News – Page 60 – True Path Ministry Inc.

Worship and Giving in Canoas

July 14, 2017/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Guest written by our niece Jeanette and her daughter Lori.

Today we got an early start for our 8 a.m. departure for Canoas with Pastor Ramiro, Sandra, Pastor Rey, LuLu, and their children. Canoas is a remote mountain village that has no running water and no electricity. Getting there was truly an adventure. Eight miles of rough dirt road brought us spectacular mountain views, resting donkeys, and fallen trees blocking the road. Pastor Ramiro helped us continue onward by getting out of the ministry suburban to drag the tree off the road. Recent rains caused us to get stuck…but only once!

The pastor and his wife smiled at our interest in their molcajete, used to grind corn and peppers.

We arrived to happy residents, who promptly showed us to two families who had prepared a tasty meal of beans, rice, and 100% handmade tortillas. You can see the molcajete in one of the photos. This is used for grinding down the corn to make the tortillas. Since these families are gracious enough to feed us, they received the Blessing Bags I wrote about in yesterday’s post. Our group was divided by two for the meal, so while we awaited everyone to finish eating we played a friendly game of catch with the children of the village.

Next, we held our worship service in the one-room church that was constructed of wood slats. The inside walls are lined with clear plastic to reduce the wind chill through the openings between the boards. Pastor Ramiro preached a moving sermon complete with relevant funny stories that brought plenty of smiles and laughter. LuLu and Sandra lead us all in joyful songs. The most touching part of the service was when Pastor Ramiro asked if anyone would like to receive Christ as their Savior and all of the children came forward! Each child who could read was given a new Spanish language bible as a gift for receiving Jesus.

Each person who made a first time profession of faith in Jesus and could read received a Spanish language Bible.

Following the conclusion of the services, we unloaded the rack on top of the suburban. We had four full totes of clothing for the residents of Canoas. Each person that attended was able to take clothing that they needed for men, women, girls, and boys. We also gave out several pairs of reading glasses. The children were given gift bags filled with toys, snacks, and shampoo/soap. As you can see from the photos, they were very excited about their gifts.

I can say with all certainty that today was one of the most spiritually fulfilling days that I have ever experienced. These are humble, happy people that find joy in the Word and give the glory to God…Gloria a Dios. Let us all remember to give the glory to God.

P.S. I would also like to mention that Pastor Ramiro’s wife has a remarkable talent for embroidery and crochet. I had the pleasure of seeing her work at her house today. This is a dying art and she is truly a master of her craft. Please check out our photos to see the purses and kitchen towels that she handmade.

We had to move a tree that blocked the road.

It is a very remote, small mountain village.

Yes, I want to follow Jesus.

Evangelist Ramiro preached a good spirit-filled sermon.

Lulu and Sandra lead the music.

Pastor Rey prayed for each child who came forward.

Sandra wrote in their Bibles John 3:16

Pastor Rey also wrote a note in the Bibles

Evangelist Ramiro talked to the kids about how to use their new Bibles.

The local Pastor read from the Bible.

One of the local members sang a hymn.

We gave a blessing bag to the local pastor who hosted us for a meal at his house.

Their homes are very basic.

We played ball with the kids.

Jeanette and Lori gave out gifts to the kids.

We also brought clothes for everyone.

We gave gifts to this family we saw on the road.

“This is one of my favorite places in Mexico,” said Tonyia about the village.

Lori stands in front of their one-room school.

Inside the school.

Ramiro’s wife makes beautiful hand sewn purses.

Graduación, Blessing Bags and a Little “Turista”

July 13, 2017/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Guest written by our niece Jeanette.

(click on a photo to see it larger)

Tuesday night I was blessed to be invited to attend the kindergarten graduation of a young lady named Areli. Areli is the middle child of Pastors Rey and LuLu here at Getsemani Church in Galeana. She looked beautiful and did an excellent job walking the stage to receive her commemorative diploma. Afterward, we were all invited to attend a wonderful dinner at Rey and LuLu’s home.

Wednesday morning dawned as being relatively dry, but the afternoon brought more rain. The morning was spent starting all the preparations for our Thursday trip to Canoas.

First, we started out by going to the local bulk food store to obtain the contents of the Blessing Bags. No, you cannot even begin to picture what this store is really like. When we say bulk food, you immediately picture Costco or Sam’s, don’t you? Well, you have it all wrong. This is simply one room (about 30 x 30 feet) with pallets of flour, sugar, rice, beans, coffee, etc. stacked all around. However just like in America, the store buys in large quantities so the price is slightly lower.

After assembling the Blessing Bags, Stephen, Lori and I drove about 8 miles out of town to a local cenote for a little tourism…“Turista”. The cenote, called Pozo del Gavilán, is about 196 feet wide and about 260 feet deep. It was definitely an interesting natural phenomenon to view.

Next we headed to Puente de Dios…or the Bridge of God. Here we were treated to a spectacular view of a naturally occurring rock arch carved by many years of flowing water. Slightly further down the road, a large cave contains a waterfall and abundant ferns.

