ANTONIO'S VISION

Antonio the goat herder.

Antonio watched his herd of goats Tuesday as they grazed in the tall grass at the church. It was obvious that he was excited and had something he wanted to tell us. Antonio then said he had a vision from the Lord and in the vision the Lord said that he is to come and join us and help with our church. He said, “I want to come and bring my people with me. And I want to bring all the children. I want to see them with their hands raised praising the Lord.” He swung his arm dramatically out over the nearby neighborhood to emphasize what he said. 

Then he took my hand and began to pray and praise the Lord. The Spirit was so strong on him that I could feel the Lord all around us there in the lane. 

“I will be at the church Sunday,” he said. “And I will bring my people and I will bring the children”

I don’t know if he referred to his family or people from his church, but he seemed very sure as if he had been touched and moved by this experience. He then hurried away to follow his goats and I went back into the church, and both of us were still praising the Lord. 

PERLA AND ROGELIO

Perla and new baby.

Rogelio spent over two years behind bars somewhere in Reynosa. He had to leave behind his wife Perla and their new baby girl. But now he is free and they are once again living with his parents Apolinar and Carla. Being in jail in Mexico is nothing like it is in the United States. Rogelio’s family visited him often, taking him basic necessities that he would otherwise do without.

Their baby girl is now almost three years old and Perla and Rogelio are also the proud parents of a new baby boy they named Rogelio. The little girl’s name is Stephany. About five years ago this young couple lost their first child and now Perla proudly wears his name in a tatoo on her arm. Little Eriberto was only two years old when he died of influenza.

Their first child's name is forever on Perla's arm.

Apolinar and Carla weren’t at home when we stopped to visit. They have a good business selling tacos and drinks to the many truckers who are sometimes lined up on the road that leads to the international bridge. Truckers who are forced to wait long periods of time before they can proceed are happy to have homemade lunches delivered by bicycle right to their trucks.  And these huge 18 wheelers go right past Apolinar’s house.

Estevan, Javier and Cynthia came running out of the house when we drove up. These handsome and lovable children call us abuelo y abuela, grandpa and grandma. They always like to help us carry in the things we bring for their family. This time besides the food, we included cold medicines and garden seeds. Estevan and Javier quickly plundered through the bags and found special treats for them, M&M’s and peanuts. We always like to emphasize to these special families that their help comes from the Lord. 

Estevan showed us his new puppy.

Perla is with Javier, Stephany and Estevan.

“My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:2

A FISH STORY

Alejandro expertly cast his net on the water.

Many people in Mexico fish with nets as they did in Bible days. They are expert in casting a very large net across the water. Alejandro Canales Medina is an avid sportsman both with a net and with a rod and reel. He often fishes the Rio Grande River and participates in competitions to catch the biggest fish.

Lloyd showed them how big the turtle was.

Catfish are caught in the Rio Grande along with many other species, including Tilapia which can be found in small lakes near the border. Tilapia is similar to the type of fish that was found in the Sea of Galilee when the disciples fished along the shores.

One evening after church Lloyd told Alejandro that he had seen an extremely large turtle swimming in the waters near the church. Alejandro hurried home to get his fishing net and within minutes he returned to try and catch the giant turtle. He loves a challenge.

Alejandro is a true fisherman and a good sport.

All Alejandro managed to catch were tree limbs that had fallen into the water. Then he had to remove his shoes and wade into the mud to retrieve his net. But he was enjoying every bit of it.

The sun was setting and it was getting too dark to cast the net more than once or twice into the muddy water. But Alejandro said he would definitely return to that spot so he would possibly see the turtle. No doubt he would catch and release the critter after taking some pictures.

The time we spent that evening near the water was reminiscent of Jesus calling his disciples as they fished with their nets along the seashore. Having a greater purpose in mind, he said:
  “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”  Matthew 4:19&20