Rafael Rodriguez, Comunidad de Gracia Biblical Mission
Advance of the Gospel and Growth of the Church
Greetings, beloved brothers and sisters. The peace of Christ be with you all. Here is a small report of what is happening in Maracay, Venezuela. By the grace of the Lord, we have been in the Comunidad de Gracia Biblical Mission for 5 months. The Lord has sustained and cared for us greatly. We are joyful because He continues to add people to the Comunidad de Gracia.
We continue with our sermon series in the Gospel of John every Sunday. In Sunday school, we are teaching about the attributes of God. These have been delightful moments in the Word, learning from the Lord, and also good times of fellowship.
Weekly Ministry and Help to the Community
During the week we have weekly prayer services. We also conduct online Bible studies and preach the gospel to non-believers. Every Wednesday, by the grace of the Lord, we are able to bring about 60 arepas and juice for breakfasts. This is for some people in the community who are in a vulnerable condition.
After the time of sharing the gospel (about 15 minutes), we distribute the arepas. Then we intentionally approach people to ask them about the message they have just heard and about their lives. We have had good conversations with several of them. Let us pray that the Lord grants repentance and faith in Christ.
Distribution of Christian Literature
We continue with the distribution of literature from Chapel Library to brothers, preachers, and pastors. May the Lord prosper His word and may each of them continue to grow in the knowledge of the biblical gospel.
Sister Bellasarón is in charge of Trans World Radio (RTM). She has a plan to be able to read the literature from Chapel Library on her radio program. This will be a great blessing, since this station is heard in many parts of the world.
Here is brother Fernando Prieto, from Maracaibo. On my trip to Colombia, before crossing the border, I was able to stop and have a good time with Fernando. I also brought him literature from Chapel Library. He is serving faithfully in the Monte de los Olivos Baptist Church. There he helps the pastor in the preaching of the Word and the teachings.
Also, pastor Luis Urdaneta and deacon Danilo were also able to be benefited again with literature from Chapel. They are in a vulnerable sector of Maracay, in a church serving the Lord. Let us plead to the Lord for their lives, my brothers.
I was also able to give tracts and literature about the gospel to brother Simón, an open-air preacher. Let us hope that this literature can continue to help many to grow in the knowledge of the Lord and in personal piety.
Future Plans and Prayer Request
Pray for the plans to open two Bible study groups in nearby communities. Pray for workers and that the Lord will allow us to continue serving in His cause faithfully.
Special Request for Venezuela
Beloved, I have a particular request for Venezuela. Some of you will know about the withdrawal of the Chevron company (American oil company) and other sanctions that President Donald Trump has placed on the country. The consequences are already being seen with the rise in prices. It is also becoming difficult to obtain foreign currency (cash dollars). What is being said is another great emigration of Venezuelans and also an ECONOMIC CRISIS similar to that of the years 2015-2018. Those were very difficult times in Venezuela. Please pray for us.
In Christ,
Rafael Rodríguez
