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