Prince Newsletter

Misión Luterana de Puerto Rico April, 2003

MINISTRY

The past months in Puerto Rico have been exciting and busy. During the last weekend of January we moved our office and church out of the storefront building that had been used for the past eight years. The decision to move was emotional for congregational members as they left a place of many memories. However, we are now worshipping every Sunday on our own land.

Matt in front of old church building

Worshipping on the land though has brought its own interesting challenges. On a typical Sunday our team loads two ten by twenty foot tents, several chairs, musical equipment and eight people into the Tanney van and the Prince car. We proceed to drive across town to our land and then set up the tents. We have gotten so efficient with the process that we can put up both tents in about fifteen minutes.

During our service it is not unusual to see a neighbor’s horse or hear an occasional mooing cow during a sermon.

It is not unusual for the parishioners to sit next to a pole in order for the tents not to be blown away and it is not unusual for people to bring their own lawn chairs. As we worship God in this environment, we are reminded of the children of Israel and the tabernacle. God was with them as they worshipped in tents with their animals outside and God Almighty certainly is with us.

-Pray that the Lord would open the hearts of our neighbors and that our worship would be a witness to them!

-Pray for our members to boldly share their faith with their families and friends.

In February our mission team had a field strategy meeting with Rev. James Tino, the Area Director of the Caribbean. During this meeting we discussed our vision and our short and long term action plans. It is our team’s vision to plant a mega church (over 1000 worshippers) with a grade school by 2017.

In February we also began the construction process. We built a concrete and iron rod wall at the entrance to our property. We poured asphalt and the youth of the church painted a court so that we could play volleyball. We are making plans to build our church and pre-school soon. We hope to build the foundation and shell by this summer and then finish the work with volunteer teams from the States in the fall and winter months.

-Thanks and praise to Jesus for our electricity and water being connected.

-Thanks that we have all our permits.

-Pray for the Spirit to move the hearts of people to consider being part of a work team to help build our building.

HOME

In March we were busy entertaining guests for two weeks. Susan’s mother came for a week and then the following week, Matt’s parents came to visit.

-We rejoice and give thanks for our time to visit with parents. It is a blessing for us to have them share in this ministry.

Also, in March we had a service of dedication for our land. Mike preached on Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28:10-22) and how the rock that was transformed from a pillow to an altar. Like Jacob, we say, “Surely, the LORD is in this place!”

Working to Advance His Kingdom,

Matthew and Susan Prince

PO Box 3085

Mayaguez, PR 00681

787-831-6678, msprince97@aol.com