Dear Pastors, Friends, and Prayer Partners,

We are excited to share with you a little of what God has been doing through our ministry the past few months.  It has been a busy time as we have been working hard to reinforce the work we started 3.5 years ago after the church split that I reported in our last letter.  Things seem to have returned to normal and although attendance dropped for a while we seem to be now growing again as we have re-focused our efforts in Soul-winning and our discipleship program.

I feel like we are on tract to be able to start a new work in late spring 2014.   We are praying right now for the Lord’s guidance in this area.  Right now we feel the Lord leading us to have Bro. Manuel Garcia take the pastorate at Castillo Mio while Bro. Hugo, Bro. Angel and myself will form a team to plant a new church.  There are 2 areas within just of few miles of Castillo Mio that really do need a church.  Please pray with us that the Lord would guide us to do His will.

Update on Fractured Hip: I have a fracture that the Dr. says most likely will not heal.  It is located in the hip socket and is a little over ½” wide.  The Dr. has recommended reinforcing the fracture with a plate, but says it is a temporary solution until an eventual replacement.  I have decided to put up with the injury as long as I can (hopefully until I get my new one in Glory!).

Iglesia Bautista “Castillo Mio” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – Kelly and I continue teaching the children’s class and they have been a real blessing to us. I teach a Bible lesson each week while Kelly has been teaching a missionary story.  We had 11 of the approx. 35 in our class win a Pizza Party, and there were 5 that won the big prize.  Most are working hard at memorizing their verse and doing their “homework” assignments each week.  We have been having good attendance both on Sunday and Wednesday.  Please pray that more would participate in soul winning efforts, there is just a few that are participating right now.  It is difficult this time of year because of the lack of sunlight and conflicting school schedules but more could be working than are.

Iglesia Bautista “Esperanza Mia” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – We have been working closer with this “Daughter” Church.  We have been helping with their soul winning efforts and they have been helping us.  We have had several special services together and we are planning to hold our New Years Eve service together.  They have grown to a point where they need to consider buying a property and building a building.  Pray for the Lord’s guidance and provision.

Brother Angel Luna – Bermejillo, Durango   For the first time in over 16 months Brother Angel was able to stand up!  His physical therapy sessions were suspended for several weeks but he continued to do exercises at home and has been able to make some great progress.  He has been preaching weekly form his wheel chair.  Please pray that he will be able to regain some mobility, as that will be necessary to help in starting the new church next spring.

Juarez Tract Saturation – We were able to spearhead a campaign in November that resulted in more than 70,000 Chick tracts being distributed in 2 days!  At one point on Saturday the team was distributing over 10,000 tracts per hour! Due to the success of this campaign, as well as the urgent need, we are planning 2 campaigns for 2014, and would love to have your participation.  The dates for these campaigns are: June 11-14 and Nov. 5-8 both start on a Wednesday and end on a Saturday.  In addition to the tract blitz we will hold 3 open-air evangelistic meetings.  If at all possible, would you set aside time to come help in one or both campaigns?  See enclosed flyer for more details.

We want to express our sincere gratitude for your prayers and support in 2013.  We hope the Lord continues to bless your ministry as you serve Him.  We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2014.

Looking for that Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing! – Keep looking up!

PICTURES

THE ENEMY ATTACKS!!

Satan is never happy when the Lord’s church is moving forward.  We had turned the church (Castillo Mio) over to Brother Hugo Luna in December of 2012.  In retrospect, it may have been premature on our part, but we can also see the Lord’s reasons for leading us to do it.  In late August, 2013 we felt the need to return to re-enforce the church for the time being due to a rebellion that rose up against the national pastor.  Due to this rebellion, we have lost 3 “major” families – the Sunday school director, the music director, and assistant treasurer.

We know the Lord is in control and things seem to be stabilizing well.  We had full services the last 2 Sundays (September 8 and 15, 2013) and the spirit seems to be good.  Kelly and I have taken over the Jr. Church for the next 10 weeks until late November.

I feel right now that the Lord would have us to stay there until next spring (2014) and then as He leads to start another church in the area as a mission from this church.  Please be in prayer for this church and us.

Update on Fractured Hip: For the first time since my injury, I am starting to feel much better. I return to the orthopedic surgeon on Sept 27^th for a new evaluation.  Please pray that I will be able to stop using the cane, and be able to return to doing exercises again.

Ministry Updates:

Iglesia Bautista “Castillo Mio” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – Even after the problem in this church, we celebrated the fourth anniversary on Sept 8^th and had a full house with 88 present.  Several of the leaders including Pastor Hugo and myself have refocused our efforts to reaching more lost souls, baptizing them, and teaching them.  Focusing on the Great Commission and training new leaders always brings excitement to any ministry.  We are excited for the months ahead and to watch the Lord work in our midst.

