May/June 2011 Prayer Letter

Dear Pastors and Praying Friends,

VISION UPDATE: Thank you for praying for us during our Family Conference May 11-15. Our theme was “Uniting Families in Christ.” We had a good number of people out every night and really appreciate the Kotvas family being able to be with us during this time. It was great to see people of the church bringing their lost family members. We’re praying for lost husbands (Marcos, Jorge, Daniel), brothers (Percy, Alvaro, Rolando), and many more to come to know the Lord through the changes they see in the lives of our people as they grow spiritually.

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH: The same week of the conference, I began getting pretty sick. We just assumed it was a stomach bug, but when I was even more sick the following week, I headed to the doctor. Blood tests showed that I had contracted Hepatitis A. It is a liver-attacking virus that is spread through contaminated food. We are thankful to the Lord that we were able to identify the problem quickly so that I could begin treatment immediately. It was also a special blessing that a doctor coming here to do some medical missions work was able to bring me down some medicine that we were unable to find here. God even met this unexpected financial need before we knew it was coming. The Lord has allowed us to be in contact with a missionary doctor living right here in Arequipa, who has helped us a good bit as well. So, even though it has not been pleasant to be sick for so long, the Lord has been faithful to us. My wife and I just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last week. I really appreciate the Lord giving me such a special lady who has taken such good care of me during these past few weeks (ok, past 5 years!). Please be praying that I’ll be back to normal very soon!

UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES: Even being pretty much bed/couch bound, the Lord has given some exciting opportunities that I might have missed in the middle of a busy schedule. A man in our neighborhood has also been sick, and is concerned about what will happen to him should he die. My wife and I have both had the opportunity to share the Gospel with Juan. Also, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with Pablo and his wife Geraldine who need the Lord. Please help us pray for these folks to be saved! Please continue to pray for the salvation of: Othy, Kathy, Jesús, and Luis as well.

 Answered prayers:
-We’ve had a great turnout for the youth meetings so far. It’s exciting to see the young people bringing their lost friends. Please pray for us to see fruit through this new ministry.

- What a blessing to see the Lord beginning to provide for our church building! We appreciate those of you who have prayed and given to help with this need. So far, $1,500 of the needed $35,000 has come in. Please keep praying! If you would like to give toward this need, please send all donations to MWBM, P.O. Box 519, Braselton, GA 30517, attn. Robert Stover (building project).

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We could not be here without you!

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