FELIZ NAVIDAD!

A few people stayed late after a big Christmas dinner at the church.

Sunday December 23 was our annual Church Christmas party and dinner at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

People were late arriving, but little by little they began to trickle in and there was a nice group there finally. A visitor from the nearest neighborhood came, carrying his Bible. His name was José. Also our long time friend Reyna visited again with half a dozen grandbabies and 2 daughters. Reyna and Francisco had 13 children who are all grown with children of their own.

Chicken chipotle was served along with rice, spaghetti and chicken mole. 

After songs and a Christmas message we pulled tables together for a fiesta. Even though there was a lot of food, there wasn’t much left over later. In Mexico they don’t have potluck like we do in the United States. All the food is taken into the kitchen where helpers spoon out food onto plates and deliver them to the people.

We blessed Pastor Zabdi with a few Christmas presents after things quieted down. He was really happy and it was obvious he had a great time.

After the Christmas message, the people were invited to the altar for special prayer.

Everyone was happy and feeling the presence of God. The kids gathered up all the wrapping paper and took it home with them. There were shouts of “Feliz Navidad!” as people drifted away down the lane into the night.

Rain had been in the forecast, but when we drove home the moon was full and the night was still and mild. Even though we were weary, we were content.  Pastor Zabdi had reminded us of the First Christmas and later the kids sang Jingle Bells and other songs with motions.  We were all as young and happy as children that night celebrating the Birth of Jesus, Savior and Prince of Peace.

"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 9:6

MY HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE

Peaceful night in Nuevo Progreso.

There was a parade that night on the main street of Nuevo Progreso. It was a “Vision of Guadalupe” parade, a procession of dancers, bands and people carrying the image of Mary. This was a special event for Mexico. The parade clogged traffic causing us to have to take another road to the church for our weekly English class and Wednesday night Bible study.

But first we stopped at the military post at the bridge and gave the soldiers a case of spicy popcorn. That was our Christmas blessing to them. Those soldiers are young men who are away from home and in danger. Every year Lloyd and I express our appreciation and pray for them.

Pastor Zabdi had hung Christmas lights and they made a soft glow in the room.  We stayed seated around a long table while he got out his guitar for worship. Then he gave a short sermon that was very encouraging. During that time I had a sharp awareness of where we were and what was happening. There was such a flow of peace and contentment. Pelon, the church dog, got between us on the floor and fell asleep. The guitar music was gentle, the lights were cheery and there was a soft breeze blowing through the open doors and windows. We were surrounded by friends.

Somehow through time we have become deeply steeped in the lives of people in Mexico, and we are now included as part of the group. It’s hard to understand how we got to this place and why we feel so much at home. A common saying in Mexico is: “My house is your house!” Maybe that sincere saying is more powerful than we realize!

My House is Your House

"And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

FRANCISCO, REYNA AND THE RIVER

Reyna with one of her grandchildren years ago.

Another unusual night at the church. We were praying something would happen.  It was dark and Pelon was barking more than usual. Lloyd went outside to see what was wrong. A couple was in the lane coming to the service, and they looked familiar. We recognized the man, but the woman didn’t look like the wife we knew. Lloyd invited them in and they sat in the seats across from me.

I recognized our old friend Francisco, but surely that was not his wife Reyna (Queen). Reyna had dark soft curly hair and was always beaming and smiling. This woman had gray hair drawn back in a knot and she was solemn looking. But it had to be her,  I walked over and reached out my hands to her.  It was Reyna! We’ve known Francisco and Reyna over 20 years but hadn’t seen them in more than 5 years. They had 13 children. Later 2 of their sons drowned in the Rio Grande River trying to cross over to the United States. That caused them to move to another town farther away from the tempting river crossing.

Reyna and I stood with arms around each other for the longest time. I was overwhelmed at seeing her and so glad. Now they live a stone’s throw away from church. I stayed with her, held her hand, and then asked her what she needed. She told me her son is gravely ill and he’s on the other side of the river. She was burdened with sadness and dispair. Pastor Zab prayed with her too and urged her to keep her faith.

