LORD WE LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH!

It was a cool clear night crowned by a beautiful sunset on La Noche Buena, The Good Night.

The air was cool and the sky was clear and bright with stars. Here and there we heard the popping of firecrackers as people celebrated La Noche Buena, The Good Night. The smells of bonfires, charcoal and roasting meat drifted through the air along with the sounds of music from almost every house. It was Christmas Eve and a time of worshipping together at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

After we sang several worship songs, Apolinar once again gave his testimony of how he was healed and brought back to life after three weeks in a coma. Looking calm and confident, he walked to the platform with his two year old son trailing after him. The burn scars from his near electrocution were not visible because of his heavy jacket. It was a great moment for this man whose life was completely changed. He later said having his sons Javier and Esteban and his stepson Julio with him at church was his reward.  

Apolinar gave his testimony again how he has recovered from his near fatal accident.  His little boy Javier sat next to him on the altar.

After the lengthy service, some were still singing and playing their guitars while the women brought out heavy kettles of hot soup, crispy tostados, shredded cabbage and slices of fragrant key limes. Cups of Coke and Pepsi are always welcome and make good companions to Mexican food. Even the smallest children sat at attention while being served the steaming bowls of posole. We continued to worship the Lord through fellowship and the sharing of a meal.

These three amigos weren't ready to quit singing at the end of the service.



At the end of the festivities all the children lined up to receive very nice gifts courtesy of a church in Mercedes, Texas. For many of the children in Nuevo Progreso these are the only Christmas presents they will receive.

Even the children sat at attention before steaming bowls of posole.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  Luke 2:13 & 14.




This beautiful little girl received a nice Christmas gift.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, LITTLE GIRLS!

Eva and her three little girls.

Ivone, Samanta and Alexandra were delighted to receive huge bright and colorful Christmas bags of gifts from the Hopkins family in Iowa! These little girls and their mother Eva and father Joel live next to the church in Nuevo Progreso. It was a delight for us to deliver these big gifts to such special little girls.

Eva and Joel have both been ill and while Joel is improving a little, Eva still suffers a lot from pain and discomfort. The family really needs prayer.

Receiving these nice Christmas gifts brightened their day. It's a blessing for them to know that people care about them and are praying, even as far away as Iowa!

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
Colossians 1:9

PRESENTED TO THE LORD

Flor is six months old.

Three little girls were "presented to the Lord," in Nuevo Progreso Sunday December 16, 2013. Mary took her Baby Jesus to the temple when he was only eight days old. The Book of Luke says that Joseph and Mary "brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord."

Jaqueline is 3 months old.

Several members of the three families were there as witnesses and they proudly signed Certificates of Presentation for the occasion. Pastor Gerardo officiated at the ceremony which consisted of songs and prayers for each little girl. He spoke to the parents and extended families about the children being a gift from God, and he emphasized their responsibility in seeing that these children walk in the ways of the Lord. It was a solemn and special time and one that was taken very seriously by everyone. These little ones may not remember this occasion, but their families vowed together never to forget that Flor, Jaqueline and Gloria were given back to the Lord.

Gloria is 6 years old.

Luke 2:22 "And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord."

Pastor Gerardo prayed over each little girl and gave the family a Certificate of Dedication.

Miriam, Pastor Gerardo's wife, assisted at the presentation ceremony.

CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM

Javier enjoys a cup of coffee heavily laced with milk and sugar.

Javier and Esteban are Apolinar's little boys. They have three brothers and two step-sisters. We enjoy visiting these special children. It's fun to see them run to meet us when we drive up in the Jeep.

Javier who is between two and three years old is very small in stature for his age. Always happy, he loves to play outside even when it's cold. On the day this picture was taken, Javier had on numerous layers of clothing including a hood to cover his neck and ears.

Esteban started to kindergarten this year and loves to play soccer. Apolinar explained to us that Mexico likes to use good sportsmen as examples and they encourage champions. Esteban was recently proclaimed soccer champion of the kindergarten and was privileged to receive a large trophy for winning against other schools in Nuevo Progreso. The picture shows Esteban proudly holding his reward. The trophy now stands in the school classroom where he attends.

Apolinar and Carla are proud of all their children, but these two little ones are special to Apolinar. After Apolinar's serious accident and near death over a year ago, he feels that God allowed him to return to his life in order to take care of them. Once again able to work and support his family, Apolinar said he comes home for lunch every day so he can spend time playing with Javier and Esteban.

"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3  

Esteban holds a picture of himself with the big school trophy he won playing soccer.

OPEN DOORS CAN CHANGE LIVES!

