Universal Language in Palmito

Today our vehicles ascended into the mountains towards Palmito.  True Path Ministry and Iglesia Getsemani were received warmly. We came bearing a message, games, and gifts.  After worship, the children enjoyed a special devotional, while the adults listened to Galeana local and Evangelist Ramiro.

When we first reached Palmito, the adults began making new friends and catching up with old ones.  Meanwhile, the local children and the Texans started a game of catch, illustrating that play is the universal language.

Inside the town’s Christian church building, we united in our love for Christ.  The language barrier did not stop us from worshiping together. We sang in English and Spanish, accompanied by passionate prayer.

After a time of praise hymns, Ramiro preached to the adults while Jose and Maria engaged the children with musical talents and a devotional.  

After the church service was completed, we enjoyed each other’s company for a little longer.  Before parting ways, we gave gifts to the families and the children of Palmito. Boxes that we had packed ourselves were given to the youth.  Immediately they began playing with their simple new toys. Meanwhile, their parents browsed through the shoes and clothing we had brought them, selecting what they wanted for themselves and their children.  Blankets were also given to the families, a precious item in a cold world without much heating.  

During our arriving journey, a thick fog had obscured our view.  The new members of our group, including myself, had no concept of what surrounded us.  During our time with our brothers and sisters, the skies cleared and the shroud was lifted.  When we returned to Galeana, we gazed down in amazement at steep ledges, veins of marble, and almost endless vistas.  Our time in Palmito was wonderful, and I hope to soon return.

Guest written by Zachary.  New years eve, 2019

A Christmas Visit to Canoas

Today a massive group of visitors from Texas went with True Path Ministry, along with several members of Iglesia Getsemani. Twenty two people in total took three vehicles to the tiny mountain village of Canoas. After a 1.5 hour drive down bumpy dirt roads, we arrived to a group of smiling adults and children.

Our group was divided into two and we were promptly taken to two local houses where we were graciously fed an early lunch. As we sat in the tiny wooden house, you cannot help but notice the gaps in the walls and the chairs held together by bits of rope. But the meal was prepared and served with love, and it filled our bellies and kept us warm. After that, the walk back to the church seemed longer in the 44°F weather since a mist had started to fall, but we soon began our worship service.

We started with upbeat, praising music, with LuLu and Jose both taking turns on the guitar. Evangelist Ramiro preached a truth-filled sermon on how you cannot live without “the light of God” in your life. He taught us to remember that “the light of God” comes from reading and spending time in His word. The children enjoyed their own worship service complete with songs, a bible lesson, and craft time.

Once service concluded, our group had a blast handing out blankets, clothing, purses, and shoes to the adults. However, the kids are our favorite. Each girl and boy was given a gift box donated by multiple churches in Texas. They contained toys, bubbles, markers, crayons, and personal care items. As you can see from the pictures, they absolutely loved it.

I was thinking today that this is at least the 3rd year in a row that I have had the privilege of helping True Path Ministry hand out gifts. Being able to show God’s love for these children and families has never lost its magic for me; For what gift could be better than the smile of a child?

Guest written by: Jeanette Lewis (niece of Stephen and Tonyia Williams)

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger.

Big Christmas Gift: Mexican Plates on Van

Thank you! Thank you! The 1999 Ford 15 passenger van is a critical part of our ministry and now it is now officially a Mexico vehicle! This was a big hurdle (it would take a book to explain the complexities of the process). Having Mexican plates means we no longer have to worry about making a trip to the border in the van to renew the permit every 6 months. Plus, this makes it legal to be driven by Mexican citizens (that was not allowed outside Galeana when it was licensed in the US). I want to especially recognize the Damacus Road Fellowship in Ennis, Texas for their significant contribution toward this effort.

We are so grateful for your obedience to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey what He says. We realize y’all have many obligations, but God is so good to bless those who step out in faith! Also, thank you, to the others who raise us up in prayer and make financial donations! Our prayer is for all who lift us up spiritually and give financially, that you will be blessed more than you can imagine!

Our Mexico ministry has had a tremendous year! Our God has been faithful and we are humbled that he has met our needs, often in the most unexpected ways. We’ll talk more about our year in a future post.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6.

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Jesus Club From Season to Season

November is a time of seasonal changes in the mountains of northern Mexico, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” Hebrews 13:8. True Path Ministry and Iglesia Getsemani church sponsor the Marcos 10:14 Kids Club in Galeana, NL, Mexico. We are going through life together, teaching the Christian faith to 40-50 kids each week. The children have learned Christian songs, Bible verses, how to pray, how to love each other and to be more like Jesus in our daily walk. They have been fed both physically and spiritually in a safe, Christ centered environment.

What do we teach? Here are examples of lessons from November. Club kids learned about God’s promise after the flood: “And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth,’” Genesis 9:12-13.

In another study through the Old Testament story of the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) the kid’s learned to include God in all our plans. Their memory verse for this lesson was: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever,” 1 John 2:17.

Another teaching was about Nazareth, the home of Jesus and His early life. Craft time is always fun for them and with this lesson they made a scroll with Luke 2:40 written on it. “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.”

In addition to spiritual nourishment, faithful club volunteers prepare a light meal each week. Galeana, NL, Mexico is an economically poor area. For some of these kids it maybe the best meal they get all week. We do this because of Jesus’ love for us, He gets the glory.

Thank you, prayer and financial supporters, as you too are part of the ministry our Lord has given us in Mexico! Lives are being shaped and changed because of your faithful giving!

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger.