Take a great statement to realize that things are from God. The Iglesia de Cristo has been in God’s hands and his future too. Our lives are devoted to Him, and He controls everything in our life and our desires. When we have faith in Him, our life can have rest Him, and our mind should be focused on him especially for those wishes and plans for His kingdom. But He still is in control, every step, every minute, every month, and every year. The Iglesia de Cristo in STL. is established in His name. We preach, we serve together, we make activities for spiritual growth, but He is in control. All we need to do now is preach, And He will guide us and save us. Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Ministry We have been helping some couples and marriages, with calls and sessions, preaching and continuing to teach Bible studies. God is in control. We had attendance this past month in February high number 43 and on Wednesday high number of 10. Media This past month I preached on Facebook live. The topic: The house that Jesus couldn’t come in. We had a lot of good listeners and assistances. Some were asking for time of worship and locations too. We are praying that we can touch many hearts as we preach to the world His gospel. I saw on Facebook statistics of where people listen and areas too. Here are some pictures of where people listened when we shared it. Marriage Meeting This past month of February, we had our first marriage meeting of the year. Our goal is to reenforce marriages and couples that aren’t married. We had the meeting on Sunday afternoon from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. We taught about: Trusting your marriages. We gave two sessions, number one: Characteristics of a couple that trust each other. Number two: Three effective ways to trust your spouse. Then, we had one session in couples. (therapy) It was very encouraging even for new couples or women that came by themselves. Everybody had a great time together and understood through the bible the wisdom and guidance of God’s word. Here are some pictures. Bilingual Services We had our first services in two languages for 2024. (English and Spanish) We appreciated your will to come to praise our God together and serve Him in two languages. Our attendance this past February the 28th was high number of 86 ( 46 Spanish attendees and 40 English families) We are so happy that we all listening the word of God by Our brother JP. We all went to our homes motivated and with good memories of serving together in Christ Jesus. We also had a fellowship meal to celebrate the birthdays in February. We had a great time, kids served, having fellowship, and getting to know more each other more and more. Here are some pictures. Family
We were so happy to be able to go to FHU lectureship in the Spanish and part of the English one too. My kids love every lesson and everyday activities. We brought one more brother from our youth to be in both activities. He and my kids loved it too. This time we had members that came to the Spanish seminar too. When I saw them coming, it was up lifting for me and Kristi. For them to come for one day, traveling late at night to be there in the first out in the morning too, was an encouragement. They were Learning and helping also in the seminar. We are all so proud of them. After everything is said and done, God knows our hearts, and the works we do for the Kingdom. All you need to do is trust in Him every day, every week, every month, and in every way. If you put your trust in him, you know that He was, He is, and He will be in Control of everything. Here are some pictures from that activities. Thank you for you love and support to us and prayers.
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Love in the Lord God told His disciples. John 13:35 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The love and partnership of the spiritual and physical care of each of those who seek Christ is essential in the Kingdom of God. The key to unity is fellowship, the desire for the good of others, physically and spiritually. It is the love that surpasses all understanding. The result is wonderful, souls united, souls fighting for eternal salvation. We are all mixed with feelings, happy when we worship, but sad and distressed by the difficulties that must be attended to and faced each week, for the good of all. In the end, it is wonderful to know that God does everything, we just have to admit God's power and love for our lives and work in the Kingdom. Companionship: This past month we have been willing and united in achieving our goals and challenges of our ministry. As I mentioned earlier, we are all involved in doing God's will and perceiving His blessings to the effort, the work of each one of us. The last Sunday of January: We were able to celebrate the brothers for the month of January. All together, growing, interacting, and serving one another in the Lord. Our brothers managed to spend a beautiful and humble environment, but with love. Evangelism This month we have been collaborating with families in their difficulties and needs. But always leading them in prayer and word of encouragement to them. This past month we had an attendance on Sundays of over 46 and under 31, on Wednesdays over 13 and under 10. We hope in the Lord that the brethren will be strengthened in their difficulties to stand firm in the way of the Lord. We have visited and prayed for the families and helped in their difficulties. This month we have been in different homes encouraging and praying for their difficulties. Some were operated on, others moved to new homes, others in work problems, others in personal problems. Finally, I ask for your prayers that we may continue effectively in evangelism. We have managed to visit some people, as in case #1 they continue to visit the church, but her husband has not been able to come due to lack of work, he traveled to other states to work. But the wife has been coming when she can. Please pray for them. Case #2 The families have finally found a house. This was a great relief for these two families who needed housing during the winter. They've been coming. Please, let's pray for them and have strength and a heart that receives God's message. Here is a picture of the Bible studies we had with this other group and fellowship. we have been study the book of Genesis. Material We have designed new invitations with "QR" codes included, as we are preparing for congregational evangelism and we have purchased more Bibles to give to those who study the Bible or share with those who have wanted one to read. (Thanks to the brothers and ministries for their logistical support to be able to have access to all these materials to achieve evangelism) According to the map, the Spanish brethern who live in the different areas are able to invite people from our communities and make the Church of Christ known in St. Louis. Each group will have an invitation pack for those assigned days of the week. Benevolence This past month, winter is a bit oppressing for families who work outside in homes and on the streets. Well, thanks be to God, the families have been able to have the blessings that the English church has given them from their food pantry. We have been able to help families in need with food and clothing and even household goods. What joy it gives me to see the faces of those who receive these blessings. Thank you for sharing with others your goods and food for others, especially those in the family of faith. This month we have helped 5 families with around 25 people in total between those homes. Thanks a lot! Extra-mile In the kingdom of God there is need of everything, this month of January. Knowing that the church helps in Honduras. We have begun a monthly meeting with the families of the brethren who are helping to win souls to Christ each day and strengthen the faith of those who seek God in Christ's church. We were together in the month of January, on Monday, January 29, 2024. I taught the topic: Unity at Work. All the brothers were together, via zoom. It was very uplifting and beautiful to be able to see each other again, but now encouraging each other via zoom and teaching topics that motivate our hearts to continue working day by day in the work of the Lord. The families are: Claudia and Robert and their daughter Agnes they are in the church of Christ in La Cañada, Valley of Angels Honduras. Manuel and Marisela Perez and their son Manuel Jr., Evangelist and collaborator of the church of Christ in La Cañada and San Miguel- Elias Roque and Ruth Roque. They preside over the church work in San Miguel, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. And Emmanuel and Jackelin Gutierrez and their daughter April. They are in Mogotes, Yoro Honduras. Please pray for them, for the work and effort they make together with us to save souls and maintain the church of Christ in these different cities. Hoping that these zoom meetings will be of blessing and strengthening. Pray for Sister Marisela's grandfather (she is from El Salvador), the grandfather is in critical health. May God strengthen him in everything. Family
We have been so blessed, thank you for your prayers. These days we had sick family members all week. Thanks to God we are recovering. Please pray for us, for physical and mental strength. To work more in the Lord's work each day. My kids are close to entering baseball practice and one for soccer. I can't wait to see them running and playing. God bless you! Iglesia de Cristo in St. Louis, MO. We are very excited and motivated. We have had a very difficult month of December, due to illness. Many families have been struggling as well. But the visitation, support, and love for one another they recognize God's love in our guidance, prayers, and encouragement. Proverbs 17:17 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This 2024 we are ready to grow more and more. As the work grows, it needs more organization. Therefore, we have implemented various ministries that the work needs to develop during this present year. We cannot imagine how wonderful and blessed it will be to see the brethren work together. Annual Calendar of Activities This new year we already have the calendar with all the activities. Always every year they are given a calendar so that each member can in advance attend such a meeting or activities. Ministry The Iglesia de Cristo in St. Louis, reached its stage of the 3 levels of teaching, now thank God the families and members. They will be assisting as part of these ministries that will aid the spiritual development of the minister and unity in congregational work. These ministries are:
All of these ministries are very important, as the work is growing and the needs are growing. Families and siblings have chosen to support in all these activities. I thank God that we have a good group of brethren coming out of the third cycle of growth and now going to the next stage of every disciple of Christ. Be a part of God's work in everything. And in this cycle of development they can function in the church. To have strong families, with strong leadership. In this way we will have a strong church in unity and cooperation for the kingdom of God for all the communities of St. Louis, MO. Evangelism We have been in the month of December, teaching and instructing the brothers and also the visitors. It's wonderful to know how people have that love for the word, but that desire to know more about the true gospel of Christ. These past few months, I have been visiting families and others teaching the true gospel of Christ. Case 1: We spent 4 weeks in a row teaching the gospel of Christ to Manuel and Alejandra, they contacted us on Facebook. They even just moved in two months ago, and they had visited other denominations and managed to see us on Facebook. Manuel confessed to me that he and his wife were listening to many videos recorded on Facebook and that they like the doctrinal teaching. They've been coming to the meetings, and they've invited us to study. The first week we studied, The Rules for Bible Study, second week we studied: What is Doctrine? On this day they asked about can you lose your salvation after being baptized. I answered with God's word accordingly. The third week we talked about: the division between the Old and New Testaments, the fourth week about the church of Christ. During weeks 3 and 4 they began to question whether they were already baptized. We were talking about many biblical examples of which there is no example in the Bible of the method they used to be baptized. Up to this point they are mentally in that conflict. I don't know if they will continue, but we are praying that they will understand and reason what is written and they must obey what the scriptures and the gospel of Christ say. Please we ask for your prayers that they will understand the truth and obey the gospel of Christ. Case 2 We were going out every Sunday from 12-4 pm with Brother Oscar to visit the contacts of the past activities. And we managed to continue with a big family, they have a lot of children. They are from Honduras and we have encouraged them to listen to the gospel of Christ. We have seen that they welcomed us for 3 Sundays in a row. There I gave about 6 Bibles to everyone to continue in the Study (I thank the brothers and families who help in the ministry to be able to donate Bibles to those who need them) We have seen themes, of motivation to study the Bible. Since they are starting their lives together and they need to focus more on God. We've looked at topics like: What to do about stress? (or be focused on daily needs), We have also looked at the second week on the topic of: The Faith We Have in God. Week Three the theme: The Need to Be Saved. Unfortunately, a neighbor called the office and told them the family has many children in that house and the office sent them a note to them to leave the house in two weeks. You can't imagine the anguish it took for this family to know where to go and with children in winter and cold weather. Satan came and cut off the good fellowship, we had studied the word for weeks in that apartment. I hope we can continue soon. This family has been helping them with food and emergency assistance (since a child from school pushed him and the child fell and broke his arm as well. I thank the brethern who lovingly continued with love and compassion to help this child. Please pray for them, they haven't come to church since this happened. And I understand, with kids and babies in a foreign place. It's not easy. But we pray in the Lord all is well with them and we can continue the studies of God's word. Case 3 On Sundays we have a visiting young man named Jonatan, this young man can't read since I've known him. Up to this time he has received us to study the Bible. We've been studying: The Need to Be with God. Sin in life. Seek God. Faith in God. How to be saved? But he has not yet decided to follow Christ. We hope in this new year that we will be able to continue to visit him if he allows us and continue to study the Bible. Please pray, these are some cases of others that we are evangelizing and visiting. Hoping that God can give us health and strength to continue teaching the gospel of Christ. Companionship
On the first of January, after the meeting, we were very happy and united, celebrating the new year. That's where we gave the calendar, also the ministries as a church. We were all very happy, children, young people and adults. Serving the Lord, worshipping together. Note: Thank you to the family for their donations of Toys. May God continue to bless you in everything. Thank you for sharing your goods with others. They are very happy with everything. Family The Roque family wishes you a happy new year of health, blessing and happiness. Thank you so much for everyone's unconditional support and prayers for us and the church. We love you very much in the Lord, thank you for thinking of us and thank you for your support that we need to continue in this work in the Lord and his kingdom. God bless you! Dear Brethren,
On behalf of the Spanish Ministry at West End Church of Christ, we would like to personally thank you for your continual support, prayers, and encouragement. As the year is ending, we would like to take a moment to share the celebrations and successes we had in the 2023. Without your consideration, this work would not be possible. Evangelism: Bible studies: 203 with 357 people Invitations given: 1,417. Bibles given: 42. Baptisms: 6 Attendance: Sunday: 40 Average (with our highest being 63 in November) Wednesday: 20 Average (with 38 being the highest) Spiritual Growth: Men graduated from Hermeneutics 101 (topic and textual sermon writing): 6. Teen Class: Eli and Anthony were taught to teach Sunday teen class. Ladies graduated from teaching classes: 2. Ladies attending monthly ladies’ activities: 10. Outreach: VBS: 86-104 in attendance Seminar: 29-95 attendance Give away Day: 13 Spanish families came with 11 Bible studies conducted same day. Tues/Thurs. Benevolence: 56 people (85 including families) have come to the clothing closet and pantry. Missions Trip in July Mogotes / October La Cañada Honduras 2023 Bible Studies 145 Baptism 6 Baptism Restorations 12 We would love for you to visit our blog that is updated monthly to see many photos and more information about this growing work. And pray for our exciting things we have planned and the 2024 as Iglesia de Cristo in St. Louis MO. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Email: [email protected] Sincerely, Elias Roque These past days of October, we were after the mission with many challenges and immediate actions to comfort and encourage the hearts of those who have made the decision to continue the path of God. But on the other hand, getting to know new families in Christ Jesus. As a Spanish-speaking church, we have learned to work together in many ways. By taking steps of responsibilities and fulfilling the duties of which we are called to follow every day and every week. Together learning to live with God and working in his kingdom. As Paul says to the members in Philippi: Philippians 1:27-29 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [a]to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, Evangelism I was asked to host some MSOP students for an evangelism campaign. from Saturday, October 28 to November 1. Before these days we prepared the church to receive 4 brothers who are studying to preach and collaborate in the churches when they graduate. The church prepared itself to be able to receive them and thus helped with them in various activities. During those days, we suffered a very difficult climate to deal with, but we still managed to go out and invite people to the churches as we could withstand the degrees of cold. We could not go out much because two students come from Central America and for them 60 degrees is very cold for them. Well, I tried not to expose them too much outside. But we had the opportunity to advance evangelism in markets and restaurants from Wentzville, O’Fallon and Overland. From 10 am until 1pm. at 11 am we studied with Jonathan (I have been teaching him the bible, he does not how to read, but he always received me. That day he took us to the park to studied the bible. ) Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. Until 12 noon. And 2 p.m.] to 4 pm rest 4 to 5pm and then 7 pm until 10pm. We had more than 270 invitations distributed those days and about 73 people we managed to invite during the week. The lunches and dinners were provided by the Spanish-speaking church families who with effort invited us to eat at restaurants and others with love also cooked for them. All of them (the students) were helping us with the classes in the evenings, Juan preached on the Sunday after the bilingual service (We had fried fish and fellowship then we have our brother Juan to preached to us the topic: God is faithful. On Monday after dinner, Brother Nestor preached the theme: Responsibilities in marriages. On Tuesday after dinner, Brother Samuel preached to us the theme: Christ is worth fighting for. And on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Brother Sergio gave us the theme: Christian Families. During the day we drove all day from Sunday to Wednesday in different places and have bible studies and invitations to different places. This past Sunday November the 4th after the meeting in English with my family, I went out with Brother Oscar to visit the contacts who remained from studying with us after the door knocking campaign . We did well, thank God. We met more people in their communities as well. Evangelism Cases: Cristian & Carlos: Cristian was the contact from the Sunday October 29th , when we arrived the Sunday November 4th . Carlos opened the door for us. I noticed that he didn't know why we were there. But when I looked in the living room there were two beds. And I explained to him (Carlos) why I was there and he went to talk to Cristian. Notice that he woke Cristian out of bed. And he (Christian) came up to me, almost half asleep and awake, and he saw me and I greeted him. And I said, here we are Christian ( I thought he will postpone the study). And then he went inside and said come in, but don’t have chairs. We were in the hallway of his kitchen; he greeted us and we were standing there I began to teach a short lesson. (Christian was still tired and sleepy. he told me that he worked at night, but there he was also listening to the message and Carlos was also there with us too) I spoke to them on the subject: What does a person who has sadness and anguish do today? And I began to tell him that Jesus had sorrow and anguish but he gave us the example from Jesus to us. And that we all need one peter in our life to speak with and share our struggles and sadness. According to Matthew 26:36-38. Finishing I asked them if they wanted me to visit them the following Sunday at the same time, Carlos and he said yes. hoping in the Lord that they will continue to hear more from God. Sebastian: He wasn't at home. But when we went to invite people to church, we pass by a car pulled out and many kids and guys were getting out from the car. I recognize Sebastian and Maria, (a lady who we have been studying since July, came out). And Sebastian was last Sunday’s contact. He was a little hesitant to receive