Published January 11, 2017
La Fuente Church, Quito, Ecuador
Juan
Ministry Highlights
Considering that my main ministry is my home, the biggest highlight of the month was to be able to go and spend Christmas with our family in the U.S. This is the first time in our six years of marriage that we are able to go back to the U.S. for Christmas. It was a sweet time with family in which grandparents and other family were a great encouragement for us and our little one! God is good!
There are a few new believers in the church. I have been really encouraged by their desire to grow and their hunger to answer questions. One of them is asking me questions every week! Moreover, I had the opportunity to go over the personal sanctification projects for those in our counseling training program where people are seeking to grow in grace and understand Biblical growth.
It is really exciting to see God move in the area of biblical counseling. During the month of December, I was able to talk with people from various biblical counseling ministries and share about some opportunities to help churches in Ecuador in the area of biblical counseling. A BBS grad actually confirmed coming to visit in March!
Key Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for wisdom in my new role as lead pastor of La Fuente. I want to be faithful in 1) pursuing holiness and loving my family well, 2) preaching the word, 3) training men and equipping the saints and 4) to love people deeply. This will be a busy month as we have our elder’s mini-retreat, new members’ interviews, members yearly meeting, biblical counseling institute, and preaching through a difficult part of 1 Peter.
Please pray for us as we seek to raise funds to facilitate the many ministry opportunities (missionary ministry) that are opening up. Pray for wisdom as we navigate partnerships and how to have the biggest gospel impact!
Our daughter got sick towards the end of the trip. Pray that she would feel better soon.
Prominent Lessons
Two days before returning, our little baby girl got really fussy and was crying a lot. She starting coughing, and it got really bad. We went to the Doctor and he confirmed our fear. She had an ear infection. My wife and I prayed a lot for our little one and people from our church were praying for her as we took many flights home. The Lord was gracious and I think we struggled in the flights more than her! At the same time, I was convicted of how oftentimes, I don’t pray with the same conviction and urgency. I need to pray more.
My wife and I were sharing that it is time to pray to get clarity on this new season of ministry as missionaries. Our eyes have been focused on the transition and we see that now that the transition has occurred there are many other areas that God has been moving which can be connected to church-based ministry. I am grateful for how God used the internship projects as my wife and I start a new season of ministry.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Work on getting started on the men’s equipping time.
Pray by name for every member of the church.
Continue building relationships with various Biblical counseling ministries.
Write an article for The Gospel Coalition (Spanish).
Marissa
Ministry Highlights
We were able to travel to the U.S. for the holidays, and this was a great time of refreshment. Coming home I feel rested with a full heart.
Key Prayer Requests
For wisdom as I disciple the wife of one of our elders in training.
Pray for my heart as is always hard to return home after being “home” with family in the U.S. where discouragement could easily set in.
Prominent Lessons
I have been more convicted about seeking forgiveness for even the “seemingly” insignificant sins. In doing this I see more harmony in my life and in my marriage.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Work on some organization projects around our home.
Help my husband send our year-end review update/email.
Send thank you notes to our supporters.
Continue to read the book (Somerville) and my Bible reading plan.
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