Holmes- Missionaries to Mexico

Donald ('80) and Susan Holmes

Contact Information

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Holmes
P.O. Box 1582
Lemon Grove, CA 91946
Email:dholmes@ens.cablered.com.mx

Mission Agency

August 30, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Wednesday night we were in First Baptist Church in Francesville, IN. Sunday we enjoyed a break and went to church with Susan’s mother and father. Sunday morning we will be in First Baptist Church in Danville, IL and Sunday afternoon in the Spanish work. Then in the evening we will be in Faith Baptist Church in Champaign, IL.

A special prayer request:

Wednesday 1^st of September Susan’s mother will be having knee replacement surgery in the morning. Praise the Lord we will be there. Pray that everything would go well and that she will have a speedy recovery.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. We have over 45 churches already scheduled. Pray that we will be a blessing in the churches that we are visiting and that some churches will be lead of the Lord to take us on for support. We are at 86% and need $540.00 a month more.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

4. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Macrina, Arturo, Dora, Ana Maria, Chavela, Tereza, Sarai, Rosa, Monica, Brian, and Rut.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 23, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday morning we were in First Baptist Church in Lockport, IL and in the evening we were in Hillcrest Baptist Church in Logansport, IN (the place where my wife was born). We had no problem making it to Logansport in the evening. We did hit road construction, but Susan knew the back roads (her old stomping grounds) so we got off the highway and took some back roads. We even had enough time to drop by Susan’s parents house and grab a sandwich and I took a 10 minute power nap because I had a headache. This next Wednesday we are kicking off Awana in the First Baptist Church of Francesville, IN. Sunday we are not scheduled in any church. This is the first Sunday that we have not been in at least one church since July 4th and even on the 4th of July I preached at my wife’s 30th class reunion. This will be a welcome break! My eyes are doing great! Not more glasses and no more drops!

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 16, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Last Tuesday we were at 58th Ave. Baptist Church in Cicero, IL. Sunday morning we were in Iglesia Bautista Primera Hispana (First Spanish Baptist Church). This next Sunday will definitely be an interesting Sunday. In the morning we are in First Baptist Church in Lockport, IL (near Chicago) and in the evening (losing an hour because of time change) we are in Hillcrest Baptist Church in Logansport, IN. Guess I will let Susan drive! :-) (I would anyway). My eyes are doing great! Only three more days of drops and then I am back to Normal! (If that is possible).

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 9, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Last Wednesday we were at Grace Baptist Church in Muncie, IN. Sunday morning we were in State Rd. Baptist Church in Burbank, IL. Sunday night we were in Calvary Baptist Church in Kankakee, IL. Tuesday we will be in Fifty-eighth Avenue Baptist Church in Cicero, IL. Sunday morning we will be in a Spanish Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 5, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Last Wednesday we were in Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville, IN. Then Thursday morning I had the cataract surgery done on my left eye at 9:30 in the morning in Decatur, IL. I don’t remember any of the surgery, praise the Lord. The surgery went well. The next day I was given a card to read and told to read the lowest line, so I read the bottom line! I went on Tuesday and had the restrictions taken off my driver’s license. I almost didn’t pass the vision test as my left eye is for reading and I had to squint to make out the numbers. Sunday morning we were at Bible Baptist Church in Pana, IL. Then in the evening we were just visiting East Park Baptist Church in Decatur, IL. Monday I went to the eye doctor and all appears to be healing well. Wednesday night we were at Grace Baptist Church in Muncie, IN.

Also I received word from the mission church in Sauzal. One was saved on Sunday morning!

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

July 26, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. This last week was a super busy week again, but a super good week again. Last Wednesday we were in Fellowship Baptist Church in Westville, IN. After church we drove back to Winamac, IN to spend the short night. We got to bed at 11:00 p.m. and were up at 2:00a.m. to drive to Decatur, IL for my surgery. The first hour we had to drive through fog and we had a deer cross the road right in front of us. I had my surgery about 7:00 a.m. I was awake the whole time and experienced some pain and remember everything. Later the doctor said that I was resistant to anesthesia. The surgery went well and I now can see 20/20 in that eye. It was worth the pain! After surgery John and Sue Skelton (who sat with Susan during my surgery) (from East Park Baptist Church) took us out to breakfast (Thank you so much for sitting with Susie and for breakfast). Then we went to Gary and Jane Decker’s home (from East Park Baptist Church) and spent the rest of the day and night (thanks for opening your home and supper and breakfast and everything else). Sunday morning we were at Latham Baptist Church in Latham, IL, and we were at Calvary Baptist Church in Urbana, IL in the evening. Wednesday we will be at Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville, IL. Thursday we leave really early in the morning and have to be in Decatur, IL for surgery in my left eye. Sunday morning we will be at Bible Baptist Church in Pana, IL, and we will be free in the evening.

The 29^th of July the left eye will be done. My surgeon’s name is Dr. Sinha. Pray that the Lord will guide his hand and give us peace.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

July 22, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Thank you for your prayers today. They were greatly appreciated! Last night we arrived back in Winamac, IN at 11:00 central time and left Wednesday morning at 2:00 a.m for Decatur, IL for my eye surgery at 6:30 a.m. The first hour of travel, we experienced really bad fog and almost hit a deer, but thanks to your prayers we arrived safely. The surgery went well though I was awake and alert the whole time (I also experienced some pain). They said before surgery that if I was awake I should just see colored swirls, I was looking forward to seeing color squirrels but no such luck!! Right now I am typing without glasses using the eye that I had surgery on!!! So it was definately worth the pain.

Yours for Mexico,

Donald & Susan Holmes

July 19, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. This last week was a super busy week, but a good week. Last Wednesday we drove from Winamac, IN to Decatur, IL, had preliminaries for my eye surgery, and then drove back to Winamac, IN. Saturday night we surprised my in-laws by telling them that Sunday we were giving them a surprise 50^th wedding anniversary celebration. Sunday we were in Francesville, IN for the day. Wednesday we will be in Westville, IN. Thursday we leave really early in the morning and have to be in Decatur, IL for surgery in my right eye. Sunday morning we will be at Lathem Baptist Church in Lathem, IL and we will be at Calvary Baptist Church in Urbana, IL in the evening.

The 22^nd of July my right eye will be done and the 29^th of July the left eye will be done. My surgeon’s name is Dr. Sinha. Pray that the Lord will guide his hand and give us peace.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

July 12, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Wednesday we were at First Baptist Church in Pecatonica, Illinois. Sunday morning we were in East Park Baptist Church in Decatur, Illinois and Sunday night we were visiting First Baptist Church in Danville, Illinois. Sunday we will be at First Baptist Church in Francisville, Indiana.

Friday we went to the eye surgeon and I will be having surgery on both eyes. Wednesday (tomorrow) I will be doing the preliminaries. Then tentatively the 22^nd of July my right I will be done and the 29^th of July the left eye will be done. My surgeons name is Dr. Sinha. Pray that the Lord will guide his hand and give us peace.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

July 9, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Thank you for your prayers this week. They were greatly needed. Yesterday Susan got some super great news. Susan’s sugar level when down noticeably. We want to thank Dr. Dan Luban, who has been a super great help in this battle. Susan still is not where she should be, but is definitely heading in the right direction.

Today we went to the eye surgeon. We want to thank Dr. Tim Busey for going with us. My right eye even with my glasses went to 20/200. I now can’t even legally drive even with my new glasses! Next Wednesday we will be going to the eye surgeon for the preparations. Then on the 22^nd of July the doctor will operate on the right eye and on the 29^th of July he will be doing the left eye. Pray for the Dr. and for both Susan and I. It is a very stressful time for Susan and me.

Yours for Mexico,

Donald & Susan Holmes

July 4, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday morning I was able to speak at Susan’s 30^th class reunion. There were about 35 people in attendance. There were no outward decisions, but the seed was sown. Wednesday we will be at First Baptist Church in Pecatonica, Illinois. Then Friday I will be meeting with the eye surgeon. Sunday we will be at East Park Baptist Church in Decatur, IL and Sunday night we will be visiting First Baptist Church in Danville (not preaching).

Also we got some good news from Ensenada! The work is going good and the metal shop that was next to our house is no longer there. Thank you for your prayers!!! God has answered them.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

June 29, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Wednesday night we were at El Vista Baptist Church in Peoria, IL. Thursday I was able to speak at my mother’s assisted living. God blessed though we saw no open decisions, but we did see God convicting the hearts of some of those who were there. Sunday morning we were at Faith Baptist Church in Morristown, IN. Sunday evening we were in Charity Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN. Next week I will be speaking at my wife’s 30th class reunion. Pray that God will speak to the hearts and we will see some saved.

