BUÑUELOS MEXICANOS

Buñuelos Mexicanos served covered with cinnamon and sugar.

New Year’s Eve celebrations are different in Mexico.  One of the main ways of celebrating is by shooting firecrackers on the streets.  For at least an hour before midnight on December 31st there are continuous explosions and loud pops and crackles.  It almost sounds like there are a few gunshots in the mix.

There are traditional foods served during the holidays and one such food is buñuelos, Mexican fritters. These delicious thin deep fried rounds are generously sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and served warm or cold.  We enjoyed our first buñuelos after a dinner at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

Lloyd and I are on the left side of this group of people. This is just a few of those who attended the dinner. The gift of food is on the altar.

A small group gathered at the church, each family bringing their own special dish to share with everyone.  Pastor Gerardo roasted pieces of chicken over an open charcoal fire, Catalina brought mashed potatoes, Paola brought a rice dish, another family brought grilled sausages and we provided a mixed garden salad.  At the end of the meal, Miriam brought out a large basket filled with buñuelos, crisp and freshly made by Lupita.  They were a real treat!

Later some of the young people brought in a large box of groceries, a gift to the church.  This is another nice holiday tradition, blessing the pastor and his family with food.

It was late when we all said goodnight and left the church.  It was a great night for families and for the keeping of traditions.  One of the highlights of the evening was when we were all served those buñuelos Mexicano.

RECIPE FOR BUÑUELOS

3 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons lard or Crisco melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla
vegetable oil for frying

Cinnamon sugar:

1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the buñuelos,  mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Mix milk, egg, lard or Crisco and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Gradually add flour mixture, stirring constantly to form a slightly sticky dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Incorporate additional flour, a tablespoon of flour at a time, until dough is no longer sticky. Divide dough into 16 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place in bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let dough rest 30 minutes.

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Set aside.

Roll each ball of dough into a 6-inch round on lightly floured surface. Stack dough rounds between wax paper or plastic wrap. Let stand 10 minutes.

Pour vegetable oil into heavy large skillet or saucepan to depth of 1 inch (about 2 cups oil). Heat oil on medium-high heat to 365°F to 370°F on deep-fry thermometer. Fry dough rounds, 1 at a time, for 2 minutes or until golden and puffed, turning once using tongs. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle each fritter with 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar mixture.

"MORE THAN A VICTORY..."

“In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.  I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future,  and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!”  Romans 8:37-39 CEV

Pastor Gerardo and his family Christmas 2016.

It has become our tradition to take a picture of Pastor Gerardo and his family every year at Christmas. In this way for the past nine years we have established a record of their growing family.  Not only that, but we’ve recorded the faithfulness and commitment of Pastor Gerardo in the good times and in the bad.

Sometimes the church takes one step forward in progress and then problems come along and the church takes two steps back.  

The Bible tells us that many things will challenge the body of Christ - life and death events,  angels or spirits, things of the present or the future,  and powers above or below.  But it also says in Romans 8: 31 - “What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?”

Progress and growth of a tree can best be measured by the fruit it bears.  Many people have been touched and blessed by Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, and that makes it very special. Visitors are welcomed as if they are part of the family, the family of God!

Pastor Gerardo and his family nine years ago when they arrived in Nuevo Progreso.

PREPARING FOR CELEBRATIONS!

Cynthia, Javier and Esteban with their gift bags.

Our trip to Nuevo Progreso Tuesday was for several purposes, to visit friends, to firm up plans for our annual Christmas party and to make a stop to give a Christmas gift to the soldiers standing guard at the international bridge.

It felt like Christmas since it was colder than usual and slightly overcast.  There weren’t many tourists in the streets and traffic on the bridge was light.  Lloyd pulled into the open area near the customs lane where the military has their temporary headquarters.  One soldier standing guard with a rifle went to get the officer in charge at Lloyd’s request.  We presented that officer with a large mesh bag of mixed nuts in the shells to be shared with all those stationed in Nuevo Progreso.  It’s our way of saying thank you and Merry Christmas to the young men who keep watch over the town.

Then we stopped at Apolinar’s house to see how they had been getting along.  This was our first visit with them this winter, so it was good to see how much their kids had grown and how well they are. We had Christmas treat bags for Esteban, Javier and Cynthia containing candy, small toys and picture books.  The Christmas books with pop-up pages depicting the Nativity Scene seemed the biggest attraction.

Javier was delighted to see us and he enjoyed his bag of treats.

Apolinar was working in a nearby neighborhood.  He seems to be doing very well since the terrible accident several years ago when he was almost electrocuted.  He had severe burns over most of his body and was in a coma for three weeks.  It was many months before he could use his hands again because of scar tissue and burns.  Now he can once again support his family either by working in construction or by selling food to the numerous trucks that drive through Nuevo Progreso.

Cynthia was fascinated with her Christmas picture book and with her candy cane.

Carla had a cold and the kids all had sniffles.  It was a good thing we had thought to bring them cold medicines including Vicks vapor rub.  The weather has been cold and wet, temperatures are up and down.  Cold medicines are much appreciated by families with small children and Carla especially likes to use the chest rubs.  She says they are safer   for children than strong liquid medicines.

There were even treats for the family dogs!  We always carry a container of dog food in the Jeep so we can feed the dogs we encounter in our travels.  Most of them run loose and are very thin.

We had lunch with Pastor Gerardo and Miriam at the church.  It was a good time to catch up on recent news and plan future events.

Two mounds of caliche and fill material still stood beside the church.  It's a big job to spread this heavy material, but it creates a firm solid surface after a time.

Six truck loads of caliche, Mexican gravel, have already been delivered and dumped in the church yard.  Four loads have been spread out over the driveway where recent rains had made deep ruts and mud.  Pastor Gerardo and his son Nahum have done most of the work to spread the caliche.  Yesterday one of their neighbors named Angel stopped by to lend a hand.  We plan to order many more loads of caliche in order to build up the ground and prevent future flooding when it rains.

Pastor Gerardo told us about a sad situation in Nuevo Progreso involving many of the local churches and pastors and the ministerial alliance.   A popular evangelist from the United States claiming to be a prophet is preaching in many of the churches, causing problems.  Many of his prophecies were that certain people would soon die and he told Gerardo that he was one who wouldn’t live much longer.  It’s a ministry of fear.  Gerardo said he was alerted by the Holy Spirit that much of what was being preached and proclaimed by the “prophet” did not agree with the Bible.  Also there was a big emphasis on money in the services which was alarming.  Gerardo decided he and his family did not want to participate in the group meetings.  He quietly made it known he disagreed with what was being presented as being prophetic.


Please pray with us about this serious situation in Nuevo Progreso.  Almost all the other churches in town seem to be attracted to this prophetic ministry and they are caught up in the excitement and entertainment presented.  But when the excitement wears off and the errors are more evident, there will be disappointed and disillusioned people who will not understand all that happened.  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam will then be like a lighthouse in the darkness - constant and steady - always leading people in the right way.

"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart and tell about the wonders
    you have worked."  Psalm 9:1 (CEV)

GOD'S UNUSUAL WAYS

Pastor Gerardo Estrada

God’s ways are not our ways, we’ve always heard that but didn’t always understand what it meant.  Now we’re learning that He uses unusual situations, challenging places and imperfect people to accomplish His will.  And we could never think these things up or plan them because they are usually opposite of our own thoughts.  Lately we like to say that God works in the negative to bring about results.

Establishing a church in a new area can be very difficult and demanding.  We always want what looks the best and what will eventually make us proud of our accomplishments.  The project is imagined from beginning to end with very few complications in between.  The envisioned church is seen finished, up and running and self sufficient.

Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico is a different story, possibly because it was started in a place where no church had stood before.  Maybe it was because it was started from nothing except for a strong desire and vision for the project.  The church that has emerged is not exactly what was expected and it’s not about a building.  This is a church on the move, out among the people right where they live.

Pastor Gerardo Estrada pastors the church on the east side of Nuevo Progreso.  There are services held at the church, but most of the time he and his wife Miriam visit people and often they conduct worship services in their homes and outside in yards. Several people have accepted the Lord in these unique services because those visited invite their neighbors to join them.  The church is reaching many people this way, but it's not what we would have planned.

This year Pastor Gerardo’s oldest son Gerson started classes at the university in Reynosa which is over 25 miles away.  Gerardo drives Gerson to school every day and because it’s so expensive to make the drive, he waits there to drive him home.  But instead of it being wasted time, Gerardo has found a ministry on the streets of the enormous old city of Reynosa.  Somehow he was led to a group of homeless youth, some of which spent time in prison and now have no place to go.

