We're coming and going!

I pray that each of you had a wonderful time of worship in God's house today!

We have had a great week! Last Sunday, which was Father's Day, we had 15 Father's recognized at the church here in Manta.

This week, we went to Santo Domingo for our annual retreat for Women in Ministry. God blessed and we had wonderful retreat. 53 Ecuadorian Pastor's wives and Ministry Leaders attended this years retreat. We were excited because Sharon Smith, who has worked with Sylvia Wells and I over the last 10 years to plan this retreat, was able to return to be a part of this years retreat too.

Last night our church sponsored an Evangelistic meeting in the park near our church. At one point Tony counted over 150, just in the part close to the stage. There were so many people coming and going, we really have no idea how many actually heard the gospel. Many raised their hands that they had accepted Christ. Our Church members went around and talked to many of the people, asking them if they could visit them, and if they were interested in signing up to have a Bible Study. From the many that raised their hands, we only got about 15 names, of people who were interested in a follow up contact, but that is still 15!

This morning, we had 148 in church! I can tell you that the apartment was packed out to the max! There was a group from the US visiting, so that was 14, but still we had a great attendance! After church we had a meeting, trying to get the necessary things done to our church "incorporated" to make it legal. We had over 50 sign the sheet as members. We would have have a few more, but they didn't have their documents with them for us to copy. (Here we had to have a copy of their ID card, and the proof that they voted in the last election....yes voting is mandatory in Ecuador). After that we had a baptism, with 4 people being baptized! Lots going on, and the day still isn't over! :-)

This afternoon, the men are having a work day at the property, and then they will be enjoying a few games of volleyball.

This coming week, we will moving out of the apartment and over to the new property. Pray as we make decisions what to actually move to the property and what to store until we have more of the building finished. Pray that we would get water and lights! Everyone is very excited and we are so thankful for all the Lord has done to this point.

Saturday, July 4, we will be having a Baby Shower here at my house. God is blessing our church with more babies! :-)

Thank you so much for your prayers for the ministry here in Manta!
God Bless!
Joy