Oct 3, 2016 | Prayer Letters
Dear Friends and Family,
“ The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” Proverbs 21:1
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Ministry News
It’s here! The container has finally been released and arrived at Efata at about 12:30am on Friday Sept. 23rd, ending a 10-month long process that would take pages to explain. We are so thankful to the Lord for His blessings. I must say that I have learned a new level of patience throughout this process.One of the many blessings of this event was that the container storage company, Fargoline, who some say does not give many discounts, granted us a 90% discount on the storage fees for the container. So what would have been over $16,000 with storage and other service fees, was reduced to a little over $4000.00. Glory to God! We are grateful to them and thankful to the Lord for working in hearts. As the verse above states, God turns the heart of authorities (kings).We are extremely grateful to those who gave to make this possible. There were churches and individuals who gave sacrificially for the items that were in the container, the cost to ship the container and all the expenses related to the paperwork processes, storage and movement here in Peru. This was a very daunting and frustrating process but we have learned a great deal.
We are thrilled to finally have the tracts and Bibles that we can now distribute throughout our ministries here in Peru. We are thanking the Lord for church pews, and chairs, used clothing, new clothing, school uniforms, shoes, 28 tables, special needs equipment for a very handicapped little boy, silverware griddles, crockpots towels, sheets, computers for school, huge boxes of toys, plus little bikes, ride on toys, school supplies as well as teachers resources, library books changing table for the nursery, a Ping-Pong table, a Foosball table, and many sports supplies, picture frames and more.
In November we will be having two Bible Conferences, one for the hearing and one for the Deaf. We are so excited about these conferences for our church people.
Please pray for me as I am making contacts with officials in the National Police for open doors into their schools and institutions to teach Biblical ethics and morals. A great need here in Peru. I will let you know more about this as it progresses.
Family News
We are grandparents times 3 now! Julianne delivered a beautiful baby boy – Andrew. Sunday night the 25th of September. Lisa and I were returning from a preaching engagement that I had two hours away and when we arrived home at 1:30am we were greeted by a surprise visit from Frank and Julianne and their two boys David and Andrew. What a blessing to hold my new grandson for the first time.
Judson is almost done with his high school. I will be bringing him back to the States to complete his enlistment process for the Marine Corps. Please pray for God’s guidance in this process for him.
James, will be coming down for the Bible conference for the hearing to help with the interpreting. We are so looking forward to seeing him again as well. He just started his Master’s program at Baptist College of Ministry.
Jared continues to work in Fargo, ND and attend Fargo Baptist Church. He is active in the church and is preparing to go into the military.
John, Joel, Jessica and Jennifer are doing well. The kids are growing up and once Judson leaves, we will only have five children at home. Lisa is currently taking care of a newborn baby that the government brought by who was abandoned. Other than getting less sleep, it is nice having a baby in the house for a while.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. |
Bro. Joe & Lisa
Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
Jun 25, 2016 | Spanish Prayer Letters
Queridos amigos y familiares,
“Estad quietos, y conoced que yo soy Dios;
Seré exaltado entre las naciones; enaltecido seré en la tierra.” Salmo 46:10
Alabamos a Dios porque ÉL nos da la victoria en nuestras vidas, nuestro ministerio, y nuestra esperanza está en EL. Pedimos sus disculpas de que la carta de oración sea tarde en llegarles. Hemos demorado un poquito con la esperanza de tener buenas noticias del contenedor que hemos estado esperando por casi siete meses. Hablaré más de esto en seguida.
Noticias del Ministerio
El 21 al 23 de mayo celebramos el aniversario de nuestra iglesia. Mi Hijo James y un grupo del Seminario Bautista de Ministerio de Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin vinieron a visitar durante la conferencia y proveyeron música especial para la conferencia junto con muchas otras cosas que hicieron.
Pastor Joel Marsh, un gran predicador y querido amigo, vino para el aniversario y trajo a dos hermanos con él. Dios le guio y uso grandemente y agradecemos a Dios por las bendiciones durante la semana del aniversario. Vimos varios salvados, un bautismo, y a 10 hermanos que se juntaron con la iglesia.
Nuestro colegio de sordos celebro su aniversario la semana pasada, y fue un tiempo especial para todos nuestros alumnos. El martes nos sorprendió un grupo que otro amigo misionero trajo para conocer a la obra y Dios les uso para traer muchos regalitos para los niños del colegio. El tiempo de Dios es perfecto. El Colegio Cristiano Efata fue establecido hace 46 años por el misionero fundador Vernon Miller. El y su esposa, Velma, fueron misioneros sordos quienes permitieron a Dios usar sus vidas. Oramos que Dios continúe enviando a obreros a su mies de los Estados Unidos, de Perú, y todo el Mundo. ¡Los sordos necesitan ver el evangelio predicado!
