Encouragement in Canoas
12/31/2024, Stephen and Tonyia with True Path Ministry, Jim and Donna Jones and Manny Escobedo from Texas and a group with Centro Crisiana Getsemani traveled to the remote village of Canoas.
No other missionaries visit this small village. There is not always a large crowd, but we have been privileged to know salvations and healings have occurred here. God ‘s plan is perfect.
Driving to this village was difficult. Our car is low to the ground and high centered in several areas. The terrain and roads have changed since a tropical depression hit in June. Normally it takes us about 1 ½ hours to drive to Canoas but today was 2 hours to make the 50-mile drive. Meeting another vehicle is always a challenge. There is only one lane and it’s a far drop down the side of a mountain.
Prior to the service, Pastor Alfredo took one group to his house and Noemi, a faithful church member, took another to feed us. It is always a special meal and a treat to get homemade corn tortillas.
After eating, Noemi shared with us about difficulties her son is having. He lives in a different village, and she is concerned about his safety. We prayed for her, and I assured her I would mention to Pastor Rey about her concern and possibly he can assist with getting her son acquainted with other Christians where he is located.
We enjoyed the view then all headed to the church where Abdiel began the service with a word from the book of Psalms. Birzabeth sang and we all worshipped.
Pastors Rey and Lulu are in Monterrey with their daughter Arely, who is in the hospital. So, Mariia preached again today but the scripture was:
1 Chronicles 5:5-22
The oldest son of Israel was Reuben. But since he dishonored his father by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, his birthright was given to the sons of his brother Joseph. For this reason, Reuben is not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son. The descendants of Judah became the most powerful tribe and provided a ruler for the nation, but the birthright belonged to Joseph. The sons of Reuben, the oldest son of Israel, were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
The descendants of Joel were Shemaiah, Gog, Shimei, Micah, Reaiah, Baal, and Beerah. Beerah was the leader of the Reubenites when they were taken into captivity by King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria.Beerah’s[ relatives are listed in their genealogical records by their clans: Jeiel (the leader), Zechariah, and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel.The Reubenites lived in the area that stretches from Aroer to Nebo and Baal-meon. And since they had so many livestock in the land of Gilead, they spread east toward the edge of the desert that stretches to the Euphrates River.
During the reign of Saul, the Reubenites defeated the Hagrites in battle. Then they moved into the Hagrite settlements all along the eastern edge of Gilead. Next to the Reubenites, the descendants of Gad lived in the land of Bashan as far east as Salecah. Joel was the leader in the land of Bashan, and Shapham was second-in-command, followed by Janai and Shaphat. Their relatives, the leaders of seven other clans, were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber. These were all descendants of Abihail son of Huri, son of Jaroah, son of Gilead, son of Michael, son of Jeshishai, son of Jahdo, son of Buz. Ahi son of Abdiel, son of Guni, was the leader of their clans.The Gadites lived in the land of Gilead, in Bashan and its villages, and throughout all the pasturelands of Sharon. All of these were listed in the genealogical records during the days of King Jotham of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel. There were 44,760 capable warriors in the armies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They were all skilled in combat and armed with shields, swords, and bows. They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, the Naphishites, and the Nodabites. They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him. So the Hagrites and all their allies were defeated. The plunder taken from the Hagrites included 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep and goats, 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 captives. Many of the Hagrites were killed in the battle because God was fighting against them. The people of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh lived in their land until they were taken into exile.
The war is God’s. Seek God first in all situations, in your trials, in everything. God answered their prayer because they trusted in him.
As Mariia was preaching for the adults, Ana took the children outside and they had a time of song, prayer, Bible study and craft.
After the service, backpacks filled with a Christian tract, school supplies and a gift along with a candy bag were given to each child.
We are blessed to come and do the work the Lord has called us to in Mexico. Please continue to pray for our ministry in this new year: for God to bring many into our paths so we may tell them about Jesus, to supply the finances needed, for hearts to be open and willing to give and to join us in coming to Mx, for guidance, wisdom, strength, clarity, safety and our vehicle to stay functional.
We look forward to what God has in store for us and this ministry. We Press On in Jesus Name!