Every day they wait for him to share God’s word and to pray with them.  Some days he eats lunch with them in the government soup kitchen so he can counsel and advise them.  He described eight different young people living in makeshift shelters who try to make a little money washing cars or doing other odd jobs.  He has become their pastor.

Gerardo and Miriam traveled all summer back and forth  25 miles to Matamoros where they conducted Saturday evening worship services in the home of  Edgar’s large family.  Edgar got saved while in prison and is now attending Bible School in Sonora.  As a result of these efforts, the district leaders have become aware of the need for a church in that area of Matamoros and they are currently searching for a full time pastor to continue the work of establishing a new church.  Even though Gerardo and Miriam were growing weary of traveling the distance every week, it was their dedication that brought about the birth of another new church.  How did that happen?  How did the Lord arrange all that?
.
When we got to the church on a Monday afternoon, we saw that recent rains had made a muddy mess of the parking area. Problems like these were not imagined when we started the church in Nuevo Progreso. Now our first priority was to purchase several loads of caliche (Mexican gravel) to build up the parking area and ground around the church. The first load arrived late in the day, but instead of dumping the load quickly and leaving, the driver was afraid of getting stuck in the mud. His dump truck died and after he tried several times to start it, he announced the battery was dead. It took some time for Lloyd to jump start the truck from the Jeep battery and to finally see the material where it would do the most good. Nothing seems to go smoothly in Mexico, and certainly not always according to plan.

We all watched as caliche was dumped outside the church.  Even the dogs enjoyed the show.

Bethesda Church of God isn’t a beautiful building with well manicured grounds planted on the east side of Nuevo Progreso. Situated in a very poor area of town, it isn’t always an attractive place in very good order. But there have been incredible results from this unusual church and it’s unusual pastor and his family. The Lord has taken a lot of negative things and used them to advance the gospel. Challenges have turned out to be God's opportunities.

“Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does?”  Romans 11:33 CEV

GOD BLESS THE JONES SISTERS!

The Jeep and small trailer are usually loaded to capacity.

Every year at this time we leave our home in Illinois and travel to the Mexican border where we spend half of the year on the mission field.  Since our Jeep and small camper are usually packed and overloaded with supplies and gifts, our 1,200 mile trip takes us at least 3 days of slow and steady driving.

The long trip was tiring, but we experienced some unusual evidences of God’s presence with us along the way.  Once, after a long day of driving through Oklahoma, Lloyd and I searched without success for an RV park for the night.  Finally we stopped and asked a lady coming out of a store for directions.  She said she could lead us to one quickly so we gratefully followed her and her elderly sister.  It was a good thing they led the way, because even though it was close, it wasn’t easy to find.  Soon it was getting dark and we were glad to be parked and getting ready for the night.  Nothing seemed to work right, lights in the camper refused to work and Lloyd and I knew we wouldn’t be able to fix an evening meal.  About that time the same lady pulled her vehicle up next to our camper again and asked if we were ready for dinner.  Grumbling that we didn’t even have lights, I stepped outside to see why she had returned.  She had brought us two hot chicken dinners, ready to eat!  What a blessing that was, and what a blessing that the Lord took care of us in that moment.

The two women who led us to the campground, Carol and her sister Betty, said they felt the Lord urging them to help us and encourage us on our way.  They figured we’d be too tired from our travel to fix a meal and so they delivered one right to our door.  When I asked Carol why she would go out of her way to do this for two strangers off the interstate, she answered that one never knew when they would meet angels.  She never passed up an opportunity to help a stranger.  And all along Lloyd and I thought Carol and Betty were the angels!  God bless you, Carol and Betty!

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  Hebrews 13:2

WHERE THERE ARE NO ROADS

Driving across the Rio Grande River where there was no bridge.

There is no road?  That didn't stop us!  Is there a little town across the river in Mexico?  Do they need Bibles?  That was a challenge for us and an adventure.  If other people forded the river, we could too! But we were careful to follow instructions and stay upstream from the rapids and the deeper water. And we were fortunate to have taken a picture of the experience.

