In 1994, Jorge Vasquez and Anayansi Montenegro married after both had been saved as teens in our own work, served as Sunday School teachers, Youth Director, Professor in our Bible Institute, from which Jorge graduated in 1991, and she, in 1994. They “grew up” in the work and God called them to work on the Atlantic Coast of Panama, in the “boonies”.

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Both couples have left indigenous works and have moved to new areas. Missionary James Childress, whom some of you also support is spearheading a series of seminars and conferences in these remote areas. In the most recent there were five new pastors of five new and older works and a total of about 26 that left their work and families to travel for hours walking and canoeing to be in the two-week seminar.

My pastor, Modesto Hernández went on the strenuous, dangerous trip and wrote the following:

“On my recent trip to the northern coastal areas of Panama where Jorge and Roderick have been working, I was very impressed with all that has been accomplished. As the Pastor of the Templo Bautista of Las Lomas, I can tell you that the investment you have made in supporting these men has been one of the best. We saw the fruits of their labours in the number of different places that have been reached with the Gospel. These areas are located in places very hard to reach on foot and impossible for motorized vehicles unless it would be by boat in the lower ones. I want to encourage you to continue to support them and if you can do more, it would be a great blessing since both have moved to other areas to begin new works. They plan to continue to help in the first churches as well as open new areas.

The two weeks of September 29th to October 10th We had a seminar and conference. There were courses taught and much instructive preaching, including basic guitar lessons and song leading.

The brothers there were excited to hear of plans for more of the same. I want to encourage you to pray for this work and, if possible, help with the economic support. Believe me, God is doing and wants to do

Later, another couple saved and home-grown, Roderick and Marianela DeGracia, also graduates of our Bible institute, he, in 1996; and she, in 1995, felt called to go to the Atlantic Coast . They went to a different section and have laboured there planting churches as Jorge and Anayansi were also doing. Between the two couples they have six children.

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something BIG in these areas and you can have a part in it! “ M.H.

Bro. Modesto was very excited upon his return. He and the five other men and one wife who participated are trying to recruit others for the next trip in April.

These trips are expensive. Each passenger had to pay $50.00, but this is only a small portion of the immense cost of the gasoline to get there, probably provided by the Lord through Bro. Childress.

The three photos above are of the Vasquez’, Childress’ and DeGracia’s, left to right.

The Vasquez’ are relocated to Colon where they could put their eldest daughter in Junior High School. Rural schools only teach up to the sixth grade. Believing God would keep the family unit together, they lived in a one-room apartment with few facilities until the Lord gave them a nice house, a period of about eight months. During that time they began a church that is growing. They brought a group to see us of about 14 adults and 6 children.

Roderick and Marianela are waiting on the Lord to send them out to Kusapin, another remote area on the Atlantic coast, distant, but fairly close to their first field so they can help there too.

Pray for these three families, God is using them.

Dear Friends and Family,

Politics are everywhere! “Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear. Freedoms we all hold dear now are at stake!” are the words to an old song that are more true today than back then. But, as the song goes on to say, “Jesus is coming soon!”

I could talk about troubles, but that would not edify. I could tell about plans, and that would encourage some, but my supporters want to know how I am and what I am doing. Right?

My health is good and getting better each month. It was a joy to see a visiting pastor that was here a year ago in the service when I rededicated my life to serve instead of lapsing into retirement to let the younger ones do it and I was thrilled to be able to tell him that my year (2007) of being sick had passed by December, and I have had a wonderful year 2008. I praise the Lord for that and give Him thanks.

My work in and for the Bible institutes occupies much of my time and energy. The Lord has allowed me to see a few make professions of faith, but I get more encouragement from seeing others I’ve won or influenced winning more souls than I do!

My two male boxer dog companions, T.J. and Dallas, are huddled close to me right now while a strong electrical storm is passing through. They can sense more danger than I can, but my calmness seems to help them.

