Deep in the mountains and off the beaten path, lies the tiny  village of Refugio.  We started out before 9AM this morning to make the 2 hour drive.  Arriving at the village, we came upon an outdoor church area complete with a cedar thatch roof and benches made from boards and cinderblocks.  The day was foggy, cold (about 40°), and misty but the congregation still arrived.  Many people walked more than an hour to get to the service.  They were truly seeking God.

Our group consisted of Stephen, Tonyia, Pastor Rey, Pastor Ramiro, Pastora Berenice, Sandra, Edith and their families.  The church area was in front of the home of the local pastor, Seledonio, and his wife.  They graciously welcomed us into their home and fed us a meal of chicken, rice, and beans.  As you can see from the photos, their only source of heat in their home is the cooking area and a bucket of coals.

Pastor Ramiro led the service and preached a moving sermon.  After the worship service, we handed out gifts of candy, toys, Christian literature, and personal care supplies to the children.  The photos show how overjoyed they were!

The ride home was eventful.  Most of the road is barely wide enough for one car, and the road was blocked by a large truck that was having engine trouble.  As our group was trying to avoid the truck, the suburban’s parking break handle broke off, stranding the vehicle in park.  We eventually fixed the suburban, and made it past the truck to safely continue home.

Before leaving the church today we received the highest praise we could have imagined from the pastor’s wife.  She simply said, “Thank you for bringing hope.”  May you always have hope.  Until next time, Dios de Bendiga/God Bless You.

Guest written by Jeanette and Lori Lewis (Steve and Tonyia’s niece/great niece)

 

 

 

Guest written by Jeanette and Lori Lewis (Steve and Tonyia’s niece/great niece)

Our adventure started early Friday morning in McAllen, Texas.  Uncle Stephen, Aunt Tonyia, my daughter Lori, and I took a trailer full of donations to the border.  Here we witnessed another manifestation of how prayer reaches the hearts of everyone around us.

We cannot thank everyone enough for your prayers for safe and successful passage.  Our border official was a very pleasant lady who understood our broken Spanish and had compassion for our travels in the rain.  We made it across with minimal import tax and did not have to open or even remove the rain-proof plastic from our packages.  Praise God!

We made it safely home to Galeana and immediately began our preparations for our first “Rancho” visit today (Saturday).  Today dawned clear and bright for our trip to the village of Canoes.

The True Path Ministry Suburban climbed for about two hours up into the mountains to the tiny village.  We were accompanied by Pastors Rey and Ramiro, LuLu (Rey’s wife), Sandra, Mari and their families.  Pastor Ramiro delivered an excellent sermon on having an “attitude of gratitude” and praising God for all things, no matter how small.

LuLu, Sandra, and Mari led the congregation in joyous songs.  LuLu also treated the children to their own special worship and singing service just outside the church.

After the service was over, we gave gifts of toys, candy, and grooming supplies to the children.  We also had five giant totes full of clothing for children and adults that we made available.  The village was truly thankful for all the gifts and clothing.

We cannot thank all of you enough for all the donations of clothing, toys, home goods, personal care items and money.  Until tomorrow, “Dios de Bendiga”, God Bless You.