Mimbres Unity in Worship Outdoors

A group of Galeana area Christians joined a True Path Ministry team to take the gospel, clothes, toys and lots of prayers to Mimbres on Saturday, January 21st. It is a small, mountain-village about an hour northwest of Galeana. People from two churches in the small community joined together to sing praises, pray and hear a powerful message in an impromptu outdoor worship service.

The True Path Ministry suburban was loaded with people and stuff for the Mimbres adventure.

The True Path Ministry suburban was loaded with people and stuff for the Mimbres adventure (click on a photo to see it larger).

Martin, wife Ana and daughter Genisis loaded all eleven people in the True Path Ministry suburban along with eight bags of clothes, toys and a “blessing bag” for the host of the event (it is a collection of staples such as sugar, coffee, flour, rice, beans, cooking oil and cookies). Pastor Jose (and his family), Evangelist Ramiro, Musician Juan and wife Sandra and a member of Jose’s church were along to bring the love of Jesus to the village.

During the worship service they joined local musicians and worshipers to lift praises to the Lord. They also met Jose Rodriquez and wife who are missionaries from the USA who happened to be in the area. “It was a wonderful day of worship and fellowship,” said Martin, with True Path Ministry.

Stephen and Tonyia Williams were in the USA on business. “I would have loved being part of the Mimbres event. But, it is good to know our Mexico ministry continues even when we are away,” said Stephen.

The local folks joined in with songs and testimonies.

The local folks joined in with songs and testimonies.

Ramiro delivered a powerful sermon to the folks in Mimbres.

Ramiro delivered a powerful sermon to the folks in Mimbres.

Juan plays the accordion beautifully.

Juan plays the accordion beautifully.

Martin gave a word during the service.

Martin gave a word during the service.

Pastor Jose delivers a spirit-filled prayer.

Pastor Jose delivers a spirit-filled prayer.

It was a moving service.

It was a moving service.

It was a cool day for an outdoor service.

It was a cool day for an outdoor service.

The Mimbres folks enjoyed picking out clothing for their families from the donated clothes the team brought.

The Mimbres folks enjoyed picking out clothing for their families from the donated clothes the team brought.

After the service the group enjoyed a meal together.

After the service the group enjoyed a meal together.

Are You Good or Bad?

A well used Bible is a beautiful sight. This is actually Larry Bookman's Bible.

A well used Bible is a beautiful sight. This is actually Larry Bookman’s Bible.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death,” Proverbs 16:25. Humans have this uncanny way of justifying their own actions as “good.” But, this is a self-righteousness attitude.

Have you given any thought as to where your definition of good or bad comes from? If not, you are likely standing on the shifting sand of contemporary culture as your guide in life. You may even be taking the place of God in your own beliefs – regardless of what you say is your faith position.

One of the fundamental changes in my life after surrendering to Jesus was to render myself totally open to how God defines “right” and “wrong.” I understood that to God sin was wrong. However, I needed an unbiased way to determine what “sin” was. It came to me in two forms. First the Bible is the written word, a guide I must read and absorb for myself. Secondly, Jesus is the living word that I must use to guide my internal compass.

I read the words in the Bible often, but it is the Holy Spirit who gives me the insight to translate those words into how I can live closer to Jesus. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things…,” John 14:26.

To put it another way, I constantly compare my opinions, actions and beliefs against the perfect standard, Jesus. I fail often, but I know Christ gave his life on earth so that I have grace (undeserved favor) before a perfect God.

Christianity is who I am, not something I do every now and then. It is not religious ceremonies or certain words I have to say. But, if I am doing it correctly it is loving everyone and living a certain way regardless of the culture that is around me. It permeates every decision I make and gives me hope in all situations. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good,” Romans 12:9.

Ultimately, God defines what is “good” and to think I can somehow alter his standard is wrong. Who is defining what is right for your life? “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,” said Jesus (John 10:10). Come to Jesus.

Stephen Williams
True Path Ministry Inc.

Kid’s Club Routine Fun for Jesus

Each child got a Christian tract explaining the gospel of grace and mercy of Jesus the Christ.

Each child got a Christian tract explaining the gospel of grace and mercy of Jesus the Christ. (click on a photo to see it larger)

Do we ever feel like our Marcus 10:14 club is repetitious? I pray so. Repetition is all throughout the Bible. We do not consider it boredom as some might. If being repetitious for Jesus is boring, then that is our desire – to be boring! It is our privilege to share the word of the Lord with 40+ kids and adults EVERY Wednesday. Knowing that His word does not come back void!  (Isaiah 55: 11)  We plant the seeds and the Holy Spirit works to move hearts.

