July 19, 2023

Good afternoon. A month has come and gone since our last post. Summer is flying by isn't it!

In some ways, our congregation is like any congregation in the US. Summer attendance is spotty with attendance going up and down as people enjoy vacations, often traveling off island to the US. Others head for the mountains to escape the heat or visit with relatives in other parts of the island. Generally, by the second weekend in August, normality begins to return. 

I might add however, that we have also had some visitors from the US to worship with us. One group (fifteen I believe) from The Highland Church of Christ in Robison, IL was present for a  Sunday service. The men were in PR for a missions trip and they chose to congregate with us that day. It was Fathers' Day so after the service a dinner was served for everyone. With the regulars in the congregation that day, plus the visitors, the final tally was ninety-two.  We were pleased. 

Services have been energetic and the preaching/teaching for the most part has been good. We have been preaching from the Beatitudes. A couple more Sundays and we will move on to another series. 

Coming up the 29th of July is a one day summer camp (VBS). We are ready. The Jones family from Robison, IL will be doing the teaching and handcrafts. We expect a small to moderate turn out. As the congregation ages the number of kids has dropped. Yet we are doing the promo and with God's blessing, it will turn out well. 

One of our former members, Santos Torres,  who worked with me for many years, recently moved to the Dominican Republic to do missions in a town on the southwest side of the country. One of our church members, (a brother who shares preaching responsibilities with me and others) traveled to participate in a mission trip, organized by Santos. Our church gave some financial support to help send our representative and also provided some items that were used in the trip.   

Finally, we are trying to realize a dream that has been in the heart of many throughout the years. The churches for years have owned 21 "cuerdas" (20 acres more or less) in the western foothills that are earmarked to be a camp. It is a beautiful place. For many reasons that dream has never come to pass. The dream has been rekindled and some money (barring unforeseen obstacles) will be available in the upcoming months to build 2-3 camping areas with accompanying bath facilities for each area. As efforts move forward I will keep you informed.

Well, I am out of topics. (Did I hear an "AMEN "? 😄). Until next time...blessings.

Johnathan and Mary Reece

Cross-cultural ministers to Puerto Rico 

Click to expand the photos

(Critters of the island")

This little guy was pretty suspicious 

of my intentions.

Iguana, an invasive species.
4,000,000 on the island.

Puerto Rican Boa, endemic to the island