Dear Friends in Christ,
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” 1 Corinthians 15:54
Connie’s Homegoing: Connie had become increasingly weak over the past few months, until she won the victory and graduated to glory on September 6! She had a PET scan in July which showed cancer in her organs and lymph nodes. The doctor in Mexico wanted her to get more chemotherapy. Instead we brought her up to Tulsa Oklahoma so that she could be near our four kids, ten grandbabies, her sister and family, as well as her parents. She weakened, so fast, that we admitted her into the hospital on Sept. 2, before she could start cancer treatments. On Monday, Sept. 5 the hospital allowed all of the grandkids except the 1 ½ year old into the room to see her in the ICU which was a priceless time! Especially because she so loved her family, but had paid the price as a missionary of not being able to see them very often. Connie’s organs were failing, and she could hardly talk or think clearly and they started dialysis all that night.
The next morning Sept. 6, the Lord woke me up at 3:30 AM. When I stood by her bed, she opened her eyes looked at me and asked me, “am I going to die?” “Yes,” I said, and with her radiant face looked up and said, “I’m going to see Jesus!” From morning to mid-day she continued to reassure us, “God is so good!” All four of her kids and Glenda, a longtime friend, came early to see her and got to spend time with her talking and even joking. Her parents and brother came a little later and we all got to say goodbye at 8:13PM. After six years of leukemia, Connie is at home with her Lord and Savior! Amen! We sure covet your prayers!
Insurance: When we returned to Mexico after Connie’s treatments in 2010 to begin a new church, we had to surrender our US insurance. Last month we were able to get insurance on a special enrollment, and started with coverage effective September 1. So now the insurance has to approve everything, since cancer treatments weren’t scheduled to begin until Sept. 8.
Church in Camargo: I challenged the Iglesia Bíblica Bautista, that a church whose pastor can’t be in front of them for a time will either grow or fall back, proving their loyalty whether to me or really to Christ. The church isn’t ready to be on its own, though that is the goal. A pastor from Chihuahua has been preaching on Sundays, and one of our men preaches the mid-week services and they continue knocking doors. It appears attendances have remained fairly constant.
In our last letter we told of Ismael who is moving to Camargo to work with the teens, and with every aspect of the ministry. His wife will deliver their second son in November. Pray that the church will accept them and the Lord is glorified in their lives as they minister in the church and community.
Please pray for a special memorial service this Sunday, Sept. 18, with the church in Camargo.
Permanent residence: Our work visas are in the renewal process and should become permanent this year. Please pray that I will be able to get this permanent residence.
Praise: Jesus’ sacrifice and salvation; Connie’s life, now free from suffering; Church’s faithfulness
Prayer: Comfort for the Connie Winter family; Church in Camargo, Ismael & Family; Residence Visas
In His Service,
