May/June, 2009

-->

MAY / JUNE, 2009

BIBLE SCHOOL GRADUATION

It was a night of great excitement, one we had all been working toward for more than six months! It was preceded by an entire week of one exam after the other, with projects and research papers due and ready to be turned into the teachers. What was the occasion? It was graduation night for the Bible School! More than 20 students were given certificates for the work they had been doing during this time, and another six students actually received their diplomas showing that they had finished the entire course for the Bible School and could now look toward the ministry God had for them. (Two of the students who graduated actually told us that they will be back for more classes even though they have already grad uated!) The graduation service was part concert, part recognitions, part entertainment, but complete rejoicing in the Lord for what He had accomplished ineveryone´s life. Classes are scheduled to begin again on September 22, 2009.

THE SWINE FLU

The sign on the front door of the church read: “By order of the Department of Health we are asking everyone to refrain from greeting each other by shaking hands or kissing on the cheek.” Also we have been asked to use face masks during the service.

What was going on? No doubt everyone has heard about the problem with the swine flu that has held Mexico semi-paralyzed for the past couple of months. Schools were closed for two weeks, all government offices were closed and everyone was asked to avoid any gathering of more than 100 people in one place. They were also asked to not shake hands in greeting, and especially not to kiss (here in Mexico many people greet each other with a kiss on the cheek—especially among the Christians) therefore the sign on the door of the church! Some states in Mexico are still under t

hose directions from the Health Department, but the state of Durango where we live has been released from the order, the schools are open again, etc. Although there were numerous cases and numerous deaths throughout the country, in the state of Durango there were only 10 cases and no deaths. Praise God!

FAMILY

It was my great joy to receive the news of the birth of our 16^th grandchild,on May 5^th. Micah David Harm Witt, son of Phillip and Angela Witt, is doing well. He takes his name from Micah in the Bible, my Frank (his first name was David) and Angela´s father, Harry Harm Kiezebrink. Welcome to our world, baby boy. With a name like the one you have, God has given you a great calling!

During the next few months, we will be involved in the following activities.

· May 20-23 Women´s Conference at “Castillo del Rey” in Monterrey, Mexico.

· May 24 - Speaking at “Castillo del Rey” Sunday morning service, in Monterrey, Mexico.

· May 29-30 - Bible Counseling courses in Durango, Mexico.

· June 9 – City wide concert and evangelistic service with my son, Mark Witt, in Durango, Mexico.

· July 11 – Shreveport, Louisiana

· July 16-19 – Missions Conference, Leesville, LA

· July 23-26 – Missions Conference, Marietta, GA

· July 22-24 – Youth Camp, Durango, Mexico

· July 31-August 1 – Bible counseling courses in Durango, Mexico.

To all of you who have stood with us, prayed for us, and supported us during this last month and the months before, please accept our heartfelt thanks and appreciation. My prayer is that God will richly bless you for your desire to be a blessing to this part of the world.