Bell Nouvelles

Bell Nouvelles 14.3

2011-11-07T11:05:00.001+01:00

Bell Nouvelles 14.3

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Blessings:

– Studies on campus

– Other Bible studies

– New contacts

Requests:

– Salvation of new contacts

– Tracts

– A building for the church

– Young people in the church

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November 6, 2011

Dear partners in the ministry,

We thank the Lord for the opportunities of service we had in the month of October. With the new school year under way, we have been able to go back to several ministries after the summer break. One involves the Bible study on the campus of the University of Alicante. So far, we have had a small group, but I am very thankful for the visit of one of my students who lives in our town of Petrer. He listened carefully and participated in the study. I pray that we will be able to carry on this contact and pray that God will bring him to salvation. We are also carrying on with several other studies. I have been meeting every week with several young men who are interesting in learning more about the ministry, and I continue to meet with Antonio every week to disciple him. We also continue to have our Sunday evening Bible studies in the homes of church people, where they can invite friends and make new contact with people. Little by little we see Christ building His church and are thrilled to be part of it!

We would like to ask you to continue to pray with us about the possibility of renting a small building for the church here in Petrer. Also this month we will be printing and distributing a new gospel postcard. Please pray that the Lord would touch hearts through this effort and give us new opportunities to show Christ’s love to our community. Finally, I would like to ask you to pray for the young people from church and their families. In the past few months some of them have been struggling. Please pray that God would work in these young people’s lives and give the families special wisdom from above.

Thank you as always for your interest in and prayer for God’s work here in Spain.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

Bell Nouvelles 14.3

2011-11-07T11:04:00.002+01:00

Bell Nouvelles 14.3

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Bendiciones:

– Estudios en el campus

– Otros estudios bíblico

– Nuevos contactos

Peticiones:

– Salvación de contactos

– Folletos

– Un local para la obra

– Jóvenes en la iglesia

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6 noviembre, 2011

Estimados colaboradores:

Damos gracias al Señor por las oportunidades de servicio que hemos tenido en el mes de octubre. Con el nuevo año escolar, hemos podido volver a varios ministerios después del descanso del verano. Uno es el estudio bíblico en el campus de la Universidad de Alicante. Hasta el momento, hemos tenido un grupo pequeño, pero doy gracias a Dios por uno de mis estudiantes que vive en nuestro pueblo. Escuchó el estudio con atención e incluso participó activamente. Pido a Dios que me permita seguir con este contacto y que Dios le traiga a entender y aceptar la salvación que hay en Cristo.También seguimos con varios otros estudios. He estado juntándome cada semana con varios jóvenes que tienen interés en el ministerio, y sigo reuniéndome con Antonio para seguir con el discipulado. Los domingos por la tarde también tenemos nuestro estudio bíblico como iglesia en las casas de varias familias, donde pueden invitar a amigos y así compartir el evangelio. Poco a poco vamos viendo como Cristo está edificando su iglesia, y estamos encantados de poder estar involucrados.

Queremos pedir que sigáis orando con nosotros sobre la posibilidad de alquilar un pequeño local aquí en Petrer. También este mes, si Dios permite, imprimiremos y distribuiremos más postales evangelísticas aquí en Petrer. Por favor, orad que el Señor toque corazones por este esfuerzo y nos dé nuevas oportunidades para enseñar el amor de Cristo a nuestra comunidad. Finalmente, quiero pedir vuestras oraciones por algunos de los jóvenes y sus familias. En los últimos meses algunos de ellos han tenido luchas muy grandes. Orad que Dios obre en sus vidas y que dé a las familias una sabiduría especial de lo alto.

Gracias como siempre por vuestro interés y oraciones por la obra de Dios aquí en Petrer.

David y Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

Bell Nouvelles 14.2

2011-10-10T15:04:00.003+02:00

Bell Nouvelles

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Praises:

– Good summer study program

– New contacts for the gospel

– Camps

Requests:

– God’s working in the congregation

– Youth activities with families

– Gospel postcards

– Rental facilities in Petrer

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October, 2011

Dear friends and family,

The last time I wrote we were about to receive 9 students from BJU for a summer course in Spanish. The Lord gave us a wonderful month with the students and John and Marcy Wolsieffer. Just as we did in 2009, we placed the students in homes of unsaved people around town. The students were a wonderful testimony to their families, and once again we had wonderful opportunities to share the gospel. We were especially encouraged by some new contacts who have continued to visit the services even after the students left. Please pray that the Lord would give us fruit which remains!

In July and August we were involved in several camps. We thank the Lord for His blessing upon the preaching and teaching of the Word. It was a special blessing for us to be able to share in a camp up north of Barcelona. I preached through the book of Ecclesiastes throughout the week, and it was exactly what I needed! We were also able to take some time off in between camps and enjoy some special time with my parents where were here visiting us.

With the congregation we have just finished a series of messages on the book of Numbers. We worked through many of the narrative passages of the book, gleaning teaching about what it takes to follow God’s leading in our lives. Lord willing we will soon begin a new series on the book of Hebrews.

One of our new goals is to start some regular activities with young people and their families. We want to encourage the young people and find ways to involve their parents in their spiritual growth as much as possible. We will also be printing and distributing another gospel postcard soon, Lord willing. Please continue to pray for open doors to minister the gospel to needy hearts. We would also like to ask you to pray with us about the possibility of finding a building. We have been meeting in our home for the past four years. Although we have plenty of space to carry out these meetings (we have fixed up our garage as a meeting hall), it seems that we will have a more “real” presence in our town if we have a specific building. We need the Lord’s wisdom to guide us in these steps and would greatly appreciate your prayers for us.

As far as family news goes, the kids continue to grow and advance. David is 13 this year and in 8th grade. Andrea (11) is in 6th and Daniel (8), in 4th. They continue to study in music the conservatory, each with piano and another instrument (French horn, flute and viola).

As always, thank you so much for your prayers and interest in the work here in Spain. We are thankful when we stop and consider the work that the Lord is doing in lives. Frequently, at the moment it seems like nothing much is happening, but when we stop and look back, we see God’s hand active.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

Bell Nouvelles 14.2

2011-10-10T15:04:00.001+02:00

Bell Nouvelles

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Bendiciones:

– Los estudiantes de EEUU

– Nuevos contactos evangelísticos

– Campamentos

Peticiones:

– La obra de Dios en la congregación

– Actividades con los jovenes y sus familias

– Postales evangelísticas

– Un local de alquiler en Petrer

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octubre, 2011

Estimados colaboradores,

La última vez que escribí, estábamos a punto de recibir a 9 estudiantes de EEUU para un curso de idiomas. El Señor nos dio un mes lleno de bendiciones, tanto con los estudiantes como con la pareja que vino con ellos, John y Marcy Wolsieffer. Tal como hicimos en el 2009, colocamos a los estudiantes en casas de las familias de nuestro pueblo y los estudiantes fueron un testimonio precioso del evangelio en sus hogares. Fue una bendición especial tener varias visitas y oportunidades para compartir el evangelio y ver que algunas visitas han vuelto incluso después de que se marcharan los estudiantes. Orad por favor con nosotros que Dios nos dé fruto que permanece.

En julio y agosto participamos en varios campamentos. Damos gracias al Señor por su bendición sobre la predicación y enseñanza de la Palabra. Fue una bendición especial compartir la Palabra en el campamento de Girona. Prediqué una serie de mensajes del libro de Eclesiastés y ¡fue justo lo que necesitaba mi corazón! También pudimos tomar un descanso entre campamento y campamento para disfrutar de un tiempo especial con mis padres que vinieron de visita.

Con la congregación en Petrer acabamos de terminar una serie de mensajes sobre el libro de Números, siguiendo el tema de cómo podemos seguir la dirección de Dios en nuestras vidas. Dios mediante, pronto empezaremos una nueva serie sobre la Epístola a los Hebreos.

Tenemos unas nuevas metas. Queremos empezar a organizar actividades regulares para los jovenes y sus familias. Queremos animarlos y buscar formas de involucrar a sus padres en su vida espiritual. También, Dios mediante, pronto imprimiremos un nuevo folleto/tarjeta postal para distribuir en Petrer. Orad una vez más con nosotros por fruto. También pedimos que oréis con nosotros sobre la posiblidad de encontrar un local público para reunirnos. Llevamos cuatro años reuniéndonos en nuestra casa. Aunque tenemos espacio suficiente en el garaje que hemos habituado para las reuniones, creemos que necesitamos una presencia más pública y real en Petrer. Necesitamos la sabiduría del Señor en estos pasos que estamos dando y agradecemos vuestras oraciones con nosotros.

En cuanto a nuestra familia, los niños siguen adelante. David tiene 13 ahora y está en 2º de ESO. Andrea tiene 11 y está en 6º y Daniel con 8 está en 4º. Los tres siguen estudiando música en el conservatorio. Todos hacen piano y luego cada uno tiene otro instrumento (trompa, flauta y viola).

Como siempre, damos gracias por vuestras oraciones y vuestro interés en la obra del Señor aquí.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

May 24-30

2011-05-31T12:54:00.002+02:00

We had our last Bible study on campus for the year. My student came once again and heard the gospel yet again! I also was able to meet at our house with the young couple that I have mentioned before for another Bible study, as well as my weekly study with Antonio. On Sunday Antonio was in the service for the first time in a while. Although two of our families could not make it to the service this week, we had a good Sunday with our monthly fellowship meal. In the morning Israel preached about Saul's lack of discernment in 1 Samuel 14 and in the afternoon study we looked at the contrast between Saul's foolish decisions and David's wise choices, as well as noting some of David's decisions which did not show great discernment.

David & Maribel

May 17-23

2011-05-28T23:03:00.000+02:00

I had a good visit in Galicia, although it was very quick. I arrived back home on Tuesday afternoon. We didn't have any students at the Bible study on campus this week. I was, however, able to continue my Bible study with Antonio. On Sunday I began a miniseries of messages on the signs of danger in Saul's life from 1 Samuel 13-15. We also had a good Bible study in San Vicente once again. Israel led the study with the children while I was with the adults.

David & Maribel

May 3-9

2011-05-12T08:55:00.000+02:00

I ended last week and began this one not feeling too well. So I took some time to recover the first days of the week. I was able to meet with Antonio on Friday morning to work on our Bible study once again. We had an excellent time together and I am very encouraged about the Lord's working in his life. On Friday afternoon, Maribel and I were able to take a day to "get away" to celebrate our anniversary. We praise the Lord for the 16 years of marriage He has given us! On Sunday I preached from Hebrews 4 about the One who sees all things. In the evening at our study in San Vicente we celebrated the Lord's table and then took some time to study the life of Hagar and her experience with the God who sees all things.

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Me puse enfermó la semana pasada, así que empecé esta semana un poco mal. No hice mucho los primeros días de la semana, pero después de más descanso empecé a sentirme mejor. El viernes por la mañana quedé con Antonio para volver a tomar nuestro estudio bíblico. Doy gracias a Dios por la obra que está haciendo en su vida. El viernes por la tarde Maribel y yo pudimos hacer una pequeña escapada para celebrar nuestro aniversario. Damos gracias a Dios por los 16 años que nos ha dado juntos. El domingo prediqué de Hebreos 4: El que todo lo ve. En nuestro estudio por la tarde en San Vicente celebramos la mesa del Señor y luego tomamos el tiempo para mirar la vida de Hagar y su experiencia con el Dios que todo los ve.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

Bell Nouvelles 14.1

2011-05-04T18:37:00.002+02:00

Praises====================

– Evangelistic post cards

– Activity on website

– Stability in the congregation

– Bible study at the university

Requests===================

– New contacts for the gospel

– Salvation of young couple

– Summer evangelism

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May, 2011

Dear friends,

It has been quite a while now that I look back. It seems that after the summer I got off track with these monthly reports. I have been publishing weekly reports on the Blog again, but now I am finally getting back to the monthly report! We really appreciate your prayers and will try to be faithful in keeping you informed.

I continue to lead a Bible study on the campus of the University of Alicante. This year we have made several new contacts with students. One came from my Hebrew class. This is the second year that I have been able to teach Biblical Hebrew. This year I had 16 students sign up for the course, and one girl showed interest in the weekly Bible study as well. She has been coming regularly all semester long. Please pray that the Lord would continue to give us opportunities to share the gospel this way and that we would see fruit that remains.

Last month we distributed over 9,000 gospel postcards in our town. We saw a significant increase in traffic on the church's website with many sermons being downloaded. We did not receive any direct calls or messages, however. Lord willing this month we will once again be printing and distributing more gospel postcards. Please pray with us for the Word to reach receptive hearts.

We would also appreciate your prayers for us as we organize and prepare for a group of students from Bob Jones University who will be studying Spanish here in the month of June. We are now in the process of finding host families for these students. This is a wonderful opportunity for these students to be a witness for Christ in these families. Please pray that we would get the right families.

We would also like to ask you to pray for a young unsaved couple. Through Israel, they made contact with us, and asked me to be involved in their wedding ceremony. Last week I met with them for a first session of pre-marrital counseling in which I shared the gospel very clearly with them. They have also attended one of our evening Bible studies. They are very open to the gospel, and we are extremely thankful for this wonderful opportunity to reach out to them.

Once again we covet your prayers for the Lord's work here in Petrer. Thank you for your interest and your part in the work here. As always, a more detailed weekly summary appears below.

David & Maribel

davidnmaribel@gmail.com

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

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Bendiciones====================

– Postales evangelísticos

– Visitas a la página web

– Estabilidad en la congregación

– Estudio en la universidad

Peticiones===================

– Nuevos contactos para el evangelio

– Salvación de una pareja joven

– Evangelismo con estudiantes

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mayo, 2011

Estimados amigos:

Ha pasado demasiado tiempo desde la última vez que escribí. Después del verano, salí de mi rutina y me ha costado volver a coger el ritmo. Volví a publicar los resúmenes semanales hace semanas, pero todavía no había mandado una carta mensual. Agradecemos vuestras oraciones para el ministerio aquí y por lo tanto vuelvo a enviar estas peticiones y noticias sobre la obra aquí.

Sigo con el estudio bíblico en el campus de la universidad. Este año hemos hecho algunos nuevos contactos. Un contacto vino por medio del curso de hebreo bíblico que he vuelto a enseñar este año (enseñé también el año pasado). Una de las alumnas mostró interés en el estudio bíblico y ha estado viniendo todo el cuatrimestre. Otro de mis alumno de inglés mostró interés en la Biblia y ha estado viniendo también. Orad por favor que el Señor nos siga dando nuevas oportunidades para compartir el evangelio de esta manera y que veamos fruto que permanece.

El mes pasado distribuimos más de 9.000 postales evangelísticos en nuestro pueblo. Hemos visto más tráfico en la página web y más sermones bajadas, pero no recibimos ningún contacto directo de estos folletos. Dios mediante, el mes que viene volveremos a imprimir y distribuir otros postales evangelísticos. Orad con nosotros para que Dios prepare corazones.

También apreciamos vuestras oraciones por nosotros mientras organizamos los detalles para un grupo de estudiantes de Estados Unidos. Los alumnos vivirán aquí en Petrer con familias del pueblo durante el mes de junio mientras estudian español. Estamos en el proceso ahora de buscar familias para hospedar a los alumnos. Es una oportunidad maravillosa para tener un testimonio con estas familias. Orad con nosotros que encontremos buenas familias.

También queremos pedir oración por una pareja joven. Por medio de Israel, se pusieron en contacto con nosotros y me pidieron que hiciera su ceremonia de bodas. La semana pasada me junté con ellos para una primera sesión de aconsejamiento prematrimonial en la cual compartí claramente el evangelio. También han venido a uno de nuestros estudios bíblicos por la tarde. Se han mostrado muy abiertos al evangelio. Damos gracias a Dios por esta buena oportunidad de compartir el evangelio y deseamos verles empezar su vida juntos con una buena base espiritual.

