. . . and your household. Acts 16:31

Bible Study Group

For the past couple of months, I have been going with our pastor, Bro. Walter to a home in San Rafael Arriba for a Bible study on Thursday nights.  What is remarkable about this Bible study is that its members are basically from one family.  There is a closeness in this group that is sweet to behold and an eagerness to learn and understand the Word of God.  Bro. Walter is discipling this group and allowing me to be a part of it (and practice my Spanish).  I am leading the group in learning a memory verse every week.

Otto and me

Otto is the owner of the house where we meet and we meet in his garage.  He is a mechanic and so are most of his brothers.  A year or two ago, Otto was saved and shortly after that most of his family began to put their faith in Christ.  Now there are as many as 35 or so new believers meeting in Otto's garage and they are mostly from his family.  He has a sister and brother-in-law who live in Cartago and are members of a Baptist church there and have known several IMB missionaries, some that I know myself.

Bro. Walter "Chino"

The past several weeks we have been studying topics like "the birthmarks of the believer," "the security of salvation," "the meaning of baptism," and tonight, "the consequences of sin in the life of the believer."  Bro. Walter presents solid biblical studies with passion and love for these new believers.  I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in the kind of studies that will be taking place in Mexico in a year from now - si Dios quiere (if the Lord wills).  What is so amazing about this Bible study is that it is a living testimony of what Paul promised the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:31.  I am praising God that He still works like He did when Paul was taking the gospel to the world as one of the first missionaries with a world vision.  Please pray for a repeat of this story of family salvation many times over when we arrive in Mexico. - Tony

Livingstone, Lidieth and Rafael

Beltran

These are some of Otto's brothers and a sister-in-law

Chicatitas preciosas

Otto and wife, Giselle

Hermanas

Brian - a nephew

God keeps calling!

We have had the privilege of serving as "Big Brothers" to two families coming to the language school here in Costa Rica. Our responsibilities include finding them a place to live here, picking them up at the airport and helping them get settled in to life here in San Jose.

Our families include one with 5 children who are heading to Honduras to work with a medical team and another family of 5 who are going to be doing church planting in Peru. It is great to see that God is still calling and His called are answering. We are also grateful that we are beyond child-bearing age. There seems to be a correlation between missions and large families.

Keep praying for more laborers in the harvest!