HIS BANNER OVER US IS LOVE

Christ sees, He comforts and He pardons.

That’s a song we used to sing in Sunday School, a song that the children would act out with hand motions. Thursday we hung a beautiful banner over our church in Nuevo Progreso. Along with the Church of God logo, it says, Christ sees, He comforts and He pardons.

It was a hot and windy day, so Marcelino struggled to secure the banner against the front of the building. Spry and full of energy, he climbed up on the top of the wall to see that the banner stays in place. He always has a way to overcome obstacles, using what he calls unique Mexican tools and ideas when he can’t find tools that he needs.

The wind was strong!

We accomplished a lot of other good things that day, including hanging another light fixture and putting in plants around the church. During this time Marcelino told us that when he attended our last midweek service, he felt a strong and unusual presence of the Lord and it made him very emotional. Then he told us he would see us at church the next Sunday evening.

The bag was big, but it was light.

We had a little extra help that day, four year old twins Alejandro and Dulce came from the neighborhood nearby. These extremely active and inquisitive children love to investigate everything we do and they ask a lot of questions. They also like to jump off of tables and window ledges and they climb on everything in sight. Anything left laying around is something they will pick up and carry off to play with. They need to be watched continually. But we found a way to make everyone happy - put them to work! When we were tired of being on our feet so much, we began asking them to fetch things for us. Whatever they could lift, they gladly brought us - a chair or a needed tool. They competed on who would help the most, so we made sure to keep it equal.

Pelon enjoys playing with the kids.

The children love the little folding tables and chairs that were donated to the church years ago. They not only love sitting at the table, they love wearing the chairs on their heads and standing on the tables. We all continue to pray for ideas and ways to help Alejandro and Dulce, along with their many brothers and sisters.

The goal is to finish and repair as many things as possible this season before we have to return north for the summer. Also we want the church to be in good repair before another pastor is installed. We’ve experienced some very refreshing services lately, good sermons and heartfelt worship. We want to see many new people at the church, many salvations and many delivered from sin and sickness. These are the last days and we are told to work while it is still day because the night is coming when no one can work.

God’s banner of love is not only being displayed on the outside of our building, but His love is also being displayed on the inside.

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon 2:4

MARANATHA

Maranatha Church of God in Reynosa

Sister Nina Navarro took us to Reynosa this week to see the church she and her husband Primativo founded 22 years ago. It was an interesting 30 minute trip by way of an interstate highway that crosses northern Mexico. It was a cool overcast day, interrupted off and on by sprinkles and drizzle.

Maranatha Church of God began as church services in the home of Sister Nina and Brother Primativo. The congregation soon outgrew the home and moved into a small building nearby. 13 years later they built the current concrete block building which is very similar to our building in Nuevo Progreso.  Sister Nina told us that they spent much time on their knees during the building of the church.

Inside the church. Brother Primativo demonstrating the comfort of their pews.

The outside of the building isn’t elaborate, but the inside is comfortable with padded pews and tile floors. There is no parsonage yet, but plans are to build rooms on a second floor for this purpose. It was interesting for us to see this successful and active church.

The banner shows the Church of God logo and the words "Christ sees, comforts and pardons."

While there, the church gave us a colorful banner with the Church of God logo that we can hang on the outside of our building. Our plans are to paint the name of our church - Bethesda Temple - Church of God - on the front of the church, but until that is finished the banner will identify us as a church.

One huarache that was big enough for a crowd!

After we had toured the building, we were taken to a local restaurant called El Nectar de Mexico. They recommended we try their specialty - Huaraches, or sandals. We thought the huaraches looked like BigFoot tracks. They were hot and delicious, especially when served with Cokes. The huaraches were like an open taco topped with meat, peppers, onions, cheese, tomatoes and avocado slices. We each received one that was served on a large thick board, one so big and heavy we could barely lift it. This was something different for us to try.

The highway that runs east to west through northern Mexico.

Soon we were driving back to Nuevo Progreso on the big highway. There was one military checkpoint on the lanes heading west, but our vehicle was not stopped.  Large bunkers surrounded by sandbags held Mexican Marines armed with rifles. This was a reminder of the current violent situation in Reynosa. There are warnings on the news that Americans should stay out of all parts of Mexico at this time.