Una vez más agradecemos vuestras oraciones por la obra del Señor aquí en Petrer. Gracias por vuestro interés y vuestra parte en el ministerio. Como siempre abajo encontraréis los resúmenes semanales abajo.

David & Maribel

davidnmaribel@gmail.com

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

April 26-May 2

2011-05-02T12:12:00.003+02:00

Last Monday we took several days to go to a retreat for families in Toledo. We all enjoyed the time of fellowship greatly. On Saturday I took Israel with me to a conference several hours away from here. We had a good time of fellowship in the car on the way there and back and enjoyed the preaching about the importance of the gospel. On Friday evening I met with an unsaved couple who approached me about the possibility of having us be involved in their wedding. We had a first study this week about the meaning of marriage and I gave them a very clear presentation of the gospel. They were very open and asked thoughtful questions. Lord willing this week we will meet again for another session. We are praying that the Lord will save this young couple. Yesterday I preached about the post resurrection appearances of Christ, focusing on Mary Magdalene and Peter.

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El lunes cogimos varios días para ir a Toledo para un retiro de familias. Todos disfrutamos nuestro tiempo con las familias allí. También esta semana llevé a Israel a una conferencia en Ciudad Real. Tuvimos un buen tiempo de conversación en el coche y disfrutamos las sesiones de predicación sobre la importancia del evangelio. El viernes me reuní con la pareja que vino al estudio en San Vicente hace unas semanas pidiendo que tomemos parte en su boda este verano. En el estudio, hablamos del significado del matrimonio y les presenté claramente el evangelio. Estaban muy abiertos e hicieron buenas preguntas. Dios mediante nos volveremos a juntar esta semana para otra sesión. Estamos orando que Dios abrirá sus ojos para que entiendan el evangelio y lo acepten. Ayer prediqué de dos apariciones del Cristo resucitado: María Magdalena y Pedro.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

April 19-25

2011-04-25T12:06:00.000+02:00

With the Easter holidays we were able to have some special activities with the church people. On Friday we went up to Alcoy and took all the kids in the church horseback riding. Afterwards we had a meal together. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. On Easter Sunday I preached about the importance of the cross and the tomb. It was a wonderful time to emphasize the message of the gospel. We also enjoyed our monthly church meal together on Sunday.

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Ya que han empezado las vacaciones, pudimos planear una actividad especial con las familias de la iglesia. El viernes fuimos a Alcoy con varias familias más y los niños montaron a caballo. Después tuvimos una comida juntos en un parque. El domingo de resurrección prediqué sobre la importancia de la cruz y la tumba. Fue un tiempo especial para enfatizar el mensaje del evangelio. También disfrutamos nuestra comida mensual juntos el domingo.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

April 12-18

2011-04-19T10:23:00.002+02:00

I had a good time of study and encouragement with Antonio this week. We were not able to have our study on campus because we could not reserve the room, but hopefully we will be able to meet one more time before the Easter break. On Sunday morning I preached about Palm Sunday. We were happy to Israel with us for the first time since his surgery. In the evening at our study in San Vicente we had a good group, and we looked more specifically at a text from the triumphal entry: "The Lord has need of him."

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Tuve un buen tiempo de estudio conversación con Antonio esta semana. No pudimos hacer el estudio bíblico en el campus porque no pudimos reservar el aula, pero Dios mediante la semana que viene podremos reunirnos una vez más antes de las vacaciones. El domingo por la mañana prediqué sobre el domingo de ramos. Israel pudo estar con nosotros por primera vez desde su operación. Por la tarde en San Vicente tomamos el tiempo para mirar varios temas, pero entre ellos, una frase del texto que habíamos visto por la mañana: "el Señor lo necesita."

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

April 5-11

2011-04-12T12:30:00.002+02:00

Israel had an operation on his knee this week. We are thankful that everything seemed to go well. I was able to spend a few hours with him on Tuesday morning. On Wednesday we had a good group for the Bible study on the campus. I was happy to see one of my students who told me that he would be there and explained that he hadn't come for a few weeks due to conflicts. After the study, one of my students stayed behind to ask me some questions about my beliefs. I was also able to spend a few hours with Antonio this week getting back into our Bible study. On Sunday I preached a summary message from the Sermon on the Mount. I believe that the two topics which are central to the sermon are the Priorities and Motivations of true disciples. In the evening at our Bible study in San Vicente we took some time to meditate and study about these two concepts.

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A Israel le han intervenido la rodilla esta semana. Damos gracias a Dios que todo parece haber ido bastante bien. El martes pude pasar algunas horas con él y estuvo de muy buen ánimo. El miércoles tuvimos un buen grupo para el estudio en el campus. Uno de mis alumnos que vino hace varias semanas me vio antes y me explicó que no había vuelto al estudio por complicaciones en su horario, pero ese día sí que venía. Y después del estudio, una de mis alumnos se quedó para hacer varias preguntas sobre lo que creo. También pude volver a un estudio bíblico con Antonio (lo dejamos porque se fue de viaje un mes). El domingo prediqué un mensaje para resumir lo que hemos visto del sermón del monte. Enfatizamos los dos temas importantes en el sermón: las prioridades y motivaciones del verdadero discípulo. Por la tarde en el estudio en San Vicente consideramos varios aspectos de estos conceptos en Filipenses 1.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

29 March-4 April

2011-04-04T12:45:00.000+02:00

We had a bit of a discouraging week. None of the students came to the Bible study on Wednesday. Also, I could not get together with Antonio this week because he was too busy. On Sunday morning we had only two others in the service besides my family. We had a good service, however, and enjoyed a time of fellowship around the Lord's table. In the evening we had a much larger group at the study in San Vicente. I preached from the conclusion of the sermon on the mount.

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Tuvimos una semana un poco desanimante. El miércoles no pudieron venir los alumnos al estudio. Tampoco pude juntarme con Antonio porque estaba muy ocupado. El domingo por la mañana sólo vinieron dos más aparte de nuestra familia. No obstante, tuvimos un buen culto juntos y después un buen tiempo de comunión alrededor de la mesa del Señor. Por la tarde tuvimos un grupo más grande para el estudio en San Vicente. Prediqué de la conclusión del sermón del monte: la casa del sabio y la casa del necio.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

March 22-28

2011-04-02T21:19:00.001+02:00

This week we were not able to have the Bible study on campus because of work in the library. My Hebrew class I am teaching continues to go well. This week we were also able to distribute 9000 tracts in Petrer, covering one of the major sections of the city. Please pray with us for new contacts through these tracts. On Thursday I was able to meet with Antonio once again. He just returned from his trip. I was happy to hear of his continued faith! Yesterday we had our monthly meal after the morning service. I preached on dangers for the true disciple. After the meal we had a Bible study about some of the would-be disciples.

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Esta semana no pudimos tener el estudio bíblico en el campus por obras en la biblioteca. Mi clase de hebreo sigue bien. También esta semana distribuimos 9.000 folletos en Petrer, cubriendo una de las secciones principales de la ciudad. Orad con nosotros por nuevos contactos. El jueves estaba contento de volver a ver a Antonio. Acaba de volver de un viaje y sigue firme en el Señor. Ayer tuvimos nuestra comida mensual después del culto. Prediqué de dos peligros que enfrenta el verdadero discípulo. Después de la comida hicimos un estudio bíblico sobre algunos de los que aspirar ser discípulos pero no llegaron a serlo.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

March 14-21

2011-04-02T21:17:00.000+02:00

At the university this week, there were only two of us present for the study. We are hitting the midpoint of the semester, and things are getting busy for many students. On Sunday we had a good group present in the morning. I preached on "Don't judge, help" from Matthew 7.1-6. In the evening we met in San Vicente and we looked at several occasions in the Scriptures in which people confronted others and thus helped them get the speck out of their eye.

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Después de varias semanas con buena asistencia, éramos sólo dos en el estudio. Es un momento difícil en el semestre. El domingo tuvimos un buen grupo presente por la mañana. Prediqué de "No juzgues sino ayuda" de Mateo 7.1-6. Por la tarde en San Vicente estudiamos varias ocasiones en las Escrituras en que personas les confrontaron a otros y así los ayudar sacar la paja de su ojo.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

March 8-14

2011-03-14T09:35:00.002+01:00

We are very excited about the 10,000 tracts we have printed to be distributed in our town this month. We also had a very busy week. I gave a series of 10 lectures on the Gospel of Luke to a group of students from Canada and the USA. The Lord blessed the teaching of His word. We were also able to continue on with the Bible study on campus. We were down in attendance this week, but we still had one non-churched student come. Yesterday morning I spoke from Matthew 7 about Don't judge; help! Almost all of the congregation was present. In the evening in San Vicente we did a Bible study about various people in the Bible who confronted others with their sin.

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Estamos muy contentos esta semana porque hemos recibido los 10.000 folletos que mandamos a imprimir para distribución aquí en Petrer. Tuvimos también una semana muy llena de actividades. Enseñé 10 horas de clases sobre el Evangelio de Lucas para un grupo de estudiantes de Canadá y EEUU. Seguimos con el estudio en la universidad. Tuvimos menos en el estudio el miércoles, pero todavía había un buen grupo. Ayer en el culto por la mañana prediqué sobre No juzgar sino ayudar de Mateo 7. Tuvimos casi toda la congregación. Por la tarde en San Vicente hicimos un estudio bíblico sobre varias personas en la Biblia que intentaron ayudar a su prójimo.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

March 1-7

2011-03-06T22:50:00.005+01:00

On Tuesday evening I spoke at a conference in Orihuela from Acts 17 about travelers in the Bible. It was a great opportunity to share the gospel with this group of students. The reaction was positive in general. We also had another great Bible study on campus at the university. We had three first time visitors this week. I was able to present the gospel clearly in the study and there continues to be good interest! We were down a little in attendance on Sunday morning due to illness and other scheduling complications. I preached about treasures in heaven from the sermon on the mount. We had great discussion after the sermon. We had a good group at the evening study in San Vicente. We also celebrated the Lord's table for the first time there.

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El martes por la tarde di una ponencia en una conferencia en Orihuela sobre un viajero en la Biblia. Miramos el viaje del apóstol Pablo a Atenas en Hechos 17. Fue una oportunidad muy buena para compartir el evangelio con este grupo de estudiantes. La reacción fue positiva en general. También tuvimos un buen estudio en la universidad esta semana. Había tres visitas y pude presentar el evangelio claramente de Romanos 7. Sigue habiendo buen interés. Nuestra asistencia el domingo por la mañana bajó un poco por enfermedad y conflicto de horarios. Pero había un buen grupo. Prediqué sobre el tesoro en el cielo del sermón del monte. Después del mensaje tuvimos un buen tiempo compartiendo observaciones del pasaje. Por la tarde en San Vicente seguimos estudiando un pasaje de Mateo 6 y luego celebramos la mesa del Señor.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

February 21-28

2011-03-02T12:48:00.001+01:00

We had a wonderful Bible study on campus this week. One of the students brought an unsaved friend. My student continues to go, and we had two new students come. They are from a church north of here. We started looking at chapter 7 of Romans. We also had a very special weekend. On Saturday night we had our little group of young people over to spend the night. It was a good time of games and conversation about spiritual things. On Sunday we had a full group for the service. I preached on the spiritual life of the true disciple (Mat. 6:1-18). After the service we had our monthly fellowship meal and then a Bible study in the afternoon. We took some time to study the Lord's prayer. It was a busy Sunday but full of blessings.

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Tuvimos una bendición especial para el estudio en el campus esta semana. Una de las estudiantes trajo un compañero que no es creyente. Mi estudiante sigue viniendo y tuvimos dos estudiantes nuevos que son de una iglesia en Denia. Empezamos a estudiar el capítulo 7 de Romanos esta semana. También tuvimos un fin de semana muy completo. El sábado por la tarde tuvimos a nuestro grupito de jóvenes en casa para pasar la noche. Tuvimos un buen tiempo de juegos y tiempo de conversar y compartir cosas espirituales. El domingo por la mañana en el culto prediqué de la vida espiritual del discípulo verdadero (Mat. 6:1-18) y después tuvimos nuestra comida fraternal de iglesia. Por la tarde tomamos el tiempo de estudiar el Padrenuestro como una oración modelo. Ha sido un domingo lleno de actividades y de bendiciones.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

February 14-21

2011-02-21T11:06:00.002+01:00

Well, if you have been following this page, you might have noticed that I took a little break from these reports. As has happened before, it was not that there was nothing to report on. Things got a little too busy and then I just never got back to it. But I'll try to take it up once again and keep it going!

A few weeks ago, one of my students mentioned that she had found out I led a Bible study on campus. She has now come two weeks in a row and heard a clear presentation of the Gospel! We trust that the Lord will use this to bring her to Christ! My Biblical Hebrew class at the university has 16 students this year. We are looking forward to how the Lord opens doors for testimony through the course. As a church we are studying the Sermon on the Mount this term. Yesterday we looked at the passage in which Christ talks about the law. It was a lot of material, but I wanted to see it all together. In our evening study we looked at the specific details about Christ's teaching on turning the other cheek. Israel has been working with the kids during the evening study. His work is a great blessing.

Si has estado siguiendo estos reportajes, habrás notado que tomé un pequeño descanso. Como suele pasar, no era la falta de actividad sino el exceso que lo causó. Me atrasé un poco y luego no encontré un buen momento para volver a tomarlo. Pero espero seguir adelante con este compromiso ahora.

Nuestro estudio bíblico en la universidad sigue bien. Hace algunas semanas, una de mis alumnas me comentó que había escuchado que yo hacía estudios bíblicos en el campus y quería saber si podría venir. Lleva ya dos semanas asistiendo al estudio y ha escuchado claramente el evangelio con mucho interés. Confiamos que Dios obrará en su corazón para conocerlo. Tengo 16 alumnos en el curso de hebreo bíblico este año en la universidad. Estamos anticipando cómo Dios lo usará para sembrar la semilla. Como iglesia estamos estudiando el Sermón del monte. Ayer miramos la sección en que Cristo trata la correcta interpretación de la ley de Moisés. Por la tarde seguimos el mismo pensamiento, mirando los detalles sobre lo que quiere decir dar la otra mejilla en el aspecto práctico. Israel sigue trabajando con los niños. Apreciamos mucho su labor con todos ellos.

David & Maribel

October 5-November 2

2010-11-02T08:52:00.001+01:00

I got behind on my weekly updates and the next thing I knew, October was over. The first weekend of October I made a quick trip up to Barcelona for a special service to recognize the ministry of pastor Martin Valcarcel and his wife. It was a wonderful weekend of fellowship with the believers there, and the Lord even gave me a special opportunity to meet a believer who had just lost his wife. When I shared with him the story of Gloria from our congregation, we had an immediate bond. And when I got back home, the testimony of this believer was an encouragement to Gloria’s husband. On Sunday while I was gone, Israel preached about the fruit of love. In the evening we had the Bible study at our house.

On Wednesday Oct. 13 we began our Bible study on campus. It is always difficult to begin with, but I trust that the Lord will use this time of study to be a blessing. On Sunday, 17 I preached in the morning on the fruit of joy. It was a special blessing to have a full congregation, and Antonio shared with us a poem he wrote about joy which was a blessing. In the evening we had our Bible study at the house of one of the families. Once again they invited some friends for the study so we had a good group.

The Bible study on Oct. 20 was small again. But an American student who is studying here came for the first time, so it was good to make this new contact. Also, my student from last year who started coming to the studies came by my office with some good questions and we were able to spend about an hour talking. Please continue to pray for him that God would continue to open his heart to the Gospel. On Sunday we had our monthly fellowship meal. I preached about the fruit of peace in the morning. Then after the meal we continued our Bible studies in different groups. Last week I had only one other person in the Bible study on campus, but we trust that some of the other students will be able to work out their schedules soon so that we can have a few more present.

