¡Qué año tan increíble hemos vivido! Aunque pasamos la mayor parte del año en los EE.UU. por temas de salud, nos sentimos sumamente emocionados por lo que el Señor ha hecho en nuestras vidas y en el maravilloso ministerio en el que nos permite servir. No alcanzamos a comprender todo lo sucedido en este 2025, pero recuerdo ese hermoso versículo que Dios nos da para reflexionar:
“Las cosas secretas pertenecen a Jehová nuestro Dios; mas las reveladas son para nosotros y para nuestros hijos para siempre, para que cumplamos todas las palabras de esta ley.” – Deuteronomio 29:29
Como mencioné en nuestra carta anterior, nuestro Pastor Bob Ossewaarde nos visitó para una excelente Conferencia Bíblica en noviembre. Tras regresar con él a los Estados Unidos para concluir mi terapia física, tuve la oportunidad de apoyar a otra de mis iglesias en la preparación de su Comité de Púlpito, ya que han iniciado la búsqueda de un nuevo pastor tras la jubilación del anterior. Fue una gran alegría ver que van por muy buen camino.
Regresé a Perú el 24 de diciembre, justo a tiempo para disfrutar la Navidad con mi familia y nuestros hermanos en Efata. Aterrizamos en Lima faltando solo 10 minutos para la medianoche; mientras íbamos del aeropuerto a casa, pudimos apreciar los fuegos artificiales que iluminaban toda la ciudad.
Pocos días después, celebramos la graduación de dos estudiantes de nuestro Instituto Bíblico. Uno de ellos, Isaí Vásquez, se está preparando para su ordenación en febrero. La iglesia lo comisionará y lo enviará junto a su familia como misioneros.
Misioneros Isaí y Hope Vasquez con sus Hijos
Tenemos una agenda muy cargada para estos dos meses: EBDV, retiro de parejas, y campamento familiar para Sordos y oyentes. También se acercan Fuegos de Evangelismo, Escuela Pastoral y Conferencia de Jóvenes en febrero. Por primera vez, combinaremos estas tres conferencias en un solo evento. Ha sido una bendición trabajar junto a la Iglesia Bautista Internacional para sacar adelante este proyecto.
El Pastor Jorge Pozo, nuestro pastor de sordos en Efata, asistió al Congreso Mundial de Sordos en Japón junto a Go Deaf Missions, dirigidos por nuestro amigo John Olson. Una de nuestras jóvenes sordas también pudo integrarse al equipo. Fue una experiencia transformadora que les abrió el corazón al compartir el evangelio con personas sordas de todo el mundo.
Por favor, oren por nuestros amigos misioneros Rafael y Erika Ramírez en Caracas, Venezuela. Estuvieron muy cerca de los recientes bombardeos a una base militar donde Rafael suele predicar regularmente. No ha podido contactar al coronel que facilita su ministerio y muchos edificios quedaron destruidos. Nos han pedido apoyo para comprar alimentos para su familia, la iglesia y muchos sordos que no tienen recursos. La situación es peligrosa debido a las pandillas, por lo que solo salen para lo estrictamente esencial. Si desean enviar una ofrenda de amor, pueden designarla como “Efata-Venezuela” a través de Macedonia.
Noticias de la familia
En lo personal, estoy casi recuperado de mi cirugía de hombro y mi corazón no ha vuelto a dar problemas. Todavía me estoy acostumbrando a mis “nuevos ojos” tras la cirugía de cataratas. Gracias por sus oraciones durante este tiempo de sanidad.
Por otro lado, Jessica sigue lidiando con inflamaciones y fuertes dolores de cabeza; lamentablemente, su salud no mejora y a veces parece estar peor. La hemos llevado con nuevos especialistas que están tomando su caso más en serio y ordenando exámenes profundos. Por favor sigan orando por ella.
Estamos felices de estar en casa y, mientras escribo esto, nos encontramos plenamente involucrados en la EBDV.
Gracias por todas sus oraciones y apoyo. Quiero dar gracias especialmente a todos los que nos han enviado saludos y ofrendas navideñas. Ustedes bendicen ricamente nuestros corazones. Los niños están emocionados porque ahora tienen los fondos para ir al campamento este año gracias a su cuidado por nosotros.
What an incredible year it has been. Though most of it was spent in the States due to medical issues, we are thrilled at what the Lord has done and continues to do throughout our lives and the wonderful ministry He has allowed us to serve in. I do not understand everything that has happened on many fronts this past 2025, but it reminds me of a wonderful verse that God has given us to ponder:
“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” – Deuteronomy 29:29
As I mentioned on our last prayer letter, our home Pastor Bob Ossewaarde was able to come for a wonderful Bible Conference in November. After my return to the States with him to finish my physical therapy, I was able to help another one of my supporting churches with preparing a Pulpit Committee as they began their search for a new pastor as the former pastor retired. That was such a joy and I am encouraged that they are on a good path.
After my return to Peru on Dec. 24th, I was able to enjoy Christmas with my family and our folks at Efata. I arrived in Lima 10 minutes before midnight, and as we were driving home from the airport, we were able to enjoy the fireworks across the vast city.
A few days later, we had our Bible College graduation for two students. One, Isaí Vásquez is preparing for his ordination which will be in February. The church will also be commissioning him and sending him and his family out as missionaries.
Missionaries Isaí and Hope Vasquez and their Children
On the land dispute issue with the municipality of Callao, the judge that is overseeing the court case has issued an injunction halting the mayor’s attempt to take our land. In March or April, we are expecting a final sentence declaring the mayor’s resolution to nullify the donation resolutions from 1984 and 1985 null and void. With that sentence, we will then be able to sue for our title rights. Please continue in prayer for this process.
We have many things going on in the next two months – VBS, Couples retreat, and Family Camp for Deaf and hearing. We also have the Fires of Evangelism/Pastor’s School and Youth Conference coming up in February. This is the first year the three conferences are combined. It has been a blessing working with International Baptist Church in support of this conference.
Pastor Jorge Pozo, our Deaf Pastor here at Efata was able to go to the Deaf World Congress in Japan with Go Deaf Missions led by our close friend John Olson. One of our Deaf young ladies was able to go with their team as well. They truly had an eye and heart-opening experience witnessing and meeting Deaf from all over the world.
Please pray for our dear missionary friends Rafael and Erika Ramirez in the Caracas area of Venezuela. They were very close to the bombings of one of the bases. Rafael has a ministry to the military there and said that this base is one of the ones he preaches at on a regular basis. He has been unsuccessful in contacting the Colonel who facilitates his ministry there and many of the buildings were destroyed. He has asked for help to purchase food for his family, the church people and for many Deaf that cannot afford the costs there. Please pray for stability where he ministers, last I spoke to him, he only goes out for essentials as it is dangerous with the gangs on the loose. If you would like to send a special love offering to help him, please designate it for “Efata-Venezuela” through Macedonia.
Family News
I am almost completely healed from my shoulder surgery and have had no further issues with my heart. Still adjusting to my “new eyes” from the cataract surgery. I am grateful for all of your prayers and support through this physical time of repair and healing.
Jessica is still dealing with her swelling and headache issues. If anything, it has been worse lately. We have taken her to another couple of doctors, and they seem to be taking her case more seriously and ordering different tests to see what they can find. Please continue to pray for her.
We are all happy to be home and as of the writing of this letter busy, involved in Vacation Bible School.
As always, thank you for all your prayers and support. I want to give a special thanks to all who have sent us Christmas wishes and offerings. You richly bless our hearts. The kids are excited because they now have the funds to go to camp this year because of your care for us.
FINALLY, HOME in Peru!! We rejoice that we have been able to return. It has been a long season of “medical maintenance” as God has helped us to heal from heart procedures, cataract surgery, and shoulder surgery, each with their attendant physical therapies. I am reminded of how David felt when he said in Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” For me and our family, it was truly good to return to the House of the Lord at Efata in Lima, Peru.
I waited to write this letter because I wanted to report our return, so it is a bit delayed for the September–October update.
Ministry News
In September, I had the blessing of traveling for a month assisting H.E.L.P. Ministries and interpreting for two Spanish-speaking national pastors: Victor Ocampo, one of our national pastors, and Fernando Flores from Bolivia. In one church, I had the honor of leading to the Lord a Haitian national who only spoke Haitian Creole and Spanish.
Efata held several outreach and teaching activities in October, including Family Day, a Ladies’ Conference, and a Children’s Ministry Outreach activity designed as a Biblical alternative to Halloween.
Family Day OutreachChildren’s Evangelistic OutreachLadies’ Conference
On November 7th, we were able to fly home to Peru. What a joy to be with our church family again! We love our people and are honored that God has allowed us to serve with them in Peru. We never planned to have a 10-month medical furlough, but God had other plans.
From November 10th through the 14th, we held our annual Bible Conference at Efata. We were blessed to have my home/sending pastor, Pastor Bob Ossewaarde from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Fort Myers, FL, come and preach for our hearing congregation. We also had one of my dear missionary friends in Peru, Markos Lindsey, preach for the Deaf.
Each night the services were blessed and spiritually impacting. It was clear that the Holy Spirit was guiding in the preaching and the fellowship. It was also wonderful to spend some special time with my pastor and with Michael McCray, a young man who accompanied him.
Our school for the Deaf is going strong. It was a joy to see new and young students growing and learning. We do not have a school just to educate—we have a school to lay the foundation of language and understanding, so that we can effectively witness and see the Deaf saved.
Please pray for one of our Deaf students, Benjamín, who perforated his liver in a bicycle accident this past Saturday. His condition is very critical.
Family News
After interpreting during the September ministry trip, I had surgery on my left shoulder. The surgery went well, and I am now in physical therapy. It has been “fun”! I am slowly gaining more range of motion and strength. I have one month left, so I had to return to the States on November 14th with my pastor, and I will continue therapy here until I fly back to Peru on December 24th.
Please continue to pray for Jessica, who still struggles with occasional swelling on the side of her face, dizziness, and severe headaches. Since the doctors in the States gave no real answers, we returned to Peru and are continuing to seek a solution. She has many good days but some difficult ones as well.
All the kids are so happy to be home and have settled in quickly. It has been wonderful to see Joseph and his family with the grandkids. Our grandson JJ, who is nine years old, played the piano for a special song sung by his two aunts and his mom on the last night of the conference.
Thank you once again for all your prayers and support during these past months. Knowing you are behind us is a great encouragement.
In a few more months, we will be going home. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” This has been my “season” and “time” for physical recovery and healing. I’ll share more about that below under Family News.
As I write this letter, I am in Georgia, traveling for the month of September with H.E.L.P. Ministries and interpreting for Victor Ocampo, one of my national pastors. Victor is an incredible church planter and soul-winner, and it is an honor to help him during this reprieve from all my medical appointments.
In August, I filled the pulpit for Grace Baptist Temple in North Fort Myers as their pastor retired. I was able to help the church form their pulpit committee as they begin the process of looking for God’s will for a new pastor. What a blessing it was to see several people join the church and to baptize three new believers during my time there. This was a precious time with one of my long-time supporting churches, and I was honored that I could be of service to them while dealing with my physical treatment.
The work in Peru continues. As of this writing, Efata Ministries is hosting Pastor’s school in our facilities with Equipo Peru, the Peru mission team from First Baptist, Hammond. I have been able to watch some of the services online, and the preaching has been very impactful. Pastors Andy Gomez, Jonathan Ashcraft, Luis Martinez, Noe Montelongo and host missionary Zach Faust are doing a fantastic job, as are the various national pastors, their wives and the other ladies who are helping and teaching in this week of intensive Biblical training. The conference has been well attended each night, with over 600 in attendance including dozens of pastors from Peru and other countries.
We hosted our second annual music camp in August. We had over sixty students come for instrument and voice training. Joan and Merle Zamora and the other teachers did a fabulous job teaching and training.
From the end of July through the first week of August, a mission team of 15 people from our church went to Chiclayo, a city in northern Peru, to visit and support one of our national missionary pastors named Cesar Quiroz.
Our people had a tremendous time ministering to his family and working and serving in both of their ministries: in Chiclayo with the Deaf, and in nearby Ferreñafe with both the Deaf and the hearing.
Family News
My health journey continues. I feel like I am fully recovered from the heart procedure, and I have continued to exercise to maintain my strength. In August I also had cataract surgery in both eyes, and my vision is significantly improved. I only need glasses for reading now, with 20/20 vision for distance.
I am scheduled to have shoulder surgery on October 8th. That recovery process is going to take a few months. It is the same surgery that I had a couple of years ago on my right shoulder, now on my left. I am currently in physical therapy for my lower back. Thankfully I am doing well there with the exercises and interventions that they have given me. My back pain is greatly reduced from what it was before.
We purchased our plane tickets to go back to Peru on November 7th! Our Bible Conference starts on the 10th. My Pastor, Bob Ossewaarde, will be coming down to preach for the hearing, and Evangelist Jim Sloan will be coming for the Deaf. After the conference, I will fly back to the States to continue physical therapy for my shoulder. I should be able to return to Peru in December.
Regarding Jessica’s health, she is still seeing a Chiropractor, and the therapy has been helping. There has been no complete healing for her as of yet, but she is managing.
The kids are really looking forward to getting back home to Peru. They prefer being there than being here in the States. Lisa and I are also looking forward to getting back and being in the saddle once again. There is always so much to be done.
Thank you once again for all your prayers and support during these past few months. Knowing you are behind us is a great encouragement.
We continue our medical furlough, rejoicing in the many encouraging developments in both my health and Jessica’s. Below are some details. We are constantly reminded of the goodness of God and His care for His servants.
I recently heard a wonderful message by Pastor Joe Arthur. He shared how Jesus responded with great care and love to John the Baptist, who was in prison and questioning whether Jesus was truly the One. Even in difficult and uncertain times, God cares for and leads His dear children along!!!
Ministry News
This has been a very busy time for Efata Ministries in Lima. In May, the church celebrated its 48th anniversary, followed by the school’s 55th anniversary in June. That was a great blessing, as we now have 43 students in our school. We rejoice in this! The Deaf need a solid education as well as the opportunity to learn about the Lord.
We also held our mission conference in June and had a great meeting. The Saturday international banquet was a blessing, with beautifully arranged booths, decorations, costumes, information, and delicious food representing the six countries we chose to highlight this year. The staff and members did a wonderful job, and the mission messages were excellent.
The next big events are our church mission trip to Chiclayo this year in July and our Music Camp in August. We are looking forward to good participation in both events.
You may remember the legal battle we are navigating with our annex ministry in Callao. The local government continues trying to seize control of the property. While they have not succeeded so far, please keep praying. There have been no significant updates since our last letter, but we will keep you informed.
Family News
Great news! I have completed cardiac rehabilitation and did exceptionally well, according to the staff. My heart is stronger, and I’m continuing to exercise to improve my overall health and well-being. I’m so grateful to the Lord for bringing my heart issue to light so it could be addressed.
The only thing left is cataract surgery, which is scheduled for the first two weeks of August.
Jessica is seeing a chiropractor who has been helping her. She has a condition involving the Atlas vertebra in her neck, which tends to slip out of place. He is working to help it permanently set in the correct position.
She has also undergone extensive blood work, X-rays, and MRIs. A new neurologist informed her that she is chronically dehydrated, which may be contributing to her headaches. She is now making dietary changes and drinking lots of fluids (excluding coffee and tea) to restore proper hydration.
Jennifer and Joel are doing well. Joel is also receiving some needed medical attention, and we are thankful for the progress we’ve made during this furlough.
In September, I’ll be traveling around Georgia, as I did last year, interpreting for one of our national pastors as he raises support for the work.
My plan is to return to Peru in the first half of October to help prepare for our Bible Conference in November.
During this medical furlough, we’ve been able to visit a limited number of our supporting churches, along with a couple of new ones. Due to the many doctor appointments and rehabilitation sessions, I’ve remained close to our home church here in Fort Myers. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