We met Sadie walking alone on the road to El Rosario.

She was walking along the road in the middle of nowhere, carrying an old pink backpack. We first saw her on the edge of Nuevo Progreso when we drove east toward the new settlement of San Francisco. Later on our return we saw her again, this time she had lost one shoe wading through a patch of slimy, gripping mud. She was working the stubborn shoe loose from at least six inches of the brown stuff, grinning and babbling all the while. Had she walked all that distance from town? Did she have a need so great that she had to make such a long trip on foot? What was her story.

Lloyd stopped the Jeep and asked her where she lived. We could make out the words El Rosario, which is a small place past San Francisco. That was still quite a distance for her to travel on foot. It could have been another two miles to where she said she lived. "Should we take her home?" he asked.

In the past we've made many new friends by offering them rides home. In this way we can see where they live and what help they might need. It's another open door. And we've learned that open doors can change lives, and of course prayer is the key. I asked the happy little woman for her name and found she was hard of hearing. Finally she mumbled something unintelligible. Then I asked if she would write her name in my notebook. But the road was so rough that the name she wrote was not clear. It looked like Sadie, so that's who she'll be to us.

It was difficult to find where she lived, she enjoyed riding in the Jeep so much that she missed her turn into El Rosario. Backtracking, she finally saw something familiar and we pulled over and helped her out of the Jeep. We gave her some small blankets, some beans and something to drink and told her we'd bring her some good shoes for walking. Still mumbling and grinning, she made her way down the lane.

Friendly young men cutting firewood along the road told us that no matter what the weather, the old woman made that same long trek to Nuevo Progreso and back every day!

"Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." Revelation 3:8

WIN ONE, LOSE ONE

Pepe, inside the parsonage.  He always wears his helmet in case he falls with a seizure.

Pepe lives near the church in Nuevo Progreso. He's a handsome young man who always has a smile on his face and a bicycle helmet on his head. Pepe has epilepsy.

Pepe carries his medicine in his pocket and when he senses the onset of a seizure, he quickly takes one of the little white pills. Donated by friends Scott and DiAnna, this medicine helps keep his condition under control.

In August 2013 Pepe's brother hung himself in the family home. He had been engaged to marry, but things had gone wrong. He must have seen no solution to the problems and found the only way he could see to escape. Pepe and his mother are suffering severe grief over this tragedy and really need prayer.

Pepe accepted Jesus into his heart in September and now he and his mother really enjoy attending church. Pepe likes the abundant love and attention he receives from the family of God.

DENGUE FEVER EPIDEMIC

Standing water causes mosquitos that can carry diseases such as dengue fever.  When the Nuevo Progreso drainage project is finished, the problem will be solved.

There's an epidemic of dengue fever along the northern border of Mexico with many cases reported in Nuevo Progreso. Pastor Gerardo's wife Miriam was tested positive for the disease in October and spent two weeks ill and on medication. She has recovered but is still weak. Their daughters Dana and Esly had light cases of dengue fever but have returned to school. Dengue fever is carried by mosquitos and the wet weather and standing water have increased the problem.

Victoria, the state capital city of Tamaulipis, has sent spray trucks to the border in an effort to kill the mosquitos. The critical situation has made it more necessary than ever for the government to complete the drainage project started years ago. There must be no more standing water! We are confident that God is able to resolve this problem, and we know that He is in control. Meanwhile, please pray with us for protection for the people of Nuevo Progreso.

"HE BEHELD THE CITY..."

This morning Pastor Gerardo stepped inside the door of the police department, opened his Bible with the police officers present and prayed for God's blessing, favor and protection on the police and on each person in the city. As part of a new program, each Monday morning a pastor goes to the Nuevo Progreso police station where he prays. This was outstanding news for us. We heard a lot of good reports from Pastor Gerardo and his new friend and helper Mario Belmares when we arrived at the church on November 20. There have been spiritual advances in city government! Also, each and every Monday evening there is an outdoor church service in the city plaza. There someone preaches a sermon and there is prayer for the sick. The pastors take turns conducting these meetings. There are approximately 20,000 people who live in and around Nuevo Progreso, making this another great opportunity for outreach. We are beginning to see spiritual progress from our many years of work establishing the church in Nuevo Progreso! There was a lot of activity on the church grounds. Several pickup trucks were parked nearby and a large piece of machinery was in action. That day was a work day, with some chopping away brush and others working on the road. Saturday has also been declared a work day, with plans for many hands to beautify the grounds in preparation for several activities and large crowds in the future. Lloyd's primary goal and prayer had been to see this specific work done; so it was greatly encouraging that things were already in motion. There is much work to be done at the church. But the most important thing for us to remember is that Jesus weeps with compassion when he looks over cities around the world. "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it." Luke 19:41

The driver of this piece of heavy equipment donated an hour of work moving a large pile of earth to a place along the church lane.

