Aug 9, 2015 | Prayer Letters
Dear Friends and Family,
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! – Psalm 107:8
These past two months have been very exciting here at Efata and in our family overall. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful our God is all times of our lives and ministry. As the verse above mentions, we should always be a people that praises our LORD for his goodness and all that He does for, through and with us.
Ministry News
This past month we had a wonderful mission conference. Pastors Franco Loyola from Ecuador and Victor Paez from Venezuela were our special speakers as well as several of our missionaries. It was an incredible conference. It was our first ever “Round Robin” conference with three other churches involved. What a blessing. It seems that we will be able to increase our Faith Promise Giving. It is exciting to be a part of sending Peruvian missionaries around the world.
Recently God has allowed me to connect with a top general of the National Police. He is an evangelical Christian and loves to preach the Gospel. He is going to help us to a obtain permission to enter any prison in Peru to minister; even allowing us to start churches in some of the larger ones. There is only one other religious organization that has this permission. These fields are “white unto harvest”. He even wants to make it possible for me to preach and teach in the Officers academy of the National Police. What an opportunity. Pray that this all works out.
Joseph has started a new Deaf ministry in El Augustino, an area about 45 minutes north of us by private auto. A church there has allowed us to use its facilities to minister to the Deaf in that area. There are new deaf people who have not had much connection with us at Efata nor much education. This is the Deaf mission field that is right before our eyes in our large city. With the help of some of our Deaf here at Efata, he is working hard to reach these wonderful people with the Gospel.
We rejoice that we were able to put the new roof on the cafeteria. It has been a long time in coming. We still need funds to finish it. We need to run new electrical work, lighting, etc., as well as new paint and floor tile. Pray for God´s provision for this project. Our Pregnancy Crisis Center is under the same roof and we have had its operations scaled back until we can finish the roof and its accompanying repairs and installations.
The blessing is that the framework is in place to build six new classrooms for the school and church use. All we need to do is put a roof on the second story structure and build the walls and infrastructure.
Family News
Grandson David Jonathan Miller
IT’S OFFICIAL! Lisa and I are grandparents! Julianne and Frank were blessed with a healthy baby boy – David Jonathan – on June 14th. You can see how handsome he is in the photo! Lisa went up to help with the birth and I was able to coordinate a visit in conjunction to some VA medical exams that I had.
Zulema, Joseph’s wife, is doing much better with her pregnancy as well. She had it rough with morning sickness. Their baby is due in December.
We continue to see souls saved and are excited about the work the Lord is doing here at Efata and at our mission churches throughout Peru. Pray as we look at another area to start a new work during the coming months. I am currently discipling two men. One, Ronald, lives in one of the areas where we wish to start a work. Pray that God will help him to grow and become a leader in His work.
Jared 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 has decided to continue in the college this year. Continue to pray for God’s leading in his life.
James has one more year to go to finish at Baptist College of Ministry. Pray for him for his finances and his summer internship.
Thank you all for your wonderful love and care for our ministry here in Peru and beyond.
Joe & Lisa
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
May 23, 2015 | Spanish Prayer Letters
8 Y los cuatro seres vivientes tenían cada uno seis alas, y alrededor y por dentro estaban llenos de ojos; y no cesaban día y noche de decir: Santo, santo, santo es el Señor Dios Todopoderoso, el que era, el que es, y el que ha de venir. 9 Y siempre que aquellos seres vivientes dan gloria y honra y acción de gracias al que está sentado en el trono, al que vive por los siglos de los siglos,
Apocalipsis 4:8-9
Este último par de meses han sido muy ocupado para nosotros. Hay mucho que hacer aquí en Efata. Tal como dice el versículo arriba, ¡Santo es nuestro Dios y digno de toda gloria, honor y alabanza! Le damos las gracias por considerarnos dignos y ponernos en el ministerio.
Las clases comenzaron de nuevo en marzo. Tuvimos un comienzo difícil con el programa de secundaria debido a cambios en la oficina local de administración educativo y en la escuela que patrocina nuestro programa para los sordos. Afortunadamente, después de unas semanas, todo se resolvió, y podemos continuar con nuestro programa único.
Yerik, uno de nuestros pequeños niños sordos, tuvo cirugía en sus piernas para enderezarlos. La cirugía salió bien. Él había estado en cama durante un mes con un yeso en el cuerpo. Ya le quitaron el yeso, y él está en terapia física para volver a aprender a caminar. Le va muy bien. Gracias a Dios y a todos los que donaron recursos y tiempo para lograr esto.
