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