us right there in the parking lot. but we managed to study outside on the street. When it was over, other men came by in a car and coming out was Maria's husband (contact since July) They are very shy and don't deal with people much, their first languages is not Spanish (most of them from Guatemala, but the majority of them learn Spanish when they work here in the US.) we ( Oscar and me) approach close to maria husband and he listened but with not really open heart. Hopefully next Sunday they will be there in their home and continuing studying with them about Christ. It's a very large family as well. Oscar: Our brother Oscar received a study after evangelizing at about 3pm we went to eat our lunch. He commented that we have to fight to continue in salvation, because people live as if there is nothing to do for their soul (evangelism always awakens the interest of God's children in salvation as well). So from that point I studied with him some of the first chapter of Ephesus. We studied that we must present ourselves holy and blameless before God. According to Ephesians 1:3-10. Then we moved to the 4:30pm class and followed by the 5 pm service. God's design is always the best. When we are knocking on doors, He also touch hearts. Isaac and Patricia: This was a case during Tuesday October 31st at 6 pm, we were hanging out with the students after inviting. Then we went to the home of Isaac and Patricia (contacts from a year ago) They allowed me to visit them to study the Bible with them. Isaac welcomed us into his home, and I noticed that Patricia's parents were there as well. And we were introducing ourselves, the students with them too. When I spoke to Patricia's father, he immediately told me that he was Catholic... I immediately replied and told him that God has always wanted man to be one in Christ. And I told him that in the Bible there is a beautiful prayer about the unity of humanity and its beliefs. And I asked him, if he wanted me to teach him that precious prayer. He immediately said yes. So we talked about Jesus' prayer in John 17. According to the context of John 16:32-33. In order to understand only the first word of verse 1 of John 17. At the end they were very happy about the study, and I asked them if we can visit them to learn more about God like that study and they said yes too. Isaac told me that I always have the doors open at all times for me and my family. I hope the Lord will enable us to teach more about the truth of Christ and His church. These are some cases of evangelism, please pray for the new contacts and contacts who have been visiting us. Like Manuel and Valentina they have moved here in St. Louis and have been visiting churches, but they have not found what they were looking for, one day they contacted me and asked me about the days of services. They arrived last Wednesday and Manuel confessed to me that they finally found a church that teaches the word of God with truth. (Manuel told me the first Wednesday that he visited us with his family. that he has seen many topics recorded on Facebook about the Church of Christ and more. He mentions to his wife; This is the church that we should be and follow) I was surprised that there are people who look for what they read in the bible. Please pray for them, for knowledge of the truth. They have agreed to receive me when they are set up to study the Bible. They still visit us, they have 5 children. Please pray for them. Pray for me, that God will give me strength and word so that I can teach more and more of the true gospel and His church. There is no doubt that when we knock on doors, God touches hearts. Fellowship On Sunday, October 29th, we had a wonderful bilingual meeting. We were 88 souls gathered to offer our lives to God and praying and singing and listening to His word. Our brother, Kevin, gave us a topic to think about if we are really saved. Once again, thank you all for your support and unity in the Lord. After the worship end. We have some fellowship dinner. some members came by 2 pm to help us frying fishes and fillets. It was delicious. Thank you everybody for your help and cooperation. Here we also have some pictures of our brothers from the Memphis MSOP. During the activity with the brothers and sisters of the church of fellowship and times in St. Louis. Here are some pictures of the Sunday October 31st eating together. Devotional and Fellowship at homes Brother Leo oversees the home meetings throughout the year. He confessed to me that he loves gatherings at home. This past October Saturday 21st. We stayed at Franco and Andrea's house. We were supporting each other and where Leo gave us the theme: If Jehovah does not build your home? According to Psalm 127. It was very beautiful to see brothers grow and develop gifts that the church always needs and see Leo speaking to us. Family Thank you all for your prayers, kristi is getting a lot better. we hope the results will be as God desires. I'm very happy because my parents will come from Honduras to visit us and be able to see Samuel for turkey day. It's going to be two weeks with my parents where he's going to help me with evangelism and preaching as well. I can't wait to see them and spend time together as a family. Here are some pictures with my kids picking apples in a farm one evening and we made apple pies (yummy) that night we were eating some pies and vanilla ice-cream. Pray for us, that God will give me and my wife strength and give me time to give to my kids and wife. Thank you all for your wishes, support and prayers for us.
Have a happy Thanksgiving day in family. The time has come, the entire Roque family traveling to fulfill God's desire and plan. We went to motivate souls together with a group of brothers who left everything for the Lord. They left their homes, their lives, their safety, their comforts, their families, their jobs for the Kingdom of God for a week, all gathered at a single mission point, La Cañada, Honduras. All dedicated to motivating souls to stay in the kingdom of God, all dedicated to encouraging churches to keep works and His word alive, all dedicated to keeping church couples strong in the Lord. The whole missionary group every day, every hour, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. dedicated to strengthening one another, to seeing that God's love for souls is mutual, because we travel to encourage, but we leave Honduras encouraged as well. We travel with the idea of strengthening, but we also leave strengthened by them. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to serve you everywhere each year. Thank you for all the missionary group that we sow, plant, and leave tilled in your name. Matthew 19:27-30 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?” 28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother [a]or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Social Work Saturday 7th in the morning was very uplifting, we were all together, cooperating with everything. And we packed bags of food for the families of the church, then we went down to the building where the kitchen is equipped to be able to do this work that has been done every Saturday for more than 12 years, thank God. After finishing cooking, we went to give food to the children of the village, sharing with them a message from the Bible and giving food and giving them backpacks. (knowing that many of them don't have food or those that do have it are in bad condition) Because of this, everyone left happy with their backpacks and supplies that we were able to bring with us, on behalf of the donations. Here are some pictures of this Saturday morning and afternoon activity. Spiritual Growth On Saturday the 7th in the afternoon we had a seminar for couples who came a total of 30 couples with 13 children and young people to listen to the word of God with messages about marriage, where there were brothers with experience in marriage to be able to guide couples in the need to guide the home well in Christ. During those sections, 24 men, including preachers, asked for prayers for their marriages and their treatment of their families. It was wonderful to see on their faces the desire to improve their relationships with their wives and children. God is good and His word is alive and effective forever. The children and youth were led by two brothers and the youth of the missionary group during the marriage sections. Thank you all for your contributions. We managed to buy pizzas and shared all together. Ah! also it couldn't be complete without bread with coffee in Honduras. On Sunday morning, the 8th, we traveled to the city to participate in the adoration of the Church of Christ in San. Miguel, where my father Elias, Sr. preaches. There were 69 locals gathered. Everyone in the group was participating in the teaching activities, the men in worship. We finished with a lunch that the local church, with lots of effort, made to share with us in the Lord. And we proceeded to share backpacks for the children of the members for which they were very grateful for that gesture of love and support. Here are some photos of Sunday's activities. That Sunday afternoon, the 8th, we traveled to Christ Church in LA Canada to begin our evangelism approach. But that day, we taught classes to different ages and did for the first gospel meeting to call souls to Christ and come to eternal salvation. The overall theme of the campaign is based on John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." That day was very uplifting in the Canada, the brothers also made a dinner for everyone and we ate together celebrating the beginning of evangelism. Thank God for the unity and strengthening of his church. Evangelism Evangelism was unique in going through the mountains, reaching out to homes, which we never thought there were houses, but we did. There are people who live far away from others, not because they want to live away from others, but because of the need to live there because they don't have money to live in urban areas. But we went there for three days, knocking on doors, but also on hearts. From Monday the 9th to Wednesday the 11th, a group of 8 evangelism groups were going out to preach the word of God and we managed to visit and have a total of 66 studios with 72 people and more than 200 invitations, we left 9 contacts to continue studying. Thank God we had 4 baptisms and prayers for mother and son for their lives at Christ Church in the Canada, 12 reconciliations at Christ Church in San Miguel (preaching there on Sunday morning) and 24 men asked at the marriage seminar. All honor and glory be to God always, and may he strengthen the work every day. Extra Mile This October at Christ Church in St. Louis, MO. At the request of Memphis Bible School, TN. We were told if we can receive students during the last days of October for an evangelism. With some conversations from the members, we have decided to be able to help and help ourselves. We will be evangelizing Sunday, October 29th through Wednesday, November 1st. There are only 4 students who speak more Spanish, to come and cooperate and assist in what the local church needs, evangelism, preaching, etc. Please pray that we can study and have more people with the intention of learning more about the Lord. Church members from our Spanish Church will help feed and pay for gas for them during their stay. (I'm impressed at this that at only 5 years old spiritually they decided to do this) the I hope in the Lord that we can get contacts and fruits in the Lord. Family
My family returned on Friday the 13th, arriving at the house on Saturday 1 am, all thanks to God we are well. Only that it comes back with sinusitis. I hope in the Lord that I will be able to get out of this illness soon. We were at the church in the afternoon, where I continued the series of messages entitled, Quotes from Jesus that motivate disciples. It was wonderful to see the joy of the members of Christ's Church in St. Louis. Greeting each other and some families giving us dinner to eat at home. Thank you to them for keeping that love for us every day. Our work continues this month now in St. Louis, MO. We have new families to evangelize these months to sow the word of God in their hearts. I pray for my wife, she has been struggling a lot with her illness of lack of iron in her blood. So far she has found a doctor who has taken very good care of her and listened to her health problems. She is very motivated by her treatments. Please pray for her to continue in the Lord's work and to take care of the family in good health. I ask for your prayers for strength and knowledge to continue the work in the Lord each year. Gratitude I thank God for making His Words come true and making us all think alike and serve alike in our hearts and minds. I thank the Lord for the care and the weather, that even though it rained everything was wonderful during the mission week everything could be done from morning to night. I thank the brothers who included us in the prayer for safety and fruit. I thank the brothers who traveled from the USA, Nicaragua and Honduras to work together in God's work, winning souls for Christ. I thank those who donated backpacks and supplies and more for everyone. I thank the leaders of the congregations, Great Oaks Memphis TN. Highland Lebanon, TN and West End St. Louis MO. who, through their love for souls, with their donations were able to do much good for everyone in this mission. To my wife, for her strength and will to be able to achieve God's dreams in Honduras. Thank you to everyone who traveled and offered us their prayers each mission day. Thank you all! God bless us greatly every day. We have had the opportunity to see souls surrender their lives to God and above all to see them happy in obeying the gospel of Christ. We continue to preach, we continue to teach, we continue to sow, we continue to meet more people, to invite more, to greet many and to invite them to Christ. The work continues, Disciples of Christ must make more disciples, it is a work that God always mentioned to His disciples. Preaching, speaking, of Christ should not be a sense of fear, it should be a sense of pride and worth. Paul said on many occasions phrases that we need to remember today: Romans 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… Paul said on another occasion 2 Corinthians 11:28 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. There is no doubt that Paul strove to tell others about Christ even to his friends and non-friends. The gospel belongs to everyone, the gospel is power to save. I say all this because it encourages knowing that there are people who still want to obey and know the truth. Many times, they do not listen to us, many times one waters the seed, and we continue to water the seed (the word of God), and it is great how faith can germinate in them. Willing people are those who hear and understand the need to obey the gospel. In these months the church has been very happy to be witnesses and to see how souls join the kingdom, the church of the Lord. I know I haven't been able to update what happened at Christ Church in St. Louis, MO due to many activities and previous mission. But here is a recapitalization of August and September. Evangelism These months we have had many brothers in need of spiritual help, and people who are visiting us and you see that they struggle mentally when comparing the scriptures with those they used to do in their religions. The gospel and truth have power for those who are loyal and fear God and His scriptures. These past few days we have been encouraging the brethren. Just as we see being born by the obedience of the gospel in the other side some are being troubled in the world. It is difficult to see when the enemy persists in disuniting the flock of God, we can only trust in God, praying, preaching, and encouraging with the scriptures to strengthen us in the Lord Jesus. Please if you can include us in your prayers for the brethren for the faith in church, for strength and encouragement in their decisions. This month we have had the wonderful opportunity to see more souls through the obedience of the gospel. Here are some details of these baptisms. July 30 Valentino, He was visiting the church and after pm service. He asked me more questions about the church, and we got to the point of baptism. I asked him if he knew the biblical word gospel. Answering in many ways, he finally acknowledged that he did not. At that time, I told him that we were going to study more soon. He immediately told me that he wanted to know about the gospel now. When we study and explained it to him, he decided to obey him. I remember very well the words he said: If I do not obey him today, I am doing nothing. Please pray for him, Our brother Leo has been bringing him in his car to the services, but when he was looking for work, he was interacting with the text group and sending messages from other religions. By explaining some biblical reasons why it is not the same as other religions practices and teach. He got a little struggling decided to leave the group text and also he got discouraged so much that he has stopped meeting with us. But we continue praying that he may have more time to understand the truth and leave what he had been taught for many years in his past religion. The members do not understand how someone can leave the church so soon. But we have encouraged the group sometimes people leave the truth. Also, even the brethren of the church have encouraged him in the Lord to understand more about the truth. We continuing to pray for him and for other brothers who have strayed from faith in God. Here are the other baptisms. Franklin Tuesday, August 1 Elizabeth Wednesday, August 2 Briana Wednesday, August 9 God bless his church, may it always be glorified, and may he continue to help us preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Communion We continue with the activities with the congregation, we have had meetings and celebrated the birthdays of the months of August and September. The church, despite suffering difficulties, but we are always continuing to be united, studying and understanding the word of God. The men continue to collaborate in the meetings and have been growing spiritually. By celebrating in June, we have been motivating the church to think that what we want to add more in our activities the comings days. They have decided to go out and do more evangelism in a group. We talk that the last Saturday of each month we are going to invite people to church. The ladies request to have Ladies’ Bible classes. We have all decided that on Wednesdays from November to December we will be receiving separate classes, men and ladies bible classes. This encourages me very much, that the church continues to develop on the needs that exist in ministry. This will further help both groups learn more explicit topics about home, growth, and service to God. We also were excited that in the month of August, we were able to invite over a few different days, all the families of the church to eat in our home and fellowship together. Each family that was able to make it really had a good time eating and fellowshipping together. We were also planning to eat fry fish, since March. The men have never been able to get together to fish together. But this time it became true, a group of men went to fish. Well, in the end of the day Noah represented us well with a tremendous fish. We had a great time together, but we still lack fish. We have about thirteen to fry. I am deeply grateful to the family who shared their goods to allow us to fish on their property. Thanks a lot! Here are some photos from that afternoon. Extra-mile This September, we were invited to the celebration of the 10 year of the Spanish ministry in Great Oaks Church of Christ in Memphis TN. It was a wonderful experience, arriving in the city where we we were invited by brothers to spend on Saturday afternoon with them. As time passes, I was that some are already growth spiritually and some already are married with have babies. Everything was wonderful and it was memorable moment. On Sunday morning the Church was worshipping God in two languages one faith convincing services together and bringing memories from 10 years ago. My topic that morning was: Are you ready to be home? It was a great time worshiping together with church friends and more. God bless their successes and goals in that city and the unity in Christ Jesus our Savior. This coming October we will be traveling to Honduras for our second activity of the year at the churches of Christ in Cañada and San Miguel. Everything is ready, brothers from Nashville and Memphis will travel to Honduras also to be able to serve the community and the churches of Christ in those communities. Please pray for us, for protection, and strength to continue preaching every day there in the mission and, we may find souls who fear God and obey the gospel of Christ. We will be a work team of evangelisms from USA, Nicaragua, Honduras. I hope in the Lord Jesus that everything will go as He desires and guide us to where He has souls and homes ready to hear the truth. Family This month, we had a family memory, the Roques traveled to Colorado to spend some time in family and enjoy the beautiful views and natures that God created in this country. Especially in Colorado. We were in the home of one of Christ's family, (which I appreciate very much the lodging and attention to us, God bless them in everything) It was beautiful, to be able in this year to enjoy together and spend time with family. Seeing my kids happy and doing new things in Colorado was memorable. I have in my mind and heart many images of how father I will never erase. Since children grow fast and it is convenient to achieve time to spend with family. We were all blessed by God and met new brothers in Christ in the church of Christ in Colorado as well. Here are some pictures of our trip looking for new memories with my children and wife. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities you give us to be in family. Here are some photos. Please, if you can include us for a few seconds and mention of us in your prayers to our God, who will take care of us, give us strength and wisdom to continue the way of the Lord and be able to always be with strength to continue preaching the gospel to every creature.
