Nov - Dec 2005 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
God is so good and He has greatly shown His wonderful care and blessing for our ministry here in Peru.
This month we have seen a victory in a long struggle to obtain the title for the land we occupy here at Efata. God, by His grace and through His local churches, has provided all of the funds needed to purchase the land. My, how we are rejoicing! We will receive the title for the land in about five months. It takes that much time to process the paperwork.
I, on behalf of our entire church, staff and children who live at Efata, wish to thank you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for your generosity and prayers. When I spoke to the Lord about this, I told Him that Efata is His work and ministry and if He desired that it continue; He would have to provide for it.
I never doubted that He would. Efata belongs to God and He will meet every need that we have according to His will. There is much to do in reaching the Deaf for Christ and Efata is one of God’s tools to do just that.
Ministry News
As we come to the end of the year, there is much for which to be thankful. Let me list a few:
- Many deaf and hearing saved and baptized
- Paying off the land
- Increased attendance an average of 140
- New support for the ministry
- Several new children in the home
- Continued health and safety
- A new van for our family and ministry
- A wonderful Bible Conference
We have had our share of difficulties and sadness as well for which we thank God for his abiding presence, grace, wisdom and consolation.
We are looking forward to our Mission Conference January 18 – 22 2006. Brother Dean Hamby from Macedonia World Baptist Missions will be our special speaker and we are excited about what the Lord is going to do. Currently we are supporting three missionaries and desire to do more. It appears we will reach our Goal in missions for 2005 and look forward with anticipation to 2006.
Deaf Children News
It has been such a joy this year to receive many new children in our school and home. We thank the Lord for sending us Carmen Rosa-12, and Juan-9. Both came from terrible family situations. What a joy it is to teach a child of God’s love for them. They are glad this week, as school lets out, that this is THEIR home now, as well as the 13 others who will spend this Peruvian summer with us.
Family News
The family is doing well and we are thankful for all the prayers and financial support that you have given to allow us to do what we do for the Lord here in Peru.
Lisa’s pregnancy is going well and we are looking forward to our new little addition to the family.
We are so thankful for Amy Bode, a young teacher from Wyoming who helped in the home schooling of our children July-Dec, and we pray that God will again send us the person He chooses to help us in March. Please pray about this need.
Vision for 2006
We would like to ask you to pray for us and our goals for 2006.
Greater impact with the Deaf of Peru & beyond:
- Through soul-winning and discipleship
- Through partnerships in ministry with other like-minded pastors and missionaries
- Starting of our Bible Institute for the Deaf
- Training foreign nationals for service with deaf people
- Preaching and encouraging churches, pastors and people to do their part in reaching Deaf in their communities.
Raising of needed support
- For our deaf orphans and students
- For our deaf preachers
Construction projects
- Expansion of teen boys dorm
- Remodeling of space for new girls dorm
- Roofing projects for Church building and dinning/kitchen area
- Repairing and improving entrance and wall security
Once again, thank you for your prayers and continued support. May we continue to partner together as we serve God and look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God Bless,
Bro. Joe & Lisa
Joseph, Julianne, James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, (Joel - in transit)
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;