"A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES...."

Once again we made the long trip from Illinois to the south Texas border, arriving here on November 10, 2013. We've had several months to rest and regroup and now it's time to continue our work in Mexico.


Reports received from our church and mission established in Nuevo Progreso have been good since we left in June. Several events took place including a three day evangelistic campaign in the city plaza. That project involved our church and two others in Nuevo Progreso. We received reports of several healings in those meetings and other blessings.

From one year to the next we never know what to expect or what the Lord has planned for us to do. We've learned to remain flexible and try to go under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We do know there will be visits from volunteer doctors to our mission and that we have been given the use of the city's free clinic for examinations and treatments. Classes in nutrition have been planned along with the doctor visits. We look forward to our annual children's Christmas party at the church and hope to have gifts for every child who attends. If you would like to help with any of these projects, there is information on this blog about how to contact us or where to send your help.

Lloyd and I appreciate your prayers for the mission in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. There will be frequent reports and updates on this blog and without a doubt there will be challenges requiring much prayer. You are part of that great group of witnesses to this work!

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

CASA DE ANCIANOS

This handsome woman with the happy smile never left her bed in the casa de ancianos.

On one of our trips to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico we visited a casa de ancianos, home for the elderly. We had taken Bibles to churches in the area and had warm gloves to give away. At the home there were about 20 men and women sitting in wheel chairs on a broad tile covered porch and there were some in beds inside. They had just finished lunch and some of the women were knitting or doing embroidery while most of the men were napping. They were happy to have company, so we talked to them as we handed them each a pair of warm gloves. Although the day was not cold, they were all dressed in jackets and sweaters.

Two men were especially interesting and we stopped to share more with them. One whose name was Cleo told us he had been a cowboy who worked many years in Texas. Another stately gentleman told us his name was Antonio and he had been an army lieutenant for 18 years. We later learned that the silent gentleman sitting next to him was Felix who had once been a General in the Mexican army!

It was overwhelming to think of the combined history surrounding these fine men and women in the casa de ancianos in Ciudad Acuña.

IN THE NUEVO LAREDO JAIL

Ildefonso and Lupita pastor a church in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

The sun had set, but people were still milling around the office where we stood that day in December 2004. Some people had plates of food while others carried blankets. There was a look of sadness and trouble on many faces. We were in the jail in Nuevo Laredo!


Pastor Ildefonso and his wife Lupita had asked us to join them to pray for a young man from their congregation who had been arrested. His crime was that he was from Nicaragua and he had no Mexican papers. A judge was to hear his case soon, but meanwhile he was in jail and needed prayer.

Mexican jailers do not feed their prisoners and it is up to family and friends to provide them with whatever they need. Lupita carried a platter of tamales. I had four oranges in my hands and Lloyd carried some cans of cola. Ildefonso obtained the required permission and led us into a long narrow room that had several partitioned booths along one side. The young man, Joel, met us at the second partition and we all offered him encouragement and prayer. Lloyd urged him to take advantage of the time behind bars to tell the other inmates about Jesus.

Other families gathered at each window. On our left a young mother and child leaned as close as possible to the man behind the Plexiglas screen. When her time with him was up and she left, he leaned his head dejectedly against the screen. Lupita and I offered to pray for him. He pressed his hands against the Plexiglas to make contact with us. It was heartbreaking to see the young man respond to God's love. Please join us in prayer for the people who are held captive and need Jesus in Mexico.

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost". Luke 19:10

At another time, this man said he would like to accept Jesus, but he would not come to a decision.  He represents many who are lost in Mexico

RECENT ACTIVITIES IN NUEVO PROGRESO

A crowd is gathered for food and prayer.

This summer the church in Nuevo Progreso has been active while Lloyd and I are spending a few weeks back home in Illinois. The ministry continues under the leadership of Pastor Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam. They recently sent an exciting update and great photos of some events that have taken place.


One project has been to distribute food to nearby colonias. The church in Nuevo Progreso has recently been blessed with an abundance of groceries for this purpose. One of our early priorities in our mission work was to feed the poor before talking to them about the things of God. We're happy to see this continue to be a priority even when we are away. Along with gifts of food, Gerardo and Miriam have ministered to the people in music, prayer and the word of God. There are many poor colonias near the church that have hundreds of families with many needs. More and more it seems that the ministry of the church must be out on the streets instead of inside the walls.