It is wonderful how people or communities share the affection and love in those who proclaim the truth of Christ. We went out with nothing to the communities and there was always in their hands something to eat, coffee or soda, bananas to take away. They received us with a lot of love and kindness. They remind me of Jesus' words: Matthew 10:10-14 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. A lot to say and there are many details to explain about the past month of July. The mission to mogotes, Yoro Honduras was a good experience full of challenges and teachings, there is no doubt that when we come together to serve God, God always helps us to carry something valuable in the heart. Evangelism in Mogotes Honduras It was wonderful when we went out to visit homes that were hearing the truth for the first time, about worship, about church, about Christ, about baptism. We had an evangelism of more than 140 houses were evangelized and about 160 people learned about the baptism and the truth Gospel of Christ and His Church. (I heard also during our activities, that many leaders went in some houses when we door knocking also. These leaders talk to their members about us and to not receiving or attending to our activities. Until todays when we left mogotes they start having evangelism to block the seeds planted in their hearts. This remained me when Paul went to Berea in Acts 17:13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. This made me uncomfortable, but during that week, seeing people coming to our meetings every day of gospel meetings to hear the work of God is relief. During the week we had a count a total of 126 people between children, youth, and local adults. Not counting the teamwork that was every day around 40 ish. We were 6 groups doors knocking all day, we also had a pre-clinic of two afternoons. Our doctor checked around 130 people (kids, adults and youth) each day for two days between 1 pm to 3 pm. It is amazing how she (the doctor) with her love and kindness helped the community, she even was asked if she wanted to stop and she even ask to let more people in even I can more ... Even when she was eating , people came to her and asked her if she was able to visit their home to check the sicks. and she always went to their homes. All 40ish brothers and sisters working together with same desire to win soul to proclaim the church of Christ and preach the true gospel of Christ. A soul responded, decided to obey the Gospel of Christ. that soul was added to the gospel of Christ, praise be the Lord our God. New land We had our first worship in the new land, it has been almost 3 years since starting (at Juanita's house) the members and children were very happy to know that they have a place that identifies them as the church of Christ in the local community. (Thank you to the donors who felt in their hearts, despite not knowing them in mogotes. And understanding the needs in the kingdom. The local brothers and sisters worked hard to clean and be able to put plastic covers for the meetings with the preachers. They helped and came together to put their skills together to have their first service on Sunday. That Sunday was the first meeting was held in that land, everyone was happy worshiping together seeing the mountains and praising our God. Gratitude:
I thank our almighty God who makes his plans possible in the face of every obstacle. I thank God for everyone who went on this trip, I thank Arnold's brothers and west end brothers for their love in cooperating with medicines, donations for children and adults and for children's classes. I thank the brothers who shared their goods to be able to access a land to serve God in that place and the community. I thank my in-laws, who although two of my children could not travel they were able to take care of our children during this mission trip. I thank the Spanish-speaking brothers who made the meetings during my absence (We are very proud of them) I thank my Roque family from Honduras for their multi-work they do to make the missions a reality. I thank everyone who prayed for us, believe me your prayers helped us a lot in everything from departure and return. I thank the elders of Arnold's church for their faith, love for souls who were able to sponsor this mission trip in their needs. I thank Arnold's brothers who donated for the mission trip for their mission needs. I thank the group that traveled to Honduras, mentalized to serve and love every day the brothers and the community. I thank the brothers of mogotes for their love and affection for us. I thank our preachers from Honduras and Nicaragua that came and help us to preach and serve the community. I thank a new missionary leader who was born during this mission, he has the attitude of a spiritual warrior, and a noble heart, Zack Curry. For everything he did as a leader in command of the mission and all the needs. I can't wait to continue working with everybody again to preach the gospel, praising His name, and serving the communities again. In Christ Jesus our Lord and savior. This month we had so much blessing working together, building spiritually each other, serving to others, worshiping to our God, growing together spiritually. This month we learned to work together in two languages. we learned more in valuing our salvation and blessings. The Church of Christ in St. Louis MO. We had now 5 years of sowing the seed, helping the lost, teaching in the gospel, explaining the doctrine of Christ, restoring, baptizing, worshiping. Five years of blessing and salvation. All the activities this month help us create opportunities to make more laborers to the harvest. Matthew 9:38 “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Evangelism This past June, we had two activities that are on our calendar such as spreading the gospel, getting any one to know that there is a church of Christ in the communities and we were teaching the gospel to others believers or non-believers. VBS in June: In the bilingual VBS, it was very uplifting. The brethren of Crieve hall Church of Christ. They were doing this activity of much edification and blessing for our children. All three days we had a good attendance of adults and children. And we knocked on about 169 in three days and invited 527 people in total, between Mexican markets and communities etc. every night got around lowest 87 to 104 people between, kids, youth and adults. Seminar: Following the VBS we had our annual seminar, where we had our speakers with good presentations and helping us in evangelism. We were having Bible studies in homes. We had about 8 Bible studies with about 17 people in total . the goal here was to visit the families that we contact the week before, and some of this families that we have been working with. we delivered in different places and locations invitations to our evangelistic seminar. We had 75 attendance during the week with new visits each day of seminar. And the bilingual meeting was wonderful. Worshipping together in both languages and celebrating together the achievements of God's kingdom. This month we have many studies, we had some visitor continuing visiting us to the Lord's Church. Some have not returned because they don’t agree about doctrine. About instruments and more. But we will continue and praying for the seeds planted. Online This month, I was recording two podcasts for Spanish. They will be the last ones that I will record. The team understood, but we will continue to spread on another platform that Hispanics frequent and use more so far more today. We will continue with what I have done, through Facebook live and recording via zoom messages of salvation through the internet. Ministry The brothers and sisters, we had many challenges this past month, but all have been accomplished with greater joy and responsibility. Church members helped a lot in organizing helping the VBS group, attending activities with their friends. Help with food to the evangelism team during the seminar. Cleaning and decorate. Everything was wonderful, the love, the commitment they have to the work of the Lord grows more and more. 5 years: We celebrated our five years, it is amazing how many disciples have been added to His church. It's amazing what it takes to explain the truth, the doctrine, the gospel etc. to others. In five years, we have spread, sown and the growth is given by God at all times. It was very difficult and still it is difficult, but with Christ everything has been possible, who has strengthened us. Here are some pictures from the past years. I ask the member during the classes from July, what they want to do know. Because what we planned in the beginning in being accomplished. but now in five more years what they want to do more in His name. So far, they told me and they were agree together to evangelist more. so, we are going to take one Saturday a month and going together to invite people to the church and preach them the gospel. Also the ladies want once a year bible classes Just ladies. So, we decided together as a congregation that during summer we are going to split the group and have men classes and women classes in separate classrooms on Wednesday night . Communion: We were also blessed to be together as a family in Christ, the kids and ladies from church gave us a surprise to the fathers. Giving us a delicious dinner of different type of food from different country dishes. It was a lot of fun and delicious too. We came out from church very full physically, and very full spiritually. On the last Sunday of the month, we gathered to celebrate all birthdays from month of June. It was a blessing to see us together again and praying for the birthday members and sharing food and cake. Extra-Mile This July, Kristi, Eli, Noah and I. Along with some brothers and sisters of Arnold COC. We are blessed to go and preach the gospel of God to a new area, called MOGOTES, Yoro Honduras. This church was established two years ago and has been assisted by our evangelism team work Elias Sr. Robert, Manuel, Samuel and other brothers help once a month to travel to mogotes and do the services. This new mission trip there has as a goal, to spread and let the communities know that there is a church of Christ. Teach them God's love, the truth in His church, and salvation among them. Me and my family are going to travel three days before to buy everything that is needed in a city and travel to install everything there in mogotes before the rest of the team come. Also we are traveling back to the airport in Comayagua to pick up the group traveling to Honduras on Friday the 21st. This mission trip will have: Community work, with a local doctor member from church, who will check the children in the school and church and we can provide them with skin medicines, vitamins and medicine for parasites. We hope we can achieve it, we have in mind to help more than 100 children with basic doctor and medicine. Please pray for this mission that many souls will be edified and visit the church of Christ in this communities in MOGOTES , YORO, HONDURAS . serving God with love and passion. Family: The family had the wonderful blessing of seeing one more child reborn, now spiritually .Noah Roque was baptized for the forgiveness of sins this past July 3rd at 11pm. As parents we are very happy deep down in our hearts to see our son making the decision, who has been asking us questions for 2 years about baptism. That night Monday night was the time he took for his forgiveness of sins and to be part of God's kingdom and to serve his kingdom. God bless the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation. This June the Roque family has had many challenges, thank God we have had the strength and health to be able to help in what is needed in the kingdom of God. The first week VBS, the second week seminar, and the following days West youth Kentucky Camp. where we were invited to teach others. I had the opportunity to teach a class to young people every day. It was very wonderful. As a Bible teacher, I was assigned to a group where we had to support in games and in one of those games I bent my foot. Thank God I didn't have any fractures, only damaged ligaments, but I hope to heal well for the mission in Honduras on July 17-28 that I have in two weeks. I ask for your prayers that we may always have God's hand in everything we do every day.
Thank you for your prayers, comments, and support that you always make to continue spreading the gospel of God. This past April, we have been filled with a lot of interaction with many people, also getting to know more brothers in Christ Jesus. The church of Christ in Spanish we continue in the Lord helping each other and growing in the Lord. It reminds me of the Lord's words to His disciples and the crowd. Mark 12:29-31 29 Jesus answered him, "The first commandment of all is, Hear, Israel; the Lord our God, the Lord is one." 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the main commandment. 31 and the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Evangelism This month it was very blessed to be able to reach many hearts, especially new people who heard the word of God and to be able to let them know that there is a church of Christ in their communities. This month we had a cooperative evangelism with MSOP students from Memphis TN. Apart from going knocking on doors, we also visited at night and studied the Bible with families. During this month we had an evangelism of 18 Bible studies with a total of 43 people and 117 invitations were distributed. Leaving us 5 contacts, 3 rejections towards us and we visited 3 supermarkets. Adoration: This month we had an attendance from Wednesday 12 to 23 who were during this month and on Sundays 27 to 35. This past April we were looking at themes of encouragement and strength, the students preached to us on Sunday afternoon having two themes: Faith comes from God and peace comes from God. We had a food convivio at the end of that Sunday, April 2nd. On Wednesday, April 5, a student gave us the class: Servants of Jesus. All the members were very happy to meet them and hear them also preach. On Monday night and Tuesday we were visiting homes with studies that were waiting for us to receive us and study the word of God. Families are happy to have them and to be able to share food as well. It was very edifying to be able to have these three brothers. Néstor, David and Sergio. They all gave us motivation and spiritual strength by having them with us sharing God's word. After their departure, we went out with Brother Oscar (on Monday morning, April 10) to visit the contacts and it went very well, we also met a lady who was outside and received us to study the Bible together. Brother Oscar had his first experience telling her about Christ, salvation, and his church. It was a great joy to see him preaching the gospel to the lost and unknown. Fellowship We were gathering in our first devotional in homes of this 2023. It was wonderful seeing our brother Leo, Leading the activity, and giving a great devo- lesson. that he prepared. It was very encouraging and well done too. Also, they invited another family to fellowship and to get to know more about the Iglesia de Cristo. It was a great time together listening the word of God and enjoying a Venezuela meal. (It was so good and yummy). I am so proud of him and his family for hosting this activity for the church and reaching out more families in Christ. Extra-mile I had the opportunity to be able to travel on Friday the 21st and stay and leave on Sunday, April 23rd after preaching to the congregation of Sedelia Church Of Christ. They invited me to preach in English and Spanish at the same time. That was a very big challenge for me. But thank God I was able to preach the word of God 5 topics in 3 days. One theme on Friday night, another on Saturday and on Sunday three topics. At the end we traveled quickly to do the meeting in Spanish in West End. Thanks be to God there was a brother and friend of many years, who had just moved there to Sedelia. And I was blessed that he was gathering in that congregation and offered to translate the topics. It was a great relief that he was there to help. The topics were: Can I know that God exists?, Can I know that the word is inspired by God?, Can I know the deity of Christ? How do I know there the way? How can I know I am saved? During the day, I had the opportunity to meet a large family from Guatemala who are members in that congregation and worship together every day. They share everything together, worship, one prays in their language and another brother prays in their language. The songs too, the Lord's Supper. In short, they do everything together and without a translator. The truth is that there are always new things to learn in life about the kingdom of God and its development to save souls in His church. God bless this congregation for the great effort they make to be together in the Lord. Family This month we once again had the wonderful experience of seeing my children develop in L2L, thanks to God we had the opportunity to travel as a family (thank you all for your help and meals) everything was very uplifting and encouraging. The whole group of west end kids were wonderful. What a blessing it is to see that there is a future in the church when we see these children today coming to L2L and in the future being servants of God. Thank you west end family for everything you did for us and for the whole group that traveled there and participated. Also this month we were sick with COVID for a week. But we're already well. Thanks to God everything did not happen to greater gravity. Thank you for your prayers and messages. God bless you.
