How I wish you could follow me around and share in all the exciting things God has done for me these past two months. Three ladies have been saved in my different ministries…one in my Sunday school class February 8…and I am seeing significant growth in new believers.
I got to visit with Ulises and my daughter, Elizabeth in Ixtapa the week of February 9-14. Besides all the activities that keep them busy, the last day of my visit they had a special dinner in their home for their pastors and their families. What a joy it was, not only to enjoy special fellowship with them, but to think how God is using these men through the faithfulness of Ulises and Elizabeth. Pray for them as they continue to train new men to serve God full time. On March 15, their church in Chiapa de Corzo celebrated their 6th Anniversary.
I left my beloved San Cristóbal on March 6, and flew to California to attend the Pastors’ Conference at North Valley Baptist Church, where my son, David and his wife, Jolene serve on the Golden State Bible College staff. I enjoyed attending a few of the English services, and hearing the challenging messages; but most of my time was spent in the Spanish church where David helps Pastor Eduardo Calderón. I was privileged to speak three times to the Hispanic ladies. I don’t need to tell you that the highlight of my trip was the time I got to spend with David and Jolene, and their five precious children who have grown so much since the last time I saw them a year ago.
On the 13th, I traveled to El Paso, and two days later I got to attend the 15th Anniversary service at Living Water Baptist Church in Chaparral, NM, where my son, Joel is pastor: one church, two congregations: English speaking, and Hispanics. The guest speaker was Abram Saenz, a young man who was saved in the church there in 2002. He went off to Oklahoma to prepare to be a commercial airline pilot. But after receiving his diploma, he felt the Lord would have him serve full time. Two very special guests were present that day: a couple of gentlemen over 90 years old, both World War II veterans. One was saved in the church there last November, on his 93rd Birthday! While I was there I was privileged to speak four times, both in English and in Spanish. I always enjoy being with those precious people, and watching how the work grows from year to year. Needless to say, I enjoyed special family time with Joel, Margaret, and my two beautiful granddaughters.
On March 26, I traveled to Sahuarita, Arizona, where Pastor Oscar Galván and his wife, Elinor, invited me to speak in their 17thannual Spanish Ladies’ Conference. When I gave the invitation after one of the sessions, two ladies were saved. I spoke seven times during my visit, including teaching in Chapel at their Christian Academy. It was an honor to meet Elinor’s parents, Bro. Richard and Marilyn Pfaff, who have faithfully served the Lord for many years.
I met a young man from Guatemala as I boarded one of my two planes bound for home. I spent special time with him after landing, and got to witness to him, and share my life’s testimony. He asked me: “All these years you’ve served the Lord, have you ever regretted it?” I immediately answered him, “Not one minute! There’s nothing like serving the Lord.”
And there isn’t!
Your friend,
Billie Sloan
Nahum 1:7
