May 2024 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Faithful Supporters,
Greetings from Monterrey, Mexico! As we reflect on the month of May, we are filled with gratitude for the many ways God has been at work in our ministry and in our lives. We are excited to share with you the highlights of the past month and to bring a few prayer requests before you.
Ministry Updates
May was a particularly special month for us at the Mount Hebron Baptist Bible Institute as we celebrated our graduation. This is always a joyous occasion as we see the fruits of our labor in the lives of the students who have completed their studies. While our graduates will be moving on to the next chapter of their ministry journeys, many of our current students who have not yet finished their studies will be returning in the fall. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in and through them as they prepare for future ministry.
We were also blessed to have Andrés Luna, our missionary to Brazil, return home for a month. Andrés has been doing incredible work in Brazil, and he will be heading back soon to plant a new church there. It was encouraging to spend time with him and hear firsthand about the impact of his ministry.
Recent Events
In May, we wrapped up a 9-week “Spring Program” at Mount Hebron Baptist Church. Over the course of these nine Sundays, we welcomed several hundred visitors to our services. Many of these visitors made decisions for Christ, were baptized, and are now faithfully attending our services. It’s been amazing to witness this growth, and we’re praying that these new believers will continue to grow in their faith and commitment.
Challenges and Needs
As we celebrate these blessings, we also face ongoing challenges. One of our greatest needs continues to be transportation. We desperately need vans for our soul-winning efforts and bus ministry. While a couple of churches have already helped financially, we still need more support to meet this need fully. Please continue to pray with us that God will provide the necessary funds.
Family and Personal Reflections
On the family front, we’re grateful to report that we’re doing well. We have decided not to travel much this summer, choosing instead to focus on the church here in Monterrey. This decision allows us to strengthen the work at Mount Hebron Baptist Church and build on the momentum we’ve seen this year. We are also thankful for our strong marriage and our children, who love the mission field and are thriving here.
However, we do have a couple of personal prayer requests. Jenny has been experiencing knee pain, and we would appreciate your prayers for her healing. Additionally, we are still in need of a teacher for our Christian School. This person must be able to cover their own expenses and be fluent in English. Please join us in praying that God will send the right person to help with this crucial aspect of our ministry.
Prayer Requests
As we move into the summer, we have several specific requests that we ask you to lift up in prayer:
Transportation: Pray that God will provide the remaining funds needed to purchase vans for our ministry.
Church Growth: Pray that the growth we’ve experienced this year will continue and that our congregation will remain strong and faithful throughout the summer.
Christian School: We are praying for a teacher to join us who can assist in our Christian School. This person must be able to cover their own expenses and speak English. Please pray that God will send the right person to help with this crucial aspect of our ministry.
Jenny’s Health: Please pray for healing and relief for Jenny, who has been experiencing knee pain.
Bible Institute: Pray for the students returning in the fall who have not yet completed their studies, that they would continue to grow and prepare for their future ministries.
Andrés Luna: Pray for Andrés as he returns to Brazil to plant a new church, that God will bless his efforts and that many will come to know Christ through his ministry.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. We are continually encouraged by your faithfulness and generosity. As we continue to serve here in Mexico, we are reminded daily of the importance of partnership in the Gospel. We couldn’t do this work without you, and we are so grateful for your involvement in what God is doing here.
May the Lord bless you richly as you serve Him wherever you are.
In Christ,
Jonathan and Jenny Ashcraft
Misioneros en México