The big activity this week was the preparation for special meetings in a church just north of Barcelona. On Friday after school we made the trip as a family. On Saturday we had three sermons, and then on Sunday three more. The topic was education, so I spoke about how God wants to “educate” us and then in turn use us to educate others. It was a time of wonderful blessing with the believers there. Back home several families had conflicts on Sunday morning, so in the end Israel had a small Bible study with Eugenio and his son, the gentleman who has been coming to our services from a city up in the mountains about 40 min. away.

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Me atrasé un poco en mis resúmenes y cuando fui para ponerme al día, veo que ya ha pasado el mes entero de octubre. El primer fin de semana de octubre hice un viaje relámpago a Barcelona para asistir un culto especial en reconocimiento del ministerio de Martin y Linda Valcárcel en la iglesia de Valle de Hebrón. Fue un tiempo de mucha bendición y de comunión especial. Mientras estaba allí, tuve el privilegio de conocer a un hermano que había perdido su esposa al cáncer recientemente. Compartí con él la historia de Gloria y me prometió que estaría orando por Antonio. El domingo por la mañana predicó Israel sobre el fruto del amor. Por la tarde tuvimos nuestro estudio en nuestra casa.

La semana siguiente empezamos el estudio bíblico en la universidad para este año. Siempre es difícil encontrar una buena hora para el estudio y la primera semana hubo varios conflictos, así que sólo tuvimos una estudiante presente. El domingo 17 de octubre prediqué por la mañana del fruto de gozo. Tuvimos una congregación completa y fue una bendición especial que Antonio compartiera una poesía que había escrito sobre el tema del sermón. Por la tarde tuvimos el estudio en casa de una familia y una vez más tuvimos varios visitas presentes para el estudio.

En la universidad esa semana vino al estudio una estudiante de EEUU que es creyente. Pudo participar en el estudio y está muy animada. No vino al estudio el chico que empezó a venir el año pasado, pero sí pasó por mi despacho en una hora libre y pudimos tener un buen tiempo de conversación. El domingo 24 tuvimos nuestra comida fraternal de iglesia. Tuvimos un buen grupo y un buen día juntos. Prediqué por la mañana sobre el fruto de la paz y por la tarde continuamos nuestros estudios en grupos.

El fin de semana pasado fuimos a Mataró y prediqué en una conferencia sobre la educación. Tuvimos un total de 6 sermones entre el sábado y el domingo y disfrutamos de la comunión con los hermanos allí. Hablé de cómo Dios nos quiere educar y luego usarnos para educar a otros. Aquí en casa, Israel tuvo el culto. Al final varias familias tuvieron un conflicto así que al final vino sólo el Señor de Alcoy y su hijo. Israel pudo tomar un tiempo con ellos de estudio más personalizado. Damos gracias a Dios por su obra en este señor y su hijo y confiamos que Dios seguirá dirigiendo.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

September 28-October 4

2010-10-04T08:17:00.000+02:00

We had a good answer to prayer this week. Two weeks ago I took David to the ear doctor because he had complained about problems hearing. Much to our surprise, the doctor informed us that he had lost his hearing completely in his right ear. They sent us for an MRI to try to determine the cause of the hearing loss. This week we received the results of the test which confirmed that there were no more serious health issues behind this problem. We praise the Lord for this good news and look to Him as a family for continued strength. This week for our weekly prayer time, we were able to gather with another Christian family about 30 minutes away from us to pray. It was a blessing to share this time with them. On Sunday we began a new series of sermons on the Fruit of the Spirit. I preached from Galatians 5 about what God wants to produce in our lives. We were able to enjoy the Lord’s table together as a congregation, and then in the evening we met for our Bible study.

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Esta semana para nuestra reunión de oración nos juntamos con otra familia que vive a media hora de nosotros. Tuvimos un buen tiempo de comunión y oración. El domingo empezamos una nueva serie de mensajes sobre el fruto del Espíritu. Prediqué de Gálatas 5 sobre lo que Dios quiere hacer en nuestras vidas. También disfrutamos de la mesa del Señor y el estudio bíblico por la tarde.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

September 21-27

2010-09-27T08:17:00.000+02:00

This week I was able to meet with Antonio once again for our weekly Bible study. The Lord continues to work in his heart, and we see definite fruit in his life. On Sunday morning I preached a sermon which reviewed much of what we have looked at in the book of Nehemiah throughout the summer and focused specifically on Nehemiah’s prayer life. After the service we had our monthly fellowship meal followed by our afternoon Bible study. We had good attendance, even though we were missing a few of the regular people. In the evening, we went down to the church in Elche, where I preached. I spoke about the lessons we see in Jesus’ cleansing of the temple. It was an exhausting day, but one which was full of blessings.

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Esta semana pude reunirme con Antonio una vez más para nuestro estudio bíblico. El Señor sigue obrando en su corazón y vemos claramente el fruto. El domingo por la mañana prediqué un mensaje para repasar los temas principales que habíamos visto en el libro de Nehemías a lo largo del verano, enfocando específicamente en las oraciones de Nehemías. Después del culto tuvimos la comida fraternal mensual y después los estudios. Por la tarde bajamos a la iglesia de Elche y prediqué allí sobre las lecciones espirituales que vemos en la limpieza del templo que realizó Jesús en Jerusalén. Fue un día largo, pero lleno de bendiciones.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

September 14-20

2010-09-20T08:13:00.000+02:00

This week we began the classes at the university and the kids began their school as well. We look forward to the new opportunities that await us this year. I had an interesting opportunity to share the word this week. A group of young people from the church in Elche organized a retreat for one of the young men who will be getting married in a few weeks, and they asked me to come and bring a devotional. On Sunday I preached from Nehemiah 13 on the continuing reformation that Nehemiah carried out when he returned to Jerusalem. We were very happy to see Emilio in the services again. Each week he seems a bit stronger with less pain in his foot. We are thankful for this good development. On Sunday evening we began a new series of classes for the children. Israel will be teaching a small group of preteens while Camila will be working with the smaller children. But this Sunday in particular we had the opportunity to have our studies at the home of a family that has been attending for a short time. They invited some adult friends and we ended up having one of our largest studies ever.

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Empezamos esta semana las clases, tanto en la universidad como los niños y Maribel. Anticipamos las nuevas oportunidades de servicio que el Señor nos dará en este nuevo curso. Tuve una oportunidad interesante a compartir la palabra este fin de semana. Un grupo de jóvenes de la iglesia de Elche organizó un retiro para uno de los jóvenes que se casará dentro de pocas semanas, y me pidieron que viniera para dar un devocional. Luego el domingo prediqué de Nehemías 13 y las reformas posteriores que realizó cuando volvió a Jerusalén más tarde. Damos gracias a Dios que pudo estar Emilio. Lo vemos más fuerte y con menos dolores en la pierna. El domingo por la tarde empezamos un nuevo ciclo de estudios bíblicos divididos por edades. Israel está haciendo un estudio con los jovencitos y Camilia está enseñando a los más pequeños. Pero este domingo en particular tuvimos la oportunidad de ir a casa de una familia que ha estado asistiendo hace poco. Habían invitado amigos así que tuvimos uno de los estudios más grandes que habíamos tenido jamás.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet

September 7-13

2010-09-13T12:09:00.002+02:00

This was our first full week after getting back from California. The kids were involved in the summer BIble club down in Elche every day. We were able to take two of the church children with ours as well for several days of the club. We are thankful for the lessons that they learned and the emphasis received. I was especially pleased with the Scripture memorization that the kids did. On Sunday I returned to the book of Nehemiah for the sermon. I spoke about the celebration of the completion of the wall. How wonderful it is to see how the Lord converted the great grief at the beginning of the book into great joy as the people were obedient to His will. In the evening we had a good time of Bible study at the house of one of our members. Lord willing next week we will be at the house of a believing family that has been visiting services frequently. Perhaps we will have some other visitors as well.

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Esta semana fue la primera semana completa después de volver de California. Los niños estaban involucrados en el club bíblico de verano en Elche todos los días. También pudimos llevar dos de los otros niños de la iglesia para varios días. Damos gracias a Dios por las lecciones que han aprendido y el énfasis recibido. Estábamos especialmente contentos con el trabajo que realizaron los niños en memorizar la Escritura. El domingo volví al libro de Nehemías para el sermón. Hablé de la celebración al final de las reformas. Que bendición es ver como Dios convirtió el gran mal y afrenta en gran gozo cuando su pueblo obedeció su voluntad, a pesar de las dificultades. Por la tarde fuimos a casa de una mujer de la congregación para un buen tiempo de estudio. Dios mediante la semana que viene estaremos en casa de una familia de creyentes que nos ha estado visitando últimamente. Esperamos que también vengan otras visitas a esta reunión.

David & Maribel

Sum contenti Deõ enim dixit non me deseret neque derelinquet (Heb. 13.5)

August 10 - September 6

2010-09-06T11:40:00.000+02:00

The week after young people’s camp in August, we left as a family to spend three weeks with my extended family in California. The Lord gave us a wonderful time visiting uncles and cousins, as well as a blessed opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon. One special highlight of the trip was a short stop at Ironwood Christian camp. Back in 1991 I spent a summer working at the camp. Since our trip to the Grand Canyon took us so close to the camp, we stopped by for a few hours on the way. It was a blessing to see a few familiar places and share that special place with Maribel and the kids. How I thank the Lord for what I learned there that summer 19 years ago! Back in Spain, we were very thankful for Israel who preached for the services while we were gone. The reports we got back were good!

Last week we arrived back in Spain. On Sunday we had a full day. We celebrated the Lord’s table in the morning service, and then enjoyed a fellowship meal at noon and Bible study before everyone went home. We are thankful for what we see the Lord doing in the congregation and continue to seek His direction in the ministry here.

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La semana después del campamento de jóvenes en agosto, viajamos a California para pasar tres semanas con mi familia allí. El Señor nos dio un tiempo de mucha bendición visitando primos y tíos en Los Ángeles y Fresno. También tuvimos la oportunidad de visitar el gran cañón de Colorado. Un hito personal del viaje fue la oportunidad de pasar a visitar un par de horas en el campamento Ironwood, dónde trabajé como consejero en el verano del 1991. Vimos muchos cambios y muchas caras nuevas, pero también pude hablar con algunos de los que estuvieron aquel verano. Fue muy especial para mí compartir con Maribel y los niños este sitio dónde aprendí tanto hace 19 años. Mientras estuvimos en California, Israel cubría la predicación y los aspectos importantes del ministerio. Hemos tenido buenos reportajes de la actividad en nuestra ausencia.

La semana pasada llegamos a España una vez más. Ayer tuvimos un día muy completo. En el culto de la mañana prediqué sobre la conversación entre Gedeón y Dios y luego celebramos la mesa del Señor. Después tuvimos nuestra comida fraternal, así que disfrutamos el día con los creyentes. Después de la comida tuvimos un tiempo de estudio bíblico. Damos gracias a Dios por su obra en nosotros y en el resto de la congregación. Seguimos buscando su dirección para la obra aquí.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

August 3-9

2010-08-09T11:48:00.000+02:00

On Monday morning Maribel and I traveled to camp with two young people. There were more than 120 at camp, and the Lord blessed richly through the morning classes that I taught and the evening preaching. Maribel had some wonderful opportunities with the girls in her cabin. One highlight was that one of her campers made a profession of faith. It was a special blessing as well for us to leave the children with my parents while were at camp. On Sunday I preached from 1 Timothy about godliness and gain. Several months ago, a lady stared coming to church. It has been a while, however, since she has been able to make it to a service. Yesterday after the service we were able to sit down and talk some with her. We thank the Lord for His working in her life and the opportunity that we have to encourage her and support her in her Christian walk. In the evening we were able to visit the lady who contacted us in June after receiving the gospel postcard. On Sunday night, my parents began their trip back to the USA, and we began our preparations for a short trip to California to visit family. While we are gone, Israel will be preaching and following up on the work.

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El lunes por la mañana, Maribel y yo salimos para campamento con dos jóvenes. El Señor bendijo este esfuerzo muy ricamente. Usó toda la enseñanza y predicación de la palabra para tocar corazones. De especial bendición fue la oportunidad que tuvo Maribel con las acampistas que estuvieron en su cabaña. Damos gracias en especial por una de ellas hizo una profesión de fe. El domingo por la mañana prediqué de 1 Timoteo: la piedad y la ganancia. Tuvimos una buena oportunidad de hablar con una mujer que empezó a venir hace unos meses. Por motivos familiares, lleva varias semanas sin venir. Damos gracias a Dios por la forma en que sigue obrando en ella y estamos animados con la puerta abierta que nos ha dado el Señor para seguir ministrando en este hogar. Por la tarde tuvimos un estudio bíblico con Flori, la señora que recibió el postal evangelístico y nos contactó hace dos meses. El domingo por la noche, mis padres salieron de viaje de regreso a EEUU y empezamos nosotros nuestra preparación para el viaje a California donde pasaremos tres semanas con familia. En el tiempo que estamos fuera, Israel estará predicando y manteniendo la obra.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

July 27-August 2

2010-08-02T11:48:00.000+02:00

This past week was a busy week of preparation for the youth camp up in Guadalajara. I will be speaking for the morning classes and Maribel will be a counselor. On Sunday Israel preached about treasure. We were happy to have some friends from Madrid visit us for the services. In the afternoon my father lead another Bible study from the book of Habakkuk. For the third straight week in a row, a man and his son have been in the service. The people have reacted very warmly to them, making them feel welcomed.

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Esta semana hemos estado ocupados con las preparaciones para el campamento de jóvenes. Yo estaré enseñando las clases por las mañanas y Maribel será una de las consejeras. El domingo predicó Israel sobre el tesoro escondido. Unos amigos de Madrid estaban en nuestra zona para las vacaciones y vinieron a los cultos. Damos gracias a Dios por el ánimo que nos aporta. Por la tercera semana consecutiva, vino un señor con su hijo. La gente los ha recibido con mucho cariño y les ha hecho sentirse bienvenidos. Por la tarde mi padre nos dio otro estudio bíblico, esta vez sobre el libro de Habacuc.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

July 20-26

2010-07-26T11:47:00.000+02:00

David and two other boys spent last week at camp up in Guadalajara. We are very thankful for the contacts that we have made and for the ones who are going to camp. One of the boys who went to camp with us made a profession of faith. WE are looking forward to encouraging him and working more with his family. On Sunday the three who were at camp gave good testimonies and the families were very thankful for the week of camp. I preached on Nehemiah once again, and then we held our monthly fellowship meal and afternoon Bible study. My father spoke to us about the book of Jonah. The man who came last week with his son came again this week, although he could not stay for the meal.

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Nuestro hijo David y dos chicos más de la congregación pasaron la semana en el campamento en Guadalajara. Damos gracias a Dios por los contactos que nos ha dado el Señor y por la oportunidad de animarles a ir al campamento. Uno de los chicos hizo una profesión de fe. El domingo los tres dieron un buen testimonio en el culto. En el culto prediqué de Nehemías y después tuvimos nuestra comida fraternal y estudio bíblico. Estábamos muy contentos ver al señor que nos visitó la semana pasada con su hijo. Estuvo en todo el culto. Desafortunadamente no pudo quedarse para la comida, pero nos prometió que en el futuro haría sus planes para quedarse. Después de la comida, mi padre nos dirigió en un estudio sobre el libro de Jonás.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

July 13-19

2010-07-19T11:46:00.001+02:00

Last week, I traveled, so this week it was Israel’s turn. He and a friend made a trip down to Morocco to take Bibles to a congregation there. The Lord answered our prayers for safety for them, and they were able to complete their mission without any complications. On Sunday we had a first time visitor at the end of the service. A man and his son came to church through a contact with a sister church. Unfortunately he got a little lost on the way and arrived late, but we praise the Lord for this new opportunity.

