On our web site there is a link titled “GIVE” which will explain the different ways to give in more detail. If you have any questions you can contact us or International Teams at 1-874-429-0900. Thanks so much.

October Prayers

2009-10-27T11:57:00.002-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We need prayer. The last few weeks have been so strange. The Lord has blessed us with a home until Dec. 31, the day we plan to go to Ecuador, but we are really finding it hard to raise the monthly support we need. Each day Alaina and I have been praying for wisdom in how to approach our situation. So far, there is shelter over our heads, food on the table and a bed to sleep on, but we want more than to just survive. Each day we have resolved to trust him more as we just don’t know what to do next. We are $2000 away from our needed monthly support. Pray and ask the Lord what your part could be in getting us to Ecuador.
Pray for us as there are some family health issues that have come up. We aren’t sure what they mean for us in the long run, but they could affect our timeline for going to Ecuador.
Early in the summer we believed that God was leading us to set our feet in Jackson, Tennessee until we go to Ecuador. This is for two reasons: 1) to raise support, 2) we need a common place to call our home in the US. We have been very impressed with a particular church community’s passion to follow Christ, so what better way to choose a place to live than a church body? Because we are relatively new to the area (myself more than Alaina) pray that we can connect with people and find ways to serve. Fellowship Student Ministries (FSM) is the youth group at our church here in Jackson and we feel led to invest our time there. The youth leader has asked if I would be willing to lead the worship a few nights a month and I am looking forward to that.
Through dinners, lunches and get-togethers, we have made a few friends and connections so far, but pray that we can make profound relationships with those that will hold us up in thoughts, prayers and through accountability.
The Lord has granted me a passion to see people ministered to through honest conversation. Much of my mentoring came through times spent around a small table with hot beverage. The opportunity to begin a ministry like this within the Alliance Academy has come up and I am ready to pursue it. Pray for direction and clarity on what steps should be taken. Immediate needs for that ministry would be an espresso machine and miscellaneous coffee shop equipment.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please continue praying as both Alaina and I have felt Satan against us. We really feel like God has allowed us to be where we must be completely dependant on Him. For now and always we will put our faith in His future grace.

In Him
Loren and Alaina Holland

Holland Family Life

2009-09-16T11:18:00.002-05:00

HOLLAND FAMILY LIFE
September 2009

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
-Acts 9:15-16

How many of us really anticipate the cost of the calling of Jesus. When he said that if anyone would come after Him they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him. He even says that we must consider all things as lost compared to knowing and following Him. Hating family and leaving homes, and persecution on top of that; the whole thing sounds pretty intense. Jesus promises eternal life in return, but is it worth it?
Read more at www.hollandfamilylife.com
(Be sure to sign up for the RSS feed by clicking on the RSS button)

MARRIAGE

AMAZING! WONDERFUL! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

TRAVEL/TRAINING

Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and beyond! Over three months of traveling more than 8,000 miles staying in 15 different bedrooms/living room floors presenting our ministry to countless people, handing out prayer cards to every praying person we met. Now training has come. Elgin, Illinois, home of International Teams headquarters is our resting place for the next three weeks. The first week Alaina will be taking classes I took last year, then for the remaining two weeks we will be together learning from the best of IT trainers. We are both very much looking forward to being stationary for a time. In November my good friend Trevor Schmidt will be getting married to his fiancé, Kristen Cisneros in Alamosa Colorado. As best man I will need some help with games and such to ‘share’ with him and the wedding party. Any suggestions of fun wedding things to do, please let me know. We are looking forward to a wonderful time of celebration.

SUPPORT

Our support status is as follows: The God we serve is infinitely wealthy and we are His children. He will withhold no good thing from those who love Him.
We are praying for a monthly support level of:
$3,508.44.

Our monthly support level average for this year has been approximately:
$2,000.

We are just over half way to what we have budgeted. If anyone would like a copy of our budget please let me know and I would love to answer any questions that you have.

BACK TO SCHOOL

For the next three months I will be completing my degree in Business Management from Thomas Edison State College. It was God’s will that I take International Management after repeated attempts at testing out of another course. With as much time as we will be spending over seas I’m sure it will not hurt to have such a class under my belt. Pray for clarity of mind and diligence to study over the next three months.

SCRIPTURE

Over the past three months, Alaina and I have been fighting for time in the Word and deeper intimacy with Him. It has not been easy. Just this morning I was led to 1 Tim. 6:6-16. Paul is pointing out those that search after riches in this life and urging those that have made a confession of Christ as their Lord to run after eternal treasure. The fact that the book was written to Timothy, who often serves as a sort of symbol of young Christian leaders reminded me of the young people that are making confessions of faith and living their life out in front of a movie screen or Xbox. He begs us to find greater pleasure in Him; to come alive, truly alive. Ponder and act on this verse:
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
- 1 Timothy 6:12

Thank you all for your prayers and giving. Each of you is dear to us and should know that Alaina and I pray for you often. May God bless you richly as turn from worldly pleasures and find true pleasures at His right hand.

-Loren and Alaina Holland

6233 15th Ave.
Meridian, MS
39305
601-572-5176
lorenalaina@gmail.com
www.hollandfamilylife.com

GIVING

If you are interested in partnering with us in our ministry by giving click on the attachment or send us an email requesting an information packet. You can also give online by going to www.iteams.org/give or visiting our website www.hollandfamilylife.com and click the link on the home page that says GIVE. There are so many ways to give if none of these works for you. Just let us know your preferred method and we can make it happen.

Checks should be made out to International Teams. On the check indicate “for the ministry of Loren and Alaina Holland”. Send to:

International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin, IL, 60123
(tax deductible)

If you would like to send a personal gift make out check to Loren and Alaina Holland and send to:

Loren Holland
6233 15th ave.
Meridian, MS, 39305
(non-tax deductible)

Get our updates!!!

2009-09-15T17:20:00.002-05:00

If you would like to receive the Holland updates on life and how our training is going please take the following three easy steps!!

1) Go To: www.hollandfamilylife.com

2) Click on RSS subscribe

3) In the bottom right hand corner click on any of the ways you desire to be contacted about our updates! We recommend the "subscribe in mail" to get the updates coming to your email account.

If you do receive our updates, we would love to hear from you!

lorenalaina@gmail.com

In Christ, Loren and Alaina Holland

In case you hadn't heard

2009-07-23T20:04:00.002-05:00

Alright!

We have our website up and running. If you want to see more, read more, know more about Loren and Alaina Holland look us up at:

www.hollandfamilylife.com

See ya there!

-Loren

Married

2009-06-25T10:28:00.007-05:00

Marriage,

What a crazy past month!

Culture readjustment returning to the US

Wedding!

Marriage!

Honeymoon!

Support Raising!

God has been guiding us along a beautiful path these past weeks. Prepar

ed or not, it has all been in His timing. He is good and has given good gifts to us His children.

The wedding was gorgeous. The folks in Jackson did a fantastic job. As I told them, it was "more than we could have ever imagined!" Check out Alaina's facebook for more pictures.

Thanks you all for coming and making it

the most special day of our lives. Alaina and I have waited a looooong time and today I must say it was very much worth it.

