Clowning Around for Jesus

Yessi talks to the kids as Stephen clowns-around.

Yessi talks to the kids as Stephen clowns-around.

I (Stephen) had my first experience as a clown today (Thursday, June 30) in front of more than 300 elementary school children. Stephen, Martin and Yessi, who will be the teacher for the kids club, went together to visit schools in the area where we will host the “Fiesta Infantil” (party for children) this Saturday. At the first school we went to each classroom accompanied by the principal. The principal at the second school, Manuel, surprised us by calling an assembly of all 220 students. He told us “you need to put on a show for 20-30 minutes.”

We did not expect this but Yessi has extensive experience in ministry with children and came up with music and games. However, I was the only one in a clown outfit so much of the kid’s attention was focused on me. I ran around, gave high-fives, spoke to them in English and just acted silly – they seemed to love it. When it came time to hand out the flyers about the event I was mobbed by kids wanting me to hand them one. It was a blast!

We are so thankful to the schools here who trusted us to take some time with the kids. Given the reception we got it looks like we may have a good crowd at the Fiesta Infantil — all for the love of our Lord.

Purisimo’s Spiritual and Medical Health Checkup

Tonyia took the vital signs of this older lady who came to the clinic.

Tonyia took the vital signs of this older lady who came to the clinic (click on a photo to see it larger).

An eclectic group of Christians from Mexico and the USA came together to bless a remote village both physically and spiritually. It was an all volunteer, all Christian initiative. Everyone on the team had the same objective – to become the hands and feet of Jesus in this forgotten Mexico area. As it turned out the volunteers were as blessed as the folks in the village of Purisimo.

The weekend of June 25-26 started with a dentist, three medical doctors, some nurses and other helpers holding a two day medical clinic for residents of the tiny, very remote, mountain village. In addition two evangelist, two pastors, three missionaries and a group of students on a short-term mission trip came along to help improve the local’s spiritual health. While they were all Christians they were from different churches, different towns and even different countries.

Evangelist Robert Mesa from Yoakum, Texas initiated the event. A very good Christian band that often travels with him, when he preaches in Mexico, lives in Purisimo. The True Path Ministry team (Tonyia, Stephen, Martin, Anna and Genesis) had come to know Pastor Mesa from revivals he had preached around Galeana. He always delivers a powerful spirit-filled Biblical message. He has been asked to go elsewhere in the world, but he says the Lord tells him Mexico is where Jesus wants him.

Former boxer shared his very powerful testimony.

Former boxer shared his very powerful testimony.

Juaqin, a former pro-boxer and now evangelist, joined forces with Mesa for the event. Many of the young people from various churches, along the border, came on the short-term mission trip as a result of his efforts to spread the gospel. He has a powerful testimony about how God delivered him from the trappings of a self-centered Godless life that often plagues celebrities.

Our good friend Pastor Jose and family, from Dieciocho de Marzo, a small community about ten miles northwest of Galeana, also drove his aging car filled with people for the two hour drive.  Leobarreo, the local Christian pastor in Purisimo, welcomed us all. His home became the center of activity. His wife, relatives and church members pitched in to cook for everyone. Most of thefood for the meals came in from the out of town folks.

During the nightly meeting, Martin from the True Path Ministry team gave his testimony. The Lord has totally changed his life from one of alcohol abuse and other worldly vices to  one focused on Christ. Tonyia pitched in a bit at the medical clinic, but our main mission was to provide prayer support during the intense worship time on Saturday night. That service lasted over three hours and ended with many wanting special prayers.

It was a very enjoyable weekend, but most of all it was a God honoring time of new beginnings and spiritual renewal. PRAISE the Lord.

Robert Mesa from Yoakum, Texas organized the event and preached a powerful message.

Robert Mesa from Yoakum, Texas organized the event and preached a powerful message Saturday night.

Martin from the True Path Ministry team shared his testimony.

Martin from the True Path Ministry team shared his testimony.

Most people at the Saturday night service came forward for prayer.

Most people at the Saturday night service came forward for prayer.

 

The village is deep in the mountains beside this beautiful creek.

The village is deep in the mountains beside this beautiful creek.

Local pastor Leobarreo welcomed the entire group into his home for meals.

Local pastor Leobarreo welcomed the entire group into his home for meals.

The pastor's dogs and this red rooster were regulars at all events.

The pastor’s dogs and this red rooster were regulars at all events.

There was a Bible study Sunday morning.

There was a Bible study Sunday morning.

Pastor Jose drove over two hours from his village.

Pastor Jose drove over two hours from his village.

The pastor's kitchen was a busy place.

The pastor’s kitchen was a busy place.

Tonyia and Stephen checked out the creek that runs beside the village.

Tonyia and Stephen checked out the creek that runs beside the village.

The road was very challenging in places.

The road was very challenging in places.

The True Path ministry team stayed in a small cottage a generous local resident provided.

The True Path ministry team stayed in a small cottage a generous local resident provided.

The Saturday night service went well into the night.

The Saturday night service went well into the night and the young folks stayed up even later.

Juaquin, a former boxer, makes a point during a study time.

Juaquin, a former boxer, makes a point during a study time.

The mountains are beautiful in the morning.

The mountains are beautiful in the morning.

 

 

 

Garage Prayers in Tokio and Birthday Celebration in Galeana

Evangelist Rameio preached at the garage service in Tokio.

Evangelist Ramiro preached at the garage service in Tokio (click on a photo to see it bigger).

The Christians we have come to know and love here in Mexico live life together. If someone is celebrating a birthday or needs to have their home blessed in a special way the faithful come together. We experienced both of these events this week and Jesus was at the center of the activities.

Tuesday, June 21st, four local pastors, several musicians and dozens of worshipers came together to praise the Lord in a small carport near the high desert community of Tokio. It was a beautiful, heart-felt and informal mid-week service that we have experienced often here. Cookie, the local pastor in Tokio, had mentioned that one of the members of her congregation wanted to have a home-service. Christians here support each other and are always willing to worship the King of kings.

It is not unusual for a pastor to be in services everyday of the week and at least three of those in his own church. Also, members of local churches often serve to lead worship. It is a way of life – there are few who just sit in the pews.

On Wednesday, June 23rd, our good friend Sandra, husband Juan and family celebrated Sandra’s birthday, but they were not alone. It was a night for regular services at Getsemani church where Pastor Reynaldo serves. After the worship time the members walked about ten blocks to be with Sandra. Also, Pastor Jose and his family from Dieciocho de Marzo and others were there too – it was a fun time (see more photos of both events below).

Sandra sang a beautiful song during the service.

Sandra sang a beautiful song during the service.

 

Tonyia prayed with several in Tokio wanting special prayers.

Tonyia prayed with several in Tokio wanting special prayers.

Pastor Cooke (left) and evangelist Ramiero prayed for the home-owner.

Pastor Cookie (left) and evangelist Ramiro prayed for the home-owner.

Pastor Hernandez (left) was one of the local pastor on hand to worship in Tokio.

Pastor Hernandez (singing) was one of the local pastors at worship in Tokio.

The ladies sang together at the Tokio service.

The ladies sang together at the Tokio service.

Many Christians came together to celebrate Sandra's birthday.

Many Christians came together to celebrate Sandra’s birthday.

Juan (Sandra's husband, left) lead a song honoring Sandra on her birthday.

Juan (Sandra’s husband, left) lead a song honoring Sandra on her birthday.

 

Pastor Reynaldo lead a prayer for Sandra as everyone called on the Lord for her.

Pastor Reynaldo lead a prayer for Sandra as everyone called on the Lord for her.

The kid's had fun playing musical chairs.

The kid’s had fun playing musical chairs.

Everyone was treated to grilled chicken.

Everyone was treated to grilled chicken.

Pastor Reynaldo enjoyed time with his family.

Pastor Reynaldo enjoyed time with his family.

Members of Getsemani walked to the party after a Wednesday night service.

Members of Getsemani walked to the party after a Wednesday night service.

Father’s Day in Mexico

Pastor Reynaldo's daughter Ariel and son Abdiel presented Steve with a Father's Day certificate.

Pastor Reynaldo’s daughter Ariel and son Abdiel presented Steve with a Father’s Day certificate.

There was a funny but pointed skit this group performed.

There was a funny but pointed skit this group performed.

The kids sang to fathers at Getsemani Church.

The kids sang to fathers at Getsemani Church.

 

 

 

 

It was Steve’s first Father’s Day in Mexico. What a fun time! We started by going to service at Getsemani church in Galeana. We had typical worship where you sing and pray but then there was more. The children sang and performed signs to a song. Several put on a skit about a father realizing the importance of spending quality time with his children and raising them in a Christian home. A person dressed like a duck-man came out and sang. Many wives and children presented their husbands with gifts.

They had Steve go forward and presented him with a certificate and a handmade picture frame. They asked me (Tonyia) to say something and I told them I was thankful to God because He is the best Father and I also was thankful that the Lord provided me with a Godly husband.

Later we went to pastor Hernandez church where they were also celebrating for Father’s day. All the fathers came forward and the church prayed for them. It was a great day to thank God and thank our earthly fathers!