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La semana pasada nos tocó viajar. Esta semana le tocó a Israel. Él y un amigo hicieron un viaje a Marruecos para llevar bíblias a una congregación allí. Dios contestó nuestras oraciones, cuidándolos en el viaje y al cruzar la frontera. El domingo tuvimos dos visitas. Un hombre y su hijo vinieron al final del culto. Hicieron contacto con nosotros por medio de una iglesia hermana. Desafortunadamente llegaron tan tarde porque se perdieron, pero damos gracias a Dios por esta nueva oportunidad para ministrar.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

July 13-19

2010-07-19T11:46:00.000+02:00

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David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

July 6-12

2010-07-12T11:43:00.000+02:00

This week started with a trip to London. The University of Alicante sent me to a conference on translation just north of London. My parents and David came with me to spend a few days in London while I was at the conference. Maribel took Andrea and Daniel to camp up north of Madrid for the week. The Lord gave us a good week in London. Maribel and the children also had a good week. She took two other campers from the church. We were thrilled that one of the girls made a profession of faith at camp. On Sunday, Israel continued our series on Nehemiah in the morning. In the afternoon enjoyed a time of Bible study from Philippians.

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Empezamos la semana con varios viajes. La universidad de Alicante me envió a Londres para un congreso sobre la traducción. Mis padres y David vinieron conmigo para ver un poco de la ciudad mientras estaba en el congreso. Maribel y los niños fueron al campamento en Guadalajara para el campamento de niños. Damos gracias a Dios por la buena semana de campamento. Una de las niñas de nuestra iglesia hizo una profesión de fe. El domingo por la mañana Isarel continuó nuestra serie de mensajes sobre Nehemías. Por la tarde tuvimos un tiempo de estudio bíblico de Filipenses.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

June 29-July 5

2010-07-05T06:46:00.000+02:00

We had several opportunities to spend time with believers this week. It was Maribel’s first week of vacation, so we were able to have a friend come and visit from Argentina. We were also able to spend an evening of good Christian fellowship with some friends. One of the evenings, I took my sons and one of the believers from the congregation with his son out to camp on the mountain. It was a good father-son time which I trust will have a spiritual impact as well. On Saturday my parents arrived from the USA. On Sunday morning I preached from the last chapter about the opposition to the work on the walls before Nehemiah and the Jews completed their task. In the afternoon we had another Bible study from the book of Philippians.

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Tuvimos varias oportunidades de pasar tiempo con creyentes esta semana. Fue la primera semana de vacaciones para Maribel. Pasamos un día con una amiga que vino de visita de Argentina. Luego pasamos una tarde de comunión con varios amigos. También llevé a mis hijos y a uno de los hombres de la congregación con su hijo para acampar en la montaña. Fueron buenos momentos de comunión que espero que tengan un valor eterno. El sábado llegaron mis padres de EEUU. El domingo por la mañana prediqué sobre el último capítulo de oposición a la obra de los muros antes de que Nehemías y los judíos terminan la obra. Por la tarde hicimos otro estudio de Filipenses.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

June 22-28

2010-06-28T06:45:00.000+02:00

Even though we have finished exams at the university, I still have to be in my office several hours a week, so I spent Tuesday morning at the university. I had a great opportunity to spend some time with my student who has been coming to the Bible study. He dropped by to chat. We had a great opportunity to talk about God. I have left him with some books for the summer and am praying that the Lord will clearly work in his heart. After I finished at the university I met with Antonio for a short time of Bible study as well. Our Sunday services went well. In the morning Israel preached about how Nehemiah dealt with problems within Jerusalem that were keeping them from building the walls. Since it was the last Sunday of the month, we had our church meal and then the afternoon Bible study. We had a wonderful time of fellowship together and a good study in Philippians.

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Aunque hemos terminado los examenes en la universidad, todavía tengo que ir al despacho varias horas a la semana. Así que pasé el martes por la mañana en la universidad. Tuve una buena oportunidad de pasar un poco de tiempo con mi estudiante que ha estado viniendo a los estudios bíblicos. Pasó para charlar, así que hablamos de Dios y de la Biblia durante un buen rato. Después, fui a casa de A. para comer y estudiar la Biblia juntos. Los cultos del domingo han ido bien. Por la mañana Israel predicó sobre el trato de Nehemías de los problemas entre los judíos que no les permitían edificar los muros. Después de la comida fraternal tuvimos un estudio bíblico por la tarde de Filipenses. Fue un día de mucha bendición.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

June 15-21

2010-06-21T06:44:00.000+02:00

This week we were able to make several visits with the lady who responded to one of our gospel postcards. She had an operation and was in the hospital. It was a good opportunity to encourage her and pray with her. We were even able to meet her family. We were very happy to see Emilio on Sunday. It has been many weeks since he was with us for a service because of very serious complications with his foot. We continue to pray for him and trust that the Lord will restore his health soon. I preached on Sunday from Nehemiah 4 and the opposition to the work. It is important that we be prepared to face opposition when we seek to serve the Lord. In the afternoon we had our Bible study at the house of one of the ladies of the church.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

June 8-14

2010-06-14T06:43:00.000+02:00

On Monday evening the BJU Mission team arrived from Barcelona. We hosted four of the young men in our house. I spent the morning on Tuesday with them, taking them up to the castle in Alicante. Then in the afternoon they came up to Petrer for a concert in the cultural auditorium. There was a good attendance for the concert and a clear gospel message. The local TV came and recorded a clip of the concert and included a short interview with Dr. McCauley. Several of our contacts from town were present at the concert. We praise the Lord for this opportunity. On Sunday we continued our messages on Nehemiah. Then in the evening we looked at a passage from Philippians.

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El lunes por la tarde llegó el grupo de BJU. Tuvimos a cuatro jóvenes en nuestra casa. Pasé la mañana del martes con ellos, viendo varios sitios por Alicante. Por la tarde vinieron a Petrer para cantar en el centro cultural. Había buena asistencia en el concierto y una clara presentación del evangelio. La televisión local vino y emitió por la tele el último número que cantaron y una pequeña entrevista con el director. Varios de nuestros contactos vinieron al concierto. Damos gracias a Dios por esta oportunidad. El domingo seguimos los sermones sobre Nehemías y por la tarde hicimos un estudio de un pasaje de Filipenses.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

May 25-June 7

2010-06-07T06:42:00.000+02:00

These have been busy weeks with work/school. We are excited about the opportunities that are coming up. I continue to meet with Antonio every week for the study, and his daughter feels more and more free to participate in our weekly study. We continue to study the book of John, and she has asked good questions as we move through the material. The last Sunday of May I began our summer series of messages about Nehemiah. We will be studying the life of this servant to God to learn important principles about how we should be prepared to be used by God in His service.

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Hemos estado muy liados con el trabajo y los estudios. Estamos muy animados por las oportunidades que tendremos pronto. Sigo con los estudios con A. cada semana. Su hijo está más abierta en escuchar los estudios e incluso participa activamente. Estamos estudiando el Evangelio de Juan. El último domingo de mayo empezamos una nueva serie de mensajes los domingos por la mañana sobre el libro de Nehemías. Estaremos estudiando la vida de este siervo de Dios para aprender principios importantes sobre cómo nos podemos preparar para ser usado por Dios para su servicio.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

May 18-24

2010-05-24T09:18:00.003+02:00

At the university, we have finished our classes for this year. Last week was our last Bible study on campus for this year. My student came again, and once again I was able to share the gospel clearly. He is interested in reading a Christian book over the summer, so please pray for God's continued working in his heart. On Tuesday once again Antonio's daughter was present at our Bible study. By the way she answered the questions I asked, I can tell that she is understanding the message of the gospel. We continue to pray that the Lord would move her heart now to believe the message. On Friday I was able to spend some time with Emilio and have a Bible study with them. Emilio is not doing well with his health and would appreciate your prayers. Yesterday I was very thankful for the good services the Lord gave us. We had several visitors in the service, including a girl that one of our ladies met at a class. She is a believer but has been looking for a church that she can attend. I preached from Philippians 1: Only God could perfect the good work. In the evening we met at the house of one of the families for our Bible study in Romans.

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En la universidad, hemos terminado las clases para este curso, así que la semana pasada tuvimos el último estudio bíblico en el campus. Una vez más, vino mi estudiante y pude compartir claramente el evangelio. Tiene interés en leer un libro cristiano este verano, así que sigue orando por él. El martes una vez más estuvo la hija de Antonio en nuestro estudio. Ella ha demostrado por sus contestaciones que ha empezado a entender el mensaje del evangelio. Seguimos orando que el Señor le mueva el corazón para creerlo. El viernes visité a Emilio y Ester. Emilio está luchando con un problema en su pie y desde hace varias semanas no ha podido venir a la iglesia. Tuvimos un buen tiempo de comunión y estudio. Ayer tuvimos muy buena asistencia en el culto por la mañana con varias visitas, incluyendo una compañera de clase de una de las mujeres de la congregación. Es creyente y ha estado buscando una iglesia. Prediqué de Filipenses 1: Sólo Dios podría perfeccionar la buena obra. Por la tarde nos reunimos en casa de una de las familias para nuestro estudio sobre Romanos.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

May 11-17

2010-05-17T08:35:00.002+02:00

On Tuesday Antonio's daughter came for the Bible study once again. She does not appear to be close to putting her faith in Christ, but she is at least listening and asking questions. On Wednesday we had our study on campus once again. I was hoping that several of my students would make it back to the study, but it did not happen this week. Next week will be our last study for this academic year. Please pray that some of the unsaved students will come back. Yesterday in our service Israel preached from the parable of the 10 virgins. In the evening we finished chapter 4 in our study of Romans.

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El martes la hija de Antonio vino una vez más para el estudio. Aparentemente no está muy cerca de poner su fe en Cristo, pero por lo menos está escuchando y haciendo buenas preguntas. El miércoles tuvimos el estudio en la universidad. Quería ver a algunos de mis alumnos en el estudio otra vez, pero no han venido al final. La semana que viene será el último estudio de este curso. Ora por favor que vengan algunos de los que nos han visitado en el pasado. Ayer en nuestros cultos, predicó Israel sobre la parábola de las 10 vírgenes. Por la tarde terminamos el capítulo 4 en nuestro estudio de Romanos.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

May 4-10

2010-05-10T08:25:00.001+02:00

I had a great opportunity on Tuesday to share the gospel at Anontio's house. His daughter and a friend were present in the Bible study. I shared the gospel from John 1. On Wednesday we had a small group on campus for the Bible study, but the Lord gave us a good study. On Saturday Maribel invited all of the ladies from the congregation to our house to celebrate Mothers' Day. They enjoyed a good time of fellowship and edification. Yesterday in our Sunday service I preached from two passages in Luke about being with or against Christ. In the evening we continued our study in Romans. Please pray for one of the men in our congregation. He is having some serious health complications and would appreciate your prayers.

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Tuve una oportunidad muy especial el martes para compartir el evangelio en casa de Antonio. Su hija y un amigo estaban en el estudio bíblico. Compartí el evangelio desde Juan 1. El miércoles tuvimos un grupo más pequeño para el estudio en el campus, pero el Señor nos dio un buen estudio. El sábado, Maribel tuvo una reunión con las señoras por el día de las madres. Tuvieron un buen tiempo de comunión y edificación en la Palabra. Ayer en el culto prediqué de dos pasajes en Lucas: ¿estamos a favor o en contra de Cristo? Luego por la tarde continuamos nuestro estudio de Romanos. Por favor, ora por uno de los hombres de nuestra congregación; está pasando por dificultades físicas y apreciaría tus oraciones.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

May 1-3

2010-05-04T09:37:00.000+02:00

The Lord gave us a good Mothers’ Day on Sunday. We were happy to have my sister-in-law and brother-in-law in the service. I preached from Proverbs about mothers. After the service we had our monthly church meal and then the afternoon Bible study. We looked at Abraham’s faith in Romans 4. It was a good day with the believers. I was especially pleased with a question that Antonio asked during the study. He continues to grow in his understanding of the Word.

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El Señor nos dio un buen día de las madres. Tuvimos la visita de la hermana de Maribel en el culto. Prediqué de los Proverbios sobre la madre. Después del culto tuvimos nuestra comida mensual y luego nuestro estudio bíblico. Miramos la fe de Abraham en Romanos 4. Fue un día de mucha bendición con los creyentes. Durante el estudio, un creyente nuevo hizo una pregunta que demuestra que sigue creciendo en su entendimiento de la Palabra.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

April 20-29

2010-04-29T09:25:00.002+02:00

Last week was very full. On Wednesday we had a good study at the university. One of my students from Hungary came. She told me that she has always wanted to know something about the Bible since when she was growing up she had no Bible. I was able to share the gospel in the study, and I trust that she will return again. On Friday we headed out for Madrid. I preached a missions conference in a church there on Saturday and Sunday. This was a special trip because I took Antonio with us. We had a great time as a family and with our friends there in that church. Back home, Israel preached to our congregation, and the Lord blessed the service. We thank the Lord for the good weekend both in Madrid and here in Petrer as well as for His protection over us as we travelled. On Monday I had a special opportunity in my class to talk about the Lord. I showed sections of a Christian film and we discussed it. On Tuesday I ate with Antonio and his daughter. We had a good time of conversation about spiritual things after lunch. Yesterday in the Bible study we had only two students. Lord willing next week we'll have some of the others back with us.

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La semana pasada estaba bastante llena de actividades. El miércoles tuvimos un buen estudio bíblico en la universidad. Vino por primera vez una de mis alumnas. Es de Hungría y me dijo siempre había sentido curiosidad sobre la Biblia. En el estudio pude dar el evangelio, y confiamos que podrá volver otro día. El viernes después del cole de los niños, salimos de viaje a Madrid. Prediqué en Torrejón para una conferencia de misiones. Fue un viaje muy especial porque vino con nosotros Antonio. Lo pasamos bien como familia y con amigos y hermanos allí. Aquí en Petrer Israel predicó y había un buen culto. El lunes tuve una oportunidad muy especial. Para una clase de la universidad para mayores, mostré porciones de una película cristiana y lo comentamos. Hubo buenos comentarios y bastante interés. El martes pude comer con Antonio y su hija y hablamos sobre las cosas espirituales bastante tiempo. El miércoles tuvimos el estudio en la universidad. Sólo vinieron dos, pero tuvimos un tiempo provechoso. Dios mediante la semana que viene podrán venir algos de los otros.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

April 13-19

2010-04-19T10:32:00.000+02:00

We had two local holidays this week, so our activities were a bit altered this week. For that reason we did not have the Bible study at the university. The Lord gave us good Sunday services. We finished our series on the churches of Revelation in the morning. In the evening we got back to our study on Romans.

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Tuvimos dos días festivos estas semana, así que no hemos tenido una semana normal. Por este motivo no tuvimos el estudio en la universidad esta semana. El Señor nos dio buenos cultos el domingo. Por la mañana terminamos los mensajes sobre las siete iglesias de Apocalipsis. Por la tarde volvimos a nuestro estudio sobre la Epístola a los Romanos.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

April 1-12

2010-04-12T11:26:00.000+02:00

On April 1, we traveled six hours up the coast to spend Easter in a camp in Girona up in the mountains on the other side of Barcelona. The kids had a great time at camp with the other children, and Maribel and I really enjoyed the time with other believers. I preached a series of messages from Romans 5 about the events behind the gospel: the death and resurrection of Christ. After the camp ended, we spent a few days in Barcelona as a family and then came back home. In our service on Sunday I preached about the imputation of Christ's righteousness compared with the imputation of Adam's transgression. After the service we celebrated the Lord's table. In the evening we finished our study of Christ's temptations.