Sunday School continues to be the backbone of the church. Each Sunday morning children come from all around the church to take part in Bible stories, music, handicrafts and even a hot breakfast! The children take their own colored pages home where they repeat what they have learned to their parents. "...and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

A Sunday School class of little boys and girls at the church.

Free music lessons are also offered at the church on various instruments such askeyboard, guitar and drums. Neighborhood teens really enjoy these lessons taught by Pastor Gerardo, and it gives him opportunity to mentor them while sharing his knowledge of music.

The pastor and his wife specialize in home visits where they spend time praying for the sick and reading the Bible to them. There are many who live too far away to attend the church regularly, but they are still considered part of the Body of Christ.

All of these activities remind us of what Jesus said, "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Luke 14:2

A sweet little girl who came to Sunday School.

THE RED DANCING SHOES

The little red shoes set his feet to dancing!

One hot sunny day Lloyd and I drove across the large hustling city of Matamoros toward the poor colonias around the huge city dump. At each intersection we fought for the right of way, which seemed almost like bull fighting - bluffing, then hesitating, then shooting forward to be the first into the ring. Dented fenders on most cars attested to the fact that people dared each other many times to the point of collision. But we had learned how to shift here and there, turn up one street at the copper dishes for sale and down another at the fountain, to wind our way across town without incident. We were on a mission to distribute Illustrated Spanish New Testaments.


In one small neighborhood near the southern side of Matamoros there were small dwellings with little bare yards. Lots of children and dogs played in the streets. Every few houses there was a huge speed bump across the already rough lane, making the trip like an obstacle course. There was no danger in anyone speeding over these treacherous mounds of asphalt. Our Jeep complained loudly even at the slowest speeds.

Since we had prayed for direction to a neighborhood most in need of New Testaments, we both felt impressed that this was a good place to stop and visit. We had also brought a box of childrens shoes that had been sent to us. At one house where children played, a small boy ran around with nothing on but a bright yellow shirt. He was a quiet little boy, so shy he would barely look at us. "Looks like he needs a pair of shoes," Lloyd said. As the little boy's mother agreed, we proceeded to search in our box for just the right shoes for an almost naked three year old boy. "Maybe these little red ones," Lloyd suggested.

Setting him on the back of the Jeep, Lloyd slipped the tiny shoes on the dusty little feet and tied the white laces. Immediately we saw a bright gleam in his little black eyes. Hardly able to be still, he allowed us to help him down from the Jeep and then he took off in a hilarious and happy little dance around the yard! He jumped and he hopped up and down and he stamped his feet and he ran all the way around the little house. His mother couldn't catch him, he ran so fast, and his face was bright with one big happy grin. Every few steps he looked down at his new red shoes, and he giggled and danced with pure delight.

The simple little cloth tennis shoes were more than just shoes to this special little boy. They had become his "little red dancing shoes!"

THE CARDBOARD VILLAGE

A cardboard house in the Cardboard Village.

On the west side of Ciudad Acuña in the state of Coahila, Mexico there is a unique neighborhood. Row after row of little cardboard dwellings line dusty unpaved streets. On the street near the corner there's a faucet on a pipe about 2 feet above the ground which is the neighborhood water supply. Children are playing, women are hanging out laundry and chickens scratch around in the bare yards like any other neighborhood. It's called the cardboard village.

A nearby factory discards stacks of flattened cardboard boxes and wooden pallets. The wooden pallets when nailed over a crude framework make ideal walls for a home. And the thick sheets of cardboard make an excellent covering. Recycled corrugated tin pieces make roofs that barely keep out the rain. Many times the dirt floors in these homes show muddy footprints from recent downpours. Some families dig small trenches in the floor for drainage.

Lloyd and I visited this cardboard village to distribute Spanish New Testaments. The people were friendly and hospitable and in one home we were invited inside for a visit. There was a small campfire on the floor in the middle of the room. A tin coffee can full of water sat right on the fire, simmering and ready to make instant coffee.

Little points of daylight could be seen through nail holes in the roof. The wind rustled the dry and brittle cardboard on the outside, gradually loosening little bits that flew away. There had been recent rains that soaked the cardboard, ruining it. Throughout the little village, cardboard would have to be replaced, but there was always a supply at hand.

Sunday morning we attended the little cardboard church where we gave out more Spanish Bibles and also illustrated New Testaments. The service was lively and happy and there was freedom in the worship. Several children recited scripture verses or sang a song. Others popped up quickly to speak their favorite verse from the Bible or give a testimony.

