Dear friends, mission partners, brothers and sisters in Christ,
It has been an interesting couple of months. As a matter of fact that is a huge understatement to say the least. We have experienced more spiritual attacks of the enemy in recent times than we have in a long while. Attacks on our family in various ways, sickness and depression in several brothers and sisters in the church. Prayers are certainly appreciated in this area for our family and ministry. Even through the dealings of these issues and ministering to and encouraging the brethren here in the midst of difficulties, we are encouraged. We are encouraged because we must be doing something right. I would have more reason to worry that we were not making an impact for the Kingdom if everything was “peaches and cream” all the time.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4
We are seeing spiritual growth in the men of the church, we are still seeing new faces visiting the church from to time through different outreach efforts, we are still visiting and spending time with the orphans at Casa de Misericordia, going out to the mission in Cotuí, as well as some new outreach activities we have planned with local little league ball players as well with sports equipment we recently received from a brother back home who has made that his ministry. We have poured a half court on the church property and have a donated basketball hoop we will put up soon for the children and youth to enjoy themselves. Unfortunately there was a small mistake and it is a bit smaller than it should be but we will be extending it very soon. You just have to learn to be patient and flexible here!
We have a couple of brothers visitng us this week who are coming to do a small conference and teach on the Gospel at our church in Hato Mayor, and evangelistic outreach in Cotuí where we will be roughing it for a couple of days far out in the countryside, and go preaching in a prison here too. Please pray that many hear, respond, and most of all for God to be glorified through it all!
And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” – Acts 10:42-43
Yeison just turned two years old in April and is doing good with the boots that the doctors had made for him. In the beginning it was painful for him and he would just lay on the floor and cry, but he has gotten used to them and is getting around good with them on. When we take them off to give him a little break, he is actually starting to be able to put his feet flat on the ground without them for the first time since he has learned to walk. He still has a way to go but he is making improvement and the boots seem to be working well stretching out his tight heel chords.
Maya also just turned 14 last week and Trinity will be 16 in just a few days! Time is going by so fast and the kids have grown and matured so much since we moved here in 2012. Please pray for our kids, they are all at a sensitive age and going through so many changes. May the Lord keep them, bless them, and use them for His glory.
Please also pray for us as we are seriously considering taking in a young lady needing a stable home and the opportunity to get away from some bad influences in her school and neighborhood. We are good friends with some family members who attend the church who love her very much but are unable to offer her what she needs and they have recently approached us for help. The girl’s father is nowhere to be found and the mother is unable to care for her and is schizophrenic. If this is the Lord’s will we will certainly need help in order to give her all she will need. Please pray about helping us by sponsoring this young lady. Her name is Nayeli Fernandez and some of you who have visited us may have met her. We will be making a decision within the next couple of weeks and keep everyone updated about this situation. Pray.
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. – Luke 6:31