October 2021 Update
As October arrives, we are fascinated with what this year has held so far. While it has been one of our hardest years as a family due to medical issues, it has also been a glorious time in the ministry. This year God’s guidance and provision has been more obvious to us than ever before.
One of the provisions He has made is in scripture. We have been working with HELP Mission SA, our home church and other ministries to bring more scripture to Bolivia. Our container from last year ran out in June and we want to restock our supply. We were originally planning for half of a container of scripture portions and tracts. That increased to a full container, which quickly grew to 1 1/2 containers of scripture portions, tracts and full bibles! In addition to the scripture, the entire financial portion of getting this shipment into Bolivia has been completely paid for! Everything has been sent to Miami and should ship to Bolivia any day now with an estimated arrival of late November. By the end of this year, we will have been able to provide over 1 million scripture portions, 3 million tracts and over 10,000 full Bibles to Bolivia and other South American countries.
Another unexpected provision was regarding the Medical Mission Outreach team. When they originally contacted me about coming this year, I had to decline their offer due to timing and logistics. I just didn’t believe I would be able to provide all the assistance that they needed and do it well due to other planned activities and commitments. As you know from previous letters, they were able to come after all and we helped another local church host them. This church has seen more visitors as a direct result of the medical clinic than they have since the church began. We have seen souls saved and are watching the church grow! What a blessing to see God work in ways we thought wouldn’t be possible.
I also look at how God has provided the right pastor in the right place. In our newest church, Brother Arturo has started a ministry called a “Kilo of Love”. This is a ministry I have tried to put into place but struggled to do in the past. It is a continual collection of food from within the church. Once they finish filling a basket, they find someone within the local community who has a need, and they give them this food. One of these recipients was Efrain, a man who wanted nothing to do with us or the gospel. However, after his family experienced a troubling situation he finally allowed us to talk to him. He later made a profession of faith and we baptized him a few weeks ago. He went from being against us to being one of our most faithful people. This is a difference only God can make.
Though we may not always see the way, God is always in control. Sometimes we may not be able to succeed at something on our own, but He uses someone else to help where we fall short. God always guides and provides what is necessary to complete His task. We just need to remember to look to Him, search for His way and He will direct us. Thank you for being faithful in always praying for us as we strive to serve our Lord. Please continue to pray as we travel on furlough to update churches and raise what is needed for the new outreach property.