The honey moon in Cancun was also more than we could have imagined. Lots of sun and a beautiful resort. He is too good to us!

We are in the process of raising support to go back to the mission field of Quito, Ecuador. If you would like to see us this summer or hear from us, send us your email: lorenholland@gmail.com or give us a call: 601-572-5176. We will be covering the greater portion of the United States in faith that God will provide along the way. Next week we will be in Texas celebrating 4th of July with Alaina's family. From there we will be on our way to Colorado for a few weeks to visit friends and family on Loren's side. Though things are pending at this point, we are hoping to visit a ministry called heartsupport.com in Las Vegas, NV after Colorado. They provide an online community where people can seek

help from addictions, eating disorders, cutting, etc. We hope build some relationships as well as ask some questions about how we can do better at providing a safe place for students to share their struggles where we are working in Ecuador. Oregon and Washington will be our next stop where Alaina's father is from and worked as a pastor for several years. Then, its back across the country to Chicago where we will be in training with International Teams mid-September.

It will be a fun summer and an eventful Fall.

Please let us know if you are anywhere near

the locations mentioned or even in between. Please pray as Alaina and I present our ministry to others and continue to do the work of missionaries even here in th

e US. Thank you all so much.

-Loren and Alaina Holland

2009-05-27T19:56:00.004-05:00

Back in the USA

My final weeks and days in Ecuador were wonderful. My entire life I have not been in one place, let alone, one country for more than 4 years at a time. A few years ago I decided that when the time comes to pick-up and move again I want to truly miss the people I am leaving behind. Yesterday I left a community of people, students, teachers, mentors, pastors, workers, Christians and non, that I will deeply miss. The Lord knows when I will return to them.

The past weekend I took advantage of my “freedom” and went for a visit to Shell. Saturday morning I rented and rode a bike from Banos (Banyos) to Shell. The ride took about 4 hours compared to when I did it in 6^th grade when it took us all day long. Despite a pretty bad sunburn and a very tired body I was very refreshed to get back to my ‘home’ town where I had spent so many years of my life. God blessed me with the time, money and place to just reflect and prepare for the upcoming life events. Two books went with me. Real Christianity by William Wilberforce and Friend Raising by Betty Bernett. I could be wrong with the second author’s exact name. Both of the books were excellent! I highly recommend the first to anyone that is battling mediocre and culturally Christianity. The second helped prepare my mind and heart for returning to the US to raise support.

The thing that has been resting deep in me these past weeks has been the weight of God. As I was flying today I wrote down this thought. We do not have the words to express the vastness or weight of God’s glory so rather than seeking a better word for His greatness, let us seek to know the glory of God. What I mean is this: when we say that God is a good God, that is a true statement. But, to describe God’s goodness compared to our goodness, there is an eternal difference. How else should we say it then? More words? God is a good, great, awesome, magnificent, magestic, glorious, wonderful, generous, lovely, beautiful, God. Even these words in our finite minds cannot ‘hold’ the weight of their truth in the context of God. How do we KNOW God to BE who or what He is? This , I cannot answer except to point us to the Son of that God, Jesus Christ. It is through him that we see the glory of God in the face of Christ.

It is true that nothing compares to knowing Christ. As Paul describes his desire in Philippians, he considers all things to be lost and rubbish compared to knowing Christ. What things are in our way of knowing Christ. I know that I constantly am fighting to see Him through the trash. Media plays such a huge role in this. Good movies or bad, if they distract from knowing Christ, it is rubbish. As a rule, if it is distracting you from knowing and following Christ, where true life is found, life that the Christian claims, get rid of it. Let us throw off every hindrance that keeps us from running the race.

Spirit of God, move in and through us, teach us the value of Christ in the face of the wor

lds business and vanities. In the light of His glory let all things be considered lost. We embrace that every loss for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God is made up in Christ Jesus. Lord, take from us the distractions, grant us focus, clarity and discipline to see you as you are and feel your weight. Then, let us respond to you in true worship. Be glorified, O God.

-Amen

Not a Bad Thing

2009-05-27T19:44:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

Two weeks from today I leave Ecuador and return to the US. Four weeks from this Saturday I will marry Alaina Bare and they say marriage will radically change my life. They probably know what they are talking about. But, if Christ had not first made a radical change in me I could not see that God has His loving hand in every moment of our lives, big and small.
Returning to the US has brought many questions to mind over the past months. Among those questions is: Lord, what would you have me do? This fleshes itself out this way:
Where will we live this summer?
When should/will we return to Ecuador?
How will You provide the food we need?

Fortunately we serve a God that is more than willing to show us His love for us. The risk is trusting Him to provide all we need. That I am confident that He will do. Another question that picks at me even more is:

How and where do we seek a home church?
How and where do we root ourselves in a community of believers that will commit to loving and supporting us as we seek to love them?

You see it is very difficult to feel commissioned and supported when there is little connection or friendship with those that are sending us. Many of you I know well and have supported me faithfully in prayer and often finances. For that I am eternally grateful. But, because I was raised in Ecuador, my “home” church is here. It is a strange dynamic to most and is something that I’m sure many mission-minded MK’s have dealt with.
This is why both Alaina and I have felt led to spend more time in the US seeking out and building that community of relationships. Currently we would like to return to Ecuador by Christmas, in time for the second semester of school. Our summer travel plans will remain the same, but we will spend a few intentional months building relationships in the community in which God has yet to show us. There are a lot of realities that come with this.
-Someone else will have to take on my responsibilities here in Ecuador until I return
-We will need a place to live while we are in the US
-We need to prayerfully consider the community that God would have us ‘root’ in.
-Details must be figured out with International Teams and Youth World alike to see if they agree on this plan.

Please continue to keep us in prayer as we begin these next few chapters. He is faithful.

-Loren Holland

Don't Waste Your Life

2009-04-17T19:49:00.004-05:00

So Sweet!

This is a hiphop video made possible through the ministry of Desiring God.

Here's what they say:

"DG's media team partnered with Reach Records to make a hip-hop video encapsulating the message of John Piper'sDon't Waste Your Life."

Wisdom

2009-04-06T20:51:00.002-05:00

A little over a week ago I was taken back to my first growth spurts in my spiritual life. Thinking back on my first journal and the entries made, there was a consistent request made. I prayed for wisdom. Often daily I wrote my prayer to God that He would make me wise, able to discern what His will was for me and really how to live the life given me.

As I continue in ministry praying for the lost and reaching out to those that have decidedly not chosen the life of Christ, I continue to seek wisdom. But to pursue wisdom in our choices there are a few essentials that must take place. What are they? and Why?

These things are first of all humility to allow God to change your mind and ultimately a willingness to change your pattern of living. From the start, we all must realize that we are dead in our transgressions and sins until Christ makes us alive in Him. The pattern often still remain though. The excitement of a new life must be coupled with surrender to change the lifestyle that you lead. This is a difficult thing to comprehend or even explain to one who has grown up in a Christian home and has developed a mediocre faith. If we cannot submit to humility and see how there is still a deadness about us in our lifestyle, can a true lasting difference be made? I am inclined to think not. Hopefully, when we are brought to Christ the One who satisfies, it is for a hope so far beyond us that we are captivated by His promises.

