GERSON

Gerson, son of Levi and grandson of Jacob. His name meant that he was an alien, a stranger in a foreign land. He lived many years ago at the beginning of the history of Israel. His father was a priest, which meant that he followed in his father’s footsteps and would also have been a priest.

Our Gerson had his 17th birthday August 6th. His father is the pastor of the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. And it’s possible that our Gerson will follow in his father’s footsteps and become a pastor.

Gerson has great character and has the markings of a future leader in the church.

Gerson is over six feet tall and is a handsome young man full of talents. Musically inclined like his father, he plays the guitar and the drums during worship services. He has a gift for anything electronic, isn’t afraid to take the computer apart and put it back together again, likes to repair items such as irons, fans and even works on the family vehicle. If something doesn’t work, Gerson can fix it!

Pastor Gerardo has taught Gerson to play guitar with him during services at the church.  As is evident here, Gerson is much taller than his father.


Gerson also enjoys sports and of course basketball is one of his favorite pastimes. He also excels in soccer and baseball.


A very quiet and serious young man, Gerson is loyal to his family and to his church. He has plenty to keep him busy, so he won’t be found getting into trouble or causing any difficulties for his parents. We are very proud of Gerson.

Drums are a great addition to the church and both Gerson and his brother Nahum love to play them.


It is very possible that Gerson will attend seminary and he most likely will become a next generation church leader. Will he be like his namesake from the Bible and be that stranger in a foreign land carrying the gospel?

Lloyd enjoys being measured alongside Gerson.  This picture was taken 3 years ago and now Gerson is at least 3 inches taller.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

NAHUM'S GRADUATION

Nahum in his cap and gown on graduation day.  From left to right are:  Pastor Gerardo Estrada, Gilbert Belmares, Nahum, Norma Belmares and Miriam Estrada.

Nahum recently graduated from school in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. In the fall he will enter the next part of his education which in Mexico is called "prep" or preparatory school. Equivalent to high school in the United States, prep school includes occupational training, computer training and classes readying the students for college.

Nahum is the second son of Gerardo and Miriam Estrada, pastors of the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso. Quiet and mannerly, Nahum has many skills and interests including computer science, plants and animals and music. He can always be seen sitting at the drums when church service begins, while his father plays the keyboard and his brother Gerson plays the guitar. We were privileged to be present when Nahum was baptized in water last May 2014.

It’s too soon to say exactly what Nahum plans to do with his future, but he certainly plans to extend his education into college.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam are very proud of their son Nahum, and so are we. Congratulations Nahum! Well done!

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:1

Nahum's graduating class.  It is quite an accomplishment for a young person in Mexico to continue their education and then to attend college.  Please pray fr this fine group of boys and girls!

YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN MEXICO

A group of young people met recently at the church for a Bible study and then a game of soccer.

 Some of the young people from various local churches meet regularly at the church in Nuevo Progreso for activities along with Bible study and prayer. There is a large area where they can play soccer, called football in Mexico. This is their favorite national sport.

Their recent games included some adults who couldn't resist the fun. What better way to spend a Saturday evening! After dark there is usually a large bonfire where individuals are encouraged to share their testimonies between worship songs.

Future activities are being planned by the group, but it's certain that soccer will be their main game. From their earliest years in school, children are encouraged to play this fast and competitive game which means they are usually very skilled. Even first grade children in Mexico can win trophies for scoring the most points in school games.

Boys and girls play together on the field next to the church.

Young people have a great opportunity to not only make new friends, but find future husbands and wives by attending these activities designed especially for them. With a spiritual emphasis at the center of each meeting, these boys and girls will grow in the Lord and become great Christian leaders in the church.

Strenuous games require serious rest times!  This group is working up a big appetite for campfire food!

"For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth." Psalm 71:5