A MERRY CHRISTMAS FIESTA!

This little boy had so much fun he almost fell asleep by the end of the fiesta.

About 70 children and 20 adults attended a big Christmas party at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  Everything was well planned and went smoothly.  Most of the kids arrived early, so Pastor Gerardo kept them busy singing and playing along with songs and games.

Miriam and her helpers served sandwiches and coolaid.  Sandwiches are a novelty in Mexico, tacos are the usual fare.  Then treat bags containing toys, books, pencils and candy were distributed.  Kids clutched their bags happily and examined each item carefully.  Even the adults happily accepted gift bags when all the children had been served.

The boys were on one side and the girls on the other for games.

Lots of thanks came from everyone as they left the church with their goodies.  And everyone was invited back to Sunday  School the next morning.

Many of the children sat on boards between concrete blocks.  Last winter Walter LeGette made several benches and tables for the church.  There are so many children who love to attend activities at the church that we need lots more benches!

Treat bags held lots of treasures!

Even the simplest of gifts makes the children happy.  Most of the bags for boys contained Hot Wheel cars which they love, coloring books, bright new pencils, other small toys and candy.

The girls each received small dolls, bright knit caps, bath soaps, pencils, coloring books along with their candy.

Thank you everyone who has given us these items in past years to make this possible.  You were a part of Christmas in Nuevo Progreso!

Pastor Gerardo always has fun with the children.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam have a strong ministry to children.  They seem to attract them wherever they go and maybe this is in part because of their own four children.  Gerardo can pick up his guitar and immediately have everyone's attention.

Because Miriam fell and injured her back last week, she was unable to take an active part in the festivities.  But she enlisted a lot of helpers and things went very well.  All the adults were impressed with the party and they seemed to enjoy it almost as much as the children.

Meanwhile Miriam's back is much better.  After much prayer and some treatments, she is able to move around without severe pain.  The walker we took helps her move a lot easier.  We are all very thankful that she was only bruised and didn't break any bones.

Baby Javier enjoyed the Christmas party!

Javier is the son of Apolinar and Carla.  At 18 months old, he is a tiny little boy who has learned his way around quickly.  Already he knows us well and has confidence in us.  He came to the party without his parents, only his two brothers and Bella, Rogelio's girlfriend.

These four children enjoyed the fiesta very much and when Miriam invited them to come back for Sunday School the next morning, they said they would be there.  They live close enough to the church that they walked to the party, but we drove them home.  It would be a tremendous blessing if these children would become faithful members of Sunday School.

Pray for the children of Nuevo Progreso!

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!

Excited children at a party at the church.

The greatest gift of all was offered to another large group of children who gathered at the church for a meeting.  They were told about God's gift of His Son Jesus who came to live in their hearts.  TWENTY MORE CHILDREN HURRIED FORWARD TO ACCEPT THIS GREATEST GIFT!!

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam's ministry to the children is prospering.  The latest event featured clowns, music, gifts and guest speakers.  The challenge in the future will be to disciple these children through regular Sunday School classes.

Mexico has many "idle" children.  These are children who no longer attend school and they roam the streets with idle time on their hands and no money.  The schools do not force the children to attend classes, in fact teachers are too quick to write them off as hopeless.  Marcelino, Jr. is now one of those children.  He's 14 years old and no longer wants to study with the others.  His father told him he would have to go to work if he won't go to school, but there are few jobs available.  These "idle" children are prime targets for criminals.

Sunday School is the only answer!  And we must reach as many children as possible with this great gift of salvation!

APOLINAR'S GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT

Lloyd with his arms around Apolinar.

Apolinar always enjoys a hug from Lloyd when we visit him.  There is gradual improvement, but he still needs pain medication in order to sleep at night.  Even though he can't work in the near future, he enjoys helping us plan for work to be done.  And we assured him we would try to use his stepsons on the job with his supervision.

Esteban and Javier, Apolinar and Carla's little boys both have chicken pox.  Both of them were outside playing although Javier was fretful and sleepy.  Other neighborhood children were playing with Esteban.  Lloyd noticed spots all over Javier's little body when Carla changed his clothes, and that's when they told us they'd been to the doctor for medicine.  How many others will now have this very contagious disease?  No wonder these things spread so quickly throughout the city.

STRANGE WELCOME NOISES!



This picture was taken with a zoom lense from a considerable distance.  It shows city equipment being used to pump away unwanted floodwaters from around the church.

 It was bright and sunny with few clouds in the sky.  A cool breeze refreshed us, a welcome relief from recent hot weather.  As we drove onto the church grounds, we could hear the thrumming of a motor in the distance.  Unable to find the source of the noise, finally we saw in the distance a lone man sitting on a trailer on the crest of the hill.  He lifted his arm in a big wave of greeting.  We waved back even though we didn't know who he was or what was making the noise.  After all, everyone is friendly in Mexico!

Then Gerardo told us the good news - the sound was the sound of water being pumped away from the church grounds!  The picture above which was taken at considerable distance, shows a large pipe carrying the unwanted water back where it belongs.  Again the man watching over the pump waved to us and this time we sensed he was sharing our victory.

It will take many days for the water to totally disappear, but it's a move in the right direction.

TWO YOUNG PEOPLE MISSING

Two young men, relatives of a family who live near the church, disappeared after attending a holiday celebration in Nuevo Progreso.  Late in the evening against the family's advice, they decided to drive back to their home in Matamoros, and that was the last time they were seen.  Details are sketchy since nothing about the event has been on the news.  But the family is grieving and requesting prayer for their son and grandson's return.  Their car has not been found, further adding to the mystery.

Gerardo and Miriam have made themselves available in support to the family during this time.  One positive result of the incident is that members of the family have committed their lives to the Lord, believing that God alone holds the answers.  Unfortunately it's not unusual these days for people to disappear in Mexico, sometimes being held for ransom and other times without leaving a trace.  Please join us in prayer for this family, that their loved ones will be returned safely.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES!

We have friends in high places!  After much prayer, Lloyd and I took Gerardo and Miriam to the government offices in Rio Bravo with a letter of petition for a final solution to the flooding at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  The flooding is the result of someone illegally opening a valve at a lagoon and allowing blackwater to flow out onto neighboring fields.  Within minutes of presenting our petition, our letter was officially stamped with approval by the President.  We were instructed to present the letter to the delegada back in Nuevo Progreso.  We left that office with a feeling of victory.

Lloyd suggested a quick visit with an old friend while in Rio Bravo.  This friend (whose name is withheld for security reasons) owns a very successful and prosperous business.  We saw her often when we first started the work in Nuevo Progreso.  We were welcomed with open arms and were ushered into plush offices where we caught up on each other's news.  Our friend continues to help the poor, and has rooms full of medicines, blankets and equipment for distribution and for a future hospital.

She asked what brought us to Rio Bravo, so Gerardo explained our purpose and showed her the letter validated by the President.  Immediately this powerful and influential lady came to attention, picked up her phone and started making calls.  She summoned her own company engineer, giving him instructions to visit our church that day to see the problem.  Then while making notes for herself and giving us advice, she promised us two truckloads of caliche (Mexican gravel) at no charge to build up and strengthen the roads leading to the church!

Before leaving, we all joined hands and prayed together.  This devout Catholic friend emphasized that she is only concerned with working for the Lord and doesn't care about peoples' differences like the color of one's skin, their nationality or their religious affiliation.  Gerardo read us the following:  "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this.  To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."  James 1:27


Our drive back to Nuevo Progreso was full of encouragement, hope and victory!  When we have the Lord on our side, He will give us friends in high places!

When our business was finished, we stopped at a nursery outside Rio Bravo where we bought flowers to plant around the church.

IMPROVING EVERY DAY!

Lloyd and Apolinar outside the pharmacy in Nuevo Progreso.  His son Esteban went along for the ride in the Jeep.

Within one week Apolinar showed improvement, especially in his attitude and spirit.  Friday on our visit he said he was out of pain medication and skin lotion.  When we suggested going to the pharmacy for them, Apolinar jumped at the chance to ride along to get out for awhile.  At the store he had opportunity to let his friends see his condition.  It was on a nearby corner that the accident occurred.

It was good to have some donated funds to buy the medicines for him.  After one therapy session in Rio Bravo, he and Carla decided they could continue the therapy at home and save money.  The fifteen minute session was simple and easy to duplicate.  We are looking for a doctor in the United States willing to do more surgeries without charge.

When we mentioned future construction at the church, Apolinar became excited and encouraged.  Lloyd had suggested Carlos and Rogelio, Carla's teen sons, might want to work on the church under someone's guidance.  Apolinar saw this as opportunity to pass along his construction skills to the boys; and at the same time help support his family.  He took note of what we want to do next and said he would be contacting friends who work in construction.  Also, he said he would work on estimates of how much material would be needed.

Apolinar said he'd have some figures by next week and would have an idea how many of his friends would be available for work.  It was good to see him laughing and excited about the future and about getting back to his favorite activity - building!

25 CHILDREN ACCEPT CHRIST!

At an event at the church in Nuevo Progreso, 20 boys and girls stepped forward to ask Jesus to come into their hearts!  All the children seem very receptive to God's word and are eager to learn more.  5 more children were saved when Pastor Gerardo and Miriam visited them in their homes.  Six year old Oliver told them on one visit that he was so afraid that he couldn't sleep at night.  He saw monsters and lots of loud machines that scared him.  While Gerardo talked with his parents, Oliver asked prayer for his fears and then he opened his heart to Jesus and became a Christian!  Later Oliver said he has no more fear and no more bad dreams.

Gerardo and Miriam ministered to another new family recently.  While visiting homes, they met an elderly man who had a severely inflamed and swollen hand.  Gerardo told the man that the salvation of his soul was of primary importance, but the man said he wanted to wait to make his decision.  Miriam prayed for his hand and quickly the swelling disappeared.  When they visited the next day, the man eagerly invited them in and showed them his much improved hand.  The whole family was enthusiastic about their visit and they were invited to come again and hold services at that house.

The ministry in Nuevo Progreso continues to grow as Pastor Gerardo and Miriam keep visiting new homes and meeting new people.

CHALLENGES, BATTLES AND ENCOURAGEMENT

The words challenge, fight and encourage were appropriate on our first visit to Nuevo Progreso.  Our friend Apolinar was burned severely last July when he was almost electrocuted while painting a building.  Now back in his home, he's improving but is extremely incapacitated.  There is no strength in his hands, the muscles in his neck are damaged and he can't raise or move his head.  He needs therapy and more surgery on his neck.



Apolinar Hernandez

 Apolinar was emotional when he told us what had happened.  He sobbed openly when Lloyd anointed him with oil and prayed for his recovery.  While Carla brought us refreshments, he hurriedly relayed to us what he could remember.

The instant he felt the shock, he called out to the Lord for help.  Immediately he felt someone shove him back which broke his contact with the high voltage wire, and he fell to the floor.   Three weeks later he opened his eyes in a hospital in Monterrey.  He had been in a coma and God had been speaking to him through dreams and visions.  Some places he saw were beautiful and some were terrible and full of frightening animals.  He saw two large lakes with a separation between them.  In one lake were beautiful people and good fish to eat.  In the other lake there were serpents and dragons and many people who tried to kill him.  He saw us many times in our Jeep and he asked when we would be coming to his house.  A woman who kept following him in the dream gave him a written prayer and then he was asked to make a decision whether he should stay or return to his family.  He told them he wanted to return, and soon after that he opened his eyes.

Apolinar questions why this happened to him.  Meanwhile friends and neighbors have brought food and some have helped purchase pain medicine.  After much pressure from attorneys, the owner of the building where he was injured paid his hospital bill, but he isn't willing to help further.  Doctors are suggesting therapy sessions for him in Rio Bravo.

