We are excited to announce that we need to tear down a wall in the Carazo Ministry Center as we are now averaging 45 to 50 every Sunday. Things are going really well and it has been a great encouragement to see people hungry to know the Lord more deeply. There are several young couples attending faithfully, two of which are expecting babies. Luis Hernandez has been doing a great job teaching on Wednesday nights on The Marks of a Healthy Church. We do hope to start formal membership within the next few weeks. However, not everything has been easy or problem free as we have had people talking negatively about us. In this small thing, I can gain an appreciation for what the Apostle Paul expressed in Philippians when he said, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
It has been quite an encouragement to have the younger couples interested in the things of the Lord. Some of these families have asked us to do teaching about marital roles from a biblical perspective. Currently, April and I are doing this class at 4 pm on Sunday afternoons with 6-8 attending. Please keep these times in your prayers.
Carazo Bible Institute
In March, we had our 1st group of 2-year graduates. Three men completed the 2-year study course. A group from River of Life Church in Florida came and helped with the graduation celebration. They provided a great meal and brought gifts for the students. David Smoot from Wings of Faith Ministries, gave an encouraging address to the whole group of students and graduates. There were over 50 in attendance. Each of the graduates addressed the audience and explained how the 2 years of study had helped them grow in their understanding of God and His word. The Gospel Coalition states that , “75% of the world’s Christians live in the Global South. 85% of the world’s evangelical churches are led by pastors with insufficient training.” I am thankful CBI has a small part in battling this theological famine. The hope is that as these men and leaders are fed theologically sound “solid food,” they will be better equipped to disciple others.
Carazo Medical Clinic
Dr. Reyna has been away in the States, but we have been busy with the medical clinic. With the team from Florida, we visited the community of San Antonio, checking on patients, praying and encouraging them. We were also able to provide a food bag of basic needs thanks to the generosity of River of Life Church in Starke, Fl. Recently, with donations from Tree of Life, the clinic has been able to purchase more medical supplies/equipment. It has been such a blessing and many have expressed appreciation for the free medical care/support. We have been known to convert into a temporary hospital at our house in certain instances!
Carazo Mission Center
We continue to hope and pray to purchase the building where all of these ministries are based. The money we need to raise to buy the ministry center is due July 5, 2018. Please pray with us. Below is an outline of what we have already raised and the final costs. Please pray for this need. 
Read your Bible, support your local church, glorify God in all you do.
Go or send!
Thank you all for your continued prayer and support.
Joel, April & the kids.
That they may know Christ..... 