A couple pictures of the congregation, Sunday morning, Feb. 8.
Tony recognizing the 18 people that were baptized during the year.
Some of the ladies, serving the cake and "snack" after the service.
Teddy enjoying his plate of "goodies"! Looks happy doesn't he?
Tony and I with Pastor Eduardo and his family in Portoviejo, Sunday afternoon.
I pray that each of you have had a wonderful week! So sorry for not updating you earlier in the week on our week-end, but things got a little hectic around here. LOL I believe Tony posted an update and some pictures, so maybe you have all been able to keep up with me through his blog.
Last Saturday, we had the young women's meeting here at our house. Only had 3 ladies show up, but we had a great time. Later, several told me they had planned to come, but just had different things come up. Please pray for these ladies. Each of them is struggling with their own set of problems, but they are growing and seeing God work in their lives and in the lives of their families. Saturday, Monica shared how overwhelmed she has been with the love and concern that has been showered on her by the ladies in our church. Monica is a very new Christian, and she is expecting her first baby. She mentioned that none of her sisters or even her mother have offered any kind of support or help, nor have any of the people that she would have considered, "her friends", yet several ladies in the church, who have known her a realitvely short time, have opened up their hearts to her! What a testimony to what the difference Christ makes in our lives!
Saturday evening we had a Leadership Team meeting. It went well, but long, as there were many things to discuss and "iron out".
Sunday morning started bright and early. It was pouring down rain, but about 30 minutes before the service the rain stopped and the sun came out!!! We had around 95 people to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the church. It was a very special service and time of fellowship. Tony recoginized the 18 people that had been baptized during this past year, and it was such a blessing to have all 18 of them present! What a great sign of growth in our young church.
Sunday afternoon we headed to Portoviejo, and enjoyed the service there, where the church recognized Pastor Eduardo and his family and thanked them for the years of service they have given. Pastor Eduardo and his family will be moving to Santo Domingo this week-end. Please pray for leadership and direction for them, and also for the church in Porto Viejo.
The Bible Study Sunday evening was once again well attended. After the study, we had a short meeting to get things organized for our "mini" VBS which will start February 26. Please be praying for those who have made the committment to help with this.
This week hasn't slowed down any either! Tuesday we had some friends from Santo Domingo come and visit us for a few days...we enjoyed thier company. Wednesday I met with the Leaders in our Women's ministry and then Wednesday evening we were off to the Bible Study in Porto Viejo. Tony has been very busy, with the normal classes and discipleship, plus work on getting the construction going for the building. That is all moving forward. We need to find a "general contractor" within the next week, that will be there to "over see" the day to day construction. Pray for God to lead us to the person he has for this position.
Thank you for praying for Barbara Casto. She is out of the hospital and doing well. She has a long road of recovery ahead of her, but God has been so good. Veronica Perez, too, is doing much better. Teddy seems to finally be completely over his "bug" and we are getting back on track with school. Tony and I still need your prayers for wisdom and energy and we minister here and in Portoviejo.
God bless you!
Joy
