October 14, 2024

 

Good morning. I wanted to take a few minutes to bring you up to date on the church here in Aguadilla, and us. First of all,  we hope your walk of faith is strong and unvarying in commitment.

This month was rather quiet as pertaining to activities. We were going to have a campfire this Friday for the whole church but decided to wait till January when it is "cold" in PR. Day before yesterday I saw the heat index for Aguadilla, where we live, was 113! Humidity is very high, and yet rain has been sparse until yesterday when we received a deluge. With lower humidity, Mary went out on the balcony last night. She came in a couple of minutes later proclaiming, "It was cold outside."  WHAT!

Although the hurricanes thankfully have passed to the north of PR, we certainly understand and feel for the people in Western NC, East TN  and West/Central Florida. Our church sent a financial gift of $500.00 to International Disaster and Emergency Service. Later, two individuals sent money as well. This Sunday we are taking up a special offering to send as well to help the people in need. As I read who was responding in NC, TN, and FL;  so many first responders were churches. This is exactly what happened after Hurricane Maria and Fiona here in PR. This Friday I and leaders of churches in Aguadilla have a meeting with the government to see if the church can be a distribution center in the event of another natural catastrophe.

This Sunday is Pastor's/Preacher's Day. The elders (pastors) of the church will be recognized with a special program followed with a dinner. We have (including myself) four elders (pastors) who are men who abundantly meet all the requirements of an elder as laid out in I Timothy and Titus. God has blessed this congregation with many committed believers who are skilled with gifts and abilities. I marvel at what the Lord has done. Good musicians, good song leaders, good teachers, and preachers, etc.… all working together as one. 90% of the church has their responsibilities to carry out.  

Quickly, on to other things. The downstairs of the church was painted. A tree removed from the front lawn and the church grounds were enhanced with flamboyant trees planted on the back of the property for people someday to enjoy.

Attendance is up, now  averaging in the 80's, where we were before two hurricanes, an earthquake,  and two years of COVID. From the mid-eighties down to the mid-fifties and up to the mid-eighties again. We have visitors most every Sunday and many repeats. God has honored our church member's persistence in work as well as committed intersession by the prayer warriors of our church.

In a week and a half Mary and I will be traveling to the States for a brief two-week furlough. We will be visiting a supporting church in upper East TN as well as in SC.  Of course,  we will visit with family while there. Can't wait for fall colors and cooler weather.

Out of space. Bye!

Johnathan and Mary Reece

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