Puerto Rico Mission: December 12

Javier Ortiz: Timothy
of the church

Mary and Johnathan

Hello from Puerto Rico, where the sun shines year around. Mary and I have been here too long. The other night it was 77 degrees with a gentle breeze blowing. We were on the balcony of our home enjoying the evening when I announced I was cold and going inside. Currently, the temperature is 84 and I have a long-sleeve shirt on. 😀

Let's talk about the church. The Sunday before Thanksgiving the church enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner after the service. The service was special. The building was full, with 102 present. Our speaker was a Timothy from our church, Dr. Javier Ortiz. He is a colonel in the Air Force.

Two weeks later a group of eight members performed a Christmas play, a comedy written by one of our worship leaders. Several local Christmas carols were blended into the presentation. It turned out well. In spite of a lot of colds, flu, and members traveling off island, we had a nice attendance and I think people left happy. We are a blessed congregation. One member writes plays, another poetry which she recites (she is 89 years old), and five have composed songs which we sing throughout the year. We are blessed.

Thanksgiving service: Nov 19

Our annual ministry sign up is coming to a close. We try to involve everyone in at least two of seventeen ministry opportunities. Generally, we have about 90% participation. We are close to that mark now.

Christmas drama

In our last letter we informed you of a church member doing a missions trip to Cuba. She is back and gave a report last Sunday of what the group had done. If you will recall our church gave her $1,800.00 in a love offering to bless the people of Cuba. The money, to the last cent, was given to people in need. Salaries in that country are very, very small. A gift of $25.00 goes a long way. She blessed around 75 families with money.

This Sunday is a Christmas concert. A neighbor who is an excellent stringed instrument musician, along with his wife and daughter, will bless us with traditional Christmas music, an annual treat we always enjoy.

Finally, our youngest son and his wife are here for ten days. It is a delight to have them here for a few days.

Christmas is right around the corner. We hope it is a pleasant time for you and your loved ones. May you keep your focus on Christ. Blessings!

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