Hello everyone,
Isn't it a blessing to be able rest in the constant, unwavering faithfulness of God? Although His faithfulness is ever reliable, that doesn't mean that we won't face difficulties. In the book of Isaiah the Lord tells us "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9). His faithfulness doesn't remove all difficulties and pain from our lives. His faithfulness guarantees that He will be with us in the midst of those difficulties and that He will use them for our good as believers and for His glory. He will always remain good and trustworthy, even in the midst of hard times.
Roca Norte and Pastor Jose's family have been going through a challenging season and I ask you to join me in keeping them in prayer. One big event that happened a couple weeks ago involved their youngest son Daniel. He was playing on a merry-go-round at the park when he fell off and broke his femur. The next day, he went into surgery to correct the break and the surgeon had to place multiple screws to help the bone heal properly. Daniel is in good spirits as he recuperates. We're praying that he heals quickly and that there aren't long-term difficulties with the injury. (You can see his picture below). Besides Daniel, Pastor Jose asks for prayer for the health of others in the church. Adriana, the church treasurer was rushed to the ER with appendicitis and had to have her appendix removed. There's also a new family in the church with two young girls that have been very sick with what seems like flu-like symptoms. They are concerned as the sickness has not responded to any medications and has lasted longer than expected.
Finally, Roca Norte and Pastor Jose's family could use continued prayer for finances. Jose is now working two other jobs, besides pastoring the church, in order to provide for the needs of his family and the church. He works as a barber during the days, drives for Uber during the mornings and focuses on Roca Norte during the evenings. He's such an encouragement to me as he never complains but just continues faithfully serving the Lord and working hard. He keeps resting in the Lord's faithfulness even in the midst of difficulties. Thanks for praying for Jose, Keyla, their two boys Lemuel and Daniel and the entire church at CC Roca Norte. Your prayer has a larger impact than you know.
-Tim
Eph. 3:20-21
Praise Reports
-Daniel's surgery went well and he's at home recuperating.
-There are new families attending CC Roca Norte and the church continues growing as it's reaching more people in the surrounding community with the Gospel!
-Once a month Roca Norte takes a mission trip to the mountains to support a small church there. The Lord has been able to use them and it's also a blessing to those in the church that go.
-I'm planning to visit Chihuahua next month for the first time since we left. Mario, the worship leader at the church, is getting married and I'm going to help with his wedding. I'm excited to go!
Prayer Requests
-That Daniel's leg would heal completely and there would be no long-term side-effects from the injury.
-For Adriana's recuperation and healing after her appendix surgery.
-For the two young girls in the church that have been sick. That they would begin to respond to medication and get better.
-For the financial situation of Pastor Jose and CC Roca Norte. That God would provide through the members of the church, through missions giving here in the U.S. and in any other way He wants to.
-For my trip to Chihuahua next month.
-For David, the intern that was helping at CC Roca Norte for the last several months. He ended up deciding that God was calling him to return home to Guerrero to serve in his church there.
-That God would continue giving wisdom to Pastor Jose and the CC Roca Norte leadership with how to best serve those in the church and point them to Jesus.
-For my mom (Susan) and her continued battle with cancer. She finished yet another round of chemo and this latest round seemed to be the most effective so far. For her healing and that she would continue clinging to Jesus through it all.