FELIZ NAVIDAD!

A few people stayed late after a big Christmas dinner at the church.

Sunday December 23 was our annual Church Christmas party and dinner at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

People were late arriving, but little by little they began to trickle in and there was a nice group there finally. A visitor from the nearest neighborhood came, carrying his Bible. His name was José. Also our long time friend Reyna visited again with half a dozen grandbabies and 2 daughters. Reyna and Francisco had 13 children who are all grown with children of their own.

Chicken chipotle was served along with rice, spaghetti and chicken mole. 

After songs and a Christmas message we pulled tables together for a fiesta. Even though there was a lot of food, there wasn’t much left over later. In Mexico they don’t have potluck like we do in the United States. All the food is taken into the kitchen where helpers spoon out food onto plates and deliver them to the people.

We blessed Pastor Zabdi with a few Christmas presents after things quieted down. He was really happy and it was obvious he had a great time.

After the Christmas message, the people were invited to the altar for special prayer.

Everyone was happy and feeling the presence of God. The kids gathered up all the wrapping paper and took it home with them. There were shouts of “Feliz Navidad!” as people drifted away down the lane into the night.

Rain had been in the forecast, but when we drove home the moon was full and the night was still and mild. Even though we were weary, we were content.  Pastor Zabdi had reminded us of the First Christmas and later the kids sang Jingle Bells and other songs with motions.  We were all as young and happy as children that night celebrating the Birth of Jesus, Savior and Prince of Peace.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

MY HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE

Peaceful night in Nuevo Progreso.

There was a parade that night on the main street of Nuevo Progreso. It was a “Vision of Guadalupe” parade, a procession of dancers, bands and people carrying the image of Mary. This was a special event for Mexico. The parade clogged traffic causing us to have to take another road to the church for our weekly English class and Wednesday night Bible study.

But first we stopped at the military post at the bridge and gave the soldiers a case of spicy popcorn. That was our Christmas blessing to them. Those soldiers are young men who are away from home and in danger. Every year Lloyd and I express our appreciation and pray for them.

Pastor Zabdi had hung Christmas lights and they made a soft glow in the room.  We stayed seated around a long table while he got out his guitar for worship. Then he gave a short sermon that was very encouraging. During that time I had a sharp awareness of where we were and what was happening. There was such a flow of peace and contentment. Pelon, the church dog, got between us on the floor and fell asleep. The guitar music was gentle, the lights were cheery and there was a soft breeze blowing through the open doors and windows. We were surrounded by friends.

Somehow through time we have become deeply steeped in the lives of people in Mexico, and we are now included as part of the group. It’s hard to understand how we got to this place and why we feel so much at home. A common saying in Mexico is: “My house is your house!” Maybe that sincere saying is more powerful than we realize!

My House is Your House

"And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

FRANCISCO, REYNA AND THE RIVER

Reyna with one of her grandchildren years ago.

Another unusual night at the church. We were praying something would happen.  It was dark and Pelon was barking more than usual. Lloyd went outside to see what was wrong. A couple was in the lane coming to the service, and they looked familiar. We recognized the man, but the woman didn’t look like the wife we knew. Lloyd invited them in and they sat in the seats across from me.

I recognized our old friend Francisco, but surely that was not his wife Reyna (Queen). Reyna had dark soft curly hair and was always beaming and smiling. This woman had gray hair drawn back in a knot and she was solemn looking. But it had to be her,  I walked over and reached out my hands to her.  It was Reyna! We’ve known Francisco and Reyna over 20 years but hadn’t seen them in more than 5 years. They had 13 children. Later 2 of their sons drowned in the Rio Grande River trying to cross over to the United States. That caused them to move to another town farther away from the tempting river crossing.

Reyna and I stood with arms around each other for the longest time. I was overwhelmed at seeing her and so glad. Now they live a stone’s throw away from church. I stayed with her, held her hand, and then asked her what she needed. She told me her son is gravely ill and he’s on the other side of the river. She was burdened with sadness and dispair. Pastor Zab prayed with her too and urged her to keep her faith.

We had coffee and cookies after church and they stayed and visited with the small group in attendance. We urged them to come back, they need blankets and food.  This is a needy family, but they always took good care of their children. Francisco now works in the fields and his hands are so rough and calloused.  He has a ready grin, is tall, thin and rough looking.

Reyna, like her name, was always regal and in command. She helped when we’d have give-away projects. She knew what we wanted and was valuable to us. Her dark hair was always soft and cut close to her head in a becoming way.

Their arrival made the night very special for us.  Later they left the church walking up the lane together in the darkness.

Francisco and Reyna the last time we saw them several years ago.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35

SPEAK ENGLISH, PLEASE

Pastor Zabdi, Monica, Kimberly and Acuzena in our first English class of the season.

First English class of the season. Since Nuevo Progreso is a tourist city, learning English is a good thing for the people. And while teaching English, we are learning a lot more Spanish! We learned something new in this class - peanuts are called cacahuates if they are in the shell. But peanuts without the shell are sometimes called cacahuates pelones, bald peanuts! And popcorn is called palomitas, little white doves. We munched palomitas and cacahuates pelones while we studied English together!

