Psalm 126:5-6 says, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” 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, Pastor Dani Motta from Liberty Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, was with us and preached during Friend Day. Our church worked hard, and over 40 friends attended our service for the first time. Brother Motta preached the Gospel, and I finished with the sinner’s prayer. Four of these visitors returned the following week and six the week after.
Recently my wife and I were out soul winning, and we visited a man by the name of Luis Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez is the grandfather of one of our students. When I arrived at his house, I mentioned to Mr. Gonzalez that every day in Bible class, his grandson prays for his salvation. He immediately told me that he was not supposed to be home, but for some reason, he left work early. I immediately began witnessing to Mr. Gonzalez, and a few minutes later, he was born again. After he got saved, Mr. Gonzalez went to tell one of his friends what had just happened and also called his grandson to share with him the good news.
The reconstruction of our Fellowship Hall, which was destroyed by Hurricane Maria, is moving along very well and faster than what I expected. Our contractor believes that, if weather permits and with God’s help, the project should be completed by mid-October. Please pray for the safety of these workers and for much-needed funding to complete this project.
Missionary Jennifer Rarrick, a graduate from Hyles-Anderson College, has arrived in Puerto Rico. She has hit the ground running and will be greatly used by God in this ministry. Miss Rarrick will be teaching in our Christian school, working in our Junior Church, and playing the piano. She will also be helping in our orphanage once we are licensed to operate the orphanage.
Please pray for our son Jose as he leaves us to attend Hyles-Anderson College in Crown Point, Indiana. Jose loves the Lord and loves to serve Him. He’s very involved in our church and will be greatly missed. One of the many things he does is interpret for our Deaf Ministry. Starting September 1, we will be in need of a deaf interpreter. At the present time, we have between 10 and 12 deaf members who attend every Sunday. Please pray for this need.
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 a deaf interpreter.
• Please pray for wisdom and guidance as we start the orphanage.
• Please pray for our Christian school, Lighthouse Baptist Academy.
• Please pray for my two boys, Luis and Jose, as they attend Hyles-Anderson College this fall.
• Please pray for the reconstruction of our Fellowship Hall and a much-needed 30kw generator.
May God continue to bless you as you serve Him faithfully. Thank you so much for making all of this possible and allowing me the great honor of winning, loving, and serving the people of Puerto Rico. Thank you very much for your love, prayers, and faithful support. God bless you.
In Christ,
Luis M. Martinez