Serving the Lord in the Mountains of Mexico

Sunday, November 29th 2015

Wow, what a day in the Lord. After an hour and a half ride to go 38 miles we arrived deep in the mountains in a tiny village near La Ascencion for a special meal and an incredible home worship service.

Our ministry partners in Galeana Jesse Rowe, Chuy and Karen had met Sister Joventina some years ago. She lost her husband a few years ago and she and her 10 year old daughter, Debane, continue to struggle. They depend on the sister’s small Tamale sales business to get by.

She is a strong believer as is her family. She gets few breaks and was homesick to visit her family high in the mountains. Chuy asked her a few days ago if we could drive the two of them to see her family – she was overjoyed.

The six of us picked her up in our Ford Edge about 10 AM Sunday morning. carback (640x428)That’s right, eight of us drove for an hour and a half on a pothole covered road that turned into little more than a burro trail. But the Lord carried us as the vehicle was filled with hymn singing and praising the Lord.

Once we came to the end of the road we had to unload and climb up the hill to the family’s compound. It was a series of handmade log cabins. We were warmly welcomed by Sister Joventina’s family. We all gathered around a homemade table in their kitchen/dinning building. They fed us a meal they prepared just for uIMGP0945 (1024x685)s. Venison from a deer they shot a few days earlier, corn tortillas (from corn they raised and ground) and rice. It was tasty!

After lunch we all took a walk up one of the nearby mountains. It was a beautiful day and the views were breath taking.

Once we returned from our walk we started to worship. Karen began to sing Spanish hymns and the air filled with praises to God in the name of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. Several of us read from the Bible as the spirit directed, I read Isaiah 55, Tonyia read Proverbs 3:3-6 and Jesse interpreted. Others shared what was on their heart Jesse preached and an intense time of prayer began where we prayed for others.

Tonyia was lead to pray for the oldest person. She was in her 80’s and was the mother of twelve children. “The Lord has not forgotten you, the hairs on your head are number. You are precious to God…” The tears began to flow and not just from her eyes. A burden seemed to be lifted from her and others and the joy of the Lord filled the room.

It was a powerful time of worship one that I wish everyone could experience. Once again we go to bless a family and we are blessed beyond measure.

Thank you for your prayers, the Lord has sustained us in large measure because of those prayers. Tomorrow we return home – a 12 hour drive.

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Mexico: Found House & Children’s Event

November 28th 2015

It was a great day in the Lord! Tonyia and I found a house, and we were part of a very successful Kid’s event.

The house is a brand new two bedroom, next door to Jesse and Chuy’s house. The rent is very, very reasonable by US standards. In the process we found another huge house and compound that would be a perfect facility for our future ministry. It covers an entire block with trees and a high fence.

We could have a safe place where children could come in a Christian environment. There are no Girl’s and Boy’s Club or anything similar here. Plus, it would make a great conference center for pastor and elder education – also part of our vision. We are talking with the owner and praying for the Lord’s guidance.

We invited all the children in La Laguna a small community outside Galeana to come to a community center for fun and hot dogs. Over 120 showed up and danced and sang Christian songs with our clown (Karen in her clown outfit). To pull this off we were working with missionary Jesse Rowe, Chuy and Karen and about five other area pastors.

It was great to see the adults from these various congregations work together to give the kids a day they will always remember. Laughter, singing and dancing for the Lord filled the room. I gave them a short word about God’s love, Tonyia signed to a Spanish song and Chuy preached. Many gave their hearts to “Cristo.” Each child got a Christian tract and candy.

We are looking forward to tomorrow as we will go deep into the mountains to a remote church where few outsiders visit. Thank you for your prayers, and please lift us up in your prayer time tomorrow.

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Headed to Mexico

November 25th 2015
Tonyia and I are headed to Galeana Mexico over the Thanksgiving holiday for a very busy time of ministry and house hunting. We plan to look at three or four rent house possibilities. We will also help host a Thanksgiving dinner for some curious Mexicans. It is a USA holiday and they want to experience it. On Saturday we will also work with a local pastor who have invited community children to an event just for them.
On Sunday we will go deep into the mountains for a church service. It will be an exciting time to meet with believers where few outsiders have gone in recent years.
On Monday we’ll make the 12+ hour return trip to Texas.
We welcome your prayers!