Monday, February 23, 2009

February 17-23

We thank the Lord for another week with activity geared toward
eternity. We were finally able to return to our Bible study on the
university again. Last month we had exams, so while there were no
classes we did not have the study. On Tuesday afternoon I met with
three students. This was the first study that I had been able to
invite some of my students to. I talked to three, and all of them
came, except one girl who came by to let me know that she would try to
come next week but this week she couldn't stay. We had a very good
time looking at Colossians together. On Wednesday I met with Antonio
and Gloria for a study. Last week I left them some photocopies of a
simple course on discipleship. I was pleased to see that they had done
both studies instead of just the first! We had a wonderful time
together full of good conversation. On Wednesday night I taught my
class at the Bible institute. We had a good time of discussion talking
about the purpose of the church and the purpose of preaching. On
Friday I met with Emilio and Ester for another study about the church.
And Friday afternoon Maribel met with the ladies for a time of study
and prayer. This weekend Israel preached in Almería for a youth
meeting. We were a little discouraged that Sergio did not go. All the
plans were made, but he simply decided that he did not want to go. But
Israel said that the meeting was a real blessing.

The Lord blessed us once again with good services yesterday. I
preached in the morning from Ephesians 4 about the changed life. Paul
gives very specific, concrete examples of this change (v.25-32).
During the testimony time Antonio told us that he was very thankful to
God because he had found what he had been searching for for years.
After the service we celebrated Gloria's birthday together. She told
us several weeks ago that she wanted to celebrate her birthday with
her friends! They brought food and we all stayed and enjoyed a nice
time of fellowship together. After we had finished eating I shared a
challenge from 1 Peter 5.7 especially for Gloria, as she begins the
next phase of her treatment. Please pray with us for her that her body
will react well to this medicine.

David & Maribel
davidnmaribel@gmail.com
"vide ministerium quod accepisti in Domino ut illud impleas" Col 4.17

Monday, February 16, 2009

February 10-16

This week I had some good visits. I met with Antonio and Gloria for a
Bible study. For the first time I left them a written study that they
are going to work on before the next time we meet. I also had a good
study with Emilio and Ester. I met with my Bible institute class twice
to make up for the class we missed last week with the special
lectures. We had a good discussion on the qualifications for the
ministry and ordination. On Saturday Maribel, the kids and I were
invited to a dinner for the families in the Elche church. I gave a
challenge to the group about God's love and protection, and we all
enjoyed a nice evening together.

The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day yesterday. It was not sunny
or even warm. But we had a wonderful time of fellowship as we
worshiped the Lord together and studied His word. We had our monthly
meal together, followed by our Bible study. Yesterday was I think the
first Sunday that we have had all of our people here together at one
time. There were 19 including the children. We praise the Lord for
what He is doing in this little congregation.

David & Maribel
davidnmaribel@gmail.com
"vide ministerium quod accepisti in Domino ut illud impleas" Col 4.17

February 03-09

This past week I did not teach my Bible institute class because we had
Andy Bonikowsky down to give some guest lectures on Bible Geography.
Those who were involved in the class greatly appreciated his teaching
backed up with his own personal experience in Israel. Maribel met with
the ladies on Friday for their study. The Lord gave us good services
on Sunday. I preached from Ephesians 1 and three about Paul's prayer
for the Ephesians. In the evening Israel led the Bible study as we
looked at the titles of Jesus in Colossians 1. Maribel met with the
children.

David & Maribel
davidnmaribel@gmail.com
"vide ministerium quod accepisti in Domino ut illud impleas" Col 4.17

Monday, February 02, 2009

January 27-February 02

Israel hurt his leg several weeks ago and has not been able to go to
work since. This past week I took advantage of the situation and had
him come with me to make several visits on Monday. We visited Antonio
and Gloria. She went home from the hospital on Friday and is doing
much better. I left them with recordings of the services from the last
two weeks that they missed. Then we visited Emilio and Ester. We were
able to get back into our Bible study that we have not been able to
have for several weeks due to schedule conflicts. Maribel was able to
have a Bible study with the women again this week. It has been a while
since they have been able to get together. She is excited about this
renewed opportunity. I am also thankful for my Bible Institute class.
We talked this week about the call to the ministry and gifts of the
ministry. What a blessing it is to know that God never calls without
equipping.

Yesterday our attendance was once again affected by illness. Lorenzo
was sick, but Ana Maria came. We started out with our monthly
celebration of the Lord's table. Then we had our morning service. I
preached on Ephesians 3, about how God has united us to Himself and to
the chosen people through Christ. We ended our service with a call to
Gloria. We were able to sing a hymn to her and then all talked to her
individually. She thinks that she will be able to be in the service
again next week. In the evening we continued our study in Colossians 1
by talking about how God has equipped us to walk worthy of the Lord.
Maribel did a study with the children, during which Daniel publicly
prayed to ask the Lord to forgive him of his sins and save him!

David & Maribel
davidnmaribel@gmail.com
"vide ministerium quod accepisti in Domino ut illud impleas" Col 4.17