CHALLENGES FOR THE CHURCH

Pastor Gerardo and his family are experiencing challenges.  This was an election year in Mexico and the government is changing.  Until new politicians take office, everything is at a standstill including the important new drainage project.  Once again the manager of the blackwater lagoon opened valves and flooded neighborhoods near the church.  When confronted, he became angry and threatening.  Gerardo went to the delegado (mayor) of Nuevo Progreso, but the main authority seems to be in Rio Bravo.  Gerardo was told to write a letter to the authorities and have it signed by all the families around the church that are affected by the pollution.

The reality is that the manager of the lagoon is the drug cartel boss over Nuevo Progreso; and everyone is afraid of him.  And he doesn't want the church to remain in the area.  But the Bible tells us that "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."  1 John 4:4

We ask that you join us in prayer about this dangerous situation.  Only the Spirit of God is able to defeat evil influence.  There is much fruit being produced through the ministry in Nuevo Progreso and it is not time to quit, but to encourage each other that the battle belongs to the Lord.

So much counterfeit money has been distributed locally that the bank closed it's branch office in Nuevo Progreso.  Many other businesses have closed due to lack of tourism.  There are many challenges and reasons to continue fighting these spiritual battles on the mission field. 

"God most High, have pity on me!  Have mercy.  I run to you for safety.  In the shadow of your wings I seek protection until danger dies down.  I pray to you, my protector.  You will send help from heaven and save me."  Psalm 57:1-3  CEV

Gerson, Pastor Gerardo's oldest son, is over six feet tall now!  He is 14 years old.  We are all very proud of him, his school grades are high and he excels in sports. 

Thirteen year old Dana is a bright, happy girl.  She ranked #1 in her class last year and likes learning English.

Esly, the baby of the family, is growing up quickly.  She's 8 years old and is a quiet little girl.

Nahum was away playing when these pictures were taken.  The family loves living in the parsonage and they enjoy working together as a team. 

NEWS OF APOLINAR

Our friend Apolinar is home from the hospital where he has been since July after he almost died in an accident.  He was burned severely when he came in contact with high voltage wires while painting a building.  He needs more surgeries, but money donated for his care is depleted.  Apolinar cannot raise his head and has to tilt his head instead in order to speak to anyone.  His left hand is disabled and there are other wounds to his neck and chest.  The hospital required $30,000 pesos ($3,000 American dollars) to release Apolinar and amazingly they accepted $3,000 pesos ($300 American dollars) and dismissed the rest. 

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam at the church in Nuevo Progreso have visited him and are taking food when possible.  They are asking other members of the church to help.  Apolinar has never committed his life to the Lord; but after this accident he will never be the same.

Apolinar had a vision from God when he hovered between life and death.  He saw the church and a river.  Then he saw God's hand make a bridge over the river to the church so he could pass.  Then an angel took a conch shell and filled it with water to quench his thirst.  There was also a pot of food for him.  He saw Pastor Gerardo and Miriam holding a cup of broth which they fed him.  Apolinar saw animals in his vision, and many other things that he couldn't explain.



Apolinar Hernandez in a burn unit in Monterrey, Mexico.  His doctors seem pleased and amazed that he lived, although he was almost electrocuted.  It's a miracle!

 Thank you all for your prayers and help for Apolinar.  He's not only a dear friend, but a very skilled builder of our church.  Before praying with him, Pastor Gerardo read from Psalm 116.  "For thou hast delivered my soul from death...I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living."  Psalm 116:8-9.

DANA RECEIVES HONORS



Dana and her mother Miriam at her school commencement ceremony.

 Dana, Pastor Gerardo's eleven year old daughter, finished her school year in second place in all her classes including English.  She was given the honor of accompanying the Mexican flag in the school graduation ceremonies.  We're very proud of Dana and we know one day she will go to college.  Maybe she will follow her mother and study to become a dentist.  Meanwhile, she and her three siblings work with their parents in the ministry of the church.  Even though she is extremely reserved and quiet, Dana has the desire to preach God's word.

PRAY FOR APOLINAR

Our dear friend Apolinar recently suffered an accident and was gravely injured.  He accidently touched a high voltage wire while painting a building in downtown Nuevo Progreso.  He is hovering between life and death in intensive care in Reynosa.  The medicines he needs for pain are very expensive, so it will be impossible for the family to take care of him without the assistance of friends.  Please pray with us for a miracle for Apolinar, for the healing of his soul and his body.

WATER BAPTISMS AND DINNER AT THE CHURCH

May 16th we finished our current project at the church in Nuevo Progreso for the season. It was a day of celebration, a special dinner and the initiation of the new baptismal font. We’ll go back to Mexico in November when we plan to work on the auditorium roof. Until then, the congregation plans to conduct campañas (revivals), events for children and combined services with other churches in the area. There is a good spirit of cooperation between churches, regardless of denomination, in and around Nuevo Progreso.


Thirteen year old Nahum is baptized in water.

Eleven year old Dana and thirteen year old Nahum were the first to be baptized in water in the new pool. Dana was very emotional when she came up out of the water after professing her faith in Jesus Christ. Nahum had a huge smile on his face. They both seemed to realize the significance of the experience; that they’d taken the next step in their walk with the Lord.

They prepared a special dinner for us on our last day at the church.

Miriam made arrangements to serve one of our favorite dishes in Mexico - stuffed pablano peppers! She and two other ladies dished up plates of Spanish rice and lettuce and tomato salad alongside the deep fried stuffed peppers. This time big bottles of ice cold Pepsi graced the table. We ate at the new tables made last spring by Walter LeGette. The tables have been a giant blessing since they are being used in many different ways for various events.


After dinner we discussed the planting of trees, plants and flowers around the church. There are two women in the congregation who seem to be especially blessed as gardeners; and they are faithful to cultivate and water what they have planted. The environmental protection agency of Mexico called COMAPA stated in the past that they would donate palm trees and other greenery to the site. This would be a blessing to all the surrounding colonias. Lloyd enjoys saving and planting seeds from various fruit trees and other plants. There is a six foot avocado tree he started from a seed that's waiting to be set in the ground at the church. It will be interesting to see how these plants fare during the harsh hot and dry weather in that area June through October.