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El uno de abril viajamos seis horas al campamento en Girona para pasar el fin de semana con los hermanos de varias iglesias en Catalunya. Los niños lo pasaron muy bien con los otros niños y Maribel y yo disfrutamos mucho el tiempo con los otros creyentes. Prediqué una serie de mensajes de Romanos 5 sobre los eventos detrás del evangelio: la muerte y la resurrección de Jesús. Después del campamento, pasamos varios días como una familia en Barcelona antes de regresar a casa. En el culto el domingo prediqué sobre la imputación de la justicia de Cristo comparado con la imputación de la transgresión de Adán. Después del culto celebramos la mesa del Señor. Por la tarde terminamos nuestros estudios sobre las tentaciones de Cristo.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

March 23-31

2010-03-31T11:24:00.000+02:00

We had a good group out for the Bible study at the university on the 24th. We started Romans 4, talking about Abraham and the imputation of righteousness. I was also able to meet with Antonio for another Bible study. He has been doing his own personal study and sending them to me by email. In our service on Sunday I preached about the parable of the minas that Christ told in Jericho a week before he was crucified in Jerusalem. It is very similar to the more familiar story about the talents, but the details apply it to the what was about to happen. After the service we had our monthly meal and in the afternoon we had another study in the series about the temptations of Jesus. The following Tuesday I had only one student at the Bible study: my student who has just started coming. It was a good time for me to be able to answer some of his questions. He is starting to truly understand the gospel. I trust that this will lead to real repentance and faith! Please continue to pray for him.

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Tuvimos un buen grupo para el estudio en la universidad el día 24. Empezamos el capítulo 4 de Romanos, hablando de la imputación gratuita de justicia. También me junté con Antonio esta semana para un estudio. Ha estado estudiando por su cuenta también y me va mandando sus estudios por correo electrónico. En el culto el domingo prediqué de la parábola de las minas que enseñó Cristo en Jericó una semana antes de ir a la cruz. Es muy parecida a la parábola de los talentos, pero los detalles lo adapta para el contexto específico: Dios no quiere la indiferencia. Después de nuestra comida mensual, terminamos la serie de estudios sobre las tentaciones de Cristo. El último martes antes de las vacaciones, sólo vino uno al estudio: mi estudiante que empezó a venir este cuatrimestre. Tuve una buena oportunidad para contestar sus preguntas. Noto que está empezando a entender el evangelio. Confío en que el Espíritu Santo seguirá obrando para llevarle al verdadero arrepentimiento y fe. Por favor, seguid orando por él.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

March 16 - 22

2010-03-22T08:09:00.000+01:00

This is the last week of my class in the Bible institute. We had the final exam on Wednesday. I had another good Bible study with Antonio this week. We have gone back to finish the study we started months ago on James 1. So we looked this week at not being forgetful hearers of the Word. The Bible study on campus continues to go well. I have a student from a former communist country who has expressed interest in coming to the studies. She told me that she has always wanted to know about the Bible. In the end, she could not come this week because of a conflict, but I trust that she will be able to come soon. On Sunday I preached from the last message to the churches, Laodicea. One of our families could not come in the morning, and in the end they were the only ones who were able to make it in the evening, so we took some time to study through the same passage that we had looked at in the morning. These are the blessings of having a small congregation!

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Esta fue la última semana del instituto bíblico. El miércoles tuvimos el examen final y uno de los estudiantes hizo una exposición de un proyecto que había realizado. Estoy contento con lo que hemos podido hacer en esta asignatura y espero que sea una ayuda a cada uno en su propia vida al leer y estudiar la Palabra. En la universidad esta semana, una de mis alumnas que creció en un país comunista me dijo que tenía mucho interés en aprender algo de la Biblia. Al final no pudo venir al estudio esta semana por un conflicto, pero Dios mediante vendrá pronto. El domingo por la mañana prediqué del último mensaje a las iglesias, el de Laodicea. Una de nuestras familias no pudo venir por la mañana y al final fueron los únicos que vinieron por la tarde, así que aprovechamos el estudio para volver a mirar el mismo pasaje de Laodicea. ¡Es la bendición de tener una congregación pequeña!

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

March 9 - 15

2010-03-15T07:58:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday I met with Antonio again for lunch and a Bible study, as we always used to do with Gloria. It continues to be difficult for him, but he has grown spiritually in a miraculous way through this entire situation. He has been writing poetry about his experiences, so I started a blog for him to be able to publish what he writes. One of my students continues to come to the Bible study on campus. He has participated freely and seems very interested. Please pray for this wonderful opportunity to share Christ! On Sunday I preached about the church at Philadelphia. In the evening we were able to have our Bible study at the house of one of our families. We looked at Christ's response to the third temptation.

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El martes me reuní con Antonio otra vez para comer y un estudio bíblico, tal como siempre hacíamos con Gloria. Sigue luchando, pero veo un crecimiento espiritual que es milagroso. Ha estado escribiendo poesías, así que empecé un blog para él para poder publicar lo que escribe. En la universidad, uno de mis alumnos sigue viniendo a los estudios. Es una oportunidad buena para compartir el mensaje de la salvación. El domingo prediqué del mensaje a la iglesia de Filadelfia. Y por la tarde fuimos a la casa de una de nuestras familias para el estudio. Miramos la contestación de Cristo a la tercera tentación.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

March 2 - 8

2010-03-08T07:50:00.000+01:00

This week I had the special opportunity to teach some Bible classes to a group of students from Canada. Apart from that, it was a normal week. We had our Bible study on campus from the book of Romans on Wednesday. Bible Institute continues to do well. We have just a few more weeks. We are looking specifically at the topic of application, the final step in the hermeneutical process. On Sunday Israel preached in the morning about the message to the church at Sardis. In the evening we continued our Bible study on the temptations of Christ.

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Esta semana, aparte de las actividades normales, tuve la oportunidad especial de enseñar unas clases de Biblia para un grupo de estudiantes de Canadá. El miércoles tuvimos el estudio bíblico normal en la universidad sobre Romanos. El instituto bíblico sigue bien. Sólo nos quedan varias semanas más, así que estamos hablando de la aplicación, el último paso en la hermenéutica. El domingo predicó Israel del mensaje a la iglesia de Sardis. Por la tarde seguimos con nuestro estudio bíblico sobre las tentaciones de Cristo.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

February 22-March 1

2010-03-01T08:29:00.002+01:00

Another week has flown by. I met with Antonio on Tuesday for lunch and a Bible study. We began a study about Satan in the Bible. He is more conscious than ever that he is in a war which does not involve flesh and blood. We continue to study Romans in our study on campus. I was hoping that my student who came last week would join us again, but for some reason, he did not make it. I trust that the Lord will give us new opportunities this week. On Thursday I was able to take some time and pass out tracts here in our town. We look to the Lord for fruit in this effort. On Saturday Pedro came by the house again with some questions. We were able to take some time for Bible study. Yesterday the Lord blessed us with a wonderful Lord's day. I preached in the morning about the message to the church in Thyatira. We focused on Christ's desire for a pure church. After the service we had our monthly church meal, and in the afternoon we continued our study on Christ's temptations. We looked at his answer to the second temptation: instead of provoking God, we should seek to submit ourselves to God.

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El martes me junté con Antonio para un tiempo de estudio. Está más consciente que nunca que se encuentra en una lucha espiritual. Así que empezamos a estudiar sobre nuestro enemigo. Sigue firme en la fe; que bendición. El miércoles tuvimos un estudio en el campus. Había esperado ver a mi alumno otra vez, pero no vino. Dios mediante volveremos a verlo esta semana. El jueves aproveché un poco de tiempo para salir por el pueblo para repartir folletos. Deseamos ver fruto de este esfuerzo y que Dios nos abra nuevas puertas de ministerio. El sábado vino Pedro a casa una vez más. Aprovechamos el tiempo para hacer un pequeño estudio bíblico y orar juntos. Ayer Dios nos dio un día precioso en la Palabra y con los hermanos. Por la mañana prediqué del mensaje a la iglesia de Tiatira. Enfocamos en el hecho de que Cristo quiere una iglesia pura. Después del mensaje disfrutamos de nuestra comida fraternal y por la tarde continuamos con un estudio sobre la segunda tentación de Cristo. Vimos su contestación a Satanás: en vez de buscar provocar a Dios a cumplir con nuestra voluntad, debemos someternos a su voluntad.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

February 16-21

2010-02-22T08:27:00.002+01:00

I was greatly encouraged by my time with Antonio this week. God is truly doing a work of grace in his heart. These are difficult days for him, but God is upholding him. This week at our Bible study on campus we had a visitor. This is the first visitor we have had this year! He is one of my students who has shown interest in the Bible. We have talked on several occasions, but this week in the study on Romans I was able to share the gospel with him. He is very interested in returning next week! On Saturday I spent several hours with a man from our town who is a believer. We have had sporadic contact over these past few years, but God continues to give me opportunity to encourage him spiritually and help him. Yesterday we had good services with complete attendance. In the morning Israel preached on the message to the church in Pergamos. In the afternoon study we looked at Christ's second temptation.

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Para Antonio esta semana ha sido muy difícil, pero Dios está haciendo una obra maravillosa en su corazón. Hay momentos difíciles, pero está confiando en el Señor. Tuve un buen tiempo de estudio con él el viernes, por el cual doy gracias a Dios. En nuestro estudio bíblico en el campus esta semana tuvimos un alumno nuevo. Se trata de uno de mis alumnos que ha mostrado interés en la Biblia. Hemos hablado en varias ocasiones, pero así con el estudio de Romanos pude compartir claramente el evangelio. Dios mediante volverá esta semana. El sábado pasé un par de horas con un creyente de nuestra ciudad. En los últimos tres años he tenido contacto esporádico con él, y una vez más Dios lo ha traído a nuestra casa y me ha dado la oportunidad de animarlo y ser una ayuda. Ayer tuvimos buenos cultos con una asistencia completa. Por la mañana predicó Israel del mensaje a la iglesia de Pérgamo y por la tarde estudiamos la segunda tentación de Cristo.

David & Maribel
"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

February 9-15

2010-02-15T07:52:00.002+01:00

The Lord is good. Early Thursday morning Gloria went to be with her Lord. She opened her eyes and saw her mother and husband and friends in the hospital room and then closed her eyes again to look on her Savior. On Friday we had the funeral with a huge number of family and friends who loved Gloria and had been moved by her life. Antonio got up to say a few words about his wife, but surprised all of us by preaching the good news of Jesus Christ! The strength of what he said was amazing. We have truly witnessed God's transforming power in lives, not only in Gloria but also in Antonio. Yesterday in for our service, Antonio brought his mother-in-law and Gloria's niece. I preached about the message to the church in Smyrna and was able to share the Good News about how we can avoid the second death. Antonio and his mother-in-law and niece stayed for lunch with us. In the evening we continued our series on the temptations of Christ.

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El Señor es bueno. El jueves por la madrugada Gloria nos dejó para ir con su Señor. Abrió los ojos por última vez en esta tierra y vio a su madre, esposo y amigas, luego los cerró otra vez para contemplar su Salvador. El viernes tuvimos el funeral con un gran número de familiares y amigos. Antonio se levantó para decir algunas palabras sobre su esposa, pero nos sorprendió a todos al anunciar las Buenas Nuevas de Jesucristo. La fuerza de sus palabras no me deja de sorprender. De verdad hemos sido testigos del poder transformador de Dios en una vida, no sólo la de Gloria sino también la de Antonio. Ayer en nuestro culto, Antonio trajo a su suegra y la sobrina de Gloria. Prediqué del mensaje a la iglesia de Esmirna y pude compartir el secreto de poder escapar la segunda muerte. Antonio con su suegra y sobrina se quedaron para comer con nosotros. Por la tarde continuamos nuestra serie sobre las tentaciones de Cristo.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

February 1-8

2010-02-07T23:17:00.004+01:00

This has been an emotional week for us. On Wednesday I was supposed to eat with Antonio and Gloria, but it did not work out. The next morning, however, she suffered a hemorrhage in her brain and has been unconscious since. She is hanging in the balance and the doctors are not expecting her to make it more than a few more days. It was a hard Sunday for us to meet together knowing that Gloria is in such a delicate situation. But we needed the time to focus on the Lord, and then take some time to pray as a congregation for Antonio and Gloria.

We had a very special Sunday afternoon, because Antonio asked me to hold a special ceremony to renew their wedding vows before God. A year ago he told me that he wanted to do it when she was free of cancer, but the Lord had other plans. So with the room full of family members, I shared the Gospel and then went through the marriage vows with them. It was an emotional ceremony which displayed the deep love that Antonio feels for Gloria. We are all praying for them now, waiting to see what the Lord will do. After the hospital we had our evening study at the home of one of our families. We were thankful for some neighbors who came as well.

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Esta semana ha sido muy emocional para nosotros. El miércoles iba a comer con Antonio y Gloria, pero por una complicación no pude ir. El jueves por la mañana Gloria sufrió una hemorragia del cerebro y entró en un estado crítico. Los doctores han dicho que no puede aguantar mucho en este estado. Nos costó tener nuestro culto el domingo porque todos estábamos pensando en Gloria. Pero después del sermón tuvimos un tiempo precioso de oración juntos.

El domingo por la tarde antes de nuestro estudio bíblico fuimos al hospital para un tiempo muy especial con Antonio y Gloria. Hace un año me comentaron que un día querían tomar sus votos matrimoniales delante de Dios. El sábado Antonio me lo recordó y me pidió que tuviéramos una ceremonia en el hospital el domingo. Así que el domingo en su habitación llena de familiares y amigos, hablé del matrimonio y compartí el evangelio. Luego hicimos los votos matrimoniales. Fue una ceremonia corta, pero muy poderosa. Todos notamos el fuerte amor que existe entre Antonio y Gloria y creo que todos lloramos con ellos. Seguimos orando por la voluntad de Dios y esperando. Después del hospital, tuvimos nuestro estudio sobre las tentaciones de Jesús en casa de una de las familias de la congregación. Damos gracias que pudimos también conocer a algunos de sus vecinos. Deseamos que Dios nos dé otro contacto con ellos con el evangelio.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

January 25-31

2010-01-31T22:36:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday I spent some time with Antonio and Gloria once again. It was the first Bible study we have had since Christmas. It was an encouraging time for them. Please pray for them as Gloria continues to fight the cancer. My Bible institute class continues to go well too. This past week we spent some time talking about the broad context of Philippians. Maribel and I had a special weekend together. The families of her students gave her a free night in a hotel to enjoy some time away, and I am thankful that she allowed me to come along! :-) It was a wonderful little get-away for us. Yesterday in the services the Lord blessed out small group. We were missing two families, but we had good services. In the morning I preached from Revelation 1 to begin a series of sermons on the letters to the seven churches of Revelation. And in the afternoon we continued our study on the temptations of Christ.

El martes pasé un poco de tiempo con A&G, el primer estudio bíblico desde las navidades. Fue un tiempo de ánimo para ellos y de gran bendición para mí. Seguid orando por Gloria en su lucha con el cáncer. En las clases del instituto bíblico esta semana ha sido una bendición especial poner la hermenéutica en práctica y establecer un poco del contexto de Filipenses. Maribel y yo tuvimos un fin de semana muy especial. Los padres de sus alumnos le regalaron un vale para un hotel, así que pudimos escapar juntos para un tiempo especial juntos. Ayer el Señor bendijo nuestra pequeña congregación. Nos faltaron dos familias, pero pudimos empezar una nueva serie de sermones sobre las cartas a las siete iglesias de Apocalipsis. Por la tarde estudiamos más sobre la tentación, preparando el camino para que podamos estudiar las tentaciones de Cristo.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

January 19-24

2010-01-24T22:16:00.002+01:00

The class on Biblical interpretation in the Bible Institute has been going well. Lord willing next week we will be able to work with some more practical examples which will help nail down the truths we have been studying. On Tuesday I met with Antonio and Gloria at the hospital. She has been in extreme pain with her cancer, but this week she started on pain killers and then a new round of chemotherapy. The blessing has been to see Antonio's strength throughout these hard times. The Lord gave us a good Sunday. In the morning I preached a summary message of our series "Conversations with the Master", and in the evening we began a study on the temptations of Christ.