We are ready to continue and achieve his will every day. The Church of Christ in St. Louis MO, This month we have had a month full of many blessings, The gospel continues to be preached, we continue to collaborate to strengthen homes, marriages, men and the church. We continue to try to know God, through the scriptures, we continue to collaborate to grow in communion and fellowship. The blood of God and the power of his gospel help us always at all times to stand firm even in all the difficulties we face every day. Ephesians 3:14-19 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father [a]of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Evangelism This month we are very happy, full of joy to see one more soul surrender to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is Deisy She is the daughter of a family that is studying the word of God. This month in attendance under 34 and over 46, we almost reached 50. It is a blessing to see how many times souls come to receive God's message and to know more about God and the truth in His Church this March we were talking, knowing God based on the book of Hosea 4:6. On Wednesdays we had an attendance of less than 11 and greater than 17. On Wednesdays in March we continue the theme: When God brings judgment upon mankind based on Romans 2:5-9 and the last two Wednesdays we study the theme: Not ceasing to gather Hebrews 10:25. This month we had 14 Bible studies with a total of 36 invitations. We are teaching all this March from 4 pm homiletics classes, Types of Sermons. Right now we're about the verbatim sermon. The men are very participatory and energetic with their themes and research on the texts. The sisters are at the same time learning how to lead a class of children at different ages. Kristi has been teaching while teaching the children, showing the sisters what is done on each class occasion and with their respective age and teaching children's songs. Since each age requires different attention. Thank God we have been able to carry out this work that will help us grow and prevent future needs of numerical growth and be able to meet those needs when the Lord sends us more brothers in Christ. We continue to study with families and encourage couples by strengthening homes and trying to win souls to God with the power of the gospel. The struggles belong to everyone, the world needs everyone. As Paul said to the Romans 9:14, how will they believe if there is no one to preach to them? Ministry Development: We are teaching all this March from 4 pm homiletics classes, Types of Sermons. Right now we're about the verbatim sermon. The men are very participatory and energetic with their themes and research on the texts. The sisters are at the same time learning how to lead a class of children at different ages. Kristi has been teaching while teaching the children, showing the sisters what is done on each class occasion and with their respective age and teaching children's songs. Since each age requires different attention. Thank God we have been able to carry out this work that will help us grow and prevent future needs of numerical growth and be able to meet those needs when the Lord sends us more brothers in Christ. We continue to study with families and encourage couples by strengthening homes and trying to win souls to God with the power of the gospel. The struggle belongs to everyone, the world needs everyone. As Paul said to the Romans 9:14, how will they believe if there is no one to preach to them? Companionship: We have been celebrating in baby of our brothers and family Baltazar. This past Sunday we had a shower for them. And we all had a good time together and in communion. Praying for them and the baby. Family
This month we have been in many difficulties, but also blessings. I've been with a dry cough for almost over a month. It wasn't just a bronchial allergy. It wasn't easy this month preaching and giving studies having this. But God is good. We managed to move forward with the days. Pray for me for my health, as I have not felt well. Without sleeping well, Since I have the sleep apnea and my machine has not arrived yet. On the other hand, my children are already practicing baseball, which is nice to see them practice and enjoy this sport socially. We have also been doing devotionals in the house. I told my children that they have a pretend congregation that they are in charge and everyone needs to preach every Friday. The preacher in charge of that week has a meeting of preachers with the other brothers and the one who preaches that week, is in charge in that meeting of asking who prays, sings and gives announcements in the group. That preacher of the week has to preach that day. Let me tell you, sometimes I come home from work and they tell me daddy there's a meeting today. I keep thinking, but it's not Friday today... But I understand they want to do it. We have had many services in the house several Fridays now. God bless the future of his kingdom. Thank you so much for your support and prayers for the church in St. Louis MO. God bless you always every day. In our ministry in Spanish, we have focused on a month of strength. Personal strengths, marriage strengths, knowledge strengths, unity strengths. We have been helping each other to know and serve our creator more. Recalling the words of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians 3:16-18 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- It is very important to strengthen what continues, we continue to preach, serve and help as we can and when we can. But in the end God's strength for us is very valuable, strength of knowledge and strength in the Spirit through knowing Christ better. Evangelism This February, we have had the opportunity to study God's word with new families and individuals. Also re-strengthening the faith of the brothers in Christ Jesus. This month we had an attendance on Sundays under 33 and over 39. On Wednesdays an attendance of less than 16 over 22. We have also had consistent visits. We have also had a total of 30 Bible studies, 23 invitations. An example of studies: We have been studying with a group of 4 males. We meet on Thursdays at 8 pm studying the book of Genesis. Three of them we have been inviting for two years, they have visited church meetings once or twice. for this year thank God they have been studying on Thursdays. They wanted to know more about God and his word. During the chapters of genesis we have come to Genesis chapter 14. They have come to this day to recognize that they must obey God and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. We hope in the Lord that this seed can bear fruit and we can be saved in Christ Jesus. They always wait for me with Bibles in hand every Thursday night, even though they get up for work at 5 am. On Thursdays we finish between 9 or 10:30 pm and sometimes 11pm at night. But they are still interested in how God manifested Himself in Genesis. We continue to pray that they may give their lives to Christ and obey the gospel of Jesus Christ our savior. Another example: I was studying with three ladies one of them I have talked more than 5 times about the need to come to Christ, but I still pray that she will be converted. This lady always brings more people to pick up clothes in the building. Well, she brought two more friends. The study was that a lady attended a Pentecostal church and mentioned to me that she was already attending and that she participated in the Lord's Supper in her church. There was an opportunity to ask him when he participated (Normally they participate once a year or every month) That's where I could ask him if he had been taught when to take it. She confessed to me that she did not remember, so I asked if I wanted to know the truth about it? And there we studied, at the end we talked about truth and the right worship and the need to follow Christ and not serve men as galatas1:10 says it. Well, I hope she can one day go back to church and seek the truth. We will continue in prayer that we can continue our struggle to win souls to Christ and strengthen the church to keep faith and salvation. Online: This month we have always been broadcasting on Facebook the Wednesday classes, these Wednesdays we have been giving the theme of When does/did God bring judgment on humanity? We have also seen an audience from other countries giving greetings as well. How good that you can share the word of God online. We have also been inviting people to the different activities on Facebook and announcing the church with biblical passages. So that people realize that there is a church of Christ in the city. The next episode of "Sumergidos en Dios" was also given through Esparcidos podcast. Hoping in the Lord that we can also reach hearts in the world. Ministry
Marriage reunion: This past February 11 we did an activity to strengthen knowledge about marriage. We had three themes that we developed on that day: How to stoke the love in marriage? We also looked at three vital rules to keep marriage healthy and finally we saw When does marriage end? There was a section where we had two preachers talking for 5 minutes about marriage advice. This was of great interest to the brothers and we talked about what they advised. At the end of everything and adoration we stayed to enjoy a dinner in communion. Strengthening knowledge: The brothers are meeting at 4 pm, to strengthen two very important areas. Men are learning hermeneutics, how to make sermons, we have seen that a sermon must have main rules. But within the religious realm there are three rules that help speech or preaching as we know it. We have seen the three vital rules for identifying healthy sermons. Hermeneutics (three types of sermons: topical sermon, verbatim sermon, and exposition sermon) We saw that the topical sermon is the most common, but it is also the most dangerous. Also hermeneutics and oratory. But for now we are applying these three in a basic way when we do topical sermons. It was interesting how men are understanding this class, to strengthen them so that they build the church healthily. We are now developing a topical sermon together in groups. The ladies, are receiving with Kristi how to teach children at different ages, teaching to sing children's hymns as well. The sisters are being edified to meet the needs of the congregation today and the future. There is a lot of material to cover so that we can function more as we grow in the Lord as a church. Together building ourselves up to glorify our God. At the end of the month we meet to be together and celebrate those who have their birthdays in the month of February. It was very nice how everyone is helping and cooperating to be able to have an end of the month in communion. Please, I ask for prayers that we will all grow and develop together spiritually. Family This month was very edifying for my whole family, we were blessed to be able to go to FHU seminar. It was as always very motivating and re-strengthening even for all ages. My children enjoyed themselves even though they got up early every day and it was long but very motivating days. Eli to his youth section. That I love very much, of what he has to tell us every day of what he hears and says to others at FHU. Me and my wife enjoyed sections together, but also separately. We were also in the Spanish section from Friday to Sunday morning. And on Sunday afternoon it all started in English. The truth always comes back strengthened in my heart to know God's and more encouragement to my soul and spiritual life. It was so exciting, my family they asked me to stay more days until everything was over. Thank you Lord for allowing us to go as a family and build my children for your kingdom. Pray for me brothers, I have been with problems of tiredness and lack of energy. I found out that I have severe sleep problems. "severe sleep " Thank God they did an exam, my doctor told me that I should use a machine to improve apnea. I hope I can feel better since I haven't felt complete for almost two years. I know there are consequences if no action is taken, but I hope in the Lord that this can help me more and more and can give me answers to the things I feel every day. God bless me and this is the actualization of our ministry in St. Louis MO. How beautiful it is to recognize every day that in God we all have new opportunities, a new life, new challenges, new mercy a new opportunity to preach to new people, getting to know more new brothers and sisters in Christ. No matter how much we have done, or how much we have failed in God, there is always a day that we wake up and recognize that God can change us, we recognize that God can make everything new again. Lamentations 3:21-23 21 This I recall to my mind; Therefore, I have hope. 22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. In the church of Christ in Spanish, we are continuing searching and getting to know more about God. We are together willing to fight and grow spiritually every week. This year we remain focused on growing spiritually and numerically. As church members, we now have more opportunities to develop our gifts and abilities in the kingdom of God. Evangelism This January, we have had a month with new opportunities to serve and help others know Christ, the church, the truth, and the gospel of Christ. This month we had a Sunday attendance of less than 26 and a high attendance of 41. On Wednesdays we had an attendance of less than 12 and an attendance greater than 26. Also in evangelism we had a total of 17 Bible studies with 37 people and 48 invitations to the church of Christ and attend the different worship meetings. For the honor and glory of God a soul gave itself to Christ, baptizing for the forgiveness of sins. We gave out ten large print Bibles to people who needed one. (Thank you all for helping us make this work of blessing a reality for those in need of Spanish Bibles and studying the Bible with them) This month I was talking to many about the need to follow Christ, the difference between the Gentiles of the Bible and the disciples of Christ, right worship, the need to be baptized correctly, personal encouragements about God's righteousness in the world and when life changes and more. We have also developed the class on Wednesdays on: The Will of God and on Sundays on: The Word Glory to God. We are also personally helping a brother understand more about the commandments so he can teach the church the importance of what the Lord's Supper is. Online: This month we have been spreading the gospel of Christ on our Facebook church of Christ platform. Preaching live evangelistic topics to communities, I always try to do them at noon in the week. It is wonderful to see how the brothers communicate with us even from other countries. We also continue to broadcast the meetings on Wednesdays with the theme: God's Will. We have a family who is visiting us, who viewed the page on Facebook. They have been visiting us as a family. We are happy that they can search and find us. here are some pictures of how much we reach out in Facebook and what ages are watching the page monthly. We also continue to spread the topics in Spanish in SCARTTERED. Hoping that many more can hear us and seek a church of Christ in the world. Please pray for me, that God will help me, with wisdom and counsel, to continue preaching online to teach the gospel of Christ. Benevolence This month we have been giving to many in need, sharing of our blessings and comforting them in their hearts. This month we had an assistance to the benevolence 45 people with children, these are 21 families each family are from 3 to 6 per family. Many of them managed to receive for their needs, they also received some Bible studies, we also gave words of Consolation and prayed for them and their needs. Thank you very much, brothers for sharing to help those in need. Case Study: Lady Alone with three children: She visited us to our benevolence room, taking her time to choose clothes for her children she has three. She was leaving the clothes room. I told her that I have something for her family. She with encouragement went with me to the fellowship room in that area I had two Bibles ready and one to give away. I immediately asked her, if she had a Bible. she said yes. I Ask if she needed a prayer. I could pray for you I told her. She sat down and began to listen to me. After listening I told her to go to the Bible and we talked about what Matthew 6:31 says about the eagerness of life. In verse 32, I tell her: that Jesus told his disciples that the Gentiles always seek these things. I asked her the question because Jesus says the Gentiles. And he didn't say you look for these things to his disciples. She started thinking and she didn't know. I explain that the Gentiles act as if they have no God in the world and without hope according to Ephesians 2:12. She kept thinking more about the word gentile. I told her that sometimes we act like the gentiles and live like the Gentiles. We have needs or difficulties. And we think no one can help us. And I can only get ahead with my strength and intelligence. But I told her that Jesus knew who the Gentiles were. They live without seeking God and without Hope in the world. After that we continue reading verse 33 that we seek God and His righteousness and everything will be added. When we read this text. She kept thinking and told me. Where is God's righteousness when we need it? There I asked her if she could share. Why does she say That? She began to cry and say that her husband left her, for infidelity. And crying she told me that she can't believe it, how could he to be able to do that with them. Seeing that now he gives his new girlfriend what they need for her children and not for his own children now. And she speak more unfair things than he actually did to her. In the end, I encouraged her to understand God's justice about adultery. I told her about Romans 2:5-9 and read and explained proverbs 6:20-35 . The pain and consequences of adulterers. In the end I invited her to follow Christ Jesus as her savior. She said she has been thinking about getting baptized. I prayed for her for strength and help at all times and salvation for her and her family. Please, brethren, let us pray that souls will seek their church and restore their lives. This is just an example of what we do with souls who visit us and seek peace and consolation in their word and prayer. Thank you for your helps, thank God to be there. For them, giving not only the physical but sowing the seed in the heart encouraging them in the Spiritual. Let them seek God and obey the gospel. Ministry This January, the brothers and sisters have been developing their skills and helping each other in some needs in the activities that the work requires, because we are growing. These needs are met by partners or siblings who have voluntarily taken these positions. (There are some works that are for sisters, but worship charges are only for the male brethren of the church for clarification) How beautiful it is to see the brothers helping in the different activities that the ministry needs. Equipping members: This month we are visiting couples with my wife and helping each other by talking about the topic: Fundamental problems in the home. We always have a lot of fun when we talk about marriage things when we are studying together. We have already asked other couples if we can visit them. Since the other days I am studying and visiting families who need Christ as well. In February we will start with boys, a class on how to do a sermon or Bible class. Sundays at 4 pm. Remembering that we will have the general class at 4:30 and worship 5pm. Please pray to the Lord that we can serve God. We hope in the Lord that we can grow more in knowledge and service. Bilingual meeting: This January we had the wonderful opportunity to worship the Lord together, in two languages and a faith in the Lord. It was motivating to see all the brothers come and worship together. But more encouraging is the brothers who fight their lives to be on the path of the Lord. This month we had our brother Matt. With a beautiful and motivating theme. Then the church stayed for a potluck and celebrated the birthdays of all the brothers of January. It was nice to see them happy singing for another year of