Missionary Trip: Earthquake Victims of Isolated Villages in Puebla

Paco, along with a team of 7 other men from our church, spent two days serving in the isolated villages of Puebla destroyed by the recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake (in the county of Ixcamilpa de Guerrero- across rivers and roads semi-blocked by rock falls!).

They were impacted, immediately upon arriving, to see people living literally in the street, as the majority of the old adobe homes had fallen or destroyed beyond repair during the quake.

The men on the team had professional construction experience (welding, carpentry, electricians,

engineer, etc.) and offered their experience to the affected families.

They reinstalled electricity in two houses, built a support beam for an unstable roof, and even constructed a temporary shelter (like a shed) for a handicapped man, Don Nicolas.  He was so pleased to have a roof over his head, electricity, and even a

comforter (which the group donated to him), that he commented that he felt like he was in a hotel!  His thankfulness for so little humbled the whole group.

They also delivered packages of canned goods and donated clothing to the elderly and disabled people of the villages.  Upon visiting house

to house, the team was burdened by the great physical need of these poor people, who, on top of their poverty, had been hit by the earthquake.

They also handed out Gospel of John, shared the message of eternal hope in Jesus Christ, and prayed for each family with whom they had contact,

recognizing that only Jesus has the power to work in their desperate situation.

Packing Goods for Earthquake Victims

Our small church in Misiones united to help the earthquake victims in Puebla!

Canned goods, clothes, blankets, and money were donated, and brothers invested time to receive donations and gather for prayer.  Others, professionals with construction experience, prepared to deliver the goods and help reconstruct.

The night before the trip, our youth group gathered to pack each of the bags of non-perishable goods.  It was a

long but satisfying evening, imagining the families that would receive the gifts as tangible evidence of God’s love in their time of need, as well packed them into the car.

Earthquake Epicenter Disaster

With the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that shook central Mexico on September 19^th, Paco, along with 3 other brothers from our congregation, drove an hour and a half to the earthquake epicenter to evaluate the damages and pray for direction from the Lord to help those in need.  Their evaluation was sobering: houses and businesses crumbling, fallen church towers and domes, 12 coffins lined up outside…

May the Lord use this destruction for His glory as He lifts all eyes to Him- the source of comfort and eternal life. 

"Noche Mexicana" With Youth Group

Our Mexican Independence Day fun continued with a Mexican-themed youth party!

Not only did we dine on tacos (of course!) but played games: drawing the Mexican flag, Mexican song karaoke, steal the “sombrero”, a bean search, and more…

The night was a bunch of laughs, and a great way for a couple new youth to our group to get to know everyone.  

Independence Day Dinner

September 15th and 16^th commemorate Mexico’s independence- the whole country celebrates, including our church community!

We gathered for a traditional “pozole” soup meal, as well as a worship service of thanks, not only for our freedom as Mexicans, but also for the

freedoms purchased for us with the blood of Christ.

As always, this Independence Day gathering serves as an opportunity for families to bring friends to the celebration where they hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ and fellowship with the church family.

Operation Christmas Child Information Sessions

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) starts way before December!

This August and September, our OCC state team led two information sessions informing churches about this international ministry and preparing them to not only distribute the shoebox gifts but also share the Gospel  (in a clear, concise, and visual) with children in their areas of ministry. 

We are so thankful for the church body around the world that makes this ministry possible and for each of the churches from our state of Tlaxcala this year that will participate and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!