Last Few Days

The rainy season has started

The rainy season here starts officially on May 1st, but it started to rain a few days early, on April 27th. People are very happy about that, since last year's rains were not sufficient. I have never seen it so dry in 10 years! Let's pray that they have abundant rains this year. They don't have dams, but tap the underground aquifers, which are running dry by now. We actually went to a meeting for the Hacienda water district. It was very interesting. We even had to go the post office to get a document stating that we are the legal representatives for our property in order to cast our vote.  Each "water meter" has a vote, but the Hacienda has over 80, so they always have the majority. What a waste of time!

Our last Saturday night couples' Bible study went well. After our BBQ supper, we watched another segment from The Son of God. This one was about the feeding of the 5,000. We talked about how Jesus' touch transforms. The discussion was very good. Then we had a game, which was really a true-false quiz on what we studied. After that, we had cake and ice cream and general conversation. John and I left at 11 because John was preaching on Sunday, but they stayed talking until one in the morning. It is like a party when they get together.

We want to thank you for your prayers. Sunday morning Bible study and Sunday School at the new location is flourishing. We had a couple of new people; besides, Eduardo, the baby's father who had moved away, came back because they moved back in town last week. Arelys, his wife, works on Sundays. We had 10 children in Sunday School. Kassandra is going to train an assistant who will be Mary, Francisco's daughter. She is 15. Luis Carlos lead the inductive Bible study, and he did a great job. He was obviously well prepared. They are going to take turns with a different leader each week. So, here is a lesson for all of us: what we thought was the end of the ministry was actually the beginning of something better.  The Lord is always in control.

John preached at the big church in the other town. Attendance was low because they have had no water for two days. They won't go to church if they can't bathe. You have to remember that it is very hot here and people perspire a lot. They might be poor, but they are clean.

Tonight we might go out to dinner with Carlos and Gerusha. They work for Security here. They are a handsome couple with a 11-year-old daughter, but (surprise!) Gerusha is pregnant again. She is in her first trimester and does not feel well. Carlos and Gerusha are First Day Adventists.

Thursday night Sergio and Bianka came over for dinner. We had a "counseling" session for them. It has been eight months since they separated, but this is the first time they really talked about the issues. One session is not enough, of course, but they promised to meet every two weeks for coffee or dinner. Please pray that they will forgive each other and reconcile. Sergio is very angry and resentful towards her. We are concerned about a few other couples: Francisco and Luz, the couple who got married two years ago (after living together for 13), she is refusing to attend church and the Saturday night Bible study. I tried to talk to her, but she did not open up to me. Gardy and Paola, their marriage has always been stormy, but I think it is getting worse. They are not attending regularly either. Ricardo and Miguelina stopped attending church altogether some time ago. All these couples stopped attending because they have marital problems. It should be the opposite!

Since it has started to rain a bit every day, the weather has cooled down some. They call it "winter," which means that instead of 95° and humid is 85° and humid. One of the ladies Saturday night was wearing a wrap because she was cold. We would call in "pleasant."

I cannot thank you enough for your prayer support. Whatever little we can do here is on the power of the Spirit and supported by your prayers. We always tell you that you are an important part of this ministry. The Lord will bless you for your faithfulness.

Final Prayer reques

• For the new venue for our Sunday mornings
• For all the new children attending Sunday School
• For Sergio and Bianka, healing and forgiveness
• Eduardo and Arelys, he needs a job
• Gardy and Paola's marriage and commitment
• Francisco and Luz' marriage and her commitment
• Ricardo and Miguelina's marriage and commitment
• For Rosie's pregnancy
• Gerusha's pregnancy
• Wisdom for Pastor Alejandro and his wife, Alba
• Pray for Luis Carlos, Irene and their children
• For traveling mercies for us. We leave Thursday

Thank you for your prayers!

Until next time...from the beach...