There has always been a strong desire in us to take Spanish Bibles to people who want them throughout Mexico.  And through the years, we have given away over 8,000 Bibles, boxes of Sunday School literature and countless gospel booklets and tracts.  Only eternity will tell us the impact of these Bibles, how they changed lives and blessed the people.

There was always a door open before us.  We have always been welcome wherever we went in Mexico.  The people were friendly and many times we were invited to spend more time with families, overnight or a few days or an extra week.  But the urge to go a little farther was always with us. Another church was waiting somewhere for a blessing.

There were checkpoints, federales, soldiers and guards on the roads.  At every state line we'd have to stop and unload our cargo so it could be inspected.  But this provided more opportunities, as we were able to witness to uniformed men and pray for them and their families.

Church on the Gulf of Mexico.

The last trip we took into the interior of Mexico was very unusual. We had planned to drive one thousand miles to the state of Tabasco, leaving Spanish Bibles at churches along the way. Before leaving, our prayer was that the Lord would "clear a path" for us and open up the way.  And He did! We drove all the way to Tabasco and back without once being stopped for inspection, having to show our papers, our passports or visas.  It was as if we were invisible on the roads, traveling under divine covering as we carried God's word.

We've driven to every state in Mexico, leaving Spanish Bibles.

Our prayer now is that the Lord will multiply and bless His words through those Spanish Bibles we took into Mexico.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

SUPPORT OUR PASTORS WITH PRAYER

The pastors at Bethesda Tabernacle in Nuevo Progreso.

We call on our pastors when we need prayer, when we need encouragement and when we need someone to lead us.  When someone is in the hospital, we expect our pastor to visit them. When someone dies, usually the pastor is the first to be called. The pastor helps hold the church, the Body of Christ, together.

But what about the pastor's needs and his family's needs?  Who does he call when he needs prayer and encouragement?  Do we take our pastors for granted?

This week churches in Mexico have emphasized the importance of supporting pastors.  Bethesda Tabernacle Church of God in Nuevo Progreso had a special celebration service to show support for Pastor Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam and their children Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly. Pastor Gerardo and Miriam have worked hard to establish a mission church in Nuevo Progreso. They have had many challenges, problems and severe trials during the eight years they have pastored the church. It has not been easy, but they always emphasize that God is blessing them and they can see that God is in control.

The pastor's family, Gerardo, Nahum, Gerson, Esly, Dana and Miriam.  They all work together at the church.

At the recent celebration for the pastor, a dinner was prepared by ladies of the church.  Sister Catherine prepared chicken pozole and everyone brought something good to share.  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam shared God's word with everyone, plus they shared about the work of a pastor and how the pastor's whole family is involved.

Miriam shared how their four children take part in the services, playing musical instruments, taking care of all the equipment and cleaning and maintaining the place of worship.  The children also have their school work to manage, along with regular household duties.

We should all consider it our responsibility to pray for our pastors, that the Lord will continue to lead them and speak to them.  This will keep the church fruitful and make it a place where we can all find refuge.

Pastor Gerardo working with the children at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."  Ephesians 4:11,12.

MISSION IN MATAMOROS

Pastor Gerardo preaching God's Word.

Gerardo and Miriam continue to drive the 25 miles to Matamoros every week to hold services in an old garage.  Edgar who is a converted gang member, lived with his family in Matamoros before being incarcerated.  He asked Gerardo to visit his family and pray for them until he can return.  Edgar feels called to preach the gospel, but he has another year to spend in Bible school after he was recently released from prison.  Edgar's family, his friends and his neighbors gather together and enjoy the music and the preached word.  It's the makings of a new church.

Mexican soldiers patrol the highways, especially between Nuevo Progreso and Matamoros.

Matamoros has been called "ground zero" in the war against drugs and gangs.  There have been numerous gunfights in this large and very old city that sits on the border of Mexico across the Rio Grande river from Brownsville, Texas.  Interesting bit of trivia:  the name "Matamoros" means "killer of Moors (Muslims)."

There are two international bridges that cross the river in Brownsville and another in nearby Los Indios.  We have spent many hours in Matamoros ministering to people who live in the poorest areas.

There are many churches in Matamoros, but there is not a pentecostal Church of God anywhere nearby.  Pastor Gerardo began this mission solely for the purpose of praying with Edgar's family, but it has blossomed into a regularly scheduled event.  The people of Matamoros are hungry to hear from God!

