September 2020

Jerry Chimes In

We have seen so much of God's grace and goodness this month that I hardly know where to begin. The church and Lighthouse Education/Community Center are getting closer to reality. Below you can see me (Jerry) atop the frame for the lighthouse with Kevin. (Lynn thinks I'm getting a little old for this.) When it's finished, it will be a beacon of hope and comfort in the Gospel to the people of Costa Maya.

Meghan and I are standing in her office which will be in the base of the lighthouse. (I am trying to give her bunny rabbit ears as she scampers to do the many things required in our work.)

Here I am with Kevin, the construction manager, looking over details in the sanctuary area. When completed, 125 of God's people will be able to worship and glorify Him. 

Please keep Pastor Martin, Meghan and Chris in your most fervent prayers. They are doing unbelievable work with the Covid relief project under very hard conditions. Join me in lifting them up with your prayers and encouragement as they bravely and faithfully serve their Lord and the people of Costa Maya.                                                                                                ~ Jerry Zimpelmann

*****************************************************Whole-Hearted Participation

As you read the account of the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 35-39, you can’t help but be struck by the great participation of God’s people. It truly was a “whole-community” project! Offerings of different kinds, the making of curtains and artwork, the structure, carpentry, and metalworking were all part of this large effort.

We aren’t obligated to build exactly like the ancient Israelites did (and can’t really, since they received the construction details directly from God!), but their whole-hearted participation is a wonderful example of faith and service to the Lord.

Our building project of a church and education center has been blessed with an outpouring of Christian support as well – in offerings, ideas and talents. The construction crew has been working hard to finish up the “heavy construction” phase. As that phase winds down over the next few weeks, we will continue to benefit from the God-given talents of our local congregation members and stateside supporters as we work on the finishes and the details.

We say with the Psalmist: 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2) Wherever we gather together in God’s name, in God’s house we are fed by the Word and filled up with hope through the promise of life eternal in Jesus.

Below is a visual that gives us a general idea of how the front of the buildings will look. We ask the Lord to continue guiding us in this process and keep all directed to his glory!                                                                   ~ Pastor V

********************************************************Sewing Circle - A New Beginning

We launched our first ladies sewing circle at Costa Maya Ministries! A small group of women gather (large gatherings not yet permitted) to share space, crafty activity time, and stories.  Through the course of history, sewing circles have offered support and fellowship to women.  We hope to provide a safe place for women to learn from one another, use their talents, and learn about God's grace for them. Coffee, pastries, fruit and the current project (cloth feminine pads) made for a fun first gathering.  

Back to School

Ingrid (16) and Jesus (12), brother and sister who have attended church events for some time, are headed back to school -- digital school, that is. Mexico is doing distance learning for the beginning months of this school year. The siblings will have to go back to Chetumal (a larger city where they have steady internet connection) to be able to download and view school materials. They have enjoyed all our children's programs and thank all mission supporters!  Ingrid has shown special interest in studying child psychology and eagerly shares Jesus' joy and encouragement to the marginalized, bullied, abused or neglected children in the neighborhood.  Jesus (a common name here) would one day like to be a pastor and share God’s word. We hope to see the two back in town this December for a Covid-19 Free Christmas play, piñata, and traditional fellowship! For now, they are off to study in their crochet masks (with filters made by mom Nery)!    ~  Meghan M

*****************************************************What's Up? WhatsApp!

We are now incorporating ESL classes via WhatsApp to our outreach efforts and community assistance. The classes give the locals the opportunity to learn on their own, while still following Covid-19 regulations. Many of the locals desire to learn English but are constrained by their work schedules. A higher level of English proficiency could improve the incomes, living conditions, and job opportunities for the average resident. The groups allow us to share the Word through prayers, connections, and church updates. We pray the classes will provide further support to the community and create additional contacts for gospel outreach.                                                                    ~ Chris Dean

September 2020

Jerry Chimes In

We have seen so much of God's grace and goodness this month that I hardly

know where to begin.

The church and Lighthouse Education/Community Center

are getting closer to reality. Below you can see me (Jerry) atop the frame for

the lighthous

e with

Kevin. (Lynn thinks

I'm getting a little old for this.) When it's

finished, it will be a beacon of hope and comfort in the Gospel to the people of

Costa Maya.

September 2020

Jerry Chimes In

We have seen so much of God's grace and goodness this month that I hardly

know where to begin. The church and Lighthouse Education/Community Center

are getting closer to reality. Below you can see me (Jerry) atop the frame for

the lighthouse with Kevin. (Lynn thinks I'm getting a little old for this.) When it's

finished, it will be a beacon of hope and comfort in the Gospel to the people of

Costa Maya.