Seventh Anniversary Services

We celebrated the Seventh Anniversary of the beginning of this congregation on February 5, 2012. The morning service was very exciting, and we had a record attendance of over 200. Then on Sunday evening we had another terrific attendance of around 210 with many, many visitors. We are very thankful for all God has done through this church in Manta, Ecuador since 2005.

Visitors from Battlefield Baptist Church

Pastor and Mrs. Karl Skinner and six other members of Battlefield Baptist Church in Gainesville, Virginia were our guests for a week. They did a terrific job of evangelism and outreach in parks, children's homes, our Travesia village ministry, and in all of our Anniversary Weekend activities. They were a great blessing.

Baptisms

Two girls named Domenica were baptized on January 29. We are always happy when people take the step of faith and obedience to follow Jesus' example and make public their testimony through baptism. Also, on February 12 we handed out baptismal certificates to those who had been baptized over the past 12 months. 30 had been baptized, and most of them were present at this Sunday service.

Celebrating Jesus' Birth

On December 25, we had a great day at church celebrating the birth of Christ. The attendance of 165 was our highest of 2011. We collected a great missions offering and had a pile of toys and clothes to give to needy children. There were party activities and refreshments for all ages. We honored Jesus and made Him the center of our Christmas. It was cool to have a good crowd in the auditorium, and to imagine when we are really filling it up.

Christmas Program

On Sunday December 18 the Sunday School children presented a Christmas program. They used costumes, music, and Scripture to portray the Christmas Story.

Visit from Pastor and Mrs. Wille

This month Joy's parents, Rev. and Mrs. Ted Wille, have been with us. We have enjoyed having them here, and they have enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, getting to know Carla and Matthew. It has been a privilege for Joy and I to interpret for them as they have shared with our congregation. Pastor Wille preached on two consecutive Sundays, and Mrs. Wille spoke to a women's Christmas gathering. Our church has been blessed to receive their words of wisdom and insight.

Evangelismo in Jaramijó

On Saturday, November 26, the Manta church took the puppet ministry on the road to the nearby fishing town of Jaramijó. Besides the puppets, around 30 people from the church went along to do set-up, pass out invitations and tracts, lead music and games, and talk to the adults standing around. There was brilliantly hot sunshine, but around 40 kids came out to enjoy the shows, music, and games. They heard the gospel and Bible stories, and at the end of the program, 12 children heard the plan of salvation from the teachers and prayed to receive Jesus as their Savior.