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!