INTO THE CITY

Pastor Gerardo prays regularly for the city of Nuevo Progreso.  He and other members of the ministerial alliance are standing in front of the office of the delegado (mayor).

We were six weeks late leaving for the mission field this year. Lloyd underwent back surgery November 10th and he spent the next five weeks recooperating.  It was Christmas week when we finally arrived in the Rio Grande Valley.

Hurricane Patricia, the strongest hurricane ever recorded, hit this area hard in October.  Fifteen trailer homes were destroyed by water in the park where we live in Texas.  Across the border in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico the ground around our church was flooded and roads were destroyed.  People are still recovering from the devastation.

During our first meeting with Pastor Gerardo at their annual Christmas party, we heard good news about the work of the church.  In spite of all the difficulties and challenges, the church is making an impact on the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Pastor Gerardo was recently elected president of the city ministerial alliance.  Nuevo Progreso has an estimated population of 25,000 and there are 53 churches, but not all pastors belong to the alliance.  Pastor Gerardo said he refuses to be called "president" but would rather be the coordinator so responsibilities can be shared equally among members.

Scott and DiAnna Olsen and a medical team from Minnesota will conduct the annual health fair in April with the help of the ministerial alliance.  This will mean reaching more people throughout the city with the gospel and with free medical attention.

Pastor Gerardo is called on frequently to preach in other churches in the area.

Pastors in the ministerial alliance have expressed appreciation for Pastor Gerardo's doctrines and teaching, especially enjoying the Sunday School literature he uses from Pathway Press, a division of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  We plan to order a good supply of these materials to share with churches throughout the city.

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam and their four children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.

Regardless of all kinds of difficulties, we are seeing an unusual and heart warming trend.  The Lord is showing us what He considers important.  Not big buildings or fancy equipment, but going out and reaching the city with His Word.  This fits in with our goal, to see many people saved, healed and filled with the Holy Ghost.  Jesus is coming soon!

CHRISTMAS AND OTHER NEWS

DiAnna Olsen enjoyed playing with the boys and girls who attended the annual Christmas party.

DiAnna Olsen from Minnesota flew down to Mexico for the annual church Christmas party which was held at Jose and Lupita's house. Since we were late in arriving on the mission field this season because of Lloyd's back surgery, DiAnna took care of the annual Christmas event including making Christmas baskets for needy families, purchasing gifts for Pastor Gerardo and his family and bagging treats for the children who attended the party.

Pastor Gerardo gave a short Christmas message before activities started and then he gave an invitation for those with needs to come forward for prayer.  Miriam then led a short time of worship.

Miriam led a time of worship at the Christmas party.

Several of the women of the church served everyone the traditional tamales along with spicy bean soup, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes.  Tamales are a special treat for every holiday in Mexico.  There was a sheet cake filled with whipped cream and topped with fruit salad.  Another tradition - hot fruit punch was also served.

After everyone had finished eating, the children were lined up to receive small toys and bags of candy.  There was a lot of excitement and a lot of good fellowship during the whole time.

The children were admiring each other's gifts.

There were children present who have been faithful to Sunday School for years.  They came alone, always praying that some day their parents will join them.

This Holiday Season is a great time for the church to reach out with love to the community.  The party was free to everyone who wished to attend.  Everyone heard the old but good news of Christ's birth and everyone had opportunity to receive Him into their hearts.  And that's the greatest gift of all.

Boys and girls were lined up youngest first so everything was done orderly.  There was plenty for everyone.

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Orando por Mexico,  Pray for Mexico!

Hurricane Patricia swept across Mexico last week directly toward Nuevo Progreso in Tamaulipis.  For the benefit of their congregation in that city, Pastor of Bethesda Church of God Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam published these words of encouragement and hope.  They reminded us that we can take shelter in God no matter what storm has us in it's sights.  And there is a place of safety when we praise and glorify Him.  Here are the words that surrounded and comforted this group of people:

"We have much information about the hurricane, it's category, it's dimensions and it's location.  But we have more information about who God is!

Psalm 48 says: The Lord God is wonderful, He deserves all praise in the city where He lives.  His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth.  Mount Zion, truly sacred, is home for the great King.  God is there to defend it and has proved to be it's protector.  Kings joined forces to attack the city, but when they saw it, they were terrified and ran away.  They trembled all over like women giving birth or like seagoing ships wrecked by eastern winds.  We had heard about it, and now we have seen it in the city of our God, the Lord All-Powerful.  This is the city that God will let stand forever.  Our God, here in your temple we think about your love.  You are famous and praised everywhere on earth, as you win victories with your powerful arm.  Mount Zion will celebrate and all Judah will be glad because you bring justice.  Let's walk around Zion and count it's towers.  We will see it's strong walls and visit each fortress.  Then you can say to future generations, Our God is like this forever and will always guide us!"   Psalm 48

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

We thank God for His mercy to Mexico! " I promise that when any two of you on earth shall agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you." Matthew 18:19

"I am the gate, All who come in through me will be saved.  Through me they will come and go and find pasture."  John 10:9  "Your faithful people Lord will praise you with songs and honor your holy name."  Psalm 30:4

And after the storm:  

Bless His name!  We cannot attribute this powerful manifestation to anyone but our God!  "And I told you these things so that when they happened you would not say, The idols we worship did this!"  Isaiah 48:5

GOOD WORDS

Miriam del Carmen Razo Hernandez
Pastor's Wife in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

"Good thoughts - They are so important for us to always have.  If we open our mouth to speak, what we say or publish can be a balm to those suffering in different areas of their lives, both psychologically and emotionally.  Our intention should always be to edify people and not to destroy through humiliation and ridicule.  We live in a world full of violence and evil and the world needs the best of us.  Consider what you say or what you intend to publish!!!"  Words of wisdom from Miriam del Carmen Razo Hernandez

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8 KJV

THE LORD THY GOD IS WITH THEE

Clouds over Nuevo Progreso

A recent tropical depression originating in the Gulf of Mexico near Nuevo Progreso flooded an area of northern Mexico and southern Texas.  Even though there is a lot of standing water in town and roads are nearly impassable in the colonias, the work of the church goes on.  Services are being conducted at the usual times in various locations throughout town.

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam send the message that God is in control; and even though there are trials and difficulties God is good.

Please pray for the church and the congregation as they go through this unusual and unexpected weather event.  The enormous new flood water drainage system in this border town has never been completed.  An up-to-date water treatment plant and most of the drain pipes to take standing water away sit idle and unused.  It could take weeks for things to return to normal in Nuevo Progreso.  Meanwhile, God's word will be preached and the church will continue to be blessed.

"Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9

THE CHURCH TAKES SHAPE

Organization is taking place inside the church in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.  People are taking on responsibilities, making commitments and filling offices.  Recently during the pastor's absence visiting his family in southern Mexico, the church was able to continue certain ministries on their own.

Paola was named Director of Woman.

Paola was named Director of Woman and is proving to be very committed to the responsibilities.  Catalina is now the Treasurer of Womens Ministries.  She accepted this position with great pleasure.

Catalina was appointed Treasurer of Women's Ministries

One woman will be chosen from the congregation each week to organize and lead visitation and prayer in various homes.

Breakfast is being served to the children before Sunday School each week.  The first week, Sister Francesca brought tacos made with beans, scrambled eggs and potatoes for the breakfast.  The second time Arely was in charge of providing the meal.

Francesca in a moment of prayer.

These new church leaders are working together to strengthen the church and to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Organization is important and delegating responsibilities is Biblical.  Everyone who does their part will be blessed of the Lord.

Some of the children who regularly attend Sunday School at the Nuevo Progreso Church of God.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. " Acts 20:28

NAHUM'S RAINBOW

A double rainbow swept across the sky over Nayarit, Mexico.

It was like a sign from God!  A double rainbow in the sky over Nayarit, Mexico.  It surely was a sign of blessing as Pastor Gerardo and his family began their return trip from visiting their folks in west central Mexico last week.

