News and reasons for prayer

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ,

Writing and telling you of what God has done, does, and is doing is a good way of glorifying God and to edify the believers. That is how I think and the reason I write.

However, writing is not always easy. There are occasions in which one goes in circles and can’t write (writers block). These days have been like that for me. It’s not that there’s nothing to share. It’s that I “could not” write.

I believe that I am tired and that much of what I’ve lived in recent days has worn me out. Thanks to God, my inner focus is firm. I am contented that in the Bible exists this hopeful text: “28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romanos 8:28). I’m happy that this phrase exists in the Word of God.

Also, I rejoice that God doesn’t cover over, in His Word, the weaknesses and scarcity of his servants. It’s clear in the Bible that God has servants who tire, become sad and even “hide in fear”. Of one servant of God of the past it says: “Elijah was a man subject to passions just like us…” (James 5:17)

Even we Christians can pass through hard and bitter emotional moments. These don’t obscure the greatness of the power of God. To the contrary, moments like these are appropriate for our God to be seen as great and merciful, as He certainly is.

Paul, who experienced much pain for the cause of the Kingdom of God, wrote these words: “7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.” (2 Corintios 4:7-11).

It’s not my purpose to explain the text cited, yet I wanted only to demonstrate that a Christian is never dominated, demolished nor destroyed. Victory and the Triumph are always our ultimate reality which we do and will experience. Jesus Christ has conquered and His victory IS the victory of the Christian. Glory to God for Jesus Christ and His triumph in the Cross of Calvary! (Colosenses 2:8-15).

I’ve expressed my state of energy and motivation, and I know that many of you will understand me and will pray on my behalf. Now I will prepare what God has permitted me to do since my latest communication.

Class of Old Testament in Piura, Peru from October 12th to 14th.

I was in this city on the date cited to continue with the study of the Old Testament with a group of pastors and leaders. In the previous class we studied through to 2 Chronicles. On this occasion we study the book of Psalms through Malachi. The time that we spent reviewing this part of the Old Testament was marvelous. The students were happy to clarify in their minds the Old Testament. For my part, I learned much more.
¡ In this foto are all those who are studied with me!

Congress of CEPABIP in Chazuta from November 2 to 7th.

At this Congress, I participated as organizer together with missionary Amaro Zapata, pastors Benjamín Salinas, pastor Elías Huamán. Pastor Elías is who presides over us.

Attending the Congress were more than 130 Pastors and Leaders. Participating were pastors and leaders from: Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, Sullana, Bagua Grande, Nueva Cajamarca, Moyobamba, Tarapoto, Yurimaguas and Iquitos.

Chazuta is located some 3 hours in car by the left side of the river Huallaga. It’s a typical jungle city. The central theme of the Congress was: The Authority of the Bible in these Last Days.

Pastor Jairo Sangama, who pastors in the city of Chazuta, moved all of us as he thanked us for having gone to his city and to become familiar with the reality of their church live and “chazutina” Christian community.

God used the preaching, the teaching and the communion between pastors and leaders to motivate us to be faithful to God and His Written Word.
¡The beautiful country of Chazuta beautified by the pastors and leaders which participated in the Congress in Chazuta! ¡God Bless them and keep them faithful!

Class of Church History in Requena from Nov 12 to 23rd.

I went to teach the course “History of the Church”, which is the ninth course of the 10 which I ought to teach there. I had a total of 18 students. Of the 18, 15 of them have studied with me faithfully for three years. God willing, in the month of February 2010, we will finish with course level 10 and proceed to graduate these 15 brothers. It’s surprising we are about to finish.

Together with me traveled Pastor Evelio Villalobos de Musa. He went to teach the Missions, Evangelism and Discipleship courses. He had 24 students. The study Group of Pastor Evelio is varied. It’s very difficult to explain the composition of the Group in a letter. What I can do is ask you to pray much for this ministry which Pastor Evelio is realizing in this city.

On this trip we had a visit from Pastor Lukas Counterman of Wichita Falls, TX, USA. He came together with a good Group of Brothers from his congregation to minister in Lima and Requena. They preached to the students and the church. Also, they taught the Bible to the children of the church in Requenilla (another part of town) and Sinchi Roca. Their visit was a great encouragement for us and for the Brothers of Requena, especially for the children, who are rejoicing at hearing the Word from their lips.

On this trip we have rejoiced for the conversion of James, a youth of the pueblo of Mount of Olives (Monte de los Olivos), and for the conversion of two couples in the pueblo of Sinchi Roca. It’s my petition to God that He continue saving many more. Another motive to rejoice on this trip was to see how God is making grow in the faith, Jose Chistama and his family. This Jose is a man who loves to preach and teach the Word of God. He is now traveling by the river Ucayali to preach and teach the Bible. Let’s Pray for him, asking that God continue making him grow and using his efforts.

Greetings from Leneida, my wife.

For a while now here, my wife has come to feeling very ill of health. I’ve always taken her to be examined and we’ve followed the instructions of sister Mericia, who is the doctor who treats her. A while ago I was thinking that what she had would soon pass. I’d hoped, but she feels even worse now and it has begun to worry me.

Her sicknesses are particular to women and are difficult for me to comprehend or explain. With everything, I know she is not well and this has caused me to take to writing letters regarding the issue.

I’m taking her to Lima this week to be examined one more time by the sister Mericia, of the Salamanca Baptist Church (Iglesia Bautista Salamanca). My wife feels safe with this doctor, and for this reason I take her there.

I ask you to pray for my wife. It’s by reason of her help that I can do what I do. I want to know exactly what she has and which treatment is best and safe. Please, don’t forget to pray for her.

Prayer Requests:

1. My family, especially for health of Leneida.

2. My ministry in San Pedro de Lloc. I will go to preach for 3 days. My time is important because I will teach the church how to treat their pastor. They are going to take a new pastor and have asked me to train them on this topic.

3. My ministry in Ingenio, Bagua Grande. I will go to teach the course: Methods of Biblical Study and Rules of Interpretation. It’s our third course in this area. Petition God that we are greeted by a good sized group of students, and that God use me so that His children understand better the Word of God.

Many Thanks for being my friends by way of extension of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks to God for using me in His Kingdom. Thanks to everyone who prays, gives and who give me encouragement in the work that I believe God has placed before me.

Attentively,

Segundo Rodríguez
Evangelista
evangelistasegundo@ministeriocombi.com
Ministerio de Avivamiento Habacuc
http://mahabacuc.blogspot.com/
Cooperación Misionera Bautista Internacional
http://www.ministeriocombi.com/