April 30, 2005

Dear Friends,

Greetings once again from the beautiful Andes Mountains of Peru. Anita and I are in good health and enjoying the blessings of the Lord. We have had a lot of severe trials this past month, and some are still on going, but the Lord is good and keeps us encouraged and strengthened. We sincerely appreciate your prayers.

We really enjoyed the time spent with pastor Darrell Messer and his family and the Brooks family from his church. They were down for two weeks and we had a great time together. We hope they will plan a return trip sometime soon. My daughter, Leah, and son-in-law, John, are arriving next week, May the 4th, and Anita and I are looking forward to our time with them. We also have a group from Tri-Cities Baptist Church in Tennessee coming down on the 3rd of June. Then two more groups in July. Pray that all the travels will go without or sickness or injuries. Thanks.

Anita and I now have legal custody of Kathy and Carol the eight month old twins I wrote about last month. It has been twenty- six years since we have had little ones like this, so pray for us and for them. We are still not exactly sure how the Lord is going to work in their lives, but for the time being we have the joy of taking care of them. Attached is a picture.

I had the honor of participating in the organization of the Grace Baptist Church of Pillao on Saturday the 23rd of April. At the same time we ordained Pastor Blas Robles to the Gospel Ministry. I preached the message for these two events. This work was started by Blas Robles and Missionary Alberto Fabian several years ago with authority from the Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Taylor, Michigan. Much of the funding for the building they have was donated by the Grace Baptist Church of Bradenton, Florida. Pray that God will continue to bless as they reach out to the folks in the mountains around them.

Our work in AndaBamba has grown and had to move to a bigger house and now has a special class for the children on Thursdays while the adults have there service. Our church here in Huanuco has really gotten enthused about this work. The mission in Huariaca is doing well. Jonel and Judy, our workers there, are having their first baby in about five months. Pray for them; Judy is from the northern jungle area around Iquitos, Peru and she is far away from her family. 

My Monday night Bible class continues to be well attended and Central Baptist Church is solid and more united than ever after some of the problems we recently went through with a young man in the church causing much strife and contention. He was disciplined and the church is standing firm. Praise the Lord!

Zion Baptist here in Huanuco will be building its second floor as a result of funds given by the Tri-Cities Baptist Church of Gray, Tennessee. I am also making payments on a piece of property for the Grace Baptist Church here in Huanuco. They have done a great job in remodeling and are making full use of the property. All three of our churches enjoy good fellowship. 

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Until next month, may the Lord continue to bless each one as you remain faithful to HIM.

Serving Jesus in Peru,

Sheridan and Anita Stanton