We are assiting Abellino and Mirellya in launching their new church plant!
Abellino was a student of mine these last 3 years and graduated as the "Standout Student" and so gave the message at our graduation last May. He will be planting a church in his neighbourhood starting next week and we have an Evangelistic Campaign planned out to help him in his launch.A friend of our from Swan River Manitoba, Irv Penner, and his family (wife Mari and kids Leah (14) and Jaxson (1) ) are coming down to give some evangelism training to the church that is sending out Abellino and then conduct a "tent meeting" to share Jesus with the neighbourhood. We will also be having a local Christian rap artist to attract youth as well.
A few prayer requests during this time:
Safety
As in alot of the areas that we work, this is a concern for us. There are gangs working in the area and we're hoping to reach some of them for Christ, but please pray that the Spirit of God would place his very Hand around us to protect us as He speaks to the hearts of the gangsters who live each day knowing that it could be there last.
Power
Please Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to Hearts and that people will be drawn to the Saviour and away from a life of hopelessness and dead religion. Pray that He would fill our speakers, translators and those who will be inviting people to attend. Pray that we will be willing to listen to His voice and follow Him where He leads us!
Health
Mirellya, Abellino's wife is in her mid 30's and has a pacemaker and other significant health problems. She is currently waiting for a hospital bed to have her gallbladder out, but please pray that her recent change in diet will alleviate the pain in the meantime. Please also pray for the health of those who are serving this week.
Provision
Abellino is one of many Tiajuenses who has lost a job recently due to the economic downturn. God has been gracious to Him and given him 2 extra weeks of work, but he faces a layoff every week. Please pray for provision for the church people, their new pastor and the neighbourhood they live in. I recently found out that the averae income in many of these families is about $200/ month or less, with many having no steady income at all. Abellino and Mirellya ( who are quite poor themselves) have been feeding kids int he neighbourhood with donated food from our YUGO missionary Cindy Pesina and when they do not have that, they sacrifice their own needs to feed others. Please pray for God to provide what the people need.
The current church building-- it is in front of their house and is about 200 Sq feet or so
The empty plot of land across from their house/ church where we will have the tent meetings.
