ROGER STEVEN PEREZ

Brother Roger Perez participated in our English class. He is seated alongside Pastor Gerardo and Miriam.

It was an honor to have Roger Perez visiting Nuevo Progreso, Pastor Gerardo and our English Class.  Brother Perez is an evangelist and missionary from Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.  He attended Playa del Carmen Bible Acadamy in Mexico.  Roger has been married to Viviana Dominges for 22 years and they have two children, a daughter Noeme who is 14 and a son Adam Noe who is 11.  Brother Perez is a member of the Church of God.

We spoke with Roger about his experiences, his plans and his dreams for the future.  Eventually he wants to pastor a church, but meanwhile he feels impressed to preach God's word and sing wherever he is invited.  In the past he has preached in the Mexican states of Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.  In the United States he has preached in Weslaco, Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas.  He speaks a little English and enjoyed the lesson we had prepared for the day he was here.

The Yucatan Peninsula is highlighted on this map.  Quintana Roo is a tiny state on the eastern side.

Roger's favorite part of the Bible is the Book of Acts.  He loves to read about the early church and how quickly the good news spread throughout the known world in such miraculous ways.  He said it was because of the power of the Holy Spirit that the church was able to withstand the persecutions they faced after the crucifiction of Jesus Christ.  Roger's message to us all is: "We need to be ready to go with our Lord, and for this it is necessary to have a clean heart and a clean mind."

A dove sat on the wall overlooking our class.  

As we visited, we learned that one of Roger's great desires is to visit the headquarters of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  He wants to meet some of the leaders of the church and share his vision with them.

It was just a short time together, but we all felt the bond of friendship between us.  Roger was like a part of our family, and we look forward to hearing from him again soon.  He left for a speaking engagement later that evening, and planned to fly from Reynosa to Cancun the next morning.

"They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together."  Acts 2:42 CEV

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!

Popular style tambourine used at the church in Mexico.

Tambourines are used a lot at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.  They are handy, portable and are easy to play.  Recently Miriam, Pastor Gerardo's wife, emphasized the importance of tambourines in their home meetings.

Several times during the week men and women of the church conduct services at various homes, or they have a time of worship during their visits to the sick.  At these times it's good to have music, and along with Pastor Gerardo's guitar, Miriam keeps rhythm with her tambourine.

Tambourines have a long history with roots in a variety of music from classical to folk.  Tambourines are simple, versatile instruments that can bring a song to life.  Best of all, tambourines are easy to carry and to play.

Another tambourine with only the metal disks.

Tambourines are hand held instruments with a round, wooden frame and a parchment or skin head. Metal disks that jingle are inserted into the wooden rim. By striking the tambourine or by shaking it, the jingles are set in motion. Rubbing the hand across the drumhead or tapping it will produce other rhythmic sounds. It's a popular instrument mostly used by women.

Though an ancient instrument, its structure has remained basically unchanged. Tambourines were played in Mesopotamia, Greece, Israel and Rome, especially in religious contexts.  They have always been prominent in Middle Eastern religious use. Crusaders took them to Europe in the 13th century. The timbrel or tabret that Miriam used in the Bible was similar to the tambourine.

Tambourines add life to music!

The tambourine is mentioned often in the Old Testament as an instrument of celebration, as here: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing."  Exodus 15:20

As the church grows in Nuevo Progreso, they will need more tambourines the women and children can use during worship services, so they can continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Psalm 95:1

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

Pastor Estrada's wife Miriam leads the Women's Ministries.

"Serving My World With Love" (Galatians 5:13), that's the slogan for Women's Ministries in the Church of God.  And that describes the women of Bethesda in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

The last week in May is set aside to highlight Women's Ministries, and there are many programs, meetings and special events being planned.  Pastor's wife Miriam leads the women of the church.  Her schedule for the Women's Week is a very busy one.

Lupita always offers her home for meetings.

Besides the regularly scheduled church services, the women will meet every evening at the home of one of the members.  This plan is a popular one because each time the member can invite all her neighbors to the party.  It's a great way to reach out to women with spiritual, physical and emotional needs.  Along with the usual food and drinks, there is always a reading from the Bible, prayer and a time for each woman to share her burdens with the others.  Even visitors and new members quickly volunteer to have a meeting at their house.  And in this way the good news of God's love is spread to all parts of the city!

Letty is a member of the women's group.

The purpose of Womens Ministries is to encourage spiritual growth, personal development and leadership among women, and to contribute to the general welfare of the home, church, community and world.  The organization is founded on the scripture from Proverbs 31: "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gate."

One of the busy mothers who also enjoys women's fellowship.