We have a Bible Club going on Saturday afternoons and Christian counseling is more and more a part of my service. They think my age lends more credibility, I suppose. Pray for me.

My needs are met and I am resting in His love, sharing with others spiritual and material blessings that come my way for His glory.

If you are looking for a project, we have a Panamanian missionary in El Salvador that is building a church with his growing congregation and doing it by faith! It will not be small, their faith is BIG. Many are getting on the bandwagon of giving, you can too! Just designate the funds, send them to the Miller Rd. Baptist Church address above and I will send them on.

In the Service of the Lord,

Elaine

El Salvador

We had a costume party as an activity for the Bible institute. I was Rachel with my "lambs".

Dear Fellow Co-labourers,

I am so happy to “know” you are a prayer partner for me and the work here. We certainly need it!

Some have asked about special needs. I do have a few, ha. Right now, early in the mornings I am a little stiff from Texas , but I loosen up during the day. My back, specifically my "universal joint" (that tells it all, doesn't it) is the problem for which there is no cure. The bone is worn away for some reason and the muscles try to protect it by holding it firmly so that it won't move. The pain seems to be coming from them, so a little Ben Gay type ointment is most beneficial. Thankfully, once I loosen up I’m good for the day! That is request number one: that my back will not keep me from being active.

Another is the water situation: we need more and bigger water purification plants in this country because the population and consequential housing projects have outgrown the facilities to such a point that it is needful to ration water in places like where I live. In my neighborhood we have been receiving water from the water company in a tank-on-wheels from which everyone carries their supply to their house. There is water, it just is not well distributed. Day before yesterday, for the first time in months, water circulated in the pipes of my house for about an hour. Yesterday it was longer, almost four hours. Guess what that meant? I did not have to carry water for everything. (Remember my back?) Now you understand more. I lose much time just dealing with the lack of water that slows everything and complicates everyday living besides the pain. An in-line pump is an answer, but is illegal. Dig a well is another, but I don’t need THAT much water! A reserve tank is another invalid option since the water doesn’t reach this far. The Lord is doing something in my life through this.

Next request is the preparation of young people in our two Bible institutes. Byron has one in David that uses the modular teaching system with invited preachers and teachers from all over. Bro. Don Eppler is there now teaching a series on Ephesians. Our's, here at the Templo Bautista, uses the traditional system. Our school year is from March to late November. Each has 8 to 12 students who need special grace to learn and be faithful to finish the course, putting into practice in their different churches what they are learning. All have financial difficulties as most students do. The tuition is low.

Prayer request number four is "the most urgent need” of each of our 18 families who have gone out from our work to establish churches in other areas. Their needs may include health, cars, buses, property, buildings, more financial supply, but mostly God’s grace and blessing on their efforts to live and work for Him. Only about three or four have more than $ 200.00 support per month. That may be why we don't have more young people looking to serve the Lord in a greater capacity and probably has something to do with why three of our 41 graduates from our Bible institute have left the ministry.

I usually write newsletters; this is my first real prayer letter. Thank you for reading it and resolving to help us in prayer. II Corinthians 1:11.

Joyfully, Elaine

January 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas cards and handwritten letters seemed to me to be a thing of the past. I was delighted and blessed to receive a good number of beautiful cards and five family-style letters, some hand-written! Some were written to relate the family news over the last year and sent like I send my newsletters, but, I was on their list of remembered ones! I am grateful for “the tie that binds” and communication. Long live the Postman!

Christmas was different this year and highly blessed. I didn’t get out all the decorations nor spend much time at home. It was too much fun trying to help others have a nice Christmas and all that that means to Christians. Many of you sent extra offerings to me that made all that possible. I want to express my gratitude for that – Thank You! Each nickel spent was a joy and I want it to be so for you too. There was a nice cash offering for each of our pastors and missionary families as well as something for me and for others.

We are in full-blown summer here in Panama . The winds are strong and drying, blowing the green leaves off the trees as well as the brown ones, necessitating the use of trash bags and time to rake and bag them to be hauled off as the traditional process of burning them has been prohibited by a government decree.

