Dear Friends and Family,
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
Revelation 4:8-9
This past couple of months have been very busy for us. There is much going on here at Efata. As the verse above states, Holy is our God and worthy of all glory, honor and praise! We thank him for counting us worthy and putting us in the ministry.
School started again in March. We had a rough start with the high school program due to problems with changes in the local government education offices and the school that sponsors our deaf high school program. Thankfully, after a few weeks, it was all worked out, and we can continue our unique program.
One of our little deaf boys named Yerik had his surgery on his legs to straighten them out. The surgery went well. He has been in bed for a month with a body cast. Two weeks ago, they removed the cast, and he is in physical therapy to learn how to walk again. He is doing great. Thank God to all who donated their resources and time to make this happen.
Construction Work on New Roof
Currently, we are building the new roof on our cafeteria. We have been praying and working towards this goal for several years. An NGO has donated $10,000 towards this project, and we are well on our way to finally getting it done. With what is being donated by a businessman in our church, we will be able to complete this project.
This month we celebrated our church’s 38th anniversary. Missionary Ray Bradley from Ecuador was our special speaker. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to work here in Peru for 16 years with both Deaf and hearing people. During this anniversary, we ordained two men to the Gospel ministry.
We do have a very special financial need that we would ask you to pray about. The Deaf Department of Trinity Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL, has worked hard to bring together a massive donation for our School and Ministry that will be shipped by the Government via USAID. The shipping is FREE. The problem is that they have collected over $100,000 worth of clothing, school supplies and items for the children’s home, and they have a need for a storage facility with a loading dock as required by USAID.
We are asking if you, our supporters, could pray about a special offering to help with the costs of renting a facility and the mobilization of the supplies to the facility. We are hoping that we can get the items shipped within three months. The timing is dependent on paperwork processing both here in Peru and back in the States.
Thank you so much for your help and prayers for this project. It has been in the works for almost two years. Many have donated much-needed uniforms, equipment and supplies that will be a great help for us.
Ordination Service During Our 38th Anniversary
We continue to see souls saved and are excited about the work the Lord is doing here at Efata and at our mission works throughout Peru. Pray as we look at another area to start a work during the coming months. I am currently discipling two men. One, Ronald, lives in an area where we wish to start a work. Pray that God will help him grow and become a leader in His work.
As many of you know, Julianne and Frank are expecting our first grandson. He is due to make his appearance in June. Lisa will be leaving for a month to help her. I will be going to the States for ten days in June as well to see him and for follow-up appointments at the VA Clinic in Fort Myers. In addition, Joseph and Zulema are now expecting. Their baby is due in December. How thrilling it is that this new season in our lives has come upon us. I have been looking forward to this for a long time.
Jared has just graduated from the one-year Bible college program at Master’s Baptist College in Fargo, ND. He is very excited. He has a good job and great opportunities there. He will continue to live in Fargo and serve the Lord at Fargo Baptist Church. Pray for him has he makes decisions regarding college and the Air National Guard.
James has one more year to go to finish at Baptist College of Ministry. Pray for him for his finances and his summer internship.
All is well on the home front with the children who are still at home. Pray for God’s leading and care. Thank you all for your wonderful love and care for our ministry here in Peru and beyond.
Bro. Joe & Lisa,
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer