PRAYING FOR SOULS

Lloyd is praying for a man on the street in Mexico.

RISE UP AND RESCUE SOULS!

"Lord, direct us to the right place at the right time." That's the way we pray before crossing the border into Mexico; and one day we met a man from Guatamala at exactly the right time.

Because of extremely heavy traffic, we drove home by way of a different international border crossing. It was late and both of us were hungry, so Lloyd suggested we stop at the La Fe Cafe in Los Indios. And that's where we met the man from Guatamala.

La Fe was closing for the day and we were the last two people to be served when a man knocked and asked if he could come in. He then asked if anyone knew where he could find a church. There was a look of despair on his face, his shoulders drooped and deep lines were on his forehead. "I need to get right with God," he said emotionally.

Before long we were seated at the table talking with him. He had been to a doctor in Mexico because he felt so bad, but the doctor told him his problem was only depression. His name was Edwin.

Lloyd urged Edwin to repent and commit himself to the Lord right there in the La Fe Cafe. Holding hands and with heads bowed, we prayed with Edwin while he cried and begged the Lord to forgive him. There was a new look on his face after he had confessed his sins and prayed. "Now I know that if I die, I'll go to heaven," he said with relief. "Now I need to begin to work for Him, I can't go back to my old life."

Edwin said that he and his wife had separated and he had become involved in sinful things. Recently he had felt a hunger inside for something more satisfying and he had an urge to attend church. He felt sure that God caused our paths to cross at the La Fe Cafe that day, and that gave him a new assurance that God was in control. Edwin expressed the desire to take God's word with him into Guatamala, so Lloyd gave him some gospel tracts and urged him to begin sharing his experience with others.

Even after all the delays and all the heavy traffic, the Lord led us to Edwin at exactly the right time!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

These children are fascinated with Christmas gifts provided for them by The Power Company Kids, Bethalto, Illinois Church of God. Pancho who is called Wenchi or "little old man," and Dulce are among many who will receive toys and candy during the season.

Others from Bethalto Church of God sent gift bags filled with lots of treats and good things for the children.

Praise the Lord, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare His praise? Psalm 106:1-2

JOSE LUIS

Jose Luis Figuera needs a miracle. His wife left him with two little girls, eight and twelve years old. Now he needs an operation and is asking everyone to pray for his healing.

Jose Luis sells corn on the main street in Nuevo Progreso, and that barely keeps his little family going. A new Christian, he often meets with members of the church for encouragement in the faith. We met with Jose Luis one day and we were impressed with his confidence that the Lord is going to take care of him and his girls. Please join us in prayer for a miracle for Jose Luis.

LA POSADA

This popular Christmas celebration in Mexico is called La Posada, a religious procession that reenacts the search for shelter by Joseph and Mary before the birth of Jesus. During the procession, the celebrants go from house to house accompanying Mary and Joseph looking for shelter.

You can see from the picture, the children walked streets covered in mud and water. We watched as they picked their way around the neighborhood near the church, singing traditional Mexican songs.

THE STREETS OF NUEVO PROGRESO

It was a standout moment when I wondered how we came to be on a muddy street on the outskirts of Nuevo Progreso. Pastor Gerardo and Miriam were in the back seat of our Jeep, their shoes so muddy that we had to put an old rug down for them to get in. Elias (aka Fish) was climbing in the back seat with them, laughing and describing loudly in Spanish the condition of his work clothes and shoes. The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day and no one thought it was at all unusual for us to be there. But just a short time ago these people who are now our friends were strangers to us. I turned to Lloyd and asked, "What are two senior citizens from Illinois doing in a place like this?"

What we were doing that day was going to the office of the delegado to talk with him about the city's new storm drainage system and recent heavy rains. This remarkable drainage project is an unusual answer to prayer, but we wanted some additional information and had some suggestions. Elias was going along to help interpret. Not yet a Christian, he is called Fish because of his past drinking habits.

Every street was so full of mud and standing water that it was necessary to switch into 4 wheel drive, but we were still excited and happy about the new drainage system. While slipping and sliding like we were driving through snow, we asked ourselves how many people our age have the privilege of such grand and rewarding adventures.

