Congregation Walked One Hour to Worship

We brought many things to give the people.

Sandra, with Nuevo Corazon,  was serving in Texas and was not able to come but sent a lot of food for the people.

The True Path Ministry team pulled into Pastor Seldonio’s mountain home ready to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the people on Saturday, October 29th. The Suburban was loaded with food, clothing and people. Pastor Seldonio greeted us and told us one of his congregations was waiting, but we needed to walk over an hour on a rough trail. “We have too much stuff and crippled people,” said Martin. “Is there another way?” Seldonio said yes, they can all come here. So about fourty members, of one of the five ranches this pastor serves, walked over an hour to come worship with us!

There is no cell service in that area of the mountains. Pastor Seldonio used his walkie-talkie to contact someone closer to the village and that person, likely on a donkey, went to give the message for all the people. They were told to start walking down the mountain, where vehicles would be waiting to take them to the pastor’s home.

The congregation walked an hour in small groups to come whorship with us.

The congregation walked an hour in small groups to come whorship with us. (click on photo to see it bigger)

Steve, in our Ford Edge, Martin in the Suburban and the Pastor’s son in a Ford pickup drove to the end of the road. This is where the people would come down the mountain trail and we would then carry them the last few miles to the pastor’s home.

“I stood near  the trail and saw them walking down the edge of the mountain in small groups,” said Stephen. “It was amazing to watch the  donkeys, older people and tiny children make their way to our vehicles. I could tell it was a difficult walk.”

Once we got to the Pastor’s house, we greeted each other and we gathered to begin the worship service. Under the Pastor’s brush-covered leanto, he and his son had set boards across cement blocks for seating. He also brought some homemade wooden chairs out of his house.

Worship was lively. Several folks gave testamonies. Pastor Reynaldo and his family sang a gospel song. They had come with us from Galeana along with Evanglist Ramiro, Martin, Genesis and Ana. Everyone had a part during worship. Tonyia and I got up to talk, with Martin interpreting, Steve told why we moved to Mexico. The Holy Spirit had Tonyia tell the people that God loves them so much and that they are each made in His image. She went on to tell them what Jesus said in John 10:27-30. That if they have accepted Jesus in their hearts, they are His sheep and that no one can snatch them from His hands.

Ramiro gave a stirring message and the people were moved. During prayer time he prayed for healing with several people. One woman who had trouble getting around trotted out and back after she received prayer.

Worship was lively.

Worship was lively.

The Holy Spirit showed Tonyia a young woman, standing in the audience, who needed to accept Jesus. In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Martin called the young lady forward and asked her if she was a Christian. Sorada, 21 years old, said she had been attending Church for some time but had not given herself to Jesus. Tonyia asked, “do you want to be obedient and pray now to become a follower?” YES! she replied. We prayed with her and the Lord moved in her heart. We then gave her a Bible. Martin wrote on the front page a scripture verse from John and we put a bookmark for her to begin reading there.

After the service we fed everyone a sandwich and Tonyia gave the kids a sack with candy and a toy. We layed out a tarp and spread the many bags of clothes and handbags we had brought. The people eagerly sorted through the clothes and got what they needed for their families. What a joy to witness!!

The mountain village people were thrilled to get clothing for their families.

The people were thrilled to get clothing for their families.

We also gave out bread, powdered milk and fresh peppers. The items were sent with us by Sandra of Nuevo Corazon ministry. She and Juan normally go along with us but were in Texas this weekend.

Finally, we brought out the reading glasses and a line formed of the many who wanted to be able to read their Bibles. We are so grateful to give out these glasses so the people can see to read the word!

It was late, about 5:30 PM, and we wanted to get off the mountain before dark. The Pastor assured us that he and others would make sure to get the people to their homes. After many hugs, we left to drive the long road back to Galeana.

As always, thank you for your prayers – they keep us going. If you feel moved to donate financially see our “support” page. It is all for Jesus!

This young mother comitted her life to Jesus.

This young mother committed her life to Jesus.

Remerio gave a sturring sermon.

Ramiro gave a stirring sermon.

They walked over an hour to worship.

They walked over an hour to worship.

Pastor Reynaldo and family sang a Worship song.

Pastor Reynaldo and family sang a Worship song.

Worship was Spirit-filled.

Worship was Spirit-filled.

Lourdes, pastor Reynaldo's wife, served as the moderator for the service.

Lourdes, pastor Reynaldo’s wife, served as the moderator for the service.

The local Pastor played the guitar and gave a testamoney.

Pastor Seldonio played the guitar and gave a testimony.

Ana addressed the congregation.

Martin, Ana and Genesis gave a word to the congregation too.

Everyone had a part in the service.

Everyone had a part.

There over 50 people.

There was about 50 of us gathered to worship.

Praise the Lord!

Praising the Lord!

This woman trotted out quickly and back after praying to walk better.

This woman trotted out quickly and back after praying to walk better.

 

There were many children.

There were many children.

This grandpa way proud to set with these kids.

This grandpa was proud to set with these kids.