We had coffee and cookies after church and they stayed and visited with the small group in attendance. We urged them to come back, they need blankets and food.  This is a needy family, but they always took good care of their children. Francisco now works in the fields and his hands are so rough and calloused.  He has a ready grin, is tall, thin and rough looking.

Reyna, like her name, was always regal and in command. She helped when we’d have give-away projects. She knew what we wanted and was valuable to us. Her dark hair was always soft and cut close to her head in a becoming way.

Their arrival made the night very special for us.  Later they left the church walking up the lane together in the darkness.

Francisco and Reyna the last time we saw them several years ago.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35

SPEAK ENGLISH, PLEASE

Pastor Zabdi, Monica, Kimberly and Acuzena in our first English class of the season.

First English class of the season. Since Nuevo Progreso is a tourist city, learning English is a good thing for the people. And while teaching English, we are learning a lot more Spanish! We learned something new in this class - peanuts are called cacahuates if they are in the shell. But peanuts without the shell are sometimes called cacahuates pelones, bald peanuts! And popcorn is called palomitas, little white doves. We munched palomitas and cacahuates pelones while we studied English together!

"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."  Proverbs 18:15

THANKSGIVING

Downtown Nuevo Progreso, picture from file.

It was a cold and rainy day to make our first trip across the border into Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Lloyd prayed that we would meet the right people and that we'd be kept safe. It's a big town and usually full of tourists. Today the crowds were thin. 

The first person we saw was Esteban, an old friend who makes money working the traffic coming off the bridge. Esteban as usual, helped us navigate through the mix of huge trucks and double parked cars to our destination. He made sure to tell us he and his family are back in church. Later a young woman waved us down on a back street and asked if we remembered her. Many years ago we had known her father who passed away and her mother Sarah. We had a good visit, met her children and invited them all to church Sunday. On our way to the church, we stopped to get a key to the gate from Azucena. And later we met Roman who was going home for lunch. Pastor Zab was out of town for the day, but our friend Pelon was home! Pelon, or Leo the Lion, still stands guard at the church. He looked in very good health. And as if no time had passed, he grabbed Lloyd's shirt in his teeth and wouldn't let go!

Pelon has the leart of a lion!

On our way home we had a thought that must have been from God. These are our people, especially those who are unchurched. For some reason He's given us the gift of their friendship. Lloyd's prayer that our paths would cross with the right people was answered. There will be others next time and the next, but today our hearts were warmed by meeting Esteban, Ellie and her children, her mother Sarah, Azucena and Roman.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  Psalm 100:4

THE GRANDEST CANYON

The road to Batopilas

The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico, is a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains. Popular for hiking, it gets its name from the copper-green hue of the canyon walls. Many years ago there were silver mines throughout the area. The famous Chepe train connects the region via over 80 tunnels and nearly 40 bridges.

Did you know that the Copper Canyon is composed of six, interconnected canyons that, when combined, are significantly larger than the Grand Canyon, and in some areas deeper as well?

Batopilas, established in the 1700's.

Indian woman selling baskets.

Several years ago Lloyd took Spanish Bibles to give away in the Copper Canyon area.  He and a fellow traveler drove the Jeep down the long winding road to the bottom of one canyon to a city called Batopilas. It was a difficult and long drive to the city that was established by Spaniards in the 1700's. 

Sitting on a lookout point selling their wares.

While in the Copper Canyon, Lloyd met many Tarahumara Indians who would rather call the area Bachotigori, the place of enclosed waters. He enjoyed visiting with these people and took many pictures of them selling their wares.

Lloyd returned to the Copper Canyon another year, taking gifts along with Bibles with him for the people. Learning that the women loved colorful clothing, he took brightly colored head scarves, coffee and other treats. The Tarahumara Indians are a proud and impressive people. One day we’d like to return to that area.

The long train ride is very scenic. 

A train ride Lloyd took runs through the entire length of the canyons. Dramatic tunnels and bridges take the train all the way to the west coast of Mexico.  This is a popular tourist attraction that is widely known.

Pottery and baskets from the Copper Canyon.