It seems that today we are bound to a lifestyle of entertainment pursuit. We "need" time to vegitate in front of a television screen with little thought to the content of what we are watching. Between the latest movies and the latest pills we move to "godless" remedies. There is nothing wrong with good pure entertainment especially if it feeds the soul and enriches the imagination. But, do we do a good enough job filtering what goes in? Often this message is what is preached to youth in youth groups, but all people needs to hear it.

When living in Colorado, Trevor, my roommate and I, decided not to have a television. We felt convicted by the question, "Do we know Christ well enough to be spending our time and money on TV?" Our answer consistently was and is, "No!" Occasionally we watched a movie together, but never more than once or twice a week.

There seem to be so many believers claiming Christ as their Savior, but how wise are the choices they make on a daily basis? Choices involving internet, television, prime time, friends, etc. Where is time, money and energy spent? Where is one's mind the majority of the day? The answers to these questions reveal the spiritual life of every person. If someone is in a relationship with Jesus Christ, there will be a noticeable difference in the way that they live. A love for something well beyond them will be evident. If that spiritual life is exercised the results will show. Results like not only saying "no" to ungodliness, but knowing how to recognize it.

So, lets pray for wisdom from God to not only live a better way, but to live a better way as a result of

CHRIST MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE.

Let us remain in Him, commune with Him and ask him for the wisdom to test and approve what his good pleasing and perfect will is. Let us desire to be workmen approved, who do not need to be ashamed.

-Loren

2009-04-02T09:44:00.002-05:00

Only 7 weeks until I go back to the US to get married. I've committed to waiting, but still, as we say...I can't wait!

First. Shoulder Stuff

My shoulder operation went very well, in fact I slept through the whole thing. Now, a week later I am able to type at a computer. I'm hoping to get my stitches out tomorrow. Pray that I will soon have fun range of motion with my shoulder and can get back into normal operation. Thanks to all who have prayed for healing.

Second. Coffee Shop - Subsuelo.

A few weeks ago i was approached by the director of the Alliance Academy regarding a coffee shop idea. I had mentioned to some people that I would really like to more actively pursue youth through venues such as coffee shops and perhaps even develop one through Youth World. The school would like us to create and run one right where we are. What a great opportunity to try the waters out! So I wrote up a proposal and design layout. Since the location is in the basement area of the CMA dorm I thought the spanish word for basement (subsuelo) would fit well. The feel would be like the "commons area" on a college campus.

Thus far the proposal has been well received, but there are many things that need happen if we are to open it before the next school year begins. Not only will we need coffee machines, blender, sinks, cups, napkins, lids, ice, coffee, milk, refrigerator, freezer, couches, coffee tables and miscellaneous coffee shop items, but we will need staff to help build it and staff to help run it. Then of course depending on donations, we will need the money to make it happen. If you have any coffee shop experience, if you have experienced any ministry through the availability of being able to sit and talk in a coffee shop one-on-one or with friends. Please if your heart has any desire to see this dream become a greater reality don't hesitate to let me know.

Third. Raising Support

After Alaina and I return from our honeymoon we will begin the process of traveling and speaking in churches around the US to raise awareness and support for what is happening in Ecuador and to return there by October. Please let us know if you would like us to visit YOUR church, youth group, bible study, club or even gang. We both have had hearts to return to the mission field where we were raised and continue the ministry that we were exposed to as students.

Understandably, times are more difficult in the US than they have been. Just recently a bog post appeared on Desiring God's website by David Mathis. He gives just 5 of God's purposes from Scripture for recessions out of countless purposes and they go like this:

1. To expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing.
2. To wake us up to the constant and desperate condition of the developing world where there is always and only recession of the worst kind.
3. To relocate the roots of our joy in his grace rather than in our goods—in his mercy rather than our money, in his worth rather than our wealth.
4. To advance his saving mission in the world—the spread of the gospel and the growth of his church—precisely at a time when human resources are least able to support it. This is how he guards his glory.
5. To bring his church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.

Many will find reasons and good ones why they just can't give to missions right now. Unfortunately more will try to save their cable or satellite television before they seek to save the lost. More will invest in their yard or their SUV or daily mocha or DVD collection long before they ever think to invest in world missions. Truly I think we all could do with a little less numbness of entertainment and comforts and fall more deeply in love with Christ and choosing even more to be a part of what He is doing around the world.

Thank you all once again for the support and prayers that many of you have sent. Things continue here busy as usual, but it is by the mercy of God that we have been given this ministry and therefore we do not loose heart. May God bless and keep you today and always as you remain in His love actively pursuing the One that will satisfy completely.

In Him

-Loren Holland

Future Blessings

2009-03-04T20:58:00.003-06:00

Greetings everyone,

Many of you know that matrimony is on the horizon for Alaina and me. Unfortunately we cannot send official invitations to everyone, but all are welcome. The wedding will take place in Jackson, Tennessee. If you are interested in joining in the celebration, just let us know and we can give you directions.
Once, early in our relationship, a good friend asked me, “What do you and Alaina have in common?” Her and I were both in the same Christian Service Outreach and it was obvious that God was the center of both our affections. This truth, along with her joyful spirit, attracted me most of all. Therefore, it was very clear from the start that God had called us both into full time ministry. Now, after many short-term trips and college nearly out of the way Alaina and I are applying to be full time missionaries with International Teams. This fall we hope to return to Ecuador and continue working with Youth World in the Ingles Student Ministries (ISM) Department.

What we will do:
ISM primarily works on the Alliance Academy International campus. The Alliance Academy is an English Speaking, Christian, k-12, American school. Alaina and I both graduated from this school and are excited to return and work with the students. We will identify and train potential Christian student leaders through a variety of means.
1. Chapel: Facilitating Wednesday chapel each week that is attended by the entire secondary.
2. Discipleship Groups: led by ourselves and school faculty.
3. Training: faculty that are interested in leading those Groups.
4. Guardians: A Christian Service Outreach (CSO) that trains high school students to disciple middle school students.
5. One-on-One: Staffing the chaplain’s office where we get hourly interaction with many students and often conversations.

What it will take:
It seems that many are hard pressed financially. For some even employment has been difficult to find. We understand the cost of going and doing what the Lord has called us to. There is a price that comes along with serving Him; if there was no price, then it would not be worth the risk. We will answer His call and we hope and pray that you will partner with us in answering that call. We humbly ask for…
1. Prayer: How can we go without His body praying for us as we enter into a cross-cultural, bilingual, third world? Please, pray for us as we are in the process of going. Even now, pray for the students of the school.
2. Finances: It takes money to live these days. Crazy…I know. Because we are still in the preliminary steps of being accepted as full time missionaries we do not have an exact quota we must reach though we must be fully supported before we can go. The missionaries here in Quito let me know that our projected need per month is approx. $3,000. This will include flights to and from Ecuador, travel costs within the US while raising support, set-up costs for housing and ministry in Ecuador.
3. Physical Needs: As mentioned we will be setting-up a house. A house needs things like a bed, refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven/stove, microwave, dishes, etc. Though we will be getting married and registering at various places we do not want people to give us breakable or large things such as dishes or microwaves. The majority of those things we will purchase once we are in Ecuador.

