On Friday, October 16, our son Steven married Diane Ashcraft. We were able to make the trip and be on hand from Monday (the 12th) until Saturday. Most of the preparations were done before our arrival, but we were able to help on some of the details. The ceremony featured Elwood Sr as the officiating minister. Teresa's aunt made a beautiful wedding cake and lots of sweets. Everything went well as we welcomed a second daughter into the family.
On Saturday morning, Steven awoke to severe abdominal pain. He soon realized that the pain was increasing, so he had Diane take him to the hospital. The diagnosis was a kidney stone! He has never had kidney stones before, but thankfully it passed and they were able to resume the honeymoon later in the day.
We enjoyed being with family once again and even got to see our 4-month-old nephew for the first time. Our return to Puerto Rico was a smooth trip with no unexpected difficulties. Praise the Lord for His goodness.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
On to the Reward
A long-time member of our congregation has graduated to Glory. Julia was 86 years old and had dealt with uncontrolled diabetes for many years. Her conversion 20+ years ago produced a profound change in her life. She was a joyful believer with a ready smile. For many years she rarely missed a service. In the last two years of her life she was rarely able to get to church due to her many ailments, including the amputation of one leg. On Friday morning she fell and broke her hip on her good leg. Over the next 48 hours or so, she suffered multiple heart attacks as well as respiratory and kidney failure. The end came mercifully at 12:15 AM today. We will have a service to celebrate her life and undying faith on Tuesday evening.
Summer has disappeared in a swirl of projects and activities. We hosted a mission team from Ohio, held VBS, installed flooring and a new stairway, painted, patched, repaired, etc. We are very grateful for the Lord’s gracious provision for these projects but especially for the 6 or so children who trusted Christ during VBS. Praise the Lord!
In July our family slipped away for a week of much-needed vacation. To help us relax we took a 5 hour hike to the top of the El Yunque Rainforest. It rained throughout the day, but we really enjoyed the wonderful sights and the chance to be together in a no-pressure situation. The balance of our week allowed us to take in a variety of other natural sights around the island.
On Tuesday, August 11 our school year began. We have 54 students at present which is a drop of nearly a dozen from last year. We are trusting the Lord for wisdom to use our resources wisely and trying to make this our best year ever. Several secret activities are being planned to add enthusiasm, and we are praying and working diligently toward a better spiritual year. We will appreciate your prayer support.
Pray also for some recent decisions made by folks in our church. It is encouraging to see people take action against spiritual lethargy and sin. The Word of God is an all-powerful antidote to the many diseases of a sin-sick soul. We long to see that Word transform lives and rejoice with every fresh evidence of its miraculous power.
Summer has disappeared in a swirl of projects and activities. We hosted a mission team from Ohio, held VBS, installed flooring and a new stairway, painted, patched, repaired, etc. We are very grateful for the Lord’s gracious provision for these projects but especially for the 6 or so children who trusted Christ during VBS. Praise the Lord!
In July our family slipped away for a week of much-needed vacation. To help us relax we took a 5 hour hike to the top of the El Yunque Rainforest. It rained throughout the day, but we really enjoyed the wonderful sights and the chance to be together in a no-pressure situation. The balance of our week allowed us to take in a variety of other natural sights around the island.
On Tuesday, August 11 our school year began. We have 54 students at present which is a drop of nearly a dozen from last year. We are trusting the Lord for wisdom to use our resources wisely and trying to make this our best year ever. Several secret activities are being planned to add enthusiasm, and we are praying and working diligently toward a better spiritual year. We will appreciate your prayer support.
Pray also for some recent decisions made by folks in our church. It is encouraging to see people take action against spiritual lethargy and sin. The Word of God is an all-powerful antidote to the many diseases of a sin-sick soul. We long to see that Word transform lives and rejoice with every fresh evidence of its miraculous power.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
An Encouraging Word
Praise the Lord for good friends! Our hearts have been encouraged by a number of thoughtful people in recent days. Most of the time this has come in the form of an assurance of prayer or the wish of the Lord’s blessing. Two people from our church here in Ponce have ministered to us in this way at very appropriate moments. We have also received some correspondence and a phone call or two which have had the same effect.
The Word and prayer have also ministered to our souls. Psalm 61:1-2 says, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” This has been our heart’s cry on many occasions in the recent past. What a privilege to carry our burdens to the Lord in prayer!
Our close friends and missionary colleagues, the Schmidts, had to leave the island in recent days due to circumstances in the States. We shared with them the encouragement that had come to us in such timely ways and saw it minister to them as well. 2 Corinthians 1:4 declares that trials come our way to teach us about the comfort of the Lord so that we in turn may share that comfort with others who are passing through difficult times. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.
At 2 AM on June 12 a mission team from Bethany Baptist Church in Ohio arrived. Their flight has been rescheduled and delayed by weather several times. They were in good spirits even after when we arrived in Ponce at 4 AM. Needless to say, we let them sleep in a bit. Both the team and our family fought sickness throughout their stay, but they still accomplished an amazing list of tasks and ministries. Above all their attitudes were great and their cooperation could not have been better! They were extremely thoughtful as they ministered in public and in secret to build up the church. Many thanks to all who gave, to those who planned, and to all who participated in this team.
Our VBS begins July 6. Pray for children to respond to the invitations and for the Lord’s gracious working in their hearts. Bible school is always an exciting time. We trust it will be so for our church as well as those who visit with us.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
The Word and prayer have also ministered to our souls. Psalm 61:1-2 says, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” This has been our heart’s cry on many occasions in the recent past. What a privilege to carry our burdens to the Lord in prayer!
Our close friends and missionary colleagues, the Schmidts, had to leave the island in recent days due to circumstances in the States. We shared with them the encouragement that had come to us in such timely ways and saw it minister to them as well. 2 Corinthians 1:4 declares that trials come our way to teach us about the comfort of the Lord so that we in turn may share that comfort with others who are passing through difficult times. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.
At 2 AM on June 12 a mission team from Bethany Baptist Church in Ohio arrived. Their flight has been rescheduled and delayed by weather several times. They were in good spirits even after when we arrived in Ponce at 4 AM. Needless to say, we let them sleep in a bit. Both the team and our family fought sickness throughout their stay, but they still accomplished an amazing list of tasks and ministries. Above all their attitudes were great and their cooperation could not have been better! They were extremely thoughtful as they ministered in public and in secret to build up the church. Many thanks to all who gave, to those who planned, and to all who participated in this team.
Our VBS begins July 6. Pray for children to respond to the invitations and for the Lord’s gracious working in their hearts. Bible school is always an exciting time. We trust it will be so for our church as well as those who visit with us.
Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Praise and Prayer
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the folks at church in the morning and then with a collection of missionary families in the afternoon. The fellowship was so good that it lasted until nearly midnight. Each of us left encouraged and grateful to the Lord for the provision of friends who can understand the life we lead. Now plans are in full swing for the varying activities surrounding Christmas. House-to-house carol singing is still popular in PR. We hope to start dropping in on folks this weekend. Our church family will hold a banquet on the 19th. This is a highlight for us all as we share some terrific food and sweet fellowship.
Wanda and Wendy have attended Sunday morning services for several weeks now. A week ago they brought another family member. This week, we also had several additional visitors. It is exciting to see the Lord reward the efforts of different church members as they invite family and friends. We are hoping to see the Lord do great things through each of these contacts. Pray with us that the Lord would bring these souls to Himself and add them to His Church.
Pray also concerning some very important issues which will be addressed throughout this week. The Devil tries to get his toe in the door, but we are trying to keep him outside the fold. I cannot give details at present, but the Lord knows the need in the hearts of each person involved in these meetings. No discipline is pleasant at the moment, but we are promised that it can result in great blessing.
Many students are coming down with viruses and respiratory ailments. Though we don't have the drastic temperatures some of you enjoy at this time of year, the nights do get rather cold for PR. Whether the sickness is due to that or whatever cause, the effects are the same. Since we are in the final two weeks of the semester, the absences complicate matters, especially for students who have lagged behind their goals. Pray that our strength holds up so that we may avoid the down time.
Wanda and Wendy have attended Sunday morning services for several weeks now. A week ago they brought another family member. This week, we also had several additional visitors. It is exciting to see the Lord reward the efforts of different church members as they invite family and friends. We are hoping to see the Lord do great things through each of these contacts. Pray with us that the Lord would bring these souls to Himself and add them to His Church.
