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.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
News to Pray About
The Lord continues to work in hearts. On Sunday (Jan 24) I preached on the "God of all Comfort" from 2 Corinthians 1:1-5. The text presents the truth that trouble comes our way in order to drive us to the source of true consolation (encouragement, help, strengthening). From there the comfort spreads from the comforted believer to others who are troubled. However, the process depends on the willingness of comforted believers to reach out to their hurting brethren. Too often the comfort is interrupted by our unwillingness to invest in others. A good number of folks responded to the appeal to seek comfort in God, instead of seeking it in man-made substitutes. Others vowed to make themselves available to God to comfort others with the same comfort they have already received. Praise the Lord for the power of the Word.
Anita is still awaiting heart surgery. The insurance company is stalling the paperwork, but we still believe God is in control and that the delay serves a purpose. Pray with us that the surgery will become available at the right moment. Her brother Jesús (or Chu) is still in therapy for his cancer. He is feeling well in spite of the fact that the cancer has spread throughout his body. He is still joyful and awaiting the Lord's continued goodness. Both of these dear saints are a blessing to our church.
Pray for the unity of our congregation. There are many issues that the enemy would like to use to divide us, but greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world.
Anita is still awaiting heart surgery. The insurance company is stalling the paperwork, but we still believe God is in control and that the delay serves a purpose. Pray with us that the surgery will become available at the right moment. Her brother Jesús (or Chu) is still in therapy for his cancer. He is feeling well in spite of the fact that the cancer has spread throughout his body. He is still joyful and awaiting the Lord's continued goodness. Both of these dear saints are a blessing to our church.
Pray for the unity of our congregation. There are many issues that the enemy would like to use to divide us, but greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Updates for 2010
Today, we had a good service. The message was taken from 1 Thessalonians 1:3 and titled, "What God Knows About You." The three main points were Your Work of Faith, Your Labor of Love, and Your Perseverance in the Hope of our Lord Jesus Christ. The message was a challenge to serve the Lord with all our strength in 2010. At the close of the service about 20 people came forward to consecrate themselves to serve the Lord! It was a good assortment of teens, adults, and senior citizens. We need a good boost to start this year off fresh. Pray with us that we will indeed see a revival in this important area.
Please, pray for our oldest son, Steven. He has had a kidney stone, several bouts of flu this Fall and in recent days a seizure. The Lord continues to provide for he and Diane, but they would appreciate your prayers concerning these health needs. Like so many who face repeated tests, they need to be encouraged to continue in well-doing without becoming discouraged.
Chu is responding well to chemotherapy. He finishes treatment on January 18 and will then face renewed testing to determine what he needs next. He continues in good spirits and is feeling well. His sister Anita is awaiting a doctor's appointment later this month to see when she will be able to have the surgery to open her clogged arteries. Some of her blood vessels have up to an 85% blockage. The church has been taking up special offerings to help with expenses. The next doctor's visit should help confirm the amount needed to obtain the necessary help. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Please, pray for our oldest son, Steven. He has had a kidney stone, several bouts of flu this Fall and in recent days a seizure. The Lord continues to provide for he and Diane, but they would appreciate your prayers concerning these health needs. Like so many who face repeated tests, they need to be encouraged to continue in well-doing without becoming discouraged.
Chu is responding well to chemotherapy. He finishes treatment on January 18 and will then face renewed testing to determine what he needs next. He continues in good spirits and is feeling well. His sister Anita is awaiting a doctor's appointment later this month to see when she will be able to have the surgery to open her clogged arteries. Some of her blood vessels have up to an 85% blockage. The church has been taking up special offerings to help with expenses. The next doctor's visit should help confirm the amount needed to obtain the necessary help. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous
Three of our faithful church members are facing serious health concerns. Chu has been diagnosed with cancer in various parts of his body. He has begun chemo and radiation. This is his second time through this battle. He had previously faced a colon bypass but has been fine for several years.
His sister Ana has been having problems with high blood pressure. She has undergone a battery of tests and is scheduled for a catherization. Her husband Efrain is also facing problems with blood pressure. They are handling things pretty well, but it's hard for them to understand why this is happening to the three of them at the same time.
Pray also for Milagros who is in the 7th month of a high-risk pregnancy. She has followed doctor's orders as best she can with two small children to care for. Her husband Jorge has been without work for a while as well.
Our final request is for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our outreach efforts and our church family. We yearn to see God work in hard hearts to the praise of His glory.
His sister Ana has been having problems with high blood pressure. She has undergone a battery of tests and is scheduled for a catherization. Her husband Efrain is also facing problems with blood pressure. They are handling things pretty well, but it's hard for them to understand why this is happening to the three of them at the same time.
Pray also for Milagros who is in the 7th month of a high-risk pregnancy. She has followed doctor's orders as best she can with two small children to care for. Her husband Jorge has been without work for a while as well.
Our final request is for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our outreach efforts and our church family. We yearn to see God work in hard hearts to the praise of His glory.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Steven and Diane
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.
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.
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.
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