Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Our hearts are full of joy anytime that we think of you.Thank you so much for your love, prayers and financial support through 2003.
Faith and Joy
During our four years in Bluefields, Nicaragua, we experienced the strength that came from the Holy Spirit in our inner being, which allowed Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith.Then, the power in us enable Him to be "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20).
Though we did not see how
to start a church in our home,
to make disciples of Jesus-Christ,
to start a Before/After School Tutoring Program,
to buy a property,
to build a swimming pool,
to build a basketball court,
to build a Multi-Purpose Facility and
to connect with other churches for involvement
to help the disciples to discern God's call in full time ministry.
By faith (Heb. 11:1), we believed in Him and we were filled "with an inexpressible and glorious joy" because the Lord allowed us to see all of the above before our departure on May 2003 for US/PR Assignment.Vital and I experienced what Paul said to the Ephesian elders:"…so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).
Let us share with you the experience of joy from Sharon Washington, the volunteer serving in Bluefields, Nicaragua while we are in US/PR Assignment for one year, with the First-Spanish Speaking Baptist Church – "Bethel".
Joy and Service – Sharon says:
"One author says ‘celebration brings joy into life and joy makes us strong…we cannot continue long in anything without it.' I know that's RIGHT! I give thanks to God for moments of celebration like when I hear the joyful report of a member who has started a discipleship class with new believers or before I give the benediction as I look out at the crowd of children and adults who have come to learn more about God through Sunday school classes. Maybe they are just coming to swim in the pool or to "catch the breeze" as some say, but I'd like to think that it really is the living water of Jesus and the fresh wind of the Spirit that compels them each week.
Then, there is our ministry in the Before/After school program. The kids we serve come with difficulties because of their home life, but by the grace of God we serve them and their families each day as we offer them spiritual food through daily devotionals, help them with homework, and challenge them with new disciplines.
One such challenge this past semester was the discipline of reading. Aware of the problem of illiteracy, I was burdened to tackle this as a personal goal but was having trouble getting started and then God used one of the team members from Riverside Baptist Church in California to inspire my creativity and obedience and from this the Reading Initiative, "Una Palabra a la Vez" (One Word at a Time) was launched.
We celebrated the success of the Reading Initiative at a parent's night where we presented books, readers, a reading and drawing competition, and gave prizes. Parents (served as judges) and teachers (facilitators) left this event moved by the kid's success and encouraged by the Program's efforts. Several of us just left praising God for His initiative that motivated us all to obedient service.
Yes, there is something about joy that keeps me, that keeps all of Iglesia Bethel striving daily to obey God in service, not because we have to serve, but because we want to serve. This joy produces obedience and our obedience in return produces more JOY (gozo)! Do I sound like a born-again virgin? I hope so, since obedience does have that clean, immaculate quality to it, a virgin-quality I am reclaiming and re-learning through the work here with Christ's disciples."
The joy has continued as we have visited many churches in the United States on deputation.The joy of meeting and sharing with you has given us freedom, which has taken the shape of real fellowship with each of you.We say like Paul in 1 Th. 3:9:"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again [in Bluefields] and supply what is lacking in your faith."
With great anticipation and joy, we are looking forward to the new endeavor of International Ministries in forming the Missionary Partnership Teams (MPT's) for each missionary unit. MPT's are a new opportunity for churches and individuals to become personally (spiritual, emotional and financial support) involved in the mission and ministry that God has called us to be in partnership with Him and with you.
Please, pray for:
- Four disciples of Christ who will be going to Seminary on February 2004
- Wisdom and strength for Sharon Washington
- Deputation in churches for the next four months
- Direction in forming the MPT's.
Our prayer is for God to give you Jesus' joy (obedience in absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice of Himself to his Father) by the presence of the Holy Spirit so that you may experience His fullness during this New Year 2004.
Love you in Christ,
Vital and Marie Ketly Pierre
pviket@aol.com - until May 2004
viket@ibw.com.ni - June 2004
* * * Video Available* * *
God's Plan for the City
In this 16-minute video, American Baptist missionaries Vital and Ketly Pierre tell of how God is working in the city of Bluefields, Nicaragua. After praying for God's direction, the Pierre's started a Spanish-speaking church and an after-school program in their home to reach the children and youth of their community. Discipleship classes were begun. Later, work teams from the United States erected a multi-purpose building to provide facilities for the church's many activities. The Pierres have exciting plans for the future which they also describe. The video concludes with testimonies from people who have been touched by the Pierre's ministry.
To borrow this compelling video (which contains both English and Spanish versions), call International Ministries at 1-800-222-3872, extension 2178.