December - January 2007 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

Mat 11:28

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Ministry News

What are soccer fields for, anyway? What a joy to see God work in lives and families. We had the blessing of seeing many saved this month in our family conference held out in the park on a soccer field. Over 350 folks sat and heard God’s word preached, some for the first time ever. After passing out thousands of flyers, families began showing up, each telling a different story, but with one common thread: “Our family needs HELP!” As the verse above states, God is ready and willing to help. We thank God that He has the solution and that we had the opportunity to share it with so many. Several entire families accepted Christ as Saviour and can now grow in Him and find answers to their problems.

Our annual Missions Conference lasted from the 12th through the 14th of January, and after reaching our faith promise goal for last year, the new goal is 50% higher! We were able to take on another missionary for support.

Life has been very busy at Efata. We have 25 deaf children spending the summer with us – 15 more than last year. Two weeks ago, five of the boys were able to take a trip to the village of Chao, where 14-year-old Gustavo is originally from. They visited and passed out tracts with Bro. Manuel Cáceres. Little Jenny, the deaf toddler who lives with us, is walking well, trying to run, and beginning to sign. Our favorite is when she signs love, and then gives us a bear hug. This, after no eye contact during her first years of life, is a precious miracle.

We are excited about school starting. The 12th of February, many children will already be moving back in to begin studies. We have about five brand new students signed up already. Many are kindergarteners. We pray that God will continue to send us the children that He wants us to love and teach. The title of a great book, Leading Little Ones to God, says it all. What a privilege!

God has sent us a new little boy. Juan Jose is a five year old who was “lost”. We praise the Lord that He loves this little fellow and has given us the opportunity to show him that He will watch over him and has a plan for his life.

Family News

Our children were such a big help in both our annual missions conference on January 12 – 14 and our family conference on January 24 – 26. In visitation, ushering, skits, songs, nursery, clean up, and playing the piano, they shared the load with our dear church. We thank the Lord for each of them. Thank you for the birthday cards for John, 3, and Joel, 1. Thank you all for your prayers for our son Joel. He is developing well and learning to talk and sign. He sits up by himself, is learning to stand, and is as cute as a button.

Please pray as our ministry continues to grow, that God will provide a location to expand the home for the new deaf children He allows us to care for. We have had several “extra-special needs” deaf children who we have not been able to receive. Pray that God would open doors for these children as well.

May God bless you all, and thank you for reaching lives through Efata in Peru. God is giving the “increase”!

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