Dear friends in Christ,
I’ve been checking my news to you and I’ve noticed that the last time I wrote was in early June. I return my communication with you to thank you for your prayers and faithful monthly support. Thank you for being part of the work I do for God! Following is a summary of my work for our Lord.
June. God gave me the best gifts in June. Physically I was born on June 20. Spiritually I was born on June 29. God gave me my wife on June 3. This year I celebrated these special events with my family. I am grateful to God for His goodness to me.
Ministerially in June, God took me to Ecuador. I went to Ecuador with two students from the Baptist Seminary of Peru. They are from Uruguay and had to leave the country to renew their visas. The trip allowed us to visit two Baptist churches, one in Huaquillas and the other in Cuenca. In both churches, we gave our testimony of ministry and encourage our brothers to engage in preaching ministry. (Photo: My wife and I and our children in our anniversary).
In June also I went to Paita, to preach on the anniversary of Bethel School. I preached the gospel to the students of this school. I also preached at regular church services. It was a blessing to be in this church. Bethel Baptist supports my ministry and I also took the opportunity to give a report of my work. During my stay, I visited my nephews and took them to the church. I’m glad I did this. My nephews and their parents need Christ. I pray for them, may God will save them and that they respond to the gospel.
July. In July I must highlight two events: my trip to Colombia for three weeks and my work at the youth congress of my city.
I was in Bogota, Colombia. My service began in the Bethany Baptist Church. There I taught principles of church growth. My lessons were based on the book of Acts. Also, I preached at the Sunday service. As a result of preaching, I spoke with two people who wanted to talk to me.
One of them was a young woman who wanted to arrange his life with God, but she was afraid of not meeting the demands of God. I encouraged her, and I also spoke briefly with her partner. He felt encouraged. I trust that this couple will take the appropriate decisions.
The second person I spoke to was a married man, who was in virtual infidelity. I spoke a while. I encouraged him to talk to his pastor. Thank God, I know that he has already talked to his pastor. Pray for this man, for God free him from this sin and falling even lower. I warned him not only from sin, but the tragic consequences that could cause to his family. Pray that this man responds to the Word and honor the name of God. (Photo: With pastor Roberto, his family and other siblings of Bethany Baptist Church, Bogotá, Colombia).
In Bogota I visited the Peruvian missionary Carlos Benites, who has planted two churches; one in the city and another in the Atlantic coast of the country. I also visited Christian Sua, who is a Colombian missionary who is married to the daughter of a Peruvian pastor. They are also planting a church in Bogota. They began in March and already have a group of forty people. It was a privilege to visit these missionaries and help for a short time in the work they are doing there. (Photo: In Maranatha Baptist Church, Bogota, Colombia. With peruvian missionary Carlos Benites).
I visited in Bogota Suba Baptist Church. This is a church with over 250 people. The pastor and the church are doing a good work there. From there, the Baptist Seminary of Peru has one student. I preached at three meetings of the church.
Thank God there was good reception of the Word. Among young people, there were several who took decisions to engage in ministry and support missions. There were decisions of salvation. I had the privilege of talking to one of those who accepted Jesus. I encouraged him to remain faithful to the Lord.
While in Colombia, I visited Yopal, a city of over 100 thousand inhabitants. Sadly, there is no Baptist church there. The need is great. I went with a group of 8 people. I preached at a conference to young people in a community center in the city. We also did work with children. To testify the gospel to those who heard us, it was difficult to respond about what church to attend to. Yopal and the need for a church that focuses on the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God have been in my heart. Pray for the people, may God send workers; and for a healthy congregation there, to help and guide others, they really need the Truth. (Photo: With Liduvina and two pastors in Yopal, Colombia).
On my return to Colombia, and after spending time with my family, I went to preach in the Youth Congress of my city. I sow Biblical Principles for a happy marriage in the lives of all young people who attended the congress. I went to minister there with my two sons, Noah and Andrew. They listened to two talks I gave. I trust that what I sow, grow and bear fruit. I took the opportunity to spend time with my two little boys. It was a blessing to be there.
This is all that I share with you, my friends. In Spanish I give more details of my ministry. You can visit my site and with the help of a translator, read some more. There will also find photos. This is my page: www.segundorodriguez.com
Thank you for your prayers on my behalf! God bless you and keep you faithful!