February 18

Good afternoon. We are half-way through the month already. It has been a good two weeks. In the last blog I mentioned we were anticipating a guest speaker/singer February 2. Well, he was fabulous. His delightful voice totally surprised everyone. A couple of others and I who had shared with him at another event knew the treat in store for the congregation. Attendance was good, one-hundred and two. Actually, all this month we have been over one-hundred in attendance. Yesterday for church we had one-hundred and nine. The building was at ninety percent capacity. If the attendance holds we will have to do something if we are to grow more.

February 8 the women's group, "Mujeres Unidas"(United Women), had their first event of the year. They planned an "Afternoon Tea" and had a good portion of the group present to enjoy fellowship and a time of spiritual reflection. It was a great kickoff to the other planned events.

Last Saturday, the 15th, we sponsored a  "Be Prepared" workshop, teaching those present how to vacuum pack food in mylar bags that are designed to last at least five years. Earthquakes are a very real possibility in our active seismic area and readiness is vital.

This Friday we are having a "Vigilia", an extended campfire service lasting till 10:30 PM. The youth intend to camp out all night and get a big send off with breakfast at the church.

This Sunday is "Children's Day"; always a popular annual event. This year we have a puppeteer presenting the program. He is a good friend of the congregation and has even gone with us on one of our missions trips to the Dominican Republic. It will be good. As for me, I will be on the eastern side of the island preaching for a congregation that has no pastor and is struggling to survive.

In two more weeks we celebrate the the church's anniversary. We anticipate sharing some good news with the church...the church building loan has been paid off as of last week. The congregation was able to pay it off seven years early. So, we are debt free. Now we are praying to know how to use the freed-up monthly payments. Several options are on the table.

Thanks for your interest in our efforts here in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Blessings to you all...

Johnathan and Mary Reece