"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."  Proverbs 18:15

THANKSGIVING

Downtown Nuevo Progreso, picture from file.

It was a cold and rainy day to make our first trip across the border into Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Lloyd prayed that we would meet the right people and that we'd be kept safe. It's a big town and usually full of tourists. Today the crowds were thin. 

The first person we saw was Esteban, an old friend who makes money working the traffic coming off the bridge. Esteban as usual, helped us navigate through the mix of huge trucks and double parked cars to our destination. He made sure to tell us he and his family are back in church. Later a young woman waved us down on a back street and asked if we remembered her. Many years ago we had known her father who passed away and her mother Sarah. We had a good visit, met her children and invited them all to church Sunday. On our way to the church, we stopped to get a key to the gate from Azucena. And later we met Roman who was going home for lunch. Pastor Zab was out of town for the day, but our friend Pelon was home! Pelon, or Leo the Lion, still stands guard at the church. He looked in very good health. And as if no time had passed, he grabbed Lloyd's shirt in his teeth and wouldn't let go!

Pelon has the leart of a lion!

On our way home we had a thought that must have been from God. These are our people, especially those who are unchurched. For some reason He's given us the gift of their friendship. Lloyd's prayer that our paths would cross with the right people was answered. There will be others next time and the next, but today our hearts were warmed by meeting Esteban, Ellie and her children, her mother Sarah, Azucena and Roman.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  Psalm 100:4

THE GRANDEST CANYON

The road to Batopilas

The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico, is a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains. Popular for hiking, it gets its name from the copper-green hue of the canyon walls. Many years ago there were silver mines throughout the area. The famous Chepe train connects the region via over 80 tunnels and nearly 40 bridges.

Did you know that the Copper Canyon is composed of six, interconnected canyons that, when combined, are significantly larger than the Grand Canyon, and in some areas deeper as well?

Batopilas, established in the 1700's.

Indian woman selling baskets.

Several years ago Lloyd took Spanish Bibles to give away in the Copper Canyon area.  He and a fellow traveler drove the Jeep down the long winding road to the bottom of one canyon to a city called Batopilas. It was a difficult and long drive to the city that was established by Spaniards in the 1700's. 

Sitting on a lookout point selling their wares.

While in the Copper Canyon, Lloyd met many Tarahumara Indians who would rather call the area Bachotigori, the place of enclosed waters. He enjoyed visiting with these people and took many pictures of them selling their wares.

Lloyd returned to the Copper Canyon another year, taking gifts along with Bibles with him for the people. Learning that the women loved colorful clothing, he took brightly colored head scarves, coffee and other treats. The Tarahumara Indians are a proud and impressive people. One day we’d like to return to that area.

The long train ride is very scenic. 

A train ride Lloyd took runs through the entire length of the canyons. Dramatic tunnels and bridges take the train all the way to the west coast of Mexico.  This is a popular tourist attraction that is widely known.

Pottery and baskets from the Copper Canyon.

The people in this remote area need the gospel. In centuries past the Indians hid from Spaniards who wanted to enslave them to work in the mines. Now drug cartels are a threat to the area. Because the Indians are skilled runners, they are being threatened and used to run drugs across the border into the United States. God’s word can break the bonds and set these people free.

“In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psalm 95:4-6

LOST TRIBES IN MEXICO

Tarahumara chief holding a branding iron carried as a weapon.

The Tarahumara Indians of northwestern Mexico (also known as foot runners) have long hidden themselves in the vast forests of the Copper Canyon. When the Spaniards first entered that area, they enslaved the indians and forced them to work in lucrative copper mines. For that reason, many people moved deeper into the canyons and kept to themselves for generations.  They lived in the old ways and did not experience the changes in modern civilization. That meant that they also did not hear the gospel.

Young couple carrying feed for their animals.

 Lloyd traveled into this area with a load of Spanish Bibles. Although the Tarahumara speak Spanish, they have their own language. At that time a Bible translating organization was working to publish a Bible in that language.

The memorable thing about these people is the way they dress. Some of the men wear western clothes, but others mix western with an unusual loin cloth that is longer in the back and comes to a point.

This couple was dressed up as they walked along the mountain road.

Most of the time the people are shy and they are reluctant to speak with strangers. Also, they will not accept water since they carry their own drinks. But Lloyd managed to greet several people he saw on the road and was privileged to give them Illustrated Spanish Bibles.

This man was traveling deeper into the canyon to escape the cold weather. He accepted from Lloyd gifts of food and an Illustrated picture Bible.

Tarahumara Indians are known to run long distances and even run down deer and other animals for prey. They are blessed with endurance and skill to navigate the rough area where they live.

There are people in areas all over the world who still need to hear the gospel. Please pray with us for the lost, especially in Mexico. Not only the lost tribes, but all who are spiritually lost as well.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  Mark 16:15