The outward appearance of the little cardboard church seemed to have no effect on the congregation. They were proud and happy to come to church that bright and sunny Sunday morning.

Years later the little church was able to purchase concrete blocks and they actually built over the existing cardboard structure so services wouldn't be interrupted. Little by little they tore away all signs of the cardboard and wooden pallets and now they have a solid and weather proof building where they continue to worship week after week.

The cardboard homes in that neighborhood also saw improvements and now show few traces of their humble beginnings. But a few miles farther from the city there is another new neighborhood of very poor people who are beginning to build yet another cardboard village.

The cardboard church in the Cardboard Village.

LET YOUR LITTLE LIGHT SHINE!

The little yellow Jeep took us to places in Mexico that needed Spanish Bibles.  Many times there were no roads and the 4 wheel drive was exactly what we needed.



 What kind of vehicle could we get to tow behind our motorhome without using a trailer, and also use for travel into rough areas of Mexico? We needed something sturdy, dependable and simple that would be our only means of transportation. The only vehicle that came to mind was a Jeep.

Our first thought was to find a dark sedate looking vehicle to fit our lifestyle; nothing that would call attention to ourselves. With only a month before the date we set to leave, we began our search of every dealership in our area and some beyond. But the first thing we learned was that used Jeeps were hard to find. At that time Jeeps were not as popular as they are today and also, no one wants to part with these handy little utility vehicles. Several dealers were watching for just the right Jeep for us, but nothing turned up. Finally with just days to spare, a dealer called to say he had a very impressive Jeep that had everything we needed for our project. "You just have to see this Jeep!" he said over the phone. "There's only one thing I need to tell you before you come, the Jeep is yellow!"

No way did we think we wanted a yellow Jeep! We were a retired and quiet couple, not given to flashy vehicles. But since there were no other choices, we drove the 50 miles to see what was quoted to us as a "really great deal." We liked everything about the perky little car and it had low mileage and was very clean. We liked it all except the color. We bought it with the thought of using it one season and then making a change.

Little did we know that color was exactly what we needed. Everywhere we went, people saw us coming and recognized us. The little yellow Jeep was an ice breaker and everyone liked to see it and ride in it. Many times we heard people say, "We saw your yellow Jeep coming way down the road."

Many Spanish Bibles were carried in that little yellow Jeep and many trips were taken into areas where there were no good roads. It served us well, and actually became part of our logo. And now we like to say to those who listen to our many adventures, "If you want to let your little light shine, drive a yellow Jeep!"

"No man when he hath lighted a candle putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick that they which come in may see the light.
Luke 11:33

Lloyd used trays that fit on front and back of the Jeep to carry extra cans of gasoline along with Bibles.  Later he used a roof rack so he could carry more.

HOMBRECITO DE DIOS, LITTLE MAN OF GOD

The first time we met Julio he was opening the door for tips at the OXXO store in Nuevo Progreso.

It was February 11, 2008 and we had a busy day in Nuevo Progreso. It was a hot dry day and there was not a cloud in the sky, but there was a strong southerly wind scattering dust everywhere. It was time for a rest before heading for the international bridge, customs and home.

There is a convenience store on the south end of Nuevo Progreso called OXXO. A very clean and modern store, it also has gasoline pumps and an outlet for buying propane gas. This is a good resting place where we can buy snacks, drinks and sandwiches. On this day a little boy stood waiting at the door ready to open it for us. His quick smile and greeting refreshed us. And then while we sat eating our snack of chips and cokes, he stood outside the window with his face to the glass with that same friendly smile. He couldn't hear us through the thick glass, but when Lloyd motioned for him to join us at the booth for a snack he understood and darted around to the door quickly. "What would you like to eat," we asked. "Helado, (ice cream)" he replied eyes sparkling.

He said his name was Julio and he lived across the road in a small apartment with his mother and brothers. He earned tips to help his family by opening the door to customers even though he was only eight years old. He ate his ice cream and never once did that big grin leave his face. His dark eyes twinkled as if he knew a secret or that he knew exactly who we were. When we left the store he followed us to our Jeep and watched us slowly drive out of the parking lot. We both looked back just in time to hear Julio softly say in English, "God bless you!"

Three years later we paid a visit to our friend Apolinar and his new wife Carla. Carla had three boys, Carlos, Rogelio and Julio! Our little friend from OXXO still had the big happy smile and twinkling eyes; and he remembered us well. During a childrens crusade at the church Julio went forward at the invitation to accept Jesus as his Savior; and we started calling him hombrecito de Dios " little man of God."

