EDGAR

There was an interesting visitor at the church in Nuevo Progreso last week.  He stood and told his story and won the hearts of everyone there.  Edgar had just been released from prison and had a remarkable story to tell.

Edgar had been a member of Mexico's drug cartel and had been arrested and sent to prison in Sonora, Mexico.  He was sentenced to eight years behind bars.  While serving that time, Edgar was visited by Rafael Jiminez, a Church of God pastor with a prison ministry; and he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.  Remarkably changed, he began praying for a miracle, "Lord please shorten my sentence!"  Edgar's sentence was soon shortened to  3½ years and he was released a short time later.

Edgar told Pastor Jiminez that he believed God had called him to preach and share his testimony, but first he wanted to go home to Matamoros to see his family.  Wanting to see him established in a church, Pastor Jiminez told him the nearest Church of God to Matamoros is Betesda in Nuevo Progrso, and he sent him there by bus.

After the service when it was too late for Edgar to take the bus to Matamoros, Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam decided to drive him 25 miles to the huge city where Edgar's family lives.  During their time together, Edgar shared that he would like to return to Sonora and attend Bible School before launching out into ministry.  They talked about how there are established churches in Reynosa and Rio Bravo, but there is no Church of God presence in the ancient city of Matamoros.  Now Edgar has a strong desire to begin a work there.

We need to pray for Edgar who was rescued from the clutches of the cartel and a life of crime.  His strong testimony will influence other young people to give their lives to the Lord.  Pastor Gerardo said he is honored to be included in this ongoing story, and hopes to be an encouragement to the new convert.