Greetings from a cloudy Baja!
This will probably be short since it is starting to sprinkle and we have been having issues with losing our power when it rains. You may already be aware of Hurricane Jimena that is heading our way. Every other hurricane has turned back out to sea when it got close since we have been here, however, it does not appear that it will be happening this time around. We would especially like to ask prayer for those who are living in little more than shacks and the potentially devastating effects this could have here. The economy was already struggling greatly due to the economic crisis and the swine flu but this will add yet another blow to the people here who are already struggling. Please pray that these difficult times will not drive people to desperation but to seek the only true and lasting hope in Jesus. Please pray that Iglesia Emanuel will continue to be a light in the community in the midst of the darkness.
Quick update on Phil's study with "M"...he showed much interest in knowing more about the Bible and spiritual things. It is obvious he has some knowledge but also misinformation as well. It is very encouraging to see someone hunger and thirst to know more though and we are praising God for this opportunity. There are other stories we could tell about what the Lord is doing but you will have to wait for our prayer letter which will hopefully be completed and sent out soon.
On a personal note, we have had sickness hitting one family member or another almost the entire summer but this month it has been a flu bug that has been pretty nasty. Everyone has had it except for Pattie (because Mommas aren't allowed to get sick, right?). Unfortunately, it appears the Luke may be entering round 2 with it so we would also greatly appreciate your prayers for health right now. He was up early this morning with a fever and we hope to get him in to the Dr. this morning before the weather worsens because he may need an antibiotic.
As always, thank you for partnering with us and for your prayers.
By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Bits from the Baja E-mail Update: August 27, 2009
“Jaime died! Jaime died last night!” was Lina and Irene’s greeting to us a couple weeks ago on Sunday morning at church. (Jaime is “J” who has been attending our cell group and for whom we have been asking prayer regarding his struggle with alcoholism.) Since he was alone and poor, there was no family to claim the body (this process includes paying the govt. a fairly large sum). As a church body, we felt it important to claim the body and hold a memorial service since he had been attending our cell group regularly in spite of his ongoing personal struggles. This provided an opportunity in the community and among his friends (many of whom are struggling alcoholics, including “G”) to share the Gospel as well as a powerful testimony. Please, continue to pray for his friend “G” as well as many others who attended the memorial service and have expressed interest in turning their lives around. A resulting blessing for us has been to see several in our cell group determine to reach out more to Jaime’s friends, visiting them and sharing with them. They have seen the need and are doing something about it.
Right on the heels of Jaime's death, our field was holding its annual conference of missionaries where the various ministry areas report on what the Lord is doing, discuss future plans as well as business matters and have a special time of encouragement through a special speaker. This year, we had the added blessing of one of our supporting churches, FCC of El Centro, California send a team who helped minister to all of the missionary families. They ministered to our children and youth as well as cooking our meals during the conference. We are so grateful for their willingness to come and serve our families.
We would like special prayer today for Phil as he will be meeting with a gentleman to begin a bible study this afternoon. “M” is a waiter at a local taco place. Over time, we have been able to develop a relationship with him and have invited him to our cell group and church. Unfortunately, his work schedule has made it difficult to attend either. However, the last time we were there, he told us that he has a bible someone gave him and has tried to read it but does not understand it and wants help. Phil will begin meeting with him today to do a series of studies. Please pray for Phil to be able to explain clearly and for “M” to understand.
Once again, we are overwhelmed with your love, concern and prayers for us. Your partnership with us is such a blessing. Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of our ministry team.
By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie
Right on the heels of Jaime's death, our field was holding its annual conference of missionaries where the various ministry areas report on what the Lord is doing, discuss future plans as well as business matters and have a special time of encouragement through a special speaker. This year, we had the added blessing of one of our supporting churches, FCC of El Centro, California send a team who helped minister to all of the missionary families. They ministered to our children and youth as well as cooking our meals during the conference. We are so grateful for their willingness to come and serve our families.
We would like special prayer today for Phil as he will be meeting with a gentleman to begin a bible study this afternoon. “M” is a waiter at a local taco place. Over time, we have been able to develop a relationship with him and have invited him to our cell group and church. Unfortunately, his work schedule has made it difficult to attend either. However, the last time we were there, he told us that he has a bible someone gave him and has tried to read it but does not understand it and wants help. Phil will begin meeting with him today to do a series of studies. Please pray for Phil to be able to explain clearly and for “M” to understand.
Once again, we are overwhelmed with your love, concern and prayers for us. Your partnership with us is such a blessing. Thank you for your prayers and for being a part of our ministry team.
By His Grace,
Phil and Pattie
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