Hace dos semanas (el 9-12 de junio) tuve el privilegio de predicar una conferencia a unas horas al norte de nosotros en la Iglesia Bíblica Bautista Manantial de Vida para su aniversario de 20 años. La iglesia estaba llena. Agradezco a Dios por la oportunidad de ser usado para animar a esta iglesia y a su pastor. James y Judson cantaron “Oh Amor de Dios;” es un gozo ver a nuestros hijos alabando a nuestro gran Dios! Todos nuestros hijos cantaron juntos el sábado por la noche.
El 14 al 18 de junio tuvimos el gozo de tener con nosotros al Pastor Guillermo Gardner de la Iglesia Bautista Visión en Alpharetta, Georgia para predicar nuestra conferencia misionera. Fue una gran bendición para nosotros. Por favor oren que Dios use esta conferencia para tocar los corazones de nuestra iglesia para ser usado como Dios quiere en misiones. Sabemos que Dios envió su hijo porque nos ama a nosotros. Oramos que podremos ver a las personas atreves de sus ojos.
Por favor siga orando que puedan permitir la salida del contenedor. Ha habido algunas demoras más en cuanto a los tramites y el señor que tenía que firmar la resolución para soltarlo falleció la semana pasada. Un nuevo presidente también fue elegido la semana pasada. Nos están asegurando que se va a firmar y nos lo van a dar para el fin de semana. Oramos que sea así, pero sabemos que el tiempo de Dios es perfecto. Gracias por sus oraciones.
Noticias de la Familia
La primera parte de mayo, Lisa y yo estuvimos en los Estados Unidos para la graduación de nuestro Segundo hijo, James, del Seminario Bautista de Ministerio en Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Fue una gran bendición. Después el vino a Perú con un grupo de 12 personas del seminario. Fue un placer tener al Hermano Zempel y a su esposa Elizabeth con nosotros, así como los jóvenes que vinieron con ellos. Ellos dieron clases intensivos de violín, clarinete, y piano, ensenaron al coro de niños, guiaron un retiro de pastores, y ayudaron en muchas, muchas cosas más. Ellos fueron una gran influencia y bendición a nuestros niños, a toda la iglesia, y a nuestra familia.
Por favor oren por Julianne, nuestra hija mayor, y su esposo ya que ella está dando a luz a su segundo bebé esta primera semana de Julio. Lisa estará yendo por un mes para ayudarla con todo eso.
Por favor siga orando que Dios siga proveyendo por las necesidades de Efata, la iglesia, el colegio, el hogar, el Instituto Bíblico, El Seminario, y también el centro de intervención prenatal. Oren que Dios use a cada uno de estos ministerios para Su honra y gloria.
Gracias por todas sus oraciones y apoyo.
Hno. Joe & Lisa
Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
Jun 25, 2016 | Prayer Letters
Dear Friends and Family,
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
We praise God for HE gives the victory in our lives, our ministry, and our hope is in HIM. We apologize that this letter has been late to get to you. We were delaying it a bit in hopes of having good news about the container that we have been waiting for almost seven months. More about that below.
Ministry News
The 21-23rd of May we celebrated our church Anniversary. My son, James, and a group from Baptist College of Ministry in Menomonee Falls, WI came down during that time and provided special music for the conference among many other things.
Pastor Joel Marsh, a great preacher and dear friend came down for the Anniversary conference and brought two men with him. God led him and used him greatly and we just thank God for the blessings during our anniversary week. We saw several saved, a baptism, and 10 joined the church.
Our deaf school’s anniversary was held last week, and it was a special time for all our students. By surprise, a group came by to visit on Tuesday, brought by a missionary friend, and God used them as a channel to give many goodies to the school children. God’s timing is perfect. Efata Christian School was established 46 years ago by founding missionary Vernon Miller. He and his wife Velma were deaf missionaries who allowed God to use their lives. We pray that God will continue to send forth laborers into His harvest, from the USA, from Peru, and all over the World. The deaf need to see the Gospel preached to them!
Last week, (June 9-12), I had the privilege of preaching a couple hours north of our home, at the Living Fountain Bible Baptist Church for their 20th anniversary. The church was full. Praise God for the opportunity to be used to encourage this church and their Pastor. James and Judson sang “the Love of God, How Marvelous, and Strong”; It is a joy to see our children praising our great God! All of our kids sang together Saturday evening.
