INSTITUTE GRADUATION: We are happy to include a photo of the two graduates this year from the Petcanché Baptist Institute. Both are already active in the ministry; Lucas pastors the church in Motul and Miguel works with the youth out in Tahdzibichén (hacienda).
     There are a few students lined up for the fall semester and your prayers for God’s guidance in all these matters are appreciated.

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PETCANCHE: The challenges and temptations facing our young people are just as real as those facing the youth in any church. Our youth director, Luis, needs our prayers as he gives some counsel to a few of our teens. In the Latin culture, confrontation is usually avoided at all costs, and this doesn’t help matters.
     On the bright side, Chucho, our oldest member has been incredibly faithful, walking about 2 miles each way back and forth to church. He is 78 years old. It is an honor to work with folks like these.

UPBS: These are letters that stand for a group of pastors here in southeastern Mexico who have formed a group within the larger Mexico BBF. The first meeting was last week in San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas. There were about 25 pastors present. It is a blessing to see

how the Lord is using these good men.
     To get to the meeting meant a 14 hour bus ride with a couple of hours in different waiting rooms along the way. For a good part of the trip home I was seated next to a 21 year old named Martin who was starting his college studies. While open to hear the Gospel, he was not ready to make any commitment to the Lord. Our paths are not likely to cross again, but the seed was planted in his heart.

TAHDZIBICHEN PUEBLO: There is an important meeting here this week to determine Armando’s ministry with this congregation. Since pulling out of Techoh he has put his heart into this work and the people have responded well. For over 17 years there have been a handful of people meeting without a pastor. With Armando’s leadership they can now meet in a building with a roof and floor and some benches are on the way. We hope they will officially recognize him as pastor.

FAMILY: May was a month for graduations in our family as well. Nathan graduated from Cedarville University, Emily graduated from High School and Vickie from Jr. High.

Thanks once again for everything! We count on your faithful prayers and support to keep going.

Your friends,
Richard & Valerie Smith