Summer Calendar
Alaina and I will be traveling this summer to visit as many of you as possible, we also hope to take on more supporters. We would like to do two things:
1. Visit you who have been faithful in prayer and support.
2. Visit churches and ministries that are doing a similar work and are alive with excitement toward the ministry that God has given them.
So, if you would like for us to come and speak to your particular body or simply to visit, let us know when and where would work best.
Dates between June 15th - Sept. 6th will be dates that Alaina and I would love to visit you. Feel free to pass our information along to anyone you like.

Taking Action Now
If you feel the Lord leading you to take part in our ministry in a financial way, this is how. Since I (Loren) am already a missionary with International Teams you can send checks or cash to:
Loren Holland
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin, IL
60123
Be sure to make the check out to International Teams and indicate that the money is “for the ministry of Loren Holland”. This process will change in May when we change over to full-time missionary status. Those of you who already give on a monthly basis will receive instructions on how to change over.

Thank you all so much for what you have already given to the Lord’s work here in Ecuador. He has and is doing great things. I have been reminded this very day that we consider the ministries we’ve been given as mercies from the Lord, not obligations. May He alone be praised for who He is and the work that He is doing.

Blessings
-Loren Holland

6233 15th ave.
Meridian, MS
39305
www.lorenholland.blogpot.com
601 572 5176

Extended Hearts

2009-01-23T16:27:00.004-06:00

When I was in High School I began a relationship with an artisan vendor named Carlos Remache who sold things across the street from the school here in Ecuador. During high school I got to know him through buying Ecuadorian gifts from him to give others. Once he asked me if I could help him with getting some back backs from some boys in his community about three hours north of Quito. At the time I was happy to help him out though I didn't even know him that well. The backpacks were for two boys whom he has been discipling for several years now. When he asked me to help the boys with the two gifts the boys were in early primary school. Now they are beginning secondary. Last semester my friend told me the boys had worn the backpacks out from years of use and were very much in need of new ones. Again I was happy to help him as I have many supporters who have freely given so that I can freely give to those in need here in Ecuador. As you have given know that two boys here in Ecuador as well as a Quichua Alliance Pastor, Carlos Remache are receiving blessings that they could never afford.

This first picture show one of the boys, Juan Carlos, on the left kneeling and Carlos Remache on the right standing over them. The bottom photo is the second boy, Luis Humberto, with one of his backpack.

Carlos Remache just finished his title in biblical studies to be an Alliance Pastor for his town. He already has missionary dreams and visions of his own to reach his people. Continue to keep him and his wife and sons in your prayers. From time to time I help them out with other expenses such as medicines, bus fares, etc. He is hoping to get into the Alliance Quichua seminary that meets at the school as soon as the Lord permits.

Thank you all for playing a part in helping out the brothers who are doing such a great work in their own country.

May the Lord Bless and keep you.

-Loren

New Home, Almost Home

2009-01-17T12:03:00.003-06:00

This next semester I am living with the Weir family. They are long friends of my family from back in our Shell days. It is so nice to have some home cooking again. Already I'm finding more energy to complete my daily tasks.

It has been only a few days since Alaina went back to the US. Having her here in country was so nice. Spending everyday together was wonderful as we tackled natural tendencies and family differences while preparing for marriage, etc. So very good! She has started her student teaching in Jackson and seems confident in what she's doing. She has already broken up at least one fight. Pay for her as she learns the ropes of teaching high school and middle school over the next 4 weeks. Afterwards she will go to Costa Rica and teach at an international school called Country Day School for 8 weeks. She will then return and have a couple of weeks before graduation May 23. Two weeks later we get married, June 6. We are both so excited to get there. Pray that we can stay focused on the work God has for us right now and be patient for His timing. In the mean time we are reading books such as, The Most Important Year in a Man's/Woman's Live, Love and Respect and This Momentary Marriage. Each are books that have been recommended to us to prepare for marriage and so far they have been great! Those along with some audio sermons by various pastors and teachers will be our curriculum for the next 4 months.

Planning a honeymoon is tough stuff when you don't have much money. If anyone has any suggestions of places I am open. Perhaps you know someone who would love to help out financially, that would be great too! We are looking at the Caribbean, but haven't found anything inside of our budget yet.

The plan for the summer is to travel across the US while visiting supporters and speaking in churches. The budget I have now as a single missionary will change as there will be two of us. Therefore, we will be praying that the Lord moves hearts to give toward His work here in Ecuador. In late September we hope to return to Ecuador and continue on. Both Alaina and I will be working in the chaplains office. I will continue as the Worship Director for Alliance and she will volunteer as needed. More than anything we will seek to know and love each other while doing the work of missionaries.

I've noticed that my primary focus must be on learning to love my wife as Christ loved the church. That is one of the greatest ways to show the glory of God wherever He calls us. Family is such a wonderful design as it represents and is God working in and through relationships. People sharpening each other through conflicts and loving each other through difficulties. I truly cannot wait until we can be TOGETHER. By the time we are married we will have been together for over 5 years. Almost 4 of which have been long distance. We love each other very much and are so glad to have waited this long. Thank you all who have played a part in our growth.

As marriage approaches, pray that planning for the upcoming school year will be one where we can focus on loving one another. We have lofty dreams of what we will do together, Lord willing. Thank you all for your prayers and support since I have been here in Ecuador. Please do not stop mentioning me and Alaina in your prayers.

-Loren

2008 is all done

2008-12-27T13:54:00.003-06:00

Two months now have gone by since my last update. Unbelievable! I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays.

Most important news first:
Engagement: On December 12, 2008 I asked Alaina Bare, my girlfriend of 4years and nearly 8months, to my wife. There is a video production coming on YouTube if I can get it to upload. The video is a documentary of the whole thing. I flew to the US and went to Jackson, TN where she is studying to surprise her as well as ask for her hand. And, praise the Lord, she said, “YES, I’d love to (be your wife)!” More details on our engagement in future posts. We are planning right now to have the wedding June 6, 2009 in Jackson, TN at her church. Many are welcome and save the dates and invitations will happen soon. I hope.
Pray for effective and informative premarital counseling for Alaina and me here in Ecuador as we meet with different couples to discuss and learn about different topics. Adam and Sara DeVries have agreed to walk us through this process. Thanks.

Ministry:
Chaplaincy: The semester ended well with much anticipation for the vacation. I know that Adam and I were ready for the vacation time. While projects were being completed and last minute tasks accomplished, I feared people lost sight of Christ’s coming. When things are crazy it is so easy to just “do stuff”.
As the worship leader for the school I have been exploring ways to be the best leader I can, while better leading students and faculty in worshiping and encountering their Creator. One of the Bible teachers here, Dave Saavedra, has agreed to mentor me through this process. In fact next fall I may be teaching a class on Worship – history, philosophy, controversy as well as personal and corporate worship leadership. This will be a huge step for me as I would be given a temporary teaching licenses to teach something I will self educate myself in. Therefore, this coming semester will consist of educating myself as well as taking practical musical classes in voice, and guitar. There is the potential of added costs for better material with which to improve my ministry here. More on that in the upcoming months.

