This month has been a thriller.  Every one of us has their own idea as to what a thriller is!  So, what is a thriller for a missionary serving in Quito, Ecuador?  For some it may be climbing the tallest snow-capped mountain in Ecuador.  Or you may think a thriller is going up the teleferico (chair lift) in Quito to see the night lights of this capital city of 2 million.  It could be that a thriller for you would be seeing a landslide on a major highway to the coast, closing the road for a week. We sat in traffic for seven hours on another road returning to Quito as a result of all the traffic on the other major highway still open for traffic.  Here is the answer.  We mentioned in the last letter that seven men were involved in an evangelism class, learning how to share the gospel with paints.  Four of those have been very involved in sharing the gospel.  Now for a missionary that is the biggest thrill of the year! 

Let me share with you their stories during the past month.  Rejoice with the angels in heaven as men and women, boys and girls have accepted the wonderful plan of salvation.

1.      Rafael is the main evangelist for the Fellowship of Berean Bible churches.  He has been ministering in evangelism for four years.  His example is rubbing off on others.  His teaching is encouraging others to get involved in ministry.

2.      Jaime had wanted to learn the method of evangelism using florescent paints for three years already.  Just now he was able to get into the class.  How thrilled he is to be able to share the gospel with others.  He is concerned for his family, his friends and his fellow workers on the job.  Last week he talked with the driver of the semi-trailer from his work.  He trusted Christ as Savior.  During Easter week, he was able to share the message of the cross and resurrection with others.  He and his wife are opening their home for a Bible study each Friday.

3.      Pablo has been a Christian for a number of years; however his church background was very difficult.  The doctrine was a teaching of doubt and not faith.  He and his family attended the church in Tumbaco through which he learned the truth of God’s Word.  In the personal evangelism class of the Bible institute, Pablo learned how to share his faith with others.  He took the class with Rafael and now is a very excited young man who desires to see others come to know Christ.  Easter weekend Pablo and Rafael went to a community that was off the beaten path.  People were hungry to hear the good news that we know so well. 

4.      Estalin is a young man who recently accepted the Lord as his personal Savior.  Through his studies in the institute he has grown to love the Lord more and desire to serve Him.  Estalin went to Borja to share the good news of salvation with others.  He will be used by God in the years to come as he serve our Lord.

5.      Eusebio is a new believer who is growing very fast.  Sometimes his growth surprises his wife.  This weekend he shared the gospel through florescent paints and the black light.  What an impressive, eye-catching method of reaching the people who would not even be interested, but were listening to the message.  Even some believers commented on the effectiveness of this presentation.  Can you believe it?  A new believer sharing the gospel so that all will hear.  Eusebio’s goal is to start a new church in his home town.       

Easter week or “holy week” has been a great blessing as many have heard of the biblical meaning of the week that changed the whole world.  Later in Scripture Paul turned the world upside down with this wonderful message.  Let’s pray for others to be transformed by the same message.

1.      Pray for the Bible study in Jaime and Miriam’s home each Friday evening.  Some who attend need the salvation Jesus provided; others need to grow in their knowledge of the truth and some need to be encouraged in their study of God’s Word.

2.      Pray for Eusebio and his wife as they grow in God’s grace together.  Their children are beginning to understand the message of salvation.  God will do great things through this servant of His.

3.      Pray for the annual Missionary Conference sponsored by the Berean Bible Institute.  This year will be a great time of learning of missions in the jungles of Colombia and Peru.  Pray that God will open the hearts of some of our students and believers who would have a God-given desire to serve in missions.  All the details are in place; now we continue praying for the divine work.

4.      Pray for the ministry of counseling as Lynford talks with students who are struggling.  Just last night one student shared about his battle with anger and resentment to his wife.  Satan desires to destroy; God is working in his heart to change the relationship in his home.

5.      Pray for the Bible institute board as decisions must be made each month for the ongoing ministry to the 85 future servants of the Lord.

6.      Pray for the future goals that have been presented, as God works in our lives to fulfill His plan and not ours.  It is easy to build a kingdom, but only God can build His church for eternity.

7.      Pray for the daily temptations that we have, asking God to give us faithful hearts to serve Him better. 

Thank you for your daily prayers on our behalf before the throne of God.

Rejoicing in God’s grace,

Lynford and Sharon Regier