Officials were happy to inform us that the North American Development Bank headquartered in Texas is financing environmental improvements to border towns. Not only are drains being installed, but the outgrown sewage plant is being enlarged and a pumping station will be built, solving the problem of being flooded so often. It was very good news, reason for rejoicing as we navigated the awful roads back to Colonia El Jardin.

Against all odds and in spite of problems that seem impossible, our mission continues to go forward. And we still wonder how it all came to be.

November 2009 Beginning

We arrived in Weslaco, Texas on November 9, 2009 and began the process of unpacking and preparing for our ministry in Mexico. On our first visit across the border we learned that the church in Nuevo Progreso continues to move forward with several evangelistic events planned for the near future. Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam told us about their next project which is to take place soon. A local store has donated the one day use of a tent with a huge Pepsi logo which is to be set up on the church grounds. Chairs and tables are included with the tent. Another new church in town will join our church in this meeting and afterward they plan to saturate the adjoining neighborhoods with salvation tracts.

The Power Company childrens ministry of Bethalto, Illinois Church of God donated clown costumes and muppets to the Nuevo Progreso church. These tools will b a great help in the outreach programs to children.

Miriam reported that several in the church are hosting weekly women's meetings in their homes, inviting neighbor women to join them in worship, Bible study and fellowship. They take turns serving coffee and cookies at these meetings and the response has been very good.

Pastor Gerardo, Miriam and their children are comfortable living in the church parsonage. The building was cool in the recent heat wave and they expect it to be warm during winter months; the place is very peaceful. More than one person who has visited the location said they felt something unusual and special and they say they feel the presence of God.

Nuevo Progreso has started a huge project of installing a drainage system throughout the city even in the outlying areas near our church. In the future this drainage system will be a great blessing not only to the church, but to everyone living near flood prone areas. We're thanking the Lord for this answer to our prayers.

In the picture Esly is showing off one of the large muppets donated to the church with the help of her mother Miriam and big brother Gerson.

THEY HEARD THE CALL

It was an unusual meeting. It was not an accident that the four of us were brought together in a motel on the Emerald Coast of Mexico. And it was confirmation to Ivan and Luz that the Lord was calling them to work for Him.

Lloyd and I had been driving all day in Mexico and the extreme heat added to our stress level. It was time to find a place to stop for the night. The emerald blue of the Gulf of Mexico made a beautiful backdrop for the many motels lining the highway, but we couldn’t find the right place to stay. One motel was expensive, another had little protection for vehicles and many were difficult to access. With all the choices, why was it taking so much time?

After an hour of driving to the motels, inquiring and driving out again, it began to look hopeless and the temptation was great to drive on, but something made us keep trying. Finally we saw Estrella del Mar, the Star of the Sea, a beautiful motel that was almost empty. The price was reasonable, a free breakfast was included, and the only other occupants were in the room next to ours.

The next morning when we met the other occupants we learned that it was not an accident that we had chosen to stay at Estrella del Mar. Newlyweds Ivan and Luz Sanchez were on their way to Ivan’s hometown of Jalapa, Vera Cruz where Ivan’s brother pastors a church. They had been married only 2 days and both had a strong feeling that God had a plan and a ministry for them. Ivan and Luz had prayed for the Lord to give them a sign, and as we began to share with them about our ministry they were convinced that we were their confirmation.

While the sun was rising over the Gulf of Mexico, the four of us joined hands and prayed together for God’s direction in their lives. Then we gave them Bibles and materials to start their ministry and promised to continue remembering them in prayer.

Even though we had been frustrated about finding lodging the night before, we could see the reason why the Lord had led us to Ivan and Luz. He had planned for us to meet the two young people who had heard the call into ministry. And He placed us in rooms next to each other in Estrella del Mar Motel on the Emerald Coast of Mexico.

The picture shows the four of us early the next morning outside our motel rooms.

THEY SANG IN THE NIGHT

Late one night during our recent travels in Mexico Lloyd heard music that sounded like praises to the Lord. He had stepped outside our motel into the balmy night air to walk around in the walled courtyard. Since we had been looking for small churches that needed Bibles, he was excited about visiting that particular church the next morning. Because the music was so clear, he was sure it would be very near the motel. How convenient it seemed for the Lord to lead us to a place for the night right next to a church.

The next morning we left the motel and searched for blocks but didn’t see a church of any kind. We asked a boy on a bike if there was a church nearby, but the only church he knew of was several blocks away. Not knowing what else to do and a little disappointed, we kept driving through that side of town until we found a pleasant little church called the Mount of Olives. A woman who turned out to be a member of the congregation came walking down the street and we asked her for information. She offered to send for the pastor; and meanwhile she and some others who happened by got the key and opened the church.

Soon the pastor and wife showed up, out of breath with excitement and curiousity. When we told them about the music in the night, they confirmed that they had held a meeting the night before and had been singing together. But could we have heard them in our motel so far away?

By this time several others had joined the group inside the church along with Pastor Benito Zamora and his wife Anita. It was a spontaneous time of celebration because it was evident that we had been led to that place by songs in the night. This was the perfect time and place for us to take communion together as we prayed, worshipped and sang in the little church called Monte de los Olivos (The Mount of Olives).

Before we left these great and unforgettable people, the pastor’s wife Anita and the other women shared an almost unbelievable and exciting bit of information. Two months ago Anita had dreamed that Americans would come to visit their church!

Pastor Benny told us that there are many who need healing in their congregation and in that town. He said that the state of Vera Cruz has more cancer victims than any other state in Mexico; and there are many other health problems. We promised to pray with them about these needs and then we encouraged them to keep on singing and praising in the night!

THE CHILDREN OF POZA RICA

Poza Rica in Vera Cruz is a large city situated near the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by hills. Our goal was to visit the Church of God Childrens’ Home we’d heard about there. Alfa & Omega is located near the Walmart Store and Sam’s stores in Poza Rica. It’s strange to see those stores along with Home Depot, McDonalds and other familiar names so far away from home.

It wasn’t easy to find the childrens’ home. We were forced to stop several times in the heavy traffic to ask directions until finally we wound our way up a steep and narrow road to our destination. There were several clean white buildings perched at different levels on the hillside. The view from each level was breathtaking; we could see the city spread out below us. It was like we were in an eagle’s nest, protected and secure.

Pastor Elias Herrera and his wife Teresa greeted us with enthusiasm; inviting us to spend the night with them. Our room was next to a balcony that overlooked the buildings below and the countryside. The air was cool, the windows were open wide and large hawks soared in the air around us.

Pastor Herrera told us how he began over 20 years ago ministering to the abandoned children who lived under the bridge in the city park in Poza Rica. He took food to the children for some time until one night a large group of them appeared at his church parsonage. They had been threatened by a gang of older children and needed sanctuary. He took them into his own home and gradually established the childrens’ home. There are no more children living under the bridge in Poza Rica, because now they have a place where they are safe.

During the evening we had a time of sharing with the 35 children presently living in the home. It was very touching when Pastor Herrera asked them to gather around the two of us and pray. It’s hard to describe the feeling of so many soft little hands resting on our backs, along with hearing their whispered prayers for us.

Alfa & Omega continues to be challenged by the need for water for their facilities. They have drilled for water on their hill many times and have been unsuccessful. All the water they use must be purchased and hauled in by trucks.

Please pray for Alfa & Omega and for Pastor Herrera and his wife Teresa shown in the above photograph. They have given up their lives to provide a Christian home for many children who were lost in Poza Rica.

LORD, PLEASE CLEAR A PATH!

Our prayer request for months had been for the Lord to clear a path into Mexico for His Word. There were many people joining us in this prayer. We had heard all the negative reports from south of the border and had been advised by many not to attempt such a trip. But we knew that we had been instructed by the Lord to go. If we were on a divine mission, there would be divine protection.
From the moment we left Weslaco, Texas until our return two weeks later, we were never once stopped, questioned or searched by authorities. Not one person asked to see our papers, our passports or our visas. We had an amazingly clear path!
We distributed hundreds of Spanish Bibles and thousands of gospel tracts to churches in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz and Tabasco. In past years it was difficult to take large amounts of materials into Mexico because of the military and federal checkpoints, the questions and the red tape. But many times on this trip we wished we had brought a lot more materials with us. This time the doors were opened wide for God’s word.
There was not only a clear path, but the liberty and boldness to witness to the people to tell them that Jesus is coming soon and that they need to be prepared. We had the distinct feeling that there were angels watching over us, preparing the way and giving us directions. More than once we wondered if the person we had just talked with was sent specifically to guide us.
We were reminded over and over that our God is full of compassion and love for the Mexican people. It was so thrilling to find small humble churches in remote areas and to tell pastors that we had come to give them Bibles. It was encouraging for them to realize that God knows exactly where they are and what they need. And it was encouraging for us to know that we were always on the right path!

