Samuel

Just a quick update on Samuel. After several days, he showed up at his aunt's house, who lives in Tampico, about six hours away. Apparently he hitch-hiked all the way there. We thank the Lord that Samuel is fine and that we now know where he is. Samuel's mom, Irma, will be going to Tampico to pick him up and bring him back home. Samuel seems to be content to return home.

Throughout this situation, God has revealed some significant needs in the heart of Samuel, who has always been faithful go activities at the mission and at church, but has never shown real spiritual desire or interest. Please pray that we will be able to reach his heart and help him resolve the issues and focus his life on God.

Thank you for your prayers. Please don't stop now.

While you are at it, please pray for Jorge and Gloria, a couple who was saved through the activities a the mission. They have been attending church for several years (on an on-again-off-again basis). They are currently going through some very difficult marital struggles due to their sinful past. Please pray that they will be willing to work through their issues together. Their is a lot of hurt and bitterness. I am thankful that at least they were willing to broach the subject and open their hearts. Pray that I will have the wisdom and grace to help them resolve their issues by refocusing their hearts on God and obeying His Word.

Samuel

At the mission (church plant) we have been working at, one family in particular has been very faithful over the past several years. The family consists of the Angela (grandmother), Irma (mother), Diana (15 years old), Samuel (14 years old), and Flor (5 years old). On Sunday night, Samuel ran away from home. Apparently he had skipped school for a week (without telling his mother). His mother suspected what he was doing and told him that she was going to go to school the next day to find out. Apparently Samuel decided to run away. Although his note claimed that he was going to Mexico City, he didn't have any money to get himself there. He is most likely around town with a friend. Please pray that 1) Samuel will return quickly, 2) that he won't do anything really stupid while he is away, and 3) that God will use this in his life to get him serious about his personal relationship with God. Although Samuel claims to be saved, he has been very passive about his spiritual life. Thank you for your prayers.

A few pictures of David Benjamin (and the rest of the family). As you can tell, Ana and Aaron are very, excite.

David Benjamin Bixby

The Lord has graciously blessed our home with the arrival of our son, David Benjamin Bixby. David was born at 7:59 yesterday morning (Sep. 20th). He weighs 3.580 kilos (which is right around 8 pounds) He was 50 centimeters long (19.5 inches long). He has dark blue eyes and darker hair than his siblings.

Susan woke up at about 2:15 am yesterday morning feeling some pains. After waiting to make sure that they were labor pains, we made it to the hospital about 4:40 am. After an epidural and a couple of hours, David was born. So far he has been a very satisfied and tranquil baby. We hope that continues.

Aaron and Ana came to the hospital yesterday to see their baby brother. They were very very excited about their little brother. Aaron is going to be the helpful, protective older brother. Ana is going to be the bossy, second mother. Sometimes we feel like it will be a miracle of this kid survives!

After having several friends that lost babies during the pregnancy or shortly after the baby was born, we have come to appreciate anew the miracle that a healthy baby and mother really is. God has give us something we most definitely do not deserve. At times we ask why God has allowed us the blessings and given others the heartaches. Although that question has no human answer, we rejoice in the goodness of God. Truly His grace and mercy are beyond description!

PS: I'm having problems posting pictures right now, so I will try again later.