March 2005 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends & Family,
Romans 1:10Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
The verse above shares Paul’s excitement and desire to go to the Church at Rome. We are equally excited about going home to Efata. We have purchased our tickets for July 5th and are looking forward to a “prosperous journey by the will of God” in returning to Peru.
We have enjoyed our time ministering and being ministered to by so many wonderful churches and people. We cannot thank you all enough for all that you have done.
We are grateful to all who have taken our M&M challenge and are filling our M&M tubes with quarters. They will be a great supply for the children.
Ministry News
We continue to travel and have been in some very wonderful Mission’s Conferences and services. It is such a blessing to see churches and people who still believe in the heartbeat of God; missions.
We have seen souls saved and lives challenged as we have traveled and are thrilled at what the Lord is doing. Our desire is to see churches and individuals develop a strong vision for their areas and the regions beyond.
Efata is doing well. School started back up this month. There are several new deaf children in the school and dorms this year. They have never been to school before. They also just completed a very exciting lady’s conference. I have gotten glowing reports on how well it went.
Family News
The family is doing well as we travel; however, we have had a nasty bout with the cold/flu that has been going around. I normally do not get hard hit, but this time it took me out for almost two weeks. It was hard to keep the preaching and teaching schedule as I lost my voice for a couple of days but the Lord got me through it. The sad part is watching the kids have to go through it as well.
Several of the churches we were privileged to share our ministry in have had special events for the kids such as a “Missionary Kids Birthday Party” and “Christmas in March”. This has been such a blessing and joy for our children. They all received wonderful gifts and some cash as well for them to spend. This helps them to know that they are not forgotten but are equally cared about by our churches and friends.
SPECIAL PRAYER & NEED REQUESTS and PRAISES
Housing remodeling funds
God is blessing and a church in Iowa has given half of the funds needed for this project! We are rejoicing to see how God is going to bless with the second $2500.00
Pray for support for the children
Support is coming in and we thank God for that.
School has begun and we were able to complete the new dorm addition!
Again thank you for your help and Praise the Lord for His provision. The need is still great, but we are seeing God meet needs.
Follow-up on Land
Continue to pray for the Land issue. We continue to put pressure on the government agency responsible so that we can get this done. It is frustrating but we are advancing.
Pray for new workers
God has sent us a new Peruvian man to work in our teen boys’ dorm at night. Pray for him, as he becomes a part of our Efata Team!
Please continue to pray for Corey and Melissa Ricker. They began deputation in February and God is blessing as they begin their meetings.
Continue to pray for the McDowell family as they continue raising their support to come and work in Efata. They are expecting their first baby in August! Please pray for them. We are excited about this.
Pray for continued safety on the road
We covet your prayer for continued safety and health on the road as we travel.
Thank you for everything that you do. We love you and invite you to come and visit us in Peru.
God Bless,
Bro. Joe & Family