I Timothy 1:12 says, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 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 well and would like to thank you so much for being a part of this ministry.
During the month of July, we had the opportunity to attend Candidate School and Youth Conference at our home church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana.
During the month of August, I get to celebrate 20 years of service here in Puerto Rico. I am reminded of the great honor the Lord has given me by allowing me to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to these wonderful people. I am truly blessed beyond measure. God has been so GOOD!!!
The summer months were very busy for us; we conducted Vacation Bible School. This year Pastor Scott Gray from Liberty Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, came down with 30 teens and workers to help us conduct Vacation Bible School. We also conducted Bible Clubs and Friend Day. Dozens were saved in VBS, Bible Clubs, and Friend Day. During Friend Day, we had many first-time visitors, souls were saved, and 5 followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.
It’s been 11 months since Category 5 Hurricane Maria devastated our island of Puerto Rico and our church buildings. Out of the 10 buildings in our church facilities, I’m glad to report that 8 of them have been repaired and remodeled and are now fully operational. One of the 2 buildings not operating at this time is a building we use for staff housing and our Fellowship Hall. Because of the new FEMA building codes, we will need to demolish our Fellowship Hall and rebuild. We need $67,000 to complete this project. At the present time, we have $38,400 available. We are praying and trusting God for this need. Please help us PRAY!!!
PRAYER REQUESTS
• Please pray for souls to be saved, baptized, added to the church, and discipled.
• Please pray for our church growth and its ministries.
• Please pray for more laborers.
• Please pray for our son Luis, as he leaves us to attend Hyles-Anderson College this fall.
May God continue to bless you as you serve Him faithfully. Thank you very much for your love, prayers, and faithful support of this ministry. God bless you.
In Christ,
Luis M. Martinez