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

LADY EVANGELISTS

Miriam and some of the women who work in the church.

May 31 marked the first of new evangelistic projects by the women of the church in Nuevo Progreso. These projects will take place in the homes of the sisters Josephine, Lidia, Catherine, Lupita and another Catherine, under the leadership of Pastor Gerardo's wife Miriam.  Their goal is a great harvest of souls won to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Meetings are held in homes around the city of Nuevo Progreso.

Paola helped serve tamales at one event.

As each lady hosts a meeting in her home, she invites her family, friends and neighbors to join in the prayer, reading of the scriptures and then in the fellowship.  Each hostess provides a meal or a snack. The guests may never become members of the church, but they will have heard the gospel and they will have received much needed encouragement from God's Word.

Often the people feel more comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere of such home meetings.  And Jesus instructed us to go out into the highways and byways and exort the people to take up the cross and follow Him.

"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."  Luke 14:23

WATER BAPTISMS PLANNED

Azucena and 3 of her daughters during English Class at the church in Nuevo Progreso.

A district wide water baptism service is being planned for next month in the nearby city of Reynosa. Churches throughout the district will take advantage of this service, baptizing all who want to follow Jesus in this sacrament.  Church of God District Supervisor Fernando Colorado will officiate at the service which is usually held in the city swimming pool.

Azucena, one of the leaders in the church in Nuevo Progreso, wants to be baptized along with 2 of her daughters.  They are attending a few classes at the church to learn more about the importance and significance of water baptism.  There may be others who decide to be baptized during this opportunity.  Everyone agrees how important this next step is in their Christian walk.

Last year 6 people were baptized in water from the church in Nuevo Progreso.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him 

deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me."  Matthew 16:24 KJV

GERSON'S NEXT STEP

Pastor Gerardo's son Gerson at the university in Reynosa, Mexico.

In April Gerson enrolled in the university in Reynosa, Mexico where he plans to study computer technology.  This is a great accomplishment and Pastor Gerardo and Miriam are very proud of him. Gerson has been working in a computer repair shop in Nuevo Progreso in order to help pay his way through school. He has an extraordinary gift working with computers, and enjoys taking them apart and putting them back together.  Because of Gerson's grades throughout his school years, he will receive government assistance to attend the university.

Gerson registering for classes in the university.

Gerson's name in the Hebrew language means "spear."  Gerson was the first son of Levi, but it is spelled Gershon in the Bible,  This is interesting because Gerson is Gerardo and Miriam's firstborn. And although he isn't specific as to his plans for the future, he has had thoughts of one day becoming a pastor like his father.

Lloyd and Gerson together at the church.  Gerson is now about 6' 2" tall.  Lloyd was attempting to stand as tall as he, but it was a stretch.  This picture was taken about 3 years ago.  

We're very proud of all of Gerardo and Miriam's children, Gerson, Nahum, Dana and Esly.  They all excel in school and have good plans for their future.  Nahum plans to be an architect, Dana wants to be a doctor and Esly  is still considering the possibilities.  This family is proving that nothing is impossible to those who do their best and put their trust in God.

 "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.  Daniel 11:32