February Newsletter

Dear Praying Friends,

     Thank you so much for praying for us, even in the busy times through which we have passed. God is still blessing our ministry here and the church in Guadalajara, as they are learning to depend on God for the wisdom and decisions needed.

     We are busy visiting with our supporting churches and sharing with them all that the Lord has done in the last few years. We praise the Lord for His continued protection of us, our family and our brothers in Christ in Mexico. Horacio Gonzalez from Monterrey has faced serious threats on a couple of occasions, but God protected them as well. Other deaf pastors face similar threats and have seen God provide a safe haven, even in the time of great distress. Great is His faithfulness!

     Last October, Gary had a doctor’s appointment that was purposed to be nothing more than a thorough check-up. There seemed to be nothing wrong, but they kept saying, “At your age….” Through November and December, he went through skin growth removal, blood tests, sonogram, CT scan, (interrupted by a bronchial infection) and finally two biopsies all to be told everything was fine “for your age.” We praise the Lord he now has a clean bill of health and will do well if the cure doesn’t kill him.

     Speaking of age, several have questioned us concerning our age and does this mean we will retire? God called us to our field of service in 1981, we moved there in 1983, and we committed for our lifetime or until God moves us out. A fellow veteran missionary used to say that he would know a missionary would stay on the field if they returned for a second term. Our first term lasted nine years since we had no one to replace us in the infancy of the ministry. We now have completed 30 years on the field and have no plans to “retire” until God shows us we are not being effective or can no longer carry out ministry. He called us to ministry for Him, and He will tell us when to quit or change fields. We pray for our adopted country that God allows them to find a solution to the tremendous problems that face them. We ask that you pray for them as well.

     We praise the Lord He is continuing to bless the church as they learn again how to trust Him for the daily needs as well as the wisdom for ministry. Christmas and the New Year were blessed times as they planned and executed exciting programs for the deaf. The church continues strong and is reaching out to the deaf community. Cheyenne often helps with the various projects at church since she is one of the few hearing people as well as having a fantastic artistic ability to make her projects vibrant. Please pray for the deaf churches, their leadership and families, as well as the church members as many of them pass through dangerous areas and situations just to get to church. The bullets that fly do not distinguish between church members and the unsaved. They need our prayers of protection.           

     Please pray especially for two ladies we have been able to share the Gospel with. Both have circumstances in their lives which will not allow us to share more details with you. Their cultures are not American, but they are here now and are interested in the Gospel. We pray for them and would ask you to remember them in prayer, especially for their salvation. Biblical salvation is a new concept for them so we pray for clarity and understanding in their hearts.

     Thank you for caring and sharing. We are reminded daily of your faithfulness which challenges us to carry out His ministry in the same level of faithfulness. May God bless you today.

    

For DEAF souls in Mexico,

Gary & Ann Layne