Friday, July 1, 2011

Six Month Update

     Well, I guess I still need lessons in Blogger! I tried several times last week to post a blog, only to lose the text of my post. If you see this, I have finally been successful. :) Just blame it on baby-boomer slowness to catch up with modern technology!
     What have we experienced in the last few months?
  • We have taught three Global University courses to an amazing group of students. It has been wonderful to hear testimonies of how the classes have changed their lives. One young lady told me with tears in her eyes, "I am just so full." Another student shared that her hunger for the Lord and for His word has exploded since her baptism and course participation. We are also preaching from time to time at First Assembly and at West Bay Assembly (pastored by missionary friends Mike & Debbie Hampton).
  • Counseling is taking up more of our time. We are seeing increasing evidence of  the pervasive Caribbean occult heritage, a stronghold that often reaches back many generations. One woman was sold to her grandmother, a witch doctor. Many otherwise strong Christians believe in curses, and are intimidated by superstition and fear. Part of our task is to reassure them of Christ's victory over the enemy, and let them know them no longer have to put up with such bondages. Please pray with us for boldness and discernment.
  • Pastor Bobb (Cayman Superintendent and pastor of First Assembly) has been praying for a spirit of renewal on the island. To that end, our Sunday night services are geared more towards worship and prayer. We do the altar worship with our guitars. The emphasis in the last few weeks has been on the Holy Spirit, and we sense we are on the cusp of a great move of God. Please pray with us for a genuine revival.
  • We have been involved in compassion ministries such as our food bank and prison visits. A Teen Challenge center is still on hold, pending a government approval of property. Please pray with us for favor.
  • Our art and music lessons for the public will begin in a couple of weeks, and we are hoping to make contact with unchurched families that way. Eventually we hope to open a community center/coffee house ministry as this grows. Sondra is also helping to mentor and train our music director and choir.
     We highly recommend that you check out and subscribe to our Facebook ministry page: The Bocchieris > Missionaries to the Cayman Islands:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bocchieris-Missionaries-to-the-Cayman-Islands/120224851333888  That page gives a more instantaneous view of what's going on with us, and is updated quite often.
     Check out our latest newsletter in the column to the right for more information. Also, we've added a new feature to our blog. In the right-hand column, just above our slideshow, there is a place to follow our blog by entering your email address. You will then receive an email notice every time we add a new post or feature. We want you to have the most current information on our ministry, so you will be able to rejoice with us in the victories and intercede for us when we have prayer needs. Your email will be entirely secure, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Thanks for being our partners in winning and discipling this area of the world for Christ!