INTO THE CITY

Pastor Gerardo prays regularly for the city of Nuevo Progreso.  He and other members of the ministerial alliance are standing in front of the office of the delegado (mayor).

We were six weeks late leaving for the mission field this year. Lloyd underwent back surgery November 10th and he spent the next five weeks recooperating.  It was Christmas week when we finally arrived in the Rio Grande Valley.

Hurricane Patricia, the strongest hurricane ever recorded, hit this area hard in October.  Fifteen trailer homes were destroyed by water in the park where we live in Texas.  Across the border in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico the ground around our church was flooded and roads were destroyed.  People are still recovering from the devastation.

During our first meeting with Pastor Gerardo at their annual Christmas party, we heard good news about the work of the church.  In spite of all the difficulties and challenges, the church is making an impact on the city of Nuevo Progreso.  Pastor Gerardo was recently elected president of the city ministerial alliance.  Nuevo Progreso has an estimated population of 25,000 and there are 53 churches, but not all pastors belong to the alliance.  Pastor Gerardo said he refuses to be called "president" but would rather be the coordinator so responsibilities can be shared equally among members.

Scott and DiAnna Olsen and a medical team from Minnesota will conduct the annual health fair in April with the help of the ministerial alliance.  This will mean reaching more people throughout the city with the gospel and with free medical attention.

Pastor Gerardo is called on frequently to preach in other churches in the area.

Pastors in the ministerial alliance have expressed appreciation for Pastor Gerardo's doctrines and teaching, especially enjoying the Sunday School literature he uses from Pathway Press, a division of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  We plan to order a good supply of these materials to share with churches throughout the city.

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam and their four children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.

Regardless of all kinds of difficulties, we are seeing an unusual and heart warming trend.  The Lord is showing us what He considers important.  Not big buildings or fancy equipment, but going out and reaching the city with His Word.  This fits in with our goal, to see many people saved, healed and filled with the Holy Ghost.  Jesus is coming soon!

CHRISTMAS AND OTHER NEWS

DiAnna Olsen enjoyed playing with the boys and girls who attended the annual Christmas party.

DiAnna Olsen from Minnesota flew down to Mexico for the annual church Christmas party which was held at Jose and Lupita's house. Since we were late in arriving on the mission field this season because of Lloyd's back surgery, DiAnna took care of the annual Christmas event including making Christmas baskets for needy families, purchasing gifts for Pastor Gerardo and his family and bagging treats for the children who attended the party.

Pastor Gerardo gave a short Christmas message before activities started and then he gave an invitation for those with needs to come forward for prayer.  Miriam then led a short time of worship.

Miriam led a time of worship at the Christmas party.

Several of the women of the church served everyone the traditional tamales along with spicy bean soup, guacamole, lettuce and tomatoes.  Tamales are a special treat for every holiday in Mexico.  There was a sheet cake filled with whipped cream and topped with fruit salad.  Another tradition - hot fruit punch was also served.

After everyone had finished eating, the children were lined up to receive small toys and bags of candy.  There was a lot of excitement and a lot of good fellowship during the whole time.

The children were admiring each other's gifts.

There were children present who have been faithful to Sunday School for years.  They came alone, always praying that some day their parents will join them.

This Holiday Season is a great time for the church to reach out with love to the community.  The party was free to everyone who wished to attend.  Everyone heard the old but good news of Christ's birth and everyone had opportunity to receive Him into their hearts.  And that's the greatest gift of all.

Boys and girls were lined up youngest first so everything was done orderly.  There was plenty for everyone.

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Orando por Mexico,  Pray for Mexico!

Hurricane Patricia swept across Mexico last week directly toward Nuevo Progreso in Tamaulipis.  For the benefit of their congregation in that city, Pastor of Bethesda Church of God Gerardo Estrada and his wife Miriam published these words of encouragement and hope.  They reminded us that we can take shelter in God no matter what storm has us in it's sights.  And there is a place of safety when we praise and glorify Him.  Here are the words that surrounded and comforted this group of people:

"We have much information about the hurricane, it's category, it's dimensions and it's location.  But we have more information about who God is!

Psalm 48 says: The Lord God is wonderful, He deserves all praise in the city where He lives.  His holy mountain, beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth.  Mount Zion, truly sacred, is home for the great King.  God is there to defend it and has proved to be it's protector.  Kings joined forces to attack the city, but when they saw it, they were terrified and ran away.  They trembled all over like women giving birth or like seagoing ships wrecked by eastern winds.  We had heard about it, and now we have seen it in the city of our God, the Lord All-Powerful.  This is the city that God will let stand forever.  Our God, here in your temple we think about your love.  You are famous and praised everywhere on earth, as you win victories with your powerful arm.  Mount Zion will celebrate and all Judah will be glad because you bring justice.  Let's walk around Zion and count it's towers.  We will see it's strong walls and visit each fortress.  Then you can say to future generations, Our God is like this forever and will always guide us!"   Psalm 48

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.

