Aug. 14, 2009

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Greetings from Iquitos! After returning from California two weeks ago, I am back in the swing of things, which are going forward at a fast pace. Last night I graded the first homework assignments of my five students in the Life of Christ class. They did very well. Please pray for Mario, Karla, Jackeline, Josue, and Leoncio in their studies, and for me as I teach them. The Life of Christ class meets on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., followed by chapel and choir practice. We have 8 songs to learn before our first church presentation the end of September. Lord willing, three students will graduate the beginning of December.

News of my return spread quickly among the deaf, and ten have come already for Bible study, either to my house or to the institute. Tuesday is the day set aside for Bible study, for the girls at my house 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and for the guys at the Bible institute 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. It makes for a long day, but other days are free for visitation and counseling as the need arises. Efata Baptist Church will be celebrating its 24th anniversary the end of the month, and Pastor Abraham has invited me to participate in interpreting some of the messages. Three young people are preparing for baptism next month. Please pray for their spiritual growth to continue.

Also please pray for the plans for the river deaf retreat next January. Lord willing, we will be sharing with the deaf in the river town of Mazan on September 12. Pray that the deaf from Mangua will also be able to attend. There's also a possibility of a ministry opportunity in Gallito, 20 minutes upriver from Iquitos where I've been told a deaf boy lives. Believers from Gallito offered to check in neighboring villages to see if there are other deaf they can invite. I would like to at least be able to meet this boy and encourage him to join us for the January retreat.

Lord willing, this Sunday I will again be teaching the children's Sunday School class at Betsan Baptist Church. Ericka has done a wonderful job during my absence and may be heading back to Lima next week. Sunday noon we have an invitation to a birthday party in the church in Cahuide ten miles further up the road, and so we'll be heading there after the morning service. I am spending the night in Trece de Febrero and so look forward to joining the brethren for the Sunday evening service at Betsan.

Since I have returned, many have told me how "gorda" I am because I put on almost ten pounds. They say it as a compliment, and usually follow it up with saying that I am looking well. Praise the Lord I am feeling very well and am enjoying being back.J The eye surgery and health check ups went well, though I do have to do a follow-up on the mammogram in January because of a "probable benign finding." I had a wonderful time with my family and those of you that I was able to see. You all are a great encouragement to me! Your prayers lift me up when the enemy would like to throw me down. I thank God for you and pray for you, too.

Keep looking up! Our God is still on the throne. The victory is His and He is ours!

Your sister in Christ,
Lynn L. Porter