May/June 2009 Prayer Letter

Dear Pastors and Praying Friends,

Greetings from the “Ciudad Blanca,” Arequipa, Perú! We are thrilled about all that God is doing here in the ministry He has allowed us to be a part of. In Psalm 91:2, the Bible says, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Praise the Lord for the refuge that we have in Him! No matter what may come into our lives, this refuge is always there for our protection. May we always place our trust in Him.

Opportunities:
On May 15-18, we were able to take a trip to the town of Chivay, which is about 3 hours outside of Arequipa. During our time there, we helped conduct rallies for children and teenagers. By the grace of God, 12 young people made professions of faith in Christ. I had the opportunity to lead 5 young men to the Lord during the invitation of the Sunday morning service. These are the first ones that the Lord has allowed me to lead to Christ in Spanish. What a blessing!  Please pray for the Hope Baptist Church in Chivay, that they would find a pastor. There is a faithful seminary student who goes there to fill-in every weekend, but they really need someone full-time. Please pray!

The medical clinic in June that was planned to be in Ilo, was moved to Lima instead. It was held in a very poor area of town where people would not normally have access to good medicine or doctors. A group of 21 people came from the US, bringing lots of medicine and supplies, but more importantly, hearts willing to serve in whatever way possible. In 4 days, they were able to attend to about 1700 people. I was able to help in translation. The Gospel was preached to everyone who came through the clinic, and 250 people made professions of faith in Christ as Savior. We thank the Lord for good physicians and medicine, but we praise His Holy Name for the Great Physician who provides “medicine” to heal the souls of men.

Events:
We had the graduation for our English class on Sunday, June 21st. 22 students graduated and received a certificate signifying their completion of the class. We are thankful that they were able to hear God’s Word preached and pray it will continue to work in their hearts.

July 1-15, there will be another medical clinic here in Arequipa at the Perú Bible College. Please pray that this clinic would be a tremendous blessing to many people as well.

Blessings:
While in Lima, we were able to begin the process of getting Josiah’s residence visa. We should be returning to Lima at the end of July to complete that process. Also, we applied for Caleb’s US passport and paperwork. Since he was born here, he is a dual-citizen and already has his Perúvian passport.

Another blessing that has come out the English class is that Sara has had the opportunity to tutor one of the more advanced students in our home. Please pray for Pilar. She has expressed a desire to know more about the things of the Lord, and Sara has had the opportunity to share the Gospel with her. Please pray for Pilar to be saved.

On June 23rd, we will complete 3 wonderful years of marriage. I praise the Lord for the wonderful wife He has given me and look forward to many more years together.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. They are both needed and appreciated. God bless you for your sacrificial giving; we could not have a ministry here in Perú without you.

Your Servants for the Savior,
Robert, Sara, Josiah & Caleb Stover