Puerto Rico Mission: Abril 6, 2021

Hi everyone. Lets catch you up on events around here. Three major events have marked the last month or so. First was the church's anniversary. March 14th the church celebrated it 35th anniversary. It was a great service with a guest speaker, carryout dinner for all, and a brief history of the church done by a founding elder. He explained that in spite of the many obstacles, the church had gone forward, never varying in its mission to be a light in the darkness, serving multiple generations, in one case, five generations of one family. Over ninety were present for the outdoor service in spite of the pandemic. We were happy.

Speaking of that elder, Edwin Natal; just a week or so ago, he finished a devotional book of 365 meditations drawn from his life's experiences. I am so proud of him. He is a fine individual who lives to honor the Lord. And the church could not hope for more from an elder, and I could want nothing more from a friend. Many are blessed because of him.

Speaking of brothers from the church, Santos Torres, another dear friend, just got back from Haiti as a representative of Forty Days of Prayer and Fasting. He and others were able to speak to several mayors and take some relief supplies to people in need. He said the conditions were deplorable. We must always give thanks for God's blessings toward the US and PR. This summer Santos will be taking a trip to the Dominican Republic, taking some people from PR with him as well as working with a team from Shelbyville , KY. His trip has the blessing of our church with some needed financial support to buy educational and medical supplies to be used while there.

GOOD FRIDAY DRAMA

Moving on...last Friday the church celebrated Good Friday. It is as important in PR as Easter Sunday morning is in the US. The attendance was very good, over 90. The service was special. One of our church members wrote a drama and six of the church members performed it. They did an amazing job. Five of us sang specials that added to the message of the drama.

And, last Sunday was initiated with a 6:30 a.m. service followed by breakfast and then at 9:00 a.m. we celebrated the day with a worship service. I should add that all of these services are done outside. Going on, one of the church members preached the sermon and the song service was crowned by a special song written by the song leader. Also, his wife had created some great outdoor decorations; an empty tomb with foot prints leaving the tomb. Meanwhile, the little ones had a lesson and of course enjoyed the ever popular Easter egg hunt, munching on candy and cupcakes cooked by the youth leader. As the morning wrapped up and as I finished greeting the attendees, especially the visitors, I looked around to see all the chairs, tables and sound equipment had been stored back inside as so many pitched in to help without me saying a word. It was a moving moment to contemplate what had gone on from Friday through Sunday, pandemic or no pandemic.

As I proof-read the blog I am delighted and surprised by the talent, gifts and abilities among the church body. I see this as an answer of prayer, years of praying for growth and church leaders.

Well, I should stop. This is getting wordy. Blessings to all.

Johnathan and Mary