We’re Almost There – July 2021 Ministry Update
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank the Lord for each of you who has faithfully supported us throughout the first half of 2021. It is a great joy to share what God has done with us in ministry and as a family over the past several months.
Our deputation continues to bear fruit. We have heard back from several more churches that have adopted us for monthly support. We have also received several special love offerings to help us with the tax situation at Efata as well as our move back to Peru and setup costs there. It is so encouraging to know that you are “holding the ropes” for us as we go forward in ministry.
Praise the Lord, through his grace and faithfulness, the back taxes on the church property in Peru have now been paid off in full as of last week! Thank you so much to those who gave through us toward that project. Also, both our travel and setup expenses have now been fully funded.
In other news, Zulema is now an American Citizen! Now that our entire family are dual citizens, travel will be so much easier. We will not be at the mercy of political whims, and we will be able to go back and forth freely as we do ministry. Thank you all for your prayers throughout this process.
Zulema had her gall bladder removed in June, which was quite the ordeal. Thankfully she is recovering well from the surgery and is ready for the trip back to Peru. While in the hospital, Zulema had the privilege to meet a nurse from Peru and witness to her.
Grace is growing and developing well. Because of issues she was having, we were afraid she might suffer from more generalized paralysis on her right side, but she is strong and full of energy, scooting around and working on standing up!
We were all packed up to return to Peru last Wednesday, July 28. Zulema’s paperwork was done and her passport had arrived… then JJ and Esther both tested positive for COVID last week! Thank the Lord they are doing well with minimal symptoms.
We rescheduled our flight for the third week of August. We are more than ready to get back into the work God has for us there. Pray for us to be able to get on the plane and back to the field.
Praise the Lord our church in Peru continues to gather in person to learn the Word of God, worship, serve, and fellowship together as the body of Christ. July 28th was the 200th anniversary of Peru’s independence as a nation, and it was also inauguration day for a new president. This new president has socialist ties, and he has declared his intention to rewrite the constitution of Peru.
There is a great deal of turmoil and fear in Peru that the country may take a turn toward socialism in the vein of Cuba and Venezuela. Prices are rising across the board, and the national currency shown signs of inflation. Pray for missionaries and believers in Peru. We trust in God, and we know that his plans are always just and right.
We are eager to get back to the field and begin training the next generation of Gospel teachers and preachers for the Deaf.
In March of next year, as the Lord leads, we will begin the new Efata Deaf Bible Institute program, where we will invest in our young Deaf men and women with practical, hands-on training in ministry, doctrine, work, and language. Apart from Bible and language instruction, we will be teaching practical work skills such as carpentry, sewing, and cooking, as well as visitation, teaching and preaching, and counseling.
Through conferences and campaigns across Peru, we will sow the Gospel seed for the Deaf around the country. Pray for wisdom and direction as we pursue the vision God has given us. The time we have spent here in the States has allowed us to reflect and mature as we have learned to rest in Him and thank him for his enduring mercy.
As I close this letter, I would like to recognize the passing of a good friend in ministry. Missionary Ben Millican, who served for 37 years with our mission board, is home with his Savior.
Brother Millican and his church, Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Testamento, have always been a blessing to us. Although Pastor Ben went through so much with his health, he was faithful, continuing to get out and win souls and minister until the end. He is such a great blessing and example for us.
We are so thankful for every pastor, missionary, and faithful Christian we have met along the way. Your testimony as a witness for Jesus gives us strength and encouragement as we press on in the Service of the King.
Sincerely,
Joseph and Zulema Kotvas
JJ, Esther & Grace