News – Page 27 – True Path Ministry Inc.

Behind the Scenes: True Path Ministry Christmas Gift Boxes Tour

January 5, 2020/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Visitors from Texas came to help True Path Ministry (TPM) with its Mexico Christmas Gift Box giving adventure from December 26, 2019 through January 4, 2020. Eleven Christians from various Churches and cites in Texas, joined the Mexico-based group, to become a close team with a common goal, to share the love of Jesus with the people of rural Mexico (especially the children).

TPM has been giving out gifts each year in Mexico for a number of years. We give in areas where other similar programs do not reach, usually small, rural, remote and economically poor villages. “This year stands out because of the team who gave up their holiday time at home in Texas and Mexico to come together and help,” said Tonyia.

A tremendous amount of work went into the gathering of presents, transportation, final packaging, and delivery of the gifts. We are a small ministry with limited resources, but the Lord has provided what we needed for this season.

Texas visitors: James, Jeanette, Lori, Faith, Zach, Robert, Jim, Donna, Jenny, Arturo, Steve.
Mexico team: Reynaldo, Lulu, Mariia, Daniel, Ramiro, Jose (and wife), Ruben, Ruben’s son Rene and TPM Missionaries Stephen and Tonyia.

Here are a few of the special moments that stood out:

Pastor Ruben, age 87, went with us to Bueno Vista. There he saw the family that he had prayed with to receive Jesus over 40 years ago. He had been a pastor in this tiny, remote mountain village. Several generations later they are still following the Lord. He was all smiles as he came face-to-face with his lasting legacy. It was his first return visit to the village in decades.
Jenny from Medina, Texas who attends church in Kerrville donated her child’s coat. It went into a huge group of other clothing that was piled on a tarp to be donated. She noticed a young girl close by who picked up her donated coat and witnessed the joy it brought. She met the girl and shared a special moment of Jesus’ love with her.
Donna from Medina, Texas United Methodist Church had made and donated a hand-made blanket. It was placed together with many others. In Palmito she took on the challenge of handing out blankets to each family. She was able to personally give her own carefully prepared blanket to a mom of a family there in the cold, high mountains of Mexico.
Stephen & Tonyia were asked to pray for Pastor Israel who drives over six hours each week to serve the needs of the people in Bueno Vista. He was in tears as he praised the Lord for answering his prayers to bring blessings to the extremely remote village. No missionary group had been up that mountain for many, many years – if ever.
Rene, spoke at one of our services about the importance of what we were doing. He is in his 60’s and as a young boy had been on the receiving end of missionaries who gave him a gift. It left an impression from the love of Jesus that lasted a life time.
Robert, and his teen age son Zach, were especially drawn to the children and helped with kid’s time at every opportunity. “I loved seeing the kids go from stand offish and a bit afraid at first, to fully engaged with broad smiles by the end of our interaction,” said Robert.
Faith, who is a young adult, was struck by how much we Americans take for granted. How all our stuff does not make us any happier than the Mexicans she met who have nearly nothing in comparison. “I will never look at the excess I see in our lives in the USA the same way. This experience has changed me.”
James was struck by the sparse living conditions of the homes in mountains. He noticed the unheated houses, lack of running water and basic outhouses that are the standard.
Jeanette and Lori who have come to help for the last few years. Their experience on how all this functions and how to make it all come together were invaluable. Lori had a very serious automobile accident earlier in the year (she had over twenty broken bones) and it is one of God’s miracles that she was able to join us with all her youthful strength. She was able to share her testimony in Bueno Vista of her healing.

Finally, I want to thank our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ. It is in His name and for His glory we do what we do. It is my prayer that as folks reflect on this adventure that they ask themselves “what kind of love drives Christian followers to give so much of themselves to those around them? Can this Jesus change me to do the same for my neighbor?” He can and he will change you into the person he designed you to be.

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger:

A Perfect Amount of Gifts for Los Adobes

January 3, 2020/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Texas visitors with True Path Ministry and volunteers from Iglesia Getsemani made our way to Los Adobes, a small desert village a couple of miles off a main highway, on January 3rd. We knew there would be a lot of kids show up so we put in a few extra gifts in the van. As it turns we had exactly the right number of boxes, thank you Jesus!

