From the 15th of August through the end of September are very busy times for us. During the summertime we dedicate our time to the local churches almost exclusively. Since it is our rainy season, special outdoor activities are very difficult to program and school is out for summer holidays but then:
SCHOOL STARTED on the 22nd of August. One week before this the work started; cleaning, painting, and getting everything ready to start classes. This year we opened our NEW primary school. With two teachers full time and 12 students we are off to a good start. Our secondary school also continues, starting classes at 7 AM every weekday. Even with the good team we have, the extra work is taxing.
Once again we offered full scholarships to 3 indigenous children. Juan Carlos, Ernesto and Fidelia. They have come over 6 hours in bus from their homes in the mountain villages to live and study at the school. Through the generosity of some of you over half of their scholarships are now covered.
Stephen went through a very trying time this last month as his appendix burst and it was days before the doctors found out what was wrong. In one week he was in the operating room twice for major surgery. Just as Stephen was going into his second surgery Philip jumped on a bus and made the 14 hour trip to be with Stephen and his family. God has done the work that the doctors couldn’t do and in response to the churches’ prayers Stephen is now well on the road to recovery. As we know that ALL things work together for good when we walk with God and this was seen in Philip’s trip to San Pedro. While with Stephen in the hospital Philip found on-line a 2006 Chevy Malibu in good condition and $1,500 dollars cheaper than the same type of car in his State. Needless to say Philip drove home instead of taking the bus.
We are really excited about the growth that we are experiencing in the Xalisco church. Even though we are going through a time of change in the leadership, the church is growing and we have new people in almost every service. In the month of September alone we have had 7 baptisms and we have more lined up for the month of October. We are believing that the same fire that has swept into the Xalisco church will also ignite the other smaller churches we minister in each week. The work is the Lord’s, we are only his servants trying to do His will.
We are also excited about Simri’s coming home from Bible school. He left Australia the first part of September and decided to make his trip home a lifetime adventure. With money that he had saved up while working at school he traveled to Malaysia, through South Africa and on to South America. His plans are to be home by the 9th of October and his goal is to work with us in the churches
We thank all of you who responded to our financial requests last newsletter and we pray rich blessings upon all you who support this ministry with your prayers and your giving. We covet your prayers and your faithful giving.
Philip, Lucy, Simri and Vanessa Tolman
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