life. I thank God that we all arrived well at our homes, because of the weather and the conditions of the streets. My wife unfortunately fell while walking in the parking lot coming out of the kitchen door. She carried a pot and slipped. The blow was very hard. Her arm is sore, and her shoulder is not rotating fully. But thank God it didn't go any further. She is recovering her movements. Extra-mile This January, I traveled with Brother Zack from Arnold Church of Christ to Honduras, Thursday 19: We arrived at 2 pm and traveled to the capital of Honduras to be with my parents. Due to time, difficulties and traffic we stopped to the worship at the church of Christ in San Miguel (where my father preaches) There, we heard a great sermon on God a beautiful theme about prayer preached by my brother zack and I translated into spanish. Then leaving at 8 to 9 we went to my parents' house, where we had dinner and I had a meeting with Robert, Manuel and my father. Friday 20: In the morning, we traveled to the La Cañada church of Christ to see the church building and the children's dining room. Show the brother the Valley of the angels area and hotel. Followed at noon, we went by my mother and our luggage for mogotes, Yoro. (Where my father started this work in 2020) We arrived in Mogotes and the sister families were waiting for us to meet them. While there I asked them if they want a devotional and study of the word. The sisters and young members took out the plastic chairs and we made the meeting on the porch night preach the theme: You can be that Samaritan woman of John 4. When she recognized, the truth about Christ and went to the people to warn everyone about him. In the end all the people believed in Christ, not only because of her word, but because they realized it when they heard Christ. Saturday 21: In the morning we were seeing the rooms and the capacity of the camp where we were. There I preached with the guard and was impressed about what the Bible says about tithes in the church and asked me if I could write all the text on a sheet (yes, I left him the paper with all the information of why tithing should not be given today in churches.) we continue to the town of Sulaco, with my parents and Brother Zack driving. And with us Sister Juanita (faithful sister in the Lord) taught us Sulaco, mogotes, and more. Arriving at Juanita's house (that's where the church currently meets) they gave us lunch. We studied with Don Cornelius. He came to hear the word of God. (Cornelius is sick and has cancer in his esophagus and the hospital returned him without cure. He only drinks liquid, that is, what he can buy is milk in this town) encourages him to seek God and his salvation and we begin the Saturday afternoon meeting in Mogotes. I had the opportunity to sing and translate Zack's prayers into Spanish and my father preached and Zack did the prayers. Sunday 22: In the morning we packed the cart and moved to Juanita for the morning service. Brother Zack preached I translated into Spanish and led the Lord's Supper and my father singed. There were also children's classes. After the meeting while we were having lunch the brothers were still in the house and suddenly, the announcement arose that Cornelius decided to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. With joy in our hearts several brothers got into the car and went to the river to baptize him for the forgiveness of sins. Then we left to stay near the airport. After a very long and intense journey. Thank God my parents were still with us. Until Monday we returned with Brother Zack with many ideas plans for Honduras and Mogotes. Where we will do an evangelistic campaign in July 2023. Family
Thank you very much for your prayers and helps. At all times. We greet you in the Lord at all times. We have now managed to be completely in our new home. My in-laws are happy to be in the place where they saw their children grow up. They have their new addition in the house. We were all helping each other throughout the year we spent as much as we could. My children and wife are also happy to be there in their new home. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and care for my family. God bless you How beautiful it is to see a calendar remove it and leave it behind, and install a new one. The Spanish-speaking brothers had a year of many challenges, difficulties, blessings. But thank God we remain united. Communion has always been and will always be the spiritual tool for his kingdom. John 13:34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Evangelism 2022: This year 2022 we have been preaching the gospel, We had many difficulties, but we always did what we could. This year, 2022, we have managed to do a total of 128 Bible Studies, 529 invitations, we have studied with 242 people in 2022. Leaving us good fruits of 6 baptisms that obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ. Giving us our Lord God and savior a total of 9 people added to His church. Blessed be the gospel of Jesus Christ. Annual church attendance on Sundays was 42 and under 15, annual Wednesday attendance was over 25 and less than 7. In the bilingual meetings we had an attendance greater than 123 and less than 108. Thank God, we continue to spread the gospel, promoting unity in service and Christian fellowship. Thank you so much for your unconditional support and forming relationships with one another in the Lord. Cherokee Group We have been spreading the gospel, with this new work that we have implemented. In the Cherokee. Always the attendance was very good to hear the word of God. We were going every other Tuesday at 7pm to preach the gospel to souls, Olga and José Gómez (brothers in the flesh) have always opened the doors of their homes to meet us to worship, singing, praying and giving a message of meditation to the heart. This past year the experience was beautiful. The attendances were between 15 up to 43 including families members going with us. We hope to be able to continue adding this work now in the Cherokee group. Benevolence 2022
This year thanks to your donations and sharing of your blessings. We have been able to help many during this past year. How beautiful it is to be able to see God's hand reach the homes and hearts of those who need us. This year we have been able to help 57 families. Thank God we have been able to help them in their needs and in what we can. These families that we have been able to help, there are a smaller number of 114 people or 342 or more people in those houses because these households live between 4 to 6 people per household. I have also had the opportunity to preach and pray for them when they come to benevolence. Thank you very much for this blessing that many of you achieve through sharing our blessings. Preaching Online We have been able to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Giving different topics, announcing the hours of the church, preaching on Facebook live, and broadcasting on Wednesdays via Facebook the meeting edifying many and managing to reach many homes. We have preached on different days during the day, to reach homes or those who are resting in their labors. Thank God we have been able to spread. And get people to ask about our Worship Schedules. Family We are very grateful to God, for helping them at all times of our lives, praying to the Lord, that we may be able to fill the hearts of those who are always with God, with word, and encouragement. We are also grateful to God for His blessings, to have you always with us, by our side, serving and winning souls together for the Lord. Thank you so much for your love for us and your prayers and care for us. We hope that this year will be one of spiritual and physical blessings and prosperity every day of your lives. Happy 2023 In the month of October and November we had many feats, activities, and I have been in many transitions of family, church, plans and more. These months of October and November were a great blessing for our lives. The church of Christ in Spanish has had many blessings and difficulties as well. The change of climate also makes us change the methods of evangelism, but we hope in the Lord to be able to study more the word of God with the visitors, brothers and people we invite to church. We remain united, encouraged and striving in the Lord to be healed and helped under his grace and love. But we kept going, thinking that God would help us in all aspects of life. Romans 8:28 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose. Evangelism In the month of October and November we had many Bible studies, especially home visitations as well. October: In the month of October as for the Worship we had an attendance on Sundays over 34 and under 27. On Wednesdays in October we had an attendance over 22 and under 10. November: In the month of November, we had an attendance on Sundays greater than 36 and under 24 and on Wednesdays we had an attendance greater than 17 and under 13. In these two months we have been encouraging the brothers with classes of strength and faith in the Lord. We have been watching for the brethren who have been in difficulties and praying for them. In the month of November, we have been giving Bibles to those who need them. Especially those who require special size letter. Thanks to a donation from a group of brethren. We were blessed to buy more Bibles, for those who need it and those who study with us and don't have one. Thank you all! We have been visiting on these two months and we have had 12 visitations to their homes and 14 Bible studies with which we have study with up to 4 people at a time or 7 people and we have invited 21 invited people to attend to our services. Please pray that we may bring more souls to the Lord. We have a new family visiting us, who will soon be studying God's word as a family. Online We are preaching on Wednesdays live on Facebook Church of Christ, where we have the pleasure of many brothers to comment with and greet each other in the Lord. We have been giving topics on the trials of faith, evangelizing the evangelist, topics of correct worship in the Lord topics such as tithing, instrumental worship, language. and giving Biblical texts on the Facebook platform. I'm organizing the time to be able to record the topics for the group "Esparcidos" scattered. Please continue to pray in the Lord to be able to serve God more by this means and above all to be able to reach many homes. Benevolence We've been sharing in the blessings we've donated to others, we've had families to choose clothes, and more. Also, food when there is a need. We have had 9 families from households living between 3 to 5 people in total per household. Thank you very much for sharing of your blessings and meeting the needs of the Saints and communities. We thanked the church that donated coats to the brothers and children. Thank you so much for sharing your blessings at all times and thinking of us. Ministry These two months, we have been in much blessing, sharing birthdays and encouraging one another in the Lord. Celebrating the birthdays of October and November. We had a youth meeting. Where I had the opportunity to preach in both languages, it was a great blessing for all of us to be able to be together sharing the Word in our homes. Spiritual Development We are very happy that the men of the church have been able to serve and collaborate in the different activities and meetings of the church. Please pray for the church and its spiritual growth. At present, we have 11 men who can all serve the church in the Lord's Supper, prayers. 2 of them can lead Bible lesson and 2 lead songs. We hope you can continue in your prayers for us, so that we can continue to do God's will together. Two Languages One Faith We had the wonderful opportunity to worship the Lord together in two languages, under the same faith and teaching. Thank you to Brother Aaron Baker for his uplifting theme. Here are some photos. We also had an attendance of 108 people with children. This is a blessing and we thank those who come to the meeting of faith and fellowship between both groups. Extra-mile In these two months we were able to be on the mission trip in first’s day in October to Honduras, it was wonderful and blessing, we are scheduling now a new evangelistic mission trip to Honduras in a new area where my father started a new church after COVID. In the month of July, we will be carrying out this new mission with a local congregation in Missouri in the next year 2023. This will be the first mission that we will do in this new area, where we will preach the gospel of Christ in a week of July 2023. We aim to expand and publicize the church of Christ in MOGOTES, Honduras. (Where there was no church of Christ in this area) can’t wait to see this become a reality, if it’s the Lord’s will. I also traveled in November on this year to Honduras and had the opportunity to preach a Thursday November 24 of worship where I gave the theme: Prayer, and on Sunday November 27. I preached in the morning in the church of Christ of San Miguel the theme: It is time to heal the family! Where for the glory of God we had the whole church in prayer, fathers and mothers and families came forward to ask God for prayer and forgiveness for the spiritual oversights we do in the family. After general meeting, I was asked to teach a men class and I gave the topic: How important it is to bring someone to Christ! I thank God for allowing me to serve Him. We have been planning possible mission trips in July the 14th to 21st and also another in October 6th to 13th in 2023 . Please pray for us that we may be well and carry out these activities to save souls and strengthen churches in the Lord. If you wish to participate in these missions to Honduras in July or October please let us know brothers. Family
These two months we have been in many activities, family, congregational and plans. In the month of November I turned 40 years. I thank everyone who could come to my celebration, it was a great blessing. My wife sent me to Honduras to spend time with my parents and sisters and brother. I am so grateful for everything I was able to do with my parents and siblings, there are no words to describe how precious it is to be able to be with my parents and share with my family everything. Here are photos of my trip. We are also in transition of being able to finish the new addition of the house and have been working on it. We are excited to finish. Thank God for His blessings. Please pray for me and my wife and children when you can. May God take care of us and above all may we be strong to do His will every day. HONDURAS MISSION TRIP REPORT : A Mission Which Changes Lives I am very grateful for the opportunity that God gives us to be able to travel and be able to live and strengthen myself, seeing my parents, Siblings and my niece. Also the opportunity to see again the brothers of the congregations, families, young people and children. A mission always changes lives, missions keep preaching the gospel, make the brothers grow, make our lives stronger in the Spirit and in the truth. But above all a mission unites us and makes us grow numerically and spiritually. This October we had a mission in Honduras, Strengthen the churches, evangelize, do social work and grow spiritually under teachings that make us meditate our hearts. Monday September 26 With a few hours of sleep, only two hours, we arrived in Honduras at 12 noon, and we went to my parents' home to rest and do in the following days what was necessary to receive the group. That trip was only 1:30 minutes, but it took 3:30 to hours get there, lots of mishaps, and car problem but we arrived well at my parents' home. Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 September We were trying to exchange the money, there were long lines at the banks to exchange dollars, we were 5-6 hours standing in lines and buying some food for the campaign. It was difficult but not impossible, banks also ask that you have an account at the local bank to exchange dollars. That was very difficult, but my dad, along with my sister and brother-in-law, help make it happen. We were planning as a family, transportation, food, water, and taking them to La Canada in the kitchen. On Wednesday, I was also preaching to the brethren of the church in Cañada a theme of encouragement and strength. On Thursday we spent the whole day buying food for the families of the Cañada Iglesia de Cristo and what is missing for the food of the mission. These were days a lot of time and patience, since everything is not like here, everything is slow and difficult to buy in quantities Friday September 30 We got up early and traveled with the whole family and met the group at the airport. The group thank God arrived safely. I had a problem with the rental of our transport, but I changed the rental company and it resolved our transport bus quickly. The group ate light in the car and we managed to travel into town for lunch/dinner. We also had to buy all the food products for the church of Christ in San Miguel. Arriving at the hotel, we met to distribute donations for the children of each congragación, Cañada, San Miguel, Mogotes. Saturday, October 1. Early from the hotel we went to our kitchen place, we were first packing the families' food in the Cañada church and then we were making food for the children of the government community homes. Others were also helping, cleaning, installing the children's kitchen sign and more. At noon we moved to the children's place and we were singing, giving Bible lessons with them and giving food to each of them. Finishing at 3 pm we were transferred to the hotel because we were waiting for 20 couples with their children, gathered for our short marriage seminar. It was wonderful to be able to talk about the responsibilities of the marriage couples and how we can maintain a strong marriage in the Lord. We bought pizzas and soda and coffee for everyone, everyone was happy. Many of them were happy to have a seminar only on marriages. We had to drop off some families to their homes as it was very dark and there is no transport for most because they are only walking or taxi if they have money. Sunday 2 October: One very busy morning, we went to my parents' home to have breakfast and pack bags for the families of St. Michael's Church of Christ. At 9 am we arrived at the church to start the meeting all was translated into both languages, we were all encouraged. Brother Luke preached a beautiful message where they received their word and we had 2 baptisms and 2 restorations in the Lord. Then we moved on to the classes of young people, children, women and men. All being led by the missionary brothers. In the end before 1 pm we all ate together in families, everything was very sweet, then at 2 pm we set out to distribute the bags with food to the families and the donations mochilas with everything inside to the children. We moved to the cañada church where we were at the meeting, where there were classes for children and young people and the meeting. Starting at 4:30 and ending at 6:30pm, we then ate together and it was very tasty too. Until late evening we returned to the hotel. Monday 3 -Wednesday, October 5 All these days we were evangelizing from 10 am to 5pm, we moved to the kitchen, helped cook, eat, do devotional 9:30 am, do evangelism groups and move in cars to the areas designated for evangelism. In the evenings we had good messages of salvation. During these days of evangelism we had 100 Bible studies, 250 invitations were distributed and 20 contacts remained, we had 1 more baptism in the Lord and one more restoration. Two people also came to the front confessing that they want to change their lives and know more about the word of God. It was wonderful to see how the missionary group was during these days, working and helping, serving and loving souls. Thursday 6 – Viernes 7 October 2022
