I guess I should start this update with the most exciting news for us..... 
I was recently called to pastor Beach Community Church, and will begin leading the church on this Sunday www.beachcommunitychurch.com . Our church held a celebration Potluck Lunch at church last Sunday to say farewell to the current pastor as well as welcome me in as the new Pastor. Please pray for me as Stacey and we step into this new role at the church. God is moving in some interesting things in our area, and we are excited to be caught up in whatever He has in store. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, humility and gifts of leadership as we move ahead.
THE FAMILY
Before taking on the pastor role, Stacey and I decided to make a trip home to the States in June. 
We had a great time visiting family and friends in Virginia Beach and Wisconsin/Illinois. The kids had a blast going to the zoo, water parks, the marine science museum, the amusement park. They also got to cruise around on a jet ski and get pulled behind it in a tube/raft with mom.... all thanks to great grandparents. Grandparents are the coolest! Oh...We also celebrated Olivia’s 4th B-day while in the States. Man, they are growing up fast.
While in the U.S., I was able to attend an ALPHA conference. Basically, its a tool that many churches use for outreach and growth, and the conference gives training on how to host these groups out of your home church.
Now that we're back here in Tamarindo, we are just taking time to acclimate to the new role with the church, and as you can imagine things have been extra busy… but a good kind of busy. Stacey has been super supportive in keeping things in order at home and helping me out where she can. Wives are the coolest!! Haha. I’m thankful to God that he’s given me a great partner for life and ministry.
Discipleship Group
D-group has been going great! Over the past few months, we have been studying scripture verses covering themes of Self-Image and Perfectionism. In addition, we completed our discussion group on the book Basic Christianity by John Stott, and we are now going through Crazy Love by Francis Chan. This is still a highlight of my week as we have a great time of fellowship, meaningful discussion and prayer. Unfortunately, a couple of folks in our group, Kevin and Marlen, have had to head back to the U.S. We will miss everything that they brought to our group…. Which was a lot!
Café Café
“Praise God.... Thank You Lord!!” Those are the first words that come to mind as I think of what to share with you all. This year, the Café has finally turned the corner and is functioning as fully self supported ministry. We are grateful that the day has come. I think back on every year during the low season of tourism. Over the past 3 years, every low season has brought be to the lord to pray and ask, “Lord, do you want us to keep this thing going? How much longer? Do you want us to keep investing our time and energy here?” In faith, we have heard a “Yes” from the Lord, and we kept going. And finally we have arrived! Our goal of the Café being self supported has been met.
I’d like to add also that he Café has continued to serve in incredible ways as an outreach to the community. Time after time we meet unchurched people and show hospitality and kindness in the name of Jesus. Please pray with us for open doors to share our faith as we befriend these people that God sends our way.
Daniel- In addition to this praise, I am thankful because the Lord has brought an incredible dude to our doorstep to run the Café as I enter into the pastor role. In the last update letter, I mentioned our new intern Daniel. Well, in getting to know Daniel I felt he was the perfect guy for the position… and in God’s perfect timing! Daniel has committed to serving at the Café up to June 2011 with an openness to the possibility of being here even longer. We are grateful.
Ashlyn
- Lastly, we would like to say a HUGE thanks to Ashlyn Jacobsen who served with us from April to June. Ashlyn did an amazing job serving at the Café and had a huge impact in the life of the youth at Beach Community Church. Thank you Ashlyn! We hope all is going well back in the States.
Thank you all very much for your prayers and support, especially as we enter this new chapter of pastoring the church.
Grace and Peace,
Lyle
For me in my new role as pastor and for Stacey as well.
For the Café to continue to be a haven, a light, a place of ministry.
For our church members as they transition with us… for unity and growth.
For me in preaching every week… that the Holy Spirit would give me the words to teach, challenge, encourage, spur on our congregation.
