Dear Pastors, Friends, and Prayer Partners,
We are excited to share with you a little of what God has been doing through our ministry the past few months. It has been a busy time as we have been working hard to reinforce the work we started 3.5 years ago after the church split that I reported in our last letter. Things seem to have returned to normal and although attendance dropped for a while we seem to be now growing again as we have re-focused our efforts in Soul-winning and our discipleship program.
I feel like we are on tract to be able to start a new work in late spring 2014. We are praying right now for the Lord’s guidance in this area. Right now we feel the Lord leading us to have Bro. Manuel Garcia take the pastorate at Castillo Mio while Bro. Hugo, Bro. Angel and myself will form a team to plant a new church. There are 2 areas within just of few miles of Castillo Mio that really do need a church. Please pray with us that the Lord would guide us to do His will.
Update on Fractured Hip: I have a fracture that the Dr. says most likely will not heal. It is located in the hip socket and is a little over ½” wide. The Dr. has recommended reinforcing the fracture with a plate, but says it is a temporary solution until an eventual replacement. I have decided to put up with the injury as long as I can (hopefully until I get my new one in Glory!).
Iglesia Bautista “Castillo Mio” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – Kelly and I continue teaching the children’s class and they have been a real blessing to us. I teach a Bible lesson each week while Kelly has been teaching a missionary story. We had 11 of the approx. 35 in our class win a Pizza Party, and there were 5 that won the big prize. Most are working hard at memorizing their verse and doing their “homework” assignments each week. We have been having good attendance both on Sunday and Wednesday. Please pray that more would participate in soul winning efforts, there is just a few that are participating right now. It is difficult this time of year because of the lack of sunlight and conflicting school schedules but more could be working than are.
Iglesia Bautista “Esperanza Mia” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – We have been working closer with this “Daughter” Church. We have been helping with their soul winning efforts and they have been helping us. We have had several special services together and we are planning to hold our New Years Eve service together. They have grown to a point where they need to consider buying a property and building a building. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and provision.
Brother Angel Luna – Bermejillo, Durango For the first time in over 16 months Brother Angel was able to stand up! His physical therapy sessions were suspended for several weeks but he continued to do exercises at home and has been able to make some great progress. He has been preaching weekly form his wheel chair. Please pray that he will be able to regain some mobility, as that will be necessary to help in starting the new church next spring.
Juarez Tract Saturation – We were able to spearhead a campaign in November that resulted in more than 70,000 Chick tracts being distributed in 2 days! At one point on Saturday the team was distributing over 10,000 tracts per hour! Due to the success of this campaign, as well as the urgent need, we are planning 2 campaigns for 2014, and would love to have your participation. The dates for these campaigns are: June 11-14 and Nov. 5-8 both start on a Wednesday and end on a Saturday. In addition to the tract blitz we will hold 3 open-air evangelistic meetings. If at all possible, would you set aside time to come help in one or both campaigns? See enclosed flyer for more details.
We want to express our sincere gratitude for your prayers and support in 2013. We hope the Lord continues to bless your ministry as you serve Him. We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2014.