Thursday was sightseeing, we were on a mountain where we could observe God’s Creation. We went down to the city to eat together. We went up to the valley of angels and we were having dinner, we talked about the mission and the group expressed how the mission has impacted them. The mission changes lives. Jesus knew it, the mission changes lives, physical and spiritual: Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All power is given to me in heaven and on earth." 19 Somuch, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; 20 teaching them to keep all the things I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you every day, until the end of the world. Amen. Roque Family: We are very blessed and blessed by this opportunity to be able to go and preach the gospel to every creature, make disciples, restore the faith of many, encourage love for the church and the work of God. Especially spending time with my parents and working together in families, Ruth (mom) Elias (papa) Samuel (brother) Paola (sister) Claudia ( sister) Robert ( brother in law) and my family. Being with them spent in families when we could On Wednesday, September 28th we were able to make some time as my family wanted to celebrate Eli's birthday, knowing that we were not going to be able to on October 6th. That afternoon before the meeting we were able to go to a park and celebrate my son's birthday as a family. Everyone in my family, helped, Kristi: translating, ladies' and children's classes, evangelized personally, and assisted the children during evangelism. She managed the funds of the whole campaign, she helped in many ways cooking as well. Eli: he lead singing in worship in Spanish, help the kitchen, translate others, lead a devotional before evangelizing and more. Noah, Isaac, and Abel: They helped load food, pack food, serve food, clear the ground, and more. Elias: take care of the whole group, make sure everything goes well every day, meet the needs before and during the campaign, preach, evangelice translated into both languages, drove all day, listen to the needs and more. Thank you to all of you brothers and elders of the congregations, all this was made possible by your great love and trust of your offerings to us for the Lord's work in Honduras. God continue to bless you each day in your congregations and homes. How wonderful it is to see how God and his word is alive and effective. More so when the person is more humble and simpler in heart. We have experienced how God can work in the hearts of those who worship God. They realize that they were worshipping sincerely, but they were sincerely wrong. It is very important to share the truth, to speak it to those who need it. I remember the words of Lord Jesus: John 8:32. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Evangelism This month we have passed great blessings, we have encouraged, we have preached the gospel and above all we have had the wonderful opportunity to have two souls to the Lord. We have won two more souls for the kingdom of God, in the last days of August he gave himself to Christ Jesus Carlos Chavez where the gospel of Christ was studied. His mother has directed him much in the Lord. and this September was given to Christ Cindy Chavez mother of Carlos Chavez, both were coming after the seminar. Cindy is a great woman knowledgeable about the scriptures, where she meditated a lot on what was said according to the scriptures. She withfaith in the scriptures and confidence in the Lord's doctrine and teachings she decided to leave Pentecostalism and its practices. Thus giving himself for the forgiveness of sins. Carlos is a very dedicated and helpful young man with his mother. Please pray for them and their Spiritual growth. This month we have had an attendance of Sundays lowest of 32 and over 37 and Wednesday under 11 and over 23, we are very happy as we are all as a family growing and igniting more of the word of God. Above all, the effort that everyone makes to be in meetings and activities. This month we have a new group of new converts in the new converts’ class: Growing for the Lord. Where we have had many participation and blessing. Please pray for these blessings and their growths family and spiritually. Social Media We have been broadcasting the Wednesday studies, where we are teaching the theme: Evangelizing the Evangelist. Where we are equipping the brethren who can share the truth, the sound doctrine with others. We hope you can share God's messages more, through social media. Please pray for God to strengthen me and guide me to teach more the messages that reach the hearts of those who ask God for answer and truth in the scriptures. Ministry We have been very happy with how the brothers and sisters have shown their gifts and service to others. Men have led worship services when we go out to other church activities. This is something we couldn't do in 4 years. Please keep praying for spiritual growth and strength. Companionship We have celebrated the birthday boys of the month of August, the cake was delicious, may God bless their lives more every day. We also had to celebrate a new baby that comes from the Flores family, Enrique and Tiffany. They will have a girl. Pray for them please for their family and care. Extra-mile: Mission in Honduras, the time is here to preach every day, the gospel of God, time to sow the seed, save souls, restore, serve and love. There are so many things to do that it gives me great joy to know that everything is close. We will be traveling on September 26 and will return on October 7 if God allows. We will be inviting preachers who can come and cooperate with this great work and we will have brothers and families working for the Kingdom. We bring donations for the children of the congregations of San miguel, cañada, mogotes and possibly mesapa. Please pray for us and the group that will arrive in Honduras on September 29 and we will receive you. Pray for souls, for the people who can be there when we come and preach the gospel to them, for God's safety and care, for health and blessing from on high every day. 2022 Honduras Mission Trip (Comayagüa - to New Airport in Tegucigalpa) Family
We have had a great blessing to be able to go to strengthen our lives and souls in the Lord, going to PTP. It has been of great blessing and growth. We traveled on a Wednesday to Memphis TN. Where I was invited to “homecoming”, where I preached on the theme: Christian Fellowship. That day we were with brothers greeting each other and telling about our work in St. Louis. The next day we went to Nashville, and there It was wonderful to be able to visit brothers of whom I was serving in the lord. Where at the end of the day, we were studying the Bible with the Donis family, a wonderful family that gave itself to Christ in 2010. The next day we went to PTP. Where we were able to hear topics that help us for ministry, for marriage, for salvation, for doctrine, for spiritual life, and more. We had a wonderful time being able to be there leaving children and seeing them back all happy with the things they did and learned. Just like us. During the week of Polishing the Pulpit, Eli was able to be trained by brothers Kurk Brothers and Justin Rodgers and he was selected from 30+ young men to be the final four speakers to speak in front of the entire adult session. We are so proud of him. We also took time to go in the evenings to give some family time, where the children spent wonderfully. Thank God for everything, for these opportunities and blessings of being able to travel and be able to serve those we could during that trip. Here are some photos. Please pray for us so that we can leave and return with good from Honduras, for the mission, for the activities, for care and health. Thank you family, for your prayers God bless us. As children of God, obedience is very important,believing in God is the basis of our living, walking and acting. Believe in His word, believe in His promises. But what can we do when we leave the world, (recognizing Christ as our savior and Lord) Leave the old life by being baptized for our sins, but everything is not going as expected. Following our faith in God with devotion, holiness, worship, and works. But still nothing external changes yet. The more you fight, the more difficulties come, some days, but others months and even years and we continue to keep encouraging and believing in God, even leaving the world and its desires, thinking constantly that was the best decision of our lives and not to look back, but to move forward as Christians. But that faith hurts even when we face difficulties and we may not have Christian grandparents, no Christian uncles or aunts, no Christian physical brothers and sisters, no Christian fathers, or mothers around us. No advice, no encouragement, no hope. That faith does hurt. In spanish ministry. Our brothers struggle in many ways. Ways to remain faithful, to remain in the mindset that God exists and that he fulfills his promises, even though physically there is no answer. The enemy takes advantage of such a moment and stalks the world. With their desires, with their needs and difficulties in disintegrating the faith into the family. What a blessing that other brothers in the faith, when they have difficulties, they have someone to turn to, grandparents, uncles, cousins, brothers, or parents to help be comforted and affirmed in the faith. Sometimes others I ask, who comforts them, who encourages them? They only have the old friends of the world or in some relatives who do not yet have the Christian faith. Where can they go? Thank God we have a place where we can all go to be comforted, we Spanish speakers are not the only ones, there are more brothers who can make a difference in those who start a generation of Christians, those who are the only ones of their families and friends who break the social century of living without faith and give themselves to Christ obeying the Gospel. These are our brothers in ministry. Where all they want is to have peace, fight and receive reward after their struggles. But even some continue to believe and wait for God's promises. They are understanding that faith does hurt. I only remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: John 16:33. NVI 33 I have told you these things so that you may find peace in me. In this world you will face afflictions, but be encouraged! I have overcome the world. Please help us to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ: Prayer for better work, for their struggles in their basic needs, for illnesses, for their marriages, for their sons and daughters, for the people with whom they work, for the struggles and the desire to see peace in their lives. For their growth and understanding in the word of God. For me and my wife may God give us more wisdom and understanding to help them believe more and trust in God more and more even when you do not see peace and blessing to your difficulties. May we all be there at all times as God's family. Evangelism: This july we have had an attendance of less than 26 and more than 40. Where we have had the opportunity to preach the gospel to the visitors and encourage them to continue seeking God's way. On Wednesdays, we had an attendance of less than 8 and more than 15 where we are very happy that they with effort leave work quickly and come to the meeting. Many of the families still work until 7 pm and later. It is difficult for them to be able to visit us. But there is always the desire in them every week. We had 10 Bible studies with 11 people in total. We have families visiting each other and waiting for us to study God's word with them. Thank you for your prayers, please continue to include us in your prayers to comfort fighting hearts and sow the seed of God. Social media We have been broadcasting messages on Facebook live, where we have returned with these topics weekly as usual, we have also been able to broadcast the meetings on Wednesday nights live. This July we were developing on the theme: Beware of Esau's attitudes. Also on Facebook we show on topic about: The faith of trials. always encouraging the brothers during their work and sowing the gospel that they listen to us via the Internet. We have had several people who have contacted us and asked about worship schedules , we have interacted with others on social media. Ministry: It is beautiful to see how despite the difficulties in faith, we continue to see how it is honored to use our works and spiritual talents. Seeing the sisters see the brethern and men leading with love and confidence what they do during the meetings gives me great joy and feelings to see them grow up and hear that they feel joy, seeing that they are used to serve God and His church. Companionship We had one more meeting this July, of "Two Tongues one Faith" which was wonderful to see our brothers lead worship that day. To see how we worship in both languages, but above all to be able to know each other, to see each other, to converse with each other. Thank God that we can hold these meetings so that we can be a church in Christ Jesus in two languages. Benevolence: This month we have been able to help those who need us, what a blessing it is to be able to observe that we can help the needy and those who have difficult times. Thank God we have the pantry and the clothes to be able to help and give to those who need it. This July we were able to share our blessings with others to 8 families these families, they are 1 to 4 people. Thank you once again for sharing with others our blessings. Extra-mile: I have been in contact with the preachers, receiving their reports and sending them to the people or churches that help them. Sometimes I have to translate their documents, so they can understand what they need or report to the churches. Please pray for Manuel Perez and his baby and wife, for Olvan Diaz and his wife and family, My Father Elias Roque and his family. There are many more brothers who suffer in many aspects and ask me for their prayers, please include them in your prayers when you can. My wife along with a group of very generous sisters, they were able to make many children very happy the goal was 100, but 150 children came to this congregation on the edge of Mexico and the United States, This congregation always holds a VBS for children, but they lacked material. With my little sister Mary and wife Kristi, they achieved this thanks to the unity and the feeling of helping the kingdom of God to Grow more and more. They managed to do what these brothers from Mexico planned, give away school supply materials. It's amazing how the family of faith can do great things when we all come together. So much just to tell them that the material was bought on the edge of the USA and left on the other side at the door of the preacher's house of that place God is good and his grace and blessing has no borders and limits. God bless the love of all and the effort to make the burden they carry in Christ Jesus light on others. Honduras Mission Trip: September 2022, we have scheduled a mission this year. We will give details of what we will do as a Spiritual goal. We will be collecting school Supplies for the children of 4 congregations, Bibles, hymnals, benevolence, evangelistic campaign, and more... Family:
This past month, we were in many activities. Above all, the bible camp of the churches in St. Louis. My wife was with two of my children and I stayed with the little ones. It was very interesting to see how the little ones are always full of energy even when we give every energy every day. But I think they also enjoyed without a mother and her two brothers. This month we wanted to go out with the children, but we couldn't for personal reasons. We hope to be able to do so soon. We have been helping at home with some things that need to be done for my in-laws' future home. We have been very happy to see how they are very happy to see everything as it progresses. I thank God for my in-laws and their lives and for all they do for their children and grandchildren every day and week of their lives. Thank you all for cheering us up, for being there for us. Thank you for including us in your prayers. The Blessing of the Gospel This month we have been in blessing, joy in being able to see the power of the gospel. As God he directs us in those people who seek his will, his love and his truth. We have been in much happiness, in seeing how the brothers and sisters were able to serve the others who visited us. To see them cheer up, to grow, to experience a spiritual blessing. A spiritual feast, all united and gathered under one goal: To save souls. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. Evangelism We want to share with you the blessing of two precious souls, who sought from God, sought his word, sought his love and peace. Elma and her son Michael. They obeyed the gospel of Christ Jesus, knowing when it is important to understand why Christ died, was buried and resurrected in Christ Jesus. After worship in Spanish they were baptized for the forgiveness of sins. She was found, when a group were visiting another home in that neighborhood , She was invited to the seminary, upon hearing of the church, she was moved and confessed to us: I have been praying to go to a church, to worship with my son. Because it is not good to be without serving God. The brother asked her if they could visit her after the other bible study close at her home. She immediately said yes. After the lunch, we went back to her home, she had us a very rich natural fresco, she cheerfully confessed to us, the desire to look for a church. We speak to her and encourage her and pray for her and her son. She has been very much in company with the church. Our Oscar brothers at the beginning and then Lily have been helping him with transportation. She heard many preaching from brother Enrique also. One Sunday Sister Lily confessed to me that Sunday evening service, that she (Elma) wants her son (Michael) to be baptized and that she is confused about her previous baptism. We knew of his Pentecostal baptism. therefore, we took them that same evening and began to talk about why Christ commanded to preach the gospel. What was the gospel? She, because doubtfully could not explain to her son about the word gospel. We begin to teach both of them the importance of being sure of our obedience to God in the gospel. At the end of this study, she decided to perform biblical baptism and her son also to obey the gospel of Christ Jesus. I thank God that souls not only see a meeting place, but a family that also helps them and motivates them to fellowship and mutual help in the Lord. Please include us in your prayers, for those we are studying, for those who the seed was planted, for those who visit us, for those we could not study, for the church, for my family and our health. We were all blessed in common. God bless the gospel, the fruit of them, where we rejoice in the beginning, but rejoice more spiritually. we have 456 invitations and 16 bible studies and 4 baptisms. We had this month lowest attendance of 43 and highest 92. We have two families visiting us, and more people to contact them for a possible bible study. Please help us with your prayers, that our Lord, help this families to come close to God and Christ our Savior. Ministry It is wonderful seeing our new members working in anything the church needs. It is special to me seeing new members getting involve in needs and support of the activities in the congregation. Some of them, serving, cleaning, making sure everything is going well. Two of our members Enrique and Manuel led Sunday morning services to our brethren from Memphis TN. I thank for them on this activity. We are so happy in how everybody is learning, cooperating and being active when God need us and do what we can in His name. Family
As you know, after these activities, we traveled to Texas to see our great grandma Payne. Before she passed away. We are heartbroken but in the same time joy that she is and a better place to be. We thank everybody for your support and love to us and special my wife and her family. We also gave a surprise to my kids , We went passing by Dude Perfect Office.( a place where they record all the videos they have) Our kids got lucky to have one of the staff going out and talked to us and gave them a dude perfect T-shirts .Also we have some activities for the kids, while the rest of the family stay with our great grandma Payne during our visit at Texas. We love you great grandma Payne and missed you already. Also, we got sick during this time, but with your love and prayers we all are getting better. Thank you so much for everything you do to us in Christ. Here are some pictures.