It had been years since they had seen their extended families and Gerardo had received word that his father, Ramon Rameriz, had suffered a heart attack and wanted to see him.  Through a series of unexpected blessings including the gift of an almost new GMC Yukon utility vehicle, Gerardo and his wife Miriam and 4 kids were able to make the 15 hour drive across the country of Mexico to the west coast state of Nayarit.  According to Miriam, "all the way we were blessed by God!"

Miriam is with Gerardo's father, Ramon Rameriz.  He is now doing well after suffering a heart attack earlier this summer. Nieces and nephews joined them in the picture.

Besides grandparents, aunts and uncles barely remembered, there were many cousins that Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly had never met.  They spent hours getting acquainted with each other and sharing.  Gerardo and Gerson played the guitar together for everyone; and then Gerardo and Nahum sang their favorite songs.  The whole family sang and worshiped the Lord together. 

The room was crowded with family members of all ages.

Miriam was happy to visit her own father and the rest of her family that still lives in Nayarit. They took time to look around and enjoy the land where they had spent the earlier part of their lives.  Miriam said, "Thank God, who gave us this beautiful wish!"

More cousins and they all look very happy.

Everyone had such a good time that it was difficult to say goodbye to loved ones and return to Nuevo Progreso.  But Gerardo and Miriam encouraged them all that by faith the Lord would allow them to return for more visits to see their family.

Gerson and Nahum with their cousins Omar and Jafat Estrada.

As Pastor Gerardo and Miriam, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly drove away from their home town, they saw a beautiful double rainbow stretching across the sky.  It was like a smile from the Lord.  It was His sign of blessing on them and His approval.  He had given them a great and valuable gift, a trip home.  Nahum took a picture of the unusual rainbow before it faded away.

Nahum has a new favorite cousin!

The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.  Genesis 9:13 CEV

JUST MY SIZE!

New folding tables and chairs for Sunday School!

Tables and chairs that are just the right size for little children!  A great gift!  The church in Nuevo Progreso has received folding tables and chairs from DiAnna Olsen and her husband Scott from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  This much needed equipment will make attending Sunday School more comfortable and safer for the children.

These are the adult tables and benches formerly used by children in Sunday School.

Until the receipt of these new tables and chairs, the children used tables and benches constructed for adults.  Many times it was necessary for smaller boys and girls to stand on their bench to reach the classroom material on the table.   Also, the new tables and chairs are portable, so now they can take Sunday School classes anywhere they want.

Happy children color their pictures as they listen to their teacher.

Sunday School is very popular at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.  Some of the children have been coming for several years on their own to Sunday School.  Others are brought by their parents.  

Thank you Scott and DiAnna, for the gift of these colorful little tables and chairs.  They are just the right size!

FROM ONE FAMILY TO ANOTHER

Joe and Lynette Rainer and son from Minneapolis.

From the family of Joe and Lynette Rainer to the family of Pastor Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam!  A 2001 GMC Yukon!  A vehicle that is greatly needed by the church and by their family!  Thank you, Joe and Lynette and your family for this generous and most useful gift!

There are many in the church in Nuevo Progreso who cannot walk to the church for services.  Some are elderly and others have small children and maybe a great distance to walk.  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam constantly visit the sick and needy in homes all over town.  When it's raining and the streets are muddy, it's difficult to get to the church.  This vehicle will be used to transport people to services and special events.  And since the church is located on the east edge of Nuevo Progreso, transportation is needed back and forth to school for Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly. The GMC Yukon is well equipped for the rough and unpaved roads in the colonias.

Up to this time, Pastor Gerardo drove a 1996 Ford Explorer that was paid for by friends in Bethalto Church of God, Bethalto, Illinois.  The Ford Explorer has served them well for the last six years, but is beginning to wear out and needs lots of repair.  It was time for a replacement.

Thank you, Joe and Lynette Rainer, for giving a gift that will keep the church moving forward in Nuevo Progreso!

Gerardo and Miriam Estrada with their children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.

"A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth." 
Proverbs 17:8

IN MEMORY OF CECELIA

Cecelia with her daughter Yaslin.

