^{Spanish Missions Bulletin}

Rev. Joel Silos, Director
P.O. Box 40398
San Antonio, TX  78229-1398
(210) 615-1945

May 2007

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.  Philippians 3:9

Dear Friends in Christ,

Karen and I praise God for the generous offering, over and above what was needed, to pay for the truck repairs and related expenses.  Thank you to those who prayed and to those who gave!

I continue to use the truck to supply much-needed literature to the native pastors in Mexico.  During April 2007 the following items were delivered: 200,000 tracts, $3,000 worth of Bibles, and 500 hymnbooks.  Some of this literature is for distribution at the Annual Bible Conference in Matamoros, Tamaulipas May 26, 2007.  In attendance will be pastors we have supported in the past (and who now have established churches), and pastors who are just starting churches.

Camp

Close to 1000 men, women, and children attended camp close to Comanjilla, Guanajuato, about 20 miles outside of Leon.  Again, camp was out in the country without modern facilities.  It is always interesting to see how the people manage and still maintain a joyful attitude.  The young people eat at the dining tent and the families set up tents and cook at their own campsites.  242 made profession of faith and many made decisions for full-time service. PTL!  Several people from the nearby town hid behind the trees close enough to hear the singing and the messages in the evenings.  Before long, some were saved and then attended the services.  An older couple from an area church plan to hold services in the town soon.

Mephibosheth Ministry

Four people with disabilities, and their caregivers, were very grateful to be able to attend camp with all expenses paid.  It was the first time three of them had attended.  This lady and her husband, a taxi driver, related to us how he desperately searched for God for five years.  He questioned the priest so many times over certain scriptures to the point where the priest no longer had time for him.  One day he found a Holy Bible in a ditch.  He began reading it and had even more questions.  He thought it was by coincidence, but we believe it was by God's providence, that he was soon after invited to the services at Bro. Ontiveros' church.  He was saved and you would have a hard time finding someone who will listen as closely to the preaching as he does, always rejoicing in his salvation.

After camp ended, we had the opportunity to meet and visit 12 year-old Raquel, the girl who had her cancerous leg amputated.  She was in good spirits and happy in spite of the fact that the doctors have found malignant tumors in her lungs.  Please pray for her.

Carlos Ramos Mata is laboring among the Huichol Indians in the State of Nayarit.  He is praying for a horse or a burro as there are no roads in the steep mountains and he has to walk at least five hours from one village to the next.  The wind-up lantern I gave him will be a help to him.  Carlos is single and is praying for a wife, specifically for a girl he met at camp.  She is a graduate of the Bible School from Brother Ontiveros' church.

Prospective Interviews

While at camp we interviewed seven other young men, besides Carlos, who are also interested in working under Spanish Baptist Missions.  They need financial help as they are starting churches in areas where there are no believers.  All of them appreciated the Bibles, tracts, and hymnbooks they received.  In order to support these men at $150.00 per month, we would need to raise $1,200 more a month.  Help us pray for this need to be met.

Prayer Request

Brother Ontiveros in Leon, Guanajuato, has scheduled a Pastors' Conference for September 2007.  He has asked for help to cover the expenses of about $3,000 for food and lodging for approximately 100 pastors.

Silos Family News

Mary advanced to the semi-finals on a debate team competition.  She enjoys reading and is conversant on many subjects; likes to cook and bake; and continues to raise chickens.  When she turned 15, the church hired her to help with different activities.

About two weeks ago, David came home from school with a stomach virus and is still having problems.  Then Karen had it.  Next, I got it and had to be hospitalized for observation for possible surgery.  The doctor told Karen to use a ball-and-chain on me so I would stay home a few days.  Praise the Lord, I feel well now!

David works on crafts with his caregiver.  He also enjoys playing the piano.  In July, we, as a family, plan to attend camp for children with disabilities.

Thank you for your continued financial support!  Thank you for your prayer support!! Thank you for keeping us in your prayers!!!

An Heir of God through Christ,

Joel Silos, D.D.