While I was in Peru, I received several messages from Guatemala concerning the progress of the gospel in the beginning of a new congregation. Because the news is so encouraging and provides continuing evidence of the power of the “Good News,” I share a little of the story today.
Late in 2012, two families who live in San Juan del Obispo developed plans for a new congregation in their town. The plans were to start a congregation with the ability to reach out to several smaller towns, to see where the contacts came from, and to make a final decision about exact location based on God’s guidance. The congregation began meeting in homes. When I was in Guatemala in March 2013, I presented a midweek Bible study with 13 present.
Earlier this month, the congregation had an attendance of more than 100 persons during a campaign with Roberto Alvarez preaching. The campaign was held in the community center near the plaza and there were 21 baptisms. Two days later, another message told of another baptism.
God brings people into his kingdom with the good news of Jesus. This is a simple story of Christians who want to take the gospel into the community where they live. The preaching of the message touches hearts and those who wish to be disciples of Jesus are baptized into Christ. A great teaching task remains.
God is good! Please join me in praying for this small group of believers who are part of a congregation barely six months old. Let us find boldness to take the gospel into our own communities, to take the gospel with us wherever we go.