La clase sobre la interpretación bíblica en el instituto bíblico sigue bien. Dios mediante la semana que viene podremos trabajar con algunos ejemplos prácticos para reafirmar la base teórico que estamos estableciendo. El martes me reuní con A&G en el hospital. Ella ha tenido mucho dolor, pero esta semana le han dado algo para el dolor y el jueves empezó de nuevo la quimioterapia. Ha sido una bendición ver el apoyo y sabiduría espiritual que ha mostrado su marido en medio de estas dificultades. Nos dio el Señor un buen domingo. Por la mañana prediqué un mensaje de resumen sobre las conversaciones del Maestro. Por la tarde tuvimos nuestro estudio en casa de una de la familias y empecé una nueva serie sobre las tentaciones de Cristo.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

January 12-18

2010-01-18T09:07:00.001+01:00

This week we began Bible Institute. I am teaching a class on Biblical interpretation to eight students. This weekend we had good services. On Sunday morning I preached from 2 Corinthians 10 about the battle for the mind. On Sunday morning we also began learning a new hymn. It is one of our goals this year to begin to learn new hymns as a congregation. In the evening we had a good group out for our study. We get back to our study in Romans that we were doing before the holidays. We are especially in prayer for Gloria. She has been in a lot of pain over the past few weeks, and yesterday the doctors confirmed that her cancer has come back. She will begin treatment this week.

Esta semana tuvimos el comienzo del nuevo trimestre de instituto bíblico. Este año enseñaré una clase de interpretación bíblica a oche alumnos. Damos gracias a Dios por los buenos cultos este fin de semana. Por la mañana prediqué de 2 Corintios 10 y la batalla por la mente. También aprendimos un himno nuevo como congregación. Es una de nuestras metas este año como congregación, poder aprender himnos nuevos. Por la tarde tuvimos un buen grupo para nuestro estudio sobre Romanos. Ayer recibimos noticias sobre la salud de Gloria. Ha tenido dolores desde hace semanas, pero ayer confirmaron que el cáncer había vuelto. La recordamos en oración y buscamos apoyarla todo lo que podamos. Dios mediante empezará a recibir tratamiento esta semana.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

January 5-11

2010-01-11T09:20:00.001+01:00

We had the last of the holidays this week (Kings' day) and now things are back to normal. I had an extra busy weekend. On Friday I travelled up to Madrid and on Saturday I taught an all-day seminar entitled "The Charismatic Movement: In the light of the New Testament". There were almost 60 people in attendance, and the Lord blessed throughout the day. I was starting to come down with a cold, but my voice held out throughout the different lectures. On Sunday, back at home we had good services. In the morning I preached about music in worship, and after the sermon we celebrated the Lord's table. It was a special blessing to hear as Antonio shared with us from God's word what the Lord has been teaching him. In the evening we had Antonio and Michelle Moyano from the church in Cerdanyola (Barcelona) with us. He shared some thoughts about Biblical faith with us.

Esta semana tuvimos los últimos días de vacaciones del cole y ahora todo ha vuelto a la normalidad. Yo tuve un fin de semana bastante completo. El vienes subí a Madrid y el sábado enseñé un curso intensivo en la iglesia de Móstoles: "El movimiento carismático a la luz del Nuevo Testamento". Había casi 60 en asistencia, y el Señor bendijo a lo largo del día. Había buen espíritu en la reunión y buenas preguntas y discusiones. Al principio, parecía que no tenía la voz muy fuerte por un pequeño resfriado que estaba arrastrando, pero gracias a Dios no tuve ningún problema con la voz. El domingo, una vez más en casa, prediqué sobre la importancia de la música en nuestra adoración. Después del sermón celebramos la mesa del Señor. Fue una bendición especial escuchar a Antonio compartir de las Escrituras lo que el Señor le había estado enseñando. Por la tarde tuvimos con nosotros a Antonio Moyano y su esposa Michelle de la iglesia de Cerdanyola. Antonio enseñó sobre el concepto bíblico de la fe.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

December 29-January 4

2010-01-04T08:24:00.002+01:00

With the holidays come special activities. On Tuesday we hosted a gathering of some of the "old young people" from Maribel's church in Elche. There were several who no longer go to church, so it was a good opportunity to continue the contact. After the meal I gave a devotional about knowing God. Yesterday in our services we were down in number. Gloria has been fighting some new physical battles so she and her husband were not able to be in the service. I preached about the sufficiency of Scripture and challenged our people with being diligent to spend time in the word daily. We also distributed our first church newsletter with several short articles. This is an opportunity to put our message in print as well as involve the people in yet another way in the ministry. In the evening one of the families hosted the study. We looked at the star of Bethlehem from Matthew 2, since King's day is coming up on Wednesday!

Con los días festivos vienen actividades especiales. El martes tuvimos en casa un pequeño grupo de amigos que iban al grupo de jóvenes con Maribel. Después de la comida tuvimos un tiempo devocional y compartí unos pensamientos sobre conocer a Dios. Ayer tuvimos menos gente en los cultos. Gloria está luchando con una nueva batalla física, así que ella y su marido no estuvieron. Prediqué de la suficiencia de las Escrituras y nuestra necesidad de estar en contacto diaria con ellas. Por la tarde tuvimos el estudio en casa de una de las familias. Miramos Mateo 2 sobre la estrella de Belén, puesto que tenemos el día de reyes el miércoles.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

December 15-21

2009-12-21T14:03:00.000+01:00

I met with Antonio and Gloria this week for the Bible study. It was an especially good study, because the passage we talked about dealt perfectly with a need they were facing. The Lord is so good to use His word like that. On a different note, it has been very cold over the past few days, and this weekend we got a lot of rain. So on Saturday morning when we woke up, we found that all of the mountains around our city were covered with snow. It made for a nice excursion with the kids to go and play in the snow. This weekend we planned a series of special meetings for christmas. On Saturday evening we met with the majority of the believers for a time of fellowship and teaching about the person and work of Jesus. Then we continued on Sunday with an all day activity including lunch. It was a wonderful time of fellowship for our little congregation, and the people responded very well to the preaching.

December 8-14

2009-12-14T14:03:00.000+01:00

The day after we got back from the retreat, I had a Bible study at the university. We once again had a good group. I continue to encourage them to invite friends and fellow students, but so far we have not had any new attenders. For the weekend we had a special guest. I invited a Spanish pastor from Guadalajara to be with us on Sunday. He spoke to the students from Bible institute on Saturday evening, and then preached for us on Sunday morning. We enjoyed a good time of fellowship with his family, and the Lord blessed the different activities of the weekend.

December 1-7

2009-12-07T14:02:00.000+01:00

This week there were two holidays, one day apart from each other, so we had a little extra time off from school and work. A few weeks ago, a church in Barcelona called me to ask me if I would speak at a special church retreat which would take advantage of those days, so our major activity this week was that retreat. Our family with a couple from our church spent four days with a group of about 50 representing several churches. The Lord gave us a wonderful time of fellowship in the word. I preached six sessions from James chapter one about dealing with difficulties. Back at home, Israel held the service with the remaining believers.

November 24-30

2009-11-30T14:02:00.000+01:00

The different activities of this week went well. I had a good study with Antonio and Gloria on Tuesday, and a good group for the university Bible study on Wednesday. For our prayer time this week it was just our family, but we had a good time of study and prayer together. We did not celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday because we were busy with work and school. So instead we planned to celebrate it on Sunday at church. Of course we focused on the spiritual side of the holiday instead of the cultural aspect of the pilgrims and indians (not to mention football). Since we normally have a church meal once a month, we all stayed and had a big Thanksgiving dinner together. It was a wonderful blessing to share that time of special fellowship. But it was extra special because one of the ladies who hosted a student from BJU last year came to the service. She participated in all the activities of the day and was the last one to leave our house. What a blessing to see the Lord work in this way. She is the first person from our town to visit more than one service in the two and a half years we have lived here!

November 17-23

2009-11-23T14:01:00.000+01:00

Since Antonio and Gloria missed the service last week because of illness, I took the time at our study to look at the passage I had preached on Sunday. We had a good time of conversation together about the story of Zacchaeus. Israel was able to make it to our prayer meeting this week, so he joined our family as we looked at a psalm and then spent time together in prayer. On Wednesday at the university we had a good group. I am still trusting that some of my students will come and that the other students will be able to invite some of their friends. But we have been having good studies with the young people from church who have been faithful. I had a special weekend because I attended a prayer conference in Alcalá de Henares. It was a special blessing because I took Emilio with me. We enjoyed the train ride up to Madrid together, and I even was able to witness to the lady who sat across from us. We spent Friday evening and all day Saturday with believers from all over Spain. Yesterday in our morning service Israel preached from Jesus' conversation with Pilate. Then in the evening I led the Bible study from Romans.

November 10-16

2009-11-16T14:01:00.000+01:00

One special highlight from this week was the fact that both Gloria's brother and niece came for the Bible study. We continued looking at James 1, and both asked good questions. Our family enjoyed a nice time of study from the Psalms and prayer on Tuesday evening. The study at the university continues to go well too. On Sunday I preached about Christ's conversation with Zacchaeus. We can only imagine the entire conversation around the table, but the result was that Zacchaeus became a son of Abraham anew that day as he placed his faith in God's promised Messiah. In the evening we had our study at Ángel and Patricia's house. Some friends of theirs came, so there was a good size group as we continued our study in Romans 3.

It was also Maribel's birthday this week. We were able to spend some special time together on the day and make plans for further celebration with friends and family. I thank the Lord for the wife He has given me and all she means to me in the ministry that God has called us to, both in our family and in the church.

November 3-9

2009-11-09T14:00:00.000+01:00

This week at the study with Antonio and Gloria I was pleased to have Gloria's brother present. He participated in the study and later told her that he was going to make plans to be present every week at the Bible study. Our prayer meeting was back down to our family, but we had a good time of study and prayer together. I was also able to have a Bible study with another family in the congregation on Friday. On Sunday morning I preached from the story of the gentile woman who asked Christ to heal her daughter. This story once again stresses the importance of faith as we approach the Lord. In the evening we started looking at Romans 3.

October 27-November 2

2009-11-02T13:59:00.000+01:00

I recently started studying the book of James with Antonio and Gloria. This week we looked at the necessity of wisdom to get through the trials of life. They both are very actively interested in the study. For our prayer time, Israel was able to join us this week as we continue to look at the Psalms and pray together. Also this week I was able to begin a Bible study at the university. This is something that I did last year for the first time. This year I trust that God will continue to use this time to encourage students who are believers and to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation. On Sunday Israel preached about the rich young ruler. After his sermon, there were good comments by different members. The Lord used the sermon to move our hearts! It was also the day we had our monthly church fellowship. So we enjoyed a good potluck meal together and then in the afternoon, a study from Romans 2.

October 20-26

2009-10-26T13:56:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday we had our midweek study on the Psalms and a time of prayer. We looked at Psalm 8 this week, the first psalm which is truly a worship psalm. Maria Eugenia was out of town on Tuesday so she did not make it to the study. The Bible study with Antonio and Gloria continues to go well. We are studying the book of James. Yesterday in the morning service I continued our series of sermons on the conversations with the Master. We looked at the short interchange between Jesus and the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus emphasized the importance of faith, a necessary quality if we are to draw near to God. In the evening we continued our study in Romans. We looked at chapter 2 last night, where Paul points to how God will judge the human race. Without the saving work of Christ, all will fall under condemnation. He continues to prepare the path for the good news of the gospel.

October 13-19

2009-10-19T13:58:00.000+02:00

Our activities this week were normal according to schedule. On Sunday Israel preached about the Samaritan at the well. After his sermon, there were many good thoughts expressed about the message, and a profitable time of meditation and reflection. In the evening we continue our Bible study on the book of Romans.

October 6-12

2009-10-12T13:58:00.000+02:00

On Sunday I began a new series of sermons on Christ's conversations throughout the Gospels. We began with Nicodemus. Jesus taught him that a relationship with God was possible only through a new, spiritual birth. At first Nicodemus had difficulty understanding what Jesus was telling him, but as the conversation porgressed, Jesus clearly confronted him with his need to be born again. In the evening we spent some time looking at the introduction to the book of Romans. Lord willing we will spend the next few months studying an overview of this great epistle.

September 30-October 7

2009-10-09T09:44:00.001+02:00

This week was a very special one for several reasons. First of all, we celebrated baptisms this week. I have had a series of studies with Antonio and Gloria since they asked to be baptised after we got back from the USA. Two of my children, David and Andrea expressed the desire to be baptised. So I had some studies with them as well to prepare them for baptism. Yesterday in our morning service, Israel preached about Christ's interaction with Mary and Martha. It was a blessing to see how the Lord used the message to stir hearts. After our morning service, the whole congregation went to Antonio and Gloria's house. We had a barbecue lunch, and then we had a special testimony service. All four candidates gave a clear salvation testimony and then were baptised publicly. There were several unsaved visitors present who heard a clear testimony to the Gospel.

It was also a special week because on Friday I taught the first class of my course on Biblical Hebrew. A Christian student at the university approached me some time back about learning Hebrew. It has been a long process to get the official recognition of this course, but it has finally happened. I have 12 students in the course. I trust that the Lord will open doors to share Christ through this class.

Our other activities of the week went as scheduled. Maria Eugenia was present at our midweek study and prayer meeting.

David & Maribel
"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

September 22-28

2009-09-28T09:36:00.000+02:00

On Wednesday evening we had our prayer time and were happy to have Maria Eugenia with us. Since Sergio is now gone, she spends her weekends out of town with her children, so this mid week service was the first time we have had her with us for a service in a long time. I met with Antonio and Gloria this week to continue preparing them for baptism. I am pleased with their understanding of baptism and their desire to give this testimony. Yesterday morning we had good attendance. I preached from Matthew 7 about judging ourselves before we try to help others. In the evening there were thunderstorm alerts which kept Angel and Patricia from making it back for the Bible study. But we met as a family and looked at Colossians 3, a passage which we are trying to memorize as a family. Lord willing (and weather permitting) next weekend will celebrate a baptismal service.

David & Maribel
"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

September 14-21

2009-09-21T08:41:00.003+02:00

School started this week for the kids and Maribel. We also had a great time with Pastor Conley and his wife. I drove up to Madrid to pick them up on Tuesday. We were able to spend the day on Wednesday together showing them around our town and around Alicante. The time of fellowship has encouraged us to continue forward in our calling. On Wednesday we were with the Conleys in the service in Elche, so we had our prayer meeting on Thursday. Yesterday morning I preached from Psalm 3 about remembering and recognizing God's blessings. When Absalom kicked David out of Jerusalem, many assumed that God had finished with David. But David by faith knew that God would save him when it was time. So often Satan gains the victory with us by making us overlook God's many blessings to us even in the middle of the trials. May we have clear vision to see God's hand at work in our lives! For our evening study we went to Emilio and Ester's house. I spoke from Matthew 11 and Luke 16. Israel's parents came for the study as well.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

September 8-14

2009-09-14T10:25:00.001+02:00

This week I was able to get a good number of projects done around the house. The kids went down to Elche every day for the Vacation Bible School that Israel directed. We were very glad for them to be able to have that contact with other Christian children and sit under the teaching of the Word. For our prayer service we looked at Psalm 2 and its implications for prayer. Yesterday in the service I preached from Acts 8 about how we view God. Unfortunately we often try to use God for our own purposes, as Simon the Sorcerer did, instead of allowing God to use us for His own purposes. In the afternoon we got a severe thundershower and had some flooding in our basement where we hold our services. We are very thankful that nothing was ruined, and we were able to get rid of the water fairly quickly. In fact, we finished getting rid of the water and still had time to make it to Elche for evening service in which they talked about the Bible club and then Israel preached.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

September 1-7

2009-09-07T10:24:00.001+02:00

Last week we got back from the USA. We arrived on Saturday evening and got a good night's sleep before Sunday morning. For our service I preached about being true disciples and making disciples. It was a good service with nearly everyone present. After the sermon Antonio gave a testimony. He thanked the Lord that Gloria has been declared cancer free, and he announced publicly that they want to be baptized. Throughout the week we have been working on the house to get things in shape after being away all summer. On Wednesday we started our first semi-formal prayer meeting. Right now it is just our family, because no one else is close enough to come. We will be studying the Psalms and spending time in prayer together. Yesterday I preached from Acts 16 about difficulties that arise when we follow God. In the evening we had our first evening Bible study after the summer, and I spoke about true wisdom from James 3.

