Haggai 1:4-5 “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.”

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During our travels we have had the opportunity to visit many Baptist churches. Folks can I be honest with you? We are in trouble! The people of God are not doing their part! Yet, they are still expecting the blessings! Churches are closing their doors faster than any time in our history, Pastors are resigning from the ministry, and missionaries are coming home from the fields never to return. Pastors are working jobs in order to keep the doors of the church open, missions giving is at an all time low, and the people of God stand idly by watching the demise of God’s house as they continue to build their own.

We say we want revival in our country, homes and lives, and yet we have neglected to take care of the Lord’s house. The house of God, according to the bible, is the pillar and ground of truth.  In many churches today the pillars have collapsed and the ground has become as sinking sand!  The Lord’s house is lying in waste but the people of God are living in their ceiled houses!

If you were to be really honest with yourself, where would the things of God rank on your priority list? We see the result and the consequences of the Jews ignoring the house of God in Haggai 1:4. Yet God in his infinite mercy and grace tells them exactly what to do to restore their relationship and receive His blessings in Haggai 1:8. God’s Word also tells us exactly what to do in Matt 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

During the past few months, things had slowed down significantly on deputation until we viewed our situation through spiritual eyes. We quickly realized we needed to do more to build up God’s house! In between meetings and being on the road, Janet spent countless hours creating all the lessons and materials for our home church’s VBS. Janet also planned all the scheduling, taught one of the classes and did a great job holding the children in suspense as she told a missionary story throughout the week.

God blessed our VBS and our service to Him! God allowed me to lead a 15 year old young man named Chris to Christ during VBS. There were several other young ladies that also received Christ as a result of attending VBS. We were excited! What a blessing to see God working in our midst!

 We spent more time in God’s Word, praying and building God’s house. We went soul winning 3, sometimes 4 times a week. We looked for every opportunity to present the gospel and to disciple people. What do you think happened?  God poured out his blessings upon us!!!

While driving a woman, named Jeanette, home after a service one Sunday, Janet began talking to her about her need for Christ and was able to lead her to the Lord.  Right there in the back of the van, after going through several scriptures, Jeanette asked Jesus Christ to be her Savior. Praise the Lord! Pray for Jeanette’s growth in the Lord.

While preaching during a recent church where we presented, God opened the doors of heaven during the altar call. The altar was flooded with broken people wanting to do more while seeking God’s will for their lives. At the conclusion of the service the pastor confided in me that this was exactly what he needed his people to hear. A few tears and a broken heart can be used mightily of God! We need more tears in our pulpits and churches!  The Bible says in Psalm 126:5-6 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He  that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Additionally, in the month of June, we received notification of support from 3 new churches that had voted to take us on. What a blessing! God is so good to us – all the time! “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” Lamentations 3:25

We are living in a time when many churches are walking by sight and not by faith. We all need to consider our ways if God’s house is to be restored. Remember in Haggai God tells the people to gather wood to build his house. Folks, as Baptists, we are but one generation away from extinction! Our churches are filled with the faithful over 50 crowd, but the crowds of young couples and families, teens and children has dwindled away. We need fresh timber before the old wood just rots away! We need young men and women to build God’s house and keep the torch burning! When was the last time you’ve been to the forest of lost souls? When was the last time you led someone to Christ? When was the last time you invited or brought a new person to church? As the people of God we must consider our ways before we can experience the blessing!

One of our travelling highlights was a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns.  As we walked through the underground maze, we came to a guide picture. The picture showed the craggy canyon in a vibrant orange yellow.  A red cross was laid over the canyon to show the canyon shape.  It stated that we were at the tip of cross.  A little girl standing beside Janet looked up and asked, “Isn’t it scary?”  “Oh no,” Janet said, “Look at this picture of the caves.  It shows us where we have come and we have made it to the top.  It looks like the cross that Jesus died on.  The cave looks like the flames of hell.  As long as we stay on the cross, we are safe.  Being at the top of the cross is a great place to be.  It is as though we had crossed the bridge safely into Heaven.” 

Please continue to pray for safety for us as we continue to travel.  Pray also for God to continue to fill our calendar with meetings and for new supporting churches to help us reach our needed support. We are so grateful for those of you who faithfully support us with your prayers and finances. May the Lord richly bless each and every one of you in your ministries, homes and lives.

Yours for souls in Paraguay,

Rich and Jan Godinez

Missionaries to Paraguay South America