IN A SAFE PLACE

Sister Nina Navarro ministering to Fernando and Armando.

District Supervisor Nina Navarro spent quality time with twins Fernando and Armando before Tuesday evening service in Nuevo Progreso. The extremely active children, part of a very large neighboring family, like to come to church on their own. They enjoy the company, but they also know very well that we always serve cookies, coffee and other snacks after the service. And they’re always hungry.

Sister Nina brought with her a special speaker named Rudi, his wife Maria and their two children Sarah and Samuel. Rudi is an anointed preacher, filled with the Holy Spirit, with a heart that is broken and burdened for lost souls. His message was inspiring to all of us.

Sister Nina was happy to say that the Church of God in Mexico has become very missions oriented. The organization now sends missionaries to many other countries in the world, including Cuba and Spain. Since our church is a mission church, the Church of God enjoys lending a hand in evangelism and other projects. We are proud to be a part of the Church of God and to work hand in hand with these great leaders.

During the church service, the twins and their little brother fell asleep. It was as if they collapsed in the midst of their playing, one half way on the couch with his legs hanging and the other laying just as his actions stopped. One of the men gently lifted them into more comfortable positions and they never stirred.

Two of the boys slept on the couch and the other on a hard wooden bench.

Sister Nina said it was obvious that they felt they were in a safe place. They have become comfortable being in the church.  May these children always remember the safety of the church and the love they feel when there.

“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1 

GATE FOR PROTECTION

Lloyd and Alejandro

Last week Lloyd, Pastor Zabdi and Alejandro put up a bit of protection across the lane leading to the church. They dug holes, anchored 2 posts in concrete and strung a very strong chain across the narrow lane leading to the church grounds. This is not to keep the people out, but to stop large pickup trucks from entering the property, especially in the night.

The men left room on both sides for bicycles and people on foot since there is a shortcut there between Colonia Jardin and Colonia Francisco Madero. Goats and horses are allowed to graze freely on the lush wild landscape and they can easily walk around the chain.

Last summer a large pickup truck full of armed men drove down the lane and demanded entrance to the building so they could hide from authorities. It was in the middle of the night and it was very disturbing. That may never happen again, but we’ve taken the necessary precautions to avoid trespassers. The chain will always be open during the day and for church services.

A you can see in this picture, the lane is long and the area is outside the residential area. It’s a peaceful place, but it’s completely open for anyone to enter. The church is literally in the middle of a field. The congregation was in agreement that we needed to put a chain across the road.

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”  Psalm 91;11

There is a long lane to the church.

AQUÍ LOS ESPERO, HERE I WAIT FOR YOU

Marcelino

"Aqui los espero!" That's what Marcelino always says when we start to leave him. Now when he says that, we all laugh together. It has become a habit for him to say, "Here I wait for you." But he means it sincerely and he's always there when we need him.

Marcelino has dug ditches, laid concrete blocks, worked with long pieces of rebar and wire, made up forms and poured concrete at the church since it's beginning. He is so dependable and trustworthy that we don't know what we'd do without him. Marcelino used to live next to the church years ago where he acted as both caretaker and watchdog for us, always on the alert. A small wirey man, he is surprisingly strong and agile.

He admires "Mr. Lloyd," and seems to want very much to please him. For years when we talked to him about living for the Lord, he would say, "maybe some day."

In the fall of 2009 Marcelino had some health issues and had a close encounter with death. At that time, he called on the Lord for help. After that his face was bright and his words are uplifting and different. "Don't worry, Mr. Lloyd, God will help. No problema!" And his sentences were peppered with "Gracias a Dios, Thanks to God."

Every time we gave him building instructions his new habit was to say, "Yeah, I know." He had become so involved in building the church that he seemed to know what must be done next.

Now in 2019, once again we need Marcelino’s help. There are plumbing repairs to be made and other projects to finish. As in the past, he’s ready to do whatever is needed. And we’ll make more memories together.

Marcelino is not the only person in Mexico who has said to us, "Aqui los espero, Here I wait for you."  It reminds us of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament who was haunted by a vision in the night of a man from Macedonia. The man said, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." Acts 16:9   Like that call from a man in Macedonia, we are haunted by many in Mexico who have said goodbye to us and added the sincere and meaningful words, "Aqui los espero, Here I wait for you."

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.  Acts 16:9

VISITING APOLINAR

Apolinar and his daughter Cynthia

Today we visited the home of Apolinar and Carla, two of our long time friends in Nuevo Progreso. Esteban, Javier and Cynthia ran out to meet us and to help us out of the car. Very mannerly and helpful, they asked if they could carry anything for us. Of course, they know we always bring them treats.  This time it was spicy popcorn.