The benches were boards of bricks.

The benches were boards on bricks.

They were happy to get food and clothes.

They were happy to get food and clothes.

We fed them all sandwiches.

We fed them all sandwiches.

Tonyia gave out candy.

Tonyia gave each child a bag with a toy and candy.

We gave out many pairs of reading glasses.

We gave out many pairs of reading glasses.

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This lady was all smiles because she could see to read her Bible.

This lady was all smiles because she could see to read her Bible.

The Pastor even found a pair of glasses.

The Pastor even found a pair of glasses.

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We met under a leanto.

We met under a leanto.

This woman rested a bit after her long walk.

This woman rested a bit after her long walk.

People of all ages made the walk.

People of all ages made the walk.

The mountain trail was difficult.

The mountain trail was difficult.

The pastor has a beautiful family.

Pastor Seldonio and his family.

This home has a great mountain view.

The view as Steve waited for the people to come down the mountain.

We saw some local farmers tilling the soil with two donkeys.

We saw some local farmers tilling the soil with two donkeys.

Stephen used his limited Spanish to greet the farmers.

Stephen used his limited Spanish to greet the farmers.

The unpaved roads in the mountains are steep.

The unpaved mountain road to get to the Pastor’s house was very steep.

The kids were excited to come to worship.

The kids were also ready to worship.

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Loading back up after the service.

Loading back up after the service.

This is a homemade chair.

This is a homemade chair.

 

Two Hundred Came to the Revival to Hear the Gospel

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Banda El Privilegio Divino” from the tiny mountain village of Purismo.

Banda El Privilegio Divino” from the tiny mountain village of Purismo.

On Sunday, October 23rd two hundred souls came to hear the gospel, sing praises and lift fervent prayers in Jesus’ name in Santa Rita (beside Galeana, NL, Mexico). Some traveled three hours to attend. It was two powerful, spirit-filled nights of renewal and awakening for many. The attendance increased by about fifty above the first night. Many were seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord, and they found it. Also in the audience both nights were a dozen area pastors, and they helped the many who came forward for special prayers.

Pastor Robert Mesa, from Yoakum, Texas, delivered two Holy Spirit anointed sermons. He has been coming to Mexico for fifteen years and is well known here for his miraculous connection with the will of God. Three different Christian bands also graced the stage with lively praise and worship music.

Steve told the story behind "I have decided to follow Jesus"

Steve told the story behind “I have decided to follow Jesus”

The bands included: “Banda El Privilegio Divino” from the tiny mountain village of Purismo; Juan Oviedo and his band from Galeana; and the Lopez band from the nearby ranch village El Poso. Plus a special appearance by Cindy Lopez.

On the first night forty children came all dressed in their golden Marcos 10:14 T-shirts ready to perform. They did a great job using SIGN language and sang “I have decided to follow Jesus.” Tonyia had taught them well. Stephen also told the moving story of how the lyrics were the last words of a man who was killed along with his entire family.

At the end of the service each night there was a time of prayer where the front area was full of folks seeking special prayers from the pastors and Evangelist Robert Mesa. A True Path Ministry team also fed the entire audience each night after the service.

The tent covered the entire lot.

The tent covered the entire lot.

The huge tent we had put up came in handy the second night as the rain came down. There were also a couple of brief power interruptions due to lightening. During one outage a man shouted in Spanish “don’t worry if the lights stay off we know the preacher has a loud voice.”

Our hard work paid off as it all came together to create a memorable Christ honoring event. “Seeing the heart-felt worship and praise to Jesus made all the hard work and expense worth it,” said Stephen.

It had been a busy week preparing for the Revival. It was a team effort but Jesus paved the way. Steve and Martin had to travel almost to Matehuala to pick up and return the tent we used. It took several men to handle and put it up. It was so big we didn’t have to use the complete covering. Also, 100 chairs came with the renting of the tent and we also borrowed tables and 100 more chairs from the Lopez family.

Evangelist, Robert Mesa from Yoakum, Texas preached a powerful sermon.

Evangelist, Robert Mesa from Yoakum Texas, preached a powerful sermon.

The True Path Ministry homes were full of guests.  We had pastor Mesa and wife Marina at our house, Casa Christiana Alferero was full with the band from Purisimo and Yessi also had several from the villages of Refugio and Canoas.

Ana was in charge of the food which was prepared both nights to feed the crowd. We were grateful she had many helpers. The overnight guest also gathered at the ministry house on Sunday and Monday morning to eat breakfast which Ana and her helpers prepared.

As we continue our weekly ministries: Marcos 10:14 kids club on Wednesdays and delivering meals to the elderly on Tuesdays, we will also begin focusing on gathering 400 gifts to take to the ranches for Christmas. Please keep us in prayer for this huge effort. Let us know if you have gift items for us to pick up when we are in the US around the first of December.

We welcome your prayers always. We know none of this could be possible without the help of those lifting up our work here. Also, if the Lord moves you to make a financial donation see our support page.

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Men praying for each other.

Men praying for each other.

