It helps me (Stephen) to take time remembering what Jesus did for me and for mankind. It inspired me this morning to draw, with simple colored pencils, His journey to earth. Check it out when you have a minutes.
(click on image to see it larger)
The Marcos 10:14 Kid’s Cub in Galeana, NL, Mexico celebrated its second anniversary with a big fiesta. Over fifty kids came and enjoyed face painting, games, a short lesson, pizza, cupcakes, a gift and more. The highlight of events was when thirteen children came forward to say, for the fist time, they want to follow Jesus. Each one received a Bible. Evangelist Ramiro lifted them up in a special prayer. It was a fun and moving club… all praise for Jesus!
Many of the kids have been coming each week for the last two years (click on a photo to see it larger)
Thirteen kids came forward to commit their lives to Christ.
We gave Bibles to the kids who came forward for Jesus
A group of school teachers brought some fun games that involved everyone.
Face painting was popular
There was even a bounce-house.
Texas visitors Lori and Jeanette sit with Tonyia during the game time.
Jeanette and Lori were here from Texas and helped with the face painting.
A group of local school teachers helped entertain the kids.
Steve and Tonyia recognized the weekly adult helpers and gave them a gift
Stephen was all smiles as the kids sang happy birthday to him. He also got a hug from them.
Tonyia handed a gift to each child.
Guest written by Stephen and Tonyia’s niece Jeanette
This is now my third trip to Mexico, and let me begin by letting everyone know how nice the days are here in this time of year. My daughter, Lori, and I left 104°F (40°C) temperatures in Texas. Here the days are about 79°F (26°C) and the nights are about 59°F (15°C). It is very pleasant. It’s the rainy season here and showers appear off and on to help keep the temperatures down.
Our day began early for our trip to Refugio (which literally translates to refuge). The drive is difficult. The road is littered with obstacles, some of which are: potholes, fallen rocks, donkeys, cows, and horses. It takes 2 ½ hours to make the 50-mile journey, but it is well worth the wait. The views are spectacular and the people are welcoming.
Our group consisted of Evangelist Ramiro, Pastor Rey and his family, Mari and her family, Stephen, Tonyia, Lori, and myself. We arrived to a warm welcome from Pastor Santiago, the resident pastor. The pastor’s wife had made a meal of homemade tortillas, rice, beans, and a special dish of “nopalitos” cactus with eggs mixed in. Cactus are readily available in the mountains here and are an important food resource. In fact, we were served cactus fruit for dessert (which is ironically called “tuna” locally). The fruit is valuable to the villagers as a dessert, but is also cooked down to make jelly.
Evangelist Ramiro preached a moving sermon about how all things on earth really belong to God… In fact, what you have in your life is a gift from God’s hands. Outside, LuLu (Pastor Rey’s wife) and Lori led the children in song, and taught them the bible story of Zacchaeus. The children enjoyed coloring a tiny Zacchaeus and a tree for the miniature Zacchaeus to “climb” as their craft.
Following the service, we had the privilege of handing out gift bags to about 30 children and giving donated clothing to all of the families. They truly appreciated the gifts. To say that the village of Refugio is isolated would be an understatement. They get few visitors and even fewer that are willing help make their lives even a little bit better. God led all of you to donate and help True Path Ministry. It was my pleasure to pass along that love and thoughtfulness to the families of Refugio. I hope that all of you can join us at some time to feel the love and appreciation. Until next time, Dios te bendiga…God bless you.
Most people walked to the church, some for over an hour (click on a photo to see it bigger)
Worship was powerful
The Galeana group sang
Evangelist Ramiro delivered a stirring sermon
The children had a special time of their own
Lori, from Texas, spoke with the children
Some of the kids told what they learned from the Bible lesson.
The art project related to the study
We enjoyed a locally prepared meal of cactus, beans and rice on tortillas
We took several boxes of clothes
We also took glasses
Pastor Seldonia and his wife got a blessing box and bag
A good group made the two and a half hour trip from Galeana
Marcos 10:14 club meets weekly in Galeana, NL, Mexico to teach the kids about Jesus. The past few weeks they have learned that Jesus liked going to the garden of Gethsemane, it was His favorite place to pray and be before His Father. It was a place He could be alone and encounter His Father.
They learned that if they have asked Jesus to forgive their sins and come into their hearts, they too can connect with Jesus daily by reading the Bible and praying.
The craft for this study was a prayer box. The kids decorated the box and then could write their prayers on paper and put inside the box.
The kids also learned that the fire of God within us should never be put out. Just like the priests kept the lamps burning in the tent of meeting, our lives represent the altar and we are not to let the fire of His presence be put out in our hearts. We are responsible for keeping the fire of the Holy Spirit burning within us. To do this, we must pray daily, obey the Lord and attend worship.
The craft the kids made, that went with the Fire of God study, was a paper sack that had a flame coming from the top. Written on the bag was Keep my flame burning.
It is an honor to have each one of these children come weekly to learn about Jesus. We love them and we know a seed is being planted.
Thank you to all who work week after week to keep this ministry going and of course to all you who pray and support us financially. May the Lord bless you abundantly!!
The kids sing Christian songs together each week at club (click on a photo to see it larger)
Active games before the lesson helps burn off some energy.
Patty has been faithfully teaching the lesson each week.
Adult volunteers prepare food for the kids.
Craft time is especially enjoyable.
Craft time is especially enjoyable.
Missionaries Stephen and Tonyia Williams were at The Damascus Road Fellowship on Sunday, June 10th. Steve shared how the Lord is working through True Path Ministry (TPM) to serve the people of Northern Mexico. They have come to realize the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10 is a joyful peace with God in all circumstances. This peace comes when we give ourselves in unselfish service to Christ.
Steve’s sermon included stories and many photographs of their ongoing work in Mexico for the Lord. The Marcos 10:14 Kid’s Club continues to do well with 20 to 50 children coming each week to hear about Jesus. Additionally, TPM often goes out on Saturdays with a team of Christians to minister in remote villages.
The organization has been involved in a number of church related construction projects. They are currently working on their most ambitious project to date, the construction of a new church building for Iglesia Getsemani. TPM and Iglesia Getsemani work as partners on many projects.
The Damascus Road Fellowship ordained Stephen and Tonyia a couple of years ago and the church continues to support the work of TPM. Several members gave TPM gifts including reading glasses, stuffed animals and craft supplies to use in our Mexico ministry. Thank you for supporting our work in Mexico – may the Lord return the blessing to you ten fold!
Pastor Glenn and the church prayed for Stephen and Tonyia during the service (click on a photo to see it larger).
Stephen used PowerPoint as an aid to his sermon and to show photos of their work in Mexico.
Pastor Glenn welcomed Stephen and Tonyia.