Cecelia passed away the first week in July in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.  She leaves a son, Axel and a 3 year old daughter Yaslin.  Cecelia was the sister of Paola who is a member of the church in Nuevo Progreso.  She had many other family members who will be taking care of her children.  

Cecelia will be greatly missed by family and friends.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

BAPTIZED IN WATER!

Arely, Paola, Yaneth, Karen and Roman.

Six people were baptized in water June 27th in Reynosa, Mexico.  Members of Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, the six people joined several others in a joint meeting of district Churches of God  for the event.  They were baptized by Pastor Gerardo Estrada and Brother Fernando, the District Supervisor in Reynosa.

Roman was baptized as the others watched.

A city swimming pool was used for the baptisms.  It was a hot and sunny day and the water must have been very refreshing to everyone.

It was an emotional moment for Roman.

Roman and his wife Karen, Paola and Yaneth had been planning on being baptized for weeks.  Arely made a last minute decision and joined them.

Paola, Yaneth, Karen and her husband Roman.

¡¡Felicidades!!  Congratulations, Roman, Karen, Paola, Yaneth and Arely!!

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."  Matthew 28:19

NEWS FROM THE CHURCH

Pastor's wife Miriam looks happy as she cuddles a pet rabbit at the home of Jose and Lupita.

Lloyd and I have returned to Illinois for a few months rest and to regroup, but our mission project in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico continues on with renewed strength.  Here is news we received from Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam:

"We have been praying for many people connected with the church who are gravely ill; and some have been given little hope to live.  Glory to God, we have seen their health improve!

Cecilia had pneumonia and other problems in her lungs.  The church prayed for her and she is no longer critically ill.  While praying, Pastor Gerardo shared the gospel with her and she accepted Christ.  With her renewed faith, she believes she will be completely healed.

Paulina had cancer.  She recently moved away from her family and had also moved away from God.  After we all prayed for her, she renewed her relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Then she received good news from her doctor.  He could find no cancer in her body and disagrees with the former diagnosis!  She had been told that her kidneys and lungs were affected, but they are now clean.  She's thanking God for complete healing!

Inocencio had a severe respiratory attack that caused him to pass out.  He has a history of smoking for many years.  Some of us from the church went to his house to pray for him and for the first time in his life he opened his heart and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior!  With tears, he acknowledged his need of God and said he had already made up his mind to never smoke again!  Glory to God!

We thank God for blessing the church.  He gives us all things in His time!"

"There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one."  Acts 5:16

ONE MORE LION!

Lions watching and waiting, on guard.

Joe and Lynette Rainer from Minnesota have donated a 2000 GMC Yukon to the church in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.  This generous gift will not only be used for the pastor's family, but for transporting people to church.  The Yukon is a great gift from the Lord!

Joe and Lynette became aware of the need for a newer vehicle through the medical ministry of Scott and DiAnna from Minneapolis, who work alongside us in Mexico.  Joe and Lynette have plans to accompany Scott and DiAnna to Mexico in July to deliver the vehicle to the church.  This will be an adventure for them, and they'll get to see exactly where the Yukon will be used.

Example of a 2000 GMC Yukon.

This much needed vehicle will replace the 1996 Ford Explorer Pastor Gerardo and Miriam have used for several years.  The Explorer served them well, but it has had numerous repairs and now has many problems and is unreliable.  We thank the Lord for sending the Yukon; and we also thank Him for sending Joe and Lynette Rainer to the church

To quote DiAnna Olsen, "This family is one more lion on the team of God!"

(Newsboys)

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28:15

THROUGH THE FIRE!

The clay bowl with lid purchased in Control, Mexico.

One day on one of our trips across the border into Mexico, we drove through the little town of Control.  Control is an interesting little town on one of the main roads between Rio Bravo and Matamoros.  A railroad track dissects the place; and there is evidence that at one time this was a busy commercial area devoted mainly to agriculture.  Now most of the buildings are abandoned, but there is still a petroleum establishment, some grain elevators and the usual small stores along the heavily traveled road.