We also had some good news this week. Susan has lost 11 pounds since we arrived back in the U.S. making a total of 90 pounds since she got off the diabetes medicine two years ago.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

June 22, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Wednesday night we were at First Baptist Church in Rensselear, IN. Sunday morning we visited Primera Iglesia Bautista in Lafayette, IN and were able to schedule a meeting for August in that church. Sunday evening we were in Tabernacle Baptist Church in Martinsville, IN. Next Wednesday we will be at El Vista Baptist Church in Peoria, IL. This Thursday I will be preaching at 10:30 a. m. in my mother’s assisted living home. Then next Sunday morning we will be at First Baptist Church in Morristown, IN. In the evening we will be at Charity Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

We have two other special prayer requests. I will be preaching the 24^th of June for the first time where Mom lives. Pray that some of the residences will be saved. Second, on the fourth of July weekend Susan has her 30^th High School class reunion. This is a public school reunion and they invited me to preach for them! The Lord has opened these two doors. Pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts and that some will be saved.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

P.S. We are without internet at my mother’s home, so I have to go to public places to hook up so I just do what is necessary.

June 15, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday morning we were at Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Raymond, IL and in the evening we were at Maranatha Bapatist Church in Rantoul, IL. The Lord blessed in those services. Next Wednesday we will be at First Baptist Church in Rensselaer, IN. Then next Sunday evening we will be at Martinsville Baptist Temple in Martinsville, IN. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

We have two other special prayer requests. First, I saw that where Mom is living they had Masses, so I told Mom to ask if they wanted me to speak there. To make a long story short I will be preaching twice at the assisted living where my Mom lives. I will be preaching the 24^th of June for the first time where Mom lives. Pray that some of the residences will be saved. Second, on the fourth of July weekend Susan has her 30^th High School class reunion. This is a public school reunion and they invited me to preach for them! The Lord has opened these two doors. Pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts and that some will be saved.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

P.S. We are without internet at my mother’s home, so I have to go to public places to hook up so I just do what is necessary.

June 8, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday we were at Washington Baptist Church in Dillsboro, IN. Next Sunday we will be at Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Raymond, IL in the morning and at Maranatha Baptist Church in Rantoul, IL in the evening. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

We have two other special prayer requests. First, I saw that where Mom is living they had Masses, so I told Mom to ask if they wanted me to speak there. To make a long story short I will be preaching twice at the assisted living where my Mom lives. Second, on the fourth of July weekend Susan has her 30^th High School class reunion. This is a public school reunion and they invited me to preach for them! The Lord has opened these two doors. Pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts and that some will be saved.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

June 1, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday morning we were at Calvary Baptist Church in Dixon, IL and Sunday night were at First Baptist Church in Amboy, IL. Next Sunday we will be all day at Washington Baptist Church in Dillsboro, IN. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

We continue to work on Mom’s house. It is a lot of work but it has been somewhat fun. So far I have found some of my baby pictures, a coloring book from when I was only five, and many other odds and ends. I am still working on boxing and recording all the books in the house. I have already done close to 200 and would guess that I am not even half way done! I have found many good Christian books and am trying to read the ones I am interested in reading. I let Susan drive as she loves to drive and I take advantage of the time to read. This weekend while traveling I finished a 300 page book on the second coming of Christ by Dave Hunt.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

May 25, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday morning we were at Calvary Baptist Church in La Paz, IN and Sunday night we were at Faith Baptist Church in Cloverdale, IN. Next Sunday we will be at Calvary Baptist Church in Dixon, IL and Sunday night we will be at First Baptist Church in Amboy, IL. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

Today, Monday, we had our first visit with the eye surgeon. In the three weeks since I got my new glasses with my new glasses my vision went from 20/20 in both eyes to 20/40 in one and 20/50 in the other. He wants to see me again in the first part of July before deciding what to do. Pray for wisdom for both of us and pray especially for Susan as this seems to harder on her than on me.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

May 19, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Sunday morning we were at First Baptist Church in Palos Hills, IL and Sunday night we were at Beecher Fellowship Baptist Church, in Beecher, IL. Sunday morning we will be at Calvary Baptist Church in La Paz, IN and Sunday night we will be at Faith Baptist Church in Cloverdale, IN. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

Good news and bad news. The good news is that I have my new glasses and I can actually see. The bad news is that my insurance doesn’t cover cataract surgery.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

May 15, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Wednesday the 12^th of May we were at Grace Baptist Church in New Castle, IN. Sunday morning we will be at First Baptist Church in Palos Hills, IL and Sunday night we will be at Beecher Fellowship Baptist Church, in Beecher, IL. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

8. The cataract situation with my eyes.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

May 4, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Wednesday morning early we traveled to Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Mooresville, Indiana. In the morning I spoke in the Bible College and the evening in the church. We spent the night in Mooresville. Thursday we traveled back to Susan’s parent’s home. Friday in the morning I mowed the grass! That was fun as in Mexico where we are at it is desert and doesn’t have much grass. After that I grilled for my in-laws. Then we went to town to vote. Saturday we left Susan’s parent’s home at noon and headed for South Bend, IN. There Nicholas Bernhard met us with the video presentation that he and his wife did for us. Wow! They did a super great job for us. I have seen it four times and it still makes Susan and I cry when we see it. From there we continued on to Harvard, IL. Saturday night Pastor Neal and I had the opportunity to seek out some Hispanics and witness to them. Sunday morning and evening we were in Faith Baptist Church in Harvard, IL. They were a blessing for us! It is a church plant and they are meeting in a school. Sunday night after church we headed back to Normal. We have a lot of work to do at my mother’s home. She is now living in assisted living (and loving it praise the Lord). We have the job of sorting and cleaning the two story house with a full basement. I won’t be surprised if we find something that came over on Noah’s Ark!!!! We do not have any meeting for Wednesday or Sunday. Friday we will head back to Indiana to Susan’s parent’s home. Sunday we will go to church with them. Our next meeting is on Wednesday the 12^th of May in Grace Baptist Church in New Castle, IN. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

Another prayer request. Yesterday I went to my good friend Dr. Tim Busey for an eye check up and he gave me some good news and some bad news. Good news, I am not blind….yet! Bad news I have cataracts. The Mexican sun has done its damage. Dr. Busey said he could correct my vision with glasses this time, but it might only last for three months and it might last for 5 years. The short of the story is that I need cataract surgery. If I get it done in the U.S. and if my insurance covers this (this I am checking into) my deductable is $2,500 and then the insurance company covers 80% up to $10,000 (if I use their net work) and then they cover 100% of anything over that. If I get it done in Mexico and if my insurance covers it my deductable is $250 and then the insurance company will pay the rest. It looks like an easy decision money wise if my insurance covers it, but my dilemma is can I trust the doctors in Mexico with my eyes. Pray that God will give Susan and I wisdom in this area.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 27, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers these last few weeks, they were greatly needed. Sunday, we were able to present the work to Central Baptist Church in Springfield, MO, even though the pastor was in the hospital. Praise the Lord that the pastor is out of the hospital and going strong. After church Sunday night, we traveled for a few hours and then stopped for the night. Monday morning we were up bright and early and traveled all morning and were able to make lunch with my mother in Normal, Illinois. It sure was good to be back to Normal! Then back in the van and we were able to have supper with Susan’s parents in Winamac, IN. It felt good to finally unload our van! Also on our arrival in Indiana, we found our new prayer cards waiting for us. If you need some prayer cards let me know how many and where to send them to. Tomorrow, Wednesday the 28^th we will be at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Mooresville, Indiana. Then Sunday we will be all day in Faith Baptist Church in Harvard, Illinois. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 19, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Monday the 5^th of April, I was able to finish Susan’s paperwork. We spent the rest of the day packing and tying up loose ends. Tuesday morning we left on furlough around 8:00 in the morning. We arrived at Susan’s brother’s house in Monett, MO on Saturday morning. This last week we have been busy getting a new prayer card ready, sermons prepared, visiting some churches in the surrounding area, and taking a little break. Also we are enjoying playing with our 5 nephews. Next Sunday we will be in Central Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. The Lord willing that night after the evening service we will be heading for Susan’s parent’s home, with a brief stop in Normal, Illinois to see my mother. On Wednesday the 28^th we will be at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Mooresville, Indiana. Pray that God will make us a blessing in the churches we are visiting. Also please pray for the couples that are covering the mission church in our absence.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. We have over 40 churches already scheduled and still have around 30 more openings. Pray that we will be a blessing in the churches that we are visiting and that some churches will be lead of the Lord to take us on for support.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 5, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sunday morning we had 14 in the Sunday morning service. Pastor Luis will be sending Felix & Esperanza, Esteban & Yesenia, Efrain & Pilar on a rotation basis to the mission on Sunday mornings to cover for us during our absence with men from his church. Please pray for them as they continue the work in Sauzal. We are planning to leave Mexico on the 6^th of April, which is tomorrow. This morning I was able to get Susan’s papers done before noon.

