Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Prayer Letter Spring 2010

It may surprise you to learn that colds and the flu affect us in the tropics, but such is the case. Bill has been fighting a cold for the past 3 weeks with coughing spells interrupting the preaching. However, some of our best attendance numbers have occurred during this past month. Our goal for the year is to be over 70 on Sunday mornings. We started the year with about 45, but have climbed back into the 60s and hit 72 on one Sunday.
In recent weeks we have added 3 new members to the congregation. They have attended for a time, but now wish to take a more active role in the ministry. This is encouraging since other members seem to have tired. The faithfulness of other members is exemplary. One of our ladies participates regularly in door-to-door visitation inspite of a serious heart condition. Praise the Lord for each one who does their part to move the ministry forward.
Another exciting factor has been the number of folks who have responded to recent invitations to be a more consistent witness for Christ. Certainly this is the key to any significant growth. If everyone waits for the pastor to “bring them in,” little will be accomplished. It is refreshing to see God’s people become more aware of their need to serve the Lord in a tangible way. Many are taking tracts and returning with testimonies of God’s using them in others’ lives.
On March 13 we visited a public housing complex to share the Gospel. Several extended conversations concerning the Gospel resulted. Though no one made a profession of faith at that time, we trust that some will do so soon. Pray especially for Abraham, a young man of about 15 years of age who was very close to making a decision.
The church and school continue to be as frugal as possible since funds are down. Still, we have been able to help some missionaries in Haiti, a member with medical needs, and several other special projects. We have a few folks who are out of work and would appreciate your prayers for this important need.
Pray also about the upcoming school year. It’s always an adventure of faith as we wait to see how many students we will have. We really need to improve from the 53 current students. Our low enrollment has been a trial for us, but the Lord has allowed us to faithfully meet our obligations inspite of the delinquency of several accounts. Pray that these will be caught up soon so that improvements can be made to the students’ work area.
The Gospel is going out faithfully. Pray with us for the results that only the Lord can give. Our heart yearns to see the “fence-sitters” turn to the Lord in faith and receive forgiveness and new life. Prayer is the key, and we count heavily on your prayer support.