After the uplifting VBS with our brethren from Crieve Hall, we started preparing for our Fourth anniversary seminar of the Iglesia de Cristo en West End. When we look back on our short years here in St. Louis, we feel so appreciative and grateful for the Lord and His blessings and increase. We are also thankful for our supporters and the help they have given us to be able to work and labor in the mission field. With the help of our brethren from memphis, South Carolina, and Springfield, MO, we were able to evangelize and door knock with great success. We invited over 100 Hispanics, and sat in the homes and studied with over 50 people in one weekend. The fruits of those labors were seen when Franco and Andrea were baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins. They have been visiting with their family Rubi and Leo who are members with us, but they didn't really start attending faithfully until we had our VBS the week prior. Through the teachings of the Bible classes, worship, and family members this wonderful couple was baptized. Glory be to God. What a glorious day it was.
We were able to start the campaign off studying with our group off Cheerokee street in downtown St. Louis. We had over 38 in attendance, 16 of those Hispanic visitors. Kristi was able to teach a kids class during the lesson in a small room with the help of our sister Brandi Crews. The children throughout these last two weeks have been taught the Word of God, and they are such a joy to have in the building. It was with great effort my wife diligently taught them during our seminar for 3 hours each night. I know she was so tired, but the teen girls came from our English congregation to help her and that was a blessing. What could we do without the help of our fellow bretheren? We could not begin to name all the people who have brought food, served, cleaned, door knocked, organized, taught, invited, given monetarily, etc. to the work of the Hispanic church. We honestly could not have been successful without their efforts. The contributions of our supporting congregations made these campaigns possible and we are so thankful. We feel so blessed to have such servants and hard workers laboring in Joy beside us. What a beautiful way to spend our time in His service together. May God bless you and thank you every one. In the ways of the Lord, one never knows what can happen tomorrow, mostly when we are thinking about the future of works, church, and activities. Everything is wonderful in God's time. Jesus Christ mentioned this to His disciples in Matthew 6:11 He said, 11 Give us this day our daily bread,It does not say: give us it tomorrow. Jesus knew that we always think about tomorrow. I also think a lot about the work as it will be later, it seems that we are on a roller coaster with the ministry upwards and then downwards, But then we wake up one day everything changes, comes the joy, hope and strength that God is always in tomorrow, Jesus continues to say in Matthew 6:34, 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things The blessings of tomorrow will always be from God. Tomorrow is God's. Evangelism: We have been in a lot of blessing, even though the weather is different, for the workers, during spring, summer and part of autumn. they come home late at night, because they don’t stop working until the sun stops shining, and when there are rainy days they don’t work. Some Sundays are beautiful, they also go to work because they lost other days of work during the week. Evangelism changes as well, what we do to this is visit those we can, to strengthen them and help them grow spiritually. This month we have been visiting families who have not come for years and months on Sundays after the English worship service, with my family we had lunch and went out to visit a family that we have not seen for a long time. This to water the seed that was sown a long time ago. We also invite people to church when we walk around various places on Sundays in between services. Then we returned to the church building in the West End. To prepare to receive the brethren at 4:30pm. Every Sunday we try to do this activity, returning home until 8 or 9 pm after a day of service, worship and evangelism. We have been in blessing during this past month. We have had on Sundays low attendance of 20 and high of 42, on Wednesdays in Bible class we are in low attendance of 12 and high attendance of 22. It was very wonderful as everything goes in the name of the Lord. This month we had a total of 16 Bible studies with a total of 40 people and 26 invitations. We hope in the Lord, that he can help these souls to come to Christ and find the salvation of their souls, we ask for your prayers that this seed can bear fruit to enlarge his kingdom. New Ministry (Chereokee St.) One Sunday a family came to visit us, they came in the morning, thinking that there was a service in the morning, when I saw the family, I introduced myself and asked them how they managed to find us. ( Mrs. Olga told me that she saw me and listened to me on Facebook, on the page of the church the preaching during the Covid pandemic. ) That's why they were there. When she said that, I told her that there was a meeting in the afternoon, when the rest of the family told me that they were visiting Olga and her family, and they were coming to the service, I immediately moved them to the meeting room and we gave them class at 9 am and 10 am meeting. They are from the church of Christ in Honduras. But after my message Olga the one who brought the family, stood after the message and confessed to us that she wants to restore her soul and return to the church (She was baptized in Honduras and did not attend the church of Christ since she came here) We pray for her and her restoration. When we said goodbye, a man named Jose said that he was Olga's brother and that he has more family in St. Louis, and asked me if I can have a meeting to encourage them to return to Christ because they are in Olga's condition without attending church. With joy I told them that yes, that same Thursday of that week we went around 22 people. They met at a house and furniture company to do the worship that Thursday night, we traveled with my wife kristi and had the first meeting in Chereokee. We encourage them all in the Lord to come unto Christ and be reconciled to the Lord as there are baptized brethren in the group. Please brothers pray for us, I and my wife and family will be traveling Thursday in the month (or any other day of the week) to encourage this group to get to know the Lord's Church, in that locality as well. And we will encourage them to meet on Sundays at 5pm in the West End. Please, brethren, this opportunity that God gives is a blessing, pray for me and my wife, that you will strengthen us and continue this work of the Lord to preach the gospel and make known the church of Christ in Spanish in St. Louis MO. One more great news is that they and especially Sister Olga (now restored) told me that they will do their best to bring more visitors on Thursdays to hear the word of God. What a blessing from on high, tomorrow is God's. Benevolence This month we were helping families and comforting them in the Lord, thank God we can share with others God's blessings. This month we were able to help around 8 families, with households of 2 to 4 children per family. We have been motivating but mostly planting the seed of God when given the opportunity. We have an example: Battery discharged: On a Tuesday, two women came (who have been seeing them many times in the year) Whenever they come I tell them about God and we have studied on occasion, but they see in their hearts that they do not open their hearts to understand what is being preached to them. That day, they came I told them that we are going to study the word of God and at the time they told me that they had to leave, well I said, they do not want to study. My wife saw her car still outside, after a few minutes I told myself to go out to see what happened to them and it was that the battery of the car was discharged. I took the opportunity to help them but I couldn't, one of the women told me, my husband is already coming to give me power to the car while we were talking, the husband arrived. Also help you pass current to the car. And we were talking that I wanted to meet him and invite him to church, within minutes I asked him and I told him if he had a Bible he said no and invited him to the office to study. He agreed to study, it was a very interesting study, which later I will mention what happened. I invited him to church and told him we are worshipping in Spanish at 5pm and he told me he would think about when to visit us. I hope they can come, thanks to the discharged battery I was able to meet him and tell him about the true religion and salvation of God. Please pray for these families who come to fetch physical bread and come out filled with spiritual bread. Ministry In ministry we are very happy, united and encouraging one another. we are seeing how members are developing in ministry, receiving responsibilities, and leaning on each other in the Lord. Men's meeting: The men have met to be able to have our activities as men, we assign Brother Enrique to lead these meetings in the year. We will try to meet once a month, to eat and talk about the word of God. We all get together to help us in our new home project , I even have the opportunity to talk about God to some friends that we met long time and invite them to church again. It was a good day to help and fellowship. Companionship: This month we had our potluck after the last Sunday of the month. Also celebrating the birthday of the brothers who are in the month of april. How good to see the brethren conversing with one another and getting to know one another in the Lord. VBS : From Thursday , June 2 to Saturday, June 4 we will have our VBS in both languages at 6 to 8 pm, A group from Nashville will come to perform this activity. They are volunteers from the Crieve Hall Church of Christ who have learned that we have a ministry in Spanish. This activity is for all congregations and families. They will be taking place in the afternoons. Later we will have information about these activities. Seminar: From Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12, we will have our seminar in Spanish. Every afternoon, except that on Sunday we will have a session in Spanish. More information we will have later and we have the speakers confirmed and we will need help for this activity, we will be sending more information later. Family: This month we have been very blessed, despite the difficulties we face at times, but thank God everything is under the hand of God. Gratitude: I want to thank you very much for the unconditional support you have for me and my children especially during this stage of our lives, where we no longer have babies, but the children are growing thanks to God. Thank you for helping us to enjoy God's blessings, the activities that involve serving more and growing more, but above all that help our children more and more to be the servants that God desires for his kingdom. Thank you all for understanding us, thank you all for helping us through difficulties, thank you all for helping us to be able to preach the gospel in this great St. Louis community. Where we go we feel loved in the Lord. There are no words to describe how grateful we are. Thank you for your unconditional, monetary and mostly spiritual support for the development of this ministry. When we think about tomorrow, it is difficult, but when we wake up we see God's blessings, because tomorrow is God's. This month we were at LADS to LEADERS, it was wonderful to see my children enjoy the effort practicing what the Bible says. To see them smiling, afraid to go to a pulpit, joyful to come down from the pulpit, trying to remember what they did and practice it in front of me and wife (we see what God wants from our children) but tomorrow is God's, we must enjoy those moments that God gives us. Because tomorrow is God's.
