IN THE BEGINNING...

Joyce with a shovel, breaking ground.

Lloyd with his shovel breaking ground.

Lloyd saw the need for a church in a neighborhood in Nuevo Progreso. We were given a large piece of land and got all the permits necessary to build. In June of 2000 we took each other's picture breaking ground. It was just the two of us. We decided to call the church Bethesda, which means pool of healing.

Lloyd used orange spray paint to map out the church on the ground.

We mapped out the church on the ground and squared the corners. It wasn’t easy. Then we hired locals to dig and pour the foundation which is now 6 feet deep and very strong. It took months for us to pour the floor, block up the walls and put on a concrete roof for the parsonage. All this was accomplished by hiring men to work for us.

Parsonage was finished, auditorium walls went up, but there was still a lot of work to do.

When the building began to rise, the Church of God in Mexico sent a Bible School graduate, Francisco Javier Perez, to form a congregation, live in the parsonage, and watch over the project. He was there 2 years.

Since that time we’ve accomplished more on the building and had other pastors at Bethesda. Lloyd’s vision is to have a 2 story building that will house rooms for a Bible school.

The building of Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso continues.  The current pastor, Rudy Cruz, is a hard working man who is full of the Holy Ghost. He shares our vision to see people saved, delivered and healed.

Contact us if you would like to help continue this special project. In the beginning it was just the 2 of us, breaking ground, but as this work grows, we need the prayers of others and also financial support.  We want to see Lloyd’s vision fulfilled.

Psalm 126:3 The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

CHURCH ON THE PATIO

Waiting for the people to arrive.

That night years ago, about the time the sun went down I was wondering how we ever got into a situation like this. We stood in a little bare yard in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico listening to beautiful guitar music and gospel songs.  There were about 30 of us including the children. I looked up once to see chickens flying up into the shrubs to find a place to roost for the night. A couple of mongrel dogs started a fight in the street near us. This was no ordinary church service.

Juan Antonio Velozs and his wife had come to sing a few songs and join in fellowship, Juan had a good voice and played beautiful music. We all enjoyed the time together and were reluctant to leave.

Some of us drifted down the street to a widow’s house where we gathered under a single bare light bulb to read the Bible and pray together. There were many requests, people who were ill and  people who were making a new commitment to the Lord. It was a great time of sharing, an unusual church service outside under the stars and in a little house in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

Linda, holding a neighbor's baby.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"  Psalm 133:1

LIVING ON THE BRIDGE

Cuban woman sleeping with others on the bridge.

Cuban refugees are living on the international bridge. They have left their country for Mexico since they can travel to that country easily. But their goal is to live in the United States.

After arriving in Mexico, they took busses to border cities, but along the way some of the busses were stopped by gangs. Only the Cubans were kidnapped and held for ransom. Some were released, but many others are still being held. This has been a dangerous trip for all of them because they came to Mexico with money.

We first noticed the Cubans when we came across the bridge one day 2 weeks ago. A large number of young people were clustered around a tree in a small patio at the foot of the bridge. They were well dressed and many were using smart phones. These didn’t look like the poor immigrants one expects to see.  Along the side of the narrow pedestrian walkway toward the middle of the Rio Grande River, pallets and blankets held young men, women and children who were resting or sleeping. A barrier guarded by U.S. officers stopped them from going any further.

Lloyd and I wondered who all these people were and where they were from. I rolled down the window of the Jeep and Lloyd asked a man standing at the edge of the walkway where he was from. CUBA! “We are Cubanos.” 

Later we learned the Cubans have obtained temporary permits to wait on the bridge until they can be interviewed by the U.S. government. It’s a safe place. There are public restrooms at the foot of the bridge and food can be purchased nearby. It’s a quiet crowd, well behaved and polite. Also, it is a group of people who are forced to wait, they are probably bored and in need of diversion. What a good set-up for someone to bring them the gospel message!

