The year is almost over and it seems as if it went by too fast! Perhaps you are echoing "amen". It has been a good year. Many good things have been accomplished in Aguadilla for the Lord. Most importantly, people have become Christians and His kingdom is now just a little larger from the Puerto Rican front. Furthermore, some believers have re-dedicated their lives, come back to the church, and are now active long after we had given them up for lost and mourned their departure. We never know how long the Lord's Spirit continues to work in their lives... certainly longer than we suspect.We have had one-sixth of our church move away to the States and to other parts of the island in 2007. Both this year and 2006 have been tough in that aspect. We have lost thirty percent of our church congregation; primarily to moves. Never have we had to say goodbye to so many. But, the story does not end here. New people have replaced those that left. I am always amazed how (at least from my perspective) out of the clear blue, new people show up. Actually it is not such a mystery. We had around 150 first time visitors attend a service in 2007. Almost all came because our church members invited them. Is THAT not good news! Of those 150 visitors, one-tenth have returned and meet with us each Sunday. So we are pretty much breaking even in spite of the departures.
Looking back over the year, the church did their annual Ministries Fair and most of the church members signed up for the event. There were over twenty-five ways in which people could become involved in our church ministry. I am a firm believer in the "priesthood of all believers” and we push that principle hard in our congregation. Every Christian has a ministry if they will just say “yes”. Most in our church did say "yes".
The benevolence ministry has helped many people in the area with food, as well as with their water and light bill as employment remains elusive in a struggling economy. Money was also given to two Hispanic churches who were struggling financially. The Missions ministry went to the Dominican Republic to work for a week in conjunction with a church from Shelbyville, KY.
Our church calendar was filled with activities that included a revamped children’s church service, children's day drama, a youth retreat, women's retreat, family fair, the church anniversary, and hosting mission teams from Shelbyville, KY and Knoxville, TN. We also were blessed with three concerts from our adult choir, as well as special music from our children's bell choir. Throughout the year guest singers and musicians with great skills, as well as guest speakers blessed our church. So many things were done that neither time nor space allows me to give details in this update.
Leaving the past, let us now focus on the present and future. This month our choir is prepared to give a Christmas concert the 23rd. That day, following the service, we will celebrate Christmas as a congregation by sharing a traditional Christmas dinner. December 28th our church goes Christmas caroling (Christmas continues on until after January 6th). Then on the 30th the children’s bell choir will be playing.
January 6th is Three Kings Day. We hope to impact the community by giving the area a special Three Kings Day concert by guest musicians from the center of the island. They will be playing traditional inner-mountain Christmas carols. The Three Kings will give gifts to the first sixty children that day who show up at the church. A lot of promotion will go towards assuring the success of the event.
This year, more than ever before, we have tried to do everything with excellence. The Lord deserves it and of course those like you who are interested in what we do also deserve our best efforts.
As the years go by I realize what I did not comprehend when I was younger. Enduring ministry takes time. Things that last are not created by a couple of years of investment in people’s lives and then rushing on to the next project. I am glad that those who back this ministry seem to understand this principle and have backed us these many years. Mary and I are genuinely grateful for the high level of commitment coming from your end. We have reciprocated with that same level of commitment by serving the Lord wholeheartedly and pouring our lives into the Puerto Rican people in Aguadilla.
In closing, Mary and I wish you God's blessings now at Christmas and of course in 2008.
Johnathan and Mary Reece
Cross-cultural ministers to Puerto Rico
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