November 17, 2024

Hi everyone. I know almost all of you have transitioned from summer to fall with winter approaching. Finally
fall/winter is knocking at the door in PR. We had countless days where the heat index marked over 100 degrees
and everyone complained of the heat. Then the change of season finally began with the fall rains. Our rainiest month is October followed by November. Just a day or so ago one of our friends said that in the last 45 days…October to mid-November 26 inches of rain had fallen. So, this past week we have been drying out…fighting mud everywhere. Well, enough about weather…

There were a couple of events in October and November. First was Pastors' Day. October 20 was a Sunday in which the elders/pastors of the church were recognized. Our church has four elders/pastors; each, godly men who ably carry out their duties. All can and do teach if asked and perform a variety of duties and of course "call the shots" for the church. Their wives are also godly women and live out their faith and are examples for all the people in the congregation. This year our guest speaker had to cancel for health reasons, so they asked the wives to speak about the spiritual dimension/life of their husbands.  Part of the program including gift-giving  to these leaders. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a great dinner prepared by the church members. Nothing was left to be desired. It was a beautiful day

Moving into November, we hosted a concert presented to our church by the Aguadilla Municipal choir. Mary and I, as well as another church member, are members of that choir. I was a little concerned about attendance because of the abundance of rain that had fallen; but the church did their job, showed up, invited others  and enjoyed a great concert of culturally oriented music. Some Christmas music crowned and closed the program.  After the service we had refreshments for everyone. The choir was delighted with the reception of  the church for the concert.

Then, this past Sunday we began preparing for 2025.  As in past years, we have presented all the ways people can become involved in our congregation. Out goal is to have 100% participation although most of the time we hit about 90%. There are twenty ways to bless other people in the church. Although none of the job opportunities are too time consuming, if just a few had to do all that is involved in running a church it would be a very time-consuming task.

Looking on to this coming Sunday, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a joint service from three other congregations plus ourselves. We are preparing for one-hundred and twenty mouths to feed. It should be a great day for all who attend! The day includes a guest speaker, dinner after the service and a great worship service.

Until next time…Blessings to all.

 

Johnathan and Mary 

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Aguadilla municipal choir

Sunset from Aguadilla, our town

El Yunque rainforest

Luquillo beach from El Yunque rainforest

Iglesia Cristiana de Aguadilla

 

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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