Husbands and Wives, Fathers and Mothers, and Sons and Daughters Learning Together

One of the remarkable things about teaching in the Seminario Wesleyano de Venezuela is how many couples and intergenerational students we have attending class.  Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, husbands and wives.  What a blessing to see a parent and child or husband and wife, both studying hard together to enhance their effectiveness in reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Pictures to follow - internet not being cooperative here.)

Our first Sunday back in Venezuela after a long absence we attended the Ondas de Paz UMC.  Alexander and Amarilys Commacho are the pastors.  I have already reported on what a great service we experienced there with several vibrant lay testimonies of being transformed though the grace of Jesus and several professions of faith.  People were standing outside in the doors and windows since the church was over-flowing.  The pastors are both students in the Seminary and it is such a joy to see them learning and then applying what they learn in their ministry together.

Last Sunday we worshiped at the Grace of God Church west of Barquisimeto.  Between 300 and 400 people were present.  We enjoyed such a great service and 15 people made a commitment to follow Jesus.  The pastor graciously invited me to preach and what a joy it was. The senior minister is Antonio Toloso, a student at the Seminary.  The pastor of small groups is Esley Toloso, his son - also a student in the seminary.We got to spend a morning with them this last week and saw the growth and maturity present in both their lives as they serve the Lord together diligently using what they have learned in their ministry for Christ.  It is so remarkable that the congregation speaks of the pastor's ministry "before" seminary and "after" seminary.

Today, God willing, we will attend worship at the Lugar Alitssimo UMC where Seminary graduate Yolanda Cacieda is the pastor.  He son, Alfonzo, has also been a student in the Seminary and they attended many classes together. We pray for a great worship service at Lugar. That church was built in memory of our son, Ray, and in honor of Jared and is the place where Jared and Lim were married.

Your giving to the Seminary through Venezuela Now, Inc. makes this and so much more possible. Teenagers and men in their seventies studying together.  In addition to parents and children and husbands and wives, grandparents and grandchildren are at the Seminary together.  This is changing lives and changing how the church functions in its effectiveness in reaching Venezuela for Christ.

Please prayerfully consider sending a gift for this ministry.  The address:
Venezuela Now, Inc.
PO Box 1655
Duluth, GA  30096