BENITO

Benito at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

Mariachi music is traditional Mexican folk music, usually played by a small band of strolling musicians dressed in native costumes. Benito was a mariachi, but during an extended stay in prison, he met another inmate Mario Belmares who told him about salvation in Jesus Christ. Benito was changed and now he sings only for the One who touched him.

Mario Belmares had been a drug dealer until his radical conversion in 2005. He and his wife started a church in Mercedes where he shared his testimony at every opportunity. But one day he received a call from the authorities saying he was going to be arrested for not having proper United States documents. Instead of running away, he turned himself in even though he knew he would spend time in prison. He said the Lord told him he must "clean" his name if he would be an evangelist. Now having served his time, he attends our church in Nuevo Progreso.

While in prison Mario preached God's word and shared his testimony of salvation with other inmates. Benito was one of the many who responded to his invitations to accept Christ. Now he writes only songs of praise and worship, and he is gifted with a strong clear voice that comes straight from his heart.

We met Benito one day at the church in Nuevo Progreso where he was rehearsing songs for the May 12, 2014 Mothers Day celebration. It was a pleasure to listen to his songs, some of which he had written especially for the occasion. And it was inspiring to know that he is now on the right track and in the right way, walking with the Lord.

Mario and Elida Belmares at the church in Nuevo Progreso.