October 16

Good morning everyone. I woke up early and thought I would "blog" before I did anything else. Last night's "blogging hour" was totally replaced by the Cardinals/Dodgers game. I was not disappointed. GO CARDS!

Five feet of water on the flood wall.

We're in the middle of the rainiest month of the year, receiving one-three inches of rain nearly every day! Several years ago the church built a flood control wall to keep the church basement from flooding. Thank goodness!

A few of the kids with sheep ears for Pastors' Day

Since our last blog, three events have come and gone on the calendar. Last Sunday we initiated efforts to revitalize our Sunday School. As in many churches, it languishes with low attendances. I suspect a lack of promotion, lack of quality teaching, lack of options, and a simple "I want to get up late" attitude are the culprits. So, back to the "drawing board" again. Among the new classes is a class for English speakers. There are several in the church who either prefer English or are totally bilingual. So, they are anchoring the class.


October 6 was Pastors' Day. It is an annual event in the church calendar (as it is in many churches in Puerto Rico). The church honored Edwin Natal, the "anciano gobernante" (head elder/chairman of the board), and I with a program provided by the children as well as several adults. Afterwards we all shared a nice dinner. We had a great crowd; near the one-hundred mark.

Outing to the planetarium

The following Tuesday we offered a mid-week outing to a planetarium in a neighboring town. Thirty-one climbed on the school bus much to my surprise, considering it was a weekday event.

I will be in Illinois from October 21 through November 5 for a short furlough. These limited furloughs seem to work much better for us and the church here. I will be speaking in Tamaroa, West Frankfort, Marion and Anna. During the week I'll be staying with my son and his wife in the Chicago area. It will be good to see them after nearly two years.  Mary is staying in PR due to job constraints.

Blessings on your day.

Johnathan and Mary Reece