August 11, 2011

 “Love is the greatest of these”, says Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13.  Responding to difficult situations with love is not natural, but is God’s way.  How can each one of us minister to others through God’s better way?  This is the question that Lynford asks as he counsels people who have hearts that are hurting; lives that are broken; relationships that are strained; goals that are not reached; walk with God that has little meaning.  God continues in the business of showing His servants how to serve in a better way.

MULTITUDE OF COUNSELORS

Where is the encouragement?  God’s Word is applied to real life situations brings joy and contentment.  Lynford has counseled a couple who stated that their daughter, 11 years old, shows signs of rebellion.  After just four weeks of sharing truths from the Bible and their own personal study of the Word, God has changed their hearts and also the heart of their daughter.  How beautiful to see God’s work in the lives of believers, children and parents.  These parents humbled themselves before their two children and God used that to bring repentance that was necessary.  Pray for other parents, couples, and teens who have not reached the point of contrition from the heart.  The pastors have desired more Biblical teaching, so Lynford is preparing two more semesters of study for training the leadership in pastoral counseling.   

NEW SEMESTER OF STUDY

The Berean Bible Institute board is making plans to teach another year, preparing men and women for the work of the ministry.  The practical ministry part of their studies will be adjusted to make it a priority for each student.  Eight different ministries, like preaching, teaching, evangelism, discipleship, visitation, etc., will be chosen by each student.  This application of their classroom learning will give them the opportunity to develop their spiritual gifts effectively.  Another change in process is the discussion of adding a dorm for students who cannot attend because of distance and also a daytime class schedule, instead of just evenings.  This will mean lots of changes and lots of adjustments to life as a director of the Bible institute.  Pray for Lynford as he leads the board in making the God honoring decision.  Timing is everything, so when should this take place?  God will direct.

IT’S A TEAM EFFORT

Martinsville Bible Church sent a team of fifteen men and women prepared to work.  As always, these faithful servants worked very hard on the project of painting the Quinche church building, pouring a driveway (no ready mix), getting the second floor ready for an addition and then pouring it.  Today is a holiday and so they are working on a vacation day here.  All (well, almost all) of the Ecuadorians are on their way to the beach for the long weekend away, meanwhile the team is sweating it out on the job!  Such faithfulness demonstrated by God’s people who are committed to the work of missions in Ecuador.  Thank you so much, brothers and sisters.

MISSIONS IN THE ROUGH

The work of God in North Quito continues at a pace that is normal for Ecuadorian leaders.  Lynford is asking himself the question, how shall I train them in the process of doing the ministry effectively?  His goal, as is every missionaries’, remains set solidly in teaching them by example, by experience and by personal involvement, the manner in which they can do the work of God and obey the great commission of making disciples of all nations.  Would you pray that the Spirit of God would be their guide in doing the Work of God?  They get discouraged at times as well.  Some of the leaders get sidetracked along the way.  All this and more becomes an opportunity for teaching and directing the ongoing work of God to a mature, reproducing group of believers who will become the next leaders who will be doing the same work.  This is the Church of Jesus Christ in a missionary (new) setting.       

FAMILY MATTERS

Our family is growing and enjoying God’s goodness.  Brad loves his new job.  Seth Killen (Bonnie) is starting his first vocal music teaching position.  Dave Meyer (Brenda) is busy planning for and executing a new and larger ministry in Cayambe.  Want to see pictures of our family?  Go to this website:http://ecuadorecho.com/familypics2011.htm

Thank you for your participation with us in missions.             

Lynford and Sharon Regier