This lady in a duck-man suit brought a light moment to the service with a silly song.

This lady in a duck-man suit brought a light moment to the service with a silly song.

All the fathers sat together.

All the fathers sat together.

The fathers prayed and were prayed for at Pastor Hernandez's church.

The fathers prayed and were prayed for at Pastor Hernandez’s church.

This boy honored his father by simply sitting in his lap during the Hernandez church service.

This boy honored his father by simply sitting in his lap during the Hernandez church service.

 

Gospel on the Move: Spirit Comes Alive in La Aveena

Pastor Jose delivered a powerful sermon.

Pastor Jose delivered a powerful sermon.

Sandra was one of several who sang.

Sandra was one of several who sang.

Jose payed for this little girl who came forward

Jose payed for this little girl who came forward

Each week the True Path Ministry team (Tonyia, Steve, Martin, Anna and Genesis) initiate a trip to seldom visited remote villages. Several others come along including Galeana area Pastors and musicians. Today (Saturday, June 18th) we drove an hour and a half mostly on dirt roads to the unique desert village of La Aveena. The people there were spiritually hungry and after a powerful sermon by Pastor Jose the alter filled with those seeking to be filled with the bread of life.

Two people made a public commitment to follow Jesus and many others were touched by the Holy Spirit. The local pastor, plus three other pastors from neighboring villages, joined us at the small evangelical Church building. It was a full service with over 100 people in the pews or standing outside. The sound crew had placed a speaker outside to let the people know we were having a service. A group of local teen boys sat a ways down the road and listened intently.

There were lots of kids

There were lots of kids.

Kids line up for a photo.

Kids line up for a photo.

The many children, who attended, went to a different area for a special time just for them, while the sermon was preached. Besides learning new Christian songs many kid’s were also treated to new shoes and clothing our friend Sandra brought.  Tonyia also gave them a bag with candy and a balloon. They were all smiles.

We made sandwiches, after the service, for the entire crowd. We had not planned on this many people.  Tonyia prayed that the Lord would multiple the food. He of course made it work!We gave the smaller kids only a half sandwich. Then when it looked like we would run out of food a couple of local ladies brought in food they had cooked. Thank you Jesus, everyone got their fill of food!.

The new shoes popular with the girls.

The new shoes for the girls.

New shoes.

New shoes.

I said La Aveena was a “unique desert village” because it is built like a pioneer fort with two hundred year old  adobe walls surrounding most of it. There is a deteriorating Catholic Church building and a falling down owner’s mansion. We were told it was once a thriving majestic compound.  It is still an interesting place for photography.

Having Juan, Sandra and pastors from the Galeana area go with us on these journeys makes these trips even more powerful.  We go wanting to bless and we ended up blessed! We always take food for a meal or a blessing bag which contains food for the Pastor/family at the village. Juan plays the guitar and brings his sound equipment and drives his trusty 1993 F-150 pickup. Juan and Sandra’s ministry, Nuevo Corazon, donate shoes and clothing for the kids. It brings such joy to see these sweet children’s faces light up when they receive new shoes or clothes. Pastor Reynaldo has traveled with us on many of these trips and he came along again for prayer support. Everyone had a part to play.

Sandwich makers were busy.

Sandwich makers were busy.

Pastor Jose, wife Pera, 16-year-old daughter Brisa, 14-year-old son Hajiel, 12-year-old Louis and 5-year-old Jaret came along too. Pastor Jose preached and it turns out his grandmother and other relatives were there. He was raised nearby and it was a rare opportunity for him to see some of his kinfolks.

It was once again a powerful day being the hands and feet of Jesus. We are so humbly grateful to be used for His Kingdom – praise the LORD!

Pastor Jose with Grandmother

Pastor Jose with Grandmother

She is in her 80's

She is in her 80’s

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Stephen and Tonyia st

Stephen and Tonyia stand in front of ruins.

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Old church building is in poor shape.

Old church building is in poor shape.

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This man at

This man sat outside where it was cooler during the service.

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Visiting pastor and others from his church sang during the service.

The local

The faithful from the local church sang a song together.

Martin

Martin (right) got contact information from the visiting pastors.

Anna helped with the shoes.

Anna helped with the donated shoes.

This boy got a new shirt.

This boy got a new shirt.

New shirt

New shirt

Martin visits with a pastor

Martin visits with Esperanza, the village’s pastor.

Juan sings

Juan sings

Prayer time was spirit-filled.

Prayer time was spirit-filled.

The alter was full of r

The alter was full of prayers.

It was a nice

It was a nice little church building.

Best way to get around town.

Hajiel found the best way to get around town.

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