April - May 2006 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and family,

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

The above verse declares just how we here at Efata Ministries feel concerning these past two months here. God has marvelously directly answered our prayers far beyond what we could ask. I do not know where to begin.

Ministry News

Dorcas ― Many of you have been praying for Dorcas, the little two-year-old girl who was severely burned. God has miraculously answered prayer and has given her complete recovery and healing. The only scaring she may have will be light splotching of her skin. The Doctors are completely baffled at her recovery. Thank you from us and from her family to those who prayed and gave to help with her medical expenses. The needs were met and God showed himself to be the Great Physician and Great Supplier.

Abel ― “He was lost, and is found”! The deaf boy who was missing was found by police about a week after he disappeared. It is not clear what happened but he was selling candy on the street in an area far from where he was lost. A judge placed him in a home that took excellent care of him for over four months. Somehow, the police did not connect the missing persons report to Abel (Typical inefficiency here). The social assistant found our number while investigating the word “EFATA” written by Abel. She wanted to know what Efata was and finally found our number and contacted us. This is another answer to prayer, as we were not only praying that he would be found but that he would not be in danger. He was well cared for and we thank God for His marvelous grace.

Efata Baptist Church ― We have been experiencing incredible growth these past few months. During the last several weeks we have been averaging over 195. When we returned to Peru last July, our average attendance was about 140. Our goal for 2006 was 175. We now have a new goal of 200. We are thanking God for this. Many have been saved including my youngest daughter Joy. She was also baptized last month and we are rejoicing in this.

Anniversary Sunday ― May 21st was the 29th anniversary of the Church that was founded in 1977 by missionary Vernon Miller. We had 395 in attendance. The building was packed and we had a tremendous service. There was no seating left and we had people standing outside. This was a record for the church. Several were saved. It was a tremendous day and a testimony to the hard work and prayer of the members and leadership team of Efata Baptist Church. I count it an honor to serve with these men and women who love the Lord and desire to make a difference in reaching the Deaf for Christ. The website has photos for you to enjoy.

Now we are working on strategies for follow-up and outreach in areas of Lima where there are currently no established works for the Deaf. Please pray as we train and prepare leaders for these tasks and continue to pray for two missionary families that are currently on Deputation to come and work with us; the McDowell family and the Ricker family. The sooner these families can get to the field and get through their language training, the sooner we can broaden in a more profound way our outreach ministries to the Deaf.

Jesus trained and prepared a team of apostles and disciples who turned the world upside down for Him. My desire is to prepare a team of disciples for Christ to turn the Deaf world upside down as well. By His good grace and our submission to Him and humility in the work, we WILL do just that!

Family News

All is well with the family and everyone is doing great. The baby, Joel, is growing little by little and is such a joy to have around. There is very little that can bring so much joy into a family than little ones.

We are still praying for a missionary lady who would like to come for a year or two and help Lisa with home schooling. Please pray about this. Pastors, please make this need known to those who you would recommend for this short-term missionary work.

Prayer requests

Wisdom and leadership needs for overall ministry
Laborers – teachers, care givers, missionaries
Funds for current construction/repair needs
- Teen boy’s dormitory expansion
- Permanent roof for kitchen and dining hall
- Replacement roof for church building
Regular monthly operating funds for the school and home.

God bless each of you as you continue to pray and support this ministry.

God Bless,

Signature Bro. Joe & Lisa
Joseph, Julianne, James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel