Good News From A Far Country (Prov. 25:25)

January 2024. By the grace of God we continue serving in the assembly in Seville. In September of 2023 we had a Seed Sowers distribution, with help from brethren in the UK, and were able to distribute approximately 20,000 gospel texts - JOHN 3.16 - along with an offer to receive a free Bible, and an invitation to attend gospel meetings. There were 30 requests for a Bible, and these were answered immediately. The interest in attending gospel meetings has been small, but we continue proclaiming the good news.

Immediately after the Seed Sowers distribution, Carl and Ruth left on a two-week trip to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and Ruth's 73rd birthday. We thank the Lord for bringing us together, saving us, putting us in the ministry, and sustaining us all through the years. Of those 50 years, the last 37 have been in Spain. He is faithful to His promise, and has never left us nor forsaken us! Now we begin to better understand the "old person's Psalm" - Psalm 71.

ministry in the Cabañas assembly in San Pedro Sula
ministry in the Cabañas assembly in San Pedro Sula

The return to the normal schedule of meetings has been slow and difficult. People became accustomed to not meeting, and there is a sort of spiritual lethargy that must now be overcome to establish good habits again. As of August of 2023 we have the regular weekly prayer meeting, and began the gospel meeting in October on the first Sunday of each month - hoping to increase frequency in the near future. Sadly, not all in fellowship are putting forth the same effort to be at these meetings as they do for the Lord's Supper and ministry on Sunday morning. We appreciate your prayers for this concern.

Carl has just returned from a ministry trip to Honduras (Jan. 5-22). Shortly after arriving, he spoke twice at a regional elders' conference. Then during the first week he guided a group of young adults in a week of intensive Bible study. These believers come knowing that there will be 2 studies each morning, another in the afternoon, then two hours of practical work such as visitation or tract distribution, and then another meeting in the evening. Other assemblies in the area attend the evening meeting, so it is a full week of fellowship and Bible study. This year the studies during the day were in Romans 1-5, and in the teaching there was emphasis on Bible study skills. A special session was held to treat the subject of Calvinism as some young people have found those doctrines online, and had questions and concerns. During the nightly meetings he took up practical lessons from 1 Samuel 1-3.

During the week of intensive studies, as well as the remainder of the time, a book table was set up to make available literature for those interested in further reading and study. We have over 85 titles in Spanish now, and it is a challenge to keep them all in print and available. The interest in literature is keen in Central American countries, generally much more so than in North America and Europe. There is a faithful Honduran brother, Melbin, who maintains a deposit of books and makes them available at conferences, camps and other assembly activities. Please pray for him and for the literature ministry.

Meeting in Santa Rita, Yoro
Meeting in Santa Rita, Yoro

Each night of the second week was devoted to visiting various assemblies, and the ministry was on the importance of the Word of God in the life of the individual believer, the family, the assembly and those who teach and preach. Lessons were drawn from the call and ministry of Jeremiah, and from Paul's instructions to Timothy, especially concerning the last days and the need to "preach the Word".

Back in Spain, work continues on the expository commentary on Romans. The first volume (chs. 1-4) is being proofread and will soon be ready for publishing. Please pray for this important project.  Lord willing, the second volume will be chapters 5-8. The third will be chapters 9-11. The fourth will be chapters 12-16.  

Thank you for your prayers, which mean so much to us and the work here. In heaven our feeble prayers are carried in golden vials, which shows what the Lord thinks of them! Let us continue to watch and pray. "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Heb. 10.37).