July 17, 2007

Dear faithful prayer partners and supporters,

          In September of 2006, while I was waiting for Kelsey and Jordan to enter into school, “Virgen de Loreto,” I saw hundreds of parents and children without Jesus.  In that moment I prayed, “Lord, I might be struggling with the language, but my family and I are willing to be used to reach these people in whatever way You see fit.”  This spring, Bro Dave McDonald and I began a baseball team in Zapillo (Almeria).  We thought we were going to reach children in Zapillo, but God wanted to reach children at Virgen de Loreto.  Once we got the team going, we had approximately 14 children from that school attending every Monday.  In my heart I knew God was going to allow some of these boys and girls to come to Vacation Bible School to hear the gospel.  Praise God, 7 of the 14 (half the team!) were at V.B.S., and one family now attends our church regularly. At V.B.S. we had 28 children, 12 helpers and 7 adults attend.  Of those children, 11 were first-time visitors.  Kelsey brought 4 visitors and Jordan brought 3, one being a good friend from school whose father also stayed to hear the lessons taught.  What a blessing! We have been praying for this family for months!   We had more helpers this year than last year, and though God used all the helpers in their places of service, I was excited to see how God used our children to further the gospel.  Brianna helped with the music, and Kelsey helped run PowerPoint.  Both also helped with puppets.  Although Dena was in the hospital, she too had helped by previously recording the music for V.B.S.  I was also proud to see that Kelsey and Jordan chose to give the prize that they had earned by bringing the most visitors to the second place winner. As I reflected on the events and thanked the Lord for what He had done, He reminded me that He had listened to my heartfelt prayer that school morning in September.

          In the African church, Thomas, a faithful attender, shared with me that God was convicting him about being baptized again.  Bro David and I went to visit him about baptism and realized he had based a false salvation on works.  After sharing with him from God’s Word, he turned from works to Jesus.  His prayer of salvation was so sweet and sincere; it was a true blessing to both of us to be part of that experience. 

          On the home front, our children have completed their first year in Spanish public schools, and all will be promoted to the next grade.  We are all enjoying the break from school, especially a break from the early morning stress of trying to get children to 3 different schools on time!  We also announce the birth of our new son, JohnPaul William Rose, on June 21, 2007.  Our best guess at his size in English measurements was 8 pounds 5 ounces and 20 ¼ inches long.  JohnPaul is doing very well and at 3 weeks already weighs over 10 pounds.  We have seen God bring us many contacts already through him.  Not only were we able to share the gospel with the labor nurse in the hospital, but we have also had a steady stream of neighbors coming to visit since his birth.   One neighbor in particular has come to visit 4 times!  Although the pregnancy and delivery were without complications, Dena has had a more difficult time with recovery.  Not only is she anemic, but she also developed a post-partum uterine infection that could have been very serious.  We see God’s hand on her life through the circumstances, and praise Him that the infection was contained in the uterus and treatable with a D & C operation and IV antibiotics.  We also praise God that her mother arrived just in time to be able to help out while she was hospitalized for 4 days.  Although she continues on an antibiotic, she is home now, and seems to be recovering slowly but well. 

          As she traveled to visit us for the month of July, Dena’s mom realized why it seemed so clear that God had chosen not only her exact flights, but also her seat assignments, when Isabella, sitting beside her, was saved en route from London to Madrid.  Within minutes this beautiful young Polish woman was sharing her personal struggles and deep emotional pains.  We praise God that over the 2 ½ hour flight Mom was able to share Christ for salvation and give her many scripture references, truths, and godly counsel to help her in her new walk as a Christian.  What a blessing that we both have parents who love the Lord and let to God use them to reach people for Jesus on a daily basis, even while visiting us in Spain.

          Although Dena and the girls should be receiving their new residence cards in a week, we continue to work on paperwork for the four boys.  Not only are we applying to the Spanish government for their residence, but we also have to make a trip to the United States embassy (a 3 hour drive) to apply for JohnPaul’s passport.  Our residence requirements specifically state that we can not leave Spain for longer than 6 months, therefore we are planning a short furlough and will be available for church appointments between January and June of 2008.  If you would like to have us report in your church, feel free to contact us by email at rosestospain@yahoo.com or by mail at PO Box 13459 Arlington, TX 76094.

          Your prayers for us and support mean more than we can express.  While we have experienced many spiritual blessings, fruitfulness, and great joy, this month has also been a great time of challenge with the necessities of physical life.  We seem to have encountered more than our fair share of daily trials: broken water heater, multiple van repairs, unexpected medical expenses and a burned-out oven.  However, our faith has grown as we have seen God do miracles, and we expectantly watch to see how He will continue to meet our daily needs in every situation.  Thank you so much for praying for our family.

Bill and Dena Rose, with Brianna, Kelsey, Jordan, Joshua, Josiah, and JohnPaul
Sent by: Temple Baptist Church; 55437 Wilbur Rd; Three Rivers, MI 49093
Sent through: World Baptist Fellowship; PO Box 13459; Arlington, TX 76094

 

Prayer requests:

Bill’s dad (Pastor Mike Rose) for health

New converts:  Rosa, Ericka, Vanesa, Thomas, and Isabella for spiritual growth

Salvation:  Nancy, Loli, Manolo, Eva, children & parents from VBS

Special request:  Javiera, young girl with heart problem (health & salvation)

* Since the writing of this letter, Pastor Mike Rose has been hospitalized for a blood transfusion and a surgical procedure to improve kidney function.  It also appears that his lymphoma may be growing.  Please continue to pray especially for him.