Children Discipleship Classes in Ixcamilpa

After distributing shoebox gifts in the villages of Ixcamilpa, we are committed to leading the 12-lesson follow-up discipleship program of “Operation Christmas Child” for the children to continue to learn about Jesus through the Bible.  However, logistically we cannot travel out to these isolated

villages every week to give class.  Instead, a team will be visiting every other week to teach two or more classes on each trip.  Our weekend trip end of January was dedicated to children Bible classes!

As always, the trek out to these villages is tedious- poor Jemina

got carsick and threw up everywhere during the two hours of curves through the mountains (even Paco who is driving starts to feel carsick by the end!). Then, we got stuck behind a huge herd of cattle walking down the road!  However, as always, the trip was worth the effort.

Upon arriving, we had the village speakerphone (the way to spread news around the village) announce the children’s classes and invite everyone from the nearby villages.  Maria, the lady who controls the speakerphone, was surprised to see us, explaining: “My daughter dreamt just this week

that you would return to teach her more about Jesus!”  When 6-year-old Briana, her daughter, entered, her face immediately brightened and she came to give me a hug. 

39 children attended classes this weekend- ranging from ages 4-14 years old.  They

loved the games and prizes, but, more importantly, there were very attentive to the memory Bible verses and Bible stores of each class.  By the end, I have no doubt that even the youngest attendees understood the main point: Disobedience to God is sin; sin deserves a punishment; the punishment for sin is death;

we need a Savior!

The children were not the only ones excited to see us visit!- two older men (including Don Chava who is almost blind) arrived at the auditorium even before the children as soon as they heard that Brother Paco was there!  Other parents

arrived bringing their children.  The people of the village continue to be honored that Paco would travel out to be with them a couple times a month, and seek him out for friendship, advice, and the Word of God.  Fortunately, Jemina fell asleep during our first children’s class so Paco

was able to gather the 15 adults present and lead an adult Bible study while the children were in class (with Jemi asleep in the stroller beside him).