Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus. Once again, we are happy to
report to you all that the work here goes forward. We are very thankful
for your prayers and financial support.
Altar call results: In the past few weeks, we have seen 7
professions of faith and 6 have followed the Lord in baptism. We are
seeing men and women grow in faith, knowledge, and wisdom and they are
becoming involved and responsible for the work.
Our deacons: We thank God for these 5 precious men. They all
teach, preach and are soul winners. They are also actively involved in
our discipleship programs. You may recall our mention of how one of our
deacons, Bro. Hector Diaz, had the opportunity to witness to Mr. Pedro
Ferris del Con, the "Bill O'Reilly" of Mexico. Progress is being made.
They have met several times now. He is a very religious man and his
family has connections with the hierarchy of the Catholic church here,
so it is slow. Please pray.
Disgruntled: Lamentably, from time to time in every church, Satan
gets church members to focus on the pastor's shortcomings rather than on
the grace afforded them by God's mercy. It may take a while, but God
will discipline His own. With sorrow in our hearts, we have learned two
such families who left the church disgruntled have hit rock bottom. One
came down with a disease which kept him in the hospital for the past
year and he is now an invalid. The other has lost his business, gone
bankrupt, and tried unsuccessfully to kill his wife. It doesn't matter
who or where, sin harden hearts an causes havoc in lives.
Grandbaby: Our daughter, Stephanie, is now a little over four
months along with a baby girl. She was carrying twins, but lost one and
has had some complications, but we are trusting the Lord to bring to
term the little one she still carries. We look forward to welcoming this
addition to the family in April.
We want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a blessed Christmas
with Christ at the center of the celebration and a new year full of joy
and reaping in His harvest!
'Til Jesus Comes,
Lonnie C. Smith, Jr.