Prayer Report and Cup of Tea

To see our most recent Prayer Report click here.
To see the most recent Cup of Tea with Joy click here.

Fifth Anniversary for Manta Church

BBFI missionary Cliff McGhee was a our special guest speaker. He did a super job. His sermon directed us to continue to take the next step in our walk with the Lord and in the mission of our church. We recognized those who have been baptized during the last several months and those who have completed courses in the leadership training ministry. Afterward, we all had lunch together. Many worked hard to make the anniversary service a success.

Portoviejo Update

One year ago, Joy, Teddy, and I started assisting the church in Portoviejo that was without a pastor. From early February through the end of June we went each Sunday afternoon and Wednesday night to hold services. During June Gustavo, Lidia, and their son came from the Santo Domingo area to help us. They did a great job, and were able to hold the fort while we took what was to be a short trip to the States. When our furlough was extended, they continued to do a great job. Meanwhile, the church called Patricio Solis, also from Santo Domingo, to be the pastor. Patricio was unable to move his family immediately, but in November he began to make the four-hour journey to Portoviejo pretty regularly, working together with Gustavo. Now Patricio, his wife Silvana, and their daughter Kyara are ready to move to Portoviejo. They have arranged to rent a house, and have found a good school. Gustavo and Lidia will continue to serve the church as well. They all make a great team. The church is not able to support these families through their offerings so several Ecuadorian congregations will be providing some financial support. More support will be needed for a couple of years until the church really starts growing. Let us know if you would be interested in sponsoring a pastor and his family.

This Sunday

Theme for 2010

"The whole Bible. The whole church. The whole year." That's our theme for 2010. We have started a new Bible reading program to motivate the church to read the Bible daily. Besides a calendar of readings for the year, we are providing a weekly devotional guide to help everyone understand what they are reading. Some will read the entire Bible this year, others the New Testament, and a few will read through the Gospels for the very first time. We are excited about what 2010 holds in store. Pray for us as we follow through and reach our goals.

Christmas Sunday

December 20th was a big day for our church, the first Sunday that we were able to use the space on the second floor of the building. It was awesome! Besides enjoying all of the space for our Sunday morning service, we had an evening Christmas party with food, fun, and fellowship. The cooks and servers did a great job with grilled meat, rice, salad, bananas, and cupcakes. At least 170 people showed up to eat. What joy to be able to serve so many!

More Space

Our increasing attendance on Sunday mornings means that we need more classroom space for children and more general meeting space. We are building a temporary auditorium on the second floor of the educational building. This space will eventually be used for three classrooms. Using this area for general church services will open up two more classroom areas downstairs for use by the Sunday School. We are grateful that the Lord has provided what we need for these spaces and we believe that he will provide what we need to finish them out properly. Our constant numerical growth is a wonderful blessing and a challenge.
The man who pushes the ice cream wagon arrives each Sunday around the end of the service. He does a brisk business as people hang around after church and visit.