These two women show off their lush trees and plants.

Before leaving Nuevo Progreso, Gerardo and Miriam took us to see the successful gardens of the two ladies. There is a grapefruit tree that is loaded with fruit that will ripen in the fall. We saw peach trees, banana trees, lemon and lime trees, apple trees, avocado trees, peppers, tomatoes, herbs and many other interesting and exotic fruits. All of this was crowded into a small space where one plant shaded another, creating a cool damp atmosphere. Wouldn’t it be good to produce spiritual fruit at our church and also have a supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to share with the neighbors!

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam are doing a great job pastoring the church in Nuevo Progreso. They are busy raising their four children: Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly, who all rank high in their schools, in fact Dana's grades placed her #1 in her class. This family is gaining a reputation for being quiet but compassionate, talented but humble. The greatest thing about this family is that they share our vision for the work in Nuevo Progreso. And although they are deeply rooted in the Church of God of Mexico and they promote and teach their doctrines, they willingly work and share with other churches in the area with the goal of spreading the gospel and seeing people saved.


"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalm 90:17 KJV

TO YOU FROM PASTOR GERARDO

Pastor Gerardo Estrada with his wife Miriam

(English translation below)

Hermanos:
Es para nosotros un placer saludarles en el amor de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, confiamos de que las promesas de Dios les favorecen y sus bendiciones son permanentes y abundantes a sus vidas.

El propósito de esta carta después de saludarles, es para agradecerles su generosidad a favor de este ministerio que gracias a Dios hoy podemos declarar que Dios esta apoyando su propia obra, que dia a dia avanza con pasos firmes; que gracias al respaldo de su Espiritu Santo, hoy podemos ver frutos de ese esfuerzo donde ustedes son y han sido personas muy importantes y valiosas para el desarrollo y avance de este proyecto. Dios acertó al enviar a sus siervos los misioneros Lloyd y Joyce Heiney a este lugar de Nuevo Progreso Tamaulipas, México, Dios conoce plenamente sus corazones apasionados por su obra dedicados y ocupados en el avance de su reino, que a pesar de los problemas, han permanecido firmes en el proyecto divino; donde sus vidas y ministerio de nuestros hermanos han sido para nosotros de inspiración y motivación. Que a pesar de toda firmeza.

Sin mas nos despedimos deseándoles que todo lo que emprendan Dios los apruebe y les bendiga, aunque no les conocemos queremos decirles que les amamos, porque el amor de Dios gobierna en nuestros corazones.

Con amorPastor Gerardo Estrada, Miriam, Gerson, Nahum, Dana y Esly


****************************************************************************************

Brothers:

It is for us a pleasure to greet you in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are confident that God's promises favor you, and His blessings are permanent and abundant in your lives.

The purpose of this letter is to thank you for your generosity in favour of this ministry which thankfully today we declare that God is blessing. Every day moves forward with firm steps. Thanks to the support of His Holy Spirit, today we can see fruits of that effort; and you have been very important and valuable people to the development and progress of this project. God sent his servants Lloyd and Joyce Heiney, missionaries, here to Nuevo Progreso Tamaulipas, Mexico. He fully meets their hearts' passion for they are dedicated and engaged in the advancement of His Kingdom. Despite the problems, they have remained firm in the divine project; and their lives and ministry to our brothers have been for us inspiration and motivation.

Although we do not know you, we want to tell you that we love you, because the love of God rules in our hearts. So we say goodbye, desiring that God will adopt you and bless you.

With love,
Pastor Gerardo Estrada, Miriam, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly



JOSÉ SANTOS REYES



JOSÉ SANTOS REYES


Storm clouds darkened the afternoon sky, news alerts warned of tornados nearby but it didn't have any effect on our little group praying for José. Pastor Gerardo asked him if he was a Christian and he didn't  seem too sure. Lloyd and I sat in the shade with Marcelino, Apolinar and José while Gerardo explained the simple story of salvation. José had been ill and we were going to pray for his complete healing, but Gerardo told him the healing of his soul was more important than the healing of his body.

The storm didn't materialize. There wasn't a drop of rain, only the distant rumble of thunder while we prayed. José wiped tears from his eyes when he agreed he needed to repent and be saved. He repeated a prayer accepting Christ as his savior and then we prayed that he'd be healed.

"AN ANGEL TROUBLED THE WATERS"

"There is in Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda. John 5:2

Years ago we named our church in Nuevo Progreso Bethesda which means pool of healing, place of mercy and kindness. The Bible says that at a certain season an angel troubled the waters of the pool and people were healed.
One project we worked on before leaving Mexico this season was a baptismal pool inside the church auditorium. We felt an urgency to complete the project so people newly saved can be baptized in water.
Bethesda now seems an appropriate and prophetic name for the work in Nuevo Progreso since we continue to receive reports that people are being healed. The baptismal pool at the church will be one of the few such facilities in the area. Is there an angel troubling the waters at the church in Nuevo Progreso?

This is a picture of the baptismal pool at one point during construction.  It will be finished before the rest of the building is completed so new believers can be baptized.

VERONICA

As we drove near the bus station in Nuevo Progreso, we saw a little group of people sitting on the curb.  There were two older women wrapped in blankets despite the heat; along with two young women and three babies. Lloyd pulled over to the curb and I got out to ask them where they lived. Immediately one of the older women held out her hands and asked for food. We handed them bags of food while I asked one of the young women whose name was Veronica where they live.  She replied that they have no home. "Where do you go at night?" I asked, and she said, "here and there, wherever we can find shelter." She then told us they are from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. They left Oaxaca because of severe flooding and the very poor economy.

It hurt us to think of this whole family on the move during the day without a place of shelter. They have no place to cook their food, no beds and no roof over their heads.  Veronica said her man sells hand woven bags in the market area, but most of the tourists are gone and he doesn't sell many.  Meanwhile they walk up and down the side street and the little money they have is spent on food that doesn't require cooking.

