Monthly Archives: December 2021

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support for our family. God has been so good to us over the past few months as we have settled back into life and ministry on the field. He has provided for all our needs, and we want to give him all the glory.

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Lucas 1:49-50

We returned to Peru in August. Thank you again to all those who gave to help with the moving and setup expenses.

In September we had our first major outreach activity since the pandemic began, and over sixty deaf showed up at the church. Our faithful members have been returning, and we continue to encourage those who are still at home to set their fears aside and come together as a church. Many deaf and hearing have been saved and baptized, with new baptisms every week.

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The deaf youth group has begun meeting again. We kicked off with a special fellowship activity, and this month I am working with the teens to prepare a Christmas presentation of the many prophesies foretelling the birth of the Savior.

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In October, our family visited the jungle city of Iquitos with National Deaf Pastor Frank Chavez and his family. Pastor Frank and I preached a Bible Conference for Missionary Matt McKendree’s deaf ministry there. This was my first visit to the city where my wife was born. It was a rewarding and emotional experience. One deaf lady was saved during the conference. I was honored to speak in two other ministries in Iquitos that week as well.

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We are looking forward to working with several of our deaf young people next year in the Bible institute program, preparing them to be Christian leaders and teachers. We are also excited about our new evangelistic outreach to the deaf in cities around Peru. We should be ready to take our first five-day trip this coming April.

This brings me to a special need. I have been looking for a vehicle for our family that can also be used on visitation and for these special evangelistic trips. We’ve settled an 11-passenger JAC Refine. The van will cost us approximately $21,000.00. Please pray with us about this need. This vehicle will be a core part of our ministry going forward. If you can give toward this need, please let me know.

The family is well. Zulema has fully recovered from her gall bladder surgery. She still deals with chronic health issues, and the trip to her birth city as well as a variety of family issues over the past few months have taken a toll on her. She does such a great job in the ministry here. Please keep her in your prayers.

JJ is almost six! He graduated from kindergarten this month, and we are so proud of him. Esther is working through K4 and doing a great job. Both of them are settling in so well here, catching up on Spanish and Sign Language and enjoying the many adventures the mission field holds for them.

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As to Grace, she just started walking around on her own, and she is so precious. Please do continue to pray for her. She still chokes up every once in a while because of her throat condition.

God bless you all! We love you and are praying for you.

Sincerely,

Joseph & Zulema Kotvas
JJ, Esther & Grace