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.