Soon after , we quickly returned to Galeana in time to attend the uplifting Wednesday night services at Getsemani Church. Tomorrow we make the trek to Canoas, which is about a two-hour drive deep into the mountains. Until tomorrow, Dios te bendiga…God Bless You.

Pozo del Gavilán, is about 196 feet wide and about 260 feet deep.

The view on the road to the Bridge of God was wonderful.

Lori, Jeanette and Steve took this selfie at the Bridge of God.

Mountain creek near Bridge of God.

Helping Nuevo Corazon…Delivering Food to the Elderly

July 11, 2017/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Guest written by our niece, Jeanette.

Yesterday the forecast showed a 70% chance of rain, however we prayed all day that God would grant us a reprieve for our Kids Club fiesta…and He did. Our fiesta was rain-free and fantastic! (see A Fiesta to Remember! The One Year Anniversary of Marcos 10:14 Kids Club)

Today the heavens let loose and we have seen rain most of the day. This did not prevent our involvement in a Tuesday tradition here for the ministry…delivering meals to the elderly. Sandra, of Nuevo Corazon, and a sister from the church started early this morning cooking a healthy meal for the people in need. Here they make use of what is available. As you can see from the photos, today the cooks used a large bucket to boil the chicken.

A total of 32 meals were carefully wrapped and placed into totes for delivery. Stephen, Pastor Rey, Lori and I started delivering the meals around the rain drenched town. Many of the recipients lived on washed-out dirt streets. One family was huddled into their home, made of little more than cardboard.

One thing is certain; all of the residents who received the meals were extremely grateful for the food and truly happy to see the pastors. Lori and I received countless hugs and kisses.

Giving is part of being a Christian and giving to those in need for no gain of your own is exactly what Nuevo Corazon is accomplishing here in Galeana. It is clear that there are many in need and True Path Ministry along with Nuevo Corazon are helping to fill that gap. I am honored to be a part of the giving.

Until tomorrow “Dios te Bendiga”…May God Bless You.

A Fiesta to Remember! The One Year Anniversary of Marcos 10:14 Kids Club

July 11, 2017/in Mission Work, News /by admin

This week we have a guest writer, our niece Jeanette who is here visiting and helping with the ministry.

Monday, July 10^th marked the one year anniversary of Marcos 10:14 Kids Club and my daughter Lori and I had the privilege of attending. The local pastors and teachers created a magical atmosphere to celebrate the milestone. The festivities included a petting zoo, pony rides, and many games which were all surrounded by a western theme. There were more than 100 children in attendance. The children also performed several Christian songs that they had been practicing for weeks.

One thing is for certain, the children were extremely excited to be at the fiesta and truly grateful for all the food, cake, prizes, and love that they received while there.

Today was also Stephen’s Birthday (a.k.a. Esteban), and the Marcos 10:14 teachers prepared a special surprise for Stephen where the children sang “Happy Birthday” in English while holding paper letters that also exclaimed Happy Birthday. After his birthday song, Stephen was gifted with countless hugs from the children and handmade birthday cards. Afterward, they promptly served him an excellent cake…yes, as you can see from the pictures he narrowly avoided getting his entire face pushed into the cake. To top it off, Patty put together a video celebrating Stephen’s Christian walk/ministry. It was so thoughtful and brought tears to all of our eyes.

I can honestly say what stood out to me today at this gathering were two things… joy and love. You can see that all the pastors and teachers truly love these children and that the children experience great joy in being at Kids Club. Smiles and hugs abound here. After attending this event, my hope is that each one of these children carries the love and joy of God in their heart and may Kids Club continue for many years to come!

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14

P.S. Feliz Cumpleanos Tio!

The games were a blast. (click on a photo to see it larger)

The kids performed a song they had practiced for weeks.

Jeanette and Lori enjoyed the fiesta.

There were a lot of hugs.

Club honored Stephen in many ways for his birthday.

Tonyia thanked the teachers and helpers.

Lori helped pass out the food.

Sandra planned the food.

There were several farm animals.

Harry and Patricia were also special guest. They too are missionaries.

Adults participated in games too.

Jeanette and Lori helped give out gifts.

This was an especially funny dancer.

There was a lot of work before the fiesta.

Preparation for Marcos 10:14 Kid’s Club Anniversary

July 5, 2017/in Mission Work, News /by admin

Tonyia and Stephen recently returned to Galeana after spending a couple of months in the US. It is exciting to be back in Mexico, but also very busy. We are preparing for our one year anniversary of the Marcos 10:14 Kids Club. To honor that milestone we will host a big fiesta on Monday July 10th. It will be an extra special event as we will also celebrate Stephen’s birthday, and our niece Jeanette and her daughter Lori will be here in Galeana.

Evangelist Ramiro will preach, we will feed everyone, and the kids from club will sing. What a joyous time in Jesus it will be! Keep watching for the Anniversary photos. Club on June 29th included some games, prayers and food, but was mostly practice for the July 10th event.