Extra... Extra!! Read all about it!!!

In the early days of newspapers, when newspapers were the primary method of delivering the news, when something big happened, the publisher would not only publish the normal daily paper, but would also publish an Extra. The newspapers were sold on the street, often by newsboys, who had a stack of papers and would sell them to walkers-by. When an Extra came out, they would chant "Extra! Extra! read all about it" to call attention to the fact that something big has happened, and an Extra paper has been published. The Bible says in Proverbs 25:25: "As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country." Since our last entry two months ago, extra things have happened here...

For decades, the word "Chaplain" here in Spain was connected to the Catholic Church. The truth of the matter is, that only priests could operate in that position when it came to hospital ministry. Extra! Extra!... by the grace of God, the door was opened two months ago for the Evangelical pastors of Spain. Ivan has the great privilege of being one of them, serving as a Chaplain in the Axarquia's Hospital once a week. This hospital is in Velez Malaga, which is the next town over. This gives him the opportunity to visit not only those believers who are in the hospital, but also those who request his services. Pastor Pepe, also is among other pastors serving in this capacity.

Recently, in the past two years, our government has decided to make classrooms at public schools look more secular. In fact, they have removed all religious symbols. Everything from crosses to pictures of the saints. Traditional Christmas decorations like the Nativity Scene, as well as Christmas Carols, are now forbidden. Symbolizing, the door now being shut on Christianity. However...Extra! Extra! Miraculously, Eunice and Alicia are leading a Children´s Gospel Choir at one of the local schools here at El Rincon. They presented the idea, this past summer before the new school year got underway. Although, we saw it challenging because of what was mentioned previously, once again we were reminded that nothing is impossible for Dios. Now, every Monday and Wednesday between 4-5 pm, the gospel message is being sung by the voices of 18 children!

"Now I want to get serious with the Lord." The comment was made after our special weekend at the Retreat. From Friday October 29th to Monday November 1st, we had the opportunity to escape the daily routine of our lives, and be with Jesus. Being our second annual Church Retreat, opposed to twenty five last year, we were thirty five strong this year. With the clear idea that Jesus has full knowledge of our works, we wanted to be challenged as to what our true condition was spiritually. So, as we studied the seven letters to the seven churches, the Lord was faithful to show us just that. You knew it was coming...Extra! Extra! Church members bonded and fellowshiped like never before. Walls were beginning to fall down, as the body reached out to one another. A desire was also birthed in some of our women, to come back and really study the Bible. As a result, Eunice and her mom are currently meeting every Thursday with four ladies to study the Scriptures. Last but not least, one person rededicated her life to the Lord, while three others made decisions for the first time. To God be the glory!!

We want to thank you for all your prayers and support. By the way, we are doing very well. One last final Extra! Extra!... One of the first words that Samuel has vocalized in English, has been BIBLE!

Que Dios os Bendiga,
Martos Family