SUSAN QUIT SHAKING THE BED!!!....SUSAN???...YIKES IT’S AN EARTHQUAKE!!!

Yes the ground shook here for about 30 seconds yesterday! Not much damage done. If you are interested in seeing what is going on check out http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.html

Also please continue to pray for the metal shop situation next door to the home that we rent.

Also with a little less than a day before we leave on furlough, pray that the Lord will help us to get everything done before we leave.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. We have over 40 churches already scheduled and still have around 30 more openings. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, Sheila, Daniel, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

7. For Felix and Esperanza, Efrain and Pilar, and Esteban and Yesenia as they work at the new church plant in our absence.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

March 24, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sunday morning we had 10 in the Sunday morning service. Pastor Luis will be sending Felix & Esperanza, Esteban & Yesenia, Efrain & Pilar on a rotation basis to the mission on Sunday mornings to cover for us during our absence with men from his church. Please pray for them as they continue the work in Sauzal. We are planning to leave Mexico on the 6^th of April. The 5^th of April I turn in Susan’s papers for her permanent residence in Mexico. If all goes well there then we can leave on the 6^th. Sunday we had a first time visitor. A twenty year old lady named Rut. Pray for her salvation. Also Sunday I talked to Sheila and she is afraid that if she accepts the Lord she won’t change, or maybe it is because she doesn’t want to change. The Lord has been convicting her pray that she will be saved soon.

Also we could use some special prayers. A metal shop has opened up right next door to the home that we rent. They are not even in the house. They work outside. They are operating illegally. The wind has carried the spray paint they use all over the place and have painted both our cars and 4 or 5 of the neighbors’ cars. The noise is horrible with the grinders they use. Also with the metal dust and paint, both Susan and I have headaches. We have gone to Ecology and they have come out and fined them and there is a 20 day period of what they call resolution, in which either they will close the shop down or try to resolve the issue. Pray that God will work in this area. I also went to Public ministries to try to have them take care of the damages to my car and the other party didn’t show (not surprising). I have another appointment for next Wednesday. In all of this may God have the glory.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

March 15, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sunday morning we had 10 in the Sunday morning service. Pastor Luis will be able to send someone to cover the mission at least the Sunday mornings during our absence with men from his church. Luis Alberto has already learned all the names of the books of the Bible by memory.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

March 4, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. This week was a good week. Last Thursday knocking on doors I had the opportunity to lead a young man by the name of Paulo to the Lord. It was exciting. First he said, “Right now?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “I don’t know how to pray.” I said, “Just like you are talking to me talk to God!” and he did! Sunday morning we had 11 in the Sunday morning service. There is a possibility that Pastor Luis will be able to send someone to cover the mission at least the Sunday mornings during our absence. Pray that the Lord’s will, will be done in this area. Paola and Ivan have separated, they we living together. Paola is now living in Manadero and her sister has been saved and is attending the mission that Flavio is starting. Ivan has shown no interest in the things of the Lord lately.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Ivan, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

February 19, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. This week was a good week. Friday morning Bety made sure of her salvation. Friday night Ricky accepted the Lord as his Savior. Sunday morning we had 11 in the Sunday morning service. There is a possibility that Pastor Luis will be able to send someone to cover the mission at least the Sunday mornings during our absence. Pray that the Lord’s will, will be done in this area.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Ivan, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, Ricky Jr., Bety, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

February 1, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. We are doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings. Saturday we had a children’s club/youth activity and had 11 attend the activity. I had the opportunity to talk to Ricky and Cristina after the activity and encourage them to be saved. Sunday morning Cristina told me that Saturday night she asked the Lord to be her Savior. Praise the Lord for another soul saved. Sunday morning we had 8 in the Sunday morning service. Pray for new contacts.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

4. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Bety, Macrina, Arturo, Dora, Ana Maria, Chavela, Ricky Jr., Tereza, Sarai, Rosa, Monica, Sheila, Brain, Daniel, and Evelyn.

5. Spiritual growth for Ivan, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., Cristina, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

January 27, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Ivan and Paola have not been in church for over two weeks. Pray that they will come once again. Last week we had to cancel most of our activities as the weather was horrible. It rained so much that the dam near our house went from almost empty to almost overflowing! We are still doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela. We are also doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings. A week ago Saturday we had a children’s club/youth activity and had 12 attend the activity. Sunday morning we had 14 in the Sunday morning service. This Saturday we are going to have another children’s club. We are going to play games and eat pizza. Pray for new contacts. Doris, Luis’ 15 year old sister, had her baby a week ago Friday and Sunday morning they both came to church. Praise the Lord for the changed life of Doris.

The lady here in Ensenada, who I asked prayer for passed away. I did get in to see her, but she was already in a coma and died the next day. Pray that God will work in the lives of her daughters.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Ivan, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

January 13, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. We continue to disciple Ivan and Paola, but they have been missing some of the services. Pray for their spiritual growth. We are also doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela. We are also doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings. Sunday morning we had 9 in the Sunday morning service. Since my last update we have had 2 first time visitors. Both of them cousins are of Luis Alberto. There names are Monica and Jesus. Sunday morning after I finished preaching before I closed the service I told Jesus, who is 10, that he could accept the Lord when he wanted to. Right then he turned around, kneeled down, and asked the Lord to be his Savior. What a blessing!! This Saturday we are going to have a children’s club. We are going to play games and eat pizza. Pray for new contacts.

Another special request for prayer. There is a lady here is Ensenada who caused me a lot of problems years ago and left the church with her family when church discipline was started. She now is on her death bed. I wanted to see her, but her daughter prohibited it. Pray for this family that first and foremost that if the lady who is dying is not saved that she will be saved. Also for the daughter who I am sure is not saved. She is very bitter and though professes to be saved; she shows no signs of true conversion. Pray that God will work in their hearts in this difficult time.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Pray especially for Perla. She had a miscarriage and it has been rough on her and Pastor Luis.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. We have over 40 churches already scheduled and still have around 30 more openings. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

3. Open doors as we continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Ivan, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, Jesus, Ricardo Sr., and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a Mexican couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

December 21, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. We continue to disciple Ivan and Paola, but they have been missing some of the services. Pray for their spiritual growth. We are also doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela. We are also doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings. Sunday morning we had 8 in the Sunday morning service. Saturday night we took 9 of our church to Luis’ church for the Christmas program. Sunday morning I was talking to Luis Alberto about how Luis was saved at 8 and how he prepared and became the pastor of the church. He then said, “Then someday I could become a Pastor!” I thought to myself you never know!

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Pray especially for Perla. She is having some problems with her pregnancy.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

3. Open doors as we try continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

5. Spiritual growth for Ivan, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, Doris, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

November 13, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. On the 8^th of November we had a special speaker at our mission church. Brother Jesse Garza, who is our field director, came to preach of us. We had 14 in church and before the morning service Brother Garza had the opportunity to lead Luis Alberto to the Lord. What a special blessing! Please continue to pray for Evelyn who is really close to being saved. We continue to do a discipleship class with Felix and his wife Paola. We are also doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela. We are also doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings. Sunday we had a first time visitor come to church.

Also I have installed Skype onto my computer and have video capabilities. So if you want to contact me my screen name is donald.e.holmes and I am the one in Winamac, IN (even though I really am in Mexico).

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

3. Open doors as we try continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

4. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Bety, Macrina, Arturo, Dora, Ana Maria, Doris, Chavela, Ricky Jr., Ricky Sr., Tereza, Rosa, and Evelyn.

5. Spiritual growth for Felix, Paola, Gabriela, Luis Alberto, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

November 1, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We have finished our first month in the new church plant. We have had an average attendance of 8 with a high of 13 and a total of 18 different people come. Pray for Evelyn who is really close to being saved. We continue to do a discipleship class with Felix and his wife Paola. We are also doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela. We are also doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings. Sunday we had a first time visitor come to church.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

3. Open doors as we try continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

4. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Bety, Macrina, Arturo, Dora, Ana Maria, Chavela, Ricky, Luis, and Evelyn.

5. Spiritual growth for Felix, Paola, Gabriela, and Gustavo.

6. Pray for a couple to help us in the new work.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

October 5, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We had our first service October 4^th. We had 6 in attendance. Pray for Evelyn who is really close to being saved. We continue to do a discipleship class with Felix and his wife Paola. Praise the Lord both Paola and Felix have accepted the Lord. We are doing a discipleship Bible study with them. We are also doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela. We are also doing a study with some ladies on Friday mornings.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

3. Open doors as we try continue to visit door to door in Sauzal.

4. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Bety, Macrina, Arturo, and Evelyn.

5. Spiritual growth for Felix, Paola, Gabriela, and Gustavo.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

September 12, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. The work is going well. We have rented a room to start a church in. Lord willing we will be having our first service October 4^th. Our plan is to have services Sunday morning and Wednesday night at first. On Sunday night we bring them in to Pastor Luis’ church for the evening service (as they are our mother church. Felix and his wife Paola have been coming to Luis’ church, but when we start services they will be attending the mission church. We are doing a discipleship Bible study with them. We are also doing a discipleship Bible study with Gabriela.

The reason we did not take the offer of a room to start the church was there seemed to be something just not quite right. Well after we had our first two Bible studies on Friday morning Julieta called us and said she moved and told us a lot of things about Bety (the lady of the room we were offered to rent). Them told us not to even go back because Bety was not interested. I told her I would go talk to Bety and she didn’t like that! Well as it turned out Julieta was lying to us and was trying to take advantage of us. So praise the Lord for wisdom in that area. Now that Julieta is gone. We have rented the room and Friday we had four ladies in the Bible study. Gustavo continues with the Bible study and comes to Pastor Luis’ church once in a while. The doors are open in Sauzal. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.

I am continuing to teach cults and religions on Sunday nights in Luis’ church.

Thank you for your prayers concerning my mother. She is now in an assisted living home and likes it! This is an answer to prayers!

Also thank you for your prayers for Susan and her health. Her blood sugar levels are still higher than they should be, but they are going down. Also thanks to Dr. Dan Luban we have made another change in our diet and in the last two weeks Susan has lost 4 more pounds, bringing the total to 74 pounds since she got off the diabetic medicine.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.
3. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.
4. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.
5. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Julieta, Paola, and Nemecio.
6. Spiritual growth for Juan Luis, Myra, Gustavo, Gabriela, and Felix.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 25, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. The work is going well. I Still have not been able to catch up with Arnufo. We are no longer having a Bible study with Nemecio and his family. They now go to the Pentacostal church which is over 25 miles away. They had not gone in over a year and the pastor just happened to drop by (amazing how Satan works) and call on them. We have been offered a place to have services. It will cost about $40.00 a month, but will need some fixing up. We are praying for the Lord’s will in this area. Last Thursday we were able to lead Felix and Gabriela to the Lord knocking on doors. Friday we took Gabriela a Bible. I asked her where she would go if she died right then. She answered “heaven for sure”. Not only that she told me that Thursday night she asked her husband the same question! Saved less than 24 hours and already witnessing! Also Friday morning we started another Bible study with Julieta, and two of her friends. We are planning, once we have a place to meet, to have Sunday morning and Thursday night services and then on Sunday night take them into Ensenada for the evening service as Pastor Luis’ church is the mother church. Gustavo continues with the Bible study and comes to Pastor Luis’ church once in a while. The doors are open in Sauzal. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.

I am continuing to teach sects on Sunday nights in Luis’ church.

Thank you for your prayers concerning my mother. She is now in an assisted living home and likes it! This is an answer to prayers!

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

4. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.

5. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, Julieta, and Nemecio.

6. Spiritual growth for Juan Luis, Myra, Gustavo, Gabriela, and Felix.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 3, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. The work is going well. I Still have not been able to catch up with Arnufo. We started a Bible study in the home of Nemecio. We had to change the day to Saturday morning because of Nemecio’s job. Also we are looking for a place to have services. We have been offered a room and also offer help in finding a place, but so far nothing concrete. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in this area. We are planning, once we have a place to meet, to have Sunday morning and Thursday night services and then on Sunday night take them into Ensenada for the evening service as Pastor Luis’ church is the mother church. Gustavo continues with the Bible study and comes to Pastor Luis’ church once in a while. The doors are open in Sauzal. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.

I am continuing to teach sects on Sunday nights in Luis’ church.

Thank you for your prayers concerning my mother. Tomorrow she leaves the nursing home and goes to an assisted living home! This is an answer to prayers!

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

4. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.

5. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, Brandon, Jose, Manuel, Lupita, and Nemecio.

6. Spiritual growth for Juan Luis, Myra, Gustavo.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

July 24, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. The work is going well. I Still have not been able to catch up with Arnufo. We started a Bible study in the home of Nemecio. His whole family was taking the study, but now Nemecio has started working and is not able to be in the Bible study. Also we are thinking about finding a place to have services. We have been offered a room and also offer help in finding a place. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in this area. Gustavo continues with the Bible study and comes to Pastor Luis’ church once in a while. The doors are open in Sauzal. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.

Pastor Luis has asked me to teach sects on Sunday nights in his church.

Please continue to pray for my mother Barbara Holmes. She is out of the hospital and into a nursing home. Pray that she will soon be able to go home and that she will fully recover, if it is the Lord’s will.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

4. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.

5. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, and Nemecio.

6. Spiritual growth for Juan Luis, Myra, Gustavo.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

July 6, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Sorry for taking so to get this out. I had a problem with my back and was not sitting very much. I am fine now and back to Normal (well at least physically). The work is going well. Arnufo is working and I have not been able to catch him to see when he wants to have the Bible study. Mayra’s husband would not let her have a Bible study, but Mayra introduced us to her uncle Nemecio. Lord willing we will be starting a Bible study in Nemecio’s home this Thursday at 4:30 Pacific time. Gustavo continues with the Bible study and comes to Pastor Luis’ church once in a while.

Pastor Luis has asked me to teach sects on Sunday nights in his church.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

4. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.

5. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, Agustin, Julio, Arnufo, Diana, and Nemecio.

6. Spiritual growth for Juan Luis, Myra, Gustavo.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

June 10, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Last Saturday was the graduation for the Bible Institute in Tijuana. There were two students that graduated. Susan and I teach there once a week. This is what some of the students that we have taught are doing that have graduated from this Bible Institute.

1. Francisco Villalpando – Assistant Pastor in Tijuana and teacher in the Bible Institute.
2. Andres Racicot – Starting a church in Tijuana and teacher in the Bible Institute.
3. Angel Parra Fierro – Pastor in Tijuana and teacher in the Bible Institute.
4. Mario Nungaray – Evangelist and teacher in the Bible Institute.
5. Gustavo Amador – Teacher in the Bible Institute.
6. Javier Gutierrez – Starting a church in Tijuana and teacher in the Bible Institute.
7. Virginia Gutierrez – wife of Javier and teacher in the Bible Institute.
8. Ismael Nungaray – Teacher in the Bible Institute.
9. Miriam Chapa – Teacher in the Bible Institute.
10. Brenda Altamirano – Teacher in the Bible Institute.
11. Damian Ojeda – Director of a Bible Institute in Ensenada and Assistant Pastor.
12. Luis Valenzuela – Pastor in Ensenada and teacher in two Bible Institutes in Ensenada.
13. Perla Valenzuela – Pastor’s wife and teacher in a Bible Institute in Ensenada.
14. Pastor Reyes and wife – Missionaries to Chiapas, Mexico.
15. Pastor Ciro and wife – Pastor in La Paz, Mexico.
16. Flavio Hernandez – Starting a church in Manadero, Mexico.

These are just a few of the ones that Susan and I have had the opportunity to teach.

On the 17^th of June I will be having a Bible study with Arnufo in Sauzal. Also pray for Myra who wants to have a study, but has to talk to her husband first. Her husband’s name is Julio. Pray that he will let her take the study and even want to study also.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

June 5, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. This last week has been a super good week. On Saturday, Susan and I were knocking on doors in Sauzal and we had very good results. We had three or four families that listened to the presentation of the plan of salvation. One of them, Juan Luis, started by saying that he had just started classes with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. So I asked him if he believed what the Jehovah’s Witnesses believed. He answered, “Like what?” My reply was that Jesus Christ before coming to the earth was called the arch angel Miguel. He said, “They believe that? They have not told me that!” (Not really believing that the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that). So I asked him which book they were using for the study and he said, “What does the Bible really teach” (In Spanish of course). So I told him to go get it. He did and I showed him in the book where they teach that Jesus was the arch angel Miguel. He said, “I don’t believe that!” To make a long story short I was able to witness to him and he accepted the Lord as his Savior. Pray that he will stop studying with the Jehovah’s Witnesses and start studying with us. Then this last Tuesday we were calling once again in Sauzal Jose Luis was helping me. I told Jose Luis that the next house was the last one for the day. Well at that house we met Myra. I started witnessing to her and she said that she was going through some rough times and that she knew that God had sent us to her that day! After witnessing to her she bowed her head and accepted the Lord as Savior, with one of the sweetest prayer that I have heard in a long time. What a blessing. She is going to talk to her husband about having a Bible study. Continue to pray for open doors in Sauzal.

Gustavo continues to do well in the Bible study. This week his lady friend Abimelech joined the study. Pray that she soon will be saved. She is very close to salvation.

Also please pray for my mother Barbara Holmes. She fell at home and is in the hospital. No bones were broken, but after the hospital she will have to go to a nursing home for a while. Pray that she will fully recover.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.
3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Esteban seems to be starting to come around.
4. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.
5. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.
6. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, and Agustin.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

May 27, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Gustavo continues to do well in the Bible study. Today he told me that he burned all of his rock CD’s. Susan and I still attend Pastor Luis’ church while we call in Sauzal. Saturday morning we had several opportunities to present the gospel while knocking on doors in Sauzal. Pray especially for Johana. She goes to the Catholic church, was baptized in the charismatic church and is not saved, but is very open.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Esteban seems to be starting to come around.

4. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us. We will be back in the Mid-West from the middle of April 2010 to the middle of October 2010. I am already starting to try to schedule meetings in new churches. Pray that I will be able to fill the schedule and that we will be able to raise the needed support. If you would like to have us come, or know of someone that does, please let us know.

5. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.

6. Pray for the salvation of Fabiola, Abimalech, Johana, and Agustin.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

May 18, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Gustavo continues to do well in the Bible study. Sunday morning he came to church with his “wife” and daughter. Susan and I still attend Pastor Luis’ church while we call in Sauzal. Sunday night Fabiola came to church with her “husband” and daughter. That was a blessing as I had been inviting them for years. Of those who came for the first time on Sunday, only Gustavo is saved. Pray that they will soon be saved.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Esteban seems to be starting to come around.

5. Open doors as we try to start Bible studies in Sauzal.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

May 7, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Gustavo continues to do well in the Bible study, pray that he will soon come to church. He works all night so this is tough for him. As for the threat of the swine flu virus Dr. George Sooley sent me an interesting link http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/29/Swine-Flu.aspx. We are back to calling and having Bible studies once again. Next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the Sword conference will be held. Pray that souls will be saved and that lives will be changed for the honor and glory of the Lord.

Prayer requests:

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 28, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Our Thursday night Bible study has been canceled. Susan and I assume that we can chalk that up to the local Catholic priest by what the family said. Gustavo continues to do well in the Bible study, pray that he will soon come to church. He works all night so this is tough for him. Today we did not go to Tijuana as they canceled classes because of the swine flu outbreak. All schools have been closed until the 5^th of May. Also with the flu outbreak we have decided that we will have to postpone knocking on doors until this has been cleared up. So far I have not heard of a case in Ensenada. Pray that we will be protected in this area!

Prayer requests:

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 22, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. This week was a week of answered prayers. On Saturday morning Susan and I went to Sauzal to knock on doors. The second door that we knocked on we were invited in and invited to have a Bible study in their home. That was the first answer to prayer. The Lord opened a door for another Bible study in Sauzal. The second answer to prayer was that Pancho came to church on Sunday morning. Pray that he will continue to come. The third answer to prayer came when church was out. I walked out the door and there was Gustavo. I had lost contact with him because he had moved. As of right now we are knocking on doors in Sauzal Thursday and Saturday mornings. Thursday night we have a Bible study in Sauzal, Friday morning we have a Bible study in Sauzal, and Friday afternoon we have a Bible study with Gustavo. We still are teaching in Tijuana on Tuesdays. Wednesday Susan has 8 piano lessons.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Esteban seems to be starting to come around.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 14, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. On Thursdays we continue to knock on doors in Sauzal. On Friday Susan and I had our Bible study with Ofelia and Julio. Continue to pray that the Lord will give them understanding and open their eyes to their need of salvation. Julio seems to understand a little better. Pray that the Lord will open more doors in Sauzal. In the last two weeks I have seen Pancho and Maria. Both told me that they were going to come to church, but as of yet have not come.

Last Wednesday Pastor Luis and Perla went to Mexicali with a group of youth for a youth conference. Eleven youth went and two were saved at the conference. Praise the Lord! When God works, Satan works also. When Luis and Perla returned home they found their house robbed. The thieves stole around $700.00 of church money. That might not seem much to you, but here that is a lot of money. I tried to encourage Pastor Luis. All in all God has a reason for this. Pray that Luis will not let this get him down and that Perla will feel safe in her own home.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Both are coming to church, but Esteban still has not gotten his heart right with God.

4. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

5. Youth conferences in Mexicali this week. There are 10 going from Pastor Luis´s church.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 6, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. This last week was a little slow. On Thursdays we are knocking on doors in Sauzal. We covered around fifty houses with no results. On Friday our Bible study with Ofelia and Julio was canceled because they had to go to the doctors. Continue to pray that the Lord will give them understanding and open their eyes to their need of salvation. Pray that the Lord will open more doors in Sauzal. Saturday in calling with Pastor Luis we saw 4 people come to know the Lord as Savior. There were 10 of us knocking on doors and passing out tracts. This week I was a little discouraged because we have not seen many results in door to door calling in Sauzal, but then the Lord brought to memory that we are not commanded to have result, but we are commanded to go and that we will reap in due time, if we faint not!! HAVE YOU PASSED OUT A TRACT TODAY?

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Both are coming to church, but Esteban still has not gotten his heart right with God.

4. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

5. Youth conferences in Mexicali this week. There are 10 going from Pastor Luis´s church.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 2, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. These last few weeks have been very good. We have started a Bible study in the home of Ofelia and Julio. Pray that the Lord will give them understanding and open their eyes to their need of salvation. Ofelia and Julio live in Sauzal. Ofelia and Julio live in Sauzal. Pray that the Lord will open more doors in Sauzal. Sunday we brought 22 people to church in our van with four new visitors coming from knocking on doors. Pastor Luis is doing a great job in the church. Sunday morning we had 47 in church not counting the children in children’s church.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. Both are coming to church, but Esteban still has not gotten his heart right with God.

4. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

March 27, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. These last few weeks have been very good. We have been working in the church doing whatever we can to help Luis and Perla until the doors are opened for the starting of a new church. We have started to knock on doors in the area of Sauzal. We have found two families that have shown interest in having Bible studies in their home. We will be having a Bible study in one of the homes this Friday. Pray that the Lord will open the doors in Sauzal to start a mission and that He will send us a couple to work with. On the 17^th of March, Pastor Gary and Marty Burns from Danville, Illinois came to visit us. We had three days of special services and the church was packed for each of the services. On Sunday morning to people accepted the Lord as their Savoir. Sunday morning after the morning services we had a baptismal service at the beach. Six people were baptized Manuel, Mirna, Jose Maria, Josuana, Elvira, and Jesus. It was a special blessing to see Jesus baptized.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficulties in their marriage. They are back together, but still need your prayers.

4. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

March 10, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. This week was a good week. In my Bible study with Gustavo, he accepted the Lord as his Savior.

We continue knocking on doors in Sauzal. Pray for Domatilia and Ophelia. There is a possibility that we can start Bible studies in their home. We hope to start this week if at all possible.

Next Tuesday Pastor and Mrs. Gary Burns from First Baptist Church in Danville, Illinois will be here for a week. We will be having special meetings in Pastor Luis’ church on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sunday after the morning service we are going to the beach for baptisms.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban. They are back together and Esteban is attending church, but still needs to get things right with the Lord.

4. Pray that the Lord will lead us to a national couple to help start another church. The couple that we are interested in working with want to start on their own and then maybe later they will be interested in working with us. So we are going to start calling in a new area called Sauzal. It is about 10 miles from our house in Ensenada.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Raul, and Angel.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

P.S. I am sending this through my Mexican server. If you get it twice please let me know. I wish I could add if you don’t get it let me know also, but that would be impossible.

March 5, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Susan continues to lose, she has now lost 69 pounds, but I am staying pretty much the same though I am losing around the waist. Sunday was a busy day. Sunday morning we had a great morning service. Six people were saved after the morning service.

Last week we started knocking on doors in Sauzal. Pray for Domatilia and Ophelia. There is a possibility that we can start Bible studies in their home. Another point of interest. There is an abandoned church close to these homes, Never Know!

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and is very faithful.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Raul, and Angel.

