I need to share an update with you for our ministry at the humble community we call Rio III. As I have reported in previous posts, Betty & I have begun to lead groups of people to serve alongside a church located in Escobedo. Over 100 families live in very humble homes near this church located alonside of a river. Most of the families live on less than $5 per day in shanty style homes. It is also a dangerous area because of drug use, robbery and other crimes. We don’t walk the streets without an escort from the church.

In June we made 6 trips with a total of 124 people to work and serve in this community. We have broken ground on a ministry center and begun to put up block walls. We have brought food and clothing to give to hundreds of people who have come to the church for help. It is litterally “standing room only” whenever we visit! Most importantly we have been able to build relationships of trust with these people as many of the moms have shared in testimony sharing and Bible study with us. The children love to greet the Americans we bring as we get off the bus. Many of the women have physical problems and ask for prayer for their children. They admit to us that some of their husbands are thieves or involved in drugs.

I have heard that a light shines brightest in total darkness. This church is a lighthouse in a dark world. You can actually feel the presense of the Holy Spirit there.

Yesterday, there was a group of 8 adults from Lifepoint Church in Monroe, Ohio who wanted to go back with us for the second time this week. They collected their money and we purchased three 20” fans to be used in the church. They will be of great use in the 100+ degree temperatures we have been experiencing. When we got there, they told me “Jim, we want to go further into the community than you took us last time. We want to go where no one has gone yet!” I’ll admit I was a little nervous in fear of personal safety. But, I think it showed the love these 8 people have for this church and community, as they invited people to come, who had never been invited before.  I know these eight people are going to go back to their home church and be advocates for this ministry. Many of them told me they would be back soon.

Last night, when we got home, Betty and I were talking and thanking God for what He is doing in these people’s lives. We want to thank ALL OF YOU who lift us up in prayer and support us financially! It is such a blessing to be serving God here and we could not be doing it without your support. Please stay tuned as I know many more great things are to come soon!