Dear Friends and Family,
“I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4
Sorry this prayer letter is a bit late. I have been traveling a lot these past few months and so much has been going on. As the verse above implies, we must be busy about our Master´s business as time is short and there is much to do.
Ministry News
In August I traveled to Trujillo to preach for another missionary who is away, at a Seminary youth meeting and for a church anniversary. In September I was invited to preach a mission conference at Iglesia Bautista Redención (Redemption Baptist Church) in Tampa, FL. It was this church’s first faith promise mission conference. Three people were saved during the course of the conference and many decisions were made for the Lord. Pastor Joel Marsh and his church family did a wonderful job. In mid-october, I preached another church anniversary in Chimbote and was blessed to lead a young lady to the Lord. This month I will be preaching in a pastor’s retreat and we also will have our Bible Conference in November. These have been very full months. We praise God that He continues to bless and give fruit.
Also in August, a mission team from Oswalt Baptist Church in Trotman, NC came, helped us with several projects, and ministered spiritually as well to our people. They were such a blessing. They also helped with our Big Box project by providing the shipping funds needed to send the container. Thank you so much! Thank you Pastor Wesley and Bro, Jamie and church for your coordination, care and help.
Things are BUSY at Efata. Missionary Bruce Martin came and taught a Bible history conference in September. We are so thankful for him coming and teaching our people the wonderful and rich history of the Spanish Bible.
The new Deaf ministry in El Augustino is going well. Joseph has been heading that up. He is also putting together a new webpage for our church as well as a Peruvian Sign Language Dictionary on-line to help people learn the language.
Lisa and the kids are doing well. Please especially pray for Lisa, Trisha Olson and our pastoral staff, as they are doing an incredible job finalizing the Big Box Project. Lisa has worked many late nights trying to get all the details worked out with the group of young people from Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL, the customs in Peru, the shippers and the Peruvian ministries which have had to approve all of the donations. We have reached the finish line! The container is shipping on November first. Pray that everything goes smoothly when it reaches Peru and goes through the customs process. The contents of this container will be a tremendous blessing.
Also pray for several of our families who have lost loved ones recently. One of our missionaries lost his father, one of our members lost her 25-year-old granddaughter during child-birth and another former pastor with us lost his mother, as well. All this in the same week. We praise the Lord that Brigitte, the 23 year old sister of the deceased, was saved this week, as well as several others.
Recently we had our “Family Day” here at Efata Baptist Church. It was a great day. We had many visitors and seven people were saved and two baptized (one deaf and one hearing). We have had baptisms every Sunday in October. We also have seen several saved on visitation.
Family News
Lisa and I are awaiting our second grandson who is due in December. Please pray for Joseph and his wife Zulema for her pregnancy.
James and Jared are doing well in Bible College. This is James’ last year. Jared is planning to complete his associate degree in Bible and then go into the National Guard to go to college for pilot training.
The other kids are doing well in their normal routines. Joy just turned 15! They are growing up quickly. In December Judson will be 18. Wow! That will be five adult children with five minor children. Halfway there!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are so thankful for the two new churches that have taken us on for support.
Thank you.
Bro. Joe & Lisa
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer