Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 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 April, Pastor Jerud Rarrick and his family from Anchor Baptist Church in Maine visited us. Pastor Rarrick preached for us six times and was such a blessing and encouragement to our church. His wife and daughter spoke at our Mother/Daughter Banquet and were a blessing to our ladies. During soul-winning time, Pastor Rarrick was able to lead Juan to Christ. Juan is the father of Daniel, one of our faithful soul winners, who we were praying for and have tried to win to Christ for over a year. Juan was very involved with the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Also during the month of April, our church celebrated its 34th anniversary. We were blessed to have Dr. Mark Bosje from our home church, the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, visit us. Brother Bosje encouraged me to pay the expedition fee for our reconstruction project. We did pay the fee and are now approved to begin with the reconstruction. We will do the work in stages as the Lord provides.
Recently my wife and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. On our way home after our special date, we made a visit and spoke to a young man by the name of Diego. We invited his family to church, and Diego came that Sunday. During the invitation, Diego raised his hand for salvation. I left the pulpit and walked Diego down the aisle, and Diego was saved that morning. The Lord is still saving souls in Puerto Rico and around the world.
Our son Jose graduated from 12th grade here in our Christian school, Lighthouse Baptist Academy. Jose is very involved in our church. He’s a faithful soul winner, teaches our deaf Sunday school class, and serves as our deaf interpreter. We are so thankful and blessed that our son loves the Lord and has chosen to attend Hyles-Anderson College this fall. Please pray as we make preparations for his departure.
One of the things that happened after Hurricanes Irma and Maria is that the Lord increased and expanded our vision and has opened doors to new opportunities. The Lord has put it in our hearts to start an orphanage. We have already rehabilitated one of our properties to accommodate the children. Miss Jennifer Rarrick, a graduate from Hyles-Anderson College, will be coming to Puerto Rico this July to help us start the orphanage. All the documents and paperwork requested have already been submitted to the Department of Family, which has sixty (60) days to respond.
We are in need of a 30KW generator to supply the electrical needs of our church property. After the hurricanes, electricity has been very unreliable. A brand-new 30KW generator will cost us $14,000.00. We already have $7,000.00 for the generator; we are in need of an additional $7,000.00 to cover the costs of this need. Please pray that the Lord would supply 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 wisdom and guidance as we start the orphanage.
• Please pray for our Christian school, Lighthouse Baptist Academy.
• Please pray for our two boys, Luis and Jose, as they 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. WE LOVE YOU. God bless you.
In Christ,
Luis M. Martinez