Many decrees have gone out this past year that will cause much heartache to families who believe in discipline as they rear their children. School teachers will not be able to maintain order in the classroom if they have disorderly students. Raising the voice to correct a child is a crime now. Sad. One good thing: the Lord’s soon return is even more desirable!

This is summer camp week here. We have 100 young people and workers participating. We at home are praying that all will “do business” with the Lord. It is a solemn thing to think that the future of the work will be in their hands, if the Lord tarries.

Parents, these days, prefer that their young people study in the university rather than Bible school. “They know not what they do!” However, experience has proven that the Lord calls and the strongest in conviction to respond, will. Praise His Name!!!

Have a good and Godly year! Love, Elaine

November is patriotic month in our little country. Several of the churches use a parade every year to promote enthusiasm. We love our beautiful flag and the Christian flag shows the importance of honoring both God and country. Above is the five year-old girl’s class beginning their march. The band from the neighborhood school provided us with wonderful marching music. I joined a group dressed like myself in the Guaymí “naugua”. Sister Sylvia did a good job with her “montuna”. Pastor Modesto Hernández had to run to act as safety patrol at the entrance to the highway.

November 2 is the day when the cemeteries take on a fresh look. In Latin America there is no perpetual care in public cemeteries, so there is an annual clean-up, fix-up tradition and then fresh flowers are added to honor the Day of the Dead. I keep Jim’s grave nice all year because it is situated next to the church he started in 1974.

My work is bringing me more joy and satisfaction as well less guilt about being behind as I have recuperated from a break in my famous “never sick; always strong” reputation. Each week I make more progress in catching up. “2007 – almost in Heaven” has been a fit theme song for me this year. “2008 – feelin’ great” is my choice for the new year!

During the year of reduced strength I have been better able to appreciate my place in the work. My part is to act as a channel for funds and mail, a communication link among our pastors and missionaries who now total 18 national families, each leading his own church and some have extension ministries in different locations.

“They can do it BETTER than we can!” was taught in our language school days at Rio Grande Bible Institute, Edinburg , Texas , 34 years ago. They were absolutely right! We are marching ahead with Matthew 28 soul winning, baptizing and training. Right now we are planning to graduate four more on November 30th from our Bible institute, Baptist Theological Institute of Chiriquí. These will bring our total to 41 graduates since 1991. Praise the Lord!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Elaine

January 2007

Dr. Fábrega removing the drain from Byron’s neck after surgery for lymphatic cancer of the thyroid.

Dear Pastors, Churches and Friends,

“ We Have So Many Things To Be Thankful For ” is the name of a song written by Bro. Ray Adams of Open Door Baptist Church in 1979, when Kathy Lovely, a dear friend passed away. It was this song that dominated my thinking during the days after my last newsletter, titled “Fall Report”. (Please forgive me if my Mom side shows a bit.)

On October 6th, looking in the mirror, Byron noticed a lump next to his Adam’s apple. He had it seen to by several doctors the next day and in the following days and weeks. By the time he was operated on to remove it the day after Thanksgiving, it had grown to enormous proportions. Prognosis is good for a complete recovery, but he must start the first of six chemo-therapy treatments on January 19, 2007. Many of you have been praying, a million thanks for that. Some have sent special offering to him, thank you for that too. He has been a model patient, always optimistic and submissive to the Lord’s will. His lovely wife, Briceida, and their three children: Anthony (15), Rachel (11) and Jonathan (9), have been very supportive and helpful to him during this time.

Yesterday, I saw something that really surprised me. All these weeks he has been as I described above and continuing to lead his people, win souls and carry on even to being at camp in a supportive way though he has not been able to speak much above a whisper since the surgery. He had to go to the hospital to pick up his pathology reports when he “accidentally” met his doctor. That is just like Jesus to do this: the doctor examined him on the spot, was pleased and Byron could ask him a question dear to his heart and get the answer he was longing for: “May I play softball in our church league which begins next Monday?” The answer: “Yes.” brought about in him refreshment like a cold glass of water on a hot day. He probably would not have played had he not been able to ask Dr. Fábrega and get permission. To him, this was a new lease on life. He stopped here on his way in from Panama City to tell me the good news.