I put together a pictorial history of this work that covers the last 4 years of our ministry. You can download a copy and print it here:   www.2EveryCreature.com/pictorial-history/

Iglesia Bautista “Esperanza Mia” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – This daughter church of Castillo Mio has offered us their unconditional support as we go through this trying time.  They are only 4 miles from Castillo Mio, and have teamed with us in soulwinning and have also helped us with our music program.  We have also been helping them in their soulwinning efforts on a different night.  It is a blessing to see sister churches working together in harmony.  Pastor DeAnda reports good attendance at all their services.

Iglesia Bautista “La Gracia” – Bermejillo, Durango – I was able to preach at the 8^th anniversary service in July. How time flies! It was exciting to see their faithfulness to the Lord and a crowd so large we had to hold this service beside the church, I estimate between 150-180 present.   Pastor Lorenzo came to Juarez to preach our anniversary on Sept 8^th and has developed into a great preacher.  Please remember this work in your prayers.

Brother Angel Luna – Bermejillo, Durango   Bro. Angel seems to be making good progress in his recovery, and I am sure that he will be able to stand and even move a bit before the year is over.  Please pray to that end.  Bro. Angel has expressed a desire to return to the Juarez area to start another work as soon as he is able.  That would be a great Joy for me to be able to work together once again. – There’s so much left to do!

Looking for that Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing! – Keep looking up!

August / September 2013

Dear Friends and Family in Christ,

    Thank you so much for your faithful prayers for us and for your support for the ministry in Mexico.  We know that your prayers and support are a vital part of  our ministry.  The Lord has been faithful to supply our needs and shower us with many blessings, which we certainly don’t deserve.  We have been blessed to see several souls make professions of faith and the altars full in recent services.

Update on Fractured Hip:  Until just a few weeks ago it seemed like I was making good progress towards a full recovery.  My doctor had given me permission to start training again and I had worked up to 12.5 miles on my bike and 6 miles walking/jogging.  Since I’ve never had a broken hip before I wasn’t sure what I should feel. My doctor recommended that I go for a MRI since I still had a considerable amount of pain.  The results showed that the fracture was not healing and I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon.  This Dr. thinks I could possibly have avascular necrosis where the bone is dying.  I have been told for the next 90 days to not exercise (except for swimming), avoid stairs and to use a cane when I walk, to see if the fracture will start to heal.  If not, I am looking at a hip replacement eventually.  I know that the Lord is in control of everything and I trust in His will.  Pray that my body will heal, and that the Lord will give me the wisdom to follow the doctor’s orders and recover.

Ministry Updates:

Iglesia Bautista “Castillo Mio” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – We have been able to participate with this church and pastor Hugo Luna several times over the past few months.  They continue struggling a little bit since our departure, but I believe they will soon be back up to speed.  They have been averaging around 50 on Sunday services and recently had 50 children attend the special Saturday program.  Pray that the people will be faithful to the Lord and reach new souls for Him.  They are planning a VBS for early August.

In early May, Gerardo Angel became the 7^th student to graduate from the Bible institute from this church.  He is still young in age, but has a good grasp on spiritual things.  Please pray for the Lord to guide him to his future ministry.

Iglesia Bautista “Esperanza Mia” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – We recently attended the first anniversary of this new church, what an exciting time it was!  There were well over 100 in attendance and several baptisms on this day of victory!  Missionary Marshal Dies and Pastor Alberto DeAnda along with their families have done a great job establishing this church.  I consider this church our first “Grandchild” in the ministry since it was a mission off a church we helped establish.  What a blessing grandchildren are! Praise the Lord!

Iglesia Bautista “La Gracia” – Bermejillo, Durango – I have been invited to preach the 8^th anniversary service for this church on July 21^st and Lord willing we’ll be able to be there to help celebrate this exciting day.  Pastor Lorenzo Ballenas has done a good job leading the church in evangelism and discipleship since taking over from Brother Angel.  Please pray that the Lord will supply their needs as they continue reaching their “Jerusalem”

Brother Angel Luna – Bermejillo, Durango – Please continue to pray for Bro. Angel’s health, he still cannot stand or walk, but has seen some progress in his recovery.  He is heading up the mission in a ranch where he lives and preaches and helps lead the services from his wheelchair.  Pray that he would soon be able to stand and walk on his own.

Looking for that Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing!  

 May /June / July 2013

Dear Friends and Family in Christ,

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers for us and for your support for the ministry in Mexico.  We know that your prayers and support are a vital part of  our ministry.  The Lord has been faithful to supply our needs and shower us with many blessings, which we certainly don’t deserve.  We have been blessed to see several souls make professions of faith and the altars full in recent services.

 Update on Fractured Hip:  Until just a few weeks ago it seemed like I was making good progress towards a full recovery.  My doctor had given me permission to start training again and I had worked up to 12.5 miles on my bike and 6 miles walking /jogging.  Since I’ve never had a broken hip before I wasn’t sure what I should feel. My doctor recommended that I go for a MRI since I still had a considerable amount of pain.  The results showed that the fracture was not healing and I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon.  This Dr. thinks I could possibly have avascular necrosis where the bone is dying.  I have been told for the next 90 days to not exercise (except for swimming), avoid stairs and to use a cane when I walk, to see if the fracture will start to heal.  If not, I am looking at a hip replacement eventually.  I know that the Lord is in control of everything and I trust in His will.  Pray that my body will heal, and that the Lord will give me the wisdom to follow the doctor’s orders and recover.