Thank you for your prayers and wishes for us, we love you in the Lord Jesus and may God greatly bless you, your families and congregations, every day. In life we have two decisions to make, to move forward and not to look back or to move forward and learn from the past. The apostle Paul mentioned that a Christian must pursue the goal of God's reward calling. Philippians 3:12-13 12 Not that I have already attained,[a] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, In Spanish ministry, we move forward, united, learning from communion with one another, from strengthening our relationships, from learning more about our weaknesses, from continuing more and more worshipping the Lord together. To pray on the difficulties and teachings of life. Evangelism This month we have been in time transitions, and illnesses. But we have always been teaching the gospel of the kingdom of God with whom we meet and strengthen the faith of those who seek Him and do not yet understand God's call through the Gospel. This month we have been encouraging the brethren, teaching the unconverted about the need to give themselves to Christ. But the struggle continues, we go ahead, we have had difficulties, since the enemy then drives away souls with earthly problems, but we continue to pray that the seed germinates and they can have a heart that bears fruit to God. This month we have had attendance of 25 to 35 maximum having an attendance of members and families and visitors and their families during the past month. On Wednesdays we had attendance of 13 in total and followed that number. Thank God that members continue to grow and seek more of the power of the gospel. And the visitors continue to seek answers to their uncertainties and difficulties. This month we had a total of 5 Bible studies with 9 people and a total of 8 invitations from nine people to join us at church. Please pray that the seed may remain in your hearts and you may grow and find God's salvation. Benevolence How beautiful it is to see God's family helping each other. This month we were moving many things from house to house, seeing happy families, brothers smiling for the help and presence of God's family in their homes helping them in whatever they need. This month we have grown more in benevolence, above all to practice volunteering as brothers in helping one another. Hearing brethren express the joy of praying to help, the joy of helping others, the joy of arranging their days, their hours, and their strength and their chariots to help one another. This month on the other hand we have had the opportunity to help 6 families with food. We have an example: A man confused with religions: One day a man arrived, who spoke English. Well, I invited him in to the building and we talked. at first he needed gas for his car, because he didn't have it. Upon entering I told him we have food and clothes if he needed, He mentioned me where the food pantry was. I took him there, in that transition , He confess that he had a question for me, and it was this: Do you pray for dead people? I said, "Why?" He told me: Days ago he visited a church around in pain to seek relief from his anguish of having lost a loved one and went to find someone to pray for him and his loved one. When he came to that congregation they told him that they did not pray for dead people! He was surprised, to hear the answer. Seeing the situation, take into consideration in asking forgiveness for what happened and that if someone asks for prayer one should help comfort the soul of the person who lost a family member. pray to comfort your life and feelings. Then I told him that it is very important to come unto Christ and to mention to him that the things we have today as heavy and difficult, if we come to Christ will be light. We have the same burdens but they are light, you mention Matthew 11:28-29. I mentioned why Jesus said: to come all those who were loaded and worked and I will make you rest... At the end of it all, after taking his food you he said thanks to go and us and for coming and listening to what I hear as answers to his questions and removing the doubt he had about religions. I invited him to worship meetings on Sundays and come and visit us. I hope in the Lord that he can come to hear more of His gospel and be saved. Thank God that the church can help those in need. Thank you church for all you do and do to help those in need and give encouragement to the heart when they need it. Ministry It is very blessed to see how the brothers grow, exercising their minds with sound teaching and doctrine. Also to be comforted and taught with the word of God. On Wednesdays we were learning to identify human doctrines. Using Bibles that other religions are accustomed to using in their meetings. How wonderful to see their faces when they notice how religions alter the important texts they evade to maintain their false teachings. That he did this past month in having more faith in Christ's church, its sound teaching and doctrine of Christ. Our goal this year is to strengthen more knowledge in the scriptures so that they remain in faith with God and His church. Companionship: This month we had the invitation of Enrique and his family to their home after Sunday to eat together in families. We all had a great night, chatting, getting to know each other more and enjoying food. Thank you to the brothers for the invitation and sharing of their blessings to others. It is beautiful to see how all visitors and members come together in the lord. Encouraging, strengthening, and serving one another. Family
This month has been one of great feat, blessing, help and service. This past month, we've been transitioning from moving to another home. A family decision, which thanking God that we were able to make to help my in-laws in their new stage of their lives. Thank you all for your calls, support, help, meals, during this transition of mobilization to our new home. My children are very happy to have their grandparents very close. we are all happy to be able to help each other. This month we were in times of illness, my family has been in illness, but we have been coming out of it. Thank you for your calls and prayers and we are moving forward in Christ We ask for your prayers for our lives, for spiritual strength and wisdom at all times. Thank you church for your care for us. God continue to bless you. How beautiful to see unity in the kingdom, unity in work, unity in the small details that make great changes of blessing for the kingdom of God. Christ chose twelve, those twelve arose one hundred and twenty when Jesus ascended to heaven and from twelve arose three thousand, then as five thousand and then more regions nations managed to be together, because the unity of the details of today, are the great blessing of the great kingdom of God of tomorrow. In the ministry in Spanish, we have continued in struggle and unity in service and unity in faith. The spirits of the brethren, their presence and their perseverance, make us feel that the word of God is invaluable, The word sustains the fallen, the word strengthens the one who is in trial, The word comforts the helpless, it strengthens the church. Well said Jesus: Search the scriptures for them bear witness to me. John 17:23 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Evangelism: This month we have had a great blessing, we have been in contact with the brothers who this month have allowed us to reach out with them and advise them through the scriptures, topics on other religions that practice false teachings and they themselves understand that the word of God is alive and effective in worship and spiritual personal life. We have been talking about instrumental worship, fasting, prayer, providence, growth, faith, trust, and perseverance. This month we had 8 Bible studies with 10 people in total, 4 invitations. This February we had a Sunday attendance of 15 to 25 having an average of 2 to 4 visitors. On Wednesdays we had attendance from 9 to 22 having an average of 1 to 2 visitors. Within evangelism we have been helping many families, with text messages, calls, prayers, and scripture comfort. We do what we can to maintain the faith of those who wish to continue in the faith, but suffer many obstacles in the decisions of life, we continue to encourage in love, faith and prayer to trust, that even seeing and receiving difficulties in life we continue to do the right thing and fulfill what the Bible tells us. In the end, we will have a reward with God. We have bought more Bibles, of different sizes of letters to be able to help those who need it, regardless of the cost of the Bible for the purpose that there is one for those who need it. Thank you all for your collaboration, for sending your donation for the expenses of the ministry in Spanish and your work. Please pray for the brethren who have made the decision to leave the church, to follow false doctrine, or those who have left the church out of love for the world and its desires. It is difficult to want to understand why they do this, but we are all pioneers in the faith, they are the first to want to break the cycle of the world and religious human practices. In the end it is a struggle between what God advises us and what the person has thought to do with his/her soul. We pray for work, salvation, and studies with families who struggle to continue on God's path. Internet: This month we have been updating the website in the Spanish section. Since we have new information, about podcasts and class schedules on Sundays. We have also been updating Facebook, using Bible texts to encourage the brethren and invite the church of Christ in St. Louis on social media. Scattered Network: The podcast in Spanish, We have updated the next episode in Spanish of the month of February, The theme is: Being negative, affects our life. We try to guide listeners in recognizing current, social, family or personal problems and coming to God by changing our lives through His advice and teachings. Benevolence: It's amazing, as in the kingdom of God, there are people who can leave what they do to help others in their needs. God bless those sisters and brothers in the kingdom of God who with small details, manage to make great blessings in the kingdom of God. Martin and his crutches: We have a family that knows us and has benefited from clothes and belongings and food. But one night he contacted us. Asking if there were a couple of crutches in the benevolence room. The next day we sent an email, to see the reactions was awesome, brothers willing to buy crutches, donate crutches, looking for information where we can buy them appropriately for their height, design etc. That morning a sister immediately went to bring some crutches that brothers had in their house. To give them to them that same day. Wow (It is beautiful to see in the kingdom of God, brothers working together for others, no matter if the detail is small, but these actions make great blessings in the kingdom of God) that day was very tight for him and me. After a church meeting for the next Lectureship, I went to the home where Martin and his family live. Martin, a man who is in charge of a family of 6, is a mechanic, but lost his leg years ago to achieve the American dream. He had some wooden crutches, but they broke, because he is a mechanic. If he is a mechanic, he does not work in air conditioned room, he helps Spanish-speaking people, fixing cars that stayed or that do not work in the houses. To move around the cars is not easy. But he does it because it's the only thing he can do to support his family. That night I took him the crutches, I found him in his room, where I went happily to talk, we were until 11:30 at night talking about the word of God, He confessed to me that he wants more to know the Bible, because he is disoriented. But he asked me if I could visit them to study the word of God. We stay in touch and continue in God's teaching that brings peace and consolation despite what the day to day struggles. I hope you can pray for Martin and his lady who accompanies him with his stepsons and his daughter. How beautiful! it is teamwork in the kingdom of God. Thank you to everyone who responded to the messages, thank you to everyone who helps others in many ways. for thus we show that the church of Christ in his community, that we are children of God, having favor with all the people and the Lord added every day to the church those who were to be saved. Thank you brothers for being compassionate and helping those in need. God continue to be a blessing to you. Ministry: Our ministry in Spanish, we have had many difficulties, losing members and other difficulties that we have experienced this month, but we continue to move forward in worship and activities. Family Renewal: This activity was very blessed, we did it on Sunday, February 13. We were doing three sections of marriage and family issues. These were the topics to be developed: section #1 4 PM Communication in couples, Section #2 4:30 pm Responsibility in the family, Section #3 What God unites, do not separate man. We then had Worship and wonderful dinner together as a family. It was a great blessing to have the resources to be able to do these annual activities that motivate, strengthen and lead the families of our Spanish-language ministry in St. Louis. Packing homeless bags The Spanish members were having the first experience coming together and working together as a congregation with the English speaking brethren. They were packing, talking and learning how to help our community. The most beautiful part was to see our kids coming together, helping each other. We are so honored to be invited to this activity. VBS / Seminar: We are in the plan to have a VBS during the month of June in the first week Thursday 2, Friday 3, Saturday 4 in the afternoons. A youth minister with his group, will come June 1 to prepare everything and teach every night. We will need help, be aware in the following months. June Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12, we will have a seminar in Spanish. During those days we will have exhibitors, we also have the Sunday plan at 5 pm, have the bilingual message so that we can all be sharing the word of God and companionship. We will be sent more information later. Family: This month was one of great spiritual energy and blessing, being able to attend FHU seminary in Spanish, where we were with my family, receiving beautiful messages and meeting new people who preach the gospel in Spanish in other states. I had the wonderful opportunity to present a topic at the seminar entitled: Compassion in the Community. Ending Sunday, it was wonderful to hear that there was a baptism product of the activity in Spanish and the message of that Sunday. What a beautiful moment also to see our son Eli leading songs in the Spanish seminar at FHU and learning in the youth event at FHU youth sessions. We are so thankful that we were able to go and learn more for our souls and spiritual lives in God’s word. Extra mile:That Sunday February 6 we immediately had to travel to Tupelo, Mississippi. with the purpose of meeting with the elders of that congregation and exposing the work that is being done in Mesapa, Atlantis by Brother Olvan Diaz. And also talk about how a spanish work begins in your congregation. It was wonderful to be able to help and contribute a little more to the brothers and those interested in winning souls in other languages in their locality. Followed by tupelo, we returned to Henderson, where we had the wonderful experience of staying and learning more about the word and encouraging our souls and strengthening our knowledge more to continue until Wednesday. Where we were back in time for Bible class in west end. I thank everyone for their prayers and blessings that we had during that family and spiritual work.
Pray for us, we are making a decision to help our family. This decision is a blessing for my in-laws and my family. How beautiful it is to know that we can start again, a new year can bring happiness, challenges, difficulties, bad news, growth, stability, instability, joy, sadness, faithfulness, holiness, communion, and more. But it's all up to us. Those of us who are in Christ, every day is something new to continue, those of us who are in Christ every day can be a struggle to continue, every day is a decision to make. Paul said to Christians, everything is new with Christ, we are new creatures who are in Christ: 2 corinthians 5:17 : 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new Evangelism: This month we were, as usual due to the cold, with difficulty being able to find or visit constantly. But we were always helping to make the gospel known, inviting, serving those who need physical care, but more spiritual. We were cheering on some brothers during their physical and spiritual difficulties. We had 16 Bible studies and 11 invitations. Hoping that the seed can germinate, as the enemy dries the seed over time. We hope in the Lord that we can continue and reach souls. Internet: The month of January, we had the wonderful opportunity to interact on the internet. On Facebook pages, where we usually introduce the church and the word of God is satisfying, but also at the same time harmful. We are emphasizing why do religions insist on tithing, knowing that it is not right to do so? That brought a lot of comments and people debating such an idea. We spent almost a day and a half counting the different hours, answering each person at different points that they were confused. With this we hope to give to know the true gospel and the true doctrine. We were preaching live on the Church of Christ Facebook page sharing messages that societies and people constantly experience. Theme Evangelism: Envy, Encouragement Program: In Gethsemane. And we had the opportunity to preach the third Sunday meeting via zoom, as we had almost 5 families sick with Covid, symptoms. It was a beautiful reunion brothers sharing the broadcast with other friends via Facebook. Scattered Network : This month we begin to spread worldwide positive messages that lead us to know more about God and his gospel. This month it took me a long time to be able to use all the tools that Scattered has to record and play back to upload on different platforms. We begin with the theme: Your life's mission. I hope we can reach many homes and people around the world. Benevolence: This month we had the visit of many people who were able to approach the building and be able to receive from those that we share with those in need. 4 families of 3 – 5 people living in their homes came, some relatives of brothers or visits from the congregation to be able to receive what they need. Thank you to all the brothers and sisters who make it possible to reach out to these families and to invite them with love to scrutinize the word of God. Ministry: This month of January, we have started beautifully, but the wolf entered the fold and scattered the Spanish-speaking sheep. It is amazing how everything seems calm, and suddenly there are problems, there are difficulties in families and siblings. Sometimes I ask God to help me not feel so much pain to see how the wolf, scatters the sheep and takes them away from the fold to stalk it and lead it to spiritual death. Together with my wife we have been praying, distraught and thinking about how God's children are suddenly carried away by the enemy. Please pray for Sister Sandra and her and Oscar’s son and her spiritual life. Pray for Oscar and his spiritual life. By Edwin Cano and his spiritual life. We try with prayer and study to reach their hearts and get them to wake up from their loss. I have been studying, many times spending midnight, hours talking about the problem, the difference between right and wrong, just and true, the encouragement to continue even though everything around is wrong and still wrong. Encouraging them to think about what Peter says. It is better to suffer by doing good than by doing evil. May God take control of his fold and the hearts of the brethren from whom the wolf separates from the truth and the right way. Two languages one faith: This month we had the joy of sharing a great gathering with God, together in both languages. Serving God by doing His will. How beautiful even though the fold is attacked, to see those who have stayed faithful. What a blessing to see all together faithful to the Lord. We had more than 100+ souls gathered, praising in two tongues a faith. Beautiful message of unity in the Lord. Family:
Brethren, pray for us, this January we had many difficulties in ministry. But we remain united and striving to sow and water the seed of God's Word. We started wanting to grow more and the enemy arrived wanting to destroy the work in the vineyard of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and help to our family. God bless you. 2022, beginning a new year with more challenges and ministries to build and strengthen. We all have goals, dreams, desires. But our congregational desires and goals are more, Because they help the Kingdom of God grow and influence the world. To Influence the world with peace and salvation. To influence the world with the gospel of Christ and obedience to his commandments. We are his church, the church is the means by which God can accomplish his mission. Ephessians 3:10-11 10 to the intent that now the [a]manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the [b]principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, Ministry This 2022 we will be implementing the congregation in helping us in the Spanish ministry. The current brothers are very happy to be part of these assignments for the development of our goals. We have put together a calendar, with dates for future annual activities that we were doing before covid, but this year we are going to re-establish. These activities tend to enhance each family's fellowship, grow spiritually and numerically. In the calendar, we will have annual activities such as:
Evangelism: Invitations We will be distributing literature and invitations to all the places where the Spanish-speaking people usually travel: Supermarkets, restaurants, workers etc. Bible studies With the invitations in the distribution, waiting for the opportunity to be able to have contacts for future personal evangelism and visitations in their homes. Benevolence We will be offering humanitarian aid to those in need in our meeting place, encouraging them to follow Christ and pray for them. Studying the word of God when they interact with us in their visitation. This work with the opportunity to make known the church of Christ in the communities and show God's love for them. Friend's Day Each family member of the church will invite a friend or a family to listen to the word of God and enjoy fellowship with the purpose of making known the church, its worship and its unity. Seminars We will be in evangelism during the week of each seminary. That month we will be publishing the seminar, inviting and informing everyone of our congregational activity. Spiritual Growth for the Group Bible Classes We will continue Bible studies on meeting days, Wednesdays at 7 pm and Sundays 4:30 – 5 pm for the purpose of strengthening the spiritual life of each of the brethren in knowledge, doctrine and devotion. Visitation We will be strengthening more the visitation of each family, with the purpose of strengthening more discipleship and devotion to God. Helping, encouraging each family or brother in Christ to overcome the challenges, trials, and temptations they go through in their lives. Marriage studies Due to numerical growth, we have the need to maintain a teaching of marriage and family strengthening. The goal is if we strengthen marriages we will have strong leaders, and with strong leaders the church is strengthened. We will meet 3 to 4 meetings a year. Bilingual worship We will continue with congregational development by worshipping the Lord in two languages, showing communities that in the church there is peace, unity and fellowship. Above over all, building ourselves up with messages that remind us of the reason for unity and eternal salvation. We aim this year to be aware that God's mission is our mission. Brothers and sisters together will be blessed by being the means to save the world around us. We ask for your prayers and help during the year to reach the hearts of those who seek God and your help to strengthen the spiritual development of the ministry in Spanish. Companionship This past Sunday, we had the wonderful opportunity to start the year by serving our God. Where we were seeing the introduction to our 2022 plan. The church is happy with the calendar, the different activities that we will be together. They happily arranged to be able to be part of these activities during the year. We were also together after the meeting celebrating the new year, with exchange of gifts and food for all. Here are some photographs. Family
This new year we are very happy to be able to start 2022 with new goals, new challenges and continue with courage and strength the ministry that God has entrusted to us. We hope in the Lord, to be able to do his will as a family. We are grateful for all you do for us, thank you and may God give you many blessings for sharing your finances with us by enlarging and strengthening the church of Christ in St. Louis MO. Here we have some photos of my family enjoying the past activities. |
AuthorElias and Kristi Roque have been married for 9 years and during this time have planted/grown 4 congregations. They have 4 boys 7 and under working alongside them. Archives
March 2024
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