At a meeting at our church we asked for prayer for the people on the bridge. Later, armed with booklets in Spanish with the salvation message from Romans and some other brochures, we drove slowly in stop-and-go traffic back into the United States on that same bridge. At every opportunity while inching forward, I opened the Jeep door and approached people who were within reach, offering them the booklets. And the response was very positive.

When they saw the writing on the booklets, their eyes lit up and they smiled. We inched forward again in traffic and watched as they quickly distributed the Word of God among those around the tree. Many raised their hands in greeting, others showed their gratitude with smiles. We remembered that few Bibles are allowed in Cuba, none can be brought in by missionaries and the American Bible Society has been banned from shipping any Bibles to that country. We stopped a few more times and handed out booklets until we reached the center of the bridge marking the US boundary line.

Now the faces of those people and their gratitude will haunt us. Next time we’ll take some different gospel literature to distribute because the people have plenty of time to read. Please pray with us for these Cuban refugees. We understand there are thousands of them along the Mexican border awaiting asylum in the United States. No matter how we feel about their presence, or whether or not we agree with what they’re doing, they need God!

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

IN MEMORY OF WALTER LEGETTE

Walter with the double toilet seat. With him are Marcelino Villazana Castillo and Ricky Jewel.

Walter LeGette was a great friend to Mexico. The people loved him. He used his ministry of “Helps” in many ways for the church in Mexico and in other areas of the world. Everywhere we look around Bethesda Temple in Nuevo Progreso, there are imprints of Walter’s hands at work.

Walter never did learn the Spanish language. He said he had enough problems with English. But he found ways to communicate with the people by whistling and motioning. He liked to hire Mexican helpers, instructing them on the use of power tools and carpentry. We’d hear him whistling to someone and we knew he was telling them what to do next. It was amazing to see how his thoughts were understood.

Walter sitting at one of the tables he made.

Walter heard that we needed tables and benches for the church. He made one of his numerous trips to Mexico where he constructed two heavy 6 foot picnic tables and a dozen or more sturdy wooden benches.  Those items have been used for many years in Sunday School and for worship services. 

Walter and a helper building partitions in the parsonage.

Another year he made a trip to the border to construct much needed partitions in the parsonage for the pastor’s children. At the same time, he installed wooden doors in the parsonage and purchased a large refrigerator for the kitchen.

New refrigerator arriving at the parsonage purchased by Walter.

One of his projects was the building of an outdoor toilet so that people coming to church wouldn’t need to use the bathroom in the parsonage. Walter’s idea of an outdoor toilet was very modern. He insisted on a double toilet, one side for men and the other for women. Lloyd made the seat that everyone seemed to find amusing. Walter saw it as a double picture frame! Walter added such items as extra ventilation and other conveniences to this unusual outhouse. He emphasized that he wanted it to be equal to one in any state park or rest area.

Walter's modern double outdoor toilet.

The two men he hired to help him on that project had a lot of fun with Walter. They learned from him and they worked together very well. We laughingly called them God’s Chosen  Crew.

Walter’s gift of Helps reached into many other areas besides Mexico, such as going on mission trips to other countries and working at the Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills, Illinois . We need more people who exercise the gift of Helps in today’s world. Walter’s contribution to the church in Mexico was outstanding and it will be recognized for many years to come.

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”  
1 Corinthians 12:28  

HIS BANNER OVER US IS LOVE

Christ sees, He comforts and He pardons.

That’s a song we used to sing in Sunday School, a song that the children would act out with hand motions. Thursday we hung a beautiful banner over our church in Nuevo Progreso. Along with the Church of God logo, it says, Christ sees, He comforts and He pardons.

It was a hot and windy day, so Marcelino struggled to secure the banner against the front of the building. Spry and full of energy, he climbed up on the top of the wall to see that the banner stays in place. He always has a way to overcome obstacles, using what he calls unique Mexican tools and ideas when he can’t find tools that he needs.

The wind was strong!