We urged Veronica to talk with Pastor Gerardo and Miriam about their problem. Immediately she said they had talked with three pastors already who weren't interested in helping them.  There's a possibility our church could help them in some way. Mainly now they need prayer and encouragement, they need to hear about Jesus and the story of salvation. They need hope. The women were happy to receive the scripture booklets we gave them along with our promise to pray for their needs. Please remember Veronica and her family and the many others who are homeless and hungry in Mexico.

This is Nachita, another street person from Nuevo Progreso.  She walks the streets every day begging for food.  Her home is a long distance from town, so she loves for us to take her back to her house in our Jeep.

JOSÉ AND MAGDALENA

Magdalena and her daughter in front of their young pomegranate trees.

A woman waved at us from her doorway when we drove into Colonia Jardin. She seemed to know us but we couldn't remember stopping at her house. We  promised ourselves we'd go back that way on our way home. Later in the day we drove through the narrow opening in the fence and up to the front of the dwelling. The same woman came outside with a look of recognition and a on her face.
Finally we remembered we had stopped to give food to a couple one day near the church. They had a wheelbarrow and were searching for firewood. Now we were evidently old friends. They introduced themselves as Magdalena and José with their children and grandchildren. All the family members live in separate little structures within the same fenced area. Lloyd noticed immediately that they had started a garden and I noticed a straight line of holes about a foot deep crossing the yard. The holes looked like they were for fence posts, but we learned they were for planting fruit trees, specifically pomegranate trees! One mature tree that was more like a large bush was already filled with small green fruit. They also had lemon and lime trees and other unusual plants on their property.

Lloyd told José that he would bring vegetable seeds for their garden and also he would bring some fruit tree seedlings he had started in pots.  Now we'll want to keep visiting them to see how their garden grows.

WHAT'S' IN A NAME?

In Mexico parents usually name their children something with significant meaning, mostly Bible names or names of Catholic saints.  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam gave much thought to what they named their four children when they were born, and their names have a lot of significance.  Also, the names 'Gerardo and Miriam' have interesting meanings.  All of their names seem fitting for today.
The name Gerardo is from Genesis 26.  Abraham and Isaac both traveled to the land of Gerar where God took care of them.  Abraham dug wells there and later Isaac cleaned out those wells and found fresh water.  The name literally means "a man who is good with a sword."  Miriam, the sister of Moses, means "the vine of God."  Miriam's second name is Carmen meaning cultivator.  Together they mean "one who cultivates the vine of God."  Gerson, their oldest son is named after the son of Levi.  His name means alien or stranger in a foreign land.  Nahum means "one who brings comfort."  His second name is Napthali meaning warrior.  Dana, from the book of Judges means "servant of the Lord."  Esly means "serious, and directed by God."
Taken all together they say: "A man good with a sword and his wife who cultivates the vine, are pastors of the church in Nuevo Progreso. Their children will be strangers in a foreign land, will not only bring comfort, but will be warriors. They will serve the Lord and be directed by Him."

Lloyd stood beside Gerson to show how tall he has grown.  He is 14 years old and is already taller than his parents!

LA FOGATA



Before dark the first arrivals played volleyball.



Around 25 young people sat by a fogata (bonfire) at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  They were singing, listening to music and eating food roasted over the fire.  It was very successful because everyone asked, "When can we do it again?"

They played volleyball and other games or just visited with one another.  Four churches were involved - one from nearby La Posta, another from Rio Rico, a group from the church of Pastor Jorge Lopez from Nuevo Progreso and Pastor Gerardo's youth.  One young person said it was a great opportunity to look for a future Christian husband or wife!  The loud sounds of energetic and active youth having a good time could be heard all over the neighborhood.

The following Monday the pastors of those churches and others met to discuss and plan more such events for their youth.  Our church has a lot of room outside for large numbers of people and this seems to be what everyone appreciates.  And we can think of no better use of the facilities!

Food Tables were set up around the fire.

MIRIAM

Miriam told us all about her past schooling and we now understand how she and Gerardo qualify to teach classes in adult education. Miriam completed seventeen years of school, including time in Bible school and three years in a school of dentistry. One and a half more years of school and she will qualify as a certified dentist ready for practice! It was a surprise to hear that she worked her way through school and accomplished so much.

Some time during high school she heard God call her into ministry. She struggled over whether or not to continue dentistry, but decided it would be a way she could minister to more people. She plans to finish her schooling when their children are older and she has more time.

Gerardo attended Bible school in Guadalajara and that's where the two met. They are not only well educated, but have spiritual depth and compassion for others. We thank the Lord for sending Miriam and Gerardo to our church in Nuevo Progreso.

Miriam holds a womens' meeting once a week for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. Some weeks the meeting takes place in a member's home. The women enjoy hosting the prayer meeting so they can invite their neighbors to join the fellowship. The picture shows a recent prayer meeting held on the other side of Nuevo Progreso.

GOD'S PROTECTION

We continue to hear of spirits being seen near the church in Nuevo Progreso. You are probably saying, "How much of this can we believe?" But because of past difficulties, we tend to believe the reports. The enemy has fought against a church at this location since the beginning. But this is where God told us to build!
Last year when flood waters surrounded the church, three children were playing near the water. A ten year old named Ilsy said they saw a figure all in white dressed like a woman. The figure was walking on the top of the water!
They ran home as fast as they could and later they told their story to Pastor Gerardo. He said there are several others who claim to have seen and heard strange things in the area.
Cartel members in Mexico seem to be terrorized by Santa Muerte, the saint of death represented by a skeleton in a robe. There are altars to Santa Muerte found on the roads and lately altars with candles around the image have been found near international bridges. Human sacrifice to Santa Muerte was reported last week in northwestern Mexico.
Could God be showing us that the fear of the supernatural is protecting the church? We have long prayed that the fear of God will strike those on the dark side and bring confusion on them.

