Elizabeth Was Born!
A major concern with Christa’s pregnancies has been going into premature labor. We praise the Lord that she was able to carry the pregnancy to full-term this time! Around 5:00 a.m. on April 27, Christa knew it was time to go to the hospital. We called Mrs. Peggy Silva, who was able to come by 5:30, so our children wouldn’t be alone. She is such a blessing to our family! We arrived at the hospital around 5:45. Christa was then wheeled up to the registration office while I parked the car. I barely made it into the hospital when Christa was ready to have the baby! Elizabeth Anne Simmons was born at 6:01 a.m. She weighed 8.1 pounds and measured 19 inches long. They are recovering well together! We are so thankful for the many prayers concerning the birth.
Resurrection Sunday
The church we are helping in normally has a 6:00 sunrise service for Easter. It is a joyful time of going up to the rooftop terrace to read several chapters of the Bible that give the resurrection story, while watching the sunrise in front of us, with a service afterwards. Usually, some young people, along with chaperones, stay at the church the night before. I was able to bring three teenagers, who spent the night. Praise the Lord for a good group that morning! Christa and several others spent some time preparing chocolate eggs to give out after the regular morning service. Over 60 people came to that service! Praise the Lord!
Soul-Winning Fruit
We are going to several different areas while trying several different methods to win the lost to Christ. On April 20, we went to a park near the church in Piedras Blancas, where we help with the children and teens. We saw some teens, so we invited them to the teen class that evening. Later, we walked to pick up people for church. I had just arrived at one of the streets, when my eight-year-old son Ethan fell and cut his knee pretty deeply. Thankfully, he didn’t need stitches! A couple of young people stayed with him while I walked a group the seven blocks to church. I then came back with the van to pick up my son. On our way to church, I saw a couple of the teenagers we had invited walking towards the church, but looking a little confused. One of the faithful teens with me said that they were his friends, so I asked him to walk with them to church. Praise the Lord that after the service, those two young people, Angel and Tiago, trusted in Christ to save them!
Spiritual Growth
I was able to help present the Facing the Giants movie during a teen activity. We asked the teens to respond to some questions based off of moments in the movie and to give their thoughts on it. I’m thankful for some well-thought-out responses, which demonstrated the Lord’s working in their hearts. Christa and I usually give children and teens a verse to memorize each week, with a small award for those who do. It’s been a blessing as well to see them put in the effort to memorize the Scriptures. I had the privilege to present a certificate to six people who completed Level 1 of discipleship. We are now working on Level 2. I am thankful to the Lord for the spiritual progress of these young people!
Praise
• Healthy birth of our daughter!
• Several salvations in April!
• 6 graduates from Level 1 of disciple-ship!
Prayer
• Continued growth of children’s and teen classes
• Guidance as we witness to adults
• Wisdom as we look for the best place to plant our church
• Our Spanish to improve continually
Thank you for giving and praying so we can serve here!
Your missionaries to Uruguay,
Tim, Christa, Ethan, Evan, Emmalynn, and Elizabeth Simmons
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- Preparing gift bags for Easter
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- Emma helping as we go soul winning
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- Elizabeth Anne Simmons arrived on April 27, 2023, at 6:01 a.m.! She weighed 8.1 pounds and was 19 inches long.
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- Pastor Silva with three of the six people who received discipleship certificates
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- Preparing to show the Christian movie, “Facing the Giants”
