Dear Friends and Family, 

The last couple of months have been so very busy and exciting here at Efata. We have had the privilege of hosting several mission teams and individuals from the States who visited and helped us with various projects. All have been a tremendous blessing, and we give thanks to God for them and all they did to be a help and encouragement to us.

 

 

 

The renovation of our church auditorium is advancing well. We have the walls up and the new platform and baptistery almost completed.   We are currently working on the electrical wiring and the provisional roof for the new addition. These changes will increase our seating capacity by 1/3, from 200 to 300 people (with a bit more if we use “squeeze space”!)

 

We have purchased drywall, and will begin construction very soon on our pregnancy crisis center and also on more classroom space.

 

The apartment for the Ricker Family is coming along. They are adjusting very well to life here in Peru at Efata, learning Spanish and Peruvian Sign Language. Up until now, they have been living in a very small, kitchenless, two bedroom apartment for months, and I know they will be excited when they can finally move into their new home.

 

 

We continue to see many souls saved and families growing in the Lord. There has been a great need for Bible counseling here, and we are working fervently in that area. Many marriages are in trouble around us; there is much yet to be done.

 

Satan is not giving up ground willingly. I feel the spiritual battles around us are escalating and manifesting themselves in many ways. As we move forward with growth, it seems we face opposition all around. Please pray for God to continue to maintain a hedge about this ministry for His glory.

 

It has been a great joy for all of us to have our oldest son Joseph home from college this summer. He has been a tremendous help and blessing. We will miss him. Julianne turned 18 on August 2^nd. I cannot believe that I have two adult children. She has truly grown up to be a wonderful young lady. She has a servant’s heart and is a great cook!   James has been working very hard and helping with all of the construction and maintenance tasks that we have now. Judson likes to delve into the work as well. I have to moderate their zeal to work with their school responsibilities.  All the children are doing well and in good health.

Joe & Lisa

Joseph, Julianne, James, Jared, Judson, Joy, John, Joel, Jessica