Wrapping up the Year

Hello dear friends and family,

Here is a quick update on what life has looked like for us these last few months, we are excited to head back to the states to celebrate Christmas in just a few days!

With each GAP year comes different types of challenges and triumphs. We love seeing God's hand at work through the program, and are privileged to be a part of His work! Throughout this first semester, God has been growing and changing hearts in big ways. There are 20 students in the program this year, many of them with open hearts for learning, growing and serving. We are always amazed to see how God grabs a hold of people within the first couple of weeks and and how he uses class and ministry to draw them to himself. During this first semester, 5 students realized their need for a savior and a relationship with Christ! It has been so encouraging to see these new believers grow in their relationship with Christ, and to see other students rally together to challenge and strengthen each other every day. Where God is at work, and growth is happening, there will always be opposition from the enemy. There have been some tough days as we work through heart and life issues with people. Our position allows us to be able to meet up with these students and help them through their struggles that they may be facing.

6 people were baptized over Thanksgiving vacation! Brandon baptized one guy student, and

Samantha baptized 2 girls at the beach. It was an amazing experience to be a part of, and we were overjoyed to see so many students take this step in their faith.

At the beginning of September, Samantha started struggling with some major health issues. It was about a month before we received the diagnosis of Lupus and were able to start treatment. Since being on medicine, we are so thankful to say that she has almost complete relief from her symptoms! There are some days that are harder than others as far as exhaustion and pain goes,

but we definitely feel the effects of all the prayers and love we have received. She was without a voice for a month and a half, we are happy to have her talking again! We are learning to trust in God's plan and timing for all things, and are so thankful for the doctors' wisdom, and all the prayers and support we received during this time.

We are thankful for the opportunity we have to spend time with Jafet and Rachel as they figure out married life. They are working and finishing schooling, and we love to see them thriving together and in their Christian walk. Pray as we continue to work with them and see what the Lord does in all of our lives.

We will be in the Lancaster area from December 15th-January 2nd. We are looking forward to the opportunity to meet up with friends and family as well as share what the Lord is up to. We will be sharing a quick update at Keystone Church on December 16th and at Calvary Monument on December 30th.

Thanks again to our family of supporters, we love being able to serve and love on people here in Costa Rica. We would not be able to be here without support and prayer of others, we appreciate you all so much! To learn more about our ministry or if you are interested in joining our team of supporters you can click here.

Blessings, and Merry Christmas!
The Hoovers