Thanks be to God, we are seeing growth in our church, both in the spiritual maturity of the believers as well as in number. The second Saturday of this month several brothers and sisters from the church participated in a day of evangelism in our town, and afterwards we spent the night in prayer.
The following Sunday I received a visit from a man named Luis. He asked us to be praying for his wife, who was in a very delicate situation with her health. Luis told us that he had taken his wife to the doctors, to the local witch-doctors, and to different priests in order for them to pray for her, but she had not been made well. Later that same morning Luis visited the church for the service, together with his children and son-in-law. A few days later, we prayed with this family in their home and asked that the Lord’s will be done in their lives. Saturday of that week, Luis’ wife, Maria, passed away.
Luis asked me to hold services in their home for the “days of mourning.” Maria’s burial was Monday at 10 o’clock in the morning, at which I had the opportunity to preach the Word of God to all who were in attendance. After this, they asked me to help with the services following the days of mourning and the burial, which are held for the duration of nine nights, as is the custom here. All nine nights I was asked to preach the Word beginning at 11 o’clock, which was a difficult task, but it was worth the sacrifice. Many of the brothers and sisters from the church also joined in helping Luis and his family, and according to the custom, helped prepare food for all who attended the nine nights of services.
During those nine nights I explained the condition of mankind and the riches of the Gospel. The last night I gave a strong exhortation to all in attendance to repent and seek the Lord. Several people showed concern for their souls, including Luis and one of his daughters, and on Sunday they came again to the church service. The brothers and sisters from the church welcomed them warmly, and we had a time of prayer for them. Please pray for Luis and his daughter Reinelda. Also pray for Luis’ two sons, whom we are visiting in their homes and who are wanting to receive instruction from the Word.
In addition to these things, please pray for the evangelism that we are carrying out in our town and for the families with whom we are sharing the Word. Pray also for those who oppose the work here and often speak falsely against us. Thanks be to our God, we are growing despite all opposition, and the church is continually strengthened.