AN ANCIENT LAND AND THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

We took an amazing and successful trip into Mexico with Spanish Bibles last month. There were friendly people everywhere ready to help us or give us directions or just visit with us.

It’s hard to describe the many contrasts in that country. We drove slowly on dirt roads into remote areas in the mountains and we drove on new four lane highways across the flatlands. We spent nights in high places where we were surrounded by soft green hills and we stayed along the Emerald Coast on the Gulf of Mexico. In one cafe near a beautiful plaza pigeons walked around our feet searching for crumbs. In the night green geckos clung to the walls and ceilings watching for insects. Old men rode burros and carried heavy loads while young men sped around town on motorbikes. And always there was the feeling that we were traveling across an ancient land.

Our first destination was the old city of Ocampo that is nestled in a high valley. The city was established in the early 1700's near an old Catholic mission. Indians who lived in the nearby hills joined the Spaniards in farming the land and raising sugar cane. The city was first known as Santa Barbara.
We stayed in the home of Pastor Carlos Chapas, on a shady cobblestone street at the edge of town. The place was full of the sound of turtle doves singing in the enormous old trees. Almost every backyard was home to chickens and roosters, one or two pigs and lots of fruit trees. Since there was little traffic, there were always dogs sleeping in the middle of the streets.

Pastor Chapas guided us into remote areas in the countryside, down narrow winding lanes looking for small churches that needed Bibles. In one area we met Pastor Rodrigo Olvera Vazquez who had been crippled since childhood. After giving the pastor and his wife a box of Bibles, we joined with them in prayer, especially for him to be healed. And we all felt the presence of the Lord in that secluded and quiet place.

We stood holding hands in that ancient land praying to our Father in Heaven, the "Ancient of days." Daniel 7:9

The Wall of Separation

This is the steel wall being constructed along the Rio Grande River in south Texas. The wall is embedded deep in concrete and it is is very high. It will be impossible to go under the wall and it will be impossible to climb over it. It is an overwhelming thing to see as it winds its way along the beautiful river that separates one country from another. It’s purpose of course is to keep people on their proper side of the river.

We sat in our Jeep and watched as flocks of birds flew noisily over the wall, back and forth, paying no attention to the barrier. The wind gusts blew dust through the wall, from one side to the other. Of course that’s because the wall is only to stop the flow of people.

Isn’t it good to know that one day when Jesus comes there will be no such fences or walls of separation between us?

José's Miracle

For years José sold tacos from a little cart near the

bridge in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. But he had a sickness in his lungs and had to use oxygen. He continued to get worse and for the last two years he was attached to an oxygen tank twenty four hours a day. He could only walk a few steps without running out of breath. He was pale and sick, couldn’t sleep at night and even the smallest sounds of children playing tormented him.

Two weeks ago someone invited José and his wife to church in Nuevo Progreso. Pastor Gerardo prayed for him, and José accepted Jesus into his heart. Within twenty four hours José realized he no longer needed the oxygen and he began to walk back and forth in his yard, finally free of the four foot tank in his living room. His wife Guadalupe was concerned, but José told her God had healed him.

José's sons have been coming to see what happened to him, hardly able to believe how he looks and acts. All the neighbors are coming to his house to see the miracle!

Pastor Gerardo took us to visit José and we found him sitting outside in the shade, an open Bible and his glasses on a chair where he had been reading. Guadalupe confirmed that there have been big changes in her husband since he was prayed for at the church. She told us that his illness had caused a lot of stress in their family, but now everything is peaceful and she’s very happy. We asked José’s permission to take his picture and tell about his experience. He said he wants everyone to know what has happened.

We had a time of prayer together, thanking the Lord for His goodness for not only saving José, but healing him. And José continues to say, "Esta un milagro!" (It’s a miracle!)

Esteban and Mario

This picture was taken on our recent trip taking Bibles to Ciudad Acuna. With us are our friends Esteban, Jr. and Mario.

