Good Progress at Galeana Construction Projects

True Path Ministry Inc. and the Iglesia Getsemani church are close partners in proclaiming Christ and drawing people to the gospel in Galeana, NL, Mexico and the surrounding area. In the midst of the COVID-19 medical crisis (see COVID-19 a Menace to Mexico) many activities have been altered or halted, except for our construction projects. One bright spot is Pastor Reynaldo, Lulu and family’s home beside the church building. It is taking shape, plus, there are several new additions to the church building.

The steep lot beside the church has been transformed to a level building site where the parsonage will stand. The foundation, cinder block walls and concrete roof have all been completed. The exterior windows and doors have been ordered (they are made locally out of steel and glass). The floor in several rooms has been poured and the walls covered in stucco. They are using a pre-colored cement stucco so no additional painting will be required. There is much more to be done before it will be move-in ready, but all things considered, progress has been amazing.

A footnote, the master mason we are using is also the Christian pastor at a small village church in the area. It is amazing how the Lord places people like him in our path. Also, Pastor Reynaldo and other members of the church help with construction.

Next door, at the Iglesia Getsemani church building, the exterior is completed. The metal roof is finished, white pre-colored stucco covers the walls inside and out. The wiring is completed and there are light fixtures installed. One of the two downstairs rooms is completed. The one restroom has wooden stall doors, a double sink area with mirror and there is a baby diaper changing area. The latest additions: construction has begun on a second restroom, wooden curtain rods are being hand made and new tile was installed on the stage area.

There is still much to do, but the people of the Iglesia Getsemani church, Pastors Reynaldo and Lulu are so grateful. The church building is the nicest in town and it maybe the largest.

Reynaldo, Lulu, and kids- Abdiel, Areli and Elias are excited to see their new home going up. They have never had a house that was theirs, no more rent and no more moving.

The Lord is in this every step of the way. Thank you supporters for your prayers and financial donations! It has made a huge impact here for the glory of God!

Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established Proverbs 24:3 (NKJV)

Con sabiduría se edificará la casa, Y con prudencia se afirmará Proverbios 24:3 (RVR 1960)

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COVID-19 is a Menace to Mexico

The COVID-19 worldwide plague continues to be a big issue in the areas served by True Path Ministry (TPM), as missionaries Stephen and Tonyia Williams discovered on a recent visit. The couple have a house in Galeana, NL, Mexico where they normally live several months each year, but not this year. However, there is good news on the construction projects at the Iglesia Getsemani church building and the parsonage. Progress on both projects have accelerated this year (see Good Progress at Galeana Construction Projects).

Normal activities of TPM, such as the Marcos 10:14 Kids Club, evangelism to remote villages and even worship services have been either halted or altered. The US-Mexico border is closed except for folks who have essential business in either country. After a long discussion the Williams got special permission from a Mexico health official to enter. In addition, Galeana, NL, has a special medical checkup tent setup at the entrance to the town. The missionaries had gained prior permission to enter the town thanks to Pastor Reynaldo.

Unfortunately, Mexico has one of the highest percentages of deaths per person who gets the sickness in the world. The country as a whole is suffering. We understand, the bulk of those with the virus in the state of Nuevo Leon, live in Monterrey. They believe locally only about 100 persons have had the illness. An ill person can be tested at the small local hospital, but it is not equipped to handle a COVID-19 patient. They will be sent home or if a person’s condition becomes very serious they are taken to Monterrey. We heard stories that when someone dies from the virus their body is cremated and no funerals are allowed.

Inside Galeana there are numerous restrictions affecting everyday life. The central plaza, which is the life blood of the community, is closed with a fence around it. The schools have no in-person classes. Masks are mandatory all over, especially in the stores. I (Stephen) saw a health official in the plaza area reminding people to “social-distance” and wear masks. There is a nightly round of sanitation spraying in areas where people gather during the day.

The government now allow churches to meet, but have issued restrictions. No one over 60 years of age, no one with preexisting conditions: heart disease, diabetes, etc., are suppose to attend and no young children. Masks and the social-distance rules apply and no hugging or even hand shakes. Chairs in the Iglesia Getsemani church building have a big area of separation around each one.

For this group of serious Christ followers, Church services are an essential part of life, especially during this time. I noticed during worship that every seat was taken (even on a Wednesday night), the services are still Spirit filled and Christ is being proclaimed and glorified.

There have not been any members here who have had the COVID-19. We pray the Lord continues to shield these good folks and that this worldwide plague soon passes.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)

Pastor Russell Mills’ Passing

Pastor Russell Mills, a great servant of the Lord, passed from this world to be with Jesus on September 1, 2020. He was a powerful man of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and fervent in sharing the Gospel of Christ with others. The church he led, Grace Tabernacle in Ennis, Texas, is a long-time supporter of True Path Ministry and its mission in Mexico. While heaven welcomed a mighty man of God, he will be greatly missed here on earth. We especially lift up Russell’s wife LaDonna, and children Rebekah, Rachel, Reagan, and Lindsey.

All of us involved with TPM send our heart felt condolences to the Mills family and the many friends who mourn Russell’s passing. He touched numerous lives for the Lord at several churches where he was the Pastor throughout the years.

We take comfort knowing the word of the Lord is true: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV)