Brenda’s Bulletin

December 9, 2016 Where Does the Time Go?!

Posted on December 9, 2016 at 9:09 pm by Brenda Matthews

You must be thinking that there was another hurricane that blew me away!  No hurricane… just a whirlwind of activity.  I’ve been trying to get this ready for a few weeks and my absolute deadline is to do it before two friends arrive tomorrow for a week.  Please do take some time to read this and be in prayer.

A lot has happened in three months!  Hayden finished her short-term ministry with us.  She focused mainly on making contacts through teaching English, but we did cultural/touristy things as well.  She let me use her GoPro at the beach, so here’s some of the beauty you can see underwater…

1-Best fish1-Best fish1I think yellow and blue must be some of God’s favorite colours.

1-Best fish2The fish are in the directions that I saw them. (I didn’t turn them.)

1-Eels and othersAlong with three kinds of eels (Green Moray, Zebra, Pacific Sea Snake) is a Tan Sea Star and a clam.

1-MeAnd right before the water turned cold, I went for my first Scuba dive.  I think you could say that I took to it like a fish to water.  1-00000000000000000000 Baja collage assembly52Steve Dresselhaus has a ministry here Scuba diving and kayaking.  I met him and his wife, Lois, way back when we were both in candidate school with TEAM.  We were all originally headed to Mexico but ended up in Venezuela.  After a few years, they did move to Mexico and I just arrived almost a year and a half ago.  He just sent me these photos that he took from the dive and from when we went kayaking for my birthday in April.  So it might look like I spend a lot of time in or on the water, but I think I’ve spent more time at the car dealership (everything seems to be working fine now, especially with a new battery) and at medical centres (false alarm, I’m healthy! but with the same back and hip problems).  I just thought you’d appreciate nature photos more than the car, x-rays and ultrasounds.

Ladies' Group Nov 29 El Faro 2016 verse scaledDuring the previous topic, I taught the ladies’ group memory verse and used a different method each week.  During this topic, we are in a rotation and it’s been encouraging to see the ladies putting what they learned into practice.

It was great to have Martin and Susie back for a week just before Susie began chemo.  Please continue to keep them in your prayers.  We took a photo with Susie at the ladies’ group.  One lady had to leave early and I took the photo, so I added us in to have the whole group together.  Susie is in the Ladies' Group Nov 8 El Faro 2016 2280 added 35 scalefront in a white blouse.  They were here with a group contributing to the roof funds.  One of my supporting churches sent a sizeable contribution (you know who you are and THANK YOU again!).  If any of you are considering sending a contribution, please don’t delay.  We are really hoping to be able to begin construction soon – as soon as we can finish the legal technicalities that are taking time.  Please pray about that as well.  Here are the links for giving:

El Faro Building Canadian Dollar Contribution or https://secure2.convio.net/teamca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donatenow&did=3622

El Faro Building USD Contribution or http://team.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b57931c41d7dc948898db5c11&id=35f16159ff&e=dda1d9918f

For more information, you could call Martin in the US at 480-494-7276.

Marriage Conference Comm Nov 12 La Paz 2016 7 scaleA lot of time is being put into an event for February that I’m organizing.  This is the committee (missing one lady) working with me.  A pastor from Ontario, Doug Loveday, and his wife will come to present a marriage conference.  For those who attend, we’ll be offering the opportunity for a church wedding or a renewal of the vows in April.  We do have some healthy marriages at church, but a lot desperately need help.  Plus, we’re making it an evangelistic event and are encouraging people to invite their unsaved friends.  We’re already aware of results!  One couple who has been living together for ten years are wanting to do the civil ceremony so they can be part of the church wedding in April.  Other couples who have done the civil ceremony are now talking about doing their own church wedding.  As people hear the marital problems of their friends, they’re inviting them to the conference.  Please pray for all the details in planning, for Doug as he prepares, and for enthusiasm to build in the church and with their friends.  We’re hoping the auditorium will be done in time to hold the wedding/renewal there — maybe as the first major event.

As I broached the subject with a couple I’m getting to know, I found out that they had never had a church wedding, but… they’re in the process of divorcing.  The wife shared about sexual and verbal abuse from her childhood, so instead of pursuing marriage counseling, she and I are going through a book dealing with this issue.  Please pray for me in the preparations and for her as she works through issues.  It won’t be easy.  And please pray that their marriage could be saved.  Meeting with her/them is also an investment of time.

1-00000000000000000000 Baja collage assembly501-00000000000000000000 Baja collage assembly51A group from El Faro went to another migrant workers’ camp to distribute clothing and medications we had collected.  The next project is the Christmas party at the orphanage.  I’ll be taking my friends back to the airport that day, but have my gifts ready to send.  Please pray that it be a special time for the kids and for the Lord’s work in their hearts.  A good number from the orphanage now join us for worship.

Please also pray for El Faro’s Christmas dinner/program on the 21st.  The last doctor that I saw was interested in spiritual things, so I invited her to join our small group next year.  She was very receptive, so I invited her for the 21st.  She accepted the invitation and hopes her husband will come as well.  Please pray that they do join us for this special time.  And please pray for this week with Kayla and Lily as we plan to host some ministry events (and they’re bringing items for events mentioned previously).  Please also note how our sovereign God is in control of the times and the seasons orchestrating these events.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

So now it’s time to let you know that I am extremely grateful for your prayers/financial support, and that I pray each of you will joyfully celebrate the remembrance of our Lord’s first coming and enjoy bountiful blessings in the year to come.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Brenda

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