March, April, & May 2009
Dear Friends in Christ,
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall
strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
Anáhuac: On April
fifth, The Iglesia Bautista Semilla Preciosa celebrated a long
awaited day!
It was my last day
as missionary/pastor, Bro. Gonzalo Garcia celebrated his first day
as pastor, and the church ordained him into the gospel ministry. We
dedicated the new auditorium to the Lord, had a special dinner
followed by testimonies – which was a very emotional time for
everyone and we finished the day by celebrating the Lord’s Supper
and then turned the responsibilities of the church over to the new
pastor.
We had been working on
the construction of the new auditorium for nearly two years, as we
were trying to build with only volunteers from the church. When we
saw the possibility of the church calling a Mexican pastor, it was
close enough to be able to get the new auditorium useable. Some men
came out after work and on Saturdays to help get the building ready.
The last Saturday before the big day, we had 24 people come out to
help finish up last minute things and clean for Sunday. They still
have several details to finish on the building, but the new pastor
has plans and a desire to see it completed! The first building will
be used for Sunday school classrooms for teens and children, and
will serve as the kitchen and fellowship hall.
The new auditorium is
really nice – to the honor and glory of God! They also now have a
nursery, men’s and ladies bathrooms, an office for the pastor, and
changing rooms for baptisms. There were over a hundred in attendance
for the special day, with several visitors, and 2 saved. Praise the
Lord - that is what it is all about!!
FM-2 Visas: After almost a year and a half, we still
do not have our work visas! Please pray!!
Furlough: We have
needed to leave for a furlough, but thought it best to wait on the
Mexican government to get our FM-2 work visas approved, (the reason
why this letter is a month overdue).
May first, Mexico’s Labor
Day, through May fifth, another Mexican holiday, government offices
were closed. Of course the swine flu scare came at the same time,
and although there were no confirmed cases in Chihuahua, the
government pushed for the shut-down of restaurants, businesses, as
well as churches during that time. Now things seem to be back to
normal and although we don’t have our visas, we are making furlough
plans anyway. If you would like for us to be in your mission
conference, or to preach some other time in your church, please let
us know.
Family: Joshua, our third, will be getting married
June 27th in OKC, so we are planning to be there. Of course we will
have to come back to finish with our FM-2 visas when they are
approved!
Prayer: The continued growth of the church in Anáhuac;
Wisdom for Bro. Gonzalo and for the church to follow his leadership;
Our furlough and next place of service; Our FM-2 Visas; Joshua’s
wedding
Praise: Great day turning the church over to their new
pastor, building dedication, etc…; God’s faithfulness in spite of
the circumstances
In His Service,
Ron & Connie Winter
