July 7, 2011

Dear Ministry Partner,

Greetings from Chicago! I flew here June 30 to rest, see my doctors and dentist, and to renew ties with ministry partners.

Below is my summer itinerary. I know summer will fly by quickly, but I would like to see you! Please let me know if you can make time for us to get together.

July 1-8 – Medical and dental follow-up

Visit old friends in the Chicago area

July 8-1 – Vacation in Door County, WI

July 16 – Fly to Portland

August 5 – Return to Mexico

August 6 – Women leaders’ workshop in Cuernavaca

August 16 – 2011 fall ministry season begins

As I look back at this last ministry season, August 2010–June 2011, I know the Lord sustained me through it all. As always, there are many joys and frustrations in ministry.

I can think of some wonderful and not so wonderful moments the Lord allowed me to see.

Here are some praises.

What a joy to have one of my neighbors come faithfully to all my Bible studies, our church services and prayer meetings! M came to my apartment last November to accompany her sister who knitted a shawl for me. She knew immediately I am a foreigner and asked me, “What are you doing here?” I responded by saying, “I am a missionary. I lead women’s Bible studies and prayer meetings,” That very week she came with me every night to our week of prayer and became a regular member of my weekly Bible study and prayer group. What a ready harvest! Praise the Lord! (PTL).

Another praise is witnessing the growth of six women who come faithfully every Tuesday for Bible study and every Saturday for prayer. It is always a challenge and seems an uphill battle when I first try to teach them how to have a personal time with the Lord, how to memorize verses, how to answer the Bible study questions and how to pray. But what a joy it is to see after nine months… these ladies have hunger for God’s Word, memorize Scripture, have their daily quiet time and know the joy of receiving answered prayers! Praise God!

What an even greater joy to see them invite and bring other women to our Bible study! One gal, R brought another gal, L who was baptized June 12 during our annual baptism ceremony. Praise God! Another gal, S brought a friend, X who now has become a regular member of our weekly Bible study and prayer group. PTL! I am also happy when I see these faithful women serving in our church. Two ladies are teaching Sunday school, two are serving with our usher and greeter team and one is serving in our prayer ministry. PTL!

Another blessing is the Lord allowing me to start the Lonely Hearts Club Band. This is my circle of missionary girlfriends that are becoming dear sisters to me. PTL!

With the praises also come the frustrations. Of course, what is ministry without frustrations?

Here are some not so wonderful events.

I have are four ladies who are unfaithful. These four gals are on and off with reading their Bibles, attending church and coming to the Bible study. I know with God, no one is a hopeless case. Would you pray for these four to desire God more?

I was hoping to become involved with ENTRUST’s Women to Women training in Cuernavaca, originally set for August 5-13, 2011. This training was canceled due to security issues in my city and the ENTRUST leaders decided to have the training in Costa Rica in September. This would be more costly and bad timing for me, as we would have just started our fall ministry season. What a disappointment!!! L My vision of training faithful women, so they in turn would train others also, will continue with or without the ENTRUST training (II Timothy 2:2).

My inability to pay my previous medical insurance due to lower financial support is another frustration. How sad!!! I am looking for 15 people who would commit to giving $20/month. This would enable me to get a better medical insurance coverage. Would you pray and ask God if He would have you be part of my financial support team?

My upstairs neighbor keeps his TV at a loud volume 24/7. He also decides to play his musical instrument at 1:30 AM giving me many sleepless nights. I have talked to him about it, but he does not care about my sleep. Unfortunately, over here you cannot call the police for noise control. What a grief!!!

I can think of many more blessings and frustrations, but time and space don’t allow me to do so. Do ask me when we see each other this summer.

Thank you for your faithful prayers, love and support.

Sincerely,

Angie Velasco