Friday, August 21, 2015

NAHUM'S RAINBOW

A double rainbow swept across the sky over Nayarit, Mexico.
It was like a sign from God!  A double rainbow in the sky over Nayarit, Mexico.  It surely was a sign of blessing as Pastor Gerardo and his family began their return trip from visiting their folks in west central Mexico last week.

It had been years since they had seen their extended families and Gerardo had received word that his father, Ramon Rameriz, had suffered a heart attack and wanted to see him.  Through a series of unexpected blessings including the gift of an almost new GMC Yukon utility vehicle, Gerardo and his wife Miriam and 4 kids were able to make the 15 hour drive across the country of Mexico to the west coast state of Nayarit.  According to Miriam, "all the way we were blessed by God!"

Miriam is with Gerardo's father, Ramon Rameriz.  He is now doing well after suffering a heart attack earlier this summer. Nieces and nephews joined them in the picture.
Besides grandparents, aunts and uncles barely remembered, there were many cousins that Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly had never met.  They spent hours getting acquainted with each other and sharing.  Gerardo and Gerson played the guitar together for everyone; and then Gerardo and Nahum sang their favorite songs.  The whole family sang and worshiped the Lord together. 

The room was crowded with family members of all ages.
Miriam was happy to visit her own father and the rest of her family that still lives in Nayarit. They took time to look around and enjoy the land where they had spent the earlier part of their lives.  Miriam said, "Thank God, who gave us this beautiful wish!"

More cousins and they all look very happy.
Everyone had such a good time that it was difficult to say goodbye to loved ones and return to Nuevo Progreso.  But Gerardo and Miriam encouraged them all that by faith the Lord would allow them to return for more visits to see their family.

Gerson and Nahum with their cousins Omar and Jafat Estrada.
As Pastor Gerardo and Miriam, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly drove away from their home town, they saw a beautiful double rainbow stretching across the sky.  It was like a smile from the Lord.  It was His sign of blessing on them and His approval.  He had given them a great and valuable gift, a trip home.  Nahum took a picture of the unusual rainbow before it faded away.

Nahum has a new favorite cousin!
The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.  Genesis 9:13 CEV

Monday, August 3, 2015

JUST MY SIZE!


New folding tables and chairs for Sunday School!
Tables and chairs that are just the right size for little children!  A great gift!  The church in Nuevo Progreso has received folding tables and chairs from DiAnna Olsen and her husband Scott from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  This much needed equipment will make attending Sunday School more comfortable and safer for the children.

These are the adult tables and benches formerly used by children in Sunday School.
Until the receipt of these new tables and chairs, the children used tables and benches constructed for adults.  Many times it was necessary for smaller boys and girls to stand on their bench to reach the classroom material on the table.   Also, the new tables and chairs are portable, so now they can take Sunday School classes anywhere they want.

Happy children color their pictures as they listen to their teacher.
Sunday School is very popular at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.  Some of the children have been coming for several years on their own to Sunday School.  Others are brought by their parents.  

Thank you Scott and DiAnna, for the gift of these colorful little tables and chairs.  They are just the right size!