"ALL THOSE IN AUTHORITY..."

Pastor Gerardo reads scripture before praying for the city and all those in authority.

Through much prayer, the ministerial alliance in Nuevo Progreso was given permission to read from the Bible and pray for the city at the beginning of each week. The Delegado (mayor), his assistants and city workers gather at 8:00 am Monday mornings in front of their office to attend this prayer. Because of this humbleness and obedience to the Lord, Nuevo Progreso remains a quiet and peaceful haven in a troubled land.



A group of city workers and pedestrians stop to listen while the pastor prays.

We are urged in 2 Timothy to pray for those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. Nearby cities of Reynosa, Rio Bravo and Matamoros constantly report gun battles and fights between rival gangs and the military. It’s no longer safe to travel into these large places. The people are so anxious and tense that even the sound of a car backfiring can cause everyone to scatter and hide. But prayer changes things and the Monday morning prayer times are powerful and effective.

Two months ago a family business of selling bottled water in Nuevo Progreso was confiscated by a gang. The family had a pickup truck in which they drove with 5 gallon bottles of water throughout the colonias around our church. One of the family came to the church asking for prayer. Their livelihood was gone, they were devastated and afraid for their lives. Last week without any explanation the family was given back their business! Excited and happy, they came to Pastor Gerardo to thank him and to thank God for answering prayer!

Pastor Gerardo speaks at the prep school about making God the center of our lives.


Recently the superintendent of the local prep school heard about a program designed to create "happy families," and he invited Pastor Gerardo to come to school and give a presentation. In an unusual gathering of students and parents, scripture was given along with prayer and the names and numbers of at least a dozen pastors who would be available to help 24 hours a day!

In a time of distress, fear and uncertainty God is opening doors for his servants to share the knowledge of the truth with those in authority. And that will continue to bring peace and quiet to the city of Nuevo Progreso.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV