Dear Friends in Christ,
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of my Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:1,2
Happy New Year! As we recall events and hardships of 2016, we need to remember that the past is an ally, not an enemy; God always knows and wants what’s best for us and for His glory! I know that if we will rest in God’s grace and be what He could use, for eternity’s sake, we’ll have a blessed 2017! Thank you so much for your faithful support, special Christmas gifts and for your prayers!
Camargo: The Iglesia Biblica Bautista is responding well, stepping up in Connie’s place. Several are getting involved in activities and responsibilities of the church. For some it is only physical, being more faithful to services and helping to serve, clean and such. We are discipling 7 people, who say upon completing their discipleship, they’ll teach a class, disciple someone else or help in ministry. We continue presenting the gospel, passing out tracts, door knocking, and in services. Some make professions of faith, that merely want to add more religion to their beliefs but have no desire to follow the Lord or make any change, but we keep looking for that person who wants to know! Alicia and Mariana, a mother and teen age daughter, whose family members were killed, and many other problems, made a profession of faith, but have plenty of excuses to not attend services. Since Connie’s death, I have preached 2 funerals, and her testimony has proved invaluable! One, a 17 year old who was running with the wrong crowd, was killed. He had asked his aunt who attends our church about salvation, so don’t know if he was saved or not. An older man on his death bed, trusted Christ a week earlier. Amen! After each funeral, a family member told me they were concerned for their soul. We are trying to help them, but have not made any headway yet.
Intern: I praise the Lord for Ismael and Sarahi and two boys! Mateo was born November 2, and both he and Sarahí are doing well! They are very committed; I tell him one time, and it will be done on time! The church is accepting them well, and they praise God for bringing them here to Camargo. Pray for them to know God’s will for their life, and for the wisdom I need to help them in their spiritual growth. Ismael put on the Christmas program on December 11, involving both Sunday school classes and the teens with a puppet presentation that he wrote. We had 65 in attendance. He took the services while I went up to Oklahoma for Christmas with the family. It was good for him, to do everything with services, discipleships and door knocking. I returned to Camargo in time for our watch-night service.
Family: Connie had so looked forward to being with the family for Christmas this year. I felt that our kids, grandbabies, Connie’s sister and family, her mom and dad and I needed that time together to remember Connie and honor the family that was her pride and joy. Bittersweet memories!
Praise: A blessed 2016; Souls saved; God and the churches we’re allowed to serve; Good Christmas; New baby, Ismael & their faithfulness; Great time with the family; Connie is with Christ, and not sick
Prayer: Souls to be saved, baptized, discipled, serving; Ismael, wisdom; My future and my family
In His Service,