Lloyd and I had felt so drawn to little Julio at the OXXO store. Had he known who we were at that time? Was our meeting one of those "meant to be" events? Julio has not attended church in the past and needs a lot of teaching and prayer. Street wise and tough, he is now 14 years old, a turning point in his life. Will Julio really turn out to be our "little man of God?"

DUSTY ROADS AND HIDDEN CHURCHES

Highway through western Mexico frequented by donkeys.

Someone once said that we are always driving down a dusty road looking for a lost church! And that is a good description of what we have done for almost 20 years, distributing Spanish Bibles to churches in Mexico.

There were no lists of churches and no instructions telling us where to look. We would drive for whole days down dusty roads without finding a single church, but there were days when we stumbled on several small churches in heavily populated areas. We roamed back streets and narrow lanes and we climbed steep hills, always on the lookout for small buildings with signs saying something like "Rosa de Saron," Rose of Sharon or "Liro del Valle," Lily of the Valley or "Buen Pastor," Good Shepherd. Sometimes we'd see an emblem of Assembly of God, Church of God, Baptist or Methodist over the door. It didn't matter the denomination! What mattered was that they needed Spanish Bibles! In one place we forded the Rio Grande River in our yellow Jeep. We had heard of a small town on the other side of the river and thought we might find a church there. There was also a tiny church built on the edge of the Matamoros city dump and one on Playa Bagdad (beach) on the Gulf of Mexico. It was fun to give Bibles, Sunday School literature and gospel tracts to these remote churches. The people were always amazed that we found them, and we always emphasized to them that God knew exactly where they were! We have taken over 8,000 Spanish Bibles into Mexico since we started in 1995, and many thousands of tracts and teaching materials. There's no record of how many miles we drove or how many churches we found, but Bibles were left in every state in Mexico and also in Guatamala. It's no longer safe for us to drive down lonely and isolated roads in Mexico with Bibles, but there are still little churches hidden away there that need God's Word. Now we must pray that the seeds that were planted during those years will continue to grow.

In the Big Bend area of Texas we forded the Rio Grande River.  There was no bridge into Mexico, but there was a town on the other side where there was a church.   The water was shallow but swift.  Lloyd had been instructed where to drive so we wouldn't be swept downstream!

BLANKETS FOR EL JARDIN

Lloyd gets everyone's attention while they wait to receive a blanket or a quilt.

It's difficult to think of cold weather in Mexico. But we have seen times of sleet and freezing rain and raw, bone chilling temperatures. Many times we took our yellow Jeep into colonias with the back filled with blankets and quilts to distribute. The weather can get cold in parts of Mexico and the wind can be very strong. At times like these people suffer, their humble homes have no heat and usually the walls are thin and flimsy.


In the picture, women and children are gathered to receive a blanket. It felt good to know that many families would be warmer that very night.

Lidia, one of our favorite people in Nuevo Progreso, lived in Colonia El Jardin. Her home had no protection from the wind, in fact we could see daylight through the walls. One day we stapled sheets of black plastic around her tiny home, all the while fighting strong, whipping winds.

Lidia had 12 children to take care of and no husband. Life was not easy for her in El Jardin. Today, many years later, most of Lidia's children are grown and have children of their own. And we still enjoy visiting Lidia in El Jardin.



Lidia, in the center wearing the red and white blouse, stands beside her home in Colonia El Jardin.

 "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." Psalm 63:7

LUPITA AND JOSE

Lupita and Jose receiving much needed medicines delivered by Pastor Gerardo.

Jose and Lupita have many needs. As senior citizens without a regular income, they are challenged to keep their little home in Nuevo Progreso. Both of them need medicines regularly, but many times they do without.


Gerardo and Miriam Estrada have made it their responsibility to visit Jose and Lupita often, praying for them and encouraging them. They read Bible portions together and talk about God. Although Jose and Lupita live too far away from the church to attend regularly, they are never neglected. They are special.

This couple has had their medicines supplied lately through a new project called "Life On The Border." Gerardo and Miriam delivered the much needed supplies to them on one of their regular visits. We are happy to have "Life On The Border" working with us ministering to the people in Nuevo Progreso.

Lupita told Gerardo and Miriam that she had really been praying for God's help because she had no idea how they would be able to buy what they needed. It's exciting to be a part of answered prayer!

"Call on me and I will show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."  Jeremiah 33:3

"THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE..."

Tarahumara family.

The Tarahumara Indians of the Copper Canyon plant a little corn and possibly a few other items, but mostly they are hunter/gatherers. The couple in this picture have a load of dried corn on the back of their horse that they are taking to their home. Lloyd met this couple as they walked along the curving narrow road in the Copper Canyon. Friendly and pleasant, they were happy to announce the soon arrival of their second child. The father is carrying their first baby in a sling on his back.

