This month we have held Christmas activities for the children in Travesía village as well as for the children at the church in Manta. Over 20 adults volunteered time at these programs. We are very thankful for those who serve in ministries to children. Men's and women's groups also had Christmas activities with very good participation.
This was the twelfth year for this retreat planned by missionary wives for the wives of pastors and other women involved in the ministry of local churches around Ecuador. This was the best attended of all! It was great to have Sharon Smith as a special speaker. With her husband Jim, she ministers to missionaries and churches through the BBFI Missionary Service Center. They returned to Ecuador, where they had served for 30 years, after a two-year absence.
Sharon Smith from the Baptist Bible Fellowship International, Missionary Service Center in Springfield, MO was the speaker. Sharon and her husband Jim were missionaries in Quito, Ecuador for many years. The theme was "Adopted Princesses." The ladies enjoyed great lessons, refreshments, and fellowship. A simple handcraft is always a big hit too.
It is always a great Sunday when we have baptisms! I especially enjoy our baptisms at the beach because it provides a truly public testimony of faith in Jesus. Before we know it, we will be using the baptistery in the new auditorium, but I hope we will still go to the beach to baptize once in a while. Liseth became a believer just a few months ago. She told me that she accepted Jesus during the invitation time of the very first service she attended. She and her family have been coming to church faithfully. Pray that the whole family will soon follow Liseth's example. Stephanie accepted Christ as her Savior over a year ago through our youth ministry. She has been coming faithfully to church and youth Bible study since she attended the youth retreat we held in March. We are so very thankful for these young disciples. Please pray for them to continue to grow in grace.
