Dear Friends,
Thank you for all your prayers during Hurricane Season last month!Hurricane John caused some flooding and minor damage in La Paz, and Hurricane Lane passed us by for the mainland.As we roll into October, the temperatures remain in the 90s and we probably won't see a break until the end of the month when the mornings and evenings cool off considerably.Some days we really miss crisp autumn weather with changing leaves, pumpkins in the fields and geese flying North!
The Theological Education program that David has been involved with since our coming to La Paz in 2000 has stalled.A variety of models have been implemented and tried, and nothing seems to work long-term.At present, the convention leaders have decided to try being an extension program with an established Baptist Seminary in Oaxaca, south of Mexico City.However, turmoil in the National Baptist Convention of Mexico is affecting funding for this seminary, so we're not sure what will happen next.
- We ask you to join us in prayer as we all seek God's will for the future of theological education in La Paz.
Two weeks ago we joined with Cristo Viene in celebrating their 11th anniversary as a church.Pastor Marcos Rodas from El Buen Pastor in San Jose drove up with a busload of people for the event.He also brought the evening message.Everyone gathered for fellowship and home made tamales afterwards.Yum!El Buen Pastor is beginning a building project for a new church.You might remember that earlier this year some ABC people who passed through on a cruise ship donated seed money towards this project.Well, it's finally getting underway!It takes time for architectural plans and building permits to get approved in Mexico.We hope to drive down in a couple weeks to take pictures and see what's happening firsthand.
A week ago a whole group from Crossroads Christian Fellowship went to the beach after church for a family day.While being pulled on an inner tube behind a boat, David fell off, hit a wave, and bruised his ribs.He was in a lot of pain for several days but seems to be on the mend now.The kids keep teasing him about being old and decrepit!
Continue to pray for Crossroads.We have a visioning meeting after worship this Sunday, October 15th.Crossroads tithes 25% of each offering towards missions, and we are seeking discernment about where God wants us to join in his Kingdom work in La Paz with these resources.Responding to the needs after Hurricane John has given us some ideas.Crossroads is also moving from becoming a "mission" of the First Baptist Church of La Paz to an official "church" with legal government status.There are several steps involved and we don't see it all coming together until next spring, but we are excited as we see people mature in their faith walks with God and wanting to commit to a particular faith community.
Thank you for your prayerful support and your financial gifts through the World Mission Offering!Partnering together, we are making a difference in the name of Jesus!
Blessings,
David and Joyce Reed
La Paz, Mexico