MEXICO'S MEN OF VALOR

Taking pictures of the military is not good for the safety of those involved, so this was taken from a great distance away and doesn't show clear details.

Their faces are solemn, their eyes guarded and alert.  They are heavily armed and protected with chest armor and thick helmets.  They take their jobs very seriously as Mexican soldiers.

We appreciate these young men very much.  They have worked hard to make the city safe and tranquil. There have been no incidents, shoot-outs or fights recently so residents are able to relax a little.  And they are there to make sure American tourists can visit Mexico to shop or enjoy the culture without fear.

To show our appreciation, we made up a gift package for them, some things they can share among a number of men.  Seeing one standing guard at the entrance to the city, we pulled over into a parking area and got out so we could explain our gift and express to them our thanks.  It was only seconds until several other uniformed men came out of a secluded area to find out the purpose of our stop.  We explained that it was a Christmas gift to them, having to repeat it several times because they couldn't seem to understand why we wanted to give them anything.  We emphasized that their safety is our concern since they are working in an area that has been very volatile.  And that they are very much appreciated by those of us crossing the border.

This picture was not taken recently.

It was fun to have a conversation with them and find out where they are from.  Every one of them smiled and their faces expressed their gratitude.  We said we'd be praying for their safety and that the Lord would bless each one of them.  And of course we had included several gospel tracts in our Christmas gift so they can read about how they can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Since we were on our way to a church service, we didn't linger long.  But we did point out that having Jesus in their hearts is primary to salvation.  We all shook hands and as we pulled away they waved goodbye and thanked us.

Please remember these fine young men in prayer, both for their safety and their salvation.  They usually come from all parts of Mexico and are lonesome, homesick and sometimes full of fear.  We feel the Lord would have us minister to them in every way possible.  They are Mexico's men of valor!

"And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!"  Judges 6:12 NKJV

A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT

DiAnna, Lupita and Miriam.

A meeting was held at the home of Jose and Lupita to discuss a health fair to be held at the first of April in Nuevo Progreso.  As usual, Lupita prepared a great meal for the occasion.  These three "leading ladies" along with other members of the church spent time discussing the details of the upcoming event.

The health fair given by DiAnna Olsen and her husband Scott from Minnesota, will be sponsored by the ministerial alliance so that it will be a city-wide affair.  More people can be reached for medical attention this way while reminding the people that their help comes from the Lord.

Many good things are being accomplished in Nuevo Progreso through the church and through strong leadership.  And these three women play a major part in those accomplishments.

VICTORIES AND NEW BATTLES

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam and their four children.  From left to right Nahum, Gerson, Esly and Dana.  This was Christmas 2015.

Christians know that when they enter new territories or have new victories, they can expect new spiritual battles.  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam have been a blessing in their city of Nuevo Progreso and it's not unexpected that there have been new challenges, problems and spiritual adversaries to their work.  But rather than becoming discouraged, they continue to say  "the greater the trials, the greater the victory will be!"

Recent heavy rains caused flooding on the east side of Nuevo Progreso where we have established the church and parsonage.  This is a very poor and low lying section of town where hundreds of families live in modest homes that are sometimes little more than sheds.   This humble area is where we felt there was a great need for a church and ministry outreach center that would serve these people.

The promised drainage system initiated by both the U. S. and the Mexican governments for environmental reasons has failed to fix the problem, it was curtailed due to lack of funds.  Although the church and parsonage are not flooded, the road to the church and the surrounding grounds are under water.  This is one of the challenges facing the church this year, ridding the city of this unhealthy situation.

Pastor Gerardo and the ministerial alliance have made big plans to improve the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Working as a team, they will be a powerful force to help the poor families and those who are sick.  Is it any wonder that there have been such attacks?

The Bible tells us to remember that "The battle is not ours, but the Lord's."  As we pray and keep our eyes on the Lord, He will bring the victory.  Meanwhile, nothing is stopping the work of the church, as services continue in other locations and in various homes.  Please join us in prayer in this spiritual battle for the city of Nuevo Progreso.

2 Chronicles 20:12 & 15 "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."    "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Pastor Gerardo and family when they first arrived in Nuevo Progreso about 8 years ago.