Yep, the message is repetitive, but presented in different ways, different stories and songs. The fun we have is also repetitive but we change the games. The club will always be a place where the kids know they will be loved, will learn about the gospel, will be fed and will have some fun.

We yearn to bring these children and adults who come with them to a knowledge of Jesus they have not known. Many of these children and adults do not even know who Jesus is. Please pray as we continue this ministry, that the Holy Spirit will move in power and use this club as a vessel to reach each one of these precious souls for Jesus. We pray in 2017 that we are – “MOVING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!”

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad (Psalms 126:3)

Each week Pastor Jose from Dieciocho de Marzo leads a time of song, usually with body motions.

Each week Pastor Jose from Dieciocho de Marzo leads a time of song, usually with body motions.

When teacher Yessi is gone (she was ill this week) Martin teaches the Bible lesson.

When teacher Yessi is gone (she was ill this week) Martin teaches the Bible lesson.

One game this week was for two kids as a team to tie a knot using one hand each.

One game this week was for two kids as a team to tie a knot using one hand each.

The kids laughed a lot during the game.

The kids laughed a lot during the game.

We always feed them. Ana is good to help with the meal each week.

We always feed them. Ana is good to help with the meal each week.

This week Ana made what they call "Dorioes""

This week Ana made what they call “Doritoes””

The kids like the food.

The kids like the food.

 

 

 

November/December True Path Ministry Inc. Newsletter

It is all for Jesus! Thank you everyone who prayed for us and gave gifts. We still have a few more gifts to give. We look forward to an active 2017 of ministry, and we ask for your continued support as we serve the Lord in Mexico.  Below is a link to our November/December 2016 True Path Ministry Inc. Newsletter. The bulk of the seven page newsletter is photographs. Many of them are from our delivering Christmas gifts to five remote villages in Mexico. A more complete report about each of the five villages and other activities can be found on our website in the news section: http://truepathministry.com/news/
Here is a link to the newsletter, it is a PDF file suitable for printing; newsltsdecember2016
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Stephen and Tonyia Williams
Missionaries for Jesus in Mexico

Purisma: Cold Body But Spirit-Filled Heart

The kid's liked the gifts.

The kid’s liked the gifts. (click on a photo to see it larger)

True Path Ministry Inc. went to Purisma, a tiny village deep in the mountains. There were twelve who made the two hour trip with us from Galeana. The last hour was on gravel road that was extremely steep and rough. Plus, the temperature was below freezing, ice covered the treetops. Worship was in a pavilion covered on top but with no sides. Our bodies were cold but our spirit-filled hearts were warm.

Pastor Leobarreo built a small fire beside the meeting place and it helped warm our bodies. The two hour worship service was filled with music, songs, testimonies and a stirring sermon by Pastor Jose. He and his family came along to help. Our good friends Juan and Sandra were with us too. She sang and he played the accordion.

Martin and Ana were also with us to help keep things moving. After the service we gave each child a Christmas gift bag filled with small toys, soap and candy. The adults got to select items from a pile of donated clothing. We also gave out several pairs of reading glasses and Bibles. Sandra operates the Nuevo Corazon feeding ministry and she brought bags of food for every family.

Even though it was very cold, the weather did not detract from the fellowship and love of Jesus we shared. It was a joyful day serving the Lord!

boygift1girlgift2

Ana and Martin helped give out the gift bags.

Ana and Martin helped give out the gift bags.

The fire helped us warm up.

The fire helped us warm up.

meetingplace

Pastor Jose delivered a good sermon.

Pastor Jose delivered a good sermon.

Juan and Sandra sang with the local band.

Juan and Sandra sang with the local band.

singer

Some of the local ladies sang to the Lord.

Some of the local ladies sang to the Lord.

Local pastor Leobarreo shared a few words.

Local pastor Leobarreo shared a few words.

There was a wonderful time of prayer.

Tonyia participated in a wonderful time of prayer.

Before the service we gathered in the Pastor's home beside a tub of coals.

Before the service we gathered in the Pastor’s home for coffee and to warm ourselves beside a tub of coals.

clothes1clothes2

The reading glasses were popular.

The reading glasses were popular.

Martin helped determine which glasses worked.

Martin helped determine which glasses worked.

Pastor Leobarreo and his family love the Lord.

Pastor Leobarreo and his family love the Lord.

It was a rough but interesting drive.

It was a rough but interesting drive.

Sandra brought food bags for each family. She operates the Nuevo Corazon food ministry.

Sandra brought food bags for each family. She operates the Nuevo Corazon food ministry.