It's about time

After about a week, I have finally been able to get access to my blog. Of course I was able to read it just like anyone else, but I wasn't able to add anything to it. I was experiencing a problem with the login. Most likely it was my fault. I think I told y'all before that I'm not much of a technological genius (nor of any kind for that matter). Anyway, here's some words on what has been happening with us.
Obviously like many of you we have been reflecting quite a bit on the significance of the upcoming date of December 25th. Of course we don't believe that on the exact day of December 25 that our Savior was born here on the earth that He had already created. But we do see it as a point of reference for sharing just why He came, and what He accomplished during His stay here, and what He has promised to ultimately do. It still has me in awe contemplating just what the King of Glory was willing to do for us. What amazing love! What amazing mercy! What amazing grace! Thank you, Jesus! So having the opportunity to share just what this "holiday" symbolizes may we do it with passion and love. May we not share in a way that is dry and sterile, but may those who hear our words also feel our excitement and gratitude in who our Savior is and what He has done, is doing, and ultimately will do.
I wrote some time back about Ruth and the kids being a little under the weather. They seem to be doing a bit better. One of the problems is that the weather here changes quite dramatically (kinda sounds like Michigan, eh?) Are you reading this Dave Carpenter? Anyway, one moment the sun will be out then it will rain. The sun comes back out and then it rains. So what we have here is a lot of humidity and temperature changes. And this is known here to cause a lot of colds and respiratory infections. However we are trusting in the Lord of all and we know that He knows where we are and what we stand in need of.
This last Sunday night I (Daniel) had the opportunity to share the gospel in the Bible Center Church of Achao. It was a special service geared towards the parents of the children who attend Sunday School. Many of these kids have parents who have not professed faith in Christ as their one and only Savior. So it was a privilege for me to speak to them about the greatest gift of all, the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of the texts that I spoke from were 2nd Cor 9:15; John 3:16; Romans 3:23;6:23; Mark 10:45; 1st Timothy 2:5-6. My prayer is that the Lord would graciously choose to save some who were in earshot of the message. As the Word says about itself, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17. May God be glorified as people respond to His offer of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:6,7
We are praying about a place in Curaco de Velez that we might be able to rent in order to hold Bible studies, prayer meetings, and weekly services. Properties are at a real premium here and there is some real competition for the "good ones." Please pray along with us that the Lord would lead us to the property that He has for us to rent. And for the people that will rent it to us. May the Lord be working in each one of our hearts.
Please pray for Ruth and I as we build bridges with the people in our community. We are upfront with them that we are evangelical believers and that our desire is to establish an evangelical church in the city of Curaco de Velez. Some are more excited about this than others. (obviously, kinda like at home) Again, please pray along with us that we might find good reception from the people and more importantly that the Holy Spirit of God would touch the hearts of the people as they hear the Word of our great God.
We thank you all for your prayers and all other support that you have passed on to us. We appreciate you all and your partnership in the gospel. May we all rejoice in the Lord's goodness toward us. May we rejoice in the birth, the death, the resurrection, and the victorious coming (which we are looking forward to) of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the King and His Kingdom,

Daniel (for Ruth and the kids)