We accomplished a lot of other good things that day, including hanging another light fixture and putting in plants around the church. During this time Marcelino told us that when he attended our last midweek service, he felt a strong and unusual presence of the Lord and it made him very emotional. Then he told us he would see us at church the next Sunday evening.

The bag was big, but it was light.

We had a little extra help that day, four year old twins Alejandro and Dulce came from the neighborhood nearby. These extremely active and inquisitive children love to investigate everything we do and they ask a lot of questions. They also like to jump off of tables and window ledges and they climb on everything in sight. Anything left laying around is something they will pick up and carry off to play with. They need to be watched continually. But we found a way to make everyone happy - put them to work! When we were tired of being on our feet so much, we began asking them to fetch things for us. Whatever they could lift, they gladly brought us - a chair or a needed tool. They competed on who would help the most, so we made sure to keep it equal.

Pelon enjoys playing with the kids.

The children love the little folding tables and chairs that were donated to the church years ago. They not only love sitting at the table, they love wearing the chairs on their heads and standing on the tables. We all continue to pray for ideas and ways to help Alejandro and Dulce, along with their many brothers and sisters.

The goal is to finish and repair as many things as possible this season before we have to return north for the summer. Also we want the church to be in good repair before another pastor is installed. We’ve experienced some very refreshing services lately, good sermons and heartfelt worship. We want to see many new people at the church, many salvations and many delivered from sin and sickness. These are the last days and we are told to work while it is still day because the night is coming when no one can work.

God’s banner of love is not only being displayed on the outside of our building, but His love is also being displayed on the inside.

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Song of Solomon 2:4

MARANATHA

Maranatha Church of God in Reynosa

Sister Nina Navarro took us to Reynosa this week to see the church she and her husband Primativo founded 22 years ago. It was an interesting 30 minute trip by way of an interstate highway that crosses northern Mexico. It was a cool overcast day, interrupted off and on by sprinkles and drizzle.

Maranatha Church of God began as church services in the home of Sister Nina and Brother Primativo. The congregation soon outgrew the home and moved into a small building nearby. 13 years later they built the current concrete block building which is very similar to our building in Nuevo Progreso.  Sister Nina told us that they spent much time on their knees during the building of the church.

Inside the church. Brother Primativo demonstrating the comfort of their pews.

The outside of the building isn’t elaborate, but the inside is comfortable with padded pews and tile floors. There is no parsonage yet, but plans are to build rooms on a second floor for this purpose. It was interesting for us to see this successful and active church.

The banner shows the Church of God logo and the words "Christ sees, comforts and pardons."

While there, the church gave us a colorful banner with the Church of God logo that we can hang on the outside of our building. Our plans are to paint the name of our church - Bethesda Temple - Church of God - on the front of the church, but until that is finished the banner will identify us as a church.

One huarache that was big enough for a crowd!

After we had toured the building, we were taken to a local restaurant called El Nectar de Mexico. They recommended we try their specialty - Huaraches, or sandals. We thought the huaraches looked like BigFoot tracks. They were hot and delicious, especially when served with Cokes. The huaraches were like an open taco topped with meat, peppers, onions, cheese, tomatoes and avocado slices. We each received one that was served on a large thick board, one so big and heavy we could barely lift it. This was something different for us to try.

The highway that runs east to west through northern Mexico.

Soon we were driving back to Nuevo Progreso on the big highway. There was one military checkpoint on the lanes heading west, but our vehicle was not stopped.  Large bunkers surrounded by sandbags held Mexican Marines armed with rifles. This was a reminder of the current violent situation in Reynosa. There are warnings on the news that Americans should stay out of all parts of Mexico at this time.

It was good to get back to familiar territory, but we enjoyed the trip to the big city. Nuevo Progreso seemed peaceful and quiet compared to the sprawling city of Reynosa.

