Acts and Love in Action: BGsEtAl 2024AugustSeptemberOctober; Vol. XXV Num.2;
Woven Together…

Did you hear about our 2024 All Staff/Servants Gathering? The best way to describe it is by sharing Psalm 133:1 which says, “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!” (MSG) This being our 2nd ASG in our 24 years of service with ABFMS / International Ministries, we thank God for how He worked a miracle for your BGs to participate with our colleagues from around the world, the office, and the board. Read more…

We met in Colorado to reflect on our past and our present as we plan as one body for our future—responding together for good. Since 2017, we had not traveled without our Queen Mother, yet God sent us four wonderful caregivers that took turns 24/7 to be with her and even a supportive church that donated almost half of the cost of their services. The ladies and the pastoral leadership of our church were also on call for whatever was needed. This was a miracle trip for your BGs, and we are certain that God was in full control of everything.

As the days went by, we had opportunities to interact with one another. We enjoyed our time with Tata Nzunga and Mami Kihomi with her surprise of a twin set like hers to be big and little sisters. We are woven together, indeed. The joy we feel each time we are together and seeing God’s faithfulness to them in their ministry amid the challenges that never cease to show up. It was a lot of fun to spend our Wednesday dressed in mirror image…

We have too many pics with too many colleagues and even more of those we didn’t get to take. These are only a sample of the blessing of being woven together in Colorado…

We were blessed as the MKs presented their project to the audience; one where one of our own MKs had a part to inspire it. What a joy to see an idea woven into a fabric that includes the mark of our beloved children past, present, and future. They are vitally important in the history of our mission society, and each has an opportunity to contribute as God leads them. The project is now in our King of Prussia offices for all to enjoy. Also in the office is another project where each of us was able to thread our names to the tapestry led by David and Joyce Reed to record our time together. Throughout the week we had the opportunity to honor our colleague, the Rev. Madeline Flores-Lopez; especially on her first heavenly birthday (July 11th).

Then on her commissioning anniversary (Friday, August 9th), an online memorial service was held in English. Many churches that served with Madeline participated. The very moving testimonies evidenced how much love Madeline inspired and how much she is missed. Her legacy lives through others following in her footsteps in the Dominican Republic and Cuba by serving and blessing their neighbors.

In August many of us also celebrate our commissioning anniversaries and your BGs are grateful to God and to you for 24 years of commitment and faithfulness to the Lord; many churches and siblings trust the Lord to use us. This is a sample of the pics taken since 2000 and 2024, many of which have been in our prayer cards. Which ones do you recognize?

August brought the graduation of the first cohort in Nicaragua of the Master’s in Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries by Palmer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. We rejoice with each graduate that completed this degree, especially with our Laura Erica. The 16th Missions Symposium was held in Puerto Rico the following day. The links to the livestreams of each of these events are below.

Graduation in Nicaragua –
https://fb.watch/uJtbC7GN9B/

Missions Symposium in Puerto Rico –
https://www.facebook.com/pibypr/videos/438544115202201/

September brought celebrations in our family. Carlos and Mayra’s 35th wedding anniversary on the 3rd; our Queen Mother’s 91st birthday on the 5th (traditionally) and 6th (legally) making her the eldest in the García-Martínez family once she reached 91 and 10 days on the 15th. Carolina’s birthday was on the 11th and that following weekend we celebrated her and the Queen Mother for their milestones. Each day we have reasons to celebrate and be grateful for yet there won’t be any other birthdays until next March 2025; the year your BGs Et Al celebrate their missionary silver anniversary and the porcelain anniversary of the BGs MPT USA! God is good all the time…

We pray you will join us in the 2024 World Mission Offering (https://internationalministries.org/world-mission-offering/), promoted in September and October—same months many of your regional gatherings happen. Thanks for your ongoing support as we serve Iberoamerica and the Caribbean and let us keep praying for one another… God bless you!

Pressing toward the goal, “woven together for good,
your BGs Et Al (www.facebook.com/BGsEtAl)

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A word from your BGs Et Al MPT’s Convener
Rev. Dick Sharber, Hamburg Baptist Church, New Jersey

Dear Mission Friends,

A few centuries back, William Carey and friends were praying for India to hear the gospel. After prayer, the group felt Carey was being called to go. He replied, “I’ll take the Gospel to Calcutta – but you must hold the ropes!” Mission support is a lifeline for those who go where we cannot go. So for those who can jump in, and grab hold for our BGs, or even increase their support, the opportunities abound while the need is at least as urgent as ever. You are welcomed to contact me or DuRhonda Pinegar at bonigiova89.MPT@gmail.com with any questions or for how to add your support (–regularly is especially appreciated!) as Carlos and Mayra continue their calling toward a 25th year of ministry with churches, for reaching those who so need the Gospel to become disciples of the Way.

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