EXTREME STORMS IN TEXAS

Thursday, March 29th dangerous storms moved through deep south Texas dumping up to six inches of rain in places and a lot of hail. McAllen which is 25 miles west of our home received the worst of the storm. There were tornadoes sighted in McAllen and south into Reynosa, Mexico.
Lloyd watched that night as a river of water flowed down the street in our trailer park. Anything not fastened down floated away. News showed pictures of one inch hail covering the ground in McAllen and drifts of hail blocking roadways. Car dealerships lost their entire inventory, roofs were blown off and neighborhoods were covered in water. And it was coming our way. We prayed especially for the church in Nuevo Progreso which is only eight miles south of where we live. The storm lingered most of the evening, causing major damage north and west of us.
Two days later on our way to the church we noticed that roads were dry and there was no mud. It had not stormed in Nuevo Progreso! The night of the storm a group of ladies met at the church to pray and some of them were from Reynosa. While praying they heard the news that tornadoes had been seen in Reynosa, but it was quiet and peaceful at the church in Nuevo Progreso. Later the ladies remarked that it was a blessing to have a peaceful haven of prayer, quiet and dry, while the storm was all around them. Many prayers were answered that night on both sides of the border.

ALTAR IN THE CHURCH

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam will use one of their new eight foot wooden benches for an altar where people can kneel in prayer in the church auditorium. They have read a lot of scripture lately emphasizing the need for an altar. Many times when the Israelites didn't have a temple they built themselves an altar, even while traveling.
It's exciting because it reminds us of time we spent at such an altar, or mourners' bench as it was sometimes called. Now the church needs small squares or samples of carpet for kneeling pads. The church in Nuevo Progreso continues to be a blessing.

GUITAR

Pastor Gerardo now has a very good guitar he can use either during church services or in his music classes. Brother and Sister Gene Easley from McAllen Church of God donated the guitar to him. Brother and Sister Easley used their guitar in their ministry, but since they no longer travel into Mexico they wanted our church to have it. The guitar is specially made to produce a high quality sound. Pastor Gerardo demonstrated it's quality by playing and singing us a beautiful song. Thank you Brother and Sister Easley for your generous gift!

The picture shows Pastor Gerardo playing the guitar. Now he and Miriam are praying for a drum set for the church.

YOUNG MAN DROWNS IN THE RIO GRANDE

A family lost their 21 year old son, Guillermo, Easter Sunday in the Rio Grande River about a half mile north of our church. Guillermo was the father of two small children.

Many families take picnic lunches to the banks of the river on holidays where they spend the heat of the day in the water and on the tiny beaches. Guillermo Sr. and Leticia who live near the church had seven children, all boys. Another of their sons was killed nine months ago in an accident with a horse. He was only 14 years old.

Pastor Gerardo said the sad news makes them want even more to have lots of youth events at the church. Young people in Nuevo Progreso need activities to keep them busy and safe.

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

"As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, robbers attacked him and grabbed everything he had. They beat him up and ran off, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road. But when he saw the man he walked by on the other side. Later a temple helper came to the same place. But when he saw the man who had been beaten up, he also went by on the other side.
A man from Samaria then came traveling along that road. When he saw the man he felt sorry for him and went over to him. He treated his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he took care of him. The next morning he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, 'Please take care of the man. If you spend more than this on him, I will pay you when I return.'" Luke 10:30-35 (Contemporary English Version)
Our mission is like that of the Good Samaritan. So many times we see hurting and hungry people on our travels in Mexico; and we feel sorry for them. Like the Samaritan, we are ordinary people who feel compassion and want to lend a hand. People reach out to us and we ask ourselves, "What can we do to help?"
This pattern of the gospel has to be at the core of all we do. When we help the hurting and comfort them, we earn the right to tell them about Jesus.

TEN PEOPLE

Pastor Gerardo has set a goal to intercede in prayer for ten people. These ten people are unknown to him, they may be neighbors or they may live on the other side of Nuevo Progreso. They may be connected to the cartel, but he feels an urgency to pray for their conversion and deliverance from sin. His desire is for the ten newly converted people to become disciples until they are strong church leaders. We are joining Pastor Gerardo in his goal; this is the only way to break the back of evil in Mexico.

CHURCH SERVICE IN MEXICO

Miriam teaches Sunday School outside using the new tables and benches for her students.

While most North Americans sat in climate controlled comfortable churches, we sat on wooden benches in the unfinished auditorium with no roof for shade. Fine gravel made a hard surface for a floor. Winds whipped us, but that kept us from suffering from the noonday heat.

Lloyd had a message for the church. This picture shows him standing between Melo and Mario who were going to interpret his words for the small congregation. It was going to be interesting since we didn't know how much interpreting the men had done. First there were several songs, Miriam read the 37th Psalm, they prayed for the sick and then took an offering. Then Lloyd spoke about the need for churches to be revived using the scriptures about water wells. Abraham dug wells which were later filled in with dirt by enemy nations. Isaac came along years later and re-dug the wells, cleaning them out and finding fresh water. It was hard work and it caused trouble, but it was worth the effort.

Lloyd mentioned the church's problems concerning the black water north of us and how the enemy has tried to defeat us. He read the verses about the woman at the well and how she was promised living water so she would never thirst again.

After his message, Lloyd invited people forward to pray for each other. There was special prayer for those who need jobs right now. Apolinar came forward to be prayed for because he really needs a job.

Nayeli's husband Mario joined Melo to help interpret the message. It turned out to be a challenge for both of them but they did a good job and both seemed to enjoy the experience.

