March 29 - May 21, 2008

One more week and we are in June. Where has it gone? These last two months have been great. Let’s catch up.

April 13th our church hosted a spiritual gift inventory seminar. Although we had done this several years ago, many new members have been added to the congregation. The event was a rousing success. We had around forty adults attend the four hour seminar. Below in the basement there was a full program arranged for the children. With the children there was a total of sixty-two present. Yesterday, after we cataloged the gifts in our database, we returned the results with an explanation of each person’s gifts. As mentioned, the entire event was well-received and we look forward to seeing Christians use their strengths for the Lord.

In the past few weeks we have made some additions and improvements to the church premises. A new sidewalk has been poured and new security lights installed. I think we have made the building about as flood-proof as we possibly can; and just in time for the rainy season! This has been a ongoing problem for over a decade and we hope to finally settle the matter once and for all. The first big rain storm will surely test our efforts so keep your fingers crossed!

April 27th the church celebrated its 20th anniversary. It was a great day. The attendance was wonderful; a full house, (over one-hundred). Our special music and worship service was powerful. As for the dinner after the service...it was divine. Such events truly make an impression on visitors and we strive to exude excellence in all things, not just the spiritual.

The second Sunday in May was Mother’s Day. The men and children “put on the dog” for the mothers and women of the church. There were tears of laughter and joy, gifts for all the mothers present, and, a fantastic meal cooked and served by the men of the congregation! The attendance that day was one-hundred. Many times this year we have broken the century barrier for our Sunday service. Furthermore, we have had around twenty-five more visitors than we did last year at this point. The church with its ups and downs is on the move and a positive spirit permeates our congregation. Our church is indeed blessed.

This coming Sunday, May 25th we are congratulating our graduates. A group of Christian puppeteers will be presenting a program designed around the graduates.

As always we ask you keep praying for us.

Johnathan and Mary Reece,

Cross-cultural ministers to Puerto Rico