Easter 2011

On Easter Sunday we had the joy of baptizing 4 people who wanted to identify themselves as disciples of Jesus. Each one of these has a special story. For example: The two boys have attended our Sunday School since we started the church six years ago. They have been asking their mom if they can be baptized for quite some time. Both gave testimonies of having invited Jesus to be their Savior in their Sunday School class.

We are blessed as a family in many ways. Most of all, we live with faith in a living Lord who is victorious over sin and death! We are blessed to serve him and people in Ecuador who are seeking for peace, hope, and true joy. They find it in a living relationship with Christ.

Youth Camp

We had a terrific youth retreat in March. Missionary Glenn McGhee was our speaker. Many of these young people are involved in some kind of ministry in our church. They had a great time at camp.

Vacation Bible School

First Baptisms at the Church Building

The building isn't finished, and the baptistery isn't finished, but today (February 27, 2011) we held our first baptismal service at the church's own building. Seventeen people were baptized in obedience to Jesus' command and following his example. It was a great group: Whole families, Sunday School kids, new believers, men, women, teens! What an exciting time for our church!
I'm sure there are times that I will miss having baptisms at the beach, and maybe we can still do that once in a while, but it was cool to have over 100 present to support and witness the testimony of these new disciples.

Church Auditorium Construction

Sixth Church Anniversary

January is Nearly Gone

We're well into 2011 and there are a number of reasons to praise God as our ministry in Manta, Ecuador moves ahead. First, we are excited about the theme for this year: Build Your House on the Rock! In our preaching and teaching we will be emphasizing the wonderful words and works of our Lord Jesus, seeking to make practical application to life, and living in obedience as disciples of Christ. We are praying for revival in our church, and for God to call servants into his harvest field. Secondly, we are so thankful that God is providing for the construction of the church building to continue. We expect to have a roof on the auditorium soon! I can't wait to post pictures!
Thirdly, we are going to get more of our church involved in ministry. Please pray for a good response to opportunities in visitation, welcome, evangelism, and discipleship ministries of the church. As the building progresses we will have more opportunities for people to teach and assist in Sunday School classes as well. This should be a great year!