MISSION IN MATAMOROS

Pastor Gerardo preaching God's Word.

Gerardo and Miriam continue to drive the 25 miles to Matamoros every week to hold services in an old garage.  Edgar who is a converted gang member, lived with his family in Matamoros before being incarcerated.  He asked Gerardo to visit his family and pray for them until he can return.  Edgar feels called to preach the gospel, but he has another year to spend in Bible school after he was recently released from prison.  Edgar's family, his friends and his neighbors gather together and enjoy the music and the preached word.  It's the makings of a new church.

Mexican soldiers patrol the highways, especially between Nuevo Progreso and Matamoros.

Matamoros has been called "ground zero" in the war against drugs and gangs.  There have been numerous gunfights in this large and very old city that sits on the border of Mexico across the Rio Grande river from Brownsville, Texas.  Interesting bit of trivia:  the name "Matamoros" means "killer of Moors (Muslims)."

There are two international bridges that cross the river in Brownsville and another in nearby Los Indios.  We have spent many hours in Matamoros ministering to people who live in the poorest areas.

There are many churches in Matamoros, but there is not a pentecostal Church of God anywhere nearby.  Pastor Gerardo began this mission solely for the purpose of praying with Edgar's family, but it has blossomed into a regularly scheduled event.  The people of Matamoros are hungry to hear from God!

Please pray for the city of Matamoros.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Acts 1:8

PRAY FOR THEM!

Lucia and her husband have a small coffee shop in the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Their shop is neat and clean and although it's not on the main street where tourist traffic usually swarms, they have a good business.

Lucia has been battling cancer.  She is a Catholic, a wife and the mother of grown children.  She has had cancer for more than a year and has endured several chemotherapy treatments.  Last summer Pastor Gerardo and Miriam met Lucia through a mutual friend, and they prayed for Lucia to be completely healed.  Lucia's faith was greatly stirred through prayer and she began to have hope that she would live.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam in Nuevo Progreso.

Since that time Gerardo and Miriam have continued to visit Lucia, reading encouraging scriptures and praying with her and her husband.  And although Lucia is still undergoing chemotherapy, she continues to believe God for her total recovery.

Santiago (name changed for his protection) has made a decision to change his life and serve the Lord. But leaving his present lifestyle will be dangerous for him.  For this reason, Santiago has decided to leave the area temporarily and enter a place of rehabilitation.  When he is "clean" once again and ready to become a responsible citizen, he will rejoin his family.  Pastor Gerardo has been counseling Santiago and his whole family,praying with them and teaching them from the Bible, showing them the right ways to live.

Please pray with us for these two special individuals in Mexico.

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."  Psalm 119:114 KJV