June - August 2006 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and family,

“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

These past few months have been some of the busiest we have seen in our ministry. We had the privilege of having three groups come from the U.S to visit and help with some projects and interaction with the kids.

I would like to thank Calvary Baptist Church from Lake Park, GA, Grace Baptist Church from Tifton, GA, and Broadway Ave. Baptist Church from Boise, ID for being such a blessing and a help to us during these weeks. Your help with our construction and painting projects and your interaction with our church, school and home were a great blessing to all. Thank you for the “cups of cold water” in Jesus name! You will find photos of the groups′ visits on our web site at www.efata.org. We would love to have your group come as well for a mission trip. I know you would be blessed.

Ministry News

We are in the process of expanding the teen boys′ dormitory and, thanks to the help of these groups, both physically and financially, we are on track and should have the dorm completed in time for our Bible Conference. We have almost completed the renovation of our kitchen and dining hall. The only thing lacking is flooring tile a stainless steel sink and a new roof. We have some more work to do to finish the girls′ dorm as well. We had to suspend most of the work there to get the boys′ dorm expanded. We were able to install hot water. We are just lacking the tile for the bathroom and floors and doors for the rooms. At least the girls can use it as is for now. As God provides the funding, we will complete these projects.

I have been working with another local church about two miles from Efata. They are struggling and asked for assistance. I am working with the young pastor and preaching there on Sunday evenings to help. Pray for this church that we can help it to thrive.

One of our deaf missionaries Jorge Pozo and his wife Sofia have been laboring for three and a half years in the city of Ayacucho. After consultation and prayer, they have decided to return to Lima to begin a new work in the area of Canto Grande. This is a very large area with many deaf. Please pray for this new ministry to the deaf. Their work in Ayacucho will be continued by the hearing church through interpreters.

Pastors, if your church supports faithful dedicated national missionaries and pastors, Jorge and his wife are choice servants and have worked with me for over six years; three as my assistant and three as a missionary. They greatly need new support for the new work they will be doing in Canto Grande. They are deaf and have given their lives to deaf missions. They have two young children. Please contact me if you desire any further information about this missionary family.

We have started our Bible Institute and have 28 students; what a blessing this is. Also, we are preparing for our Bible Conference in September. Please pray as we plan this wonderful conference. Deaf Evangelist Ronnie Rice and Deaf Missionary Alan Snare are coming to be our special speakers. We are greatly looking forward to this wonderful time of preaching, fellowship and encouragement.

Recently we received a new little deaf girl into our home for the Deaf. She is a precious girl about two years old. She was abandoned by her family and was sent to another home. When they realized that she was Deaf, we had custody of her transferred to Efata, We are so excited to have a chance to change this little girl′s life.

We also received a new 13 year-old girl, Betzy. Our girls′ dorms are filling up. We took in a 16 year-old boy named Delfor, and an 11 year old, Danner. They are doing great and we are thankful we were able to take him in as well. Delfor had zero language or schooling and is learning fast.

We have a great need for support for these new children. Please pray that God will provide sponsors for them and new overall support for Efata. We have had to hire three new workers to help carry the load and costs are rising. Please contact us if you would like to help sponsor an Efata deaf child.

Family News

Everyone is doing well. Joel is not gaining much weight but is growing little by little. Lisa takes him to therapy, which is helping him a great deal, and of course he gets a great deal of stimulation at home from his brothers and sisters.

This month starts the birthday cycles for us with Julianne who turned 15 on Aug. 2nd. My, how time is flying and how they are growing. James cannot wait till his 13th birthday. He is longing to be a teenager and enjoy all of the privileges that come with it. (I am not so sure that he is ready for all of the responsibilities that tag along as well! Smile!)

We continue to pray 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.

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