Our Week - August 17, 2024

 

Praise the Lord Jesus. We give the Lord Jesus all of the Glory for this 2024 ABC Michigan Servants Missions work here in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The Lord Jesus has shown Himself mighty and strong in each Missionary through their Devotional messages.  We lifted Jesus up, encouraged each other in the Word of God, and enjoyed Christian fellowship day and night.  We are on one accord with God’s plan for such a time as this.  I thank the Lord for our Missions Team Servant Leader, Dr. Cindy, Pastor Gary, our wonderful driver, for our youngest Missionary, Sir Scott, 14-year-old Missionary, who is Pastor Gary’s grandson.  His son, Brother Shane, is such a strong worker.  Each of us other Team Members were such a blessing to each other and the people here in Puerto Rico – to God be the Glory; the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit used us in His Service.  Thank You, Father God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit for Your love (John 3:16) and for trusting us as Your Chosen vessels.

Rev. Dr. Ruby J. Bowens

Russell Street MBC   

A Day to Enjoy God's Creation - August 16, 2024

 

The day most of us have been waiting for all week…The Beach!! We finally made it, and it was a refreshing, splish splashing time. The water was crystal clear, some bought snorkeling masks, but you could see the fish with your natural eye from the top of the water looking down. Saw God’s perfect orchestration in His creation all working in sync so we could enjoy and take it all in (see photo). From the sand, clear salt waters (a natural spa), the waving palm trees dancing in the breeze, the waves crashing to bow down to their orders set by Our heavenly Father, the multigenerational families enjoying their Puerto Rican paradise. It was so amazing, it just makes you want to cry Hallelujah over and over again. On the downside, I wanted to rent a kayak for my brothers and sisters in Christ who have never experienced it, but unfortunately they were all sold out ☹. So we just swam more like the fish, some experienced a walk to get hamburgers (which I heard were yummy in their tummy). After the beach, we went to old San Juan for dinner, some at Café El Punto restaurant and a small group of us went to El Muelle 13 (see photo) and the food was so delicious, I wanted more (I recommend the tacos, they were top notch). Devotion was by sister Aulbry, and it flowed beautifully.

Jesus follower and about my Father’s business,

Debora Gutierrez

Faith Temple COGIC , Kalamazoo

Bishop Dr. T.D. Lockett Pastor

 

Into the Community - August 15, 2024

 

What a blessing today has been! As the tropical storm has kept us inside the past two days with working around the church, today was a full day of community outreach. The day started with cleaning the roof from the women’s shelter, Milagros del Amor. As we were given a tour, it was such a blessing to see the impact of what this ministry is doing and the needs that are being met for women who are so desperately in need. After finishing up there we went into the local community here in San Juan to distribute meals, hygiene bags and pray for those who wanted prayer. To be able to personally hand out those bags and pray was such a humbling and heart felt experience. It truly blessed me beyond measure to see how thankful and grateful they were to receive something that many times we take for granted. To God be the glory for all the great things that took place on today.

Aulbry C.

Galilee Baptist Church

Bishop, Dr. Michael T. Scott I

After the Storm - August 15, 2024

 

This is the Lord’s doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes. Today was amazing. We had the opportunity to provide essential support such as meals, bottled water, and hygiene products to those in need. In Puerto Rico, volunteers and organizations often set up food drives, shelters, or outreach programs to offer assistance. These efforts help address immediate needs while also fostering a sense of dignity and community for individuals experiencing homelessness. The highlight of this week’s mission was cleaning the roof of an all-women’s shelter. It was an important task because when there is an abundance of water on the roof of the shelter it leaks in the office spaces. The water removal helps maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the residents. Making sure the space remains dry and welcoming for the women in need.

Marla Yarbrough

Galilee Baptist Church

Bishop, Dr. Michael T. Scott I

Food for the Community - August 14, 2024

 

 

Today we got rained out and did not have any plans on leaving the church.  As I fellowshipped with others about my passion for food and cooking, an opportunity came up to utilize my cooking skills. We got word that a senior citizen community lost power, and the church was cooking for them. I jumped at the opportunity to learn and to help out. The cook explained to us what we were doing and how we should prepare it. We, as a team, got it done. After cooking, then it was that time when you get to do the dishes. Lol. I enjoyed what I was doing, but I had to take time out to sit down and eat lunch myself.

Brian White

Galilee Baptist Church

Kalamazoo MI

Safe and dry - August 14, 2024

 

Keep the Faith - August 13, 2024

Praise the Lord Jesus, all.  We serve an AWESOME God!  Yes, there’s a storm out on the ocean and it’s headed this way.  If your soul is not anchored in Jesus, you will surely drift away.  We are trusting the Lord Jesus (Proverbs 3:5,6 and Mark 4:35 – 40).  First, we trust God through faith to speak to the storm; He is in full control. Amen!  Second, we prepare for safety.  We are sheltering at the Church until the Lord quiets the storm.  Third, keep praying and believing God’s Word. He will not leave us nor forsake us.  We are here to carry out His mission here in Puerto Rico; God honors our faithfulness and His will be done to the Glory of God!  Keep the faith!

In His Service,

Rev. Dr. Ruby J. Bowens

Russell Street MBC