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!