The Bradley Family - May 2012 Prayer Letter

May 2012

Dear Pastor and praying friends:

           The excitement seems to never end. We told you last month about Julian and Epitacia receiving Christ as their Savior. We have been meeting with them weekly since that time to help them understand how to read the Bible. It has been so exciting to see their enthusiasm for learning what God has to say in His Word. Please continue to pray for Julian’s health as his dialysis treatments continue.
           We were reminded again that we live in a slightly dangerous place as we experienced more earthquakes. Here in Mexico City the earthquake has to be pretty strong, 6-7 before the people take much notice. We have had several strong ones recently and, as you might have seen in the news, there was some damage to buildings and bridges but not a lot of obvious damage. The problems became more evident as the water was off in many areas for weeks. The pipes had broken in the earthquake and the civil engineers needed to find the leaks. Within a week most of the leaks were found and several weeks later most of them were fixed. This is so similar to people‘s lives when they experience tragedy or hardship. The damage isn’t always visible on the surface but inside there is a worsening problem that needs to be addressed. We are so thankful that we can introduce people to the God of the Universe who can mend their broken hearts and lives.
          We are always looking for opportunities to minister to hurt and confused people. We have been ministering to a family who lost a beloved father. The situation has really touched us because James’ mother also passed away in April. Sometimes our personal pain is useful to help others who are experiencing the same. We also used this opportunity to talk about salvation to the daughter and wife of the man. When we asked if sometime in their life they had prayed to repent and accept Jesus as Savior, everyone but the wife, Maria Luisa, said yes. I was very impressed that she was willing to say “I have not done that yet.” When asked if she wanted to now, her response was not right now but later. Please pray for her that later will not be too late.
          The process of starting a new work is at times very difficult and one of the hardest aspects is when it is time to give the responsibilities to the church members. We are experiencing the same emotions as when a father lets a son drive the car for the first time. We are seeing that God is wise and good to provide the needed people to do the work. Pray for Ricardo, that he will have the wisdom needed to guide the church in our absence and for Alejandro who will help to keep things running smoothly. The various members are always willing to help. Praise God! They do share a sadness and even unwillingness for us to go. This makes it difficult but it is part of the process for a missionary. And finally,

Mr. and Mrs. James Bradley
are pleased to announce the
Graduation
of their son
Michael James Bradley
from
Instituto Metropolitano Estrella
on the 1st of June
Two thousand and twelve
at 6:30 in the afternoon
The ceremony will be streamed live.
A link will be posted on Michael’s and Lori’s facebook page.

James, Lori and Michael Bradley
Mexico City, Mexico