GOD BLESS THE JONES SISTERS!

The Jeep and small trailer are usually loaded to capacity.

Every year at this time we leave our home in Illinois and travel to the Mexican border where we spend half of the year on the mission field.  Since our Jeep and small camper are usually packed and overloaded with supplies and gifts, our 1,200 mile trip takes us at least 3 days of slow and steady driving.

The long trip was tiring, but we experienced some unusual evidences of God’s presence with us along the way.  Once, after a long day of driving through Oklahoma, Lloyd and I searched without success for an RV park for the night.  Finally we stopped and asked a lady coming out of a store for directions.  She said she could lead us to one quickly so we gratefully followed her and her elderly sister.  It was a good thing they led the way, because even though it was close, it wasn’t easy to find.  Soon it was getting dark and we were glad to be parked and getting ready for the night.  Nothing seemed to work right, lights in the camper refused to work and Lloyd and I knew we wouldn’t be able to fix an evening meal.  About that time the same lady pulled her vehicle up next to our camper again and asked if we were ready for dinner.  Grumbling that we didn’t even have lights, I stepped outside to see why she had returned.  She had brought us two hot chicken dinners, ready to eat!  What a blessing that was, and what a blessing that the Lord took care of us in that moment.

The two women who led us to the campground, Carol and her sister Betty, said they felt the Lord urging them to help us and encourage us on our way.  They figured we’d be too tired from our travel to fix a meal and so they delivered one right to our door.  When I asked Carol why she would go out of her way to do this for two strangers off the interstate, she answered that one never knew when they would meet angels.  She never passed up an opportunity to help a stranger.  And all along Lloyd and I thought Carol and Betty were the angels!  God bless you, Carol and Betty!

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."  Hebrews 13:2

WHERE THERE ARE NO ROADS

Driving across the Rio Grande River where there was no bridge.

There is no road?  That didn't stop us!  Is there a little town across the river in Mexico?  Do they need Bibles?  That was a challenge for us and an adventure.  If other people forded the river, we could too! But we were careful to follow instructions and stay upstream from the rapids and the deeper water. And we were fortunate to have taken a picture of the experience.

There has always been a strong desire in us to take Spanish Bibles to people who want them throughout Mexico.  And through the years, we have given away over 8,000 Bibles, boxes of Sunday School literature and countless gospel booklets and tracts.  Only eternity will tell us the impact of these Bibles, how they changed lives and blessed the people.

There was always a door open before us.  We have always been welcome wherever we went in Mexico.  The people were friendly and many times we were invited to spend more time with families, overnight or a few days or an extra week.  But the urge to go a little farther was always with us. Another church was waiting somewhere for a blessing.

There were checkpoints, federales, soldiers and guards on the roads.  At every state line we'd have to stop and unload our cargo so it could be inspected.  But this provided more opportunities, as we were able to witness to uniformed men and pray for them and their families.

Church on the Gulf of Mexico.

The last trip we took into the interior of Mexico was very unusual. We had planned to drive one thousand miles to the state of Tabasco, leaving Spanish Bibles at churches along the way. Before leaving, our prayer was that the Lord would "clear a path" for us and open up the way.  And He did! We drove all the way to Tabasco and back without once being stopped for inspection, having to show our papers, our passports or visas.  It was as if we were invisible on the roads, traveling under divine covering as we carried God's word.

We've driven to every state in Mexico, leaving Spanish Bibles.

Our prayer now is that the Lord will multiply and bless His words through those Spanish Bibles we took into Mexico.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

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.

MISSION IN MATAMOROS

Pastor Gerardo preaching God's Word.

Gerardo and Miriam continue to drive the 25 miles to Matamoros every week to hold services in an old garage.  Edgar who is a converted gang member, lived with his family in Matamoros before being incarcerated.  He asked Gerardo to visit his family and pray for them until he can return.  Edgar feels called to preach the gospel, but he has another year to spend in Bible school after he was recently released from prison.  Edgar's family, his friends and his neighbors gather together and enjoy the music and the preached word.  It's the makings of a new church.

Mexican soldiers patrol the highways, especially between Nuevo Progreso and Matamoros.