ADULT EDUCATION AND THE CHURCH

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam have the unique opportunity to work with the Mexican government along with some other teachers to further adult education in Nuevo Progreso. This is something they did in another state before coming to pastor our church. They are in charge of signing up adults in their area who want to learn to read and write, teaching them, testing them and finally certifying them. And much of this will happen in our church!
Gerardo and Miriam are excited about this new project, seeing it as a chance to meet new people. Having the newly built tables and benches will be a great help in the classes even if they were built with children in mind. There will be up to 10 adults in each class and they will meet to study together once a week.
In addition to reading, writing and mathematics, the people will have lessons in history and social studies. There are other subjects such as how to have non violent homes, how to raise children to be responsible adults, how to care for the land and how to avoid drug addictions.
The Mexican government is not only promoting literacy among adults, but is addressing many of their most basic problems. It's not a church based program, but Gerardo and Miriam will have the freedom to use God's word. We are very pleased that our church can be used in this worthwhile program.

BIRTHDAY FUN!

The wind whipped us as we sat under the big shade tree in Marcelino's yard. Things that weren't held down blew away, but the wind kept us from feeling the extreme heat. Marcelino grilled chicken while we visited and the kids played. It was Belen's fourth birthday. Belen is Marcelino's granddaughter, a shy little girl with dimples who is always smiling and happy.

When the chicken was charred and steaming, the women served dishes of macaroni, mashed potatoes and lettuce salad. Then there was a white layer cake covered with diced peaches accompanied by vanilla strawberry ice cream and after that a watermelon! Nothing was too much for this special little girl!

Belen grinned when everyone sang the Mexican happy birthday song. Then she attacked her large pinata until she opened up the bottom of the Cinderella figure. But she was premature in her sneaky attack on the pinata. The candy was still hidden in the kitchen. Later Belen's mother tossed the treats into the crowd of children and everyone was happy.

One Mexican birthday tradition is to push the celebrant's face into their birthday cake when they least expect it. Jaime made sure Belen didn't miss out on this fun experience. By the look on her face in the picture, Belen didn't consider it a pleasure.

APPARITION SEEN AT THE CHURCH

Pastor Gerardo said one morning they were getting ready to take the kids to school and it was still dark outside. Nahum ran outside to be first to get in the car; and seeing it was locked he looked inside and saw the form of a man with his hands on the steering wheel. It was ugly and angry looking. Nahum screamed and ran back in the house saying he had seen santa muerte, the spirit of death.

Gerardo ran outside and looked into the car. By that time the form had shifted into the back seat and he looked into a face with enormous white eyes. Strong fear came over him when he realized that this was something supernatural.

Somehow Gerardo got the boldness to command the thing to leave. When he said the name of Jesus, it completely disappeared.

The whole family gathered close together after that to pray. Gerardo said there have been no other such sightings at the church and everything is peaceful and quiet.

We realize that our church is being built on ground that has never before been claimed for the Lord. There are probably ancient demonic beings that have never been challenged and they don't want to leave their space. Since we began to plant this church we have had heavy opposition, but we know that God is greater than the enemy. He has given us victory.

Twelve year old Nahum is shown in the picture standing by his father Gerardo at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

MIRIAM STANDS HER GROUND!

The church property has always been a short cut from one colonia to another, eliminating a lot of rough roads. Last week three expensive pickup trucks drove up to the church wanting to drive through, but Gerardo and Miriam's car was blocking the way. The lead driver honked and honked and when he didn't get results, he got out and knocked on the church door. Miriam opened the door and the man told her to move their car so he could drive through to the other side. Miriam said NO! He could not drive the narrow trail into the neighboring colonia because he would be driving over their water lines and possibly cutting them. The man said, "Excuse me, I didn't know." And he and the others backed out and drove all the way around to the other side.
Gerardo said gang members drive these expensive trucks and are easy to spot because they are very demanding and pushy. Miriam showed a lot of courage standing her ground and the men were polite as they backed away. We have discussed putting up chains or gates at the north and south entrances to the church. We also plan to display notices that this is church property and not a public road. A dusk to dawn light was given to the church and it would be good to have this installed quickly.

CAMPANA - CAMP MEETING & EASTER

April 19, 20 and 21 an evangelist is coming from Matamoros to hold camp meeting at the church in Nuevo Progreso. A car with a loud speaker will go around town announcing that there will be music, preaching and prayer for the sick. They are proclaiming miracles at the campana! Jorge Leal, the district supervisor from the Church of God in Reynosa is providing a large lighting system since there is not yet electricity in the unfinished auditorium. Let's pray for souls to be saved and people healed at the camp meeting.

According to tradition, the church in Nuevo Progreso will meet at sunrise April 8 to celebrate the day of Resurrection. This 6:00 am service will be the only service of the day, the rest of the day being set aside for family gatherings.

Work continues slowly on the auditorium walls of the church in Nuevo Progreso.

DRUG & ALCOHOL REHABILITATION CENTER

Many years we visited the rehab center on the highway outside Rio Bravo in Mexico. With as many as 100 young people there at a time, their success rate was good. Government funded, the center was religion based and Bible scripture decorated inside walls. A cross was painted on the logo outside the gates. We took gallon cans of vegetables to the rehab center plus other large food items. Once we showed the Jesus Film and gave out New Testaments. So we were surprised to drive up to the gate and see that it was abandoned.

Because of violence on the highways, we had not driven outside Nuevo Progreso for a year. But since we had so many large containers of food, we decided to drive 15 miles to the center. Before we reached the entrance we could see the weeds growing up on the lane and the broken windows. The chainlink fence was there, but the place was deserted. We later learned they moved to Reynosa one year ago.

It's reported that gangs made targets of rehab centers all over Mexico. They harassed and bullied the isolated institutions until they were forced to move or close. The rehab center in Rio Bravo is another victim of the violence in Mexico.

The picture shows me (Joyce) with two young women being treated at the rehab center the last time we ministered there.

AMAZINGLY, ANOTHER HEALING!

Another healing took place just a few days ago in Nuevo Progreso! This time it was Miriam who prayed for a woman with a large cyst or growth on her hand. It has grown worse and the doctor wanted to operate. The woman also had some female problems that had taken all her strength. She refused the operation saying she wanted God to heal her hand. Her husband wasn't a Christian and was always drunk and she wanted him to see that God was taking care of her.
Miriam prayed that the growth would dry up and immediately the thing on the woman's hand broke open and drained. At the same time she started getting her strength back.
The woman is very pleased because her husband has witnessed the power of God. Pastor Gerardo and Miriam continue to say that God is visiting them in a special way.

