Every place values different things. Here in south Texas, a few cooler days (around 70°) are a refreshing and appreciated change of pace. Perhaps where you are, a warm, sunny day may have everyone talking. Your favorite hometown sports team may be a bitter rival in another city. But no matter where in the world we go, there is one Name that is worthy of praise. Psalm 113:3 reminds us, “From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.” From south Texas to northern Chile and anywhere else in our world, God’s handiwork declares his glory (Psalm 19:4). Everything we see was created by God, is maintained by his power, and exists for his glory (Romans 11:36). From eternity past into eternity future, God’s name and character is deserving of the highest praise (Jude 25). Furthermore, the name of Jesus Christ will be acknowledged and praised by every human tongue some day (Philippians 2:9–11).  Our God is truly worthy of universal and unending praise.

Greetings in Jesus’ name from two hardworking and weary Spanish students! As we continue our two-semester Spanish language program at the Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburg, Texas, we are trying to stay focused on learning all the Spanish we can. We attend classes every morning, work with our language helpers, and take other opportunities to interact with students and teachers from all over the Spanish-speaking world. On Sundays, we worship with a small Spanish-speaking church, where we have opportunities to minister in many different ways.

We are thankful for the privilege of learning Spanish in this way and we need God’s grace and strength every day. Pray that we will be faithful stewards and diligent laborers for our praiseworthy God!

Two times a week we go “shopping” at a free food pantry on campus.
We’re thankful for God’s provision in this way!

Mark has had opportunity to interact with several students from different locations in Latin America
and study different accents and linguistic features.

Bekah recites one of her Spanish dialogues, a scene that we both prepare every week
and which is graded for memorization, fluidity, and pronunciation.

Our pastor here in south Texas asked Mark to wrap up a musical program
this past Sunday with a short devotional.

 Thank God with us:

• For his grace in physical strength through our first month here in language school. Sleep is a gift from God (Ps 127)!
• For opportunities to serve in our Spanish-speaking church here in south Texas.
• For multiple opportunities to learn and speak Spanish.
• For his continued provision of every one of our physical and financial needs.
• For two new churches this month who have decided to partner with us financially.

Pray to God with us:

• For God’s grace in physical strength and rest as we labor through the routine of school.
• For God’s Holy Spirit to produce in us the Christlike fruit of self-control as we work hard learning Spanish.
• For opportunities to encourage our classmates, other students, and brothers and sisters in the church we attend here (Heb 12:12–13).
• For opportunities to share the gospel boldly (in Spanish or English!) as we have opportunity.

This is our February 2017 email update. You can sign up to receive our updates in your inbox here. You can download a printable PDF here.