Mission in Misiones Community- New Bible Study!

Since February, we have held a weekly Bible study in Misiones- a community outside of our town. 

 

A lady from our congregation, Anita, lives there, and cannot often attend services because the community is too far from our church.  After much prayer, and confirmed vision in both Anita’s and our hearts, we felt the

Lord calling us to start a mission in that community.

 

Our study group is currently small, between 6-10 people- which, for the moment, is appropriate for Anita’s tiny house (like most of the houses in Misiones).  But we continue to pray for and invite others to join us in studying the Word of God and

fellowship. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parents' Gathering: Monthly Bible Study

Our church initiated a new monthly Bible study directed toward the parents in the congregation: how to apply God’s Word of truth to their families and parenting. 

In the past couple months, attendance has grown- both by couples and single mothers.  The study is interactive, as each parent shares from their own experiences of raising children in

accordance with Scripture. 

This month, Paco led the study of 2Timothy  chapter 1, comparing Paul’s relationship to Timothy with a parent’s relationship/responsibility to his children. 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter: Celebrating Resurrection Sunday

Easter (or “Resurrection Sunday” as it is known in Mexico) was an extra special day of rejoicing with our church.  In his Bible message, Paco reiterated the eternal and life-altering power of Jesus’ resurrection. 

After many individual testimonies of thanks and songs of worship,

the congregation enjoyed a meal together, followed by ice cream.  The fellowship then continued with rounds of volleyball and children’s games. 

In our day of rejoicing as a family in the faith, we marvel that we are only united by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

 

ZOO with the Youth Group

Easter week is spring break all over Mexico- and the perfect opportunity for a fun outing to the zoo with the youth group!

 

The sunny day was perfect for wandering, observing the animals, a picnic lunch, card games and football.  We were pleased that two new girls to the group attended the outing and are already forming friendships among the group.    

 

“Jesus” Film in Misiones Community

On the Thursday before Easter, we presented the “Jesus” film in Misiones- a community outside of our town. 

 

We rented the community centered, passed out flyers and invitations on the street, prepared popcorn and refreshment, and prayed that the Lord would call His people to hear the Gospel of Jesus. 

 

38 people attended the film, including many children (who jumped at the opportunity for a free movie and popcorn!).  After the movie, Paco reiterated the Gospel message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sin.  A few people even requested a Bible after the gathering!

We continue to pray that the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ would fill the Misiones community, and that the Lord would direct us to continue His ministry there! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Joy for Children of Prisoners!

Though one of our fellow church leaders remains unjustly imprisoned, the Lord continues to use him to minister not only to the Tlaxcala prisoners but also to their families.  With Osbaldo as our contact, we planned an “Operation Christmas Child” event for the

prisoners´ children!

 

Osbaldo, inside the prison, made a list of all the children of his prisonmates, and then delivered invitations to the families during visitor hours. 

 

The struggle for the event was: where to hold a children´s event outside a state prison?  We asked surrounding neighbors about empty, abandoned lots in front of the entrance.  Unfortunately, we were denied

use of the closest lot when the owners discovered we were Christians and were planning an event to proclaim Jesus!  However, the Lord gave us favor and opened a neighboring lot for our use.

 

Even with limited decorations and no electrical access for either microphone or music in our abandoned lot, the event was a huge hit!  32 children and their families arrived, and enjoyed games, face-painting, songs, a clown show, and the message of Christ´s love and

sacrifice for our salvation.  Each family received a bag lunch, a New Testament, and the offer of prayers and church contact for anyone interested in learning more about Jesus.

 

The families were so grateful

for the love shown to them and their children. They seemed worn-down after visiting their family members at the jail.  One small boy was especially tearful; his mom explained he always acted like that after saying goodbye to his father at prison.  However, at the end of the event, he was happily

participating with the rest of the group!  May the Lord continue to speak to and strengthen these families in their need through His Word!

 

"Operation Christmas Child" in Tlaxcala

Many “Operation Christmas Child” events were held around the state of Tlaxcala this month!  (“Operation Christmas Child” is an international children´s evangelism project organized by Samaritan´s Purse)  Paco and I, along with the rest of our Samaritan´s Purse team in

Tlaxcala, had the joy of observing these events.

It was amazing to see whole churches actively serving the children of their communities and sharing the Gospel!  Some churches had small events, for

30 children, while others planned large events, for 350 children!  Some did crafts, others did games, others did children´s worship songs, but all shared the love of Jesus Christ for the children and prayed with them.  At the end of the events, each child would receive his Christmas Shoebox

of gifts as a visible symbol of God´s loving care for them. 
 

Many of the children live in poverty, and this is the only gift they receive at Christmas time.  One 9-yr-old boy touched Paco´s heart: he had no socks

or shoelaces (though it was cold out!), and he said he didn´t know how to read. Paco read the Gospel booklet with him and gave him his shoebox gift. He was overjoyed!

An 11-year-old boy at another

event received a toolkit in his shoebox. As Paco explained the name and function of each tool to the excited child, including the “carpenter´s pencil”, the boy declared: “Then, I am going to be a carpenter!”  This simple shoebox gave him vision for his future! 

 

After one event, an elderly lady, Estelita, approached us with her four

grandchildren, not only to thank us for the gifts but for the message of salvation.   She said she had resisted turning to God her whole life, but that day recognized that she needed Jesus.  She planned on joining the church with all her grandchildren to learn more!  We were left open-mouthed at

such an obvious testimony of God´s work through these events!