A pottery stand caught our attention, so we stopped to see their wares.  Behind the pottery stand was a strange looking cone shaped structure we soon learned was a kiln or oven for firing pottery.  Evidently, they made the pottery there and baked it themselves.

I picked out a bowl with a lid that resembled a casserole dish.  Wanting to use the vessel for serving traditional Mexican dishes, I needed to be sure it would be suitable.  The gentleman who waited on us was happy to talk about his pottery, so I asked him if the bowl and lid could be used for food and if they could be put into a hot oven without breaking.

His interest in his craft was evident as he eagerly pointed out the kiln and other equipment behind the little open shed.  "Of course it can be used!" he said emphatically.  "It has already been through the fire!"

We purchased the pretty clay bowl with the lid and brought it home with us.   It always reminds us that as sure as the little clay vessel could be used in a hot oven, we can be vessels for the Lord because we have already been through the fire!

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3

SERVANTS OF THE LORD!

Conversations and laughter accompanied worship and the word of God in the women's meetings.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."Joshua 24:15

This was the message for the women who met every day the last week of May.  There was renewed interest in God's word and in worship among the women of the church.  It almost sounded like the stories from the book of Acts in the New Testament.  They went from house to house, breaking bread and with fellowship.  

Since the meetings were held in a different neighborhood each night, there were always visitors and new friends to make things interesting.  The women took turns learning to lead in worship and in reading God's word to their sisters.  And every evening there was time set aside for prayer, interceding to be filled and refilled with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as described in the Book of Acts.

Sister Norma prayed with her mother-in-law Sister Belmares.

Sister Lily and Sister Karen were acknowledged for their faithful attendance of 4 nights in a row to the special meetings.  It was a challenge for them to leave husbands and children to attend this intense week of services, but it was worth the price.

The first meeting on Monday evening was in the church, while the second was held at the home of Francisca Belmares.  Sister Belmares served coffee and cookies.  During the time of fellowship, conversations led to laughter and everyone had a very good time.

The third day the meeting was at the home of Sister Julia in Colonia Francisco Madera.  Julia attends another church, but is always very happy to open her home to friends of our church.  Sister Julia has been seriously ill in the last few months.  These meetings and the prayers of the women have been a great encouragement to her, and her health is gradually improving.

The fourth day was at Sister Catalina's house.  There the women were served a refreshing salad with a hearty soup.  Sister Catalina is known as a very good cook!

Sister Azucena is shown here with one of her children.

The fifth day was at Lupita's house.  As always, she welcomed the women with great joy, and she also served salad and soup. Even though it was the same menu, everything was different. Everyone agreed the evening was a glorious one in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Sister Azucena lead the times of praise; and even though this was new to her, she was very willing and enthusiastic.  What great experience and practice this was to these new believers!

Sister Norma participated in the reading of the Bible and also in the leading of praise and worship.

The women prayed for each other, shed tears for each other and asked the Lord for the touch of the Holy Spirit!  THE WEEK ENDED IN GREAT VICTORY!

"And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"  Acts 2:18

ROGER STEVEN PEREZ

Brother Roger Perez participated in our English class. He is seated alongside Pastor Gerardo and Miriam.

It was an honor to have Roger Perez visiting Nuevo Progreso, Pastor Gerardo and our English Class.  Brother Perez is an evangelist and missionary from Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.  He attended Playa del Carmen Bible Acadamy in Mexico.  Roger has been married to Viviana Dominges for 22 years and they have two children, a daughter Noeme who is 14 and a son Adam Noe who is 11.  Brother Perez is a member of the Church of God.

We spoke with Roger about his experiences, his plans and his dreams for the future.  Eventually he wants to pastor a church, but meanwhile he feels impressed to preach God's word and sing wherever he is invited.  In the past he has preached in the Mexican states of Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.  In the United States he has preached in Weslaco, Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas.  He speaks a little English and enjoyed the lesson we had prepared for the day he was here.

The Yucatan Peninsula is highlighted on this map.  Quintana Roo is a tiny state on the eastern side.

