AMIGOS

Marcelino, Jaime and Nagro.

Smoke was coming from the back of the church when we drove up Friday. Then we saw men back there moving around. We were surprised to see Marcelino and two others chopping, raking and burning piles of weeds and brush on the north side of the church.

We had agreed to meet Marcelino there at noon, but evidently he had been there awhile and was already hard at work. And he brought helpers. He had brought his stepson Jaime and another young man from the neighborhood.  This was beyond what we expected and it was a pleasant surprise.

Lloyd had asked Marcelino to help find and repair the water line coming into the church. After several years, the faucet had been taken out and the exact location lost. Water was leaking badly at the base of the wall. Since Marcelino helped install the original pipes, he would be the best person to help make these repairs. Meanwhile the back yard was beginning to look much better, cleaner and less overgrown with thorny mesquite trees.

It was good to see Jaime, who had spent the last two years in a United States prison. We never knew exactly why he was incarcerated, but assumed it was because he had illegally crossed the Rio Grande River and got into trouble. He is now 21 years old and much taller than when we last saw him. Jaime worked energetically, obviously glad to be there. He had missed his family.

Marcelino dug in the mud and easily found the water line. Lloyd had brought pipe and fittings and between the two of them, they soon had the leak fixed. Meanwhile Jaime and his friend Nagro kept chopping and cleaning and burning. The property is large and gets quickly covered in deep vegetation. Besides being unsightly, it invites snakes and other varmints to come up close and personal! Once Pastor Gerardo encountered a hissing snake inside their bathroom!

New faucets were installed and repairs made in less than an hour.

Roman also came to visit us Friday. When he found out we were replacing fixtures and doing repairs, he volunteered quickly. We had all the necessary parts and tools, so within an hour he had fixed things in the bathroom. It was refreshing to hear him say he loved to do these things for the Lord. Since he made it clear he didn’t want to be paid for his work, we loaded him down with lots of food for his family. Roman has a wife and three small children to take care of. His newest child is only two weeks old. 

Roman gets around the neighborhood on his bike, and because roads are so rough, this is probably the best and fastest mode of travel. He loaded all the cereal, powdered milk, baby food, cornmeal and rice into a huge trash bag and tied it to his handlebars. He made quite a picture going up the lane with his treasures.

Roman on his bike with a bag of food.

We feel grateful and honored to have the help of these capable young men in Mexico. They are our amigos, friends and even feel like family. They are ones who help us carry the load of maintaining the building and the grounds. And everything we’re doing right now will prepare the church and the parsonage for new pastors who will be here soon. 

“I love the temple where you live and where your glory shines.” Psalm 26:8 CEV

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY!

Pretty little girl who lives close to the church.

Laughing, playing, eating, opening treats, what else could we want for Christmas! It was wild at first, the auditorium was filled with overactive and excited boys and girls from all around the church in Nuevo Progreso. We were having a party!

Our visiting pastor, Brother Oliver, easily brought order to the scrambling bunch and soon had them sitting quietly while he slowly told the old story of the meaning of Christmas. He first asked their names one by one and later questioned them about the story. Many were very familiar with the facts, of Mary and Joseph and their trip to Bethlehem. Even though they were too excited to sit still, they quickly absorbed the meaning and the truth of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ on that very first Christmas day.

Azucena and Dulce served the food.

A table was set up outside the kitchen door where Azucena and her daughter Dulce could get ready to serve the food. Smallest ones first and in an orderly line, they were each served their favorite food - hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, cookies and coolaid! Most of them needed help carrying so much, but before long most of them had found a place to sit. We could see several come back for seconds, so it was a good thing we had more than enough for everyone.

Brother Oliver helped with the hot dogs.

“What would you like on your hot dog?” each one was asked. And many times the answer was, “mayonaise!” In the United States we prefer mustard and sometimes ketchup on our hot dogs, but Mexican children like mayonnaise. Thankfully we had mayonnaise in the kitchen. Even Brother Oliver pitched in and helped serve the crowd of hungry children.

Gifts were given to everyone.

When things settled down again somewhat, we lined everyone up in two lines, boys in one and girls in another, smallest ones first. There were treat bags for everyone containing stuffed animals, trinkets, candy, little cars and trucks, little dolls for the girls and other goodies.  That was an especially fun time, watching their faces as most of them couldn’t resist opening their bag on the spot.

Jesus is the oldest of 10 children in one family near the church.

