October 14, 2024

 

Good morning. I wanted to take a few minutes to bring you up to date on the church here in Aguadilla, and us. First of all,  we hope your walk of faith is strong and unvarying in commitment.

This month was rather quiet as pertaining to activities. We were going to have a campfire this Friday for the whole church but decided to wait till January when it is "cold" in PR. Day before yesterday I saw the heat index for Aguadilla, where we live, was 113! Humidity is very high, and yet rain has been sparse until yesterday when we received a deluge. With lower humidity, Mary went out on the balcony last night. She came in a couple of minutes later proclaiming, "It was cold outside."  WHAT!

Although the hurricanes thankfully have passed to the north of PR, we certainly understand and feel for the people in Western NC, East TN  and West/Central Florida. Our church sent a financial gift of $500.00 to International Disaster and Emergency Service. Later, two individuals sent money as well. This Sunday we are taking up a special offering to send as well to help the people in need. As I read who was responding in NC, TN, and FL;  so many first responders were churches. This is exactly what happened after Hurricane Maria and Fiona here in PR. This Friday I and leaders of churches in Aguadilla have a meeting with the government to see if the church can be a distribution center in the event of another natural catastrophe.

This Sunday is Pastor's/Preacher's Day. The elders (pastors) of the church will be recognized with a special program followed with a dinner. We have (including myself) four elders (pastors) who are men who abundantly meet all the requirements of an elder as laid out in I Timothy and Titus. God has blessed this congregation with many committed believers who are skilled with gifts and abilities. I marvel at what the Lord has done. Good musicians, good song leaders, good teachers, and preachers, etc.… all working together as one. 90% of the church has their responsibilities to carry out.  

Quickly, on to other things. The downstairs of the church was painted. A tree removed from the front lawn and the church grounds were enhanced with flamboyant trees planted on the back of the property for people someday to enjoy.

Attendance is up, now  averaging in the 80's, where we were before two hurricanes, an earthquake,  and two years of COVID. From the mid-eighties down to the mid-fifties and up to the mid-eighties again. We have visitors most every Sunday and many repeats. God has honored our church member's persistence in work as well as committed intersession by the prayer warriors of our church.

In a week and a half Mary and I will be traveling to the States for a brief two-week furlough. We will be visiting a supporting church in upper East TN as well as in SC.  Of course,  we will visit with family while there. Can't wait for fall colors and cooler weather.

Out of space. Bye!

Johnathan and Mary Reece

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September 23, 2024

Preaching the word

Hi everyone. It is late September, and everyone is holding their breath in Puerto Rico. We are at the peak of hurricane season. Seven years ago, almost to the day we were beginning to look around at the destruction left by Hurricane Maria, the most destructive hurricane in US history.  We had no power for four months and no water for two. One becomes quite creative in such circumstances. So far everything is quiet in the Atlantic, east of the Caribbean. Those few storms that have come our way have passed to the north of us...thank goodness.

On to other things... A couple of weeks ago the church enjoyed another outing. This trip was local. We went to a train museum and to a hammock museum in neighboring towns. The trip was a delight. I believe the final tally was forty-seven who climbed on the bus. These events draw the church together and give us a chance to invite our friends and neighbors to get to know the congregation in a casual setting.

Church outing: Train Museum

Speaking of the congregation, the attendance is coming out of the summer slump. The last five weeks we have had from 67 to 106 in attendance. Visitors have been numerous, and several are returning to worship with us. Our biggest attendance was prompted by a special event, Grandparents Day. One of our church members wrote a drama and several members "made it happen". 

That same day was a special moment. A couple that had been meeting with our church for several months was baptized. What a happy event in our service!

Coming up is Pastors Day where we recognize the elders/pastors in our congregation. Also, the 15 of October is a night to enjoy a campfire, roast hotdogs and play games at the church. The social events are important. 

Good attendance: 106

Last Sunday a couple of young mothers offered to paint the children's classroom and plan an outing for our children. I was delighted! 

The services are good in so many ways. Our church is blessed! We have many talented people and are willing to use their talents to bless others. To God be the glory. I think I have said my piece. 

Until next time...

Johnathan and Mary

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One of two baptisms 

Fall church decorations

Drama: Grandparents Day

Sunrise view from our balcony