Trip to Isla Mujures

Spent 2 days with our good friends, Peter, Debbie, Josh and Matheus on their beautiful boat in Isla Mujures. Played tennis (sort of), swam, ate great food, and just enjoyed good friends. Thank you so much, Verstoeps, for a wonderful time.

Chuck and Karla arrived Friday from Anchorage. They are trying to adjust to the heat and humidity, seemed to do better on the beach Sunday afternoon! You can always jump in the water to cool off. Bill and Renee have several tasks for them to do around the mission house in preparation for other teams. It has been great to see them and renew good friendships.

We had 38 in Worship Sunday with many returning from vacations over the past month. I think we are officially in the down season in Tulum and are trusting God to average 35 over the summer months. The owner of HC Restaurant told us yesterday he is moving to a new location. It is much smaller and so Lighthouse Church is in search of a new location. We have a couple of weeks to do this and will trust God to lead us to a location that will allow us to grow in preparation for the fall when we will be praying and working toward averaging 60-70 regular attenders.

It continues to rain and our Internet service has just been terrible the past 2 weeks. That has made it tough to talk with family and friends over Skype or magic jack. Terry will be checking into an International calling plan via cell. It has been great being able to talk to our kids or my parents anytime I needed too. The slightest storm or even clouds, it seems, really messes with our signal. The past couple of weeks has taught me once again not to take the little things for granted.

Love all of you much. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Rain, rain, rain, rain

Rain (lluvia), or "esta llovienado a cantaros or a mares" or "it's raining cats and dogs". In other words it has rained a lot this past week. I think we are through the first set of storms. We got a lot of indoor stuff done last week; finished 3 books, painted, did laundry, watched movies and of course worked in our office. It did not seem to cool off much, but when the rain fell it was a beautiful sight! Thunder, lighting, dark skies, the smell of wet dirt, and the sound of rain hitting the pavement! Good stuff!

Had a great Sunday at Lighthouse Church, 29 in attendance, still another first time attender and great spirits! The collection of toothpaste, toothbrushes and rice was once again over the top. I think there was enough there for a years worth of teeth brushing. Victory Outreach Men's Rehab Center, once again was very thankful for the items and we continue to build on our relationship with them.

Planning a trip to Isla Mujeres this weekend with our good friends; Peter, Debbie, Josh and Matheus. We will be staying on their boat a couple of days and just enjoying the island! We return Saturday morning and will join Chuck and Karla from Anchorage, Alaska! We have an exciting week planned with them and Bill and Renee and will let you know all the details next week.

Continue to keep us in your prayer as we reach people on the Rivera Maya!

First Mission Project With Victory Outreach

Lighthouse made it's first of many deliveries to the Victory Outreach Ministry Men's Rehab Center. VOM is a rehab center for men suffering from substance abuse. Pastor Alberto and his wife, Merilynn have done a tremendous job at assisting these men as they regain control of their lives through Bible Study, prayer, daily work schedule and abuse counselling. Please keep this ministry in your prayers as they make a positive impact on Tulum and local families. They live in a very primitive setting along with the resident patients. It is a ministry of sacrifice and commitment and Pastor and Merilynn are great examples of that in this ministry.

Lighthouse Church began a 6 week mission project of collecting everyday items that the men usually live without. Soap, razors, flip flops, towels, deodorant, pain killers, first aid items and food items such as rice, tuna, beans, and tortillas, just to name of few. We are also preparing to assist them with building a dinning hall and a tower for an overhead water tank so they can have running water.

Mission teams are welcome to assist us at anytime. If you are interested please contact our mission pastor, Bill Johnson at mission-man@live.com

EASTER IS OVER THE TOP!

Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate! Easter was just over the top with 55 in attendance (highest attendance ever), 3 professions of faith, many next steps indicated on the Connection Cards, great Easter Potluck and topped it off with 3 believers following the Lord in believer's baptism! Thank you Lord and we celebrate you for the blessings!

Terry started a new series called "Life: The Whole Enchilada" first teaching was "Life in Surround Sound". Several new attenders committed to be present for the series which will run through May 2nd. Once again we will trust God for the increase!

I want to thank our faithful church family for their faithfulness in helping make Easter Sunday 2010 at Lighthouse Church Over The Top! God honored your efforts and some lives will never be the same again because you cared. We love you.