Global Impact

Pastor Chris recently traveled with ministry partners Paul Sandberg and Rafael Restrepo to lead sessions at a regional leadership training event. He taught six sessions to a group of around 40 leaders, with participation growing throughout the week. One attendee even traveled over 100 miles to be part of the training. These leaders are deeply committed to learning and growing. Please keep them and their communities in your prayers.

September 2025

Greetings, Island Christian Church

We have much to share with you. But in light of the challenges in our country right now, I will keep it short.

The ministry keeps reaching people in Central America, helping them to know and develop a relationship with Jesus. We serve about 500 people monthly through our various ministries, include our outreach to the boys and girls, scholarship program, ministry to the disabled, elderly, and Pastoral training.

We meet different needs, but number one is to get to know Jesus and keep a close relationship with Him. We also provide some of their needs, such as education, food, medical care, dental care, counseling, and after-school programs. 

In the after-school programs, we provide meals that, in some cases, are the only meal they have during the day. Our hope is that those boys and girls have a chance to not only finish high school, but also have a desire to find their place in society and be able to serve their country and God.

Prayer needs:

- We ask for your prayers so we can keep sharing Jesus and the hope we find in him, pray for the current challenges that we are facing.

- Pray for the people serving in each ministry

- Pray for the health issues that Wilbert and Gloria are facing now.

- Pray for our kids, Jacob is now 19 and has decided to join bible training, Naomi is in 10^th grade, and her health challenges are always there.

JULY 2025

Dear Friends,
It’s a joy to share what God is doing and to thank you for your prayers and support over these 40+ years. May brought special visits, including friends from the U.S. and a vow renewal in Barcelona—25 years after we officiated their wedding! In June, we held another Pastoral Training in Spain, co-taught with our son-in-law, Caleb. More sessions are planned for the Fall and January. A class is also scheduled for Central America in August, and the Caribbean Family Conference follows.

Two pastors were recently ordained in Spain. Pray for the Dutch and English churches during this transition. Street and beach evangelism also bore fruit—pray for those who responded.

We signed a pre-contract for a pastoral house and are trusting God to provide the remaining $95,000 by September. This home will bless future ministry.

Please also pray for our mothers, whose health is declining.

With gratitude,
Rafael & Mary

September 2025 Update

1. Training & Leadership Development
We’re wrapping up our training school, where 24 students have spent five months learning and growing in their faith. Your prayers and support have provided food, housing, and opportunities for them. We also hosted a five-day leadership training with pastors from across the region, and recently gathered 79 young leaders for worship, prayer, and equipping. It’s exciting to see the next generation stepping up to make a difference.

2. Community Projects & Outreach
In remote villages, we’ve installed solar lights in 160 homes, improving daily life and education. We also provided 60 smokeless stoves and school supplies, showing love through practical help. Each light, stove, and child helped represents hope for the future. Thank you for being part of this work!