INTO THE CITY

Pastor Gerardo prays regularly for the city of Nuevo Progreso.  He and other members of the ministerial alliance are standing in front of the office of the delegado (mayor).

We were six weeks late leaving for the mission field this year. Lloyd underwent back surgery November 10th and he spent the next five weeks recooperating.  It was Christmas week when we finally arrived in the Rio Grande Valley.

Hurricane Patricia, the strongest hurricane ever recorded, hit this area hard in October.  Fifteen trailer homes were destroyed by water in the park where we live in Texas.  Across the border in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico the ground around our church was flooded and roads were destroyed.  People are still recovering from the devastation.

During our first meeting with Pastor Gerardo at their annual Christmas party, we heard good news about the work of the church.  In spite of all the difficulties and challenges, the church is making an impact on the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Pastor Gerardo was recently elected president of the city ministerial alliance.  Nuevo Progreso has an estimated population of 25,000 and there are 53 churches, but not all pastors belong to the alliance.  Pastor Gerardo said he refuses to be called "president" but would rather be the coordinator so responsibilities can be shared equally among members.

Scott and DiAnna Olsen and a medical team from Minnesota will conduct the annual health fair in April with the help of the ministerial alliance.  This will mean reaching more people throughout the city with the gospel and with free medical attention.

Pastor Gerardo is called on frequently to preach in other churches in the area.

Pastors in the ministerial alliance have expressed appreciation for Pastor Gerardo's doctrines and teaching, especially enjoying the Sunday School literature he uses from Pathway Press, a division of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  We plan to order a good supply of these materials to share with churches throughout the city.

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam and their four children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.

Regardless of all kinds of difficulties, we are seeing an unusual and heart warming trend.  The Lord is showing us what He considers important.  Not big buildings or fancy equipment, but going out and reaching the city with His Word.  This fits in with our goal, to see many people saved, healed and filled with the Holy Ghost.  Jesus is coming soon!

CHRISTMAS AND OTHER NEWS

DiAnna Olsen enjoyed playing with the boys and girls who attended the annual Christmas party.

DiAnna Olsen from Minnesota flew down to Mexico for the annual church Christmas party which was held at Jose and Lupita's house. Since we were late in arriving on the mission field this season because of Lloyd's back surgery, DiAnna took care of the annual Christmas event including making Christmas baskets for needy families, purchasing gifts for Pastor Gerardo and his family and bagging treats for the children who attended the party.

Pastor Gerardo gave a short Christmas message before activities started and then he gave an invitation for those with needs to come forward for prayer.  Miriam then led a short time of worship.

Miriam led a time of worship at the Christmas party.

Several of the women of the church served everyone the traditional tamales along with spicy bean soup, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes.  Tamales are a special treat for every holiday in Mexico.  There was a sheet cake filled with whipped cream and topped with fruit salad.  Another tradition - hot fruit punch was also served.

After everyone had finished eating, the children were lined up to receive small toys and bags of candy.  There was a lot of excitement and a lot of good fellowship during the whole time.

The children were admiring each other's gifts.

There were children present who have been faithful to Sunday School for years.  They came alone, always praying that some day their parents will join them.

This Holiday Season is a great time for the church to reach out with love to the community.  The party was free to everyone who wished to attend.  Everyone heard the old but good news of Christ's birth and everyone had opportunity to receive Him into their hearts.  And that's the greatest gift of all.

Boys and girls were lined up youngest first so everything was done orderly.  There was plenty for everyone.