On June 14th to the 18th, we had the joy of having Pastor Austin Gardner from Vision Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Ga with us to preach our Mission Conference. What a great blessing he was. Please pray as God uses this conference to touch the hearts of our church to be used as He chooses in missions. We know that God sent HIS Son because He loves us. We pray that we will see people through His eyes.
Please continue to pray for the release of the container. There were a few more delays in the paperwork, and the man who was to sign the resolution passed away last week. A new president was also voted in last week. We are being assured by them that it should be signed and sent to us by the end of this next week. We pray that it is, but we also know that God’s timing is perfect. Thank you for your prayers.
Family News
The first part of May, Lisa and I were in the States for James’, our second son’s, graduation from Baptist College of Ministry in Menomonee Falls, WI. It was a great blessing. He then came down to Peru with a group of 12 from the college. We loved having Bro. Zempel and his wife Elizabeth, as well as the young people who came down with them They taught intensive classes in Violin, clarinet, and Piano, taught the children’s choir, held a staff retreat, and helped in many, many other ways. They were a great influence on our children and all of our church; what a tremendous blessing for our family, staff, and our children.
Please pray for Julianne, our oldest daughter and her husband, as they deliver their second baby the first week of July. Lisa will be going up to help for a month.
Please pray that God will continue to provide for the needs of Efata, the church, school, Bible Institute, Bible College, and home as well as the pregnancy crisis center. Pray He will use each one for His honor and Glory
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Bro. Joe & Lisa
Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
Mar 21, 2016 | Spanish Prayer Letters
Queridos Amigos y Familia,
“El corazón del hombre piensa su camino;
Mas Jehová endereza sus pasos.” Proverbios 16:9
Ha sido un verano muy ocupado para nosotros aquí en Efata. Ha sido lleno de nuevas oportunidades y varias frustraciones. ¡Con todo, como dice el versículo, Dios esta en control! ¡Nosotros pensamos y planeamos, pero Jehová implementa y guía!
Informes del Ministerio
Se termino el verano, y estamos comenzando el año escolar para el Colegio de Sordos, el Seminario, y el Instituto Bíblico. ¡Los niños de las provincias están regresando, y tenemos a muchos NUEVOS alumnos!
Como teníamos espacio extra durante el verano, pudimos proveer un hogar temporario para cuatro bebes y varios niños y jóvenes. Unas veces sus padres fueron hospitalizados, otros encarcelados, y a veces los niños fueron abusados o hallados abandonados. Hemos sido bendecidos con la oportunidad de proveer techo, comida, ropa, y amor, y de compartir el evangelio de nuestro Salvador con estos niños oyentes hasta que el gobierno los halla un hogar más permanente. Hemos podido traer a muchos de ellos a Cristo. Por favor ora que El continuara a obrar en sus vidas. Muchos de ellos tienen situaciones horribles para enfrentar.
También nos hemos ocupado durante este tiempo con reparaciones y mantenimiento. Construimos dos nuevos baños muy necesitados. ¡Gracias a Dios por su provisión para eso!
Por varias semanas he estado ayudando a otra iglesia aquí en Lima que desea comenzar una nueva misión. Hemos visto a gente salva por medio de este ministerio. Ora por sabiduría mientras continuemos ayudándoles. Los miembros de este grupo decidieron congregar en Efata los domingos ya que no tienen dónde reunirse y su iglesia madre esta a dos horas.
Acabamos de concluir nuestra conferencia de Fuegos de Evangelismo. Esto fue una de las mejores conferencias que hemos presentado. Cinco personas fueron salvas, y 37 se rindieron para servir al Señor. Dos señoritas jóvenes fueron bautizadas el siguiente domingo. Pastor Luis Ramos desde San Luis, Potosí, México, y misionero Byron Willis y su esposa desde Panamá fueron nuestros predicadores invitados. ¡Dios tocó corazones! Casi cincuenta pastores vinieron de diferentes partes del Perú y un pastor misionero desde Colombia. Agradecemos a Dios por los 500 que asistieron. Esperando con ganas la conferencia que viene el próximo año. Agradezco a Dios por la oportunidad de trabajar con un equipo tan maravilloso.
También tuvimos un retiro de jóvenes dos semanas antes de la conferencia. Varios jóvenes dieron testimonio de como Dios ha estado obrando en sus vidas.
