MEXICO'S MEN OF VALOR

Taking pictures of the military is not good for the safety of those involved, so this was taken from a great distance away and doesn't show clear details.

Their faces are solemn, their eyes guarded and alert.  They are heavily armed and protected with chest armor and thick helmets.  They take their jobs very seriously as Mexican soldiers.

We appreciate these young men very much.  They have worked hard to make the city safe and tranquil. There have been no incidents, shoot-outs or fights recently so residents are able to relax a little.  And they are there to make sure American tourists can visit Mexico to shop or enjoy the culture without fear.

To show our appreciation, we made up a gift package for them, some things they can share among a number of men.  Seeing one standing guard at the entrance to the city, we pulled over into a parking area and got out so we could explain our gift and express to them our thanks.  It was only seconds until several other uniformed men came out of a secluded area to find out the purpose of our stop.  We explained that it was a Christmas gift to them, having to repeat it several times because they couldn't seem to understand why we wanted to give them anything.  We emphasized that their safety is our concern since they are working in an area that has been very volatile.  And that they are very much appreciated by those of us crossing the border.

This picture was not taken recently.

It was fun to have a conversation with them and find out where they are from.  Every one of them smiled and their faces expressed their gratitude.  We said we'd be praying for their safety and that the Lord would bless each one of them.  And of course we had included several gospel tracts in our Christmas gift so they can read about how they can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Since we were on our way to a church service, we didn't linger long.  But we did point out that having Jesus in their hearts is primary to salvation.  We all shook hands and as we pulled away they waved goodbye and thanked us.

Please remember these fine young men in prayer, both for their safety and their salvation.  They usually come from all parts of Mexico and are lonesome, homesick and sometimes full of fear.  We feel the Lord would have us minister to them in every way possible.  They are Mexico's men of valor!

"And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!"  Judges 6:12 NKJV

A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT

DiAnna, Lupita and Miriam.

A meeting was held at the home of Jose and Lupita to discuss a health fair to be held at the first of April in Nuevo Progreso.  As usual, Lupita prepared a great meal for the occasion.  These three "leading ladies" along with other members of the church spent time discussing the details of the upcoming event.

The health fair given by DiAnna Olsen and her husband Scott from Minnesota, will be sponsored by the ministerial alliance so that it will be a city-wide affair.  More people can be reached for medical attention this way while reminding the people that their help comes from the Lord.

Many good things are being accomplished in Nuevo Progreso through the church and through strong leadership.  And these three women play a major part in those accomplishments.

VICTORIES AND NEW BATTLES

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam and their four children.  From left to right Nahum, Gerson, Esly and Dana.  This was Christmas 2015.

Christians know that when they enter new territories or have new victories, they can expect new spiritual battles.  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam have been a blessing in their city of Nuevo Progreso and it's not unexpected that there have been new challenges, problems and spiritual adversaries to their work.  But rather than becoming discouraged, they continue to say  "the greater the trials, the greater the victory will be!"

Recent heavy rains caused flooding on the east side of Nuevo Progreso where we have established the church and parsonage.  This is a very poor and low lying section of town where hundreds of families live in modest homes that are sometimes little more than sheds.   This humble area is where we felt there was a great need for a church and ministry outreach center that would serve these people.

The promised drainage system initiated by both the U. S. and the Mexican governments for environmental reasons has failed to fix the problem, it was curtailed due to lack of funds.  Although the church and parsonage are not flooded, the road to the church and the surrounding grounds are under water.  This is one of the challenges facing the church this year, ridding the city of this unhealthy situation.

Pastor Gerardo and the ministerial alliance have made big plans to improve the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Working as a team, they will be a powerful force to help the poor families and those who are sick.  Is it any wonder that there have been such attacks?

The Bible tells us to remember that "The battle is not ours, but the Lord's."  As we pray and keep our eyes on the Lord, He will bring the victory.  Meanwhile, nothing is stopping the work of the church, as services continue in other locations and in various homes.  Please join us in prayer in this spiritual battle for the city of Nuevo Progreso.

2 Chronicles 20:12 & 15 "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."    "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Pastor Gerardo and family when they first arrived in Nuevo Progreso about 8 years ago.

INTO THE CITY

Pastor Gerardo prays regularly for the city of Nuevo Progreso.  He and other members of the ministerial alliance are standing in front of the office of the delegado (mayor).

We were six weeks late leaving for the mission field this year. Lloyd underwent back surgery November 10th and he spent the next five weeks recooperating.  It was Christmas week when we finally arrived in the Rio Grande Valley.

Hurricane Patricia, the strongest hurricane ever recorded, hit this area hard in October.  Fifteen trailer homes were destroyed by water in the park where we live in Texas.  Across the border in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico the ground around our church was flooded and roads were destroyed.  People are still recovering from the devastation.

During our first meeting with Pastor Gerardo at their annual Christmas party, we heard good news about the work of the church.  In spite of all the difficulties and challenges, the church is making an impact on the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Pastor Gerardo was recently elected president of the city ministerial alliance.  Nuevo Progreso has an estimated population of 25,000 and there are 53 churches, but not all pastors belong to the alliance.  Pastor Gerardo said he refuses to be called "president" but would rather be the coordinator so responsibilities can be shared equally among members.

Scott and DiAnna Olsen and a medical team from Minnesota will conduct the annual health fair in April with the help of the ministerial alliance.  This will mean reaching more people throughout the city with the gospel and with free medical attention.

Pastor Gerardo is called on frequently to preach in other churches in the area.

Pastors in the ministerial alliance have expressed appreciation for Pastor Gerardo's doctrines and teaching, especially enjoying the Sunday School literature he uses from Pathway Press, a division of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  We plan to order a good supply of these materials to share with churches throughout the city.

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam and their four children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.

Regardless of all kinds of difficulties, we are seeing an unusual and heart warming trend.  The Lord is showing us what He considers important.  Not big buildings or fancy equipment, but going out and reaching the city with His Word.  This fits in with our goal, to see many people saved, healed and filled with the Holy Ghost.  Jesus is coming soon!

CHRISTMAS AND OTHER NEWS

DiAnna Olsen enjoyed playing with the boys and girls who attended the annual Christmas party.

DiAnna Olsen from Minnesota flew down to Mexico for the annual church Christmas party which was held at Jose and Lupita's house. Since we were late in arriving on the mission field this season because of Lloyd's back surgery, DiAnna took care of the annual Christmas event including making Christmas baskets for needy families, purchasing gifts for Pastor Gerardo and his family and bagging treats for the children who attended the party.

Pastor Gerardo gave a short Christmas message before activities started and then he gave an invitation for those with needs to come forward for prayer.  Miriam then led a short time of worship.

Miriam led a time of worship at the Christmas party.

Several of the women of the church served everyone the traditional tamales along with spicy bean soup, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes.  Tamales are a special treat for every holiday in Mexico.  There was a sheet cake filled with whipped cream and topped with fruit salad.  Another tradition - hot fruit punch was also served.

After everyone had finished eating, the children were lined up to receive small toys and bags of candy.  There was a lot of excitement and a lot of good fellowship during the whole time.

The children were admiring each other's gifts.

There were children present who have been faithful to Sunday School for years.  They came alone, always praying that some day their parents will join them.

This Holiday Season is a great time for the church to reach out with love to the community.  The party was free to everyone who wished to attend.  Everyone heard the old but good news of Christ's birth and everyone had opportunity to receive Him into their hearts.  And that's the greatest gift of all.

Boys and girls were lined up youngest first so everything was done orderly.  There was plenty for everyone.

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Orando por Mexico,  Pray for Mexico!

Hurricane Patricia swept across Mexico last week directly toward Nuevo Progreso in Tamaulipis.  For the benefit of their congregation in that city, Pastor of Bethesda Church of God Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam published these words of encouragement and hope.  They reminded us that we can take shelter in God no matter what storm has us in it's sights.  And there is a place of safety when we praise and glorify Him.  Here are the words that surrounded and comforted this group of people:

"We have much information about the hurricane, it's category, it's dimensions and it's location.  But we have more information about who God is!

Psalm 48 says: The Lord God is wonderful, He deserves all praise in the city where He lives.  His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth.  Mount Zion, truly sacred, is home for the great King.  God is there to defend it and has proved to be it's protector.  Kings joined forces to attack the city, but when they saw it, they were terrified and ran away.  They trembled all over like women giving birth or like seagoing ships wrecked by eastern winds.  We had heard about it, and now we have seen it in the city of our God, the Lord All-Powerful.  This is the city that God will let stand forever.  Our God, here in your temple we think about your love.  You are famous and praised everywhere on earth, as you win victories with your powerful arm.  Mount Zion will celebrate and all Judah will be glad because you bring justice.  Let's walk around Zion and count it's towers.  We will see it's strong walls and visit each fortress.  Then you can say to future generations, Our God is like this forever and will always guide us!"   Psalm 48

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

We thank God for His mercy to Mexico! " I promise that when any two of you on earth shall agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you." Matthew 18:19

"I am the gate, All who come in through me will be saved.  Through me they will come and go and find pasture."  John 10:9  "Your faithful people Lord will praise you with songs and honor your holy name."  Psalm 30:4

And after the storm:  

Bless His name!  We cannot attribute this powerful manifestation to anyone but our God!  "And I told you these things so that when they happened you would not say, The idols we worship did this!"  Isaiah 48:5

GOOD WORDS

Miriam del Carmen Razo Hernandez
Pastor's Wife in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

"Good thoughts - They are so important for us to always have.  If we open our mouth to speak, what we say or publish can be a balm to those suffering in different areas of their lives, both psychologically and emotionally.  Our intention should always be to edify people and not to destroy through humiliation and ridicule.  We live in a world full of violence and evil and the world needs the best of us.  Consider what you say or what you intend to publish!!!"  Words of wisdom from Miriam del Carmen Razo Hernandez

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8 KJV