September 4 - October 27, 2007

Fall is here. The weather is dropping to the low 70s at night and mid-eighties during the daylight hours. Rain is abundant as we change seasons here in PR. Speaking of fall, I was in the States this fall (2-17 of October) for a two week furlough. I spoke to five churches in So. IL. I really appreciated their warm reception and willingness to let me speak on a relatively short notice.

Let me back up a little and talk about the events of September/October. Our choir presented a concert the first part of September. This was one of the few times I did not have to organize the choir and its practices. Further on, September 16, the church had its annual Pastors' Day, a Sunday when the eldership and minister are given special recognition. The program was beautifully done and the day was topped off with a church dinner. Over ninety were present for the occasion.

In late September we had a trios concert. Three trios presented two hours of marvelous Christian music. It was quite a night. Our church invested considerable time and money to make it a success. That afternoon before the concert four inches of rain fell. We were afraid the church building would be half empty. To our delight, every seat was filled and we had over one-hundred and twenty. People still talk about the event.

This week is filled with activities. Saturday, October 27, our church is offering a PowerPoint class to the church members and community at large. So far twenty people are signed up for the course. A local university has loaned us their computer classroom, a generous gesture on their part. At the same time the American Heart Association is using our church building for a CPR class. Some of our church members have signed up, as well as folks in the community. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words, "I have become all things to all people so that I might win some".

Sunday I will be baptizing two young people. I had the chance to talk with them and their parents this past Monday night. They have grown up in the church so the step was expected. I had just been thinking about them while traveling on furlough. I was delighted when this past Sunday they came to me about the matter. It seems the Spirit was nudging us all in the same direction.

Johnathan and Mary Reece

Cross-cultural ministers to Puerto Rico