"Surely I come quickly. Even so, come Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20

PEACE AND LONGSUFFERING

Entrance to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

Although things seem quiet and peaceful at the church in Nuevo Progreso, the news tells us otherwise. The gulf cartel is active again, stirred up and angry with the Mexican government. They are sending very graphic messages to authorities, especially in Reynosa. The messages include the bodies of those they have killed.

Last week there was a gunfight on the Mexican side of the Los Indios International bridge, a crossing we use often. Several were killed, including one American who was in the way. The bodies of 15 people, including four women and children from Nuevo Progreso, were found in a house near the bridge. They had been executed.

In nearby Reynosa banners with messages were hung over highways threatening the mayor of the city and other officials. News reports coming from that area are few because reporters risk their lives when they publish such information.

A neighbor told us that Mexican Marines stopped at the end of the road to the church in the middle of the night. The Marines walked down the lane to investigate the building and then left.
We are thankful for their vigilance. They cruise the city making their presence known to everyone. We are also thankful for the protection of the Lord on our work across the border.
And it’s good to have a noisy dog guarding the church. Pelon, aka Leo the Lion, has a loud bark and an aggressive attitude toward trespassers. We know there are angels always standing guard around the church in Nuevo Progreso. This week U.S. officials warned all Americans to stay out of Mexico. It has once again become a war zone!

There’s a lot of drama involved in this work across the border. There are many challenges in overseeing the church and ministering to the people.  It can be emotionally exhausting, but also rewarding. About the time things are going smoothly, there’s a bump in the road.

Two weeks ago Pastor Zabdi returned to the home of his elderly parents in Torreon. We are once again between pastors. The District Officials of Mexico have been faithful to see that there is no interruption at the church. District Supervisor Nina Navarro and her husband Primativo drive 30 miles from Reynosa every weekend to conduct services. They stay until Wednesday.

Sister Nina Navarro, District Supervisor, Church of God.

Lately the neighborhood children have been a challenge. Sometimes these undisciplined children cause havoc during services. No amount of talking helps to manage them when they decide to have their way. In fact, they become very angry and aggressive when forced to behave. A lot of prayer is needed to find a balance between helping them and maintaining peace.

What is the answer? It is evident that we need the power of the Holy Spirit in our church. Only then will everything be resolved and in order because He is greater than all of our problems. Meanwhile, we are learning to:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Colossians 3:12 KJV

IN A SAFE PLACE

Sister Nina Navarro ministering to Fernando and Armando.

District Supervisor Nina Navarro spent quality time with twins Fernando and Armando before Tuesday evening service in Nuevo Progreso. The extremely active children, part of a very large neighboring family, like to come to church on their own. They enjoy the company, but they also know very well that we always serve cookies, coffee and other snacks after the service. And they’re always hungry.

Sister Nina brought with her a special speaker named Rudi, his wife Maria and their two children Sarah and Samuel. Rudi is an anointed preacher, filled with the Holy Spirit, with a heart that is broken and burdened for lost souls. His message was inspiring to all of us.

Sister Nina was happy to say that the Church of God in Mexico has become very missions oriented. The organization now sends missionaries to many other countries in the world, including Cuba and Spain. Since our church is a mission church, the Church of God enjoys lending a hand in evangelism and other projects. We are proud to be a part of the Church of God and to work hand in hand with these great leaders.

During the church service, the twins and their little brother fell asleep. It was as if they collapsed in the midst of their playing, one half way on the couch with his legs hanging and the other laying just as his actions stopped. One of the men gently lifted them into more comfortable positions and they never stirred.

Two of the boys slept on the couch and the other on a hard wooden bench.

Sister Nina said it was obvious that they felt they were in a safe place. They have become comfortable being in the church.  May these children always remember the safety of the church and the love they feel when there.

“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1 

GATE FOR PROTECTION

Lloyd and Alejandro

Last week Lloyd, Pastor Zabdi and Alejandro put up a bit of protection across the lane leading to the church. They dug holes, anchored 2 posts in concrete and strung a very strong chain across the narrow lane leading to the church grounds. This is not to keep the people out, but to stop large pickup trucks from entering the property, especially in the night.