It was good to get back to familiar territory, but we enjoyed the trip to the big city. Nuevo Progreso seemed peaceful and quiet compared to the sprawling city of Reynosa.

"Surely I come quickly. Even so, come Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20

PEACE AND LONGSUFFERING

Entrance to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

Although things seem quiet and peaceful at the church in Nuevo Progreso, the news tells us otherwise. The gulf cartel is active again, stirred up and angry with the Mexican government. They are sending very graphic messages to authorities, especially in Reynosa. The messages include the bodies of those they have killed.

Last week there was a gunfight on the Mexican side of the Los Indios International bridge, a crossing we use often. Several were killed, including one American who was in the way. The bodies of 15 people, including four women and children from Nuevo Progreso, were found in a house near the bridge. They had been executed.

In nearby Reynosa banners with messages were hung over highways threatening the mayor of the city and other officials. News reports coming from that area are few because reporters risk their lives when they publish such information.

A neighbor told us that Mexican Marines stopped at the end of the road to the church in the middle of the night. The Marines walked down the lane to investigate the building and then left.
We are thankful for their vigilance. They cruise the city making their presence known to everyone. We are also thankful for the protection of the Lord on our work across the border.
And it’s good to have a noisy dog guarding the church. Pelon, aka Leo the Lion, has a loud bark and an aggressive attitude toward trespassers. We know there are angels always standing guard around the church in Nuevo Progreso. This week U.S. officials warned all Americans to stay out of Mexico. It has once again become a war zone!

There’s a lot of drama involved in this work across the border. There are many challenges in overseeing the church and ministering to the people.  It can be emotionally exhausting, but also rewarding. About the time things are going smoothly, there’s a bump in the road.

Two weeks ago Pastor Zabdi returned to the home of his elderly parents in Torreon. We are once again between pastors. The District Officials of Mexico have been faithful to see that there is no interruption at the church. District Supervisor Nina Navarro and her husband Primativo drive 30 miles from Reynosa every weekend to conduct services. They stay until Wednesday.

Sister Nina Navarro, District Supervisor, Church of God.

Lately the neighborhood children have been a challenge. Sometimes these undisciplined children cause havoc during services. No amount of talking helps to manage them when they decide to have their way. In fact, they become very angry and aggressive when forced to behave. A lot of prayer is needed to find a balance between helping them and maintaining peace.

What is the answer? It is evident that we need the power of the Holy Spirit in our church. Only then will everything be resolved and in order because He is greater than all of our problems. Meanwhile, we are learning to:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Colossians 3:12 KJV

IN A SAFE PLACE

Sister Nina Navarro ministering to Fernando and Armando.

District Supervisor Nina Navarro spent quality time with twins Fernando and Armando before Tuesday evening service in Nuevo Progreso. The extremely active children, part of a very large neighboring family, like to come to church on their own. They enjoy the company, but they also know very well that we always serve cookies, coffee and other snacks after the service. And they’re always hungry.

Sister Nina brought with her a special speaker named Rudi, his wife Maria and their two children Sarah and Samuel. Rudi is an anointed preacher, filled with the Holy Spirit, with a heart that is broken and burdened for lost souls. His message was inspiring to all of us.

Sister Nina was happy to say that the Church of God in Mexico has become very missions oriented. The organization now sends missionaries to many other countries in the world, including Cuba and Spain. Since our church is a mission church, the Church of God enjoys lending a hand in evangelism and other projects. We are proud to be a part of the Church of God and to work hand in hand with these great leaders.

During the church service, the twins and their little brother fell asleep. It was as if they collapsed in the midst of their playing, one half way on the couch with his legs hanging and the other laying just as his actions stopped. One of the men gently lifted them into more comfortable positions and they never stirred.

Two of the boys slept on the couch and the other on a hard wooden bench.

Sister Nina said it was obvious that they felt they were in a safe place. They have become comfortable being in the church.  May these children always remember the safety of the church and the love they feel when there.

“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1