August/September 2007

Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We thank the Lord for you and deeply appreciate your faithful prayers during our recent trials and health issues and for your financial support for the work in Mexico.

Susie and I are doing much better now, and our time of returning to Mexico is drawing very near. As most of you know, I had heart surgery in August. It began with Susie and me going to the border (in McAllen, TX) for our routine physicals in July. Susie passed with flying colors, but the doctor found that I had a heart murmur and an enlarged heart. I was sent to a cardiologist who performed a series of tests such as echocardiograms, a stress test, heart catherization and a scope down the esophagus (ETT).

It was discovered that I had a ruptured mitral valve in the left ventral of my heart. There were no other problems, no blockage or cholesterol. Because of the rupture, blood was returning back to my lungs and causing me shortness of breath. We decided to have the surgery done in Indiana where we would have a support group of family and friends and have the benefit of the well known heart hospital in Indianapolis.

The surgery was done on August 20th and went very well. They were able to repair the valve without replacing it, and I am recovering just fine. PTL! There was a side issue that required another surgery on October 4th. Nerve damage was caused in my left arm and hand because of a large catheter placed there during heart surgery. The numbness and severe pain continued in that area for weeks during recovery from heart surgery. Finally through several tests, it was determined that surgery was needed to correct the problem. I am recovering from that surgery, and it appears to be getting better.

The Churches and other ministries are doing great! The Trinity Church celebrated its 22nd anniversary with 200 present and five visitors trusting Christ as Savior! The new missions are growing, and the canvassing to start a new church in Cadareyta is going well. Also, the big project to move the Bible College to the Palms Youth Camp and Convention Center was successful, and classes have started. More than 60 young people were saved during camps!

We thank the Lord for several American church groups who came during the summer to help with cleanup and remodeling along with a faithful and dedicated staff and Missionary Rick Adams that have made this possible during our absence. God bless.

Yours in Christ,

Rick and Susie

Iglesia Bautista Trinidad
(Trinity Baptist Church)
Instituto Biblico Bautista Embajadores Y Seminario
(Ambassador Baptist Bible College and Graduate School)