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