OCTOBER 28, 2022

CHURCH STRENGTHENING

“…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22 ESV).

In the last two months we’ve been involved in several church-strengthening ministries. I had the privilege of traveling to Costa Rica to participate in a training done by Tri-M. I translated two of the sessions and preached at a local church. The trip brought back many great memories from 17 years (!) ago when I was studying Spanish in San José.

In Santa Marta, Jacobis and I have been teaching a course on expository preaching at a local church. Preachers and members from three different area churches have been growing in their understanding of how to faithfully preach God’s Word.

A few days ago we returned from a 12-hour road trip to Apartadó (near Panama) for a weekend conference. This was my fourth time traveling to this conference, but it was the first time the whole family was able to go. It was a joy to see how God continues to build the churches of this region. I preached three times and Holly taught a workshop for women.

Sharing with a Local Church near Apartadó

KEEP PRAYING FOR GOD TO SAVE

Yesterday morning I was working on the finances of the Bible institute when I received a call from Isabel, an older woman who sometimes attends our church. She was in desperate need of help. Thankfully I had time to visit her and talk to her about her spiritual life. I also was able to pray with her son Eduardo, who has been disabled because of a work accident. As I was about to leave, Pablo, a university student, arrived. He had visited our church two weeks ago. I was thrilled to talk to him for over an hour about the Bible and the gospel. Please pray for the salvation of these three and that God would allow Isabel to begin receiving her retirement benefits.

Our youth will be involved in a youth camp from December 1-3. Please pray for these young people, the majority of whom are not believers yet.

Holly with Keila (Jacobis’s wife) in Apartadó 
Our ABWE teammates, Alejandro and Christa Robles, will be with us this weekend (Oct. 29-Nov. 1). I have been serving as Alejandro’s mentor for his seminary internship through Moody. Pray for Alejandro as he teaches a workshop tomorrow and preaches the Word on Sunday.
Download prayer letter as PDF

KIDS’ CORNER

Our trip across the country gave Holly and the boys the chance to see new territory. They all agreed that they would like to own a ranch in Córdoba, a region that reminds us a little of Texas.

CULTURAL PHOTO
The dollar has risen from $4,065 Colombian pesos to $4,800 in the course of this year. Annual inflation is at 11.4%. You can imagine how this is making life more difficult for people here.
PRAYER REQUESTS

  • For the youth camp (December 1-3)
  • For the salvation of Isabel, Eduardo and Pablo
  • For the visit of our ABWE teammates Alejandro and Christa Robles
Yours for Colombia,
Jonathan, Holly, Marcos and Jason Boyd