The Creech Family

May 31, 2000

Dear Brethren,

"We thank the Lord always for you, making mention of you in our prayers." These words of the Apostle Paul reflect my thoughts as our family makes plans to return to the States for an extended visit. Our goals are to visit as many of our supporting churches as may want us to come by and to give our children a chance to attend one year of school in our home church's Christian school. By the time we return in August it will have been nearly eight years since we have been in Panama. That, plus the year and a half of deputation makes a total of nine and a half years that we have not personally reported to some of our supporting churches. We recognize that it is because of your faithful year by year care of us in prayer and finances that we have had the privilege of being here and seeing the Lord begin a work for His glory in this country. Please note that we will be returning on August 8, 2000 and that we will be available to visit as a first priority our supporters and secondly, if there is time, other churches that might want to know about the work. After August 8 we will be reachable at 3227 Kings Cross, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703, telephone 501 444-9829.

SEMINAR IN CUATRO CALLES

Day before yesterday I returned from our regular leadership training seminar in Cuatro Calles, where Bro. Nestor Martinez maintains his base of ministry and where we have been holding these seminars for the last three and a half years. Twenty men participated from nine different congregations. It was a blessing to me to see the development that is taking place in these men as they strive to honor their committment to serve the Lord. Seven different national preachers brought messages during the seminar, in addition to the classes which I taught each day.

FIRST ORDINATION

On August 2 we will be ordaining Bro. Nestor Martinez during the a fellowship in which we are inviting all the independent Baptist churches of Panama to attend. This will be the first in what we hope will be many men whom the Lord will see fit to so equip as standard bearers of His Gospel. Please pray that the Lord will bless this event to all who attend.

BRO. SERGIO CIBALA

Earlier this month we had an eleven day evangelistic effort in Bocas del Toro province. We visited eight new villages inhabited mostly by Guaymi Indians. The people were very receptive. Over thirty people made professions of faith and in two communities the people asked Bro. Sergio to return as soon as possible and start churches. He plans to go by faith and live among the folks and teach them and form them into churches. He needs our prayers as he is sure to be strongly opposed. Lord willing, within a week we will be having another tract drop by small plane over the area where he is working. We are trusting the Lord that this will be an aid to his ministry. Please pray especially for the towns of Rio Diablo and Rio Chiriqui.

BIG BOOST TO THE PRINTING MINISTRY

Thanks to all those who have prayed for our ministry of printing and distributing tracts, booklets, and Bible correspondence courses. This month our home church gave us a great blessing when they decided to supply us with new printing equipment: a heavy duty cutter, a collator, and a machine to glue booklets. This investment will enable us to increase production, cut expenses, and save valuable man-hours.

FROM VALERIE

Well, I feel so excited about coming back to the states for a time so that I can be with all of my children instead of only half of them. I also look forward to being there because it's SO much easier to live in the states than here! However, I dread the frenetic pace of life that we Americans lead & am not looking forward to rejoining the race. The Latin culture has such a pleasant, easy going rhythm. I'm convinced that this is one of the main reasons that they are so receptive to the gospel. They actually are not in a hurry & are willing to hear what you have to say. They are usually home & friendly. Life is simpler here. I realize now why so many Americans don't witness to very many people. We don't have time & neither do they. How sad for us all. I look forward to seeing many of you soon.

Yours in Christ,
Robert Creech
rcreech@mbbc.us