Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek 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.
As I prepare to write this letter, I am thankful to be a part of the First Baptist Church of Ceiba, Puerto Rico. I thank God for all those who have been saved and baptized and added to our church this year. Recently a lady by the name of Ivette just walked into my office and said to me that she was not saved and could not sleep at night thinking that she was going to die and go to Hell. I immediately asked my wife to witness to her, and Ivette was saved and then was baptized the following Sunday. It is such a blessing to see Ivette being discipled and growing in the Lord.
Another lady moved to Puerto Rico from Chicago and started coming to church. After seeing a baptism in our church, she wanted to be baptized. I told her that in order to be baptized, she first needed to be saved. She put her trust and faith in Jesus Christ and was sweetly saved and baptized.
During the month of March, we were able to attend a missions conference at our home church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. It was such a blessing to be back home for a week with our pastor, Dr. John Wilkerson, and also be able to get to see so many good friends. In all my years, I have never been in a missions conference like this one, a conference where I was challenged and provoked to punch holes in a world of darkness.
Please continue to PRAY FOR PUERTO RICO. I believe we are facing one of the most difficult challenges our island has ever seen. Due to political, economic, and security struggles, many Puertoricans are leaving to go to the U.S. mainland. Each month, over 5,000 people are leaving the island. Our tax burden and our $70 billion debt are the main reasons people are leaving. I believe that our greatest need is Jesus Christ.
During the entire month of April, we are having our Spring Program. We will also be celebrating our 31-year church anniversary. Please pray that we see many saved, baptized, and added to the church.
PRAYER REQUESTS
• Please pray for souls to be saved, baptized, added to the church, and discipled, especially during our Spring Program.
• Please pray for our church growth and its ministries.
• Please pray for more laborers.
• Please pray for our Christian school, Lighthouse Baptist Academy.
• Please continue to pray for my wife’s health.
May God continue to bless you as you serve Him faithfully. Thank you very much for your love, prayers, and faithful support. WE DESIRE FRUIT TO YOUR ACCOUNT. God bless you.
In Christ,
Luis M. Martinez