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 you are doing well when you receive this prayer letter. My family and I are doing well, and we greatly appreciate your prayers and love for the people of Puerto Rico.
During the month of August, we completed 24 years of service here in Puerto Rico. I’m so thrilled at what the Lord has done and continues to do here on this beautiful but needy island. On Thursday, August 18, 2022, the Lord opened a door to pastor the Iglesia Biblica Bautista de Humacao. The city of Humacao is about 15 minutes driving distance from Ceiba and has a population of over 50,000 people. In the meantime, I will pastor both churches until the Lord sends the right person to pastor this precious church.
On Sunday, September 18, 2022, Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico. Even though this hurricane was only a Category 1, it did produce a lot of damage and a lot of flooding to the people of Puerto Rico. As a church, we were better prepared with generators, water, and food supplies and were able to serve the community and win people to Christ. Because the hurricane hit Puerto Rico on Sunday, we did not have church services, but I was able to preach virtually online. The following Sunday we had visitors and souls saved and baptized.
I was very thankful for the opportunity to be with Pastor Chris Robbins and the people of Coastline Baptist Church in the North during their Missions Conference. It was an honor to preach alongside Bro. Jim Belisle and Missionary Jared Gastrock, who is on deputation to come to Puerto Rico.
Prayer Requests
• Please pray that God would call someone to pastor the Iglesia Biblica Bautista de Humacao, Puerto Rico.
• Please pray for our Fall Program; pray that visitors would attend, hear the Gospel, and be saved.
• Please pray for our school, Lighthouse Baptist Academy; pray that God would raise up young people and call them into the ministry.
• Please pray for our family’s health.
May God continue to bless you as you serve Him faithfully. It is truly an honor to serve the Lord in Puerto Rico. Thank you very much for your love, prayers, and faithful support. God bless you.
In Christ,
Luis M. Martinez
Luis M. Martinez