CHILDREN'S TABLES & BENCHES

The Sunday School now has two eight foot long wooden tables and four eight foot benches to accommodate a lot of children. Walter LeGette measured and cut the pieces at our house and he and Lloyd took them to the church in our van. These tables and benches are made to last with heavy braces and supports. This was one of the items on our "wish" list. The benches will also serve adults who come for services; and the plan is to construct more benches in the future.

One screen door was purchased and reinforced with an extra guard at the bottom, but there wasn't time to finish that project. This and some other things remain to be finished.

Many thanks go to Walter LeGette for his week of hard work at the church.

WALTER LEGETTE

Walter LeGette from Bethalto, Illinois spent a week with us fulfilling some of the items on our "wish" list. He accomplished a lot but also experienced the frustrations we encounter such as getting materials across the border. It took several trips to get the lumber to the church without having difficulties with customs. Walter said he also felt frustration with the language barrier and at times he used sign language and even whistling to give directions. Rene, a young man who spends a lot of time with Pastor Gerardo, loved using Walter's tools. At every opportunity Walter let him drill in screws and measure boards. Even with limited communications, there seemed to be an understanding between them. Jorge Lopez, another pastor from Nuevo Progreso, spent one day helping. Together they made quick work constructing two dividers or partitions to give Gerson and Nahum their own room. Dana and Esly now have their own private space too. In the picture Rene is helping Walter put up a partition.

SHOOTING IN NUEVO PROGRESO!

Shots rang out again in Nuevo Progreso last week and when it was over two men were pronounced dead. Both were drug cartel members at war with each other. The Mexican news stations mentioned the event briefly but it was heard no where else. The only evidence of violence was the renewed presence of the Mexican military on the street that day. Tourists were unaware of the activity and even the border patrol agent on duty at the bridge was surprised to hear the news when we came back across the border.
On March 6 a woman police officer was shot and killed in Piedras Negras, a border town across from Eagle Pass, Texas. There is still a battle being fought on the streets in Mexico!

SPIRITUAL BATTLES

We've had lots of rain, but not a flooding event. Even so, when we got to the church in Nuevo Progreso we could see foamy liquid by the building and small ponds forming. Someone had once again opened the valve on the lagoon to our north and allowed blackwater to flow into our neighborhood. People living nearby are extremely angry and ready to fight. Managers of the lagoon were forbidden to ever again open the valve and flood the space between the fields. A neighborhood leader closed the valve and then he went to the local officials with a warning. "One more time the unhealthy blackwater is purposely poured out around people's homes and we will go directly to Ciudad Victoria, the state capital!"
This warning was severe and officials were upset at COMAPA, the environmental protection agency, investigating the problem. The people surrounding our church vowed to keep a watch on the water valve to make sure it stays closed. This battle has been going on for many years and it's time for it to end. The people are tired of being ignored and taken advantage of. This battle has always been a spiritual one against the building of the church.

CHURCH NEWS

The women of the church in Nuevo Progreso meet each Saturday to teach the children to crochet and weave. The kids all love this activity; and thanks to people who have donated balls of yarn, they can all participate.

A fund raising program is beginning and members have been asked to each bring a concrete block to build an outdoor grill. With everyone sharing expenses, they plan to grill chicken and pork and deliver plates of food to various places in town. They'll serve meat, potatoes, rice and tortillas and the money will be used for needs of the church. Three of the church leaders along with Pastor Gerardo plan to go to the bank and open an account specifically for the church. This will give the people more confidence in the affairs of the church.

Every day some of the women spend time at the church planting seeds and small fruit trees. The women in the picture brought their buckets to water seedlings. They want to beautify the place and provide a harvest for everyone. Lloyd promised to bring a variety of seeds and some fruit trees we started in buckets.

Pastor Gerardo says, "When the people work for the church, they feel more like it belongs to them."

QUINCEANERA

Nancy is now fifteen years old! She celebrated her Quinceanera last Saturday, her fifteenth birthday or her debut. A quinceanera is very important to Spanish girls. Sometimes the girls wear lavish gowns and have dances and live music. Nancy wanted just a few friends to her house for dinner with no extra frills. Nancy was four years old when we first met her and her parents near the church in Nuevo Progreso. Nancy's sister Nayeli created a beautiful hairdo for her with crisp glossy curls that reached almost to her waist.

RECENT HEALINGS!

Here is a picture of Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam in Nuevo Progreso. Pastor Gerardo reports two people healed after being prayed for in the last month. Alberto who isn't a Christian but has family in the church had a severe infection in his leg. The doctor said amputation was necessary which of course upset Alberto and his family very much. Pastor Gerardo went to the hospital in Reynosa to pray for Alberto, and as a result he was healed of the infection. The doctor says the leg will not need to be amputated. Alberto is extremely happy and is saying he has received a miracle from God.

While at the hospital Pastor Gerardo prayed for the person in the bed near Alberto who had AIDS and wasn't given long to live. Immediately the person got up and said he was healed! Later doctors confirmed that the AIDS was gone, but said it must have been due to some change in his medicine. The man is praising God because he knows AIDS has no cure!

The waters are troubled at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

SECURITY GATE

Valentine's Day we installed a new metal security gate at the entrance to what will be the auditorium of the church. Even though windows and the main door are yet to be purchased and installed, we felt the additional security would be a good thing. The gate will not only keep people from wandering into the construction area, but it will also keep out animals. The security gate was one of the items on our current prayer list for the church, so we are thanking the Lord for meeting this need.

Other items on the prayer list are: childrens' tables and chairs or benches for Sunday School, a bathroom door, dusk to dawn lights, a set of drums, baptismal tank, ceiling fans and screen doors. One by one by prayer and faith hese needed items will be provided.