Aun estamos luchando con el conteiner de donaciones. ¡Sabíamos que iba ser difícil, pero ni la mitad se ha dicho! Por favor sigue orando por eso. Sabemos que Dios puede hacer milagros. ¡Necesitamos a uno de ellos! Además, come esto ha demorado desde noviembre, los costos del almacenaje estarán escandalosos. Estamos orando para que Fargo Line, la compañía que esta almacenado al conteiner, lo considere como donación. ¡Anticipamos ver a Dios obrar de manera milagrosa para causar que nos lo entreguen! Sera de tanta bendición para nuestra escuela e iglesia. No comprendamos la demora, pero sabemos que Él sí, y estamos aprendiendo a confiar en El. Deseamos sus oraciones.
Informes de la Familia
Es una bendición trabajar con Joseph y Zulema, y estamos disfrutando a su hijo, JJ. Disfrutamos una visita de Frank y Julianne y nuestro nieto David en enero. ¡Están esperando a su segundo hijo en julio! James está en su semestre final en el Seminario Bíblico, y está orando para continuar y estudiar para su maestría. Ora que Dios le de sabiduría a el y a nosotros. Jared continúa sirviendo en su iglesia local en Fargo mientras prepara para la universidad. Sigue planeando ser piloto. Tiene varias opciones, y oramos con él para la voluntad de Dios.
Mis hijos están disfrutando sus últimos días de vacaciones. Las clases comienzan pronto para ellos también. Ora por Judson, pues todavía le queda un año de estudios. Por favor ora que él esté motivado mientras hace su tarea. Prefiere trabajar en la construcción que estudiando su tarea. Aún así, debe terminar para poder avanzar a las siguientes etapas de su vida.
Gracias por todas sus oraciones y apoyo.
Hno. Joe y Lisa
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
Mar 21, 2016 | Prayer Letters
Dear Friends and Family,
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
What a busy summer it has been for us here at Efata. It has been full of new opportunities and various frustrations. However, as the verse above teaches, God is in control! We plan and devise but the Lord implements and guides
Ministry News
Summer is over and we are beginning the school year for the Deaf School, the Bible college, and Bible Institute. Children from the provinces are returning and we have many NEW students!
Because we had extra dorm space while school was out for our summer, we have been able to provide a short-term home to four babies, and quite a few children and teenagers. Sometimes their parents were hospitalized, others taken in to jail, and sometimes the children had been abused or found abandoned. We have been blessed to have the opportunity to provide shelter, food, clothing, and love, and to share the gospel of our Savior with these hearing children until the government finds them a more permanent home. We have been able to lead many of them to Christ. Please pray that He will continue to work in their lives. Many of them face terrible situations.
During this time, we have also kept busy with repairs and maintenance. We were able to build two new much needed bathrooms. We thank God for His special provision for this!
For several weeks I have been helping another church here in Lima that is trying to start a mission church. We have seen people saved through this ministry. Pray for wisdom as we continue to help. The members of this group have decided to attend Efata on Sundays as they have no appropriate location to meet and their mother church is two hours away.
We just finished our Fires of Evangelism Conference. This was by far one of the best conferences that we have hosted. Five people were saved and 37 surrendered to serve the Lord. Two teenage girls were baptized the next Sunday. Pastor Luis Ramos from San Luis, Potosi, Mexico and missionary Byron Willis and his wife from Panama were our special speakers. God spoke to our hearts! Almost 50 pastors came from across Peru and one missionary pastor from Colombia. We thank God for the 500 in attendance. We look forward with great anticipation to next year’s conference. I am grateful to God for the privilege of working with such a wonderful staff.
We also had a youth retreat two weeks before the conference. Several young people shared how the Lord has been working in their lives.
We are still struggling with the container of donations. We knew it would be difficult, but the half has not been told! Please keep praying for this. We need a miracle! Because this has gone on since November, storage costs are going be outrageous. We are praying that Fargo Line, the company storing the container, will write it off as a donation. We look forward to seeing God work and cause them to release the container in a miraculous way! It will be such a blessing to our school and church. We don’t understand the delay but we know that He does, and we are learning to trust Him. We covet your prayers.
Family News
Joseph and Zulema are a blessing to work with here, and we are enjoying baby JJ, their son. We enjoyed a visit from Frank and Julianne and our grandson David, in January. They are expecting their second child in July! James is in his final semester at Bible college and is praying about getting his Master’s degree. Pray that God gives him and us wisdom. Jared continues to serve in his local church in Fargo as he prepares for college. He is still planning to become a pilot. He has several options and we are praying with him for the Lord’s leading.
The kids at home are enjoying the last of their summer break. School will start soon for them as well. Pray for Judson as he has a year of school left. Please pray that God will help him to be motivated as he does his school work. He sure would rather be working in the construction needs here than doing homework, but he does need to finish these so he can move on to the next stages in his life.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Bro. Joe & Lisa
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