Please pray for the city of Matamoros.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Acts 1:8

PRAY FOR THEM!

Lucia and her husband have a small coffee shop in the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Their shop is neat and clean and although it's not on the main street where tourist traffic usually swarms, they have a good business.

Lucia has been battling cancer.  She is a Catholic, a wife and the mother of grown children.  She has had cancer for more than a year and has endured several chemotherapy treatments.  Last summer Pastor Gerardo and Miriam met Lucia through a mutual friend, and they prayed for Lucia to be completely healed.  Lucia's faith was greatly stirred through prayer and she began to have hope that she would live.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam in Nuevo Progreso.

Since that time Gerardo and Miriam have continued to visit Lucia, reading encouraging scriptures and praying with her and her husband.  And although Lucia is still undergoing chemotherapy, she continues to believe God for her total recovery.

Santiago (name changed for his protection) has made a decision to change his life and serve the Lord. But leaving his present lifestyle will be dangerous for him.  For this reason, Santiago has decided to leave the area temporarily and enter a place of rehabilitation.  When he is "clean" once again and ready to become a responsible citizen, he will rejoin his family.  Pastor Gerardo has been counseling Santiago and his whole family,praying with them and teaching them from the Bible, showing them the right ways to live.

Please pray with us for these two special individuals in Mexico.

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."  Psalm 119:114 KJV

WE WELCOME YOUR STORIES

Entrance to the city of Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

From looking at the data on the Mission Mexico blog, we can see that people from all parts of the world are reading these reports and testimonies of the interesting people of Mexico and of the church in Nuevo Progreso.

We realize that you may also have inspiring accounts of God's blessings on your family, your city or your country and of outstanding achievements, and we welcome your comments on this blog.  Through your comments, others will share in the hope and encouragement we have in God.

Along with that, our prayers go out to you and your families wherever you are.

FOUR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

Gerson is studying the violin while attending the university.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

The sons and daughters of Pastor Gerardo in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico will each have a school graduation day in August.  And they will graduate with excellent grades and with honors.  They have each proved to be at the top of their class.

Gerson has finished his testing for entrance to Technological University of Tamalipas in Reynosa and has been accepted as a student.  He will begin classes on Engineering In Computing Systems September 1st.

Gerson plays the guitar, keyboard and the drums and is studying the violin.


 

Nahum likes to draw and especially likes to sketch animals.

Nahum is one of the top three in his class and will be honored at his graduation in August.  Nahum is attending Conalep preparatory school in Nuevo Progreso with plans to later become an architect.   He plays the guitar, drums and is learning the keyboard.

Dana had her quinceanera in March when she had her 15th birthday.

Dana, who is 15 years old, graduates from her class on August 8th.  In September she will go to school in Rio Bravo where she will begin the study of medicine.  She plans to become a doctor.  

Esly loves animals, especially cats and dogs.  

Esly, 12 years old, graduates August 13th also with excellent grades.  She has not determined exactly what she will do with her future, but is very interested in veterinary medicine.

Big plans are being made for these upcoming special days.  Each student will have a sponsor and will receive a class ring.  There will be fiestas to celebrate their extraordinary achievements.  

Mexico has programs to improve it's schools and in some instances gives financial assistance to top students as they further their careers.  Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly are in such a program because the costs of attending school are high in any country.  Cost of transportation to and from university classes in Reynosa, along with other expenses such as books and supplies would be impossible for most families.  We know that God is blessing these four talented young people; and we know that deep inside each of them is the desire to one day minister the gospel in some part of the world.

We are honored to be the unofficial "grandparents" of Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.  And we are happy to share their achievements with you.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord."  Colossians 3:23

LADY EVANGELISTS

Miriam and some of the women who work in the church.

May 31 marked the first of new evangelistic projects by the women of the church in Nuevo Progreso. These projects will take place in the homes of the sisters Josephine, Lidia, Catherine, Lupita and another Catherine, under the leadership of Pastor Gerardo's wife Miriam.  Their goal is a great harvest of souls won to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Meetings are held in homes around the city of Nuevo Progreso.

Paola helped serve tamales at one event.

As each lady hosts a meeting in her home, she invites her family, friends and neighbors to join in the prayer, reading of the scriptures and then in the fellowship.  Each hostess provides a meal or a snack. The guests may never become members of the church, but they will have heard the gospel and they will have received much needed encouragement from God's Word.

