The Lord has been so good to us, and truly “all things work together for good,” as the Lord promised in Romans 8:28. God’s grace is always sufficient; His mercies are new every morning; and, praise the Lord, He will never leave us nor forsake us. These truths mean so much to me as I think about how we just completed 10 years on the mission field this May, and to God be all the glory! Of course, in these 10 years, we have faced many difficult challenges, but we have also had many great victories for the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Mexico we have faced the challenges of learning a new language, adjusting to a different culture, being held up at gunpoint, being robbed, going through the death and burial of our first child (our little daughter Alejandra), and having our son Michael get meningitis as an infant and later be diagnosed with autism, as well as encountering other difficult challenges and circumstances. Many of you know that Mexico is a dangerous place. However, in spite of everything, God is doing a great work, helping us to reach many precious souls for Christ.
The Lord has given us great victory, with literally thousands and thousands of people coming to know Christ as their Saviour. To God be all the glory! We have also helped in establishing seven churches, as well as supporting many missions works. God is blessing, helping us in teaching and training others to take the Gospel to the whole world. Thank you so much for your prayers for God’s power, protection, and provision for our lives. This is helping us to reach precious souls for Jesus.
Recently in a church that you helped us to establish in Irapuato, Guanajuato, we had an evangelistic outreach, with over 1,400 people trusting Christ as their Saviour. Later in Monterrey, helping several churches through Bible Clubs, rallies, and big days, over 5,000 people were reached with the Gospel. In Guadalajara, working with the church of veteran missionary Robert Murillo, who has a wonderful children’s home, and also three national pastors and a special group from Hyles-Anderson College, we were able to see over 2,000 people come to know Christ as their Saviour. Praise the Lord for the great things He has done!
We are truly overwhelmed and grateful to the Lord for allowing us to serve Him for 10 years on the mission field. We are also truly grateful to all of you for your invaluable help through all your love, prayers, and support that are helping us to reach precious souls with the Gospel of Christ. May God richly bless you and use you in a greater way for the furtherance of the Gospel.
Yours for souls,
Darrell Ratcliff
Philippians 4:13