Water Baptism in the Del Rio, NL, Mexico

Note: Guest written by Cooper Stewart who is visiting TPM in Mexico from Texas.

Steve with True Path Ministries, Arlen (also visiting from Texas) and I met Pastor Ray at Iglesia Getsemani Church this morning (July 31) in preparation for a 10 a.m. caravan departure to Del Rio, NL, Mexico. We traveled with approximately 40 people, consisting of pastors, family and friends all to witness the water baptism of seven new brothers and sisters in Christ — Praise God! We departed from Galeana, N.L., and headed deep into the mountains of Mexico. It was a beautiful, 60-degree morning with clear blue skies.

The 45-minute ride up to Del Rio is both captivating with all the beautiful scenery of Mexico and a bit intense at times with the steep rocky mountain roads, some of which could use guard rails, due to the 2-300 feet cliffs below. I think to myself “Trust in the Lord.” We arrived at the river and sing praises as we saw the flowing mountain waters of the Del Rio. The excitement is building as one can see on the faces of everyone. The caravan of people consists of elderly grandparents, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and young children of all ages.

The next hour is used in an assortment of different ways from; some sitting and resting, others watch children playing and some of us building a small rock dam, in order to increase the depth of the pool of water for the baptism.

Soon they are ready as I hear Evangelist Ramiro open up in prayer. Everyone is at the river

banks as Pastor Lulu shares scripture in preparation for the baptisms. Ramiro is a very passionate, outgoing, spirit filled, man of God. Keep in mind as I’m listening, I know NO Spanish and none of the others speak a word of English, except Steve and Arlen.  So, I find a large shaded rock, have a seat and go into observation mode. I am in Awe, at these seven, about to profess their faith in Christ, to the world, through water Baptism.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” said Jesus (Matthew 28:19 ESV).

As Pastor Ramiro finishes his message, Pastor Ray, Pastor Lulu, visiting Pastor Francisco and Steve step into the water. They call for the first to be baptized.  Watching these seven, surrounded by family and friends makes me so very grateful to be a son of the Most High King and grateful for these seven that they too are sons and daughter of His.

I’m so full of JOY – as I’m witnessing this life changing, biblical event. In such a beautiful, outdoor natural setting; mountains of Mexico, flowing waters of the Del Rio, crisp blue skies, Holy Spirit is certainly here. “Praise God”. It’s such a Blessing that I’m here, and that I am overcome with JOY and HAPPINESS for these seven, who I don’t really even know, yet, we are family in Christ.

After the baptism, the seven are joined in the water for a photograph and then its water play time and all the kids pile in. “FUN” The splashing and playing in the river goes on for an hour or so and then “WE ALL” gather at a local family member’s home and share a meal. I recall Steve saying to me, during the meal in the backyard – “This is what family does.” The Family of Christ, I say.

I “Thank You” Father for bringing me on the journey and I’m so very grateful to be just a small part of this beautiful family.

Thank You

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Worship in the Village of the Tiny Palm

A group of Christians from True Path Ministry Inc. and the Iglesia Getsemani Church combined with the good people in Palmito to praise the Lord on July 30th. Pastor Ruben is 87 years old and has family land there. He asked us to take the gospel with him to the mountain village. We have been there many times and reuniting with our Christian friends is always sweet. The local kids who came were especially joyful. They had a fun time of song, study and a project while the adults heard a Bible-based sermon from evangelist Ramiro.

Our Lord is at work not only in the people where we visit, but also in those who travel with us. Arely, who is ten years old, lead the Galeana group in a song. And others have shown their faith in Christ by their service in various ways.

You therefore, beloved, knowing this before hand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)

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God’s Creation on Display in Canoas

A group of Christians from True Path Ministry Inc. and the Iglesia Getsemani Church combined with the good people in Canoas to praise the Lord on July 29th. We shared worship music, a fun kid’s time, good preaching and sweet Christian fellowship. It had recently rained and there were flowers everywhere. The people of the small, remote mountain village were especially happy as there was an abundance of grass for their animals, fruit on the apple trees and their corn was growing well. It was a joy to see the smiling faces of the kids.

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,” said Jesus. Matthew 18:3-4

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True Path Ministry and Iglesia Getsemani Host Medical Clinic

True Path Ministry and Iglesia Getsemani hosted a one day medical clinic at the church building in Galeana, NL, Mexico on July 17, 2021. A mission organization in Saltillo, Mexico had planned to hold a clinic in Galeana, but needed a location. Missionaries Tonyia and Stephen Williams met a person involved in that effort by divine appointment during a church service in Ennis, Texas.

The clinic was staffed by a combination of folks from Mexico and the US. It included two MD’s, medical assistants, a pharmacy, blessing bags for those most in need (included food/hygiene items), a kid’s game area, a clothing give-away section, and praises to Christ in a worship/Bible service. A Spanish Christian tract, which included Pastor Reys church address/times, was prepared by the youth of Iglesia Getsemani and was handed out as clothes were distributed. We were all there to show the love of Jesus to the people of the area.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (ESV)

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A New Church in Hidiondilla, NL, Mexico

True Path Ministry and Iglesia Getsemani were humbled and honored to be part of the dedication of Centro Cristiano Maranatha in Hidiondilla, NL, Mexico. Pastor Carlos and wife Jenny are the young couple who are the founders of the small rural church. They are on fire for the Lord and eager to extend the love of Christ to everyone in the area.

They timed the dedication so that visitors with TPM from Texas could join in. It was a moving day of joy to be part of the event. Worship was so heart felt and sincere. The music was vibrant and the preaching was inspiring. The kids had a special time of song and learning under a tarp hung between two vehicles. After a Bible lesson they completed a craft project that taught about Moses and received a special gift.

The church building is a simple metal covered structure with a dirt floor. “I have been in magnificent cathedrals, but of all the worship places I have seen none was better than the one where we visited today,” said Jimmy Jones who was visiting from Texas. It was an extraordinary day.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

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