7. That the Lord would bring in the support that we need.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

P.S. I am almost done with combining my update lists, so if my e-mail updates stop coming please let me know.

February 24, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Susan continues to lose, she has now lost 67 pounds, but I am staying pretty much the same though I am losing around the waist. Sunday was a busy day. We had a potluck after the morning service. Then after that I had a Bible study in the home of Gustavo. He is not saved but is seeking and is very close to being saved. Pray that he soon will be saved.

Praise the Lord that Felix has been faithful in church. Also Sunday morning Juanito, Edgar, Nique and his family were in church. They had not been in church for a long time.

On the 14^th of February Josuana and Jose Maria were united in marriage in a civil marriage along with over 500 other couples. That was a blessing. Josuana and Jose Maria were living together before they were saved and now have made things right before the Lord. Also Esteban was in church. Esteban and Yesenia are back together. Pray that God will continue to work in Esteban’s heart. I still am battling a cold so pray that I will get over it. In the next couple of weeks we plan to start knocking on doors in Sauzal, which is about eight miles from our home and the church where Luis is pastor.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and is very faithful.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Raul, and Angel.

7. That the Lord would bring in the support that we need.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

P.S. I am almost done with combining my update lists, so if my e-mail updates stop coming please let me know.

February 9, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 83% of our support and need around $750.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter and thanks to those who have raised our support and who have took us on for support. Susan continues to lose, she has now lost 66 pounds, but I am staying pretty much the same though I am losing around the waist. Praise the Lord for Sunday. One of the new families brought their parents to church. Also Sunday morning the church had a baby dedication. Praise the Lord that Felix, Antonio, and Reina were in church for the second straight Sunday. Also Esteban was in church. Esteban and Yesenia are back together. Pray that God will continue to work in Esteban’s heart. This week I have been battling a cold and had to miss calling on Saturday morning. We did have good visits knocking on doors on Thursday morning.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and is very faithful.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Raul, and Angel.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

February 4, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and is very faithful.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Raul, and Angel.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

January 27, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and is very faithful. Sunday Esteban came to church both in the morning and in the evening. He seems to be coming around. Continue to pray for him.

4. Pray that the Lord will lead us to a national couple to help start another church. The couple that we are interested in working with want to start on their own and then maybe later they will be interested in working with us. So we are going to start calling in a new area called Sausal. It is about 10 miles from our house in Ensenada.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Raul, and Angel,

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

January 14, 2009

Dear Praying Friends,

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and Esteban comes every once in a while. He is interested in his freedom and not his obligations as a husband and a father.

4. Pray that the Lord will lead us to a national couple to help start another church. There is a couple that are just starting to start a church in one of the places where we were interested in starting a church. We have made contact with them and they are checking with their home pastor before they make a decision to work with us. We should know before the end of the year (Lord willing).

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Lydia, Raul, and Angel,

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

December 23, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 83% of our support and need around $750.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter and thanks to those who have raised our support and who have took us on for support. Just this week I received news that the landlord was raising the rent $50.00 a month. I though ouch we are already under supported and this is not going to help. I took it to the Lord and shortly thereafter I received an e-mail from one of our supporting churches telling us that they had raised our support $100.00 a month. That was a blessing. God does answer prayers. We are praying weekly for all our supporting churches and also for the churches that we have been in. Susan continues to lose, but I am staying pretty much the same though I am losing around the waist. Susan is down 63 pounds and feeling much better. I am really proud of her. Pray that she will continue to lose weight. My mother arrived on the 16^th and we have been keeping her busy. Last Monday Josuana accepted the Lord as her Savior. Thank you for praying for her! Saturday we had the Christmas drama with over 70 in attendance and saw 3 ladies accept the Lord as Savior.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Leopodo, Lillian, Raul, and Angel,

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

December 15, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter and thanks to those who have raised our support and who have took us on for support. Just this week I received news that one of my supporting churches raised my support $500.00 a year. That was a blessing. I also talked to the pastor of another supporting church, who is going through financial difficulties and can´t sent support. We are praying weekly for all our supporting churches and also for the churches that we have been in. Susan continues to lose, but I am staying pretty much the same though I am losing around the waist. Susan is down 62 pounds and feeling much better. I am really proud of her. Pray that she will continue to lose weight. This last week I spent in bed with a sinus infection. I had a fever for 5 days even on antibiotics! If the weather permits, mom flies in to be with us for 3 weeks.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.
3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment. Yesenia continues in church and Esteban comes every once in a while. He is interested in his freedom and not his obligations as a husband and a father.
4. Pray that the Lord will lead us to a national couple to help start another church. There is a couple that are just starting to start a church in one of the places where we were interested in starting a church. We have made contact with them and they are checking with their home pastor before they make a decision to work with us. We should know before the end of the year (Lord willing).
5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.
6. For the salvation of Leopodo, Lillian, Raul, Angel, and Josuana

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

December 1, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter and thanks to those who have raised our support and who have took us on for support. Susan continues to lose, but I am staying pretty much the same though I am losing around the waist. Susan is down 58 pounds and feeling much better. I am really proud of her. Pray that she will continue to lose weight. Saturday we had 7 people out knocking on doors. We used our old van to pick up 8 people from the area where we are knocking on doors. A teen boy named Arturo brought his thirteen year old brother to church. Please continue to pray for Arthur Jr. and Concepcion. This next Sunday, Lord willing there will be a memorial service for Arthur Sr. in the church here in Ensenada. Susan is still in the process of cleaning the house A. M. (after mice). Hopefully she will be done before my mother comes on the 16^th of December.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Leopodo, Lillian, Raul, Angel, and Josuana

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

November 26, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter and thanks to those who have raised our support and who have took us on for support. Susan and I have hit a plateau in our weight loss, or maybe it was Susan’s birthday dinnerJ. So there was no weight loss this week. Saturday during door to door visitation we saw one saved and he came to church on Sunday. We used our old van to pick up 11 people from the area where we are knocking on doors. Please continue to pray for Arthur Jr. and Concepcion. The remains have been cremated and hopefully Sunday there will be a memorial service for Arthur Sr. in the church here in Ensenada. Susan is still in the process of cleaning the house A. M. (after mice). Hopefully it will only take her one more weeks. There was mice dung in everything! She has averaged around five batches of laundry a day.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

6. For the salvation of Leopodo, and Josuana

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

November 13, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter. Our diet is doing well. Susan has lost 56 pounds and I have lost 28. Saturday during door to door visitation we saw four people saved. Sunday there were 3 new families in church. Also Sunday Pastor Luis gave me the opportunity to preach in the morning service. Please continue to pray for Susan as she continues working on cleaning up the house. Thursday evening Arthur Sr. went to be with the Lord. Pray for Arthur Jr. and Concepcion as they deal with their loss.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.

2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.

3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment.

4. Pray that the Lord will lead us to a national couple to help start another church. There is a couple that are just starting to start a church in one of the places where we were interested in starting a church. We are working on contacting the couple to see if we can work together to start a church.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

November 3, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter. Our diet is doing well. Susan has lost 49 pounds and I have lost 28. On the 10^th of October we started our long trip back to Mexico driving two vans. We are giving our old van to the church in Mexico. It is still running very well. On the 10^th of October we traveled to Normal, IL and spent the night at my mother’s home. On the 11^th of October we drove on to Des Moines, IA. On the 12^th we were in Emmanuel Baptist Church. On the 12^th we drove on to Elk Horn, IA and spent the week with Dottie and Morrey Knudsen. On the 18^th we drove to Fremont, NE. On the 19^th we were in Liberty Baptist Church. On the 20^th after speaking in chapel we drove to Fort Morgan, CO. The next day we stopped in Green River, UT. The next day we stopped in Barstow, CA. The next day we stopped in San Diego, CA. On Friday the 24 we arrived back home in Mexico. The man who was watching the house did a good job because nothing was missingJ. But his roommates (we have caught two mice so far) really left a super big mess. So Susan and I have to clean everything even before we can unpackL. That will take two or three weeks. We found the church in great shape. Pastor Luis has done a great job. Last Sunday after the morning service I had the opportunity to lead Jose Maria, Perla’s brother, to the Lord. Perla’s mother is already going out on door to door visitation. This Sunday, November 02, 2008, is the day of the dead. After the morning service we went out to the cemetery (most visit the cemetery on the day of the dead) and passed out over a 1,000 of Paul Levin’s tracts in 30 minutes.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well.
2. Pray for Pancho, Maria, Alejandro, and Blanca who have stopped coming to church.
3. Also continue to pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage and have separated for the moment.
4. Pray that the Lord will lead us to a national couple to help start another church.
5. That we would be able to raise the needed support. Pray that some of the churches that we visited that don’t support us will be lead by the Lord to support us.
6. Safety on the road.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

October 7, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter. Our diet is doing well. Susan has lost 36 pounds and I have lost 25. Sunday we had our last meeting in Indiana and now we have begun to pack for the long trip home.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well. Since we left they have one new family attending church.