Through this strong support group, women can be empowered -
to know Christ
to know who they are in Christ
to grow as leaders and mentors who disciple others
to act by giving their talents, money and time
to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world
to realize they are valued in God's kingdom
to form small groups with women of like passions
to strengthen their families and
to be God's hands in the world.

Paola likes to help cook and serve food.

We're proud of the strong and loving Women's Ministries group at Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso!

Praying for one another.

MOTHERS DAY SERENADE

Pastor Gerardo serenaded mothers gathered for the fiesta.

A Mothers Day fiesta was held at the home of Norma and Gil on a hot and windy Saturday evening.  There were about 40 who came to the little yard to share a meal, visit and observe the important occasion.  Here are some highlights from that party:

First of all, the phrase "dark thirty" is one we've heard for years in Mexico, long before there was a popular movie by that name.  No matter what time an event is scheduled, people don't start arriving until about half past sunset.  This time was no exception, and in addition we ended up literally in the dark!  The electricity was off in the whole neighborhood!

The setting sun brightened the small yard where we met.

Pastor Gerardo spoke a few words about the difference between a strong woman and a woman of strength, a woman who concentrates on her spiritual life and her walk with God.  Then he picked up his guitar and serenaded us all.

Lloyd had a gift for each woman present, a fancy black folding fan that could be carried in a purse.  It was something they could all use during the hot days to come.

There were 17 women present, plus all their children and a few men.

During this time some of the men began grilling chicken over charcoal fires.  Smoke quickly funneled down the driveway and enveloped our meeting place.  When the bright sun slipped down behind the buildings to our west, darkness descended within minutes. But the children still played and it didn't stop the women from starting to serve the food.  We literally ate by faith and not by sight!  There wasn't a lamp, a candle or even a flashlight to illuminate the plates in front of us on the long table.  But no difficulty or hardship was going to dampen this party!

Paola was one of the youngest mothers present.

We were served menudo to start with and then grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, pico de gallo, tortillas and coolaid.  We finished with slices of chocolate cake with creamy icing.  

This little girl, hot and tired, was comforted by her mother.

It was a great fiesta and one we'll long remember.  It was held almost totally in the dark in a very small space filled with people and covered with smoke.  That was our Mothers Day celebration in Mexico.

Beautiful personalized name tags were pinned on each lady.

A strong woman exercises all day to keep her body in shape,

but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in good condition.

The strong woman is afraid of nothing,

but the woman of strength has the fear of God.

The strong woman does not let anyone get the best of her,

but a woman of strength gives her best to everyone else.

The strong woman walks with confidence,

but a woman of strength knows where her steps are directed.

The strong woman wears the vestments of confidence,

but the woman of strength wears grace.

The strong woman knows that she is sufficiently strong for the day,

but a woman of strength has faith that she is sheltered in a very safe place.

DAY OF THE CHILDREN

Hilda had fun helping decorate for Children's Day.

Mexico celebrates Children's Day, "Dia del Niño,"  on April 30 every year and it's a very important time for everyone.  The day is always filled with activities and children look forward to a holiday all their own with fun, gifts and special events.

In larger cities there are clowns, magicians, music and shows.  Amusement parks, zoos and children's museums usually have special deals for children on this day.  It's a festivity that's quite unique, full of laughter and play, when adults are reminded of the importance of childhood.

Alondra and Francisco try to carry balloons between their legs in a relay race.

Bethesda Church of God in Nuevo Progreso celebrated Dia del Niño Saturday afternoon, May 3, with a big party with lots of decorations, balloons, games and food.  Lloyd and I enjoyed watching the women of the church bring in steaming kettles of food, baskets of fresh green salad and containers of tacos and chocolate cupcakes.  The children, approximately 25 of varying ages, were called to the driveway where relay games were played.  Inevitably there were screams and laughs as balloons were carried, passed along and popped rapidly.  Tiny green key limes were carried on plastic spoons from one end of the driveway to the other.  Who would be successful in handing over their lime before dropping it!

This baby opossum was no bigger than the hand that held it.  It was a special guest at the party!

Even the adults enjoyed the fun and laughter while they watched their children or grandchildren play until exhausted.

There was one special guest at the party, a baby opossum that had been abandoned by it's mother and siblings in the dense tropical back yard where the party was held.  The opossum was no bigger than the hand that held it cradled in an old wash cloth.  It didn't seem overly moved by all the activities and noise.  After hissing and showing it's tiny baby teeth in mock hostility, it snuggled down and went back to sleep in it's temporary nest of cloth.  And soon it was forgotten as everyone was called to the table for a feast.

Nine year old Francisco is someone we've known for about five years.  We have watched him grow into a handsome and well mannered young man.

Treat bags, candy, cupcakes and more!  It was an impressive celebration of Dia del Niño!