The people in this remote area need the gospel. In centuries past the Indians hid from Spaniards who wanted to enslave them to work in the mines. Now drug cartels are a threat to the area. Because the Indians are skilled runners, they are being threatened and used to run drugs across the border into the United States. God’s word can break the bonds and set these people free.

“In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psalm 95:4-6

LOST TRIBES IN MEXICO

Tarahumara chief holding a branding iron carried as a weapon.

The Tarahumara Indians of northwestern Mexico (also known as foot runners) have long hidden themselves in the vast forests of the Copper Canyon. When the Spaniards first entered that area, they enslaved the indians and forced them to work in lucrative copper mines. For that reason, many people moved deeper into the canyons and kept to themselves for generations.  They lived in the old ways and did not experience the changes in modern civilization. That meant that they also did not hear the gospel.

Young couple carrying feed for their animals.

 Lloyd traveled into this area with a load of Spanish Bibles. Although the Tarahumara speak Spanish, they have their own language. At that time a Bible translating organization was working to publish a Bible in that language.

The memorable thing about these people is the way they dress. Some of the men wear western clothes, but others mix western with an unusual loin cloth that is longer in the back and comes to a point.

This couple was dressed up as they walked along the mountain road.

Most of the time the people are shy and they are reluctant to speak with strangers. Also, they will not accept water since they carry their own drinks. But Lloyd managed to greet several people he saw on the road and was privileged to give them Illustrated Spanish Bibles.

This man was traveling deeper into the canyon to escape the cold weather. He accepted from Lloyd gifts of food and an Illustrated picture Bible.

Tarahumara Indians are known to run long distances and even run down deer and other animals for prey. They are blessed with endurance and skill to navigate the rough area where they live.

There are people in areas all over the world who still need to hear the gospel. Please pray with us for the lost, especially in Mexico. Not only the lost tribes, but all who are spiritually lost as well.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  Mark 16:15

THE OLD RANCHER

An old rancher who lived alongside the road in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Over a period of twenty years, Lloyd drove throughout Mexico giving away Spanish Bibles. On one of his trips west through Chihuahua he remembers an overnight stop that was very interesting and heart warming.  He and his traveling partner Miguel had an impromptu visit with an old rancher who just happened to live along the road they traveled.

Always looking for things of interest along the way, Lloyd and Miguel saw the old man standing outside his house visiting with a neighbor. They stopped and introduced themselves and received a warm welcome to sit and talk, to share and to spend the night.  It was a great experience.

The rifle was needed to run off wild animals.

The man’s name is long forgotten.  He showed the travelers around his small ranch and he began by showing them his old rifles and handguns. A true frontiersman, he and his wife had lived there many years and had depended on what they could raise from the land. There weren’t many people around them, probably few government authorities. As with all early pioneers, they were on their own and had learned to defend themselves.  He showed Lloyd where a mountain lion had recently tried to kill one of his calves in a nearby pen. Fur and hair was still clinging to the rough places on the fence.

The hand guns he used were interesting.

Since the old man had recently lost his wife, he was so glad to have company that he showed them many other things, including his small quaint cache of dried meat. The beef was still attached to the bones. It had been dried that way and it would be used later as jerky or stew meat.

Bundles of bones with dried meat.

Since Lloyd and Miguel were in a sparsely populated area and it was late, they decided to spend the night at the man’s small ranch. The next morning they were treated with a warm filling drink called Atole. Atole is traditionally made with finely ground parched corn flour,  water and/or milk and seasoned with raw cane sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. People throughout Mexico enjoy Atole for breakfast on cold mornings or as a late night snack.

Lunch on most days was served on the hood of the Jeep.

There were old gold mines in that area, barely in operation, that once had been huge thriving works in a town called Oro. Large cranes and towers with cable cars crisscrossed the barren landscape, but the mines were closed to travelers and the curious.

Lloyd and Miguel left the old rancher, thanking him for an interesting and entertaining stay at his home. A few years later Lloyd stopped to see his interesting friend, but learned that he had passed away. Even though several years have come and gone since that brief encounter with the rancher in Chihuahua, the memories are still  special and vivid.  

People in Mexico were blessed when they received  Spanish Bibles, and Lloyd was blessed by the hospitality and diversity of the people he met. We are both glad that he took many pictures. 

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.”  Matthew 25:35

JESUS ALANIS RENTERIA

Jesus Alanis Renteria

Last week Pastor Zab's father, Jesus Alanis Renteria visited the church in Nuevo Progreso. He spent a week visiting and getting acquainted with the people. He spoke at the Sunday evening worship service.

Some of the people who attended the service.

There was good attendance at the service. Paola, a member of the congregation, said her whole family was there at the church together for the first time. That family was recently blessed with a miracle of healing.

Pastor Zabdi in Nuevo Progreso

Pastor Zab is doing a great job at the church in Nuevo Progreso. The church is relatively new and the building is unfinished, so pastoring there is a challenge and it's very hard work. The presence of the Holy Spirit is most important in this endeavor.

Please continue to pray for Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Tamps., Mexico.  Many people need to hear the good news.

"Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."  Acts 2:47

INOCENCIO LARA

Paola with her father Inocencio

Born again! And he received a miracle!  Inocencio is the husband of Catalina, a member of our church in Nuevo Progreso.  His daughter Paola reports that they have good reason to believe in God.  Paola said, “After 4 months of trials where God always showed His faithfulness, not because it was deserved but because He is merciful, my father was born again!  It was a long and painful process and only we in the family knew what was going on.  But now we are praising the Lord! God is great! God is good! God is faithful! And His miracles still exist!”

Inocencio was operated on 2 months ago and after surgery he lost his voice completely.  Last Sunday the family went to church and for the first time Inocencio accompanied them. At church he recovered his voice! A miracle of God! Since that day he has not stopped talking! And the family has not stopped giving thanks to God!

The Lord is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble.  

Psalm 149:4 CEV

SUMMER BIBLE SCHOOL IN NUEVO PROGRESO

The first day of vacation Bible school.

Pastor Zab and the congregation in Nuevo Progreso conducted a week of services for the children. The theme was "I LOVE MEXICO!" Along with Bible stories, games and music, the children learned various customs of Mexico. For instance, people in each region of the country wear a different colored sombrero. 

The ladies send a greeting as they prepare for many children.

 The days are extremely hot now in northern Mexico, but that didn't stop the activities and the fun. From the expressions, it looks as if everyone had a good time.

This is Nancy, one of our beautiful young ladies in the church.

Many helpers were there for this great event.

Colorful decorations!

There are many children around the church in Nuevo Progreso. This is a great opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them through summer Bible school. Pastor Zab and his helpers are doing a great work! We pray for the Lord to continue to bless them!

BRENDA AND ESBEIDY

Brenda and her baby Esbeidy

Brenda and her baby girl, Esbeidy, took a quick trip to Monterrey last week so that doctors could do a preliminary examination of Esbeidy and her cleft palate. Brenda reported that the trip went well and they would be returning to Nuevo Progreso over the weekend.  Esbeidy will need corrective surgery soon.

Esbeidy was dedicated to the Lord in a sevice at the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso in May. The congregation prayed over her and asked the Lord to take care of her in the future.  We know that she is in God’s hands. But Esbeidy will need a lot of prayer in the near future, as she goes through surgery on her face.

Esbeidy is presented to the Lord.

“And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”  Mark 6:56

Esbeidy and her faither Raymundo.

ESBEIDY

Brenda and Baby Esbeidy

Esbiedy is the new daughter of Brenda and Raymundo in Nuevo Progreso. This beautiful little girl was born with a deformity of her upper lip and with a cleft palate and she will need surgery.

Brenda and Raymundo had Esbiedy dedicated to the Lord on May 27th. Pastor Oliver Altamirano officiated in the ceremony. In Mexico, this ceremony is called a presentation to the Lord, using the scripture in Luke: 2: 22 “And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.”

Pastor Oliver Altamirano officiated.

There were many friends and family members present at the special service and a big celebration was held afterward. Please pray for this special baby girl and for her future.

