Happy Birthday Carlos

Here is the updated email I sent out today with photos from Carlos' Birthday.

Just looking for prayer from our many ministering saints. Had a blessed week in all. It is now holy week here, a national holiday. A time for most people to party, but does open doors to witness and draw close to the LORD. Lisa is doing well in the states and so is the new baby and mom. The ministry here is still chugging along. A lady in the neighborhood donated used roof tin to put a roof on the church classrooms amen! The church is having a surprise birthday party for Carlos tonight. (see below for the added info) He too is still struggling, driving with bad tires on his taxi. No pictures right now, Lisa has the camera in the USA and haven’t found the ol’ back up one yet.

All 17 kids are out of school this week, so we’re just vacationing in house. I promised them I would lay out a tarp in the kia and fill it with water to make a pool to cool off in(103-106 degrees all week) we will see how it goes.

Need prayer on several fronts. I got a phone call Friday from a supporter. Due to the economy they needed to cut our support, so we lost another one. I was talking to another missionary in the north the day we took Lisa to the airport. He was floored when he found out our support level and sent us food. That’s a little humbling for both of us I suppose. Our support is less than half of theirs with 18 more mouths to feed. Still looking for a ways to gain support for the growing ministry here. Several men are willing to be our USA representatives, but getting doors to open in this economy is yet another battle. If anyone knows of a church willing, please let us know. We also have a private family issue, state side, in need of wisdom.
As one draws nigh to God rarely if ever does the world become easier, as a minister of the gospel your burden to carry never gets lighter. Rather just when you think your strength is gone and another step cannot be made, God adds more weight and says grid thee up like a man, and, I shall be thy strength
Psalms 22:15-19. It was this way with Christ as it should be with us. Ask not for a lighter burden rather ask for more and the strength to endure it to the end. We “rest” in the LORD. Amen

Current prayer requests
*Souls
*Lisa state side
*health
*Person family matter wisdom
*Finances, our biggest hindrance
*Labourers. We need to start a school as well as other mission / church outreaches. Our only restraint is labor and funds. 2 more church building to be built.
*We will soon finish the Children’s Lighthouse and be able to move in. This allows us to take in more abused orphaned children… but the needs are great in every direction.
*Need a real bus, the hodgepodge built van/bus (International bus engine, in a ford van bus conversion, with a Mercedes clutch) we have is very difficult to drive (200lbs to depress clutch) not safe to drive and is broke down 300 days a year

Update from tonight’s surprise BD for Carlos. It was all the church folks idea. Carlos was tricked into coming to the church and about 60 people were inside sweating and waiting with lights off. He came through the door and surprise everyone broke into songs and hugs. The church also bought him his needed tires. He was in tears several times. Preaching time and then I had him come up to read scripture in a serious way. He was already emotional about it all then he proceeds to read Job 17:1 as it was handed to him
“My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.” The whole church broke out in laughter. The ladies made "garbage sandwiches"(thats what they call them) but they are filling. Then when the cake was served with only 2 candles, reason given? Not enough money after buying tires for more candles or the fire permit from the fire department to burn them all. It was a good night of fun, food, fellowship and song.

thank you for every remembrance,
unworthy servant to a Worthy Saviour,
Barry

And my thought of the day…
I have come to realize that we are not saved to get to heaven, nor saved from hell, those are secondary benefits. We are saved from a separation from our loving creator. Our prayer is not what saves us, nor our worn out knees, nor our works. We are saved when the Holy Spirit works within us by the power of the Word of God and authority and work of Christ Jesus; and that which is cumulated, cultivated by God is found pleasing in His sight and chosen. What is pleasing to God? A humble repentant sinner.
Luke 15:10.. there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
It is God who is rejoicing to the marvel of all angels.
Work out your savlvation with fear and trembling, Do not believe your saved because of a prayer or church or anything emotional. Believe because the mighty power of God is now transforming your life and your resting on the promises of God's Holy Word. Amen