A Week In Ciudad Acuña

Twelve years ago we met Esteban and Nohemi and their two boys Esteban Jr. and Mario, in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. Immediately drawn to them, it wasn’t long before we were visiting in their home regularly. Here's a picture of Esteban's family.

On our recent visit Nohemi told us that she had an auto accident and they had to pay the damages by selling their home. They lived with family until recently when they began constructing a new dwelling on the other side of town. Nohemi was left with damage to her neck. She had a large area of swelling and inflammation around her throat that was from all the stress and pressure they’ve had. We anointed Nohemi with oil and prayed for her to be healed. By the next evening the swelling had begun to diminish and she felt better!

Bibles Into Remote Areas

On our recent trip to Mexico we were privileged to take boxes of Spanish Bibles, gospel tracts and Sunday School literature to two little churches in Ciudad Acuña, one in Santa Eulalia and one in Jimenez. We drove west of Ciudad Acuña on winding country roads to Santa Eulalia through the scrubby landscape; seeing nothing but cactus, pale green chaparral and the occasional vehicle. About the time we thought Santa Eulalia didn’t exist, we saw a small cluster of houses in the distance and finally entered the sleepy little place. There were one or two small grocery stores, a little garage and one tiny restaurant which was closed. But we found a Baptist church that gladly received a box of Bibles and materials. It was called Cristo Viene or Christ is Coming.

Trip to Jimenez in Coahuila

Esteban and his family accompanied us on the trip east of Ciudad Acuña to the small settlement of Jimenez. There we visited José, whose wife who is from the jungles of Chiapas. In the last few years the two of them have successfully translated the New Testament from Spanish to the Indian language of Chiapas and recorded it on CD for distribution. We were inspired by hearing their testimonies of how the Lord has blessed their ministry. Also, we were happy that Esteban’s family shared these moments with us.

Dangerous Roads in Coahuila

The sun had set long before we left Jimenez. The six of us climbed back into the Jeep and drove out of the settlement toward the main road back to town. We drove up an enbankment and made a sharp turn to the right onto the blacktop where we were almost hit by an enormous truck that was barreling toward us without any lights. That event reminded us of the importance of prayer and how necessary it is to be under the protection of the Lord at all times.

There is no way to measure the success of such a trip, but we left Ciudad Acuña knowing that we had done God’s will. We hope that perhaps we have made a difference and that we brought some encouragement and hope to the people we met. Here’s a photo of Esteban and Nohemi, Esteban Jr. and Mario along with Nohemi’s mother and father and a nephew.

Souls Saved in Nuevo Progreso

Two weeks ago a young couple came to Pastor Gerardo's house asking for help. The couple had been living together not married and they were feeling very guilty. It wasn’t long before the two were on their knees repenting and accepting Jesus into their hearts. The couple wants to get married as soon as possible and they are planning to attend church.

One night soon after that Gerardo was awakened by two noisy young men outside in the street. He went out to talk to the men and learned that they live nearby and are both drug dealers. Seeing that they were evidently very troubled, Gerardo talked to them for a long time outside in the dark. Before their conversation ended, both men had repented and accepted the Lord.

Gerardo and Miriam told us of other salvations and of more families who are especially interested in the church. There are others who want to join them in their weekly Bible studies.

God is answering our prayers for the salvation of souls in Nuevo Progreso.

In the photo Pastor Gerardo and Miriam are visiting with a woman who lives next to the church.

Javier

As a Bible student, Javier came to Nuevo Progreso three years ago to pastor our mission church. He worked hard to build up the congregation, visiting people in their homes, praying for the sick and making a lot of friends in the area. Many people were saved during the time he was pastor. In July of 2008 Javier accepted a position teaching in the Church of God Bible College in Hermosillo and Pastor Gerardo was sent to replace him in Nuevo Progreso.

Javier came to Nuevo Progreso early in March for a brief visit and we had a good reunion. There was a powerful moment when we all joined in prayer for the project in Nuevo Progreso. Then Lloyd laid hands on both Javier and Gerardo and asked the Lord to use them as leaders wherever they are. It’s very inspiring to see these two faithful young men committed to God’s work.

