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 7th 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 8th anniversary service for this church on July 21st 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!