65 People At Fortin!!!

Guayaquil—Juan Carlos reported that a couple of weeks ago there were 65 people in attendance at Fortin.  It is good to see how Hilda and Edison and Viviana are taking a major role in leadership there.  Work is also progressing on the new roof.

Danilo and Elizabet                                                  Jorge and Jeovanna

Cuenca—At Lighthouse Church yesterday, 15 couples were represented in the marriage enrichment group.  A highlight of this meeting is that Both Danilo and Elizabet Aviles, and Jorge and Jeovanna Iñiguez are leading the teaching for the weeks Sheree Wuertz is absent.  Both couples have done a great job. Jorge and Jeovanna’s story is particularly interesting as they were married for seven years, then divorced.  Three years ago they were saved and their marriage was restored. Also, I spent an hour last evening listening to a glowing testimony from a wife who has recently been reunited with her husband. He completed alcohol rehab in December.  Both are serving as ushers in the church. It was a powerful witness to what God is doing in the hearts of many, many people who are part of our Lighthouse congregation.

Salvation—There is nothing more exciting or more important than people coming to Christ.  Lydia had the privilege of leading a young woman to a salvation experience last week.  After setting a goal last May to see 220 people brought to Christ through the Lighthouse ministry, I am glad to report that this number has reached 91! PTL!

Mentoring—Tom is continuing to meet with Jorge Prieto each week for the purpose of mentoring and leadership development.  Our time right now is being highlighted by reading and discussing Jerry Bridges’ book, The Pursuit Of Holiness.”  Nothing is more exhilarating than seeing young Christians sincerely pursue God and discover His truths. 

Prayer needs—In spite of all the new victories and advances I report, all is not well with everyone.  Many couples are experiencing marriage or family conflicts.  Many are unemployed and are in dire economic straits.  Please pray that these families will keep on trusting and following the Lord, and that they will let God work out these issues in His time and in His way. 

Great Marriage Group

Lots of teams—The first three months of 2012 have brought us the Kansas Wesleyan Men team, a visit from Sheri Beck, who is a missionary intern appointee, and a construction team from Heritage Wesleyan Church in Illinois.  Both construction teams have done an outstanding job and we are getting closer to beginning finishing work on the first two floors of the RMC.

Lighthouse—God continues to do amazing things in the lives of our Lighthouse church family.  Each month people are being saved and seeking God in a very personal and sincere way.  This leads to lots of spiritual battles going on as new converts learn how to leave the world’s sinful passions behind and separate themselves to serve God.  Ninety-nine people attended yesterday’s service.  Four seekers came forward.  Help us pray that God will call and prepare an Ecuadorian pastor for the Lighthouse.

Prison ministry—The work is going very well and we are beginning to see some more visible results in the lives of the women.  God has brought some new participants onto the scene, and we are praying that He will touch the hearts of those He choses to call who will eventually become the primary leaders of this great work.

Guayaquil—The Guayaquil work continues to move forward.  The Kansas Wesleyan Men team donated funds for replacing the roof structure and metal sheeting on the Fortin building and that project is to be completed in the next few days.  Thanks Kansas!

Marriage group—One of the areas of greatest need among our people is that of building a healthy marriage.  The marriage mini-retreat held in January was a great kick-off for the weekly marriage group that meets each Sunday morning at the RMC. Sheree normally leads this group, but since she is in the USA for FLAME classes and a few days of vacation, yesterday’s session was led by Danilo and Elizabeth Aviles, who did a fantastic job.  A young doctor who has always been vehemently opposed to any evangelical church activity came with his wife for the marriage group at 9am, then stayed for worship.  God is powerfully using this ourtreach.