Pray also concerning some very important issues which will be addressed throughout this week. The Devil tries to get his toe in the door, but we are trying to keep him outside the fold. I cannot give details at present, but the Lord knows the need in the hearts of each person involved in these meetings. No discipline is pleasant at the moment, but we are promised that it can result in great blessing.
Many students are coming down with viruses and respiratory ailments. Though we don't have the drastic temperatures some of you enjoy at this time of year, the nights do get rather cold for PR. Whether the sickness is due to that or whatever cause, the effects are the same. Since we are in the final two weeks of the semester, the absences complicate matters, especially for students who have lagged behind their goals. Pray that our strength holds up so that we may avoid the down time.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Prayer Request Updates
On Sunday, Wanda and Wendy were in attendance. They heard a clear presentation of the Gospel, and though they gave no outward indication of the Lord's working, they seemed to enjoy the service and the folks at church. Keep them on your prayer list. God is working in them and drawing them to Himself. Four other people raised their hand in the invitation time to indicate a concern for their spiritual condition. No one came forward or sought us out after the service, but we praise the Lord for the Spirit's working.
Gary Jones (missionary to the Philippines) is recovering well from his quintuple bypass. He has been moved from ICU to a regular room and may be home by week's end. His recovery will take some time, so continue to pray for him. Dr Dreisbach will have some additional tests to determine whether he should have a catherization. For now he is resting comfortably and waiting on the Lord.
No news is yet available on the other requests. Thank you for interceding for each of these needs.
Gary Jones (missionary to the Philippines) is recovering well from his quintuple bypass. He has been moved from ICU to a regular room and may be home by week's end. His recovery will take some time, so continue to pray for him. Dr Dreisbach will have some additional tests to determine whether he should have a catherization. For now he is resting comfortably and waiting on the Lord.
No news is yet available on the other requests. Thank you for interceding for each of these needs.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Various Prayer Requests
On Wednesday (11/12), I visited with some family members of Danny Santiago. While there, Wanda and Wendy (adult daughter of Wanda) came by. You may remember that I had several conversations with them during Danny's illness and subsequent death. They have heard the Gospel on several occasions, and Wendy seemed close to a decision but various interruptions came at the critical moment. Well, they both said they had been thinking a lot about coming to our church. I told them the subject of Sunday's message will be "Giving to God What Belongs to God," and they seemed eager to hear the message. They usually sleep-in on Sundays, so pray that they both awaken early (with or without an alarm) so that they will be able to be in attendance. The message will open with a strong salvation emphasis, so pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to their hearts and that they and others will respond to the Lord's leading.
One of our church members is in need of intercession. Anita served in our Christian school for 20+ years, retiring last year when her vision deteriorated due to complications from diabetes. She has recovered somewhat, but just a few days ago she awoke to find a blood stain on her pillow. The blood seems to have come from her good eye. She has not yet seen a doctor, as far as we know. This has been a tough year not only due to her condition, but also due to her brother Chu's battle with cancer. He is also a church member who loves the Lord.
Pray also for two fellow missionaries with GFA. Gary Jones is a veteran missionary in the Philippines. He had a quintuple bypass surgery on Thursday and is currently in ICU with absolutely no visitors allowed. Pray also for his wife Edie, their adult children and the various ministries under their care. Also, Dr. John Driesbach is in a hospital in Greenville, SC with chest pains. No further details are yet available in this case, but your prayers will be greatly appreciated. His wife went to be with the Lord a year or so ago. He has lead a full life of Christian service and continues to be a blessing to all who come in contact with him.
Some of you know my father, Elwood Sr. He and his ministry partner, Dr. Phil Kissinger, are in Africa to visit some national pastors and encourage them in the Lord's work. They will return to the States on November 25. Pray for their safety and for the opening of doors and hearts for their ministry.
One of our church members is in need of intercession. Anita served in our Christian school for 20+ years, retiring last year when her vision deteriorated due to complications from diabetes. She has recovered somewhat, but just a few days ago she awoke to find a blood stain on her pillow. The blood seems to have come from her good eye. She has not yet seen a doctor, as far as we know. This has been a tough year not only due to her condition, but also due to her brother Chu's battle with cancer. He is also a church member who loves the Lord.