Often the people feel more comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere of such home meetings.  And Jesus instructed us to go out into the highways and byways and exort the people to take up the cross and follow Him.

"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."  Luke 14:23

WATER BAPTISMS PLANNED

Azucena and 3 of her daughters during English Class at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

A district wide water baptism service is being planned for next month in the nearby city of Reynosa. Churches throughout the district will take advantage of this service, baptizing all who want to follow Jesus in this sacrament.  Church of God District Supervisor Fernando Colorado will officiate at the service which is usually held in the city swimming pool.

Azucena, one of the leaders in the church in Nuevo Progreso, wants to be baptized along with 2 of her daughters.  They are attending a few classes at the church to learn more about the importance and significance of water baptism.  There may be others who decide to be baptized during this opportunity.  Everyone agrees how important this next step is in their Christian walk.

Last year 6 people were baptized in water from the church in Nuevo Progreso.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him 

deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me."  Matthew 16:24 KJV

GERSON'S NEXT STEP

Pastor Gerardo's son Gerson at the university in Reynosa, Mexico.

In April Gerson enrolled in the university in Reynosa, Mexico where he plans to study computer technology.  This is a great accomplishment and Pastor Gerardo and Miriam are very proud of him. Gerson has been working in a computer repair shop in Nuevo Progreso in order to help pay his way through school. He has an extraordinary gift working with computers, and enjoys taking them apart and putting them back together.  Because of Gerson's grades throughout his school years, he will receive government assistance to attend the university.

Gerson registering for classes in the university.

Gerson's name in the Hebrew language means "spear."  Gerson was the first son of Levi, but it is spelled Gershon in the Bible,  This is interesting because Gerson is Gerardo and Miriam's firstborn. And although he isn't specific as to his plans for the future, he has had thoughts of one day becoming a pastor like his father.

Lloyd and Gerson together at the church.  Gerson is now about 6' 2" tall.  Lloyd was attempting to stand as tall as he, but it was a stretch.  This picture was taken about 3 years ago.  

We're very proud of all of Gerardo and Miriam's children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.  They all excel in school and have good plans for their future.  Nahum plans to be an architect, Dana wants to be a doctor and Esly  is still considering the possibilities.  This family is proving that nothing is impossible to those who do their best and put their trust in God.

 "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.  Daniel 11:32

LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME!

Two little girls who love puppies!

Childrens’ Day is a national holiday in Mexico.  Although April 30 is the official Day of the Children, the entire week previous to that holds festivals, parties, celebrations and events of every kind.  There are city wide gatherings in the park and there are church parties and there are family parties for the children.  It’s a week of great excitement!  Many schools celebrate the day before and parents are invited. Of course, there are usually no classes on Children's Day itself, even though it is not an official holiday in the school calendar. 

On Children's Day, the main focus is on the children and making them feel special. In shopping malls all over Mexico, special events with clowns, magicians, music, shows and balloons take place. Amusement parks as well as zoos and children's museums usually offer discounts or special deals for children on this day.. 

It was much more fun sitting on top of the table!

The church in Nuevo Progreso held parties on two occasions, inviting local children for music, Bible stories, activities and snacks.  Although there was not a large crowd of children, the ones who took part enjoyed a good time together.

Kimberly always has an enormous smile!

Day of the Children was designed to celebrate and honor the children of Mexico.  Our goal is always to point the children to the Lord and to encourage them to come to Sunday School.  

Jesus said in Luke 18:16  “Let the children come to me.”

PEPE

Pepe, several years ago at the church.

One day we stopped to visit our long time friend Pepe, who lives near the church in Nuevo Progreso.  Pepe always rode his bike to the church for special occasions.  He wore a helmet because he had frequent epileptic episodes and sometimes he would fall off his bike in the street.  Pepe loved to ask Lloyd for money to buy a Coke.  And Lloyd would always give it to him.

We hadn't seen Pepe for a long time, so we all assumed he was in Reynosa with his real father.  But when we called on the family, we quickly learned that Pepe was there and that he was much worse.  His condition had deteriorated.  He is no longer able to ride his bike or even go outside.  He needs help to dress himself, eat and he cannot be left alone. Sometimes he has 4 or 5 seizures one right after the other.  His mother Eva sits beside him every night, on guard to protect him during the seizures.

