March 2016 Newsletter

Dear friends,

In the Bible, James says in 1:2-4

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

 

This has been a season of minor trials testing our faith and hopefully producing patience. I must admit, my patience has fluctuated from time to time. I won’t go into great detail, but one challenge has been ‘camping out’ in our condo while three groups of workers installed free granite we had been given in our kitchen, removed and replaced buckled floor tiles in most of the condo, and installed baseboard, re-hung doors etc. In reality, this was a small challenge as we learned to continue functioning despite constantly breathing dust and living in debris. There have been other issues that arise, but when I remember the true tests of faith my friends are enduring and the persecution of so many around the world, I would call our issues a walk in the park.

We have been blessed with more people visiting our school lunch program than ever before. Almost every week, people have gone out with us. They love the children and bring school supplies, soccer balls, and clothing. The women of one church made well over 100 sun dresses for Kinder through sixth grade girls.  Two sisters brought them down, then others bought T-shirts to give to the boys.  We wish you could have seen the faces of the little girls in Quimixto as they received their brightly colored dresses.  Their eyes lit up, and there were smiles and laughter as they tried them on over their uniforms. The boys, likewise, immediately put on their new T-shirts and hugged the women who brought them, expressing their thanks. We are so happy and blessed when we see the children’s love, excitement, and gratitude, as this can be a rare experience for many of them.

Our young lady on college scholarship is doing well in her study of Accounting, and now she is adding English to her curriculum. We may be adding another young man to the program in the fall. He will be taking the engineering qualification test this month.

We have enjoyed leading a Bible Study in the Marina area this season. So far, we have studied Philippians and Colossians with anywhere from 12 to 25 people. It is always great to meet people from all over.

I am still preaching in two churches as I am needed.

So, we stay busy and thankful for the opportunity to serve our Canadian and American ex-pats and tourists, and especially the children and people of Mexico! We hope all of us take time during the Easter season to thank Jesus for His sacrifice on the Cross and victory over death.

Love and blessings to all,

Randy and Sandra Barr

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

 

 

On March 16, 2016   /   Newsletters   /   Leave a comment