“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 ESV
In God’s Word hope is not focused on the valley of despair or on the rescue therefrom, but on God Himself. God can and will bring about good from even the worst of circumstances. God never wastes our suffering, but instead uses it to strengthen our faith, and to show himself faithful. God reminds us in his Word to focus our hope on Him, not on the painful circumstance of this broken world. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28
The 10/40 Window in your backyard
Very unlike last year, 2021 has already been a year of ministry travel with more to come. As many of you know, In June, Kevin traveled to Querétaro, Mexico, with Esteban Amaya to work with friend and coworker, Edwin Perez, in EvanTell training and several other ministries. (more here). Another trip was taken to this region in September to further establish the relationships with pastors in that area.
We are excited about this new teaching location with IBAC pastoral training (For more information about IBAC, click here.) We want to share with you about the area called the Rosary Belt, the region “the Bajio” in Mexico consisting of the states of Zacatecas, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Colima, Michoacán and Querétaro. This area is often called the 10/40 Window of the Americas by evangelicals. With over 26 million people, Spanish colonial and religious influence is very strong here. None of these states have evangelical numbers over 2%, and Querétaro is only 0.25% evangelical according to Operation World.
We are excited about the opportunity to train the pastors in this area, which could also lead to helping with a church plant in this needy area.
In September, Kevin and Esteban with other IBAC missionaries will return to Bolivia for the IBAC theological module “Method of Bible Study,” and to survey the Amazon area of Bolivia, as well as Cochabamba, Bolivia—both areas of future IBAC ministries. Later in September, here in San Jose, they will teach the IBAC theological module, “Doctrine of God.” These are the first modules back in place after the COVID shutdown. If your church is interested in participating in a short-term partnership/teaching role, contact Kevin (kmreilly@live.com).
Tia continues to work with Word of Life missionary classes. One of the blessings of online ministries is that she has been able to continue this ministry even throughout the various trips and travels.
The Growing in English program is finishing its first year as it starts its fourth term in September; we have seen growth in the missionaries’ English as well as in relationships among students and teachers. Tia and the teaching crew have learned a lot, and the prayer is to make the program even more effective in 2022. We are still looking for volunteer English teachers for the 40+ students on a waiting list.
We have also been attending and working with our church here in San Francisco de Dos Rios, El Lugar. (Please see our previous blog for more about August ministries.)
Praises and Prayer Requests:
In July, Kevin and Tia traveled for four weeks to the United States for some furlough visits. We were able to present and share with all four of our supporting churches, and met up with several of you, our supporters. It was so encouraging to thank you in person!
We have a special opportunity to travel and survey Querétaro Mexico more fully in October. Please pray for the funds needed to make this survey and ministry trip successful. Our need is $3000.
At the end of September and into October, Kevin and Tia will be traveling back to the US for some necessary medical procedures. Tia will be having a post-cataract treatment and Kevin will be getting a new prosthesis.
We need prayer for wisdom in all these travels; the pandemic is not over, and although countries have figured out how to stay safe and many have been vaccinated, COVID continues to interrupt and change ministry plans all over the world.
We also request prayer for many in Latin America who have been suffering from COVID recently, with several losing family members.
Please pray for the Growing in English program as we start up our second year of teaching.
With faith in Him,
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