BURDENS LIFTED

Not everyone was happy to see the doctor!  This little girl protested loudly when he examined her.

For two days Doctor Scott and his wife DiAnna from Minnesota examined people at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  They determined the best medicines for each patient and purchased the medicines for them at a local pharmacy.  For many it was very helpful just to explain their problems and to have someone listen.

One woman will need further testing for a potential gall bladder problem.  This will involve multiple trips to nearby Rio Bravo where she will have the tests done at no cost, but first she needs written permission from a local doctor.  Gerardo and Miriam promised they would see her through the complicated process.  Fifteen year old Edgar has leukemia and seems to be doing remarkably well.  He has had multiple surgeries for intestinal ulcers, but has been denied further assistance.  It was a blessing for him and his family to see a doctor.  Pepe who has epilepsy came along with his mother and they were helped with a better medicine for his condition.  And there were numerous children with colds, sore throats, coughs and other symptoms.  Doctor Scott even made a house call!  Gerardo took them to visit Jose who has needed oxygen in the past and wasn't well enough to come to the church.  There it was determined that the medicine Jose was taking wasn't the best for him.  He will undoubtedly improve with the newly prescribed medicine; he and his wife were very happy.



Edgar has leukemia.



What these two days meant to the people around the church can't be calculated.  For most of them medicines cost more than they can afford.  For everyone it was like a gift from God, it meant that someone cared and wanted to help.  And everyone went away carrying bags of groceries for their families.  Gerardo summed it up when he said, "Many burdens have been lightened here today!"

"OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM"

Sunday School is fun at Bethesda Tabernacle in Nuevo Progreso!  The kids learn Bible lessons, they learn songs with motions and they memorize verses.  Last week after Sunday School these children agreed to demonstrate to their families what they had learned.  Some of their parents have never attended church before and they were pleased to see what they could do.

It was a serious time for this little class and it took a lot of courage for them to stand on the platform in front of everyone.  We are proud of our Sunday School.  It gives the children a good foundation in God's word; and it gives them boldness to share their faith with others.

"Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."   Matthew 19:14

TWO WOMEN

Miriam is praying with a young woman at the altar.

Two women came to church Sunday morning.  Many obstacles hindered their way, but they finally arrived in time for church.  The women brought their heavy burdens with them, ready to lay them at the altar before the Lord.

Josephina has eight grown sons and they all need salvation.  She cried openly out of a broken heart for her family, begging the Lord to protect them and help them and bring them to church.

The other young woman was extremely broken as she laid herself across the wooden altar.  Her tears dampened the platform, she couldn't seem to be comforted in her grief.

Miriam spent time with each woman, praying with them and speaking the names of each member of their families.  After a long time both women sensed the presence of God around them, and their faith was strengthened and burdens lightened.  Both of them left the church knowing that God had heard their prayers.

Please do not forget these two special women who laid themselves on the altar at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  God will honor their faithfulness and answer their prayers.

Josephina dropped to the altar and cried for her sons.

"Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you." 

1 Peter 5:7

ENGLISH AND MUSIC CLASSES

Here are a few students who stayed to attend the music class.

How do you say "fun and games" in Spanish?  There's a lot of laughter and fun in our English class at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  Sometimes the words sound strange and they make us all laugh.  And the laughter is contagious, impressing certain words on our memories forever.  Learning to communicate with each other is a special thing; and as Lloyd and I teach English, we learn more Spanish.

Our English class takes place every Saturday at noon at the church, and last week there were thirteen people present.  We do exercises on paper, learn vocabulary and play games to help us remember.  There are small prizes for winners of the games and competition is fierce.  We are all benefiting from these English classes and are getting to know each other better every week.  It's a great way to minister even to people who don't attend the church.

After English class, Pastor Gerardo conducts a music class for those interested.  He begins by teaching the basics of music and how music plays such an important part in our lives.  Anyone interested can learn to play the keyboard, guitar, flute or drums.  The lessons are free and this is another great opportunity for the church to be a blessing to the neighborhood.

We hope to offer other educational opportunities in the future.

FREEDOM TO WORSHIP

Lloyd and Gerardo working and praying at the altar.

At this time there is great freedom to work for the Lord in Nuevo Progreso.  We can pray for people on the street, openly conduct church services and events and we can speak freely.  But who knows when these doors will close and trouble will begin.  Now is the time to spread God's word and win the lost.

In many places around the world Christians are being oppressed and persecuted.  They have to hide their church services and be very discrete when witnessing to unbelievers.  In many countries it's a crime to convert someone to Christianity.

Maybe you are living in such a place and are experiencing the heartbreak of not being able to do things God called you to do.  Maybe you are in danger like the early disciples of Jesus, facing punishment for speaking the truth.

We are a family, the family of God, and we share one another's burdens and trials.  Let us pray for each other, for a double portion of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on every missionary and Christian worker around the world.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 5:10