Dear Friends in Christ,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Camargo: The Iglesia Bíblica Bautista has had some “growing pains” these last months. There were a couple different conflicts between some women, but it seems we are getting that behind us! The church and even their pastor has been discouraged. I’ve been studying and preaching through Galatians and the “Fruits of the Spirit”. I’ve been making worship more of a priority in my life, and am seeing that fruit, or evidence of the Holy Spirit that dwells in me! I’m benefitted by my worship, as I have higher concept of God! He’ll not be anything less if I don’t seek Him! So the closer relationship I have with Him, the more the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself through me, and thus less manifestations of the flesh!
The church is doing quite a bit better now, with better attendances and a spirit of unity!
From 4 to 14 from the church knock doors every week. We are able to present the gospel frequently, but we’re not able to get those who make a profession of faith out to a service!
We had a couple’s banquet that was a help and encouragement to all who attended!
Church Building: We are getting the 10,000 square-foot building the Lord gave us renovated, as we have money and help. We finally got the ceramic tile laid in the entry, hallway and auditorium. Now we are putting the walls at the back of the auditorium and baptistry changing rooms. Then we’ll install the suspended ceiling in the auditorium.
It’s been a blessing that some of the teen boys come when they don’t have classes! They are learning how to be godly MEN, and to work with their hands! They are also investing themselves in THEIR church, that they will not only have a God-honoring place to worship, but will fight harder for it, as they invested themselves in it!
Stewardship Conference: The end of February I preached at a church that Bro. Ramiro Soto is starting, in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua near where we started our first church.
Jorge & Michel: My assistant got married, to Michel! We took 18 folks from Camargo, 14 hours to the wedding in Tosalibampo, Sinaloa. Her family, church and pastor were very encouraged and pleased for the love that our church showed in making the sacrifice to support them in their wedding! I preached in that church the day after the wedding. The pastor broke down weeping when he spoke of Michel. She is a sweet, godly girl, and was a real servant and leader of the ladies and girls in that church. She will be sorely missed there, but will be a great help-meet for Jorge and a blessing to our church!
Michel is organizing the ladies for various projects, and will begin with ladies meetings after Mother’s Day! Our ladies have been without consistent female leadership for about 4 years, so I’m excited to see what the Lord will do with them and their families!
We’re also making plans to do more with the men, to encourage them and the young men!
Pray that it would be obvious to both Jorge and Michel and our church, what the Lord wants of them, if he would pastor this church, or if He has something else for them!
Praise: Church encouraged, more unity; Jorge and Michel working with us
Prayer: Souls to be saved and baptized; Wisdom for building renovations; Jorge and Michel/ God’s will for their lives / wisdom to pastor them and challenge them to be all they can be
In Christ’s Service,
Bro. Ron Winter
Hands to the Work – Ron Winter
Missionary to Mexico