Roger's favorite part of the Bible is the Book of Acts.  He loves to read about the early church and how quickly the good news spread throughout the known world in such miraculous ways.  He said it was because of the power of the Holy Spirit that the church was able to withstand the persecutions they faced after the crucifiction of Jesus Christ.  Roger's message to us all is: "We need to be ready to go with our Lord, and for this it is necessary to have a clean heart and a clean mind."

A dove sat on the wall overlooking our class.  

As we visited, we learned that one of Roger's great desires is to visit the headquarters of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  He wants to meet some of the leaders of the church and share his vision with them.

It was just a short time together, but we all felt the bond of friendship between us.  Roger was like a part of our family, and we look forward to hearing from him again soon.  He left for a speaking engagement later that evening, and planned to fly from Reynosa to Cancun the next morning.

"They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together."  Acts 2:42 CEV

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!

Popular style tambourine used at the church in Mexico.

Tambourines are used a lot at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.  They are handy, portable and are easy to play.  Recently Miriam, Pastor Gerardo's wife, emphasized the importance of tambourines in their home meetings.

Several times during the week men and women of the church conduct services at various homes, or they have a time of worship during their visits to the sick.  At these times it's good to have music, and along with Pastor Gerardo's guitar, Miriam keeps rhythm with her tambourine.

Tambourines have a long history with roots in a variety of music from classical to folk.  Tambourines are simple, versatile instruments that can bring a song to life.  Best of all, tambourines are easy to carry and to play.

Another tambourine with only the metal disks.

Tambourines are hand held instruments with a round, wooden frame and a parchment or skin head. Metal disks that jingle are inserted into the wooden rim. By striking the tambourine or by shaking it, the jingles are set in motion. Rubbing the hand across the drumhead or tapping it will produce other rhythmic sounds. It's a popular instrument mostly used by women.

Though an ancient instrument, its structure has remained basically unchanged. Tambourines were played in Mesopotamia, Greece, Israel and Rome, especially in religious contexts.  They have always been prominent in Middle Eastern religious use. Crusaders took them to Europe in the 13th century. The timbrel or tabret that Miriam used in the Bible was similar to the tambourine.

Tambourines add life to music!

The tambourine is mentioned often in the Old Testament as an instrument of celebration, as here: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing."  Exodus 15:20

As the church grows in Nuevo Progreso, they will need more tambourines the women and children can use during worship services, so they can continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Psalm 95:1

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

Pastor Estrada's wife Miriam leads the Women's Ministries.

"Serving My World With Love" (Galatians 5:13), that's the slogan for Women's Ministries in the Church of God.  And that describes the women of Bethesda in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

The last week in May is set aside to highlight Women's Ministries, and there are many programs, meetings and special events being planned.  Pastor's wife Miriam leads the women of the church.  Her schedule for the Women's Week is a very busy one.

Lupita always offers her home for meetings.

Besides the regularly scheduled church services, the women will meet every evening at the home of one of the members.  This plan is a popular one because each time the member can invite all her neighbors to the party.  It's a great way to reach out to women with spiritual, physical and emotional needs.  Along with the usual food and drinks, there is always a reading from the Bible, prayer and a time for each woman to share her burdens with the others.  Even visitors and new members quickly volunteer to have a meeting at their house.  And in this way the good news of God's love is spread to all parts of the city!

Letty is a member of the women's group.

The purpose of Womens Ministries is to encourage spiritual growth, personal development and leadership among women, and to contribute to the general welfare of the home, church, community and world.  The organization is founded on the scripture from Proverbs 31: "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gate."

One of the busy mothers who also enjoys women's fellowship.

Through this strong support group, women can be empowered -
to know Christ
to know who they are in Christ
to grow as leaders and mentors who disciple others
to act by giving their talents, money and time
to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world
to realize they are valued in God's kingdom
to form small groups with women of like passions
to strengthen their families and
to be God's hands in the world.

Paola likes to help cook and serve food.

We're proud of the strong and loving Women's Ministries group at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso!

Praying for one another.