“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” John 12:21 (ESV)
Many times as I have preached in different churches over the years there has been a sign near the top of the pulpit--John 12:21: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” As a follower of Jesus, one non-negotiable purpose is that of preaching “To let all the world know that Jesus saves. Raise a shout To let all the world know that Jesus saves.” (Jeremy Camp "Jesus Saves"). We must remember that as we journey through this sin-broken world, we are called to clearly set forth Jesus Christ as the Son of God who came in the flesh to deliver a ruined world and to restore men from death to life.
MINISTRY UPDATES
Here in Costa Rica, restrictions still manage our lives, and currently in the third wave of the COVID pandemic, schools are once again suspended and meeting in large groups is governed by numbers, distancing, and masks.
Even so, we rejoice that we have been able to work with a team from a local church here in our neighborhood to start a church plant in a city an hour outside of San Jose. The home of the national Catholic basilica, Cartago has a need for personal evangelism and for edification of those believers looking for spiritual nourishment. At this point, organization and planning has occurred, and a Bible study and children’s group started up. Please pray for continued progress and contacts.
We have designated 2021 a year of travel: trips for ministry, for family, and to visit supporters.
In March Kevin had the opportunity to travel and minister in Bolivia with Esteban Amaya and Brian Ray (Cedarville, OH). They were able to preach and teach, and also encourage various pastors who are part of the theological training modules we have hosted there with IBAC (Bible Institutes of the Americas and Caribbean).
Also in March, Tia (with Tara) traveled to South Carolina to help Tia’s sister Shelly with the care of their mother who had been admitted to a rehab center after breaking a hip. As the Lord had his plan, mommy Esther’s health worsened quickly. After a short stay back in the hospital and then four days in hospice care at home, on Easter Eve, Esther went home to be with the Lord. Just the day before, our children and grandchildren from Ohio were able to come down and visit with her—even her youngest great-grandchild Ronan got to meet her before her homegoing.
Esther lived an example to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the importance of spending personal time with Lord and not letting retirement be a reason for stopping ministry.
Even in the midst of travels and difficult days of loss, we are thankful that many ministries carried on via Zoom. Tia has been working with Word of Life International with an online ESL program for their Latin American ministry workers; communicating with English has become essential for global connections and partnerships with pastors and lay workers from other countries. Tia teaches several courses and supervises three other volunteer teachers who work in the program.
SPECIFIC NEEDS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
We are currently back in Costa Rica, but we ask for your prayers for travel again in July. We plan to visit four of our supporting churches during that month: Grace Baptist, Cedarville, OH; Community Bible Church, Pocono Lake, PA; First Baptist, Perkasie, PA; and Calvary Baptist, Parkertown, NJ. If you are able and led to help with the expenses of this travel ($2500), please see the end of this letter for donation information.
We also request prayer for our document work here in Costa Rica. The pandemic slowed down all paperwork—stateside and in Costa Rica. We are still in process of renewing our residency visa.
An “SOS”: our 2008 vehicle here in Costa Rica has had a lot of major repairs of late; our mechanic suggests replacing it. We are in a unique position, as we are able to import a vehicle without paying taxes on the import. We would like to raise $16,000, or if someone would like to donate a reliable used vehicle, please let us know.
We appreciate your prayers and partnership.
With faith in Him,
Donations can be made online [CLICK HERE], or via check mailed to Grace Global Ministries, PO Box 12, Cedarville, OH 45314, with a note designating the use of the funds.
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