August 2012 Update

August 2012 news from 

THE CONTRERAS FAMILY

BAPTIST CHURCH PLANTING MISSIONARIES IN GIJON, SPAIN

Hello once again from Gijón, Spain.  As missionaries, we enjoy so many undeserved blessings and provisions of all kinds.  “Thy right hand upholdeth me” says Psalm 63:8, and God continuously proves this true through our supporting churches and their pastors.  Among the many pastors God put in our lives is Pastor Dan Holland.  Pastor Holland went home to be with the Lord on August 14^th.  While pastoring Community Baptist Church of Stuart, FL, home church to Danielle´s family and supporting church for over a decade, Bro. Holland was a mentor during very important moments in our lives:  when I asked Danielle to be my wife, when we finished missionary deputation, packed, and left for the field of Spain, and every time we have been back on furlough and returned to Spain.  At the start of this Summer, he encouraged us with this note: 

        “The challenge for you is to "not get weary in well doing for you will reap if you faint not".  You redirected your ministry last year and it is almost like starting over again.  I believe in you and I know God has directed you to move in a new direction and there will be fruit.” 

We are thankful to God for Pastor Holland´s testimony, and we ask that you continue praying for the Holland family and Community Baptist Church.

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Pastor David Steele of Narcoossee Baptist Church, St. Cloud, FL, has also been a blessing.  We mentioned our need for homeschooling books in our last letter and the Steeles and Danielle´s family helped us obtain all the necessary books for this year and save 70% of what it would have cost.  We thank the Lord for this answer to prayer.

And God continues to provide as we save up funds to lay the floor of our main hall.  We have received and saved $1100 up to this point for the floor.  Again, if we can raise up to $3900, another supporting church has offered to match that amount providing a total of $7800, enough to finish the entire floor project and begin what should be the final major project:  renovation of the exterior (mainly a handicap ramp and exterior glass).  Thank you all so much for standing with us in this project and taking steps of faith to see it though.

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As far as football is concerned, we have left the Gijón Mariners to start a new tackle football team at the JV level since our boys´ friends have been showing interest in learning the sport.  We already have an important influence in the lives of the young people interested in playing, teaching them biblical principals and character.  It is a more effective way to reach our boys´ neighborhood friends and their parents with the Gospel, than if we were still with the Mariners.  Since the northern green coast of Spain is known for its dinosaur fossils, we have chosen the name Gijón Raptors.  The name also opens doors to discussions on creation!  Pray God will lead in this new opportunity to share about Christ and build lives that will serve Him.

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Please pray God will work in the hearts of people in Liberty Baptist Church of Gijón (Iglesia Bautista Libertad).  Two unsaved men, who have attended services and have had the most contact with our church, Cesar and Rodrigo, seem to be hardening their hearts more and more to the Gospel.  Pray that the messages, testimonies, and conversations they have heard about Christ will soften their hearts and that the Holy Spirit will bring them to repentance and faith.  Thank you for your prayers and monthly support!  Serving our risen Savior,

     

Joseph Contreras and family

Danielle, Isaiah, Andrew, Michael