Thursday 26 July 2007

Ellie bean is a cutie

I thought it never snows in Buenos Aires

Joshua is gorgeous

Learning how to make their mark

Johnny loves his blocks

Joshua in his walker

Estrema Family Prayer Letter-July/August 2007

Dear Praying Partners,

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”(Psalm 90:12).

It has been a year! Can you believe it? We celebrated our one-year anniversary here in Argentina on Friend Day (July 20). It was enjoyable to spend some time with Ron and Chris Self who have graciously helped us adapt to the Argentine culture. We don’t know where we would be without their help and counsel.

First, we would like to update you on this past month’s blessing. Next, we would like to inform you of the highlights from this past year. The highlights will be found in a separate letter.

The home evangelistic Bible study in the house of Mirta Chica went really well. Thank you for praying. There were six of us in all, with Joseph and Mary as the special unsaved guests. These were some of the first real practicing Catholics we met here in Argentina. They are few and far between. The study went well, and the Gospel was explained to each of them.

Mary was very hesitant to make a decision, and this affected Joseph who understood in the end that he had no assurance of where he would be after death. Please pray for these dear people.

Praise the Lord that Silvia came to church twice this past month. She confirmed her decision for salvation after a Sunday service two weeks ago.

Please pray as she is living in a difficult situation, preventing us from doing follow-up.

Jeremy had the opportunity to preach to some unsaved youth at a special get together for Friend Day. Afterward, a young lady spoke to one of the youth leaders and accepted Christ as her Savior. Please pray for Rocio Lucero as we seek to have her followed up.

In just a few days, Pastor/Evangelist Enoch Gutierrez will be holding evangelistic meetings in the church here. Please pray for these meetings.

Especially be in prayer for a young man named Gastón. He has helped us fix some things around our house and has repeatedly heard the Gospel. He plans on going with Jeremy to an evangelistic men’s meeting on Monday, July 30.

Also, next month on August 18 we will be having another evangelistic home Bible study in the home of Ellie and Gustavo Orellana. Please pray for those who come, that God would be preparing their hearts to hear the gospel message.

As you can see, there is much going on. We count on your prayers as each day has its challenges. Thank you for your partnership with us.

May the Lord find us faithful,

Jeremy, Katie, Ellie, Johnny, and Joshua Estrema (Acts 20:24)

Saturday 30 June 2007

Estrema Family Prayer Letter-June/July 2007

2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings from chilly Buenos Aires. We have now entered into the winter season. However, things have been heating up in the ministry. This month we were able to have a home Bible Study at the Orellana home. Praise the Lord for the great attendance of about 20 people. Each person was given a John and Romans portion of the Bible as they followed along with the study. Out of the 20 people, there were 7 unsaved adults there who participated in the study. The Lord really blessed as 5 of the 7 made professions of faith! Please pray for Eloy, Angel, Mariana, Silvia, and Diego. Now we need wisdom on how to follow them up. Our main prayer is that all of them will begin attending our church. However, because of the extreme confusion here in Argentina over what church is really about, this makes our job hard. Please pray for God to continue to do a work in these precious lives.

This month, Lord willing, we will be having another home Bible Study at Mirta Chica’s house on July 14th. Please pray for God to prepare the hearts of those who come. Also, at the end of the month, pastor/evangelist Enoch Gutierrez from Mexico will be coming down to do some evangelistic meetings. God has greatly used this man every time he has spoken in Argentina. Please specifically pray for each meeting he has in our church on the 27th to the 30th of July. On the 30th of July, we are praying to have a men’s barbecue. Pray for hearts to be changed and souls to be saved.

Greek class is going well. We have now entered into verbs. Please pray for continual wisdom and strength as we enter into this new challenge. Most of the students are doing really well. Only by God’s grace do they understand a man who thinks in English, speaks in Spanish, and teaches Greek.

Jeremy is doing much studying right now as well. Via correspondence he has begun taking another class toward his doctorate. Please pray as he balances ministry, family, and study, as the class requires a great deal of reading as well as a 30 page paper made up of four sermons from the Old Testament.

Our family is doing well. By God’s grace we are all healthy right now though the kids did have some bouts with sickness this past month. Ellie is doing well with her K-3 school work. She loves learning her letters and numbers. Johnny is having a hard time giving up sucking his thumb, but otherwise he is doing well. He is a bundle of energy and seems to run wherever he goes. Joshua is getting big! He will be six months old soon and he smiles and laughs a lot. He is a real joy.

Thank you so much for praying about our car situation. In just two months time, God provided all the funds that we needed! We stand amazed at how many churches and individuals responded to our need for a reliable car to minister with. We cannot thank you all enough for your participation both in prayers and in giving.

It is such an adventure being on the mission field. What a privilege to bring the gospel to those who have never heard! Please continue to pray as much needs to be done!

May the Lord find us faithful,

Jeremy, Katie, Ellie, Johnny and Joshua (Acts 20:24)

Family picture with our new car