The Tarahumara love bright colors and prints. The men are known for their unusual loin cloths that hang longer in the back, triangular in shape. When they wear shoes at all, they mostly wear leather sandals that they make themselves. But these days it's not unusual to see young men dressed in western shirts, jeans and boots. Also known as the "foot runners," the Tarahumara are noted for literally running down their game, sometimes running for hours or even days. They are called "super athletes" because of their great endurance in their running games.

Recent droughts and severe cold snaps have destroyed much of the food supply in the Copper Canyon, and these starving, desperate people are once again being abused. According to law-enforcement sources, and the Tarahumara Indians, drug traffickers are now exploiting the very Tarahumara trait—endurance—that has been crucial to their survival. Cartel operatives enlist impoverished Tarahumara Indians to make a grueling journey running drugs by foot across the border to the U.S.  And many are being arrested!

Please pray earnestly with us for the Tarahumara Indians, that the Lord will once again provide them with a place to hide.

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield. I hope in thy word." Psalm 119:114

Selling clay pots and grass baskets to tourists helps the Indians.  Here are some things Lloyd purchased during one of his visits to the Copper Canyon.

THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE OF THE COPPER CANYON

A Tarahumara Indian walking along the mountain road.  He is carrying a branding iron probably used for protection.

In the mountains west of Hidalgo del Parral live the Tarahumara Indians. They are the forgotten people of today, yet they live only a few hundred miles from the United States Border. Some of their villages are almost impossible to reach. They live in the vast Copper Canyon, making their homes in caves at higher altitudes during the hot weather and migrating to the bottom of the canyon to live in log cabins in winter.


The known history of the Tarahumara goes back to the days of the conquistadors and the rich copper mines in the Sierra Madres. The Spaniards enslaved Indians and others to work in their mines, but the proud and illusive Tarahumara hid themselves away deep in the vast wild canyons. They were able to disappear from view in an area that's said to be larger than the Grand Canyon in the United States. After some time they were forgotten and left in peace.

The Tarahumara people stayed shielded from modern society until 1960 when the railroad line went through the area bringing tourists. Until that time the people had none of the modern conveniences, some had never seen combs or mirrors or other such trinkets. They retained an innocence because of their extreme isolation. But because of their isolation, they missed hearing the gospel message.

The railroad also brought Wycliffe Bible Translators who began putting the Bible into the Tarahumara language. Although able to speak and read Spanish, having the Bible in their own language would open up God's Word even more to these people.

In the late 1990's Lloyd felt impressed to visit the Tarahumara Indians to take Spanish Bibles to their remote area. He made more than one trip to the Copper Canyon where he met the fascinating and proud people who were hidden for so long. For the most part they were friendly and welcoming, especially since he took special gifts with him on his trips. Lloyd was invited into Tarahumara cave homes where he left gifts of instant coffee, soap, candy, beans and rice. Although usually very shy and not liking attention, they allowed him to take their pictures.

We'd like to return to the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. Meanwhile, we'll continue to pray for the forgotten people of the Copper Canyon.

From an old Sunday School chorus:

"Everybody ought to know
       who Jesus is!
He's the fairest of ten thousand
He's the bright and morning star.
He's the lily of the valley
Everybody ought to know!"

Here is a Tarahumara cave home.  There are several women cooking outside.  Lloyd was invited inside this humble dwelling.

WE'RE PRAYING FOR RICARDO

For their safety, the military does not like their picture taken.  We took this one from a great distance so no one could be recognized.

As we drove our van north toward the state of Vera Cruz, we were pulled over to the side of the road for a routine military inspection. In the seven days we'd been traveling in Mexico, this was the very first inspection of any kind we had experienced and that was unusual.


Lloyd opened the back of the van so the two young soldiers could see our cargo of Spanish Bibles and we told them about giving the Bibles to the people of Mexico. Since they are mostly looking for weapons in their searches, they were ready to send us on our way when the young man on the left asked us more about our ministry. And then he looked at us very seriously and said, "Ora para mi salvacion, por favor." (Pray for my salvation please.)

Lloyd immediately put his hand out the window, laid his hand on the young man's face and began to pray for him. I took the hand of the soldier on my side of the van who had said he was from the state of Michoacan. The soldier on my side seemed a little hesitant about the unexpected situation, but he bowed his head respectfully. We felt the presence of the Lord while praying for the two men at the military checkpoint on the side of the road in Mexico.