Ministry Updates:

Iglesia Bautista “Castillo Mio” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – We have been able to participate with this church and pastor Hugo Luna several times over the past few months.  They continue struggling a little bit since our departure, but I believe they will soon be back up to speed.  They have been averaging around 50 on Sunday services and recently had 50 children attend the special Saturday program.  Pray that the people will be faithful to the Lord and reach new souls for Him.  They are planning a VBS for early August.

In early May Gerardo Angel became the 7^th student to graduate from the Bible institute from this church.  He is still young in age, but has a good grasp on spiritual things.  Please pray for the Lord to guide him to his future ministry.

Iglesia Bautista “Esperanza Mia” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – We recently attended the first anniversary of this new church, what an exciting time it was!  There were well over 100 in attendance and several baptisms on this day of victory!  Missionary Marshal Dies and Pastor Alberto DeAnda along with their families have done a great job establishing this church.  I consider this church our first “Grandchild” in the ministry since it was a mission off a church we helped establish.  What a blessing grandchildren are! Praise the Lord!

Iglesia Bautista “La Gracia” – Bermejillo, Durango – I have been invited to preach the 8^th anniversary service for this church on July 21^st and Lord willing we’ll be able to be there to help celebrate this exciting day.  Pastor Lorenzo Ballenas has done a good job leading the church in evangelism and discipleship since taking over from Brother Angel.  Please pray that the Lord will supply their needs as they continue reaching their “Jerusalem”

Brother Angel Luna – Bermejillo, Durango – Please continue to pray for Bro. Angel’s health, he still cannot stand or walk, but has seen some progress in his recovery.  He is heading up the mission in a ranch where he lives and preaches and helps lead the services from his wheelchair.  Pray that he would soon be able to stand and walk on his own.

Looking for that Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing!  

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  – 1 Thes 5:18

Have you ever struggled with that verse?  I have – even more so in days since our last letter.  Well, here goes…

PRAISE – Fractured Pelvis! – As many of you know, on the 31^st of January I was riding my bicycle for exercise when suddenly a red nosed pit-bull charged from behind a stone wall and rammed the front wheel of my bicycle like a bull.  In the ensuing crash I flew forward over the handlebars and landed mostly on my right hip.  Praise the Lord that the dog did not attack me, as he whelped with pain and ran back into his property.  To make a long story shorter, I ended up in the hospital and the x-rays revealed that I had fractured my pelvis in 3 distinct places.  The largest fracture even tore the cartilage in my hip socket.  Since we did not do an MRI we can’t be sure about muscle damage although my doctor is sure there was some.  It has been nearly 90 days since the accident and I am finally to the point where I can put some weight on the joint and I can now walk with the aid of a cane.  I am still not recovered completely and it will probably be a 6 month process altogether.  Most days I do fine and most nights I am awakened with pain, although recently I have had a couple nights where I was able to rest without getting up.  The doctor is hopeful for a full recovery and so am I!

So… Thank You Lord for allowing this in my life.  Even though my personality is not suited to be sitting on the sidelines like I have had to do, it has given me a chance to rest and reflect on all the blessings the Lord has given my family and me.  Many times in the past I have talked about furlough but circumstances seemed to draw me back to the field after just a few weeks.  This time the Lord has forced me to rest and take this much needed time to recover emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Please pray that the Lord would grant me a full recovery and that we would be able to continue to serve Him in the way He wants us to.

PRAISE – Iglesia Bautista “Castillo Mio” – Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua – Pastor Hugo has reported to me that although attendance initially dropped after we turned the work over to them they have been able to win new souls to the Lord and now the church is full again most Sundays.  On Easter Sunday they were able to baptize several new converts and seem to be on the right track.

One of the exciting ministries this church has is a breakfast for the poor children that live close to the church.  The drug violence has left many children orphaned and many mothers widowed without any regular income.  Many children have little to eat.  The church has been averaging between 30 and 50 children and mothers coming on Saturday mornings.  They are fed a nutritious breakfast and then have a Sunday school type class with crafts and other fun activities.  Many of the children and mothers have accepted the Lord and several are now attending the other services of the church.  Please pray this ministry will continue to have fruitful results.

PRAISE – Juarez Campaign 2013 – Our two churches once again took part in this annual campaign to distribute tracts and gospel portions on the streets of Juarez as well as preach the Gospel in open air events twice each day.  We were able to see many souls accept the Gospel message and many more heard or read the Gospel for the first time.  We feel privileged to participate in the great campaign.  Please pray that many more people would be saved as a result of this campaign.

PRAYER REQUESTS – Physical recovery for Tim and Pastor Angel Luna, Fruit that remains, More Laborers, Guidance and Direction, Protection

Looking for that Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing!