Dear friends,

We have finally returned from Colombia. It is never easy to leave family especially after my mother’s funeral, which took place on June 11, 12, 13, and 28. We received her ashes two weeks later; it was a good opportunity to share the Word of God once again with family and friends. Presidential elections were held in Colombia on June 21; the right-wing candidate won by a narrow margin, as the country had been in the hands of evil leaders who ruled through fear and the force of arms. We also celebrated my sister-in-law Judith’s 70th birthday together with her wonderful children and grandchildren. That same day, June 24, an earthquake shook Caracas, Venezuela—the city where our sons Jonathan and David were born. It is painful to see the earthquake disaster on the news; this is the same country where we sowed the seed during a difficult mission for ten years before coming to the United States, Venezuela faces the widespread practice of Santería and witchcraft. It seems Venezuela is under God’s judgment; its leftist leaders have been destroying it little by little, and it is a nation steeped in idolatry and witchcraft. On the very day of the earthquake, Santería practitioners were celebrating a pagan festival, chanting “let the earth shake,” and the ground shook right where they were performing their satanic rituals.

We were scheduled to return on June 30, but due to delays, our flight to Tampa did not depart until July 1. We thanked God for our safe return home. On July 5, I preached at our Hispanic church, and we celebrated the Lord’s Supper; I also gave the congregation a brief report on our trip to Colombia. We ask for your prayers for the Hispanic church; We are currently training two men who have been serving in the church to become ministers of the Word of God within the congregation.

July Activities

4: July 4th Celebration (250th anniversary of independence)

5: Sunday School: Bro. Miguel Serra / 9:15–10:00 a.m.

5: Sermon and Holy Communion: Pastor Quintana / Fellowship time after the service. 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

5: “Men of Valor” Meeting: 5:30 p.m. / Trailer. Meeting report: Bro. Serra and José Díaz.

6: (Every Wednesday): Prayer and Bible Study / Bro. Juan Cornell / 7:00–8:30 p.m.

12: Sunday School: Bro. Miguel Serra. 9:15–10:00 a.m.

12: Sermon: Pastor Quintana / 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

12: Ladies meeting, after the service.

12: Meeting for church servants (via WhatsApp): 8:00–9:00 p.m.

19: Sunday School: Bro. Miguel Serra. 9:15–10:00 a.m.

19: Sermon: Bro. Miguel Serra / 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

25: Bible Study: “Latinas” Women / Auditorium, 5:30 p.m. Ana Quintana / Betty Ruiz

26: Sunday School: Bro. Miguel Serra. 9:15–10:00 a.m.

26: Sermon: Pastor Germán Ruiz / 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.