Former "19 Kids and Counting" star Jill Duggar Dillard and Derick Dillard have posted another mission trip update highlighting how fans can best pray for them as they continue to share the Gospel in Guatemala.
In the ministry update shared on Dillard family personal blog page, Jill revealed that she and Derick are attempting to learn Spanish during their time in Central America. The 23-year-old former reality star explained that while her Spanish teacher is already a religious woman who goes to church and prays, Jill inspired her to spend more time studying the Bible, and to being a more consistent churchgoer.
One way the new mother encouraged her teacher to be more interested in the Bible was by treating her to a viewing of the faith-based film War Room and serving her a dish called "Chicken Etti."
"We were able to give her a Bible and she asked if she and I could study it together one hour a day in class," Jill wrote. "The next day in class we talked for three hours about the Bible. That night one of her sons asked if he could read with her from the Bible so she said they started in the book of Genesis and took turns reading the first six chapters. The next day this same son got up and read a couple chapters on his own, then they read together again that evening. They are hoping to visit our church and come over again soon. We are praising the Lord for this opportunity to study God's word together with this sweet family."
Jill also shared an update concerning her seven-month-old son Israel David, who has learned to clap, crawl, wave, and pull himself up into a standing position.
"He is about to cut his first two teeth, so recently he has been a little fussier than normal. He is usually happy though and loves exploring new areas in the house now that he can move."
Jill ended her mission trip update with a call for prayers, asking fans to pray for "Israel to feel better as his teeth work on popping through," "wisdom in language and cultural immersion," and "continued opportunities to share the gospel and receptive hearts."
The latest update comes amid reports that the couple is being accused of mismanaging funds and misleading donors about their mission work in Central America, according to Design Trend.
The report also alleges that the couple downplayed their lack of credentials to receive funding. As earlier noted by the Gospel Herald, to qualify for mission work, Derick must have a bachelor's degree in biblical studies, theology, missions, evangelism, and preaching, while Jill needs 12 college credit hours, a requirement for all spouses of Baptist missionaries. None of the conditions have as of yet been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Duggar fans will get a glimpse of Jill and Derick's new life as missionaries during TLC's upcoming Jill & Jessa: Counting On specials.
TLC is producing three TV specials starring Jill and her younger sister, Jessa Duggar Seewald, and the first 90-minute special is set to premiere December 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET on TLC. The two following specials will air at 9:00 p.m. ET on December 20 and 27.
