As May is speeding to halfway, we take some time to reflect and share about the end of last month. We had our visits to the Academy and the churches, as well as the planned meetings which were all a blessing to us and those we visited with. We also were saddened with the death of a very dear pastor and former Area Director for Iberoamerica (mid 1970’s-1992), Rev. Victor Mercado. To his end, Victor passionately fought for the continuation of missions and for the inclusion of “the least of these”. He made it possible for the inclusion of ministries like the Bolicks in Chile with the Mapuches and the Mayols in Chiapas with the Tseltal and others, to mention just two close examples. Victor’s name will be remembered as the servant who honored “the Name that is above all names” and served Him well till his last days of life; lucid and active, committed to Christian service. An example for those of us in the field and those who are preparing to do so soon…

Like Kim Kushner, who was ordained and commissioned in Oregon on May 9th, and is in her final details preparing for departure to El Salvador any day now. Not only was she ordained and commissioned but she has also had her first baptism of her sister. What a blessed weekend for her and those of us who rejoice for her!

Your partnerships are essential to the continuation of our mission society’s ministries, that now include Kim. You have received our prayer/pledge cards these last couple of weeks. Week by week your support is getting us closer to the goal. Between October 2008 and April 2009, toward the MPT/N Target/Support Goal 15.94% is already in, 84.06% still to come… THANK YOU, churches and individuals that are moving us closer to the goal; and, we invite others to partner with what the Lord is doing through you, us and our 110 colleagues in 30 countries around the world. We are slowly inching into that 100%. Valley Forge needs to receive your pledges of support for our next assignment before September 30 to begin planning for our relocation to Spain next March 2010 to serve immigrants in that neck of the woods (same applies to all our colleagues who need a 100% support—in gifts or pledges—to continue in missionary service). YHWH Jireh!!!

Good news from Chile: Pastor Juan Merino, (retired a year ago from FBC Temuco, hospitalized with cardiac arrest last month) received a pacemaker to improve his health. He is recovering well and is grateful for your prayers and intercession.

Plans are well underway for our visit to you (PA, OH, IN, NY, CT, RI, and NJ) beginning July 16 and ending September 30. We look fwd to seeing many of you in your churches, states, and homes. You can still contact us if you’d like us to come around your neighborhood. For the rest of this month we’ll be visiting the churches in Caguas, and Cidra. Your prayers are appreciated! Yesterday we had a full, blessed day in San Lorenzo, later in the missionary intercession gathering, and completing our day in Quintana. It is always encouraging to see individuals and churches passionate about His mission!

Thanks for your love, your prayers, your encouragement, and the financial support that enables us to continue in His service.

Together we can do much more for Him… (Romans 15:22-33)

With love and gratitude, as we prepare for our trip to the States,

Mayra for the Bonilla-Giovanetti family