Pepe is now 29 years old.  Three years ago his brother who was 19, hung himself in their home.  That devastated Pepe and since that time his symptoms have gotten worse.  Pepe has an 11 year old brother Javier, a pleasant little boy who wants to grow up to be a lawyer.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam were with us on this visit.  Gerardo talked with Eva and her husband Domingo, while Lloyd gave Pepe his beloved Coke.  Pepe's hands could barely grip the bottle, his body twisting and curling uncontrollably.  We could see the great stress this family is under.  In fact, we could see the spiritual attacks against them.

After we all laid hands on Pepe and prayed for him, Javier agreed he would also like to be prayed for to accept Jesus into his heart.  Pepe had responded to that prayer many years ago at the church.  Gerardo took time to tell Pepe's mother Eva about his own mother who had epileptic seizures until Gerardo was 3 yeas old.  A preacher came at that time to visit Gerardo's parents to pray for them.  Gerardo's father didn't like the idea since he wasn't a Christian.  But he finally agreed that if God would heal his wife, he would serve the Lord.

Almost immediately Gerardo's mother was healed!  And then Gerardo's father had to keep his promise.  And as he did, he underwent tremendous change.  He was no longer the impatient, violent man.  He eventually became a pastor and has now spent many years keeping his promise.

Eva drank in this testimony, receiving hope for the future.  We prayed together for the family and over the house to drive away the spiritual darkness.

Miriam made plans to have the church womens' group help the family with prepared dinners and more visits in the future.  Also, it was decided they would have the next womens' Bible study at Eva's house that week.  Eva welcomed this help and said she would invite others to share the time of fellowship.

We were all very glad we took the time to visit Pepe and his family.

"Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

ROSA

Danielle, Rosa's 2 year old little girl.

Rosa, Lidia's daughter, brought her 5 children to a childrens' party Tuesday in Nuevo Progreso.  They live near the church and we'd like to see them come to Sunday School.  Rosa seemed to enjoy the activities as much as her children did; and attending Sunday School would be a great way for us to minister once again to Lidia's family.

Several days before we heard the news of Lidia's death, I ran across an old picture of her with some of her children taken about 20 years ago.  I immediately told Rosa about this family picture and promised to bring her a copy at the next church event.  It will be a privilege for us to give her an enlarged, framed copy of this long forgotten picture.  It's one she'll always cherish, and maybe it will remind her that she's always welcome at the church.

Rosa's youngest child, 2 year old Danielle, was wearing only pampers when she walked down the road by herself ahead of the others.  This independent little girl was curious about everything, including what was inside the door of the parsonage.  Tiny tables and chairs were just the right size for her and 2 other very little children.  Their feet could barely reach the floor when they colored in their books and when they ate their snacks.  But Danielle mostly enjoyed being able to pick up her little chair and move it around.

Please pray with us for Rosa and her 5 children.  Especially for little Danielle who has her whole future ahead of her.  We want them to become part of the church family at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

IN MEMORY OF LIDIA

From left to right, Rosa holding Olga, Lidia holding Javier, Marta, Domingo and me.  This picture was taken about 20 years ago.

Rosa, Lidia's daughter, was at a childrens' fiesta at the church in Nuevo Progreso.  We hadn't seen her in a long time and she was a welcome sight.  Immediately she told us that her mother and our friend Lidia had passed away recently.  It was a shock to hear this news.  Lidia was very special to us.

About 20 years ago we used to drive around Nuevo Progreso looking for large families we could help with food and clothing.  We found a one room house filled with children of all ages.  Lidia's house.  Lidia's family was supported by her stepfather Reymundo who died soon after we met him.  This left Lidia on her own with all those children.

Lidia was young and attractive, but didn't have much wisdom and had no education.  But she continued to take care of her children by moving into a smaller dwelling in Colonia Jardin where we built our church.  One very cold winter Lloyd and I bought a huge roll of black plastic and we wrapped the plastic around her house and stapled it down to keep out the cold.  She burned charcoal in a bucket on her dirt floor and the smaller children huddled around it for warmth.  Windows and doors were left open for dangerous fumes to escape.