Apolinar is doing well. He has completely recovered from his accident many years ago when he was almost electrocuted while working near a telephone pole downtown. While painting a building, he came in contact with very high voltage and was burned over much of his body. He was taken to a hospital in Monterrey where he remained in a coma about two weeks. Then it took months for him to completely recover and about 2 years before he could go back to work.

While in a coma, Apolinar said he had visions of heaven and of angels ministering to him. The visions were beautiful, he told everyone he met about what he saw. Now he works almost constantly to make a living for his large family. Carla makes tacos and atole (a warm drink made of cornmeal, milk and sugar) for Apolinar to sell to truckers who are waiting in long lines to cross the international bridge. He also has pigs, a small flock of sheep and is beginning to raise rabbits for food. Today he had purchased 40 watermelons from truckers and planned to sell them in the market place for a profit.

Cynthia and Javier

It was good to see Rogelio again. He had spent two years in prison for something we never did quite understand. And there was Julio now grown and handsome. Julio was six years old when he first approached us while we ate ice cream in a local convenience store.  We've been friends ever since!

Javier was quick to take my hand and assist me into the house. I had a faithful and ready helper from that time on. Cynthia was a little more timid, but soon warmed up to us. They both love to have their picture taken.

The whole family had been ill, fever and heavy coughing especially at night. We made a stop at the store to purchase cough medicine and vapor rub for them. Rogelio and his wife Perla lost a 2 year old child several years ago to the flu.

When we asked directions to another friend's house, Apolinar volunteered to ride along and show us the way. Javier and Cynthia begged to go with us and sat with me in the back seat. Along the way we learned that they love to fish. They asked their father again and again if they could go fishing today. He said maybe tomorrow.

It's a miracle that Apolinar survived the terrible accident. We love to see that he and his family are thriving, making a good living and having good times together. Many people prayed for him through the crisis. He still gives God the credit for his amazing recovery. Now faint scars on his exposed neck and hands are still visible to prove that he took a spiritual journey into the hereafter and returned.

"And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."  John 6:2

REYNA'S ANSWER TO PRAYER

Reyna and Francisco at the church a few years ago.

God answered prayer for Reyna and Francisco! The people of Bethesda Temple in Nuevo Progreso prayed for their son who was gravely ill with a blood disorder. Last night during service Reyna gave an emotional testimony. The doctor said tests show there is no longer a problem and that their son is well! Some other pressing financial needs were met in his life. Reyna thanked the Lord for taking care of her family even when things seem impossible.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

THE THREE KINGS

Clowns entertained the children at the festival.

Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God sending His Son Jesus Christ to the world. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation. The feast is celebrated in many ways in Mexico, including religious services, family gatherings and festivals for children. One of our favorites is the serving of a cake filled with dried fruit and baked in the shape of a ring or wreath. Inside the cake there is a small plastic baby representing the Christ child. When the cake is cut and served, the one who receives the baby on his plate is responsible for supplying the cake the following year.

Three Kings’ Day is celebrated January 6 in Mexico and that was the day we had a festival for children at the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.

Pastor Zabdi was a terrific clown, full of energy and excitement. He had everyone laughing, even the adults as he led the children in songs and games. There were about 30 children present, although it was difficult to count the squirming crowd. All eyes were on him when he tried and tried to get to heaven. First he put on wings and jumped off a chair, but he didn’t get to heaven. Instead he fell to the floor. Then he tried throwing a rope into heaven to climb up, but again he just fell to the floor. He tried riding a rocket into heaven and wound up running around the auditorium when it supposedly blasted off. He cried and was very sad. Then someone sat down beside him and told him he could get to heaven by accepting Jesus into his heart. The clown was extremely happy. Then he invited all the children who wanted to go to heaven to come forward for prayer. Approximately 25 children came forward and bowed their heads in prayer! This is their first step to salvation. Now they will need Sunday School, good leadership and discipling as they go on their way.

Afternoon sun touched their heads as they listened to the message.

There were plenty of hot dogs with mustard, catsup and their favorite - mayonnaise. It was almost quiet while hot dogs were passed around and cups of kool aid served. There were plenty of helpers and all we had to do was sit back and watch the action.

Everyone loves a hot dog!

Finally gift bags were distributed, bags labeled for boys and bags for girls. Candy, small toys, coloring books and other trinkets kept them all happy for awhile. And then it was time to end the party. It was late afternoon, so the sun was still bright. Children drifted away in all directions, carrying their white gift bags and chattering happily with each other. It had been a great festival, full of fun and full of good spiritual teaching among the clowning and laughter.

A little angel receiving his gift.

For many years we have kept this annual festival for children, sometimes just before Christmas and other times later in the holiday season. It’s a great way to be both entertaining and repeat the stories in the Bible at the same time.  We’re positive that some time in the future we will reap the harvest from these festivals.

Another little angel.

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”    Matthew 2:2

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