This Christian man had to get up and move to the music.

This Christian man had to get up and move to the music.

Pastor Reynaldo served as the moderator the second night.

Pastor Reynaldo served as the moderator the second night.

Pastor Jose was the moderator the first night.

Pastor Jose was the moderator the first night.

Lopez band.

Lopez band.

Juan's band.

Juan’s band.

The Marcos 10:14 Kid's Club used sign language and sang "I have decided to follow Jesus."

The Marcos 10:14 Kid’s Club and Yessi used sign language and sang “I have decided to follow Jesus.”

The kids did a good job and looked shape in their T shirts.

The kids did a good job and looked shape in their T shirts.

The kids all wore their Marcos 10:14 Club shirts.

The kids all wore their Marcos 10:14 Club shirts.

Prayer time was active.

Prayer time was active.

Pastors who helped during prayer time.

Pastors who helped during prayer time.

Cooks were busy.

Cooks were busy.

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Set up was hard work.

Set up was hard work.

The tent canvas was heavy.

The tent canvas was heavy.

Several men helped put up and take down the tent.

Several men helped put up and take down the tent.

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Pray for Revival Saturday and Sunday October 22-23

revivalpostereditPlease help us pray for our event this weekend. True Path Ministry Inc. is hosting a tent revival this Saturday and Sunday, 7PM, October 22-23, at Casa Cristiana El Alfarero. Well known Evangelist Robert Mesa will preach a powerful Bible-based sermon. Uplifting music will be provided by Banda El Privilegio Divino, and Juan Oviedo. The kids from the Marcos 10:14 Club will also perform SIGN language while singing “I have decided to follow Jesus.” Most important Christ will be glorified!

Steve Preaches: “Deep or Shallow Faith?”

Steve used a computer and projector to tell faith stories.

Steve used a computer and projector to tell faith stories.

Stephen, with True Path Ministry, preached while Martin translated at both Getsemani Church in Galeana and in Dieciocho de Marzo on Sunday October 16. “I used my computer and projector to help make my message clear,” said Steve. “This is very unusual here and the congregations seem to enjoy the new media tool.”

We read the story of the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) and I related it to a current map of the middle-east where Christians’ faith are being tested by persecution daily. I told the story of some people, in the middle east, who converted to Christianity and standing daily on their faith.

We also read the story about Stephen from Acts 6 and 7. He was killed for his faith. I explained that we all will die and we have no certainty when that day will be but I also told them we can have the assurance, if we have accepted Jesus, that no matter when or how we die WE SHALL be delivered and go to be with Jesus in heaven. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith in all situations? Or would we deny Jesus to save ourself?

I told them how the 23rd Psalm brought peace to me in an ambulance when I was near death after a heart attack. I urged them to strengthen their faith by drawing closer to the Lord through prayer. Virtually everyone came forward for prayer. Tonyia, Martin, the Pastors and myself laid hands on and prayed for each one.

It was a wonderful day in the Lord – Jesus is our hope! We praise and worship HIM only!

There was a good crowd at Gat

It was a full church at Getsemani.

Many came forward for prayer.

Many came forward for prayer.

Martin spoke during testimony time.

Martin spoke from his heart during testimony time.

Everyone is part of the two hour service.

Everyone is part of the two hour service.

The ladies sang.

The ladies sang.

The kids play area.

The kid’s play area at Getsemani.

A new sign for the new location.

A new sign for the new location.

The ladies also sang at De

The ladies also sang at Dieciocho de Marzo.

 

 

Christians Celebrate Diego’s Birthday in Milpias

Diego was in the hospital a few month earlier.

Diego was in the hospital a few months earlier.

Pastor Seldonio threw a big fiesta for his son, Diego’s, first birthday. Martin and Juan, the True Path Ministry team for this adventure, made the two hour trip on Friday. Pastor Seldonio is a relative of Pastor Santiago who lives in Refugio, the village we have visited several times.

A few months ago, Diego was in the hospital for two weeks with pneumonia. He was struggling to live. You may recall Pastor Seldonio and Pastor Santiago came by the ministry house a few months ago.

We are thankful to Jesus for healing Diego! This party gave family and friends a great opportunity to praise the Lord for saving this precious boy.

Both pastors are wonderful servants of the Lord and good friends. We knew it would be a special time and we wanted to show the love of Jesus by attending. It turned out Martin was asked to preach and he gave a moving sermon. Juan had not taken any instruments but he was moved to worship so he borrowed a guitar and began singing pra

ises to Christ along with the hundred or so guests who had come.

Pastor Santiago was one of the speakers.

Pastor Santiago was one of the speakers.

Several folks spoke at the special event.

Several folks spoke at the special event.

There was about 100 people at the fiesta.

There was about 100 people there to celebrate and worship.

They came from several of the small villages in the mountains.

Folks came from many of the small mountain villages.

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On the drive back to Galeana Juan and Martin checked out this slightly used truck.

On the drive back to Galeana Juan and Martin checked out this slightly used truck.

Martin by the old truck.

Martin by the old truck.