Esbeidy will need surgery to correct her problem.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

NUEVO PROGRESO'S NEW PASTOR

Zabdi Lemuel Alanis Cantu

A new pastor was appointed Sunday evening for the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso. Zabdi Lemuel Alanis Cantu came to us from Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico where he pastored a Church of God for several years. Brother Jorge Leal, Overseer of northern Mexico, told us how he called on Zabdi about the position a few days ago. His response was his need to pray for guidance and confirmation.  Wednesday, May 2nd at 1:00 in the afternoon, he called Brother Leal to say he had made his decision. He sensed the call to come to Nuevo Progreso.

Overseer Jorge Leal watches as Pastor Oliver Altamirano gives Pastor Zabdi the keys to the church.

Five other district pastors were with us when Brother Leal introduced Zabdi to our congregation. Brother Oliver Altamirano was given the honor of symbolically presenting Zabdi with keys to the church and parsonage. Then the pastors gathered around him and with the laying on of hands, made the appointment official.

The other pastors gathered around to lay hands on Pastor Zabdi in prayer.

"We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose."  Romans 8:28 CEV

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Lloyd and I joined the pastors for lunch.

We were honored to host a district leadership meeting of the Church of God. With us was Sister Nina Navarro Flores and her husband Primitivo, pastors of the Church of God in Reynosa, Claudia Leticia Lugo Briones, pastor of the Church of God in Rio Bravo, Brother Oliver Altamirano and his wife Alicia, pastor of the Church of God in Rio Bravo, and Jose Hernandez Cortes and his wife Ludim Carmona, pastors from Reynosa. Their church is called Hepsibah, which means “My delight is in you.”  Also present was Simon Reyna Gonzalez, District Youth Leader and Youth Leader of Hepsibah church in Reynosa.

Brother Oliver and his wife Alicia

After a time of praise and worship, the group spent time in prayer, not only for our church but for all 6 Churches of God in Reynosa, Rio Bravo and Nuevo Progreso. Then we enjoyed a hot lunch prepared by Azucena in our church kitchen. A lengthy meeting followed and plans were made for the future including a district wide water baptism service to be held in May.

Sister Nina Navarro, pastor and district supervisor.

It was an enjoyable day, spending time with people who have dedicated their lives to their churches and to the Lord.

Brother Jose Hernandez Cortes and his wife Ludim, pastor of Hepsibah Church of God in Reynosa

Sister Claudia Leticia Lugo Briones, pastor of a Church of God in Rio Bravo

Simon Reyna Gonzalez, District Youth Leader and Youth Leader of Hepsibah Church of God in Reynosa.

"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."  Acts 9:31

MI CASA ES SU CASA

Gerson and Lloyd

Gerson came to Nuevo Progreso to pick up his school records that are needed for his university classes next year. In Mexico, it’s better to make the trip to get the papers than to have them mailed across country.  From one Wednesday to the next, Gerson stayed in the parsonage, and he helped us with many projects while he was here.

Lloyd and Gerson work together on a sign that says "Mi Casa Es Su Casa."

Gerson and Lloyd hung some wooden signs inside the church. One sign says, “Mi casa es su casa,” my house is your house.  Another over the parsonage door says, “Casa de pastor,” house of the pastor.  Gerson didn’t need a ladder to hang the signs over the door since he is 6' 3" tall!

Gerson, Joyce and Pelon the church dog.

Gerson is studying computer technology and graphic design in the university in Nayarit. He said when he finishes classes, he will be qualified to work anywhere in the world in his field. His commitment and dedication to his education is commendable. More than that, is his commitment to the Lord.

It was hard to say goodbye to Gerson when he left us to go to the airport in Reynosa. He’s a quiet young man, very serious and yet always ready to smile. Any time Lloyd or I started to pick something up or move something, Gerson was quick to jump up to help.  It was good to have someone there at the church and he’ll be greatly missed.

Before leaving, Gerson said he wants to come back to Nuevo Progreso next Spring during his vacation. It seemed like he enjoyed his stay in the parsonage. And Pelon, the church dog, enjoyed being with him too!

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:3