I Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I pray that when you receive this letter, you are doing well, along with your family and loved ones. My family and I are doing very well, and we are so glad that we are all back home together here in Puerto Rico. Our son Jose will be home with us for summer break and will be returning to Hawaii this coming August, Lord willing.
Recently, while at the gas station, a man by the name of William approached me and told me that he was going through a hard and difficult time in his life. He mentioned to me that he knew I was a pastor because some of his relatives attended our church. Since he was in a rush and had to leave, I got his address and paid him a visit. William shared his struggles and heartaches with me, and I was able to listen attentively. Then I was able to introduce him to the ONE Who could save him and help him through it all. We prayed, and William asked Jesus to be his Saviour.
During the month of April, we celebrated our 39th Church Anniversary. Pastor Danny Cortes was our special speaker, and God used him greatly to challenge our church to continue doing more for the cause of Christ.
I was so blessed to visit one of my heroes in the faith, Bro. Darrell Moore. Bro. Moore was instrumental in reaching my family on his bus route in Chicago back in 1979, and my family loves him dearly. Bro. Jim Belisle, our Field Service Coordinator for FBMI, was able to visit us here in Puerto Rico. He was a huge blessing and encouragement to my family.
We received a phone call from Mexico that my father-in-law had passed away. Due to the emergency, we had only three hours before could catch the last flight leaving Puerto Rico. By God’s grace and intervention, we made the flight and two other standby flights in record time. We were able to make it to the funeral, where I had an opportunity to speak. The funeral services were very well attended, and I’m thankful that my father-in-law was a Christian. In the message, I shared the plan of salvation, and 12 people raised their hands, testifying that they had trusted Christ.
While in Mexico, I received another phone call that my secretary, Lula Pimentel, had been promoted to Heaven. We immediately changed our plane tickets and made it back for the funeral. Ms. Lula was one of our original church founders and served as our church secretary for more than 25 years. Pastor Danny Ortiz from Texas, a dear friend and one of our supporting pastors, was here during this difficult time, as God used him to encourage our church families.
PRAYER REQUESTS
• Pray for our church growth and its ministries.
• Pray for Iglesia Biblica Bautista de Humacao.
• Please continue to pray for the health of our daughter Carolina Raquel. She is doing so much better, but she is still not at 100%.
May God continue to bless you as you serve Him faithfully. Thank you for your love, prayers, and faithful support. WE PRAY FOR YOU and are blessed to serve Jesus in Puerto Rico. Thank you so much for all the anniversary congratulations! Carolina and I have been blessed to celebrate 28 years of marriage together. God bless you.
In Christ,
Luis M. Martinez
I Timothy 1:12