So many people showed up, both adults and children, we had to hold the service outdoors. It was a cool but sunny day. Pastor Reynaldo introduced us and started the service with prayer. Lulu and Jose lead us in some great songs and Evangelist Ramiro preached a powerful message.

During the adult service the kids were lead to an area by a shed and began to have fun with songs, a short lesson, a craft project and finally we began to hand out gifts. We did not know if there would be enough, we had not seen this many kids at any of our other services. As we handed a box to the last kid in line we sighed in relief there was just enough, 120.

We also had shoes, clothes and blankets for the adults. Shoes are especially needed in this village and we were able to match several folks with some new footwear. We also left some Bibles with Pastor Norma. She and her church come to the village from another town each week.

It was the last service for the Texas group before they had to return to the border. They were worn out from the day after day grind of ministry, but filled with a new deep gratitude for Jesus love we shared.

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger

Boxes Packed and Unpacked with Love of Jesus

January 2, 2020/in Mission Work, News /by admin

It is the New Year, 2020, and the first True Path Ministry Marcos 10:14 Kids Club meeting of the year was tonight. The kids had tons of fun singing, watching the clowns, learning about Jesus, enjoying a special meal and most of all getting gift boxes packed with love and care in Texas. But it was very different for me, all the years before I just packed gift boxes for other countries and now I actually get to help deliver them.

There’s something special about packing a box. There’s a special feeling before sending it off to another country. But being the one who carries the gift into that country, and brings it to the final destination, is even more rewarding.

I have packed boxes before. It’s a good feeling. Seeing all the gifts a child will receive, watching toys pass through my hands, and knowing that I helped in some way gives me much joy.

This new year I have discovered a new joy. The past few days I experienced riding for hours to secluded villages to meet with fellow Christians. It is so enriching. Worshipping in another language opened my eyes to new ways to praise and draw closer to God. Hearing the stories of others and how God is working in their lives makes me realize just how powerful He is.

After all of this, delivering the gifts to others becomes the icing on the cake. My favorite part of each day is watching excited children play with what you brought them. Tonight at club I once again got to witness the joy of watching excited kids open their gifts. The Lord is good.

Guest written by Zachary Lyman

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger.

Smiles in the Mountains at Bueno Vista

January 2, 2020/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Visitors from Texas with True Path Ministry and volunteers Iglesia Getsemani woke up in the early morning hours of January 1, 2020 for a long journey on a rainey day. We prayed together for safe trip and that Christ would be honored. The three hour ride to Bueno Vista was lengthy, but bearable because the Lord gave us spectacular mountain views to enjoy as we drove up to the tiny village. Someone made the comment that it looks like we’re in Jurassic park.

It was an exciting experience for everyone. In the village the people were very welcoming, the pastor and his wife greeted us with open arms. The service soon began as Lulu played music and the benches filled with worshipers. The language barrier fadded away as everyone worshiped the Lord in the same spirit.

Ramiro preached a powerful sermon at the adult service and many came forward to recieve healing prayers. Galeana residents Maria and Jose taught the children a story and engaged them with music and a craft. Many of the Texas visitors joined in. We had packed gifts for the children that we began to hand out. Faces brightened immediately as the kids received their boxes full of simple toys and usable items.

Once the church service was completed the adults picked throught clothes, shoes and blankets for there families we had layed on the floor. The church fed us a hardy meal they had prepared for us. Which was a delightful new experience.

It was a long drive back as darkness and rain made the way challenging. Making it home was a huge blessing to each of us, we were content knowing we had a hand in sharring the gospel of Jesus. We learned how others live who have far less than us, yet they are grateful for everything they have. I hope to experience more lifetime blessings like this and be able to come back to Mexico. God bless.

Guest Written by Faith Loveless Jan 1,2020

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger:

Universal Language in Palmito

December 31, 2019/in Mission Work, News /by admin

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