^{Spanish Missions Bulletin}

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

July  2008

Dear Friends in Christ,

We greet you in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ the Lord, and praise God for His faithfulness.  I continue to travel as one of my responsibilities is to raise support for the native missionaries who are planting churches.

Missionary News

Vacation Bible Schools are being conducted by the pastors in different areas.  Two are in a mountainous area with one at the peak of a mountain.  The pastor there was anxious to finish a small chapel as it is too cold for the children to be outside.  Some schools are in the crowded cities and some in small villages in the countryside.  Were it financially and physically possible, I would like to visit each one and experience their enthusiasm in memorizing Bible verses and singing.  Then I could take pictures to share with all of you.  Pray with us that there will be a great harvest of souls, not only of children, but also of parents who enjoy being in attendance.

New ministry in Leon, Guanajuato to reach drug addicts

Pastor Isidro Ontiveros, Iglesia Bautista Betel, with the help of men of the church and some Bible Institute students, is "setting-up house" close to the church.  The purpose and aim is to reach drug addicts, win them to the Lord, and then disciple them in Bible studies.  Pray for this endeavor.

Missionary reports January to May 2008

Professions of faith:     630

Baptisms:     57

Number of services:  552

Attendance:  Sunday mornings: 13,312

Sunday evenings: 13,984

Wednesday evenings:  10,914

Bible Study:  1,459

Youth meetings: 834

Bible lessons

A big thank you to a church in Pennsylvania which has a printing ministry and sent two hundred Bible lessons!  The lessons will certainly be a help for the native missionaries.

Family News

Please pray for us as a family.  We are planning to visit and give an update on the ministry to some friends and faithful supporters whom we have not seen in over ten years.  Five years ago, when we were traveling to visit them, I had appendicitis and had to be hospitalized three times.  This trip is contingent on having the engine, which is still under warranty, rebuilt on our vehicle.  The engine is 1 1/2 years old and gave us only 60,000 miles.

Finally, eight long (!) months after the stove fire, the floors in the house have been installed.  Karen is now retrieving clothes, dishes, and other paraphernalia, from boxes.

Praise God, Mary has taken part in three mission trips and one youth camp and is grateful for all your prayers and support.  She is continuing summer school and plans to begin her senior year in the fall, the Lord willing.  Pray with us as we seek God's will concerning her choice of college and she applies for scholarships.

While we were at a camp for individuals and families affected by disability, David, who can swim a little, surprised us by jumping off a diving board.  He also caught the first fish in the fishing contest.  The camp is always a blessing as we make new friends and learn more about the care David needs.  Thank you to all who shared to make our going possible.  Also, we praise God for a local church that is holding a Vacation Bible School which David can attend.  He is having a great time!

Miss Chelsey Miyasaki, who has been David's caretaker for a year and a  half, will be leaving in August to attend Moody Bible Institute.  Please pray for continued guidance for Chelsey as she begins her studies on Missions.  We also request prayer that God will send another Godly woman to assist Karen with David.

An heir of God in Christ,

Joel Silos, D.D.