Placencio’s Pathway

January, 2025 | Lansing, Michigan

Dear Friends and Family,

As we reflect on the past several months, we are overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness and grace in our lives. Your prayers, encouragement, and friendship have been a tremendous blessing to us as we’ve embarked on a new chapter in Michigan after 14 wonderful years in Texas. We are eager to share an update on how the Lord has been at work in our family and our future plans for ministry.

A Season of Transition and Blessings:

Arrival in Michigan: In August, we made the big move to Lansing, Michigan, to begin attending University Reformed Church (URC). Our dear friends, the Andersons, graciously opened their home to us in Haslett, just 11 minutes from the church, providing a warm and welcoming space during this transition. We are still praying for God’s provision of a permanent place to live.
A New Homeschool Support Group: In September, our daughters, Genesis, Eden, and Adeline, were joyfully accepted into Eastside Reformed Cottage School (ERC). ERC has been a wonderful blessing for our family, offering fellowship and group learning centered on a Reformed Christian worldview. The girls have already made many friends, and Lidia has been volunteering every other Wednesday to help with the children during classes.
Women’s Doctrine Study: Lidia also began attending the Women’s Doctrine Study at URC, which meets every other Wednesday. It’s been a rich time of learning and fellowship. Homeschool classes and childcare provided during the study have made this opportunity even more fruitful.
Biblical and Theological Foundations Class: In September, Samuel began attending URC’s Biblical and Theological Foundations class, which meets on Thursday mornings. This course has been a rich time of growth in Scripture and theology and is a requirement for future leadership roles such as elder or deacon. The class is designed to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12) and has been a great foundation for deeper knowledge and preparation for ministry.

Spanish Fellowship Ministry: Starting in September, a new ministry was initiated at URC—the Spanish Fellowship. This monthly gathering seeks to reach Spanish-speaking individuals in the Lansing area with the Gospel. Lidia and Samuel have had the blessing of leading worship in Spanish, playing and singing hymns and songs together. Samuel has also been teaching through the book of Galatians, emphasizing the centrality and importance of the Gospel and building on Pastor Jason’s Sunday teachings. It has been a privilege to serve in this way, and the group has responded well to the teaching. The Spanish Fellowship will continue meeting monthly in 2025.

Membership Journey at URC: This fall, our family began the 10-week “About URC” membership class. It has been a blessing to learn about the church’s beliefs and mission, and on November 24, we were officially welcomed as members during a special service. Being part of this covenant community has been a joy and privilege.

Celebrating Birthdays in Michigan: For the first time, we were able to celebrate not only Genesis’ and Eden’s birthdays in July but also Lidia’s, Samuel’s, and Adeline’s birthdays during Michigan’s beautiful fall season. Surrounded by family and friends, we were reminded of God’s goodness in granting us another year of life.
Teaching Opportunity: In November, Samuel traveled to Vineland, New Jersey, to teach at a conference on Christ’s Offices. It was a joy to marvel together with the brothers and sisters there at the beauty and sufficiency of Christ.

Exciting Ministry Developments: In October, URC’s Executive Committee formally approved Samuel’s Pastoral Residency, which will begin this fall. Additionally, Samuel visited Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids to explore the Church Embedded Program, a promising opportunity to grow in pastoral training and theological education.

Family Challenges and God's Sustaining Grace:

Health Challenges: November and December brought challenges as Lidia’s mom, Ada, was hospitalized with pneumonia over Thanksgiving. By God’s grace, she has recovered and returned home. Meanwhile, Lidia’s grandmother, Abuelita Vicky, now 97, has been receiving hospice care. Although the doctors predicted she wouldn’t make it to Christmas, we were blessed to spend the holidays with her, singing hymns, reading Scripture, and praying together. Her life has been a testimony of God’s grace, leaving a legacy of faith for future generations.

Welcoming the New Year: Our family rang in the new year under the weather, battling the flu. Although it was a challenging start to 2025, we are thankful for the Lord’s provision and care.

Looking Ahead with Hope:

As we step into this new year, we are filled with excitement and hope for what the Lord has in store. Starting this fall, Samuel will begin his Pastoral Residency at URC while pursuing theological studies.

To make this possible, we are launching a support-raising campaign and would deeply appreciate your prayers and partnership. More details about this opportunity will follow soon.

We are immensely grateful for God’s abundant blessings and your continued friendship and support. Your prayers mean the world to us as we walk this journey of faith and ministry. May the Lord richly bless you in this new year!

Prayer Requests:

Fruitfulness in Ministry: Pray that our ministry would glorify God, equip others to serve Him, and have a lasting impact for His Kingdom.
Strength and Unity for Our Family: Pray for our family to remain united, strong, and faithful as we navigate this season of transition and trust God for His provision.
Guidance and Provision: Pray that God would provide the financial resources we need and guide us to the right connections and partnerships to support this ministry.