January 29

Hi everyone. We are back after quite a leave of absence. Mary and I hope all is well with all who read this blog. Let's give you some news.

Church couple's wedding, December 20

December was an incredibly busy time for us. So many things were going on at church; almost all related to Christmas. Perhaps most of you know that Christmas in Puerto Rico essentially runs from early December to the second week of January. I will only mention  the highlights of the many events. December 13 we enjoyed a concert in which the church building was filled with a capacity crowd. Chairs were placed down the middle aisle to accommodate everyone, The next Sunday was the church's annual Christmas dinner with another fine crowd. Then, the last Sunday of the year we reviewed, via a PowerPoint presentation, all the congregation had done in 2015.

Assisted living visit by benevolence ministry, December

Three Kings' visit to the church, January 3

On into 2016, the first Sunday was the celebration of Three Kings' Day (two days early). The kings showed up with gifts for the children and candy for everyone present. That day we also began to prepare the church to select two new deacons for a two year term. The 17th the men selected were installed. The church chose well. I could not be happier with their selection.

 In 2015 there were nine who were baptized. Two Sundays ago, we witnessed the first believer baptized in 2016. A young teenager raised in the church was immersed. The church broke out in song and celebration as she came up out of the water.

This year the church has fifteen ministries in which almost everyone is involved. Since the second week of January, I have been going full speed to make sure everyone is getting the ministries off of the ground. I am excited. I believe this year will be one of many blessings.

Puerto Rico in January

Finally, I noticed many of you were hammered a week or so ago with really bad weather. Every year I get a chance to share the delightful weather of Puerto Rico in January.

God bless you.

Johnathan and Mary Reece