Puerto Rico Ministry Update
As the island begins to reopen, we rejoice that we were able to have our first in-person worship service on Pentecost Sunday. At Iglesia Luterana Fuente de Vida in Ponce, the service was held in the outdoor patio of our earthquake damaged buildings rather than the smaller rented location. This was in order to be in conjunction with the social distancing requirements in place by the government. Besides a brief visit during our FORO in March, this was the first-time church was held at our new property since January due to the earthquakes. At Iglesia Luterana Príncipe de Paz in Mayaguez, the first in-person worship service was held inside the building with modifications to meet all social distance requirements. This past Sunday both church congregations had new first-time visitors who would like to be baptized. Praise God for our online presence reaching new people seeking Jesus.
Looking Ahead
Hurricane season is officially upon us. Project manager James Krey along with Pastor Gustavo and Deaconess Christel have been busy purchasing supplies for our disaster response kits. Pastor Gustavo is going to be leading courses on disaster training for our members in July to create a response team within the congregations. A new ministry activity that the team has been busy planning for is a Virtual Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children. The team has been working alongside the Lutheran Hour Ministry (CPTLN) office in Puerto Rico and Director Yaritza Rosa to offer a VBS online. The whole team has taken a part in this new ministry activity. Please pray for this opportunity as we continue to work together to offer this unique VBS and share about who we are as God’s new creation through Jesus’ death and resurrection. |