Sixth Week

Sunset

I can't believe that another week has flown by! Last Saturday we had our regular couples' bible study, but with the added twist that we celebrated Luis Carlos and Arleth's birthdays. They were born on the same date, same year, but Luis was born in Colombia and Arleth here. We studied John 3, talking about physical birth and spiritual birth. Just as we celebrate birthdays, there is a party in heavens when a person experiences the new birth. We had two piñatas to celebrate, one for the girls and one for the boys. Those women just love the piñatas. They really get into it.

Birthday boy and girl

She hit it so hard that the stick broke

The women go for it

On Monday we were invited to Arleth's grandma's house for the family birthday celebration. We were the only non-family members who were present. We had a great dinner of something they call "sweaty chicken." The name sounds funny, but it is very tasty.  I don't remember telling you that you will have a chance to meet Randall, Arleth and Yirardi because they are coming to the USA to visit us in October. They got approved for a 10-year visa. We are planning on having a party for them on Saturday, October 15. You are all invited, so let me know if you can make it.

Singing the local version of "Happy Birthday"

This is doña Odilí, Arleth's grandma

Irene came over Wednesday morning to pray and talk. This is the first time we were able to get together because we had company. She just tells me what is going on with her entire household, and we pray together. It is such a sweet time of fellowship for both of us! Bianka, Sergio´s ex-wife, has been coming here for dinner on Wednesdays. We have not talked about any deep subjects with her, but she said that they are "dating" and trying to get to know each other again PTL!

We had lunch with the pastor for the first time on this trip on Thursday. He told us the good news that he has decided to stay. He feels that he is where the Lord wants him to be at the moment. He is concentrating  on the big church, and doesn't come here much, even to Sunday School. Last night we were back at Eduardo and Arelys' home. Praise the Lord that it was not raining. They are like a couple of sponges, absorbing the Word and putting into practice. We have been studying who Jesus is. The previous week we talked about Jesus, our advocate. This was very close to home for Arelys because she is involved in a legal battle with a previous employer. Too complicated to give you details, but she says she has been claiming that promise all week, telling Jesus that He is her advocate. Well, she got her court date; it is on September 27th. Please set that date on your  calendar to pray for a fair judgment.  Last night we talked about Jesus as our King, which implies complete obedience on our part, and also looking forward to His return. We stayed two hours because they had so many questions. They really get it!

Eduardo, Arelys and Evans

John is preaching at the "big church" on Sunday. Pray for him. Preaching is not one of his spiritual gifts, so he never feels quite up to it, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, he always does a good job, and the people appreciate him. Luis and Elizabeth got back to Bolivia safely. They are already deep into their ministry there. We talked with them on Monday.

Prayer requests:

• Pray for continued protection on our last week here, health, protection from mosquito-transmitted diseases and traveling mercies as we drive on dark, rain-washed, difficult roads
• Pray for John preaching on Sunday
• Pray for a fair hearing for Arelys on September 27th
• Pray for Eduardo and Arelys' walk with the Lord
• Pray for the pastor, as he struggles to shepherd the flock in the second town. May the Lord give him wisdom
• Pray for Luis Carlos and Irene that they will grow strong in their walk with the Lord
• Pray for Sergio and Bianka
• Pray for protection for our family back home

We just appreciate you all praying for us...thank you...Until next time...from the beach...