Ricardo Gonzales, the soldier who had asked for prayer, told us that he was from the west coast of Mexico. He had been away from home for a year and had become very discouraged. We promised Ricardo that we would always remember him and would continue to pray for the Lord to protect him.

Before driving away from the military checkpoint we gave all of the other soldiers New Testaments.

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers."  1 Thessalonians 1:2

BIBLES FOR SOLDIERS

Sugar cane wagons are heading for the fields early in the morning.

Early Sunday morning April 26, 2009, we drove away from a little settlement in Tabasco, Mexico where we'd spent the night with friends. Men and boys on bicycles looked hot and weary as they rode to the sugar cane fields where they worked. There were a lot of motorbikes on the narrow road, along with huge noisy tractors pulling as many as six large wagons for harvesting the sugar cane. It was business as usual in this agricultural area of Mexico.


Insects made shrill high pitched noises in some tall trees along the canal. A large green iguana slithered into the vegetation on the side of the road. This was a lush green and humid part of Mexico; producing bananas, pineapple and other exotic fruit.

We'd noticed a military camp near the area the day before and Lloyd felt strongly that we should offer to give the soldiers Spanish New Testaments. As soon as we turned onto the main road, we saw the concrete block walls surrounding the camp and we also saw gates with armed guards at their posts on each side. Lloyd drove the van right up to the barrier at the same time that the guard raised his weapon and questioned our presence there. The young men on either side of us were tense and alert.

Lloyd got out of the van and began to show them the New Testaments, asking if we could leave some of them for the soldiers. The two guards were surprised; it was evidently unusual for someone to approach their camp with such a request. While they tried to decide what to do, Lloyd handed them a box of New Testaments and they carried them into the nearest building.

We pulled away from the military camp feeling compassion for the fine young men who have left their homes to serve their country. And it felt good to know that the Word of God will go with them back to every corner of Mexico.

Friends we stayed with in Tabasco.  Left to right:  Moises, Maria and her mother, and Lloyd.  Maria is the mother of our dear friend Javier who was the former pastor of the church in Nuevo Progreso.

SONGS IN THE NIGHT

Church in Vera Cruz

Late one night during our 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 Spanish 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.

Our motel where Lloyd heard songs in the night.

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!

Lloyd and I made many new friends at the church in Vera Cruz.

We send our greetings and our prayers to our brothers and sisters in Latvia.  May the Lord send new revival to your land with a great harvest of souls.  

THEY HEARD THE CALL

We stood with Ivan and Luz Sanchez outside our motel room along the beautiful Emerald Coast of Mexico.

It was an extraordinary meeting. The four of us agreed that the Lord brought us together in a motel on the Emerald Coast of Mexico; it was not accidental.


In 2009 we were driving through Vera Cruz, Mexico distributing Spanish Bibles. We'd had a long day of driving, the extreme heat added to our stress level, so we decided 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 seem to 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 were we having so much difficulty?

After an hour of checking all the motels, it began to look hopeless and the temptation was great to drive on to another location. But something made us keep trying. Finally we saw Estrella del Mar, the Star of the Sea, a beautifully manicured three story motel that was almost empty. The price was extremely reasonable and free breakfast was included, so we were relieved to be in a good place. The only other customers occupied the room next to ours.

The next morning we learned that it was not an accident that we finally had chosen Estrella del Mar. Ivan and Luz Sanchez, in the room next to ours, were on their way to Ivan's hometown of Jalapa, Vera Cruz. They had been married only 2 days and both of them knew God had a plan and a ministry for them. They had prayed for the Lord to give them a sign, and as we began to share our ministry with them they were convinced that our meeting was their confirmation. While the morning sun was just rising over the Gulf of Mexico, the four of us joined hands and prayed together for God's continued direction in their lives. Then we presented them with a box of New Testaments and other materials to help begin their ministry.

Even though we had been frustrated and had difficulties, the Lord was always in control. He had a plan for us to be blessed by meeting those young people who are called into ministry. And He placed us in rooms next to each other on the Emerald Coast.

View of the Gulf of Mexico from our motel.

LOST CHILDREN OF POZA RICA

Here are some of the children at Alpha and Omega in 2009.

Poza Rica in Vera Cruz is a large city situated near the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by hills. In 2009 we wanted to visit the Church of God Childrens Home we'd heard about there. Alpha & 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.

This is the breathtaking view from our bedroom at the childrens home in Poza Rica.

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 how he began 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 beaten and 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.

Alpha & 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 Alpha & Omega and for Pastor Herrera and his wife. They have given up their lives to provide a Christian home for many children who were lost in Poza Rica.

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:13

Lloyd spoke to the children during a time of worship.