Jungle Trip: Just this past week I went with the Bare family on a ministry adventure to the Shuar people. The tribes we visited were almost on the southern Ecuador/Peru border. Fortunately we were able to fly from Quito to Loja on a commercial plane, but then had a full day of driving mostly on very bumpy dirt roads. After our second day of travel we stayed in some cabins on the Nagariza River just over the ridge from Northern Peru. The following day we traveled by canoe up and down the river sharing the Christmas story and giving candy bags to the children of the villages. It was a wonderful trip! The only down side was leaving my basketball shorts behind by accident. Check out Facebook for pictures!

Life:
Friends: This month of December my best friend and long time ministry partner Trevor Schmidt has come to live here in Quito for at least three months. I am thrilled that we will be working together again. Pray for him as he will be beginning some masters courses from Liberty while assisting me with the Youth Group and Chaplain’s Office.

Needs:
Personnel: Please pray for the upcoming semester and future as we are desperately in need of quality help. If you feel called to be an intern or even full time missionary, let me know and I would love to help you through that process. Pray for Dave Gardeen, who is coming to be the full-time Youth Pastor at EFC as he raises support. Also for Ashley Ruffner who is having trouble raising support to come and be a full-time chaplain at the Alliance Academy.

Personal: Please keep me in prayer as I explore the topic and depth of Worship. Pray for Alaina and me as we learn about being married and how to prepare for that. The coming summer we will be traveling around the US speaking and raising support to go full-time with International Teams. Next Fall we hope to return to Ecuador and continue working as chaplains/teachers here.

Thank you all for your support and prayers. They are invaluable to the work and the quality of work here in Ecuador. Everyone is feeling to economic strain. The whole world seems to be tied to the economy of the US and even here in Ecuador things have gotten tighter. God rules still! I know what He has called me to, do you? Does your “God” change when circumstances do? Are you comfortable, may be too comfortable to witness His greatness through difficult times when your only choice is to trust Him? I hope so.

He has come!
Merry Christmas

-Loren Holland

Risk is Right

2008-10-26T20:06:00.003-05:00

Over the past week since I sent out my update letter, two responses have come in. There are those who sent a word of encouragement. They are praying and continuing to give in faith that God will provide them the means to take care of their families as well as take part in furthering God's global kingdom. For them my heart give thanks. They are choosing to actively have a hand in the work of God. They are willing to be tools in the hand of the master craftsman.

The second response once more discouraging. Their concerns were of safety and provision. Times are difficult world wide financially. Countries from the 1st to the 3rd world are being effected. Times are tough and will likely be tough for a while. Also, it is not safe to be here in Ecuador. Over the past two months I've been here there have been multiple robberies, muggings and murders on the very streets I walk each day. The community here is not safe. It does not help to not carry money because it just makes the ladrones (thieves) more angry.

There is a man in my building that has lost may basic motor skills because he was shot in the head by a man trying to mug him. The guy had five dollars on him, and was shot on the street in front of a popular shopping mall down the street from the school.

Not only am I and the missionaries here in danger from muggings, but also from unclean water and unclean foods. God has spared me from stomach diseases thus far so I can do the work He has called me to. Terrible traffic and dangerous drivers flood the streets. We are fortunate to be more welcome in this country than despised as white people, discrimination still happens.

Still I live on ready and willing to preach the gospel as God has called me to. There is still so much to do here. Everyday has held a ripe opportunity to be Christ and share Christ to someone. Galo, the guard here at my apartment building is a testimony to this. The students of the Alliance Academy and their initiative to worship God and pursue Him on their own is a testimony to the work of God here. He has put me here for His purpose. Those around me are carrying on their hearts the testimony that I bear. It is being written each day as I show Christ love. Many times I fail, but those times also bear witness to how God works bad things out for His good. He will show me how much I must suffer for His Name that my life and my death will be a testimony to the greatness of God. I will gladly give both my life and death that I would know Christ, for all other things have become rubbish to me. Oh that I might gain Christ and be found in His love. And I also pray that you will be of the same heart and mind, having the same desire.

Finally, it has been suggested that I ask for no more money and soon discontinue the work here and then return "home". To this I say, "My home is in Him, where else can I go?" My King is King over all and I can find no place where He does not rule. Over money, government, man, body and soul, He rules. What should I fear but His might hand? Who should I fear but Him who made every man? No it is not in safety that we see God clearly, but in risk and in suffering and sacrifice do we show Him as more precious in our lives, treasured far above money, comfort and earthly security.

Now may we each risk much that we would find find much. He is proved more satisfying when we risk much to see Him. Please continue to pray for the work here and around the globe as He is God and is in love with the people of this earth. Too many people are lost and still don't know that they are loved by their Creator. So continue in faith that He will be your provider and he will see His kingdom come. Freely you all have received your life and the gifts of God, now freely give life to others. I pray for you as you encounter your own mission field each day. May God have His glory and His praise from our lips and the lips of all people.

-Loren

Student Worship and the Gift of Tongues

2008-10-26T09:08:00.004-05:00

The past couple weeks have been an open view to the hand of God. Some really incredible things have happened. Most recently the students of the Alliance Academy have chosen to take a huge step forward in their faith. This past Wednesday's chapel concluded in prayer at 10:10am after a 40min. chapel. They were encouraged to spend some time praying for each other. So they did, for the rest of the day. Not all, but at least 30-40 kids moved in and out of the chapel for the rest of the day praying and encouraging one another while singing worship songs and truly desiring to encounter God. It threw the whole morning off for many teachers, but none the less was received well.

Out of a desire to continue worshiping and encouraging one another through prayer, the students (not the chaplains or any other staff) decided to have a worship night this past Friday night. They asked me to be there to play songs and give what guidance I could, but they entirely took the task on themselves out of a desire to worship Him. What a blessing it was to see students pray and edify one another in love and desire for God. That does not happen often as many of you know. Please continue praying for these students as they are stepping up as leaders in their school and this world. They need your prayers and encouragement as they fight to make eternal choices every day. Thank you.

As I mentioned in my earlier note, the guard of my apartment building has chosen to follow Christ. Because I am the only truly solid believer around him I am charged with the task of discipling him. This is where I've been praying for the gift of tongues. I thank God that I know Spanish language as well as I do, but in describing the things of the heart and the things of God, I find myself struggling often. Pray that I can communicate the gospel of Christ and the Christian walk well, not only in speech but in actions and attitude as well. He is so thirsty for God's Word and eating up anything I can give Him. Thank you for your prayers and support to make this ministry happen. You are seizing the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing and for that you will be richly blessed. Our God desires that none should perish and that all would come to a knowledge of Him. We know that not all will, but know that we are chosen according to His purpose.

Thank you all for your prayers. Continue in Him rooted and build up.

-Loren

October Update

2008-10-23T17:52:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for bearing with me as you wait in eager anticipation of my next newsletter. Here are a few of the things I am involved with.

Spiritual Emphasis Week –
For a solid week chapels are held each day where the students (high school through middle school) here and message and take part in worship music. This semester’s theme was Unlearn: making room for the path of Jesus. The goal was to shatter some preconceived ideas about our walk with God. For example few understand that we can encounter God anywhere. Not just at church or bible study, but anywhere.
The response from the students was amazing. Many were moved to follow God more seriously. A few chose to follow Christ in a way that they had never experienced before. Praise God for a school like the Alliance Academy where the church can grow and move and prepare leaders for this world so desperately in need of Him.