Pastor Gerardo And His Family

We took our first trip of the season across the Mexican border in 100 degree weather. We travel the 8 miles to visit Nuevo Progreso, Mexico numerous times a week while here in Texas. Yes, the military presence was at the entrance to Nuevo Progreso, but there were thousands of American tourists walking down the main street enjoying themselves. Nuevo Progreso has no major city nearby and is not attractive to drug gangs. Our challenge will be to drive deeper into Mexico with Bibles. We’ll need a heavy covering of prayer. At the international bridge we heard the squawking of parrots and the calls of exotic birds. We were surprised to learn that the sounds are recordings being used to discourage the roosting of flocks of longtail grackles at the bridge.

As usual the street was lined with parked cars, the sidewalks jammed with people until many were forced to walk in the street alongside traffic. Food carts take up space in the street, and people purchasing food were standing dangerously in the lanes. It was like navigating a noisy obstacle course.

Our plan was to meet the new pastor of our church in Nuevo Progreso, Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam. Pastor Gerardo is 41 years old and Miriam is 34. They have 4 children, Gerson who is 11, Nahum 10, Dana 8 and Esly 4. The two older boys were playing with tiny green geckos, letting them sit on their shoulders, climb on their faces and sit on their heads. Gerardo and Miriam live in a 2 room apartment near the center of town. They don’t have a car yet and walk everywhere. They were both happy to see us and wanted to hear our vision for the work in Nuevo Progreso. Our first meeting with the new pastor was very encouraging.

The Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

We took Brother Gerardo and Miriam to meet the new delegado (mayor) of Nuevo Progreso. Our request was for the use of the city "payloader" so the huge piles of fill dirt we were given can be used to build up the area close to the church. There are drainage problems on the land and hurricane Dolly in 2008 caused flooding even in nearby Colonia Francisco Madero, threatening several houses. The heavy clay soil of northern Mexico holds flood waters for a very long time. We have been praying for a solution to the problem because it affects so many families in Nuevo Progreso.

The delegado told us that truckloads of caliche (gravel) were being delivered to our neighborhood for use on the streets and he would send someone to the church to see the situation. He mentioned the possibility of creating a small canal to the Rio Grande River for better drainage since we are only about a half mile from the river. There is also a plan to lay drainage pipes in the low lying area so the problems during the rainy season will be eliminated. All of this was encouraging information. We appreciate the many ways the delegado and the city of Nuevo Progreso have helped us and the church through the years.

Marcelino and his family continue to do well. It was good to visit and see how the Lord is blessing them. Marcelino did a lot of work building our church in past years, sometimes camping out on the roof of the building to keep an eye on building blocks and supplies. Even though Marcelino doesn’t attend church yet, he realizes that he is being blessed. Missionaries from the nearby Methodist church built them a new home, a one room building they and their 3 children will use for sleeping. Their old structure which leaked badly when it rained, will be rebuilt into a cooking area. They were also given a new refrigerator. Marcelino and his family are being repaid for all he has done for God’s work, and the good thing is that he acknowledges and claims that it’s true.

All the children in the colonias surrounding the church are being invited to attend Sunday School. Miriam is excited about the classes and is making plans for possibly large numbers of children to be there. Brother Gerardo plays the guitar and keyboard, so there will be music along with Bible stories and activities. Sunday School is one of the most important elements in any church since it builds a strong Biblical foundation in the lives of children. The establishment of Sunday School is a major step forward for the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.


The picture is of the sign at the church which says Iglesia De Dios, meaning Church of God in Spanish.

The Latest On Armando Treviño

Last spring our friend Armando Treviño was told he had only one week to live. Because of a heart attack, his kidneys failed and improper treatment caused infection to set in. Since Mexico allows euthanasia, he made plans to die with dignity.

On one of our last visits with Armando in Mexico he prayed and accepted Jesus into his heart. At that point his life began to change. Suddenly he decided he wasn’t ready to leave his wife and little girls, so he asked his family to take him to the international bridge. Because Armando was still a US citizen, he decided to request admission into a hospital in Texas even though it meant leaving his family.

Armando’s life was saved, but both of his legs were amputated along with most of his fingers because of the infections. He now lives in his childhood home in Donna, Texas with his wife and children who joined him last summer. They are all very happy to be together again. The pictures show Armando and his three girls in their new home in Donna, Texas.