David & Maribel

"servabis pacem pacem quia in te speravimus; sperastis in Domino in saeculis aeternis" Is 26.3-4

May and June, 2009

2009-07-11T20:22:00.001+02:00

The last two months have been full of amazing opportunities for ministry. In May we enjoyed a very special visit. Paul and Theresa Bixby were with us for just over a week. We enjoyed a special time of fellowship with them as we recalled our first months of ministry here in Spain when we worked with them. But the highlight for us came Sunday when Paul preached for our morning service. The Lord used his message to convict and encourage hearts. It was a special blessing to hear the testimony of Antonio, who shared how God had especially moved his heart as he heard the Sermon. We also took advantage of their visit to have a special memorial service for Vicente. The Lord brought Vicente to Himself under Paul's ministry in Alicante some 12 years ago. Two years ago when he passed away, his family asked me to preach the funeral. The Lord has opened their hearts up more after Vicente's death then they ever were during his lifetime. So we took advantage of the Bixby's visit which coincided with Vicente's birthday. We invited Vicente's family members for a special evening service in which we remembered Vicente. I was able to preach to the Gospel to two of Vicente's daughters and one of his granddaughters. We rejoice in the opportunity to share with Vicente's family the spiritual blessings which Vicente found in Christ.

May was also a busy month for us all of the preparations for an extremely full month of June. Let me give a little bit of background. Three years ago, we organized the first Spanish Study Abroad program from Bob Jones University in Elche. We repeated the program two years ago. This year as we made plans for our third summer, the Lord put it on our hearts to have the program in Petrer where we live. This meant a significant change for us, for we have always tried to house the students with families from the church in Elche, but in Petrer we do not have enough contacts in the church to house the students. So I met with a local government official in charge of education in Petrer and asked if the Town Hall would be interested in collaborating with us. The response was enthusiastically positive. Over the following months, we slowly put together a list of and then interviewed interested families; when June came, we were able to place the students with unsaved families from our city. I must admit that there were several moments along the way in which we were very nervous about what could go wrong, but we prayed and trusted in the Lord to work in each situation. In fact, throughout the month of May, I preached a series of sermons from the book of Isaiah about trusting the Lord. And each week the Lord encouraged me to trust Him more. In June we saw the Lord work in clear and wonderful ways, opening hearts and allowing the Gospel message to reach people. The students were a beautiful testimony for Christ in their homes, taking the gospel to families that would have normally been closed to the message. But their testimony went much further! The families started asking permission to come to church with the students. Over the month we had visitors in our services almost every week. The last week of June was a special highlight for us. We had almost 60 people in our Sunday morning service, and I was able to present the gospel in a clear way. After the service, we heard several very open and positive responses to the message. We are praising the Lord for the door He opened for us to reach out to families in our town through these students. It was also a blessing to spend time with the students and see how the Lord is working in specific areas of their lives. This program reached far beyond academics through daily Bible studies and first hand contact with the lost. We rejoiced as we saw the Lord burden the hearts of the students not only for the families they were living with but also for others surrounding them. We feel like the Lord advanced His work here in our city by years through the contacts made in the last month. Please pray for us as we follow up these contacts and minister to these dear people. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in their lives.

Throughout June we were also busy making plans for a trip to the United States during July and August. Israel will be carrying on the ministry in Petrer while we are gone, and we are excited to see how God will use this experience to develop him. Please pray that the believers will grow spiritually over these months and that people who visited the church in June would return. Pray with us that Christ would build His church for His glory in Petrer.

April 7-20

2009-05-01T11:08:00.001+02:00

On Wednesday the kids finished their last day of school, so they came
home and packed up, and on Thursday we headed out for Germany. We
spent a week with a German family we met a few years ago when I spoke
at a camp up in Barcelona. It was a wonderful week of fellowship and
fun; a needed break for us. On Easter Sunday we were in a church
started by a group of Romanians. Even though we didn't understand the
language, it was a blessing to celebrate the Lord's resurrection with
these believers. We traveled back to Spain the following Thursday, but
turned right around and headed up to Madrid for the conference on
Isaiah. The Lord blessed with very good attendance. I taught from 9-5
(with a break for lunch of course). It was a wonderful day of
fellowship around the Word. On Sunday morning I preached from Isaiah 6
and then after lunch we headed home. We made it just in time for the
service, and I preached from Colossians 1. My voice was giving out,
but I made it through the weekend!

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

March 31-April 6

2009-05-01T11:07:00.003+02:00

As time ticks down towards the Easter holidays, there is a lot that
needs to be done. I have spent a lot of time this week working on a
series of special sessions on the book of Isaiah that I will be
presenting in Madrid. But there has also been time for the normal
activities of this week. We had our last Bible study on campus this
week before the holidays. And we had a good little group once again. I
also visited Antonio and Gloria this week for a Bible study. It has
been a special blessing to work through some parables with these new
believers. I read the story and explain it to them, and then let them
talk about what Christ meant to teach through this story. It has been
absolutely beautiful to hear them wrestle with the meaning and express
the main teaching. On Sunday I preached about one of the events
between Palm Sunday and the passion week. I spoke about Christ's
cursing of the fig tree. The picture prophecy involved in this act is
powerful, as is the application to us as well. God is not impressed
with "leafyness"; He seeks true fruit.

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

March 24-30

2009-05-01T11:07:00.001+02:00

This past week was quite different for me. I spent Tuesday through
Friday in Morocco at a conference on translation. The University of
Alicante sent me to the conference where I read a paper on English
Bible translations. It was a very interesting experience. The
conference kept me busy, and there were many cultural experiences as
well as some opportunities to be a testimony. I thank the Lord for His
protection and help as I traveled. Yesterday was a nasty day with a
good amount of rain, but we had a good number in the morning service.
I preached a message to summarize the series that we have been doing
on Ephesians. In the evening we took Maria Eugenia with us and went to
church in Alicante. My son David and I played a special number with
French horn and trombone, and then I preached from the book of Isaiah.
It was a blessing to be with the believers there.

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

April 21-27

2009-04-27T11:08:00.000+02:00

Things were almost back to normal this week, except that Thursday was
a local holiday. I was able to visit Antonio and Gloria again to
continue our study. We had a visiting speaker in the Bible institute
on Wednesday. We had a good class with Pastor Waters from Guadalajara.
On Sunday I preached from Mark 5 about people who are afraid of God.
The demon possessed man asked Christ why He had come to torment him,
and then the people from the town asked Jesus to leave because they
obviously did not understand what had happened. And many people today,
even believers at times, are afraid of what God wants to do in their
lives. In the evening we had our study at the house of one of our
families. We were happy to have a couple visit for the first time.
Next week we have a church retreat that we are looking forward to our
church retreat.

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

March 17-23

2009-03-23T12:40:00.001+01:00

On Tuesday we had another good Bible study at the university. We were
missing a few that I thought would come, but some others came, so
there were still five of us at the study. After the study, I visited
Antonio and Gloria for a Bible study. We talked about another of
Christ's parables. It was fascinating to watch them meditate on the
image of the mustard seed and the leaven and come to Christ's teaching
about the kingdom. This past week was special, though, because we had
several days off from school because of Fathers' Day. So we spent a
good amount of time on Thursday and Saturday doing projects around the
house. On Friday morning we went down to the university to attend
Ruben Pineda's defense of his dissertation. He and his wife and
children lived in Alicante for a year while he was taking his
coursework. They were very involved in the church in Alicante during
that year. So it is always a blessing to see them again. It was a
special day for them, though, as Rubén finished up his doctoral work
and graduated with honors. We were glad to be able to accompany them
on that special morning. On Friday afternoon we had some unsaved
friends over for lunch. Flor studied with Maribel, and Antonio has
been in some of my classes at the Universidad Permanente. We had a
good opportunity to talk about the things of the Lord with them.

Yesterday morning Israel called me. He was not feeling too well, so he
stayed in bed. But almost everybody else from our small congregation
came. I preached on the Christian's armor from Ephesians 6. Yesterday
was our monthly church meal, so after the service we had a potluck
lunch. And then in the afternoon we watched a Christian film which
highlighted the family relationships we had talked about a few weeks
ago in Ephesians 5. The message was very powerful, and there were good
comments afterwards. We were glad to have Antonio and Gloria with us
for the first time at a church meal. Also, Angel and Patricia brought
some family members who just arrived from Argentina. We trust that the
Lord will give us further opportunities to sow the word with this
couple.

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

March 10-16

2009-03-16T12:40:00.000+01:00

We had an extremely busy week! But there were many blessings. First
of all, we were finally able to get our garage painted where we meet
for church. The fresh paint and color make everything much brighter
and cleaner! We are thankful for this improvement. Even though I did
not do the work myself, it created quite a bit of cleanup, but we are
thankful to have that job done! On Monday I had an interesting
opportunity to be on the radio about the students who will be coming
to study Spanish this summer. Lord willing we will be able to have
them in people's homes from here, and in that way be able to reach out
to the community with a strong testimony. Please pray for us that we
will find the right families and that God would work in their hearts.
I had a special blessing at the university this week. As I was walking
across campus I saw one of my students from last year sitting under a
tree reading a book. It looked to me a little like a Bible, so I
stopped and talked to her. I invited her to come to the Bible study
(that same day), and she did! I praise the Lord for this new contact.
The Lord has really encouraged me through it! It was also an important
week for us as family. Andrea turned nine this week! We were able to
celebrate with her classmates on Wednesday in a park and with family
and church friends on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday morning Israel
preached from Ephesians 6 about the Christian in the workplace, and on
Sunday evening I preached about the concept of discipleship in Luke.

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

March 3-9

2009-03-09T12:40:00.001+01:00

Our normal activities of the week continue as usual. I led the Bible
study at the University on Tuesday as we looked at Colossians 1 again.
I also met with Antonio and Gloria to talk about the parables of
Christ and follow up how they are doing with their new believers'
study they are doing. And Maribel had her study with the ladies on
Friday. On Sunday morning I preached on families from Ephesians 5.
There was a good response to the message. We trust that the Lord will
build strong families as a firm foundation for His church. In the
evening I also led the study.

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

February 24-March 02

2009-03-02T12:40:00.000+01:00

I am very thankful for yet another week with opportunities to minister
the Word. I met with Antonio and Gloria for another study this week.
Much to my surprise, her brother ate with us and was in on the study
as well. Later he shared some of his poetry with me. One of his poems
was about faith. This opened the door for more conversation. But the
most beautiful part of the afternoon was hearing Antonio witness to
his brother-in-law. He shared with him, in his own style, some of the
same concepts that I went through with them several months ago. What a
blessing it is to see the Lord at work! My class in the Bible
institute continues to go well. We discussed the Baptist distinctives
this week. Maribel continues to have good attendance at the Bible
study on Fridays with the ladies, and the Lord has given us a steady
attendance of four or five at the Bible study at the university. I
have more students who are interested, but it is hard to work out a
schedule when all of them can attend. On Sunday I preached from
Ephesians 5 about imitating God. This is the true test of a changed
life. Before the service in the morning we celebrated the Lord's table
together once again. It was a blessing to hear how God has been
working in the congregation. In the evening Israel gave the study, and
there was a good little group. Maribel continues to work with the
smaller children, while the older young people and adults meet
together for the study.

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

February 17-23

2009-02-23T12:00:00.001+01:00

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

February 10-16

2009-02-16T11:59:00.001+01:00

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

2009-02-16T11:58:00.001+01:00

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

January 27-February 02

2009-02-02T11:28:00.001+01:00

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

January 20-26

2009-01-29T19:56:00.000+01:00

Recently I have mentioned Antonio and Gloria often. Well, this past
week Gloria had surgery to remove a cancerous kidney. I called her on
Monday to pray with her before the operation, only to find out that
she had already been operated on. They ended up moving the operation
up a day! So on Wednesday Maribel and I went to visit with them in the
hospital. She is doing well, and the doctors are confident that they
were able to remove all of the cancer. We also began a new course in
the Bible Institute. I am teaching a class about the pastoral
ministry. It is a very small group, but I am very excited. We have a
few who have expressed a clear call to the ministry, so it is a
wonderful privilege to prepare them for the future with an extremely
practical class such as this. In our first class we looked at Christ's
compassion for the multitudes who were like sheep without a shepherd
(pastor). His solution was to pray that the Lord of the harvest would
send out laborers.

On Saturday the young people from Elche came up. We were going to go
and pass out tracts, but the weather was not very good, so we had the
meeting in our house. I spoke to them from one of the parables of
Christ and then we had a time of prayer. On Sunday Israel preached
from Ephesians two about how God has changed us. We had some bad
weather over the weekend, so our attendance was down, but we praise
the Lord for those who were able to come. After the service we had our
monthly church meal and then our evening study. I spoke from
Colossians 1 again about being grateful for what God is doing in our
lives.

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

January 20-26

2009-01-26T20:13:00.000+01:00

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

January 13-19

2009-01-19T19:56:00.000+01:00

This past Saturday the young people from Alicante came up and passed
out tracts with us here in Petrer. Then we were able to have a good
time at the house with a challenge and a time of fellowship. We were
also working on a new pulpit. A few weeks ago, Israel's father
approached me about building a wooden pulpit for the church. The
pulpit is coming along nicely and is a nice addition to our meetings.

On Sunday we began a new series of messages on the book of Ephesians,
based on the theme, "See then that ye walk circumspectly" (Eph. 5.1).
I preached the first message from the hymn in the first chapter on all
that God has done to bless us. So often we focus on material
blessings, but Paul here brings us to remember the rich spiritual
blessings that God has given us in Christ. In the evening we met at a
Angel and Patricia's house for our study. Many of our people were able
to make it out, and Angel and Patricia invited some Christian friends,
so we had a very good group. Unfortunately, Maribel was not feeling
well at all, so she had to miss the service as well as several days of
work. I taught from Colossians 1 about walking worthy of the Lord.

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

January 06-12

2009-01-12T11:26:00.000+01:00

This was the last week of the Christmas holidays. I had a special
highlight for this year. I played in the band for the Kings' Day
parade of our town on Monday. It was a lot of fun to march with the
band and play Christmas songs. After Tuesday, our schedule got back to
normal. The kids are back and school, and Maribel and I are back to
our normal teaching schedules. On Thursday I ate lunch with Antonio
and Gloria. I have witnessed very clearly to them in the past. But
last week I shared with them the concept of making a profession of
faith. It seems that they have slowly come (at least close) to the
point of faith, but they have never made a real profession of faith. I
had to be careful to help them understand Romans 10.9, 13. Antonio
wasn't sure if I was asking him to stand up at church and share all of
his sins. Gloria thought perhaps it meant that they had to go out on
the street and start preaching. In the end it was clear. Antonio told
me directly that he had placed his faith in Christ, even though he
still struggles with doubts. On Sunday morning in the service, he told
the congregation that he knew he was a sinner, but that the Lord is
working in his heart. Every time I spend time with them I am more and
more impressed with what the Lord is doing in their hearts. On Friday
I spent the morning with Israel preparing for the new series of
sermons that we will be preaching on Ephesians. We had good services
yesterday, even though Ana María was out of town and Lorenzo was sick.
Israel preached about love from 1 John 4. Antonio and Gloria were in
the service, and Antonio had some good questions. After the service
they stayed for lunch. We had a good time around the table. In the
evening we had a special service in which we watched the film Flame in
the Wind. The people were challenged by the stand for Christ that was
depicted in the film.

