PEANUTS, PUPPIES AND THE HAND OF GOD!

Mexican military in downtown Nuevo Progreso.

From the smallest, most trivial to the greatest events this week, we could see God at work in Nuevo Progreso. Even though the weather was unmerciful, the challenges painful and the news of violence in Mexico extreme, the church continued to thrive and grow stronger.  And there are many things to be thankful for.

Mexican Marines are still camped at the south edge of Nuevo Progreso.  Because of their presence, there is peace instead of trouble, as in Matamoros and Reynosa.  We're thankful for the Mexican military and always look for ways to show our appreciation to them.  This week we took a box of peanuts in the shell to their base, along with some New Testaments in Spanish.  They showed their gratitude with smiles and waves as we drove away.

Six beautiful puppies, part pitbull, one week old.

We celebrated new life when Lupita's dog had a litter of six beautiful puppies.  Pastor Gerardo and his family were promised two puppies of their choice.  The dogs will eventually become watch dogs at the church.  In a lighter moment, we helped them decide which was the prettiest puppy.

Pastor Gerardo's daughter Esly holds her pick of the litter.

Lupita was early for church so she admired the papaya trees nearby.

All winter there has been so much rain and there is standing water everywhere, so mosquitoes are thick on both sides of the Rio Grande.  But amazingly Pastor Gerardo and Miriam said they are not troubled with mosquitoes in and around the church and parsonage.  Miriam reported that when they go to visit members of the congregation around town, they have to constantly swat the pesky insects.  But not in their home!  When asked, they could provide no reason why they aren't fighting them.  There is water standing in the fields, in the streets and everywhere and undoubtedly where there is water there are mosquitoes.  They could only say that it is God's protection on their family!

April 24th around midnight an unusually fierce storm developed south of the Rio Grande Valley.  The storm contained 70 mph winds, large hail and torrential rains and it swept the entire length and width of the Valley on both sides of the Rio Grande River.  As we watched the weather reports and saw the huge angry red storm hovering directly over Nuevo Progreso, we prayed that God would protect the church and the people.  The news reported trees blown down, power outages and golf ball sized hail throughout the area and we expected to hear of extensive damage on our trip to Nuevo Progreso the next morning.  But we discovered that it was a "non-event" in Nuevo Progreso!  There was a little rain and heavy wind, but nothing like we expected and nothing like what was reported on the news.

We were amazed and relieved to hear that everything was all right.  And when we asked Gerardo and Miriam how this was possible, Gerardo said, "It must have been the Hand of God!"


"Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
Then you will say to the Lord, You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God,
and I trust you."  Psalm 91:1-2 (CEV)

CONVENTION IN MONTERREY

Pastor Gerardo with his wife Miriam and their daughter Dana.

Pastor Gerardo Estrada took his whole family to Monterrey for the annual Church of God Convention, Northeast Section.  The event took place the week of April 7th, and it was attended by many people from the northeastern part of Mexico.  A special invitation to speak was given to Rev. Victor Pagán from Cleveland, Tennessee and also to Rev. Roger Audorff.

Officials of the Church of God in Mexico are:    
World Missions Director Dr. Tim Hill;  John Childers, World Missions Assistant Director; Dr. David Ramirez, Director of Latin America; Julio Meléndez, National Superintendent; Yolanda Meléndez, National Womens' Ministries Director; Omar Galván, National Youth and Disciple Director; Antonio Ramírez, National Childrens Director; and José del Carmen Ríos Galván, National Missions Coordinator.  The theme of the convention was "A More Strategic Church," and there was a great emphasis on the need for more missions within Mexico.

This welcome was extended to the convention by Jorge Leal, Bishop Administrator:
"The Gospel appeared on the earth with a beautiful song: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.  This song resonated in Bethlehem, and today we are also gathered together to proclaim: Glory to God in the Highest!  These special meeting days, enjoy the presence of God and harmony with each other!  Let us remember that we are one in the Lord. So together we worship the One who is worthy. Welcome to our 2015 Convention!"

