II Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” I pray you are doing well when you receive this prayer letter. My family and I are doing very well, and we greatly appreciate your prayers.

Our theme this year is “Grow in Grace.” I’ve been preaching and teaching our church that we are the church, and if we grow, the church grows. It’s been a blessing to see many of our church members serving more and taking up more responsibility in the church. We are also working harder at bringing visitors to church, and many of the visitors have heard a clear presentation of the Gospel and trusted Christ.

Recently, Edwin, one of our faithful men, died suddenly. Edwin was young, in his thirties, and left behind a wife and two children. His wife asked me to preach the funeral, and several hundred in attendance heard a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray for God to strengthen this family during this difficult time. They continue to be faithful to church and to the Lord.

I thank the Lord for divine appointments and for the opportunity to share the Gospel with others. As I was heading towards the bank recently, I noticed a man with some flowers walking in my direction. Since we were in the Christmas season, I said to him, “Merry Christmas!” To my surprise, he told me that he was heading to the cemetery to bury his wife who had recently passed away. I immediately offered to pray for him but asked if he would allow me to share a story with him before I prayed. His name was Juan Carlos, and he allowed me to share with him the story of Jesus. Juan was sweetly saved and encouraged.

During the month of January, we were blessed to have a visit from one of our supporting pastors, Pastor Steve Rogers of Harvest Baptist Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, alongside our good friend, Bro. Jared Gastrock, missionary to Puerto Rico. They were here on a survey trip and were a huge encouragement to this preacher. Pastor Rogers preached to us in our church in Humacao and challenged us to love and obey the Word of God.

On Sunday, January 12, we celebrated Three Kings Day. Some of our men dressed up as the three wise men. We invited many children to that special day. We gave them gifts and Bibles, but most importantly, they heard the Gospel.

Also during the month of January, I was able to visit Primera Iglesia Bautista de Habla Española in Brooklyn, New York. Pastor Gregorio Murillo Martinez found out it was my birthday and surprised me with a birthday cake after the Sunday evening service. My son Jay also flew in from Hawaii to surprise me. Then when I returned to Puerto Rico, our church also celebrated my birthday alongside my daughter Carolina Raquel. It was a special week, and I thank the Lord for all of the cards and birthday wishes.

During the month of January, I also received an invitation from the city of Ceiba to pray during the oath of office of our City Council. One of our church men and graduate of our school, the Honorable Emilio Maymi, also took the oath of office. Emilio was a teenager when we arrived in Puerto Rico back in 1998. It’s a blessing to have God-fearing men serving in our government.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Please pray for my mother, Sol Maria Rodriguez. She recently fell down and broke her hand. My mother loves the Lord and is a prayer warrior.
• Please continue to pray for the health of my wife and daughter. They are both improving health wise.
• Please continue praying for God to send a pastor for Iglesia Biblica Bautista of Humacao.

May God continue to bless you as you serve Him faithfully. Thank you so very much for your love, prayers, and faithful support. We love you and pray for you. God bless you.

In Christ,

Luis M. Martinez
I Timothy 1:12