Costa Maya Newsletter October 2016

October 2016 TAKE THE WORD TO THE PEOPLE  What do you do when your church body is not well known in the area you're doing ministry? Many people I run into in Mahahual are not familiar with the Lutheran church, and maybe have not even heard of it before. Often those who are most familiar with Lutherans are European and American tourists who stop by on a cruise ship visit!   Of course, we don't have to wait for people to visit our building. We can, and do, take the Word to the people where they are. From families on the beach who do not have transportation to families in town who are not comfortable walking into our church building yet, to individuals who would like to talk about the Biblical faith in a private setting, we want to get them in contact with the Word! Participation varies, but at times we might have 20-30 people throughout the week in 10-15 separate classes, all studying the basics of Bible teaching. Our prayer is that these studies would lead to the planting and growth of faith and greater commitment over time to the mission of the church. We are confident that the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of those who believe (Romans 1:16).  ~ Pastor Valleskey ************************************************ A Burning Desire   I've been alone this week. My husband Hugh has been away in the States, so I've had a lot of time to think about many things. This morning a memory came rushing back—the first time I thought of a church in Mahahual.  Hugh again was in the States, I was alone, and the Holy Spirit came into my heart and filled me with a burning desire unlike any other I've experienced in my life. Until that time, I was not a Christian. I recall a friend visited later that day, and she said, "You look different – what is wrong with you?" I told her nothing was wrong – We were going to build a church, and I was going to preach! At that moment I felt like I could stand on a mountain and shout to the world that Jesus is Lord!    Of course, I didn't start a church and I didn't preach, but a few weeks later a friend taught me how to do Bible studies, and so it began. That was March 2008, and look where we are today!  I am in total awe to see what the Lord can do! So many have been involved in bringing this ministry to where it is today.  Many people in the States have worked tirelessly to support God's work in Costa Maya. I am so thankful to all of those people, but mostly, I am thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of it all. I have witnessed first-hand the birthing and growing of a church. What an awesome God we serve! Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our ministry!   ~ Deb Blackburn **************************************** Subscriber comment: "It's obvious Pastor Valleskey enjoys his work by his comments and the comments of others. I can tell the people are very blessed by his work." GW *********************************************** Below is our lighthouse. It shines a beacon to travelers in our area. It shines in the same way Cruz de Cristo shines to life's travelers here. If you visit us, you can see both.  Online donations can be made at www.Costamayaministries.org or by check payable to Costa Maya Ministries and mailed c/o Fred Starck, 1765 Natures Way, Lindenhurst, IL 60046. Copyright © *2016 Costa Maya Ministries*, All rights reserved. ** Our mailing address is: 8404 Saltsberry Eagle River, WI 54521 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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