OYK September 2016

Dear warriors on your knees,

We are thrilled to be back home in Malaga. Ruben boosted engines to take these many classes last year at Pasadena and has seven classes to go to finish the Masters in Theology. This Fall he'll be taking Practice of Mission and Old testament.

Introduction a la Teología

Practices of Vocational Formation

Introduction to New Testament

Theology and Film

Interpretative Practices

Sexuality and Ethics

El Evangelio Según Mateo

Iglesias Misionales y Liderazgo

The Church's Understanding of the Church, Humanity and Life in it's Historical Development

Teología y Literatura Latinoamericana

Theology of Sport and Fitness

Prácticas de la Adoración

The Theology of C. S. Lewis

Reader's Course on Culture and Theology

Ruben is trying to be wise on reengaging with balance into his role supervising West Europe AIA since he'll have to do so combined with part time on distance Fuller studies until next late Spring but he is already communicating, planning and doing some traveling on the different commitments with AIA regional and global, ECSU, etc. The Global Congress on Sport and Christianity was a great initiative. Academics, theologians and practitioners met together and was a fruitful and inspiring and well profited time. Looking forward to be part of what develops in this area.

As much as Ruben missed the action of serving in Rio we believe it was a right decision to stay focused in advancing studies and help the family with transition to Malaga. Nevertheless both for Olympics and Paralympics we had tremendous opportunities to serve athletes, coaches, officials and engage with numerous global strategies using media, mainly with struggleandtriumph.com. Through a teammate in the Village we found about Maria Bernabeu, world class Judo fighter who's from Spain and our AIA Spain team has started to work with her. Tim, Tiidrek and a few other friends, disciples and teammates like Ellen, from AIA NL have competed and honoured Christ well.

Lidia and the kiddos are now trying to find their rhythm with school, english classes, sport, family, church. They love it here, but we all miss people, Pasadena Covenant Church, Jefferson school, Providence Mission Homes and all the friends and adventures we had there last year. Lidia has had great opportunities to reconnect with basketball teammates and freinds and most provably will play the 35+ Federated League again next season.

Ruben will travel to Vienna, Austria to meet with the Facilitation & Strategy Teams of the European Christian Sports Union October 12-15. Thanks for your prayers as over 30 european leaders plan, pray and lay the next 3 years ahead for working together on sport mission in Europe.

Thanks so much for your faithful support, prayers and friendship. Keep knocking on heaven's doors for many European sportspeople to become faithful and multiplying Christ followers,

Ruben, Lidia, Samuel, Josue. Lucia and David Azarías

On your knees September 2016

Passing the equator here at Pasadena, Los Angeles

Dear friend and mission teammate,

Second quarter reaches its count down here at Fuller. It's been very intense and blessed for us since last August here at Pasadena, Los Angeles. 

Fuller has over 4,000 students from numerous ethnic groups and nationalities, although predominantly North-American, Asian and Latino ones. We feel thankful and privilege to study in this interdenominational, open and biblically and academically sound school. Very thankful as well to each and everyone of you helping make all this learning and equipping possible so we can serve better the Lord and his kingdom purposes. If you are interested on hearing more details on what am I studying, writing, please don't hesitate to ask.

As you know we are only devoting a full school year to in campus studies. In difference to most of my classmates whom are here to stay longer and take 1 or 2 classes per quarter (lucky friends! ;-), I am taking 4 classes per quarter. This translates as 600 pages of weekly academic, thick readings and almost daily writing of papers (from 120 to 3,000 words, with high academic demand). Except for a 16 credits, the remaining 64 credits are classes I'm taking in English, mostly Theology units. Barely above water, but  joyful and thankful. 

Lidia is well. You know the silent tuff warrior in her. Sacrificing more than usual (the support of family and friends back home) guarding the fort in a cross cultural experience with four little "hearthquakes". The kiddos are well. Lucia, Josue and Samuel fully integrated in a public school and with friends at neighborhood and church. Lucia will be speaking and reading in English before she does Spanish. Even Azarías uses words in English, specially if there's a cookie around. They will return to Spain June 22, and I will stay to complete a couple summer intensive classes. July 15, God willing, and if we gather enough funds I will have completed 50 of the 80 credits of the Master of Theology. Our hope and purpose is to take one class per quarter from Fall 2016 combined with returning back to battle field with AIA West Europe so I can complete it in the next 2 years.

Thanks so much for your trust, engagement, prayers and generous and faithful care. Every day we are more assured this venture is a great investment in our family and our capacity to love and serve you and alongside you the coming years. How exciting! Please, pray with us to be good stewards to make the most of every day and opportunity, and for the resources we need to complete this formation journey well. 

Outrageously grateful yours in Christ and until the nets are full,

Rubén, Lidia, Samuel, Josué, Lucía y Azarías

With our dear beloved Ross & Karen Fitchner. At new years I went to watch the movie Concussion. Ross, who has an NFL champion ring (Browns, 1966) has a son, Randy (QB coach) who's played 2 and win one NFL Superbowl with the Steelers). Ross's health is speeding down out of all the injuries and concussions from his playing days. Pray for them. We will see them again in June, before the family returns