Our expectations create the atmosphere in which we live. When we live expecting big things, we often live downcast because the small things that pass our way are not perceived. When we have expectations of small things, we can live delighted for every small detail that comes our way and together many small details create big blessings.
In the way a small child lives expecting his father to fulfill the promises that he gives, we are living in expectation of what God has promised to do in Mexico. The small blessings that we are receiving from the Lord at this time are reason of great joy.
In the town of Santa Maria del Oro, a county seat, the Lord told us to plant a church there over 12 years ago. We started and in these 12 years we have only seen 3 families saved of which two moved out of town. This last week we had 17 people in our weekly service and now we have a young minister from our Bible School that is working with us there. We still have no church building or new converts but the Lord is fulfilling His word and it is reason of great joy.
In the small town of San Luis de Lozada we have had several deaths of older members in the last years including Pastor Chuy that was overseeing the work. Many services only had 4 to 6 people attending. This last Sunday we had 18 people in service, most of them non-Christians. A cause of great joy.
Our State of Nayarit (along with all of Mexico) was called to a time of prayer and fasting and various pastors answered the call. Along with the 56 days of prayer and fasting we decided to participate in three joint activities. By the time you receive this letter the first one will be history but the miracle has already started. We invited the participating churches to form a joint choir. At the first choir practice we had 25 people show up to sing. Now after one month of having two practice sessions a week we now have 83 people coming out to each rehearsal. TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Even in finances the Lord Jesus Christ has been faithful. In the last months money has been really tight, as we have reached out to start new endeavors. Three times in that time span we have received a text message from a brother in the Lord, that he has wired us money just at the right time without us even mentioning our need to him. This last week I had to make a trip out of State and I didn’t have the finances to go. Unexpectedly we received a down payment on some products that we had sold, when the contract said that no payment had to be made for 2 months. Once again our needs were met.
Joy is the fulfilling of our expectations. The Lord is showing us to expect small things and thus live in His eternal JOY.
In this time of a special moving of the Holy Spirit we pray rich blessings upon all you who support this ministry. We appreciate your faithful offerings that help us to continue moving forward.
Philip, Lucy, Simri & Vanessa Tolman
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