The summer winds are here causing all kinds of discomfort, but I am so happy. I have felt a tugging at my heart to return to the Templo, the first church where we started 32 years ago and is just 90 steps from my front door, for some time. Knowing that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, I asked the Lord if I should go back and leave my place in El Valle. He would respond, "No." So I was content to labor on where I have served now for 8 1/2 years. The yearnings returned about ten days ago and stronger than ever. I asked the Lord again and He said ,"Yes."! Last Saturday morning at visitation I called the pastor in El Valle and his wife aside and told them that I would be leaving, having come to a definite decision the day before. They replied, "We already know that!" Stunned, I asked, "How could you know it, I didn't know myself!" They responded, "We have known for weeks." God was simply preparing them. I had gotten sick last October 14 with a bad case of the flu which lasted almost three months. I had not been able to go to visitation very often and actually missed about three services, home in bed. I guess that was their clue, but I didn't read it that way. Anyhow, today, visitation, was my first day back to the Templo Bautista de Las Lomas. I've already been tagged to play guitar for the adult Sunday School Class in the morning. I am excited to see what else God has planned for me. Thank you for praying and giving all year that I might be here…

…In His service, Elaine Willis

April - May 2006

Dear Pastors, Churches and Friends,

I want to put a picture and have been waiting for my monitor to come back as this one is somewhat adequate. I have had to update my computer due to common problems and am still waiting for things to normalize.

Bible institute is rolling right along, last week being our half-way point in the first semester. Time waits for no one. We currently have eight students; two ladies and six men. Three are married, only one has children. They all work during the day and study from 6:00 to 9:55 p.m.

I teach five of the eleven courses each week: home economics, workshop, Music I and II and Financial Liberty II year. We have seven other professors, three of which are pastors.

Our fellowship of seven churches is healthy and cooperative. Our seven missionary families are on the field and in their places. Two of our churches are planning to host a medical clinic. There is a conference in one of the works on the Atlantic coast, accessible only by boat. I am unaware what the others are planning, but each church has a busy program. Our son, Byron Willis, has the largest independent Baptist work in Panama, regularly running over seven hundred in Sunday School. They topped 1,000 on Easter Sunday for the first time.

On the personal side: I have been back to cleaning up and out the stored things that accumulate so easily, some areas I had not touched for quite some time. I went through a box of old papers that turned out to be the sympathy cards and notes of encouragement received between December 2000 (when Jim passed away) and April of 2001. I was surprised as I thought they might bring on depression, but just the opposite, I found them sweet and uplifting I enjoyed them. There was even a check I had not cashed! Ha! Imagine that!

Jims birthday would have been April 24th and it was fun to remember that six years ago many of you contributed to buy the 4-wheeler he wanted so badly to use in visitation in El Valle. He won several to Jesus while sitting on it. Later, when it was no longer needed (I was afraid of it), we sold it and put the money into flooring materials.

We had a tragedy recently. On a joint fellowship outing to the beach a young man, Melquiades Sánchez, age 17, was caught in the undertow and drowned. There were four actually caught in it. Two escaped and one was rescued by his pastor, Modesto Hernández after finding himself sitting on the ocean floor and mentally saying goodbye to his mother when an unseen force suddenly lifted him to the surface where Bro. Modesto was able to reach him and carry him out. The mother and his siblings were/are faithful in the services. The mother was present in church the following service stating that the church is her family, she didnt want to be anywhere else. Comments are still being circulated about the funeral service being one of peace and tranquillity. We sang at the gravesite while the men covered the grave. Someday we will understand. Thanks to our supporters, Melqui was saved.