2. Pray for Pancho who has left the church.

3. Also pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage.

4. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support.

6. Safety on the road.

Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

1. October 12 – Emmanuel Baptist Church, Des Moines, IA

2. October 15 – Elk Horn, IA

3. October 19 – Liberty Baptist Church, Freemont, NE

From Freemont, NE we head back to Mexico.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

September 29, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. Sorry for not getting this out any sooner. We have been very busy and sometimes without internet access. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter. On a good note Susan and I have started a low carbohydrate diet and are both losing weight. Susan has got off all her diabetic medicines and is feeling much better. Susan has lost 33 pounds in two months.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well. Since we left they have one new family attending church.

2. Pray for Pancho who has left the church.

3. Also pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage.

4. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.

5. That we would be able to raise the needed support.

6. Safety on the road.

Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

1. September 28pm - Calvary Baptist Church, Crawfordsville, IN

2. October 5 – Community Baptist Church, South Bend, IN

3. October 12 – Emmanuel Baptist Church, Des Moines, IA

4. October 15 – Elk Horn, IA

5. October 19 – Liberty Baptist Church, Freemont, NE

From Freemont, NE we head back to Mexico.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

August 25, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. We had 6 meetings in three states. We traveled a little over 1000 miles this month. We were in 6 churches in the month of August. All of them were in Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter. On a good note Susan and I have started a low carbohydrate diet and are both losing weight. Susan has got off all her diabetic medicines and is feeling much better. Our meeting for August 31 was canceled so we will be able to go to church with Susan’s parents.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well. Since we left they have one new family attending church.
2. Pray for Pancho who has left the church.
3. Also pray for Yesenia and Esteban who are having some difficult in their marriage.
4. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.
5. That we would be able to raise the needed support.
6. Safety on the road.

Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

1. September 6-10 Calvary Baptist Church, Normal, IL.
2. September 14 – Baileyville Baptist Church, Baileyville, IL.
3. September 17 – Princeville Baptist Church, Princeville, IL.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

July 30, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. So far we have had good meetings in July. We have only traveled a little over 1500 miles this month. We are enjoying our “new” van. We were in 7 churches in the month of July. All of them were in Indiana and Illinois. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada. Things seem to be going well. Since we left they have one new family attending church.
2. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.
3. That we would be able to raise the needed support.
4. Safety on the road.

Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

1. August 3 Calvary Baptist Church, Normal, IL
2. August 10 Antioch Baptist Church, Antioch, IL
3. August 13 Berean Baptist Church, Beloit, WI
4. August 17am Calvary Baptist Church, Jefferson, WI
5. August 17pm First Baptist Church, Fort Atkinson, WI

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

July 17, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support. So far we have had good meetings in July. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. Our vehicle search went great! God answered prayers. He led us to a 2000 Windstar minivan that has 46,000 miles on it. It has all the whistles and bells on it and also has great leg room. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.

Prayer requests:

Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

1. July 20 First Baptist Church, Lewistown, IL
2. July 23 Calvary Baptist Church, Winamac, IN
3. July 27 Olive Branch Baptist Church, Linton, IN

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

July 7, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for your prayers, both Susan and I are much better. In the month of June we traveled almost 3000 miles. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. We will also be looking for another vehicle. We would like to buy a mini-van. We are not sure of the make and model. We need to check out which vans have a lot of leg room in the front two seats as Susan and I are both tall.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.
3. That we would be able to raise the needed support.
4. For Susan’s health (bronchitis and sinus infection) and wisdom and guidance in other health issues.
5. Safety on the road.
6. For the purchase of another van.

Schedule for the next couple of weeks:

1. July 9 - Lighthouse Baptist Church, Lafayette, IN
2. July 13 – East Park Baptist Church, Decatur, IL
3. July 20 First Baptist Church, Lewistown, IL

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

June 11, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! Please continue to pray for Susan. She still is coughing, but her throat is feeling better and the pink eye is gone. I now have lost my voice somewhere between Lothian, MD and Elberta, AL. I hope to find it soon. My throat is sore, but seems to be getting better. We had a good day at Capitol Baptist Church in Lothian, Maryland. Wednesday we are in Berean Baptist Church in Elberta, AL. Then next Monday we head back to Indiana. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. We will also be looking for another vehicle. We would like to buy a mini-van.

Prayer requests:

Yours for Mexico,

Don and Susan Holmes

June 4, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! Please pray especially for Susan. I took her to the doctor again on Monday. The doctor says she has bronchitis, a sinus infection, and pink eye. She is taking four medicines for all of this. This is really hard as we are on the road for almost two more weeks. Pray that she will be able to get over this once and for all and that she will get over it soon. Of all that she has only the pink eye is contagious. We had a good day Sunday at Fellowship Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. On Sunday the 8^th of June we are in Capitol Baptist Church in Lothian, Maryland. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. We will also be looking for another vehicle. We would like to buy a mini-van.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.
3. That we would be able to raise the needed support.
4. For Susan’s health (bronchitis, sinus infection, and pink eye) and wisdom and guidance in other health issues.
5. Safety on the road.
6. For the purchase of another van.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

May 27, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! Friday the 18^th of May we headed to Virginia. I was definitely no feeling well! The day before I spiced up my mother-in-laws chili with some Chipole hot sauce that I brought back from Mexico. Well I had a colitis attack on Friday. But praise the Lord by Sunday I was ok. Susan is doing much better, but still has her coughing attacks. She is taking some medicine to take care of her coughing spells. Sunday we had a great day at Rosesdale Baptist Church in Winchester, VA. There were 41 veterans and active servicemen and women in the service who were honored. Praise the Lord that after the preaching some decisions were made. Also after the invitation the church voted to raise our support $50.00 a month. On Sunday the 1^st of June we are in Fellowship Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD. On Sunday the 8^th of June we are in Capitol Baptist Church in Lothian, MD. We are at 81% of our support and need around $800.00 more support a month. We will also be looking for another vehicle. We would like to buy a mini-van.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.
3. That we would be able to raise the needed support.
4. For Susan’s health (bronchitis) and wisdom and guidance in other health issues.
5. Safety on the road.
6. For the purchase of another van.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

May 21, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! These last few weeks have been busy. The 1^st through the 4^th of May we were in Berea Baptist Church in Bartonville, IL. The 13^th of May Susan spoke for the Lydia circle in Danville, IL. The 14^th of May we were in Prairie Baptist Church in Gibson City, IL. On Sunday morning the 18^th of May we were in First Baptist Church, Francesville, IN. On Sunday the 18^th of May we were in Lakeside Baptist Church in Lakeville, IN. On Friday we leave for Virginia. Sunday we will be in Rosedale Baptist Church, Winchester, VA. On Sunday the 1^st of June we are in Fellowship Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD. On Sunday the 8^th of June we are in Capitol Baptist Church in Lothian, MD. We are at 80% of our support and need around $850.00 more support a month. We will also be looking for another vehicle. Pray that we will be able to find one. Susan was diagnosed as having bronchitis last Thursday. She will be seeing the doctor again tomorrow.

Prayer requests:

1. For Pastor Luis and Perla as they lead the church in Ensenada.
2. That we would be a blessing and be used of the Lord while we are in the churches.
3. That we would be able to raise the needed support.
4. For Susan’s health (bronchitis) and wisdom and guidance in other health issues.
5. Safety on the road.
6. For the purchase of another van.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

April 30, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! We have been very busy since leaving Mexico on the 1^st of April. We arrived in Monett, MO on Saturday the 5^th of April and stayed with Susan’s brother for a little over a week. On the 14^th of April we traveled for Monett, MO to Normal, IL and spent the night at my mother’s home. On the 15^th of April we traveled to Francesville, IN to Susan’s parent’s home. On the 18^th we started our trip down to Alabama to meet with the Baptist World Mission board. We are at 80% of our support and need around $850.00 more support a month. We were there until the 22^nd and headed back to Indiana. We were there for a couple of days and then headed to Illinois. On the 27^th we were in our first supporting church in Chillicothe, IL. This Friday through Sunday we are at Berea Baptist Church in Bartonville, IL. Pray that God will use us during this time of furlough. Also pray that God will bring in the needed support. We will also be looking for another vehicle. Pray that we will be able to find one.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

