Evento Para Jóvenes en San Antonio, Coahuila, México

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Thirteen excited people (mostly youth) packed into the True Path Ministry Inc. 1995 Suburban at 3:30 PM on Saturday for the hour and half drive from Galeana, NL to San Antonio, Coahuila, Mexico. It is small, prosperous community near Saltillo. Most of these kids seldom leave town and it was a big treat for them. At the event there were 100 youth from seven, mostly rural, churches. Several of the youth made a first time profession of faith to follow Christ with their lives.

The agenda was fast moving and packed: two bands, two drama skits, powerful preaching, spirit-filled prayer time and a meal.  The theme was based on Psalm 127:4 “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” It was sponsored by Comunion de Iglesias Cristianas en Mexico para las Nacions, Monterry, NL, Mexico which also covers True Path Ministry in Mexico.

It was after 1:00 AM before we got back to Galeana; a late night for this old man, but well worth it to see new and young believers. Praise the Lord!

The young preacher was from Monterrey. (click on a photo to see it larger)

The Kairos band included this spirited lady accordion player.

There were two powerful dramas.

 

Pastor Silverio from the local church welcomed everyone.

Everyone left their hand print and name on a poster.

Even us older “youth” left a hand print.

There were several powerful times of prayer.

Several youth decided to become Christ followers.

Tempo Efeso hosted the youth event for the association.

 

 

 

Grace Tabernacle Called to an Active Faith

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Thank you Pastor Russell Mills for allowing Tonyia and I to speak at the church on a recent Sunday. Grace Tabernacle in Kaufman, Texas is a newly formed fellowship of believers and we are honored to be the first missionaries to talk with the church.

“In my message I showed the work True Path Ministry Inc. is doing in Mexico and challenged the church to make their faith Christ-centered and active,” said Stephen. “It was a great day of worship and Christian fellowship.”

Stephen’s sermon asserted that Christians are called by God to answer three calls: 1) make Jesus central to our lives; 2) realize our faith is an active pursuit; and 3) understand we are called to be Jesus’ witness to the world. Steve used examples from the Bible, plus photographs and stories from True Path Ministry‘s over a year of work in Mexico to make his points.

Dios le Bendiga!

Pastor Russell and wife LaDonna Mills

Stephen used PowerPoint slides to show the work of TPM and make his points.

Teaching Teachers for the Kids

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Pastor Reynaldo and Lulu’s church, Getsemani in Galeana, NL, Mexico, had a very good “teach the teachers” class today.  Berenice, who is a well regarded children’s educator, came from a neighboring village to teach the class. Having more teachers trained will help both the church and True Path Ministry prevent burnout from over working one or two educators.  The folks at Getsemani are always on hand to help at the Marcos 10:14 Kids Club, and we work with them in other ministries. There was a lot of note taking and class interaction, it was a few hours well spent.

Berenice is well regarded as a children’s educator.

Some of the children from the church served the group a snack.

 

Fruit of the Spirit at Kid’s Club

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) This kind of spiritual produce was the focus of the fun-filled weekly Marcos 10:14 kid’s club in Galeana, NL, Mexico on Thursday, September 7th.  The many photos on the website tell the story best. Thirty children and eleven adults enjoyed songs, games, a Bible lesson, a craft and hot dogs. The meeting was held outside and it was a very pleasant 68 degrees with a clear sky overhead after a day of rain. It was an enjoyable evening leaning how best to live out the Christian life. 

The kids were proud of their spirit dove craft. (click on a photo to see it larger)

The kids sang Christian songs with movements.

Eleven adults were on hand to help.

Hot Dogs are always a hit with the kids.

Patty taught the lesson.

We use the True Path Ministry suburban to pick up and return several kids.

 

 

 

A Day Honoring the Passing of a Brother in Christ

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A few hours after Pastor Rey and I (Stephen) prayed with Jesus De La Rosa on Tuesday he took his last breath. And on Wednesday, one day later, we lowered his body into the ground in a small cemetery in San Jose Del Rio. It is a tiny, remote village tucked away between tall mountains beside a flowing stream. Jesus De La Rosa was 85 years old and was a Christian who was ready to be with Christ.

He was a friend and a relative of members of Pastor Rey’s Church. When we were praying with him beside his hospital bed we noticed his breathing was shallow and he was in some pain, but he was very aware we were there.

Pastor Rey asked him if we could pray with him and in a weak voice he said “YES.” He clung tightly to Rey’s hand as the words flowed from the Pastor’s mouth. The room was filled with the presence of the Lord. I knew this prayer was not a polite gesture; it was a man connecting with the one he would soon meet face to face.

Pastor Rey, wife Lulu, three kids, two others and I loaded in the True Path Ministry suburban at 9 A.M. on Wednesday morning to make the hour and a half drive up and down the rugged rock road to San Jose Del Rio.

The family stayed with the casket all night. (click on a photo to see it larger)

When we arrived in the village we found Jesus De La Rosa’s body in an open casket in the middle room of a small rock three room house. Several family members who had stayed up all night were also present. We brought an acoustic guitar and immediately began to sing meaningful hymns. People began to show up until the place was overflowing with mourners.

A group of ladies fixed food at the house so we paused for lunch before moving to the Christian Church building. They do not have a full-time pastor but the building is kept in good shape by some locals.

The church service included more good hymns, testimonials about Jesus De La Rosa, Bible readings and a heart-felt sermon by Pastor Rey. It was based on the hope we Christians have in Christ.

The coffin was taken by pickup to the cemetery.

We then loaded the casket in the back of a pickup truck and drove a mile to the small cemetery. After a few more songs, Bible readings and speakers the body was lowered into the grave.

We got back to Galeana after 6 P.M. It was a full day of funeral ministry. While it may sound morbid, it really was quite the opposite. It was a day of hope and a pointed reminder that we Christians will also one day come face to face with Christ.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Rey preached a moving sermon.

The church was full.

People walked to the church for the service.

It was a rough mountain road.

Folks gathered outside the house.