There were some very pleased children playing together after so much excitement and fun. One family nearest the church has 10 children. Jesus, the oldest, wanted to stay cool, but he definitely enjoyed the activities and the atmosphere that was created at the church. Families like this one are the reason for the church being there on the eastern edge of Nuevo Progreso.

Almost too much excitement for this one.

What did you get for Christmas?

Before the party Lloyd and I stopped at Apolinar’s house and picked up Esteban, Javier and Cynthia. These three little ones came running out of the house crying, “Abuelo! Abuela!” (Grandpa, Grandma!) They readily climbed into our Jeep and were our guests at the Christmas party. We aren’t strangers to them and we are honored to be considered part of their family.

Esteban holding Cynthia before the party. Cynthia is 4 years old.

We drove home across an almost deserted international bridge knowing the party had been a success. For ages the story has been told of the birth of Jesus and there have been countless celebrations of that event all over the world. And now we have told that story once again to a whole new generation.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9

A DOG'S TALE

Lloyd made a bed for Pelon and gave him a toy.

This is about a small white dog that is holding fast to the only home he’s ever known, Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.  There’s an important lesson in this, one we should all learn. The Lord teaches us great things through the humble animals.

Pelon (Baldy) had to be left behind when Pastor Gerardo and Miriam moved away. They lovingly found a new home for Pelon with friends of the church in a neighborhood not far away. But before long Pelon escaped his new home and quickly made his way back to the church. It was his place of refuge and safety.

Pelon didn’t know if anyone would ever return to the empty church. He didn’t know if he would be fed or loved again. Regardless of all this, he refused to leave the church. He was faithful and committed without knowing he would ever receive anything in return.

When we arrived at the church in November, Pelon greeted us like an old friend. Since we had always carried dog food and fed him in the past, he got all excited. Pelon was able to jump into the church through a window opening and had been sleeping inside on a cushion.  Lloyd fixed him a bed in a sheltered corner, gave him an old blanket and pillow along with a stuffed teddy bear. He curled up immediately after eating and went to sleep.

Since Pelon greets us every time we go to the church, we’re calling him the Guardian of the Church.  He’s a presence around the building and he gives the illusion of someone living there. In fact, we’re beginning to see him as a symbol of God’s protection there. He may not look aggressive and mean curled up with his teddy bear, but who knows what impression he gives to strangers who trespass.

This is a great picture of being faithful even when it seems useless.  Pelon waited at the church for someone to return and he did not give up. Even if he didn’t seem to benefit from waiting, he could not be enticed to leave. Pelon’s commitment to the church is wholehearted. Can we say the same ourselves? Do we wait, still expecting the Lord’s return even when years go by and things remain the same? Or do we wait, saying that if we do not receive what we want, we’ll go somewhere else. Is the church our refuge? Could you be called a guardian of the church?

Pelon doesn't look threatening with his toy.

But this is the way we see Pelon guarding the church!

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Psalm 91:11

WHEN GOD DOES THE UNEXPECTED

Sunrise over southern Texas near the Mexican border.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” 

Isaiah 55:8

It snowed in southern Texas and in Mexico last week!  Heavy, wet flakes that blanketed cars and yards. It was cold, windy and generally miserable outside. But it was pretty.

Cold weather is very hard for the people in Mexico who have no furnaces in their homes. Most people have very little insulation in their walls and most have sheet metal roofs on bare rafters. The only way to stay warm is for them to stay inside or for the children to wrap up in blankets and huddle together in bed.

The snow was unexpected. In fact the last time it snowed here was December 2004 when six inches fell in Brownsville, Texas on Christmas Day. People still wear T shirts commemorating that occasion.  

Snow stuck on metal surfaces and on the grass.

By noon all the snow was gone, leaving a fine drizzle in it’s place. The only proof we had of the event were pictures hurriedly taken out in the cold.

The snow called to mind a recent sermon at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  Brother Fernando reminded us that God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts, and He is past our understanding. We sometimes question why certain things happen or why He allows sickness, trouble or grief in the lives of faithful Christians. The example was given of John the Baptist who was a great man of God. In his time of trouble in prison, he was not rescued and set free by some miracle, but God allowed him to be beheaded.   God did not do what we would have expected.

God brings beautiful sunrises and He also brings the snow, and He surprises us with His actions. But we know without doubt that He wants what is best for us and for our future. We must always put our trust in Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” 

Proverbs 3:5

FERNANDO AND VENTURA

Ventura was behind the pulpit that night.

