Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you so much for your prayers and faithfulness as we continue to partner together in missions. These days have been very busy and interesting for us.
We are continuing our medical furlough as I address my health concerns and seek answers for Jessica’s ongoing health issues.
I am so thankful that the Great Physician is on the throne and in control, and I know He cares for us. As 1 Peter 5:7 states: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
What comfort and peace that brings—great confidence and rest in Him!
Ministry News
Our national pastors and staff are doing a great job at Efata in Peru. I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed me with a wonderful team of men and women to work with in leadership, many of whom we have trained and discipled.
This year, God has blessed our Deaf school with over 40 students. This is almost double last year’s enrollment. The school is an important part of reaching the Deaf for Christ. As we educate them in their language, we are able to preach to them and teach them about God, Heaven, Hell and our wonderful Saviour. It gives us a platform to reach their parents for the Lord as well. We hired more staff, and we are thankful for some wonderful teachers with a long history with our school.
In addition to the school, our Bible College and Bible Institute have started their new year as well. This year we have started a new outreach of teaching English and Sign Language to the public.
The mission work in Chancay is thriving, meeting in their new building on their own property. There is still work to do as they have yet to get the electricity connected. We praise God for His hand in this ministry.
Another mission in the jungle city of Pucallpa just celebrated its anniversary. Our Deaf pastor, Jorge Pozo, went and preached at the celebration.
Family News
I am now in cardiac rehabilitation three days a week. It’s going well, and I can feel the increase in my strength and stamina. Rehab helps me monitor my heart as it adjusts to proper blood flow during exercise. I have about two more months of rehab before doctors address my shoulder and cataract surgeries.
We have not found any solutions yet for the medical issues Jessica is facing, which I mentioned in the last prayer letter. She has been to several specialists and undergone multiple tests, but nothing has been determined. She seems to be doing somewhat better as the swelling has not been as bad lately, though she continues to have headaches. We continue to investigate this.
Thank you for all your prayers and support, especially during this medical furlough. I am limited geographically and unable to do much traveling due to the rigid medical schedules I am currently following. Once I am done with all of this, we look forward to getting back to Efata in Peru. Until then, we are faithful to help in our home church and look forward to visiting our nearby friends and supporters as we are able.
Joe & Lisa
Joel, Jessica, Jennifer