Several times through the years we met in Lidia's tiny yard to show the Jesus Film.  Lidia loved to host these gatherings and would bring out old chairs and buckets and stumps for us to sit on.  Every year she asked again if we'd bring the film to her yard.

Lidia continued having babies even though she never remarried. When her last son was born, we visited her house with a couple from Brownsville, Texas.  After she said she hadn't named the baby yet, we all suggested names and she decided on one - Isaiah.  At 5 years old, Isaiah developed brain cancer and was totally helpless when we next saw him.  After much prayer, we took him and Lidia to the international border to ask for help.  Lloyd carried Isaiah helpless in his arms into the office and laid him on the cool tile bench to await a decision.  The couple from Brownsville had found a doctor who said he would treat the child without charge.  Within the hour we were given permission to take Isaiah and Lidia to the hospital.

Exactly 1 month later we drove to Corpus Christi, Texas where we met a radically changed child.  Isaiah was walking, talking, laughing and he even wanted a McDonald's hamburger.  Lidia had stayed with her child for 30 days after his brain surgery!  Now they were ready to go home.

It was with great delight that we drove into Lidia's yard in Nuevo Progreso and watched her other childrens' shock at the difference in Isaiah.  Was this their brother who left being carried in Lloyd's arms?  They wanted to touch him and talk to him.  Isaiah lived, laughed and played for 6 more months and then the cancer returned and he was gone.  But Lidia was given the gift of those extra months with her little boy.

It's hard to say what made Lidia so special to us.  We loved her and her children, Rosa, Domingo, Gloria, Marta, Javier, Beto, Reymundo, Olga and the others.  We often referred to Lidia as "dama de la noche," lady of the night.

Our prayer now is that those same children, most of whom are now grown with children of their own, will come to know the Lord and live for Him.  Lidia was 42 years old when she died.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies."  Psalm 51:1

THE QUINCEAÑERA

Dana Ajeleth Estrada Razo.

Dana, Pastor Gerardo and Miriam's daughter, celebrated her fifteenth birthday March 19.  She was honored with a huge fiesta called a Quinceanera.  The family's many friends and family members sponsored the Quinceanera so that Dana would have an event she will always remember.

Dana's parents laid hands on her in a prayer of dedication to the Lord.

Brother Fernando Colorado, District Supervisor of the Church of God in Mexico spoke to all of us about the importance of serving God.  Dana's theme for the Quinceanera was grapes on the vine, so Brother Colorado used the theme to emphasize our need as branches to remain connected to the vine in order to produce real fruit.  He spoke of Dana's transition from childhood into adulthood and her new responsibilities.  As part of the ceremony, Dana was presented with gifts representing her new role in life.  Lloyd and I gave her a new Bible with her name engraved on the cover.

Dana was presented to us as a senorita, a young woman.

The Quinceanera is very popular in Mexico and many other countries.  Today's celebrations embrace religious customs, and the virtues of family and social responsibility. The Quinceanera tradition celebrates the Quinceanera, the young girl, and recognizes her journey from childhood to maturity. The customs highlight God, family, friends, music and food.

The Quinceanera celebration traditionally begins with a religious ceremony. A Reception is held in the home or a banquet hall. The festivities include food and music, and in most, a choreographed program performed by the Quinceanera and her Court.

Dana has many friends.  She chose ten to stand with her, including her brother Nahum and her sister Esly.

It is traditional for the Quinceanera to choose special friends to participate in what is called the Court of Honor. Usually, these young people are her closest friends, her brothers, sisters, cousins - the special people in her life with whom she wants to share the spotlight.   Dana had ten in her court, five boys and five girls.  They all wore purple to match her theme.

There are many traditions throughout the Quinceanera celebration. One of the most popular is the Changing of the Shoes. Pastor Gerardo formally changed Dana's flat shoes to high heels. This is a beautiful symbol of the Quinceañera's transformation from a little girl to a young lady.

Pastor Gerardo and his family are proud of Dana.

Dana wore a small tiara for the ceremony, but later she donned a dramatic purple sombrero.  This Spanish accent further emphasized the many years of traditions behind the Quinceanera and it's meanings to everyone.  Dana is now a señorita, a young woman.  She will begin classes at a prep school in Rio Bravo next fall and eventually hopes to become a doctor.  Dana needs our prayers as she begins this new phase of her life.