Construcción en el nuevo techo
Estamos construyendo el nuevo techo en nuestro comedor. Hemos estado orando y trabajando para esto desde hace varios años. Una ONG ha donado $10 000 a este proyecto, y el trabajo ya está en marcha. Con lo que fue donado por un hombre de negocios en nuestra iglesia, podemos de completar este proyecto.
Este mes celebramos el 38º aniversario de nuestra iglesia. Misionero Ray Bradley de Ecuador fue nuestro predicador invitado. Tenemos la bendición de haber trabajado aquí en Perú durante 16 años con sordas y personas oyentes. En este aniversario, dos hombres fueron ordenados al ministerio evangélico.
Tenemos una necesidad económica muy especial y nos gustaría pedirles que nos ayuden en oración. El ministerio de sordos de Trinity Baptist Church en Jacksonville, FL ha trabajado duro para juntar una donación masiva para nuestro colegio y ministerio que será enviado por el gobierno a través de la USAID. El envío es GRATIS. El problema es que habiendo recogido más de $100 000 en ropa, útiles escolares y cosas para el hogar de niños, necesitan una instalación de almacenamiento con un muelle de carga como es requerido por la USAID.
Les pedimos a ustedes que nos apoyan, ¿podrán orar acerca de una ofrenda especial para ayudar con los gastos de alquiler una instalación y movilizar los suministros a las instalaciones? Esperamos poder obtener los artículos enviados dentro de tres meses. El tiempo depende de trámites tanto aquí en Perú como en los Estados Unidos.
Muchas gracias por su ayuda y sus oraciones para este proyecto. Ha estado en desarrollo durante casi dos años. Muchos han donado uniformes, equipos y suministros que serán una gran ayuda para nosotros.
Servicio de ordenación durante nuestro 38o aniversario
Seguimos viendo almas salvadas y estamos animados en el trabajo que el Señor hace aquí en Efata y en nuestras misiones en todo el Perú. Ora, estamos viendo otra zona para iniciar un trabajo durante los próximos meses. Actualmente estoy discipulando a dos hombres. Uno, Ronald, vive en una zona donde queremos iniciar un trabajo. Ore para que Dios le ayude a crecer y convertirse en un líder en Su obra.
Como muchos de ustedes saben, Julianne y Frank están esperando a nuestro primer nieto. Él debe estar apareciendo en junio. Lisa se irá por un mes para ayudarla. Voy a ir a los Estados Unidos durante diez días en junio para verlo y para mis chequeos en la Clínica VA en Fort Myers. Joseph y Zulema también están esperando. Su bebé nacerá en diciembre. Qué emocionante es esta nueva temporada en nuestras vidas. He estado esperando esto durante mucho tiempo.
Jared acaba de graduarse de un programa de estudio Bíblico de un año en el seminario Master’s Baptist College en Fargo, North Dakota. Él está muy emocionado. Tiene un buen trabajo y grandes oportunidades allí. Seguirá viviendo en Fargo y sirviendo al Señor en Fargo Baptist Church. Ore para sus decisiones sobre la universidad y la Guardia Nacional Aérea.
A James le queda un año de estudio para terminar su carrera en el seminario Baptist College of Ministry. Oren por él por sus finanzas y su práctica este verano.
Todo bien con nuestros hijos que siguen en casa. Oremos por la dirección y el cuidado de Dios. Gracias a todos por su maravilloso amor y su cuidado de nuestro ministerio aquí en Perú y más allá.
Hno. Joe y Lisa,
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
May 23, 2015 | Prayer Letters
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
Mar 25, 2015 | Spanish Prayer Letters
Vosotros también, poniendo toda diligencia por esto mismo, añadid a vuestra fe virtud; a la virtud, conocimiento; al conocimiento, dominio propio; al dominio propio, paciencia; a la paciencia, piedad; a la piedad, afecto fraternal; y al afecto fraternal, amor. Porque si estas cosas están en vosotros, y abundan, no os dejarán estar ociosos ni sin fruto en cuanto al conocimiento de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. II Pedro 1:5-8
Queremos que Él trabaje continuamente en nuestras vidas para que llevemos fruto en el ministerio. Dios ha obrado en muchas maneras maravillosas en estos dos últimos meses. La conferencia de Fuegos de Evangelismo que tuvimos en Chiclayo fue una gran bendición y vimos mucho fruto. Habían clases para predicadores, damas y jóvenes, y también servicios unidos con mensajes para todos. Al menos quince personas fueron salvadas, y al menos cinco personas se rindieron para servir al Señor tiempo completo. Habíamos estado orando mucho tiempo para la salvación de una de las parejas que confiaron en Cristo. Agradecemos a Dios por Franco Loyola y Galo Montalvo de Ecuador y por Gil Torres de California. Estos hombres de Dios predicaron conmigo, y les estamos muy agradecidos por darnos su tiempo, y compartirnos sus corazones predicando la palabra de Dios a la gente aquí en Perú.
Verano en el Perú (diciembre a febrero) pasó rápidamente para los niños sordos y para nuestros hijos también. Dios los ha bendecido en muchas maneras. Ellos salieron a pasear muchas veces. A los niños sordos se les dieron nuevos zapatos de marca para la escuela. Recibimos una donación para el techo de la cafetería, y se está construyendo ahora. Alabamos a Dios por esto y oramos por la seguridad y que el Señor siga proveyendo para ello.
Yerik tuvo su cirugía, colocando placas en sus caderas. Oren por su recuperación. Es muy difícil para este pequeño estar quieto. Él no entiende todavía que esto le ayudará. Él está en un yeso desde su pecho hacia abajo, y debe estar hechado en su espalda por un mes. Estamos muy agradecidos de cómo Dios ha provisto para su cirugía. ¡Gracias por sus oraciones!
Los cultos en la Iglesia han sido una bendición. Hemos visto un crecimiento espiritual en nuestros nuevos miembros, como también algunas almas salvadas. Hemos tenido ambos sordos y oyentes bautizados, y agradecemos a Dios por su obra en los corazones. Por favor, continúen orando por el ministerio y la Iglesia Bautista Efata, que Dios siga ayudandonos a llevar fruto en el conocimiento de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
Jared y James siguen en los Estados estudiando en el seminario, Julianne y Frank están esperando un bebé en junio, y Joseph y Zulema son de mucha ayuda aquí en el ministerio. Judson fue de gran ayuda para la interpretación de la conferencia de Fuegos. Damos gracias a Dios por cada uno de nuestros hijos, y oramos para que Dios los protege y guíe en todos sus caminos.
Gracias por sus oraciones y su apoyo fiel. Que Dios los bendiga,
Hno. Joe y Lisa,
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
Mar 25, 2015 | Prayer Letters
Dear Friends and Family,
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8
Our desire is that He works continuously in our lives to make us fruitful in the ministry. God has worked in many wonderful ways in our ministry these last two months. The Fires of Evangelism conference that we had in Chiclayo was a great blessing and did see much fruit. There were classes for preachers, for women, for youth, and joint services with messages for all. At least fifteen people were saved, and at least five people surrendered to full time service to the Lord. We had been praying a long time for the salvation of one of the couples who trusted Christ. We thank God for Franco Loyola, and Galo Montalvo from Ecuador, and Gil Torres from California. These men of God preached with me and we are so grateful that they gave of their time, and shared their hearts, preaching God’s word to the people here in Peru.
Summer in Peru (December – February) passed quickly with the deaf children and ours also, but God has blessed them in many ways. They were blessed to go out and enjoy themselves many times, and the deaf children were given brand new shoes for school. We have had a donation for the roof of the cafeteria, and this is being constructed. We praise God for this and pray for safety and that the Lord will continue to provide for this.
Yerik had his surgery, placing plates in his hips. Pray for his recovery. It is really hard for this little guy to be still. He doesn’t understand yet that this will help him. He is in a cast from his chest down, and can only lay flat on his back for a month. We are so thankful how God provided for his surgery. Thank you for your prayers!
Church services have been a blessing, we have seen spiritual growth in our newer members, as well as seeing souls saved. We have had both deaf and hearing baptized, and we thank God for his working in hearts. Please continue to pray for Efata Baptist Church and ministry, that God would continue to help us that we might be fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jared and James are still in the States studying at Bible College, Julianne and Frank are expecting a baby in June, and Joseph and Zulema are a great help here in the Ministry. Judson was a great help interpreting for the Fires conference. We thank God for each of our children, and pray that God protects, leads, and guides them in all His ways.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. May God bless you,
Bro. Joe & Lisa,
James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica, Jennifer
