“Somebody needs to care enough to bring the Deaf to the feet of Jesus!”Joe Kotvas – Pastor/Missionary

March - April 2004 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends & Family,

Lamentations 3:22-23

It is of the LORd’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The greatest attribute of our God is His love and compassion for us. God truly is faithful to us; even when we fail Him, He NEVER fails us!

Ministry News

God has been so good to us as we have been readjusting to being in the States and traveling to churches. We have been in many wonderful churches and have seen some of our friends along the way as we begin our furlough/deputation.

We are looking forward to all that the Lord has for us as we travel and pray that we will be a blessing and encouragement to all we meet and minister to as we go. We are asking for God to give us souls along the way and especially deaf souls for His kingdom.

We are in weekly contact with Efata and are thankful for the staff and missionary help He has given us. It is not easy being away from my church and people there. We miss them and look forward to getting back there and continuing the work that God has called us to do.

We believe God is going to use Efata Ministries in a great way to encourage and develop workers and leaders to reach the deaf all over Peru, South America and even the world.

Family News

Lisa and the kids are doing great. Our new son John is growing more handsome and alert every day! It is such a joy having another little one in our home again.

All the kids are having a great time traveling and seeing America! Joseph is really becoming quite good on the piano. We thank the Lord for some who have given to purchase a digital piano for him and the other older kids to learn and practice on. What joy it is to constantly have good music in the house and know it is “my kids” playing and singing it!

Once again, thank you for all you do. Again, please feel free to contact us.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for the following prayer requests:

  1. Pray for Efata ministries in Lima, Peru as we are away that God will give wisdom and strength to our staff there.
  2. Pray for the Shane Rice family. They are the missionaries that are helping us with Efata while we are away. They are doing a great job and we thank God for them.
  3. Continue to pray for the Land situation. The governmental problems that the country is having at the current time are delaying the process a great deal.
  4. Due to the instability in the government, food prices are rising and this is affecting everyone and especially our school and orphanage ministry. Pray for stability.
  5. We desperately need more missionary teachers and workers who can come and help teach the deaf and work in the home.
  6. Pray for the Stuart Swanburg family and James McDowell as they are on deputation to come and work with us. James will be getting married in a few months so we are excited for him.
  7. Financial support for Efata and our family. Please pray that God will lead us to the support he has already for us so that we can return to Peru ASAP.
  8. Continued traveling mercies as we visit churches and present our ministry.
  9. Souls to be saved, baptized and discipled and servants to be trained to reach other Deaf.

I will be going to Peru on April 8th to check on things there and to encourage my church and folks there. Pray for this trip that God will bless and help me to be a blessing!

God Bless,

Bro. Joe & Family