The Chaplain’s Office –
The day to day in the Chaplain’s Office is filled with small administrative ministry tasks, but often riddled with wonderful conversations with students and teachers about a huge scope of spiritual issues. Often I feel unprepared and unworthy to even engage, but my God works in and through me. Pray for the ministry that happens here. Already I’ve watched students change their actions, words and attitudes after encountering God through a conversation or a worship service. He moves in ways that we cannot comprehend yet are sometimes privileged to witness.

Youth Group –
For the next three months I am filling the position of youth pastor at English Fellowship Church. This has been a burden of responsibility more than a joy given all of my other primary tasks, but still a blessing. A full time youth pastor will arrive in January and take over, but until that time I have been charged with the task of “keeping it alive”. Youth mean more to me than just being alive, but unfortunately I don’t have the time to help it thrive. Thanks to God who provides all we need, I do have a few well needed and well equipped volunteers. Our theme at the moment is of “Denying ourselves, Taking up our cross, and Following Him”. This is truly an opportunity for some well informed Christian kids to become mature and bold believers. Pray for them as they become involved in the youth group and encounter God in new ways.

Worship Teams –
At the Alliance Academy my official title is Director of Worship. This means I lead and develop six teams of students that lead worship for chapels, Guardians and Youth Group. So far God has brought me almost thirty students who desire to know more about worship and learn more about how to do that. Pray that I can be a conduit of true, spiritual worship. There is a true potential for some radical transformation in the hearts and minds of the student body through ardent and genuine worship of our King.
Guardians –
Guardians is a Christian Service Outreach that targets middle school students. A group of 12 high school students whom Adam and I have identified as potential leaders and who are solid in their faith and belief in Christ partake in running a youth group like ministry for middle school students. The group we have this year is incredible. I have been blown away by their maturity and capability. They are willing and active in sharing their faith and trying new things. Pray that they would grow more than we could ask or imagine.

Day to Day Ministry –Last Thursday while having a general conversation with the man who guards my apartment building, we began to talk about religions. He was unchurched and has not heard the gospel. After him asking me a few questions about what I do and why I’m in Ecuador he paused. I realized he was debating whether to ask this question or not and decided it would be ok. He asked “Loren, how do I become a Christian? How do I do that?” and I was more than willing to share the gospel of our Savior with Him. Please pray that I can find an Ecuadorian pastor and church to connect Him to. He really knows nothing about God or Christianity, please pray that God would give me the wisdom and words to speak to him and may he be first of many to accept His Word and lead others to Christ.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. They are truly priceless. May God continue to bless you each as you seek Him and use your worldly treasure to make others glad in Christ. What else should we use it for if not to bring others to Him? I pray that God would open the eyes of every believer to the great needs of this world and that we would gladly give all we have if it would further the cause of Christ.
There are several needs that have arisen over the past two months.
1) I have two small groups of guys that I meet with regularly for lunches and discipleship. You have a heart to give toward this ministry please do as my budget is not covering this cost of taking boys to lunch. This is where the majority of lives are impacted and changed, when they know that I care enough to talk with them and challenge them over a meal.
2) As the Director of Worship I need a guitar. The office owns one that is in poor shape. It is shared with other departments and therefore often not available or not in the place I need it when I need it. The guitar would need to be an acoustic electric guitar able to be plugged in. If you know of a guitar available to be given to the ministry let me know. If you are willing to give towards us buying a guitar here in country that is also doable. Thank you.
3) As some of you know. My shoulder was injured at the beginning of the summer and has increasingly become more painful to lift or carry things with that arm. What is needed is an MRI. This runs around $350, this is not enough for my insurance company to cover as I have a $1000 deductible which would cover surgery. If you can help me with this expense it would be greatly appreciated as I would be able to better participate in ministry if this could be fixed. This expense would be personal, so checks would have to be made out to Loren Holland and sent to my state side address (at bottom). Thank you again.4) Alaina and I are preparing for marriage and are going to begin the book Love and Respect. Please pray for us as we do so and are guided by God and couples who have agreed to walk us through this material.

Thank you all once again.
Loren Holland

6233 15th ave.
Meridian, MS
39305

View of Cotopaxi Volcano from my apartment roof

The First Month

2008-09-22T21:44:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone,

The first month of Ecuador has been phenomenal. I've had a great time so far adjusting to living in this third world country. Even though I grew up here there is a lot that was taken care of for me and now I'm having to figure it out for myself. I guess that's what happens when you become an adult. Spanish is coming back to me little by little, but I had not realized how much I had lost. Communication with the people is usually pretty easy though.

This past week was Spiritual Emphasis Week at the Alliance Academy. This is put on by the Chaplain's Office staff (Adam DeVries and Loren Holland). Dan Gilder from Ohio was our speaker and did an amazing job. Michio Ozaki led our worship time each day and also did an incredible job. Michio is actually an Alliance Academy alumni from years past and has an amazing gift for music and worship. We were very blessed to have him this Spiritual Emphasis. The student response has been good, but we were praying for better. Part of the vision for this semester's Spiritual Emphasis was to give the students ways to encounter God other than through the chapel service each day. To do this we created encounter spaces where they could meet with God in different ways. I will attempt to attach a video I made that shows kids how and where they could do so.

Please continue to pray for the students as the population is in a balance between not caring at all about God and those who are very arrogant and think they know all there is about Christianity. God is at work, thank you for your prayers and concern as the chaplains and counseling team tackle some difficult challenges in reaching the kids.

This week I am interviewing students who want to be on the school worship teams. This is a hard thing to do as I have never done it before. I served on the worship teams when I was at Alliance and have some concept of how they work, but need prayer for wisdom.

This past Sunday was the first youth group meeting for the senior high at English Fellowship Church. I have been delegated the responsibility and the privilege to head this ministry up. Again I was in the youth group as a high schooler and now am in charge of it for the next 5 months until a full time youth pastor arrives. Pray that I can develop good one on one relationships with the kids. Nearly 30 came on Sunday night which was much more than I expected. As a sort of interim youth pastor pray that I can prepare the way for Dave Gardeen the to-be youth pastor while having a positive godly impact on the youth.

I share an apartment with three guys who are here doing a study abroad program through Youth World and their school in California, Eternity Bible College. They are great guys and we have done well together thus far. They are helping me out at the youth group as well as involving themselves in various ministries around Quito that Youth World is involved in.

There is a youth pastor that works across the street from the Alliance selling artisan things. In the past I have helped some of his youth to get school supplies. Recently he has asked if I could supply a pair of backpacks for their schooling. And I said "of course". So if any of you would like to give toward helping some of his youth out you are welcome to give through IT or directly to me. The information for that is at the right of the blog.

Forgive me as I do not have any pictures up. Some how I managed to leave all of my rechargeable batteries in the US and have no battery for my camera, but I will get them up soon. Thank you for your patience. And thank you all who have given to allow me to be here. May God bless you in immeasurable ways.

