Dear Pastor and friends,

As it turns out the Lord always knows when and how to send some encouragement when it is needed. On Sunday May 30th, our church surprised us with a special service and dinner recognizing the years of service here. It was a total surprise. They invited some area pastors that we have had a part in training and the guest preacher was Pastor Manuel Verde who has been our friend from the first day we spent in Yucatan over 23 years ago. They prepared a video of important events through the years and had a plaque made for the occasion. It was all very nice.

The next week Chase Hill came with a group of 15 from Kansas and Oklahoma to work in 105º weather! They got quite a bit of work done in Motul and in Tahdzibichen despite the heat and other conditions. Gospels of John were passed out, special services held, four children were saved, and friendships forged during their one week stay. Through the years we have had several work groups and they have all been a blessing in one way or another.

Just recently there have been several saved and baptized. Attached is a photo from June 13 when we were able to baptize four adults and two teens. Because one lady, Matilde, decided to obey the Lord through baptism, others quickly followed suit. It is good to remember that one’s decisions always affect others!

We have been truly blessed recently and appreciate so much what the Lord has done and continues to do here in Merida, Yucatan. Thanks so much for your part in making all of this possible.

Your friend,
Richard L. Smith
Richard & Valerie Smith
BBFI Missionaries in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

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