Love, Elaine

December 2005

Dear Ones

Our home church Pastor, Larry Parks, came at Thanksgiving-time. Byron and family, our people and I are excited about that! He was a real blessing.

We are nearing the end of the school year in Panama, and that means lots of work for me with the Bible institute. Struggling to wind up the year (as the secretary as well as one of the teachers) has taken most of my time and I am so happy to have wound it up today, December 2nd!

My visitation has been fruitful, Praise the Lord. I am thankful to have seen souls saved and folks taking steps of faith. We had the last of four weddings planned for 2005, on November 19th. There have been conferences and other special activities. There are four more new buses that arrived last week, two for our province, that have been donated to the Lord for service .

We have had groups and individuals come to visit and word is out that some were actually called of the Lord to serve here as future missionaries! Amen! Each group made it their business to be a blessing too, and they are.

We have had some sadness too as dear ones departed for Glory, some in trials and others ill. Even one of my dogs was bitten by a venomous snake. Dallas almost died of internal bleeding from the venom, but is healthy and active again due to prayers and loving attention administered by many , but mostly by “T.J.” his littermate brother. T.J. was a real nurse and encourager to Dallas. The drama of watching them was a thing of tender beauty.

Adriano Patiño is in a re-habilitation center close to Panama City where the Lord may use the therapy to wake up the lower half of his body. Please pray for the Lord’s will, and if it please Him, to let Patiño have back his physical health and capacities One man saw his picture in my last letter and sent him $200 that he used to buy medications and pay his part of the hospital bill. We had hoped to get him a three-wheel, hand drive bicycle (the sprocket is on top) that a company makes if the applicant will provide the $ 150 in parts and pieces to do it, but it was not possible as he is a man that has learned to put first things, first

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to all. Elaine

September& October 2005

Hello!

Just want to let you know I am planning to travel to the USA in December to see my family and visit as many churches as possible between January 1 and the 21st of February, 2006.

It will be the first extended trip I have made since Jim passed away almost five years ago. Frankly, I am a bit nervous, if you understand, I am sure you will be praying. Once I get my bearings I plan to make an itinerary. Meanwhile, if you would like to contact the numbers above or my e-mail, I will be happy to hear from you. Departure date from Panama is December 6, Lord willing. Stateside cell: 972 – 740 - 4405

July & August 2005

"Hold to God's unchanging hand! Hold to God's unchanging hand!
 Build your life on things eternal. Hold to God's unchanging hand!"

These are the words to the chorus of an old-time Gospel hymn that came to mind as I was musing on this letter. I know God holds us in his hand and there is no danger of our slipping between his fingers, but "holding on" seems to represent active participation in the ride and fuller enjoyment of the swaying to and fro on this journey we call "life". I never did like hammocks, preferring instead a good rocking chair because it keeps me busy while resting. Busy we have been. Let me share...

...in July and August I met myself coming and going! Mid-term exams in the Bible institute, a week of National Fellowship and then a week of vacation provided time for some spring-cleaning. The following celebration of the 31st anniversary of the arrival of the Willis family in Panama and the birth of the first independent Baptist work here was a joyous occasion. That was followed by the first annual women's conference, organized by my daughter-in-law, Briceida Willis and her able team of helpers with ladies coming from all over the country to share the blessings. It was a refreshing balm to our spirits. Now it is back to serious work with second semester of Bible institute and the business of soul winning and cultivating the younger growing Christians.

Please pray for Adriano Patino, age 34, paraplegic from a car wreck four years ago. Adrianohad been coming to services in El Valle for weeks, but had not taken the step of accepting Christ and his free gift of salvation. His presence was so regular that some of us thought him to be saved. His "wanting to think about it" came to an end on July 30,2005, when I had the privilege of seeing the labors of others bring forth fruit as he asked the Lord to save him, expressing his faith in the sufficiency of Calvary and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Saviour of sinners to forgive him and save his soul. He was a changed fellow the next day at church and it showed in his face.

