September 12

"..and the rains came down..."

Good morning to all from Puerto Rico. Perhaps the days are starting to hint of fall where you live. Here, the weather remains the same; hot, humid and very rainy. This picture was taken last week after a massive rainstorm. The flood control wall at the church efficiently performed its task until the seven feet of water finally dissipated twelve hours later.

Perhaps things are turning around after "up and down" summer attendances. Two Sundays ago we were at one-hundred and five and yesterday the total was ninety-five. Even so, many regulars were absent for one reason or another. Several guests are returning for a second look. May they clearly see Christ among us.

Gifts for grandmothers

Yesterday was "Día de abuelos", Grandparents' Day. It was a delightful occasion. Special homage to the grandparents was extended with gifts, a reading, an interpretive dance performed by three young people, and cake and soda...of course. The main part of the service was provided by a group of five musicians playing and singing music from the past in traditional three part harmony. They did a beautiful job, playing the strings off of their instruments. I doubt I have ever heard anyone play as skillfully as did the lead guitarist on his "requinto" (a small bodied guitar).

Guest musicians

Other matters: Santos Torres, a brother who works with me three days a week, after a couple of unforeseen delays, is soon to make a missions trip to the Dominican Republic to carry school supplies, gifts, money and many other blessings to the people in that country. Many of these gifts are part of the missions/benevolence program of the church. In addition to delivering the gifts, he will be preaching and teaching the entire week of his stay.

The youth are ready to begin again after a hiatus of two months. Vacations and moves by two families took some of the wind out of our sails. Nevertheless, the leaders are a good group of men and women and are committed to educating the youth to honor the Lord with their lives.

Johnathan

Mary and I are well other than a minor issue of a broken toe. Mary tried to keep our cat from coming in the house with her foot. The cat moved but the door frame didn't. :-). As for me, well you can see for yourself.

Until next time. Blessings to each of you.