Sunday Update

Well, it is quiet...the kids are all sleeping and Tony is heading that way.  I just wanted to post a quick update before I head to bed, too.

We have had a busy week-end, but it has been really good.  The wedding Saturday evening was beautiful.  We had a great turnout from our church family, with at least 100 people there.  Everyone did a great job pitching in.  There were about 10 ladies that showed up Saturday morning to help decorate the church, and others that provided finger foods for the reception.

This morning God blessed our services.  We had very good attendances in both our Men's and Lady's Classes.
The children's classes were down a little bit, so our overall attendance was 138.  We did have 5 first time visitors and that was encouraging.

The situation I spoke of last week, seems to be working itself out.  It was a blessing to see the one lady who has been struggling with attitude problems talking to some people to make things right, and then this afternoon, when Tony returned to the church for a leaders meeting, one young couple who had been offended by this woman, multiple times over the last couple years and had been struggling to forgive, were there talking with her and her husband, and called Tony over, and wanted him to know that the Lord had used his sermon this morning to convict their hearts and that they were getting things reconciled!  Praise the Lord for this answer to prayer, for both families involved AND for the church as a whole.  

The other situation with the couple that left, has had very little if any "fall-out".  We are praising God for his timing and work.  It should not amaze me that when we leave things in God's hands He always does them well.

This coming Sunday we are having a breakfast at the church for the ladies in honor of Mother's Day.  I would really appreciate your prayers as we make the preparations for this.  Mother's Day is always a special day here.   It is an opportunity for people to get their unsaved family members to visit the church.  Please pray with us that God would touch hearts and that souls would be saved next week.

We have some new people starting our discipleship lessons.  Please be praying for them as they are taking their first steps in their Christian walk.

The kids and I are steadily working through our school material.  We have about 8 weeks left.  Pray that we would not grow weary and would finish strong.   Also would appreciate your prayers for a church group that will be visiting us in July.  Please pray as we make the preparations for their visit.  Pray that God would use them to bless his work here, and use us to bless them.

I pray you will be encouraged this week.  That you will bring honor and glory to the name of Christ.  That God would bless you in the place of service where he has put you.

Thank you for praying for our family and the ministry here in Manta, Ecuador!
Blessings,
Joy