Third Week: Keep On Going

Traffic jam on Sunday afternoon

As the third week rolled by, we continued on our schedule of Bible studies and counseling.

Saturday night we celebrated Francisco and Luz's birthdays. They were born on the same day, January 27.

Birthday celebration at the rented house for Francisco and Luz

Sunday after church we took Yúa and Diana to the big town to have lunch and McDonald's and go to Walmart. Big treat for them because they have no transportation whatsoever, except for the public buses. The bus comes into town at 6:00 am and returns at 7:00 pm. That's it. The rest of the time, you are walking. We also made arrangements to meet an old friend at McDonald's who used to work here as the tennis pro (David, you met Gabriel when you came with John years ago).

Walter needed a new job with insurance coverage for his family. We have been praying about it all week, yesterday, Walter and Yesenia were here for lunch, and as John prayed a blessing for our food, he also prayed in earnest for a full-time job with insurance for Walter. Well, this morning, while we were walking on the beach, we received a call from Walter. He was really excited to tell us that he got a new job, here in the Hacienda with insurance. He was very happy, so of course, we gave God the glory. This is really a great confirmation for brand new Christians.

Last night the pastor and his wife came over for dinner and some catching up. He is discouraged about the work in this little town. After ten years, there has been no growth on Sunday morning, but attrition. He is going to try meetings in three different homes in a rotating basis to see if that brings more interest. The church in the other town is doing well, even though the town is only about 200 people living in 40 homes. There was a lady that brought discord to the church over the years, but she is finally gone. He says that there is much peace in the congregation now. Anyway, the group will still meet at the same rented house while we are still here, and then change venues after we leave in March. We are still seeking the Lord's will about this ministry and actively looking for a full-time couple who will minister and live in this town. The Lord has not given us clear direction yet.

This is the church in the other town

Great news: Arleth is having a girl!!

Prayer requests:

• Christian and Daniela - that they will turn their lives to Jesus and healing for their marriage
• Walter and Yesenia - PTL for the new job, continue growth in the Lord
• Irene - that she will make wise choices
• Arleth - healthy pregnancy and safe delivery
• All the couples in the Bible study - that the Lord would put a hedge around all the marriages and that they will grow in the Lord.
• For a couple to come to take over this ministry
• Wisdom as we counsel and teach
• Protection from mosquito-related diseases and insect bites
• Safety as we travel these crazy roads
• For our family back home - that the Lord will keep them safe  

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