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

December, 2008

2009-01-07T12:45:00.000+01:00

My weekly summaries dried up in December due to extreme busyness! But I will try to run through the weeks to recall all that was happening.

November 25-December 1

This week was a busy week preparing for my trip to the USA. I was, however, able to meet with the students at the university for another Bible study. It was also a special week because of Thanksgiving. The Tony Hart family came down from the Madrid area to spend the weekend with us. We had our Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, though, to accomodate our schedules. We were pleased that Camilla Becker who lives down near Elche could be with us that day. On Sunday Tony preached for us in the morning service on the topic of gratitude. That afternoon I rode up to Madrid with them and was in their church in Azuqueca for the evening service.

December 2-8

This was the week I was in the USA. It was a whirlwind of activity, but a wonderful blessing. My major reason for going was to give a series of lectures on Translation Theory and the Bible. The lectures were very well attended, and I enjoyed the time greatly. I was also able to talk to many different classes. It was a special highlight for me to preach for the seminary students on Friday. My cup was full and running over! On Sunday morning I had the privilege of preaching for the hispanic ministry at Hampton Park, and then I was off to the airport to catch my flight back home. Here in Petrer, Israel preached a message to finish off our series of sermons on the miracles of Christ in John.

December 9-15

When I got back from the States, I had another two weeks of classes at the university. Those two weeks were extremely busy. But praise the Lord we were able to get everything done. I continued our Bible study with Emilio and Ester, and even got a chance to meet with Antonio and Gloria over lunch to continue witnessing to them. We were invited as a church to join the Elche church for their adult Christmas meal. María Eugenia came with us that night. Dr. Bob Jones was the speaker and I had the privilege of being his translator that night. On Sunday the 14th, we celebrated the Lord's table in the morning before the service and then I preached about Christ as the gift of God. That evening we went down to Elche to be in their mini-Bible conference. Dr. Bob gave an excellent challenge on a ministry of prayer.

December 16-22

On Sunday the 21st, Israel preached on Mary, the mother of Jesus. We were glad to have some visitors in the service. Bibiana, a Spanish lady we met in Alicante several years ago and visited in London earlier this year, was back in Spain to visit and brought her mother to the service. In the afternoon, we had our monthly church meal which was also a Christmas meal. After the meal we had a Christmas program. We read the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke and interspersed different Christmas hymns and special numbers. It was a nice time of fellowship as a congregation.

December 23-29

This was the first week of vacation. It was a wonderful breather for the family. We were able to have fun together and visit with friends and family that we have not had too much time to do things with in the past months. We decided not to travel anywhere, so we took advantage of the time together. On Sunday I preached from Zechariah 4 about the Spirit's roll in setting goals and making plans. Bibiana and her husband Rene were with us again this week, and once again they brought a visitor with them. In the evening we visited the church in Alicante and heard Israel preach.

December 30-January 5

We had a special service on December 31 this year. I invited the Dodgens to come and Mike to bring a challenge. We had a good group at our house to remember the blessing from the past year and set goals for the coming year. It was another good time of spiritual challenge and fellowship. On Sunday morning I preached about the wisemen, in preparation for Kings' Day (Jan. 6). We were very excited to see Antonio and Gloria back with us after several weeks' absence due to her cancer treatments. I was very pleased that María Eugenia agreed to prepare a study for the children on Sunday night. I led a Bible study for the adults while she taught her lesson to the children. A believer from the church in Valencia came all the way to Petrer to be in our service and encourage us. We were very thankful for this blessing. Also a family from the church in Alicante was with us as well for the evening service.

David & Maribel

davidnmaribel@gmail.com

"vide ministerium quod accepisti in Domino ut illud impleas" Col 4.17

November 18-24

2008-11-24T15:53:00.001+01:00

This was the second week of our Bible study on campus at the university. This week there were three young people at the study. We had a good time looking at Colossians and then a good time of questions and discussion afterwards. On Saturday night I played in a concert for our local band. After the concert we had a meal, and I was able to talk to several people about why we moved here. I trust the Lord will use this testimony to open other doors of ministry.

Yesterday we had a very full day. Our morning service went well. We had hoped to see Antonio and Gloria, but apparently she has not been feeling well at all after her last treatment. I preached on the seventh miracle in John, the resurrection of Lazarus. I focused particularly on three elements: the opposition to Christ's ministry, the love He felt towards Lazarus and his sisters, and the main focus of the miracle, faith. After the service we all went to the Soto's house for our monthly church meal. After a good meal and time of fellowship, we had our evening service. This was the last week of our series on doctrines. I talked about our doctrine of salvation, specifically the details about the atonement. After the service, Lorenzo and I went down to Elche to play in the service there. We repeated the special numbers that we prepared for Valencia last weekend.

November 11-17

2008-11-17T15:53:00.000+01:00

Today was our appointment at the hospital in Valencia about David's heart condition they discovered earlier this year. After doing all of the tests on him, the doctor told us that his condition had not deteriorated any, so there was no immediate need for surgery. We thank the Lord for this answer to prayer.
This past week we had our first Bible study on campus. I finally was able to get permission to use a room, so I wrote all of the students from the Elche and Alicante churches. Unfortunately due to scheduling problems, only one boy made it for the study this week, but we were able to spend some time together talking about some details of the study and then give an introduction to the book of Colossians. Lord willing, we will have more present in the coming weeks. We also had a very special study at home. David invited one of his friends over to spend the night. He had already talked to him about the Lord, and since I had planned to do a study with Sergio that night anyway, David's friend sat in on the study. We studied John 3.16. It was a very simple study, but showed clearly the message of salvation. David's friend listened carefully to the study and asked good questions. He took a tract home with him and has since continued to ask David questions at school.
Yesterday it was Maribel's birthday, and we were were gone in Valencia all day. Here in Petrer Israel preached a message on Christ's calming of the storm. In Valencia our brass quartet (including Lorenzo, Isaac, a young man from Elche, and pastor Dennis Flower) played six special numbers. We introduced each hymn with a short biography or story about the hymn, and then after the music, I preached a sermon on praise from Psalm 19. The rest of the group went back home in the afternoon and our family stayed for the evening service. I preached again in the evening, this time from Isaiah on the mark of true faith. It was a blessing to be able to spend this time with the believers there.

November 4-10

2008-11-04T15:52:00.000+01:00

In our morning service this week we began early with the celebration of the Lord's table. Antonio and Gloria came early for the service and were present as we finished out time of communion. Gloria expressed interest in participating. We are thankful for this desire on her part, but need to take more time with them to disciple them. In the morning service Israel preached on Christ's healing of the man who was born blind. He did a good job with the application of the text and many commented that it was a blessing. In the evening we met at María Eugenia's house for our evening service. I did a special study for the children from Ephesians 6.1-3.

October 28-November 3

2008-11-03T09:50:00.001+01:00

The weeks seem to fly by us as if we were standing still. I can
hardly believe that we are in November already. We have some very
special activities planned for this month with the church. This month
we will be going to Valencia to play our brass quartet there for a
special service. We met on Saturday for a practice and things are
coming along nicely. Yesterday we celebrated the Lord's table before
our morning service. It was a good time of spiritual fellowship as we
shared what the Lord is doing in our lives. We were especially
thankful that in the morning service we had a visitor. Antonio and
Gloria were also in the service yesterday. Each time they come they
feel more and more a part of the congregation. Yesterday I preached on
Christ's walking on the water. I was struck with the contrast of the
disciples' inability to cross the sea when suddenly they see Jesus
strolling across the water with no apparent difficulty. Many times we
are at the end of our strength and ability, but God can complete our
efforts and do the impossible. In the evening we met at Maria
Eugenia's house and I gave a study especially for the children on
Ephesians 6.1-2. After the study we had a good time of prayer together.

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

October 21-27

2008-10-27T08:22:00.001+01:00

The Lord blessed us this week with an excellent Sunday. It was a busy
week leading up to it. On Monday we received an unexpected visit from
some missionary friends of ours, and then on Tuesday we took our car
into the mechanic to have a small oil leak fixed. The situation with
the car made life a little more complicated, but the visit helped out
because they were able to give us a much needed ride! Yesterday
morning we were missing some of our regular people. Ana Maria is not
feeling too well with the new pregnancy so Lorenzo came by himself.
Also, Sergio spent the weekend in Torrevieja, so Maria Eugenia came by
herself. Israel preached on the feeding of the 5,000, and after the
sermon we had a very good time of testimonies and singing. Nearly
everyone present shared a thought about the message. After the service
we had a church meal together. And in the early afternoon we had our
Bible study service. Last week during our evening service I felt we
needed some more specific instruction about the nature of salvation
and the idea of losing one's salvation. So this week we spent over an
hour talking about the Biblical teaching concerning salvation. Once
again there was good participation by all. I praise the Lord for a
good day together with other believers, spent in worship and
fellowship together.

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

October 14-20

2008-10-20T15:25:00.001+02:00

This week the Lord gave us a few more opportunities to be a
testimony. I am taking a Valenciano class here in Elda, so I decided
to ask a fellow student for a ride home to get to know him a bit. It
turns out that he is studying English as well. We agreed to get
together some time so I can help him with his English. I trust that I
will be able to present Christ to him clearly as we get to know each
other. Also, Israel and I were able to spend some time in a park
giving out tracts and talking to people. As always there were a lot of
negative reactions, but there were a few who received the tracts well.
Please pray with us that God would give the increase. Saturday was a
very special blessing for us. Enoch Guitierrez, a Mexican pastor, gave
a series of lectures for pastors and workers. Israel and I went down
and spent the day there. I really needed the encouragement and
teaching he shared with us.

Yesterday I preached on Christ's third miracle in John, the healing
of the lame man at Bethesda. The Lord gave us a good service and
hearts were stirred. How often we lie crippled and helpless trying to
find some solution to our problems instead of taking them to the Lord
and receiving His divine healing. Emilio and Ester brought her niece
with them again this week. This is the second time she has been in our
services. We are not sure if she is really a believer. Antonio and
Gloria did not come this week because she was not feeling well after
her chemotherapy last week. In the evening we met with Israel, Maria
Eugenia and Sergio here at our house to continue our study of the
Adventists. We talked this week of Biblical doctrine of the final
judgment as opposed to the Adventist teaching concerning Christ's
investigative judgment.

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

October 7-13

2008-10-20T15:24:00.001+02:00

This past weekend I preached a missions conference at a church up in
Madrid. The Lord gave us a very good weekend and used the believers
there to encourage us. I preached five sermons around the theme of
missions, focusing on different aspects of Moses' preparation, calling
and service. I also gave my testimony on Sunday morning for the adult
Sunday school class. Here in Petrer, Israel preached on Sunday morning
about the second miracle in the book of John. Then in the evening they
met at Lorenzo and Ana Maria's house and watched a video about the
Seventh Day Adventists.

Last week Lorenzo came to see me one night. They have been under a lot
of pressure with his work and Maria's school situation. He told me
that they have decided to move back to Alicante. They still plan to
come up to Petrer for services, but obviously this changes many
aspects of our ministry to them. This is hard for us to take in many
ways, but we are trusting the Lord to do His work here in building
this church. We would appreciate your continued prayers for our
ministry here.

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

September 30-October 6

2008-10-06T22:15:00.001+02:00

On the home front this week we had a bit of a scare. Daniel fell on
the playground and injured his arm. At first they talked about
checking him in to the hospital, but in the end they were able to
massage the bone into position and there was no breakage. How we
praise the Lord for His protection. The other activities of the week
were fairly normal. Maribel met with the ladies for their time of
prayer and study and on Friday night we had dinner with an unsaved
couple and had opportunities to share the gospel again with them.

Yesterday I started a new series of sermons based on the sign miracles
recorded in John's gospel. So I started out with the transformation of
water into wine, discussing Jesus's power and authority to transform
lives. Antonio and Gloria from San Vicente were back with us this week
and both commented on the message. Gloria, as I mentioned before, is
going through cancer treatments, which is the reason they have not
been back in the last few weeks. We have been praying for her,
however, and sending her SMS messages on her phone. She expressed her
gratitude for our prayers and encouragement. Lord willing I will be
spending some time with them this week one afternoon. Next week will
be a bit different because our family will be up near Madrid for
special services in a church there. Israel, however, will be
continuing the series from John, and Antonio and Gloria are planning
to be in the service as well. Our afternoon service was rather small.
Israel was down in Alicante to preach there, and Maria Eugenia missed
both services because she missed her bus from Torrevieja where she
spent the day on Saturday. Unfortunately, Sergio took advantage of the
situation and did not come to church either. So in the evening for our
study, it was just our family and Lorenzo and Ana Maria with their
daughter. Please pray for us as we travel up to Madrid on Thursday
morning and as I preach throughout the weekend.

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

September 23-29

2008-09-29T06:48:00.001+02:00

This week we have been back on our normal schedule. I had the study
with Sergio this week and I talked to him very specifically about some
aspects of his appearance and his attitude at home. He seemed to
receive it very well, and I noticed a few changes in his appearance
yesterday. Maribel continues to have good meetings with the ladies, as
they meet for prayer and Bible study. The Lord protected Lorenzo this
past week in his job. There was an accident with some of the heavy
equipment which could easily have killed him, but by God's grace he
ended up with only some stitches in his ear. We are all praying for
him that he would be able to find a new job closer to home.

In our service yesterday morning I preached from the life of
Mephibosheth. When David returned to Jerusalem after Absolom's
rebellion, Mephibosheth received him with joy. There is a lesson in
his joy, for he was more interested in his fellowship with the king
than all the possessions that his servant had gotten through lying
about him to the king. All too often we find ourselves more
preoccupied with possessions than with our King who can give or take
away those possessions. May we treat as most important that which
truly is most important. At noon we enjoyed a meal with all the
students and teachers for the Bible Institute. It was a good time to
celebrate together what the Lord has done and is doing through this
ministry. And in the evening we met for our service at Lorenzo and Ana
Maria's house. We dealt with the Biblical doctrine of salvation and
its fruits, compared to the Adventist teaching concerning the Law.
What a blessing it is to consider our free salvation in Christ and the
working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

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

September 16-22

2008-09-22T05:45:00.001+02:00

Our big event this week was a church retreat over the weekend. But I
had several other good opportunities this week to share the gospel. I
mentioned last week that we had a couple in our service last week who
were asking a lot of questions. On Wednesday I went and visited them
at their house. I spent three hours with them sharing the gospel. It
was a blessed time as they listened carefully and continued to ask
questions. There were wonderful moments when I could see them grasping
the truth. We are praying for them as a congregation physically, as
she goes through chemotherapy, and spiritually. On Friday evening we
drove up to the mountains to a camp site for our first-ever church
retreat. All of us from here were able to go, as well as Israel, a
lady who worked with Lorenzo and Ana María when they first came to
Christ and a couple we've known for years from the church in Alicante.
We stayed in three beautiful cabins and had a wonderful time of
fellowship, relaxation and BIble study. We studied the book of Second
Peter, talking about all the things that the Lord wants us to
remember. We continued the spirit of the retreat in our Sunday
services, finishing up the studies on 2 Peter and eating together. I
praise the Lord for this important time together to encourage the
believers and challenge them once again with the word. We praise the
Lord for the way that He is working here.