Congregation Walked One Hour to Worship

We brought many things to give the people.

Sandra, with Nuevo Corazon, was serving in Texas and was not able to come but sent a lot of food for the people.

The True Path Ministry team pulled into Pastor Seldonio’s mountain home ready to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the people on Saturday, October 29th. The Suburban was loaded with food, clothing and people. Pastor Seldonio greeted us and told us one of his congregations was waiting, but we needed to walk over an hour on a rough trail. “We have too much stuff and crippled people,” said Martin. “Is there another way?” Seldonio said yes, they can all come here. So about fourty members, of one of the five ranches this pastor serves, walked over an hour to come worship with us!

There is no cell service in that area of the mountains. Pastor Seldonio used his walkie-talkie to contact someone closer to the village and that person, likely on a donkey, went to give the message for all the people. They were told to start walking down the mountain, where vehicles would be waiting to take them to the pastor’s home.

The congregation walked an hour in small groups to come whorship with us. (click on photo to see it bigger)

Steve, in our Ford Edge, Martin in the Suburban and the Pastor’s son in a Ford pickup drove to the end of the road. This is where the people would come down the mountain trail and we would then carry them the last few miles to the pastor’s home.

“I stood near the trail and saw them walking down the edge of the mountain in small groups,” said Stephen. “It was amazing to watch the donkeys, older people and tiny children make their way to our vehicles. I could tell it was a difficult walk.”

Once we got to the Pastor’s house, we greeted each other and we gathered to begin the worship service. Under the Pastor’s brush-covered leanto, he and his son had set boards across cement blocks for seating. He also brought some homemade wooden chairs out of his house.

Worship was lively. Several folks gave testamonies. Pastor Reynaldo and his family sang a gospel song. They had come with us from Galeana along with Evanglist Ramiro, Martin, Genesis and Ana. Everyone had a part during worship. Tonyia and I got up to talk, with Martin interpreting, Steve told why we moved to Mexico. The Holy Spirit had Tonyia tell the people that God loves them so much and that they are each made in His image. She went on to tell them what Jesus said in John 10:27-30. That if they have accepted Jesus in their hearts, they are His sheep and that no one can snatch them from His hands.

Ramiro gave a stirring message and the people were moved. During prayer time he prayed for healing with several people. One woman who had trouble getting around trotted out and back after she received prayer.

Worship was lively.

The Holy Spirit showed Tonyia a young woman, standing in the audience, who needed to accept Jesus. In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Martin called the young lady forward and asked her if she was a Christian. Sorada, 21 years old, said she had been attending Church for some time but had not given herself to Jesus. Tonyia asked, “do you want to be obedient and pray now to become a follower?” YES! she replied. We prayed with her and the Lord moved in her heart. We then gave her a Bible. Martin wrote on the front page a scripture verse from John and we put a bookmark for her to begin reading there.

After the service we fed everyone a sandwich and Tonyia gave the kids a sack with candy and a toy. We layed out a tarp and spread the many bags of clothes and handbags we had brought. The people eagerly sorted through the clothes and got what they needed for their families. What a joy to witness!!

The mountain village people were thrilled to get clothing for their families.

The people were thrilled to get clothing for their families.

We also gave out bread, powdered milk and fresh peppers. The items were sent with us by Sandra of Nuevo Corazon ministry. She and Juan normally go along with us but were in Texas this weekend.

Finally, we brought out the reading glasses and a line formed of the many who wanted to be able to read their Bibles. We are so grateful to give out these glasses so the people can see to read the word!

It was late, about 5:30 PM, and we wanted to get off the mountain before dark. The Pastor assured us that he and others would make sure to get the people to their homes. After many hugs, we left to drive the long road back to Galeana.

As always, thank you for your prayers – they keep us going. If you feel moved to donate financially see our “support” page. It is all for Jesus!