In Him

Loren

Ecuador at Last

2008-08-28T21:01:00.006-05:00

Greetings All,

Getting to Ecuador was a challenge to say the least. With horrible weather in Houston, it took an extra 24 hours to get there. The Ozaki family hosted me as well as got me to the Consulate the day of my departure to acquire my visa. God worked it out perfectly!

Only an hour in the consulate with no problems whatsoever. He is incredible!

I arrived in Ecuador last Friday night around midnight as was greeted by some of my very dear friends. It gave me such a warm feeling...you know

what I mean? This past week has b

een spent preparing for school to begin and getting the year

mapped out for ministry. The chaplain's office was rearranged by Alaina and I and I think it looks pretty good. What do you think?

I am thrilled to be here. Many of my friends, teachers, mentors keep asking me if it's weird to be back here. In some ways it is, but like I told Alaina, "Could you see me doing anything else?" Truly, this is what I have wanted to do for so long that I just thank God for allowing me to serve Him in this way. Though He is not served by human hands as though He needed anything, I thank Him still. Often it is where we least desire to go that He serves us best. Already I have been stretched to place greater faith in Him as this morning I was put in charge of leading the faculty worship band for the first day of school assembly.

Those who pray for me, thank you, it was awesome! The group worked very well together and sounded amazing. Piano, Bass, Percussion, 2 guitars, and 3 voices. God blessed me by having it go so smoothly.

Soon I will be putting together student worship teams for chapels. There will be an application process involving spiritual and musical placement. Pray that I would heed His directing and have the wisdom to approach each applicant with discernment and most of all love. He loves these students so much and already I know many that are unaware of this. Pray that I and the chaplain team will communicate the Lord's love for them in ways that we cannot fathom. We are His.

Presently there are only two of us in the office. Four total within a few months. Pray that the team will grow together in purpose and common love for the students resulting in humility and effective ministry. Pray that I can be a blessing to Adam the overseer of the Chaplain's Office and as well to the Weatherbys, the new Directors of Student Ministries at Alliance Academy. I hope to be as helpful as I can, while encouraging them and making their jobs easier.

This evening Alaina returns to the US to begin her senior year. It was not an easy parting, but He is sufficient. We have not left everything that He does not want to satisfy us a hundred fold with Him. In other words His grace is enough. She will return here for Christmas, for which we are both thankful. Pray that we will keep our eyes and hearts on Him as He teaches us what lessons He has.

I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? It comes from you Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

Fear

2008-08-16T20:28:00.003-05:00

As I go, preparing for the mission field, so many emotions and thoughts have run through my mind. One of those emotions is one I did not expect. FEAR. Having grown up on the mission field, the last thing I felt was fear of doing what God had called me to do. Whether it was street ministry or youth groups or worship teams, I experienced nervousness, and sweaty palms, but not fear like I have felt lately.

Fears:
  - Not adequately fulfilling the role of chaplain to the students of the Alliance Academy
  - Afraid I lack the necessary skills to serve Him
  - Failing in...integrity, discretion, wisdom, example, leadership, servanthood, honesty and capability.
  - Disappointing supporters, sending mission, partner missionaries.

From the time God called me I have known what I would do with my life. Every large decision in my life (college, finances) has been made with that holy ambition in mind. As John Piper puts it...a holy ambition is something that you really, really, really want to do and God also wants you to do. My holy ambition is to see godly leaders raised up for this generation impacting the world with the message of the gospel. I have a passion for the lives of young people and I desire to see them choose what is good, right and true. In this world it seems all but impossible to find someone whole-heartedly committed to faith, purity, uplifting speech and deep honest love. They can be found though and I hope to see the young people I connect with become just that by the power of God.

With YOUR prayers and support it CAN and WILL happen. Right now I NEED YOUR PRAYER. Never underestimate it. Our God moves mountains and splits seas when we have the courage to trust Him and step out in faith. Lets walk together in this faith and discover those immeasurably great and wonderful things that God does beyond all we can ask or imagine.

“Surely what Christ means is that he himself makes up for every loss. If you give up a mother's nearby affection and concern, you get back one hundred times the affection and concern from the ever-present Christ. If you give up the warm comradeship of a brother, you get back one hundred times the warmth and camaraderie from Christ. If you give up the sense of at-homeness you had in your house, you get back one hundred times the comfort and security of knowing that your Lord owns every house and land and stream and tree on earth. Isn't what Jesus is saying to prospective missionaries just this: I promise to work for you and be for you so much that you will not be able to speak of having sacrificed anything. That's the way Hudson Taylor took it, because at the end of his 50 years of missionary labor in China he said, ‘I never made a sacrifice.’”

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

Ecuador on the Horizon

2008-08-14T17:34:00.002-05:00

Greetings, friends and family,

What an intense moment in my life! Less than two weeks from now I will enter the mission field as an intern for Youth World. Between now and then I will take two tests, get my visa in Houston while visiting past dorm parents Bob and Carol Snell, speak for a local church and finish packing and preparation for leaving. Thank you all for your continued prayer and support over these past months of preparation. They have tested and tried me in many different ways. I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him whole heartedly. These next weeks will be the most stressful as I transfer to another country and adjust to a new schedule and living arrangement. Pray that I would continue to be diligent in seeking His Kingdom first each day as I am reminded of the calling I’ve received. Pray also that He will continue to provide financially as extra costs have added up.
Extra Costs:
-Change in tickets schedule to Ecuador ($262)
-Miscellaneous Ministry expenses: Sponges, Resource Books (Worship Songs, Discipleship books)
-Dress Code - Khaki pants, collar shirts, and NO Sandals. When I was at Alliance as a student, the chaplains did not have a dress code requirement, but as faculty and staff, they now must “dress-up”. Therefore, I may be picking up some proper attire once I’m in Ecuador.

Current Costs:
-Support is still needed. If you would like to give. Do not hesitate to jump on board with what God is doing in and through the chaplain’s office ministry.

The past week was spent in Fort Worth, Texas with Alaina and her family. It was a great time despite being bed ridden for 3 days with a severe cold. Alaina and I were able to visit Dallas Theological Seminary and have a tour along with a free lunch. The school looks like a great place and could perhaps be in our future plans someday.

Please continue in prayer for me as God prepares me to go to Ecuador. Pray that He would grant me the strength and wisdom to remain above reproach in my leadership and example to the students and faculty of the Alliance Academy. And that I would find the humility to work with my partners in ministry as they are my brothers and sisters there to reach people for the Kingdom.

Thank you all for your prayer and support. From the bottom of my heart I am so grateful to be able to step directly from college to full-time ministry. God has truly blessed me through you. Without those that have given towards this passion and those who have grabbed ahold of this passion for the nations to speak the praises of God, I would feel much more alone in this work.

Thank you.

-Loren

6233 15th ave.
Meridian, MS
39305

Mundo Juvenil
Casilla 17-17-691
Quito, Ecuador

July Update

2008-07-29T10:08:00.004-05:00

Greetings,

July is finishing and so much has happened. Just this last weekend I finished three courses. What a headache they were, but a relief to have them done and out of the way. It seems my legs have been chained to my desk. Pray that I can finish strong with three more exams to go and then I am finished.

Today was one of those days where you go a lot of places and do a lot of waiting in lines and you really don’t seem to get a lot done, but you have to keep going. The stress level was high as I worked on needed paperwork to leave the country. The unknown looms around every corner surprising me with the unexpected tasks. Fortunately Alaina has been here to go through it all with me. I’m thankful that God has allowed us to spend so much time together before I leave the country. He is faithful and takes care of our needs according to His riches in glory. So often I fight Him on what is best for me because I’m confused or experience discomfort, but He is the Father and I am the child. I pray to be reminded that He does what is best for His children because He loves us.

Raising support has been going well. The 21^st of July I spoke at North Park Church here in Meridian, MS. I’ve been attending the church since I got here last August and they have enthusiastically agreed to be my sending church or “home church” for which I am very grateful. Soon I will try to have a clip from the sermon I preached on the blog. The church had what is called a Faith Promise Sunday where each person is presented with the opportunity to make a promise to give toward missions. Those who make that promise believe by faith that God will provide that amount each month so that they can give. It is a wonderful exercise in faith and comes with many good stories of how God has provided for people over the years who have committed in faith to give toward missions. This may be something you each consider as you partner with myself and others who are answering the call to missions.

I am very grateful for those who have given over the past three months. It is a very short time to raise any kind of support. Thank you so much to those who have given thus far.

Prayer:

-I have begun the Visa process a little late and need things to go quickly and smoothly over the next month or so. Pray that this will happen so that I can be in country with a mission visa and not just a tourist visa. Otherwise I will have to leave and reenter the country every 30 days. That’s expensive.

-Schooling finishing up…tests and courses will be passed and finished well.

-I’m doing a leadership seminar for a local youth group. Pray that the group will work well together and I will be able to teach concepts clearly as this is my first time doing something like this

Need:

-I am in need of a new computer. The one I have seems to be failing. I cannot use ministry money for this as it is a personal expense ($1000). Having a computer in Ecuador will be a must for communicating and day-to-day tasks such as e-mail, internet, etc. If you would like to contribute toward this send your gift to:

Loren Holland

6233 15^th ave.

Meridian, MS

39305

Thank you so much and may God Bless you as you seek Him.

-Loren Holland

Nashville

2008-07-07T17:43:00.006-05:00

Our weekend in Nashville was great! Alaina and I spent a few days with Neil and Laura Gowan and their little baby Sally Jane. Have any of you ever been to the Cheesecake Factory? I highly recommend it if you have the money. Alaina and I are enjoying our cookie dough cheesecake with Neil, Laura and Sally in Cool Springs (I think that's the town) just south of Nashville. Neil and Laura were both friends from Ecuador

What a cute baby!

We had a packed weekend as the premier of Veggie Tales' new vegetable adventure The Big River Rescue was shown in Franklin that Friday. And none other than THE voice of Larry the Cucumber was present.

It's always great to share with old friends. Especially with those who have had a similar experience living in Ecuador. We even shared a meal of Ecuadorian ceviche one evening.

As I look over the pile of schoolwork that still lies ahead of me I am reminded that nothing happens with out the power of God at hand. Please pray that I will have the discipline needed to accomplish what has been apportioned to me. Most of all I'm learning to surrender it all as I can do nothing to change my future.
Support raising is going well. Over $3,000 were raised just in the month of June. That puts me just over the half-way mark. YES! God is good. He will get me where He wants me to be in His timing. Continue to pray for support to come in and perhaps even you may decide to give.

In Him,
Loren Holland

Tennessee Boys and Girls

2008-06-24T18:43:00.005-05:00

Right now I'm enjoying a wonderful breakfast at Perkins in Jackson, TN. Alaina is wrestling an intense summer course that has occupied most of our time. We have been moving from one study spot to another around Jackson. It's difficult as most places don't really cater to studious people during the summer, especially the college! All weekend the library was open for weird hours and sometimes had power and sometimes had internet. Go Figure.

Alaina's acquaintances have provided great lodging. I'm staying with a youth pastor and his family. Wonderful folk!

Alaina and i took care of their kids for an evening.

All this studying has made me pretty tired, but Alaina and i have had a great time so far.

I've been reminded this week that faith is being assured that God will be all He promises to be. At times I realize just how small my faith is when I seek to satisfy my desires with anything less than God. May God grant us more faith in Him, to believe that he will satisfy us with all His riches in glory. And that doesn't just mean money. It means all he is in every situation is enough for us. Thank God.

In Him
Loren Holland

Check back soon for details of our weekend in Nashville and "Spider Man with a BEARD???

John Piper Video

2008-06-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

Here is a video from John Piper's ministry, Desiring God. He talks about the "gospel" that is being exported from America. Great video!

If the embedding doesn't work here is the URL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukcV-xtU3hc

Hope it works

-Loren

What's Up with June?

2008-06-16T09:55:00.001-05:00

June 14, 2008

Dear Friends,

A little less than two months from now I hope to begin my trip to Ecuador. When I tell people, their first reaction is, “That’s not very long from now!” The only reason they say this is because they haven’t seen the pile of assignment and books are on my desk at home. Not to mention the amount of support that I still need to raise (about $7,000). With those things calculated in my finite mind Ecuador seems so very distant. Thanks be to God who has all things under His control. He has set the times and dates for us and we don’t have to worry about a thing. So, I continue on with my studies and take what opportunities come my way to talk about what I’ll be doing in Ecuador.

Two weeks ago I attended training at International Teams in Elgin, IL, just outside of Chicago. It was GREAT! Getting to know some of the IT staff and other missionaries that will be going all over the world and working with a myriad of ministries was a huge blessing. We learned about working with/as a team, how to handle conflict, communicating in different cultures and of course the ins and outs of IT. After the week was over I felt even more assured of my calling than ever before.

After talking with Adam Devries in Ecuador about what the up coming year looks like I am even more excited. It looks like I will be working with a few groups of students on leading worship for the Wednesday morning chapel services. I have been involved in worship groups for many years, but have little experience leading, so it will be a stretch for me.

On Sunday and Wednesday nights I am still helping out with a local youth group. The regular youth pastor has left the group to two of us who aspire to be youth leaders ourselves. My counterpart just completed his first year of school and really has a heart to work with student. He grew up in the same church so already has an established relationship with many of the kids which helps a lot. Before I leave I am trying to get in a student leadership training seminar. Student leaders who know something about leadership is desperately lacking in the youth group.

Please pray for:

-Raising the money needed to go to Ecuador

-Finishing my studies well

-God preparing the students for next school year at the Alliance Academy

-The students I work with now as they truly lack a passionate well guided walk with Him

-My shoulder began ailing me a month or more ago from an old flag football injury and because of it I can no longer lift weights (a hobby I had been pursuing over the past year). The doctor said it is fixable which is good, but I’ve decided to wait on that.

Thank you all for your care and support. I truly appreciate it. Recently I was reading a John Piper Book that said, “All God really wants from us is our thirst”. I believe this is very true as we cannot server Him as though he needed our service to accomplish anything. Rather He just wants our thirst for the living water He is. May you drink deep of Him.

Loren Holland

The Beginning

2008-04-29T18:22:00.000-05:00

Alright, my own blogspot thing...
...I hope to keep everyone informed as best I can over the next year.
thanks for reading...

-Loren