She obviously enjoyed her cupcake!

PEANUTS, PUPPIES AND THE HAND OF GOD!

Mexican military in downtown Nuevo Progreso.

From the smallest, most trivial to the greatest events this week, we could see God at work in Nuevo Progreso. Even though the weather was unmerciful, the challenges painful and the news of violence in Mexico extreme, the church continued to thrive and grow stronger.  And there are many things to be thankful for.

Mexican Marines are still camped at the south edge of Nuevo Progreso.  Because of their presence, there is peace instead of trouble, as in Matamoros and Reynosa.  We're thankful for the Mexican military and always look for ways to show our appreciation to them.  This week we took a box of peanuts in the shell to their base, along with some New Testaments in Spanish.  They showed their gratitude with smiles and waves as we drove away.

Six beautiful puppies, part pitbull, one week old.

We celebrated new life when Lupita's dog had a litter of six beautiful puppies.  Pastor Gerardo and his family were promised two puppies of their choice.  The dogs will eventually become watch dogs at the church.  In a lighter moment, we helped them decide which was the prettiest puppy.

Pastor Gerardo's daughter Esly holds her pick of the litter.

Lupita was early for church so she admired the papaya trees nearby.

All winter there has been so much rain and there is standing water everywhere, so mosquitoes are thick on both sides of the Rio Grande.  But amazingly Pastor Gerardo and Miriam said they are not troubled with mosquitoes in and around the church and parsonage.  Miriam reported that when they go to visit members of the congregation around town, they have to constantly swat the pesky insects.  But not in their home!  When asked, they could provide no reason why they aren't fighting them.  There is water standing in the fields, in the streets and everywhere and undoubtedly where there is water there are mosquitoes.  They could only say that it is God's protection on their family!

April 24th around midnight an unusually fierce storm developed south of the Rio Grande Valley.  The storm contained 70 mph winds, large hail and torrential rains and it swept the entire length and width of the Valley on both sides of the Rio Grande River.  As we watched the weather reports and saw the huge angry red storm hovering directly over Nuevo Progreso, we prayed that God would protect the church and the people.  The news reported trees blown down, power outages and golf ball sized hail throughout the area and we expected to hear of extensive damage on our trip to Nuevo Progreso the next morning.  But we discovered that it was a "non-event" in Nuevo Progreso!  There was a little rain and heavy wind, but nothing like we expected and nothing like what was reported on the news.

We were amazed and relieved to hear that everything was all right.  And when we asked Gerardo and Miriam how this was possible, Gerardo said, "It must have been the Hand of God!"


"Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.
Then you will say to the Lord, You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God,
and I trust you."  Psalm 91:1-2 (CEV)

CONVENTION IN MONTERREY

Pastor Gerardo with his wife Miriam and their daughter Dana.

Pastor Gerardo Estrada took his whole family to Monterrey for the annual Church of God Convention, Northeast Section.  The event took place the week of April 7th, and it was attended by many people from the northeastern part of Mexico.  A special invitation to speak was given to Rev. Victor Pagán from Cleveland, Tennessee and also to Rev. Roger Audorff.

Officials of the Church of God in Mexico are:    
World Missions Director Dr. Tim Hill;  John Childers, World Missions Assistant Director; Dr. David Ramirez, Director of Latin America; Julio Meléndez, National Superintendent; Yolanda Meléndez, National Womens' Ministries Director; Omar Galván, National Youth and Disciple Director; Antonio Ramírez, National Childrens Director; and José del Carmen Ríos Galván, National Missions Coordinator.  The theme of the convention was "A More Strategic Church," and there was a great emphasis on the need for more missions within Mexico.

This welcome was extended to the convention by Jorge Leal, Bishop Administrator:
"The Gospel appeared on the earth with a beautiful song: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.  This song resonated in Bethlehem, and today we are also gathered together to proclaim: Glory to God in the Highest!  These special meeting days, enjoy the presence of God and harmony with each other!  Let us remember that we are one in the Lord. So together we worship the One who is worthy. Welcome to our 2015 Convention!"

Each day educational meetings were held and at night there were united worship services.  The enormous city of Monterrey made a beautiful and restful background for the activities and the surrounding mountain peaks were interesting to Pastor Gerardo and his family.  But best of all were the many reunions between old friends.  Friendships were renewed with promises to trade visits some time in the future.  It was a refreshing time for all, and a time to realize that we are part of something that reaches around the world, the family of God!

Thank you to those who made this convention possible and to those who made it possible for  Pastor Gerardo and Miriam to attend.  They came back to Nuevo Progreso very happy, with a strong and  renewed vision.  They felt the touch of God in Monterrey!