RESURRECTION DAY

Flowers on the altar.

Resurrection Day services were held at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. It was a hot, dry and windy day full of sunshine. The streets of Nuevo Progreso were abnormally quiet and empty. There was a feeling of anticipation in the air.

Sunrise service began at 6:00 am.  Morning service was at 10:00 am.  The ones who attended the sunrise service ate breakfast together, watched the sun come up and stayed to join in the second service.

Nahum opened the service with a scripture reading.

Nahum read a passage of scripture from the Bible about Jesus when his disciples were fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the other side and their boat overflowed with their catch. Then they ate with him on the shore.  It was good to see Nahum take a big part in the service. There were special songs during the time of testimonies and thanksgiving.  Viviana sang about the hardships of life and how God gives her strength to face each day.

Azucena also sang a song from her heart, expressing her thanks to the Lord. Azucena said she learned that she is named after a flower, the Madonna Lily, which we call the Easter Lily!

Viviana sang a special from her heart.

Azucena also praised the Lord with song.

Small children were happy to color in their books during the service.  A small table was set up for them, just their size. Pablo, who lives near the church, came to church by himself.  He also enjoyed a time of coloring and working word puzzles while he listened to the service.

Children with books and crayons during service.

Pablo came to church alone.

Jose Luis and his wife Viviana shared that the Lord has called them to become missionaries.  They are in a time of preparation and studying God’s Word, and they said they will know when it is time to begin their work. Meanwhile, they are content to learn from Pastor Gerardo while attending the church. It was a refreshing time of worship for everyone.  Easter lilies and other flowers dressed up the altar and the music floated out into the surrounding neighborhood. It truly felt like a day of new beginnings.

"He is not here, for He is risen."  Matthew 28:6