The men left room on both sides for bicycles and people on foot since there is a shortcut there between Colonia Jardin and Colonia Francisco Madero. Goats and horses are allowed to graze freely on the lush wild landscape and they can easily walk around the chain.

Last summer a large pickup truck full of armed men drove down the lane and demanded entrance to the building so they could hide from authorities. It was in the middle of the night and it was very disturbing. That may never happen again, but we’ve taken the necessary precautions to avoid trespassers. The chain will always be open during the day and for church services.

A you can see in this picture, the lane is long and the area is outside the residential area. It’s a peaceful place, but it’s completely open for anyone to enter. The church is literally in the middle of a field. The congregation was in agreement that we needed to put a chain across the road.

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”  Psalm 91;11

There is a long lane to the church.

AQUÍ LOS ESPERO, HERE I WAIT FOR YOU

Marcelino

"Aqui los espero!" That's what Marcelino always says when we start to leave him. Now when he says that, we all laugh together. It has become a habit for him to say, "Here I wait for you." But he means it sincerely and he's always there when we need him.

Marcelino has dug ditches, laid concrete blocks, worked with long pieces of rebar and wire, made up forms and poured concrete at the church since it's beginning. He is so dependable and trustworthy that we don't know what we'd do without him. Marcelino used to live next to the church years ago where he acted as both caretaker and watchdog for us, always on the alert. A small wirey man, he is surprisingly strong and agile.

He admires "Mr. Lloyd," and seems to want very much to please him. For years when we talked to him about living for the Lord, he would say, "maybe some day."

In the fall of 2009 Marcelino had some health issues and had a close encounter with death. At that time, he called on the Lord for help. After that his face was bright and his words are uplifting and different. "Don't worry, Mr. Lloyd, God will help. No problema!" And his sentences were peppered with "Gracias a Dios, Thanks to God."

Every time we gave him building instructions his new habit was to say, "Yeah, I know." He had become so involved in building the church that he seemed to know what must be done next.

Now in 2019, once again we need Marcelino’s help. There are plumbing repairs to be made and other projects to finish. As in the past, he’s ready to do whatever is needed. And we’ll make more memories together.

Marcelino is not the only person in Mexico who has said to us, "Aqui los espero, Here I wait for you."  It reminds us of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament who was haunted by a vision in the night of a man from Macedonia. The man said, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." Acts 16:9   Like that call from a man in Macedonia, we are haunted by many in Mexico who have said goodbye to us and added the sincere and meaningful words, "Aqui los espero, Here I wait for you."

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.  Acts 16:9

VISITING APOLINAR

Apolinar and his daughter Cynthia

Today we visited the home of Apolinar and Carla, two of our long time friends in Nuevo Progreso. Esteban, Javier and Cynthia ran out to meet us and to help us out of the car. Very mannerly and helpful, they asked if they could carry anything for us. Of course, they know we always bring them treats.  This time it was spicy popcorn.

Apolinar is doing well. He has completely recovered from his accident many years ago when he was almost electrocuted while working near a telephone pole downtown. While painting a building, he came in contact with very high voltage and was burned over much of his body. He was taken to a hospital in Monterrey where he remained in a coma about two weeks. Then it took months for him to completely recover and about 2 years before he could go back to work.

While in a coma, Apolinar said he had visions of heaven and of angels ministering to him. The visions were beautiful, he told everyone he met about what he saw. Now he works almost constantly to make a living for his large family. Carla makes tacos and atole (a warm drink made of cornmeal, milk and sugar) for Apolinar to sell to truckers who are waiting in long lines to cross the international bridge. He also has pigs, a small flock of sheep and is beginning to raise rabbits for food. Today he had purchased 40 watermelons from truckers and planned to sell them in the market place for a profit.

Cynthia and Javier

It was good to see Rogelio again. He had spent two years in prison for something we never did quite understand. And there was Julio now grown and handsome. Julio was six years old when he first approached us while we ate ice cream in a local convenience store.  We've been friends ever since!

