June Update
June Update
Ronald Gray
Jun 22, 2009
Dear Friends,
I just returned from my trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It was a great trip. The time in Ometepe with Missionary Tom Fritz was very meaningful. We were able to see the joy of about 14 pastor who are going through the Ministry Training Institute. This is the same material we use in Kenya. LeRoy Curtis developed Basic Inductive Bible Studies material and we have also translated The Covenant and the Kingdom book by Charles Simpson. Both of these materials help these rural pastors to learn the Word of God. Ometepe has about 40,000 people living on the island. There are two volcanos, one active and the other not. Wild horses roam the island. That is an incredible sight. You have to access the island by ferry.
LeRoy Curtis trained a man in Costa Rica named Josue to teach the curriculum. Josue now travels every month to Ometepe to teach these pastors. Tom Fritz also teaches women sowing lessons so that they can make some money. He has a large vision to reach this island.
I had a couple of fun experiences while crossing from Nicaragua to Costa Rica. I had to walk through the borders. I hired a young man to help me with the logistics. He helped me know which line to get in and get the correct paperwork. I though he was going to help me carry my luggage between borders, but he showed up with a large tricycle. He put my luggage and me on the front of it and drove me to the next area. I wish I had a picture of that. All of this for three dollars. He earned his money that day with me on the front. ( I did give him some extra money). I then negotiated a bus fare. I thought I had done pretty well. until I realized I was sitting on the floor of the bus next to the driver. Only a five hour ride! Oh well, the joy of trying to speak another language. Some people got off about three hours into the drive and the driver let me sit in one of the seats. Praise the Lord! My back was aching.
The team from Grace Temple, Hattiesburg, MS met me in San Jose on June 13. We drove to Puerto Viejo in the Sarapiqui region. We were able to finish the walls, crown ring and put the roof on Pastor Hermann’s home. He and his family should be able to finish the doors, windows and a few other things and nove in the next several months. It will be a great change from where he lives now. I am thankful we were able to do some much work in such a little time. Everyone from Grace Temple worked very hard.
I leave tomorrow for Costa Rica again. I lead a team of thirteen to the city of Limon for some evanglism. We will share Jesus on the streets, schools, churches and do some servant work to help. This city is filled with drugs and problems. Pastor Luis has been a friend of mine for many years. He is trying to make a difference there and we hope to hold up his hands. Please pray for us during this time. I appreciate your prayers as I am a little road weary.
I spoke yesterday at Faith Covenant Church here in Daphne. I shared a word on “The Father’s Choice of a Father”. I gave some characteristics of the life of Joseph. God met us and I am thankful for the opportunity to encourage men to step up to what God has for them.
Thank you for praying for us and for those that contribute to our ministry. Be sure and go to my web site and see the new video. It helps give an overview of all we do. We are humbled at the opportunities that God has given us. My book is being advertised this month in One to One Magazine. I hope you get your new copy. We are featuring the DVD’s and CD’s of me teaching my book All of these can be ordered on our web site.
Reaching Nations, Changing Lives,
Ronald