Matamoros has been called "ground zero" in the war against drugs and gangs.  There have been numerous gunfights in this large and very old city that sits on the border of Mexico across the Rio Grande river from Brownsville, Texas.  Interesting bit of trivia:  the name "Matamoros" means "killer of Moors (Muslims)."

There are two international bridges that cross the river in Brownsville and another in nearby Los Indios.  We have spent many hours in Matamoros ministering to people who live in the poorest areas.

There are many churches in Matamoros, but there is not a pentecostal Church of God anywhere nearby.  Pastor Gerardo began this mission solely for the purpose of praying with Edgar's family, but it has blossomed into a regularly scheduled event.  The people of Matamoros are hungry to hear from God!

Please pray for the city of Matamoros.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Acts 1:8

PRAY FOR THEM!

Lucia and her husband have a small coffee shop in the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Their shop is neat and clean and although it's not on the main street where tourist traffic usually swarms, they have a good business.

Lucia has been battling cancer.  She is a Catholic, a wife and the mother of grown children.  She has had cancer for more than a year and has endured several chemotherapy treatments.  Last summer Pastor Gerardo and Miriam met Lucia through a mutual friend, and they prayed for Lucia to be completely healed.  Lucia's faith was greatly stirred through prayer and she began to have hope that she would live.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam in Nuevo Progreso.

Since that time Gerardo and Miriam have continued to visit Lucia, reading encouraging scriptures and praying with her and her husband.  And although Lucia is still undergoing chemotherapy, she continues to believe God for her total recovery.

Santiago (name changed for his protection) has made a decision to change his life and serve the Lord. But leaving his present lifestyle will be dangerous for him.  For this reason, Santiago has decided to leave the area temporarily and enter a place of rehabilitation.  When he is "clean" once again and ready to become a responsible citizen, he will rejoin his family.  Pastor Gerardo has been counseling Santiago and his whole family,praying with them and teaching them from the Bible, showing them the right ways to live.

Please pray with us for these two special individuals in Mexico.

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."  Psalm 119:114 KJV

WE WELCOME YOUR STORIES

Entrance to the city of Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

From looking at the data on the Mission Mexico blog, we can see that people from all parts of the world are reading these reports and testimonies of the interesting people of Mexico and of the church in Nuevo Progreso.

We realize that you may also have inspiring accounts of God's blessings on your family, your city or your country and of outstanding achievements, and we welcome your comments on this blog.  Through your comments, others will share in the hope and encouragement we have in God.

Along with that, our prayers go out to you and your families wherever you are.

FOUR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

Gerson is studying the violin while attending the university.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

The sons and daughters of Pastor Gerardo in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico will each have a school graduation day in August.  And they will graduate with excellent grades and with honors.  They have each proved to be at the top of their class.

Gerson has finished his testing for entrance to Technological University of Tamalipas in Reynosa and has been accepted as a student.  He will begin classes on Engineering In Computing Systems September 1st.

Gerson plays the guitar, keyboard and the drums and is studying the violin.


 

Nahum likes to draw and especially likes to sketch animals.

Nahum is one of the top three in his class and will be honored at his graduation in August.  Nahum is attending Conalep preparatory school in Nuevo Progreso with plans to later become an architect.   He plays the guitar, drums and is learning the keyboard.

Dana had her quinceanera in March when she had her 15th birthday.

Dana, who is 15 years old, graduates from her class on August 8th.  In September she will go to school in Rio Bravo where she will begin the study of medicine.  She plans to become a doctor.  

Esly loves animals, especially cats and dogs.  

Esly, 12 years old, graduates August 13th also with excellent grades.  She has not determined exactly what she will do with her future, but is very interested in veterinary medicine.

Big plans are being made for these upcoming special days.  Each student will have a sponsor and will receive a class ring.  There will be fiestas to celebrate their extraordinary achievements.  

Mexico has programs to improve it's schools and in some instances gives financial assistance to top students as they further their careers.  Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly are in such a program because the costs of attending school are high in any country.  Cost of transportation to and from university classes in Reynosa, along with other expenses such as books and supplies would be impossible for most families.  We know that God is blessing these four talented young people; and we know that deep inside each of them is the desire to one day minister the gospel in some part of the world.

We are honored to be the unofficial "grandparents" of Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.  And we are happy to share their achievements with you.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord."  Colossians 3:23