Two-thousand and nine has probably been one of the most challenging years for the Hearn family, but we can absolutely say it’s been the best. It is a liberating thing, to be in the center of God’s will. Rebecca and I often lie in bed at night and review how busy and draining our days have been. Then we tell each other how we wouldn’t change it for the world.
A year ago, we were in the process of selling about three-quarters of everything we owned, and stuffing the rest into a container for the trip over the Atlantic. We had no idea where we would be living in a months’ time, hardly knew any Spanish, didn’t have enough financial support raised to live from, and had one person signed up for the school–but knew that what we were about to pioneer was our calling and passion. We also knew it was going to be an amazing test for our family. We had no idea.
Jump ahead 11 months: We live in a beautiful Spanish village, have friends in the community, know Spanish enough to talk to the locals on the street (but still need to learn more!), our kids are in Spanish school and flourishing, and we have had 8 graduates and admitted over 20 interns for the Winter 2010 term!
I am directing the G42 Leadership Academy (www.g42leadershipacademy.org) here in Mijas, in the very southern tip of Spain. I split my time teaching, leading, and doing the back office work for the Academy. Just recently, I led a team of interns to Barcelona to do some work for an inner-city ministry called “El Lokal.” They have a great concept of “church”-they are a youth center/school/church that is reaching out to the youth of this city. El Lokal is just one of the examples of ministries we are networking with to provide opportunities for our trainees to serve, learn, and lead.
Rebecca is thriving. She has started teaching English to neighborhood kids, so besides earning a little bit of money for Christmas, it allows her to befriend parents in the neighborhood. She also has really developed her passion for encouragement and is a huge blessing the families of this town. She is also spending time with the girl interns: their meetings are a mix of discussing “What is God saying to you?” plus knitting, chatting, and shedding a few tears watching “Little Women.” She loves it.
The kids are also doing great—the girls are in the top of their classes in the local Spanish
school, really enjoy school and have a lot of friends. Both of them are well on their way to being fluent, and correct us all the time. Gabriella is quite appalled at our accent! They bring a very different atmosphere to the center, and they love being with the interns and bring a lot of excitement. Benjamin is—finally!—beginning to talk and is always bringing joy to us and the staff and interns at the Leadership Academy.
We can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement this past year. Your help with our vision to train and disciple leaders has enabled us to pioneer something we believe is earth-changing. We are developing adults who have strong passions and callings into leaders who are ready to “Say Amen and Make a Plan” and then go to some rough places to establish churches, ministries, and businesses to have a positive impact on the world. Already our graduates have started a home church, are leading and discipling teams of young adults (and replicating themselves!) on world-wide missions trips, and are building a ministry to prostitutes in the Costa del Sol. We are expecting some exciting new ventures this next year from our current interns, not only in church planting and ministries, but practical businesses like a honey farm, a bed and breakfast, and a church-café. Spend a few days here and you can’t help but get excited about the future. We are just grateful to be a part.
We are excited to see what 2010 will bring! Thank you for your support and please keep in touch,
Dave, Rebecca, Emma, Gabriella, and Benjamin Hearn