District Superintendent Fernando Colorado and his wife Ventura shared their future with us at the church in Nuevo Progreso. The Lord has called them to leave the church they pastor in Reynosa and start a new church in the vacinity of Monterrey. They will be leaving us at the end of December to begin their journey into an exciting but insecure future. 

Fernando and Ventura have three small children. They have no promise of a congregation in their new work and will be starting out with very little, not even a building. But they both are sure of this assignment from the Lord and are not hesitant about it.  

In the heart of Mexico, around Monterrey, there are very few evangelical churches. On our travels through Mexico, we have often said that there is a need for missionaries to open this area to the gospel. So even though we’ll miss Fernando and Ventura here in the northeast district of the Church of God, we are happy and very proud of them for taking this bold step. They will need lots of prayer in the future.

Fernando had his arm around one of the volunteers who came with him to the service.

Ventura spoke from Romans 8:28. She began by saying she likes to speak from life’s experiences and likes to use their own lives as examples. She told us how the Lord had spoken to them both individually until they came to the conclusion that there would be a change in their future. Many in their church seemed to think it was a foolish decision to leave the security of their church for an unknown venture, but they are both happy and content in their decision. She emphasized that God has a plan for each of us, a good plan, and that all things work together for good.

A super moon hung in the sky over Nuevo Progreso when we started home.  Surely it was a sign of God’s blessing on our work and on the church.

A bright super moon lit our way home.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Dust accumulated on everything while the building was empty.

It was really fun working around the church, cleaning and burning trash and sorting useful things from what could be thrown away. All of us were laughing and sharing even though it was tiring and sometimes difficult work. Who knew that work could be so fun and satisfying!

It all started when Lloyd and I said we were going to be at the church Wednesday afternoon. Azucena said she’d meet us there to help. We also planned to stop and visit Florencio and Josefina who missed church Sunday.  When we got to their house, they asked if we wanted their help. Of course we did! Along with that, Lloyd invited Omar to go with us to Nuevo Progreso. Omar is our Mexican/American neighbor in Weslaco. So there were seven of us working together around the building.

Florencio was delighted to work at the church.

So many incidents during the day showed us that the Lord had a plan for everyone involved. Each person seemed chosen specifically and for a purpose. We were surprised when Omar agreed to go with us just for a work day. Omar was a truck driver in the US for many years, but three years ago he had a massive stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed. He now spends his days walking and exercising and trying to regain his former good health. He doesn’t attend a church and does not profess to be a Christian, but he is a good man and a good neighbor.

Paola with her new baby, Allen.

When we stopped on the way to check on Florencio and his family, we accidently stopped at the wrong house. It was Catalina at the gate instead. We were one block away from Florencio’s house. But Catalina was happy to see us and invited us in. There we met Catalina’s husband for the first time. “Eno” was gracious and friendly. He runs a taco stand on the main street of town. Eno doesn’t attend church, but he is happy for his wife to go. Just last Sunday Lloyd had told Catalina he wanted to meet her husband!  We knew the Lord had brought us together!

 Catalina’s daughter Paola was there with her new baby boy, Allen. He is the newest member of our church and is a handsome baby.

The Jeep was loaded with people by that time, but we all squeezed together, anticipating a good time ahead. When we got there, Josefina got busy in the kitchen, washing counters and cabinets that had grown dusty. A large furry mouse had taken up residence in the bathroom, but he was disposed of quickly in a bucket of water. Screens on the windows need to be repaired along with several other things we made note of to do soon. While the parsonage is empty, it’s a good time to repair and remodel all that we can.

Florencio started a small fire outside where we burned empty boxes and assorted papers and things. It was his job to see that the fire didn’t spread, although there was nowhere it could go. Lloyd and Omar sorted through tools that remained at the church and I helped wherever I could. Before long everything looked better and we decided to take one room at a time. The building is constructed of concrete blocks with a concrete floor that has become rough after so many years of use.

Before the job was finished, we all wished we’d brought hot dogs for the fire or some other things to eat. We had worked up an appetite!  So a plan was made to come back in one week to work again and that time we’d come prepared! 

When Lloyd locked the front entrance and we once again piled into the Jeep, we were all excited and content. This church, God’s house, belongs to all of us, and He has placed it in our care. It’s a humble place in a very poor area, but there’s a reason for it’s existence. We’ll treat it reverently and give thanks to the Lord for it. And He showed us through the day’s events that we can make our plans, but He is the one who brings things to pass.

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 KJV