March 27, 2008 Update

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! This last Sunday I resigned my position as Pastor of the church and Luis Valenzuela Jr. became the head pastor. What a blessing to see Luis become the Pastor. Also three decided to be baptized. Lord willing, next Sunday they will be baptized. The three who decided to be baptized are Amalia, Jose Luis Lopez and his wife Mariela. Next Tuesday, Lord willing, we will be leaving for a 6 and a half month furlough. Our e-mail addresses will be tiasusie@juno.com or dholmes@baptistworldmission.org This is our schedule thus far:

Meetings 2008

April 18-22 BWM, Decatur, AL
April 27 – Calvary Baptist Church, Chillicothe, IL
May 2-4 Berea Baptist Church, Bartonville, IL
May 14 – Prairie Baptist Church, Gibson City, IL
May 18 – AM First Baptist Church, Francesville, IN
May 18 – PM Lakeside Baptist Church, Lakeville, IN
May 25 – Rosedale Baptist Church, Winchester, VA
June 1 – Fellowship Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, MD
June 8 – Capitol Baptist Church, Lothian, MD
June 11 – Berean Baptist Church, Elberta, AL
June 18 – Calvary Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL
June 22-29 Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Rockford, IL
July 6 – AM First Baptist Church, Knox, IN
July 9 – Lighthouse Baptist Church, Lafayette, IN
July 13 – East Park Baptist Church, Decatur, IL
July 20 – AM and early afternoon First Baptist Church, Lewistown, IL
July 20 – PM Princeville Baptist Church, Princeville, IL
July 27 – Olive Branch Baptist Church, Linton, IL
August 3 – Calvary Baptist Church, Normal, IL
August 17 – AM Calvary Baptist Church, Jefferson, WI
August 17 – PM First Baptist Church, Fort Atkinson, WI
August 31 - Southeast Baptist Tabernacle, Indianapolis, IN
September 6-10 - Calvary Baptist Church, Normal, IL
September 14 - Baileyville Baptist Church, IL
September 21 – First Baptist Church, Danville, IL
September 24 – Main Cross Independent Baptist Church, Charlestown, IN
September 28 – PM Calvary Baptist Church, Crawfordsville, IN
October 5 – Community Baptist Church, South Bend, IN
October 12 – Emmanuel Baptist Church, Des Moines, IA
October 15 – Elk Horn, IA
October 19 – Liberty Baptist Church, Freemont, NE

We will also be looking for another vehicle. Pray that we will be able to find one.

Yours for Mexico,
Don & Susan Holmes

March 11, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! Sorry for taking so long to get this out. After the dedication I got sick and still am sick. I have been in bed since Thursday and if that was not enough my e-mails weren’t being send or received. For the dedication we had 30 out for Friday, 40 out for Saturday, and 65 out on Sunday morning. Best of all was that Sunday morning Amalia, Perla’s mother was saved. We had a great time of fellowship with Armando Flores from Rockford, IL. This last Sunday there were 48 in attendance. Pray that I will get well soon, and also for the scheduling of meetings for the time that we will be in the US.

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors, I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

February 29, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Thank you for you prayers! We can actually say that the building is almost finished. The outside and inside is painted, the electrical work is done and it even works, the tile floor is in, the platform is carpeted, and we just have to put the curtain rods in and the curtains. All in all we had to borrow about $1,000 to finish the building on time. We still need a new pulpit and more chairs or pews. Tonight, we start special meetings with Pastor Armando Flores from Rockford, IL. We will be having meetings tonight, tomorrow night, and finishing up with the dedication of the building on Sunday morning. Please pray for the salvation of souls, especially for Perla’s mom, Amalia.

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors, I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Amalia, Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Lucero, Gabriela, Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

February 14, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. We have been super busy with the construction of the building. We have finished the drop ceiling, put in the light fixtures, put one coat of paint on the ceiling, and a coat on most of the outside of the building. This week we hope to finish painting the inside of the building and finish with the electrical work. Next week we hope to tile the floor and finish painting the outside of the building. On the 29^th of February through the 2^nd of March we are having special meetings with Pastor Armando Flores from the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Rockford, IL with the dedication of the church on the 2^nd of March. Sunday we had over 40 in the morning service. Continue to pray for the salvation of Perla’s mother, Amalia, and Perla’s brother, Alejandro.

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors, I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Amalia, Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Lucero, Gabriela, Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

January 24, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sorry for taking so long to get an update out. We have been super busy with the construction of the building, programs and a little of everything. We have finished plastering the outside of the building and most of the electrical wires ran. We had hoped to finish the wiring last week, but Pastor Luis and Perla had their baby on Thursday. Hopefully we will finish all the wiring except the lights and fans tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers over the last few weeks. Sunday we had over 30 in the morning service. Continue to pray for the salvation of Perla’s mother, Amalia, and Perla’s brother, Alejandro.

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife. The new baby girl’s name is Keren.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Amalia, Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Lucero, Gabriela, Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

January 14, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sorry for taking so long to get an update out. We have been super busy with the construction of the building, programs and a little of everything. We have most of the outside of the building plastered and over half of the electrical wires ran. This week we hope to finish both of these jobs. Thank you for your prayers over the last few weeks. Sunday we had 38 in the morning service. Continue to pray for the salvation of Perla’s mother, Amalia. Last Sunday she was there Sunday morning and Sunday night. Also Perla’s brother, Alejandro came both morning and evening and his is not saved either.

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife and especially for Perla’s pregnancy.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Amalia, Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Lucero, Gabriela, Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

December 2007

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sorry for taking so long to get an update out. We have been super busy with the construction of the building, programs and a little of everything. We have finished putting up the shingles, almost finished with the plaster on the inside of the building, built most of the platform (using wood from the roof of the old building, which saved us over $300.00 as wood here is expensive), and started to plaster the outside of the building. Thank you for your prayers over the last few weeks. Sunday we had over 50 in the service. We also had five first time visitors. Continue to pray especially for the salvation of Norma, and Isa. They have been coming to church for about two months. Also pray especially for Amalia, Perla’s mother. She has started to come to church on Sunday nights. Brian is recovered from his appendix operation, but his brother Cesar was operated on two days ago for his appendix. Last Tuesday my mother arrived from Illinois to spend three weeks with us. She was glad to get out of the snow and is now “suffering” 60 degree weather! :^)

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife and especially for Perla’s pregnancy.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Amalia, Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Lucero, Gabriela, Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

November 2007

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings in the name of the Lord. Sorry for taking so long to get an update out. We have been super busy with the construction of the building. We have finished plastering the outside of the building on the neighbor’s side. We have put most of the shingles on. We need to buy about 6 more bags. We have put the doors on and installed the locks. We also have been working on building the platform. Thank you for your prayers over the last few weeks. Sunday morning we had over 40 in the morning service. We also had two first time visitors. Continue to pray especially for the salvation of Norma, and Isa. They have been coming to church for about a month, but still are not saved. Isa brought her twin sister Iran on Sunday. Also pray for Jesus and Aurelio. Their mom isn’t letting them come to church while they are taking catechism class. Pray for Cassandra and Fabiola who have missed church for the last month. Also pray for Brian who had his appendix out at one in the morning on Monday. He is only 6 years old. Last week was an interesting week here in Ensenada to say the least. Monday morning Afredo, Luis’s uncle was shot at work in a hold up. Tuesday a helicopter fell during the Baja 1000 off road race. The Baja 1000 goes within 5 blocks of the church. One of the men that was killed in the helicopter was the head of a big drug cartel. The cartel stole the body so it wouldn’t identify him. Two police were killed when they tried to stop them.

Continue to pray for:

Pray for Luis Valenzuela Jr. and Perla our co-pastor and his wife and especially for Perla’s pregnancy.
Our six month furlough from April of 2008 to October of 2008. When I am not working on the building, studying for my sermons, answering mail, and knocking on doors I am trying to schedule meetings.
Growth for those who have been recently saved. Luis and Perla are giving discipleship classes to Noel, Jesus and Gabriel.
Pray for the expansion of the building. Pastor Luis Valenzuela Jr. is in charge of the building program.
Salvation for Amalia, Alejandro, Manuel, Inés, Juan and Josefina (Julio’s parents), Jesús (Teresa’s husband), Jesús (Gabriela’s husband), David, Lucia, Maribel (Kiara’s mother), Lucero, Gabriela, Norma, Isa, Angel, Arcadia and others
Baptism for Juan Jr., Noel, Christian, Denis, Pilar, Jose Luis and Mariela Lopez, Julio Cesar.
Pray for growth in our attendance especially for the attendance on Sunday night and Wednesday night.
Visitation on Saturday morning, Thursday and Friday nights.
Pray for more Sunday school teachers.

Yours for Mexico,

Don & Susan Holmes

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