We thank God for His mercy to Mexico! " I promise that when any two of you on earth shall agree about something you are praying for, my Father in heaven will do it for you." Matthew 18:19

"I am the gate, All who come in through me will be saved.  Through me they will come and go and find pasture."  John 10:9  "Your faithful people Lord will praise you with songs and honor your holy name."  Psalm 30:4

And after the storm:  

Bless His name!  We cannot attribute this powerful manifestation to anyone but our God!  "And I told you these things so that when they happened you would not say, The idols we worship did this!"  Isaiah 48:5

GOOD WORDS

Miriam del Carmen Razo Hernandez
Pastor's Wife in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

"Good thoughts - They are so important for us to always have.  If we open our mouth to speak, what we say or publish can be a balm to those suffering in different areas of their lives, both psychologically and emotionally.  Our intention should always be to edify people and not to destroy through humiliation and ridicule.  We live in a world full of violence and evil and the world needs the best of us.  Consider what you say or what you intend to publish!!!"  Words of wisdom from Miriam del Carmen Razo Hernandez

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8 KJV

THE LORD THY GOD IS WITH THEE

Clouds over Nuevo Progreso

A recent tropical depression originating in the Gulf of Mexico near Nuevo Progreso flooded an area of northern Mexico and southern Texas.  Even though there is a lot of standing water in town and roads are nearly impassable in the colonias, the work of the church goes on.  Services are being conducted at the usual times in various locations throughout town.

Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam send the message that God is in control; and even though there are trials and difficulties God is good.

Please pray for the church and the congregation as they go through this unusual and unexpected weather event.  The enormous new flood water drainage system in this border town has never been completed.  An up-to-date water treatment plant and most of the drain pipes to take standing water away sit idle and unused.  It could take weeks for things to return to normal in Nuevo Progreso.  Meanwhile, God's word will be preached and the church will continue to be blessed.

"Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9

THE CHURCH TAKES SHAPE

Organization is taking place inside the church in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.  People are taking on responsibilities, making commitments and filling offices.  Recently during the pastor's absence visiting his family in southern Mexico, the church was able to continue certain ministries on their own.

Paola was named Director of Woman.

Paola was named Director of Woman and is proving to be very committed to the responsibilities.  Catalina is now the Treasurer of Womens Ministries.  She accepted this position with great pleasure.

Catalina was appointed Treasurer of Women's Ministries

One woman will be chosen from the congregation each week to organize and lead visitation and prayer in various homes.

Breakfast is being served to the children before Sunday School each week.  The first week, Sister Francesca brought tacos made with beans, scrambled eggs and potatoes for the breakfast.  The second time Arely was in charge of providing the meal.

Francesca in a moment of prayer.

These new church leaders are working together to strengthen the church and to further the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Organization is important and delegating responsibilities is Biblical.  Everyone who does their part will be blessed of the Lord.

Some of the children who regularly attend Sunday School at the Nuevo Progreso Church of God.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. " Acts 20:28

NAHUM'S RAINBOW

A double rainbow swept across the sky over Nayarit, Mexico.

It was like a sign from God!  A double rainbow in the sky over Nayarit, Mexico.  It surely was a sign of blessing as Pastor Gerardo and his family began their return trip from visiting their folks in west central Mexico last week.

It had been years since they had seen their extended families and Gerardo had received word that his father, Ramon Rameriz, had suffered a heart attack and wanted to see him.  Through a series of unexpected blessings including the gift of an almost new GMC Yukon utility vehicle, Gerardo and his wife Miriam and 4 kids were able to make the 15 hour drive across the country of Mexico to the west coast state of Nayarit.  According to Miriam, "all the way we were blessed by God!"

Miriam is with Gerardo's father, Ramon Rameriz.  He is now doing well after suffering a heart attack earlier this summer. Nieces and nephews joined them in the picture.

Besides grandparents, aunts and uncles barely remembered, there were many cousins that Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly had never met.  They spent hours getting acquainted with each other and sharing.  Gerardo and Gerson played the guitar together for everyone; and then Gerardo and Nahum sang their favorite songs.  The whole family sang and worshiped the Lord together. 

The room was crowded with family members of all ages.

Miriam was happy to visit her own father and the rest of her family that still lives in Nayarit. They took time to look around and enjoy the land where they had spent the earlier part of their lives.  Miriam said, "Thank God, who gave us this beautiful wish!"

More cousins and they all look very happy.

Everyone had such a good time that it was difficult to say goodbye to loved ones and return to Nuevo Progreso.  But Gerardo and Miriam encouraged them all that by faith the Lord would allow them to return for more visits to see their family.

Gerson and Nahum with their cousins Omar and Jafat Estrada.

As Pastor Gerardo and Miriam, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly drove away from their home town, they saw a beautiful double rainbow stretching across the sky.  It was like a smile from the Lord.  It was His sign of blessing on them and His approval.  He had given them a great and valuable gift, a trip home.  Nahum took a picture of the unusual rainbow before it faded away.

Nahum has a new favorite cousin!

The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.  Genesis 9:13 CEV