Remote Refugio Visit for Worship, Clothing, Food and Encouragement

The road along the mountains is often difficult.

The road along the mountains is often difficult.

Few outsiders ever venture to Refugio, there is one road in and it is a rough one. Homes and the Christian church building in the the tiny mountainous village are built on the side of the ridges as there is virtually no flat ground. It is located in the high Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. The village is squeezed between these towering mountains beside a flowing creek. It is incredibly beautiful.

Pastor Santiago and his wife, Edalia warmly welcomed the thirteen Christians who traveled from Galeana on Saturday July 9, 2016. It is about 55 miles but it took us close to two and a half hours to get there. Much of the travel time was spent on a dirt road that weaves up and down canyon walls clinging to the very edge of shear cliffs. The road ends at the base of the hill where the pastor’s home is located. It is an exhausting and treacherous climb to get to Santiago’s house, but the payoff is the view.

We spent some time visiting and though we brought sandwich makings, Edalia insisted we eat. She had made beans, noodles, and wonderful homemade tortillas. There is no electricity and they live totally off the land. The tortillas are made with corn they raise and grind themselves. Santiago several times voiced thankful prayers to God for bringing us to see them.

The road goes through these people's goat pens.

The road goes through these people’s goat pens.

Soon after eating, we headed down the hill to the small wooden Church building. We have visited here several times and it is always a joy to share the love of Jesus with these beautiful people.

After a time of sharing and reading scripture,  Juan played the guitar as we praised. Evangelist Ramiro, who enjoys traveling with the Galeana group, delivered another stirring sermon. Several prayed with him for healing. The Holy Spirit moved in power! All the children were brought forward and the adults  prayed for each one. Several laid hands on the kids and embraced them. It was touching.

We then fed everyone sandwiches and gave the kids a small bag of goodies. Everyone had eaten so it was time to bring in the clothes to give away. We had a large box and many sacks full. You would have thought we were handing them gold. The women and little girls were especially happy. What fun it was to see joy on their faces! Rejoice in the Lord always!!

The folks here make a living raising goats and growing crops on the small rocky fields beside the creek or on the edge of a hill. Life is hard here, but it does produce hardy people.

Evangelist Ramiro delivered a powerful sermon.

Evangelist Ramiro delivered a powerful sermon.

Tonyia hugged all the children while everyone prayed for them. Life can be difficult for them in this remote mountain village.

Tonyia hugged all the children while everyone prayed for them. Life can be difficult for them in this remote mountain village.

Santiago is 76 but still tends his goats and walks up and down the mountains with ease. After all the activity with the church, he took Martin, Ramiro and Stephen to see the waterfall. It was a difficult climb back up and all of us except Santiago were sweating and out of breath. He just smiled at us as he knew we were struggling to walk out.

The True Path Ministry team (Stephen, Tonyia, Martin, Anna and Genesis) appreciate the support of our Christian friends: Evangelist Ramiro, Juan, Sandra, Pastor Reynaldo, wife Lourdes, children Arele age 5, Jose age 8 and Elias 10 months. It is such a privilege to serve the Lord with these committed Christians! We are so grateful for the folks who support us financially and with prayer – All honor and glory to the King of Kings!!

 

Martin stands at the door of the wooden church building before the service.

Martin stands at the door of the wooden church building before the service.

These girls sang a song to Jesus during the service.

These girls sang a song to Jesus during the service.

 

 

Worship was spirit-filled.

Worship was spirit-filled.

Juan played his acoustic guitar as there is no electricity.

Juan played his acoustic guitar as there is no electricity.

Everyone takes part in the service.

Everyone takes part in the service.

We prayed for the pastor and his wife.

We prayed for the pastor and his wife.

This man was walked much better after a prayer for healing.

This man was walking much better after a prayer for healing.

This girl was excited to get new cloths.

This girl was excited to get new clothes.

The pastor's wife smiles broadly in joy over new cloths.

The pastor’s wife smiles broadly in joy over her new clothes.

We fed sandwiches to everyone at the service.

We fed sandwiches to everyone at the service.

Pastor Santiago is 76 but still walks up and down the mountains with ease.

Pastor Santiago is 76 but still walks up and down the mountains with ease.

The walk up to the pastor's home was difficult.

The walk up to the pastor’s home was difficult.

Walking down from the pastor's home was hard too.

Walking down from the pastor’s home was hard too.

Elephant ears grow wild along the creek.

Elephant ears grow wild along the creek.

Stephen stands beside the water fall beside the village.

Stephen stands beside the waterfall that is near the village.

People in this remote area enjoy visitors.

People in this remote area enjoy visitors.

Edalia, the pastor's wife (left) and Ana are cousins.

Edalia, the pastor’s wife (left) and Ana are cousins.