August 13, 2024

Tropical storm Ernesto

Good morning to all. The 15th is drawing near, the date on the calendar when I write the monthly blog. We probably will not have electricity beginning tomorrow so I thought I would create the post now. "So what is going on?" you may ask. Perhaps you have seen that a tropical storm, almost a Cat. 1 hurricane, is bearing down on us. It is supposed to come ashore tomorrow. Wind doesn't seem to be a big factor. They are forecasting 3-10 inches of rain depending on where you live on the island. So far, it seems the eastern side of the island will take the brunt of the storm. The power company is warning everyone there will be no power, but hopefully it will not be out for many hours/days. People are buying canned goods, gasoline, and getting out cash in anticipation of the loss of power.  

The last time I wrote we were ready to begin the two day VBS/Summer camp. Paul, Kendra and Eli Jones from the Highland Church of Christ in Robinson, IL took care of the teaching and handcrafts for the kids as well as adults if they so wished. Our church provided snacks as well as lunch for everyone. To close the two-day event we rented a huge water slide. The kids had a blast. The first day with kids and adults, 34 attended, and the second day was 25. We had a few families that are not part of our
church bring their kids and have worshipped with us these past three Sundays.  Attendance has been picking up and we are now around 70 each Sunday. Three Sundays ago we were at 91. Church attendance waxes and wains and patience, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence are always emphasized. God deserves the best and His people do too. 

VBS

We were informed the other day that Mary and I may be the longest serving missionaries from the Christian Churches in the Caribbean. How can that be at the age of 67 and 47 😃. Okay, okay... 76 and 74, which doesn't seem possible. Mary has been here 54 years and I, 52. God is very kind to us and we still have the energy to get up and go each day, and we will continue to work until He say "woah".

The church board met Sunday night, in which the calendar till mid-December was presented and tweaked. The calendar includes:  Teachers' Recognition Day, Grandparents' Day (Celebrated with a drama written by one of our worship leaders.), a "Fall Festival" i.e... a campfire, games and food, two church excursions, a guest choir, a guest speaker for Pastors' Day and a few other events we will share as the months roll by.   

This is Mary. John informed me I was to write the last paragraph; so, here goes!

Our granddaughter started college yesterday 😢. Seems she was just born last year! Well, her college life starts out with a two day vacation right away, thanks to tropical storm Ernesto. She didn't complain 😀.

We look forward to speaking with the last 2 churches we have not visited yet on our "farewell tour" in Oct. and Nov. It will be good to see people from Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  We'll also have a quick visit with our family in Tennessee, and visit some long-time friends in North Carolina.  

God bless each of you as you continue to serve our Lord in your area of the world.

John and Mary Reece,

Cross-cultural ministers to Puerto 

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"Save me Lord!" 

Handcrafts for adults at the VBS