Javier was quick to take my hand and assist me into the house. I had a faithful and ready helper from that time on. Cynthia was a little more timid, but soon warmed up to us. They both love to have their picture taken.

The whole family had been ill, fever and heavy coughing especially at night. We made a stop at the store to purchase cough medicine and vapor rub for them. Rogelio and his wife Perla lost a 2 year old child several years ago to the flu.

When we asked directions to another friend's house, Apolinar volunteered to ride along and show us the way. Javier and Cynthia begged to go with us and sat with me in the back seat. Along the way we learned that they love to fish. They asked their father again and again if they could go fishing today. He said maybe tomorrow.

It's a miracle that Apolinar survived the terrible accident. We love to see that he and his family are thriving, making a good living and having good times together. Many people prayed for him through the crisis. He still gives God the credit for his amazing recovery. Now faint scars on his exposed neck and hands are still visible to prove that he took a spiritual journey into the hereafter and returned.

"And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."  John 6:2

REYNA'S ANSWER TO PRAYER

Reyna and Francisco at the church a few years ago.

God answered prayer for Reyna and Francisco! The people of Bethesda Temple in Nuevo Progreso prayed for their son who was gravely ill with a blood disorder. Last night during service Reyna gave an emotional testimony. The doctor said tests show there is no longer a problem and that their son is well! Some other pressing financial needs were met in his life. Reyna thanked the Lord for taking care of her family even when things seem impossible.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

THE THREE KINGS

Clowns entertained the children at the festival.

Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God sending His Son Jesus Christ to the world. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation. The feast is celebrated in many ways in Mexico, including religious services, family gatherings and festivals for children. One of our favorites is the serving of a cake filled with dried fruit and baked in the shape of a ring or wreath. Inside the cake there is a small plastic baby representing the Christ child. When the cake is cut and served, the one who receives the baby on his plate is responsible for supplying the cake the following year.

Three Kings’ Day is celebrated January 6 in Mexico and that was the day we had a festival for children at the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.

Pastor Zabdi was a terrific clown, full of energy and excitement. He had everyone laughing, even the adults as he led the children in songs and games. There were about 30 children present, although it was difficult to count the squirming crowd. All eyes were on him when he tried and tried to get to heaven. First he put on wings and jumped off a chair, but he didn’t get to heaven. Instead he fell to the floor. Then he tried throwing a rope into heaven to climb up, but again he just fell to the floor. He tried riding a rocket into heaven and wound up running around the auditorium when it supposedly blasted off. He cried and was very sad. Then someone sat down beside him and told him he could get to heaven by accepting Jesus into his heart. The clown was extremely happy. Then he invited all the children who wanted to go to heaven to come forward for prayer. Approximately 25 children came forward and bowed their heads in prayer! This is their first step to salvation. Now they will need Sunday School, good leadership and discipling as they go on their way.

Afternoon sun touched their heads as they listened to the message.

There were plenty of hot dogs with mustard, catsup and their favorite - mayonnaise. It was almost quiet while hot dogs were passed around and cups of kool aid served. There were plenty of helpers and all we had to do was sit back and watch the action.

Everyone loves a hot dog!

Finally gift bags were distributed, bags labeled for boys and bags for girls. Candy, small toys, coloring books and other trinkets kept them all happy for awhile. And then it was time to end the party. It was late afternoon, so the sun was still bright. Children drifted away in all directions, carrying their white gift bags and chattering happily with each other. It had been a great festival, full of fun and full of good spiritual teaching among the clowning and laughter.

A little angel receiving his gift.

For many years we have kept this annual festival for children, sometimes just before Christmas and other times later in the holiday season. It’s a great way to be both entertaining and repeat the stories in the Bible at the same time.  We’re positive that some time in the future we will reap the harvest from these festivals.

Another little angel.

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”    Matthew 2:2