Pray also for two fellow missionaries with GFA. Gary Jones is a veteran missionary in the Philippines. He had a quintuple bypass surgery on Thursday and is currently in ICU with absolutely no visitors allowed. Pray also for his wife Edie, their adult children and the various ministries under their care. Also, Dr. John Driesbach is in a hospital in Greenville, SC with chest pains. No further details are yet available in this case, but your prayers will be greatly appreciated. His wife went to be with the Lord a year or so ago. He has lead a full life of Christian service and continues to be a blessing to all who come in contact with him.
Some of you know my father, Elwood Sr. He and his ministry partner, Dr. Phil Kissinger, are in Africa to visit some national pastors and encourage them in the Lord's work. They will return to the States on November 25. Pray for their safety and for the opening of doors and hearts for their ministry.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Recent Developments
Election day was as intense here as anywhere in the USA. No, we could not vote in the national election, but we had some important issues of our own. One of the principal parties openly supports an aggressive homosexual agenda and has planned to impose a curriculum in January 2009 which will openly advocate homosexuality. This is to affect all schools, public, private, Christian, even home schools. Christian leaders informed other believers and encouraged them to vote according to Biblical principles; other groups of a conservative bent also worked to shed light on the issues of this campaign. The result was a decisive victory for the most conservative party from governor and legislature to the mayoral races. We must still be diligent to pray that these newly elected leaders will turn the tide and reject the curriculum which is set to be imposed by the whim of the head of the Department of Education.
On Sunday, November 2 at 5:14 am, Anna Pfaunmiller (Bill's grandmother) went home to be with the Lord. She had suffered a massive stroke about one week earlier, so we knew she would not last long. The Lord gave her 94 years in this life and the chance to see the work here in Ponce about 4 years ago. We are grateful that our furlough allowed us to visit with her on several occasions. Several family members need to trust the Lord, so pray with us for these souls.
Julia is doing very well following her leg amputation. She has recovered her joyful spirit and is doing well in the rehab program. Another of our members is also in need of your prayers. Felix has sickle-cell anemia. Periodically he has very painful bouts with the illness as his hemoglobin drops perilously and his joints become inflamed. Last Wednesday he drove himself to the hospital at 2 am and was admitted to the ICU. They gave him several transfusions, pain medication, and other appropriate treatments. He is now in a regular room as he continues his recovery. Felix is about 40. Pray for his complete healing and for God's direction in his life.
The recording equipment is coming together. We have done some test recording, but now that the digital recorder is on hand, we hope to get things really organized. A few details remain, but this new ministry is becoming a reality. We pray that it will be used mightily in many lives. Praise the Lord for the folks here who are burdened and excited for this means of reaching out to family, neighbors, and perhaps complete strangers. Another phase of this project will be uploading some messages to our website. This could allow some of you to download messages to share with Hispanic folks in your area!
Thank you for praying. May God give us each grace to stand for right and be the salt and light God has called us to be.
On Sunday, November 2 at 5:14 am, Anna Pfaunmiller (Bill's grandmother) went home to be with the Lord. She had suffered a massive stroke about one week earlier, so we knew she would not last long. The Lord gave her 94 years in this life and the chance to see the work here in Ponce about 4 years ago. We are grateful that our furlough allowed us to visit with her on several occasions. Several family members need to trust the Lord, so pray with us for these souls.
Julia is doing very well following her leg amputation. She has recovered her joyful spirit and is doing well in the rehab program. Another of our members is also in need of your prayers. Felix has sickle-cell anemia. Periodically he has very painful bouts with the illness as his hemoglobin drops perilously and his joints become inflamed. Last Wednesday he drove himself to the hospital at 2 am and was admitted to the ICU. They gave him several transfusions, pain medication, and other appropriate treatments. He is now in a regular room as he continues his recovery. Felix is about 40. Pray for his complete healing and for God's direction in his life.
The recording equipment is coming together. We have done some test recording, but now that the digital recorder is on hand, we hope to get things really organized. A few details remain, but this new ministry is becoming a reality. We pray that it will be used mightily in many lives. Praise the Lord for the folks here who are burdened and excited for this means of reaching out to family, neighbors, and perhaps complete strangers. Another phase of this project will be uploading some messages to our website. This could allow some of you to download messages to share with Hispanic folks in your area!
Thank you for praying. May God give us each grace to stand for right and be the salt and light God has called us to be.
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