Already suffering from an ulcer due to constant sitting and even bathing in his wheelchair, he was hospitalized a week later where he remains today. They have "given" him two bags to relieve his needs of evacuation and done a third operation of some sort, but he is radiant with the joy of the Lord. When a young lady asked him how he could be so happy, he replied, "My hope is in Jesus!" After relating this testimony he thrilled our pastor by asking him to do him the favor of carrying his tithe to church for him!

Please pray that the Lord will do His will, but we would ask him to "wake-up" the lower half of Adriano's body, restore to him his physical capacities and allow him to be a fruitful Christian.

You may write to him at my e-mail or field address. Just address it in my name with "For Adriano" in the lower left-hand corner.

Miller Road Baptist Church has become the Lighthouse Baptist Church. Same church, same standards, same everything except the name and street address: 2001 15th St. (Te from door address.) Garland TX 75041. I hope this will not inconvenience you. Many do not like changes, but sometimes it happens. This has been our home church since 1967. We love her!!! As we older members have always called ourselves "Miller Readers", I guess we are now "Light Bubs"! Love and thanks, Elaine

May & June 2005

We have four weddings this year! One is past and three more to go. I was privileged to be the "stand-in" for the mother of the groom May 20th.

I am so glad that Romans 8:28 knows no international or cultural boundaries!

Today, visiting in three homes, I found believers who seem to have given up and decided that they can and must run their own lives now that they have made such a mess of them. Humanly speaking, there is no remedy for their burst balloons of life, hopes, and dreams. They have made things worse at every turn, but sadly, still have not come to the end of themselves. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The trick is to get them to renew their love for God. These three families need prayer and good counsel.

Life on the mission field is only a little different from the average pastorate in that we have our "problem people", but their language is sometimes difficult for the missionary. Their thought patterns will never be like ours. That is where Romans 8:28 comes in. God calls, equips and sends the missionary into such situations and then works through him or her to minister to the needs of his injured sheep. How sweet it is to hear their testimonies of victory as God blesses!

The same principle can be applied to everyday life in simple things. My two boxer dogs, "T.J." and "Dallas", have been subjected to a plague of ticks. The dogs next door? NO! WHY? I think because table scraps all contain garlic while commercial food may not. My eldest son, Larry, suggested I try giving them garlic and set me on the track that looks like it is going to turn the tide. However, the bout with ticks has produced an opportunity to train them to lie down on command. Being so active and competitive for attention has made it difficult to train them. It takes all my body weight to put one of them down, so I had to do something. I gave the command to T.J., "Lie down!" with the distinctive hand movement. Then calmly wrestled him down with lots of praise and loving words. The next time, he started getting the idea. I turned to Dallas, who had been watching with much interest and got the same results. Alternating back and forth between them, fifteen minutes later they both look at me with understanding in those big brown eyes and sit down, willing to fall over if I insist. Great! More practice tomorrow. What does that have to do with Romans 8:28? Well, the ticks provided the necessity to get serious about something needed in a big dog's life. Live the Book all day, every day!

Our young people are having more fellowship. As I prepare this letter it has been a delightful afternoon with a joint youth meeting here in front of my house. There may have been almost 100 young people here from three of the six churches in the area. I always feel older when I see them playing soccer and volleyball on the lawns. But, the fact that they are there thrills my heart. There were two pastors and three youth pastors, all of which have grown up in the work and stepped out of their respective groups to become the leader under the supervision of their pastors. One is preparing for his August 16 wedding, the other for his wedding on November 19th. The next wedding is August 51 for Emmanuel and Maruja. He leads the singing and choir at the "mother" church here in front of my house and beside Jim's grave. Jim wanted to be buried in the middle of everything, and he certainly is! There is activity all around him. The balls regularly bounce off the ceramic borders. I think he would enjoy that.

Thank you for your prayer and financial support as we all work together get souls saved and build people who, in turn build churches. – Elaine