Each day educational meetings were held and at night there were united worship services.  The enormous city of Monterrey made a beautiful and restful background for the activities and the surrounding mountain peaks were interesting to Pastor Gerardo and his family.  But best of all were the many reunions between old friends.  Friendships were renewed with promises to trade visits some time in the future.  It was a refreshing time for all, and a time to realize that we are part of something that reaches around the world, the family of God!

Thank you to those who made this convention possible and to those who made it possible for  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam to attend.  They came back to Nuevo Progreso very happy, with a strong and  renewed vision.  They felt the touch of God in Monterrey!

HEALING BODY AND SOUL

Scott, DiAnna, Miriam and Gerardo go over the schedule for the week.

Scott and DiAnna and two nurses came from Minnesota the first week in April to donate their time and medical skills to the people of Nuevo Progreso.  Many people were treated for various conditions while others were tested for diabetes and high blood pressure.  Pastor Gerardo served as spiritual counselor and Miriam conducted dental hygiene classes.  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the doctor and the volunteers were available from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.  Several house calls were made and trips were made to bring others in for examinations.  This event was a tremendous blessing for everyone.

Some of our friends in Nuevo Progreso took advantage of this free service and for help in getting much needed medicines.  There were some instances when people were helped immediately, some would need more specialized care and others received prayer for God's healing touch.  Healing for body and soul was emphasized through love and compassion.  The event was sponsored by Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo progreso. DiAnna and Scott's ministry is called Life on the Border.

Thank God for people who care so much that they take time from their busy lives to help people in need.  And thank God for those who answer the call!

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam talk to a client about dental health.

TOUCHED BY ANGELS!

Alondra with her mother, grandmother and father.

Alondra Guadalupe Flores is the eight year old daughter of Gaby and Jesús, and the granddaughter of José and Lupita.  A quiet happy little girl, she makes her parents and grandparents very proud.  In fact, she's the center of their lives. That's why Saturday when she suddenly became extremely ill, the entire family was upset.

Alondra had an unusually high temperature accompanied by chills.  Frantically Lupita began to pray for her, asking the Lord to make her well again.  She continued to pray desperately while Alondra's temperature rose to a dangerous level.  Suddenly Alondra opened her eyes and told Lupita that she could see incredible people all dressed in white standing around them.  One of them came close and laid a hand on Alondra's head.  Immediately her temperature fell back to normal.

Alondra and her parents and grandmother came to church on Sunday to share the news with everyone.  Lupita and Gaby stepped forward boldly to tell the details and explain how upset they had been and how happy they were to see Alondra well again.  While they talked, Alondra cried in her father's arms.  She could still feel the touch of the angel's hand on her head.

"I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen."  
1 Timothy 1:17

HILDA'S FOOD TRUCK

Hilda's food cart.

Hilda's food truck has only 3 wheels and an awning overhead.  But this simple vehicle is her family's livelihood in Nuevo Progreso.  Hundreds of large trucks come through Nuevo Progreso on their way into the United States, but they are detained at the bridge for inspection.  Sometimes the road leading to the customs gate is filled with these trucks; and they have to wait in line a long time to receive permission to proceed.  It's a perfect opportunity for Hilda and others to sell food and drinks to the waiting drivers.

Hilda starts cooking and preparing food after midnight each night.  Early in the morning she is ready to pedal her cart across town to the truck road where she sells tamales, tacos, gorditas, oatmeal breakfast drinks, coffee and soft drinks.  Business was slow the day this picture was taken.  Even though there were many trucks lined up, not many people were buying her food and drinks.  Early in the afternoon she takes her cart back home to rest until time to begin cooking again for the next day.

Apolinar rides his bike alongside the trucks waiting at the bridge.

Our friend Apolinar rides his bike along the same road with coolers on the front of his bike and also on the back.  He specializes in gorditas and tacos which Carla prepares in their house.  Apolinar makes frequent trips back home to replenish his food supply.  He lives very near the road and with his bike he can come and go very quickly.

We admire these people for working so hard and for taking advantage of a great opportunity to sell food and snacks to these truckers.