Just recovering from 2 very busy weeks.  My team mates, Greg and Vicki, were even busier and, I’m sure, were extremely exhausted by Monday morning when they put the last of two ministry work groups on the plane.

Friday, May 6 the four Denton family members, Jeff, Deana, Amelia and JJ, arrived from Texas.  Jeff is a pastor there and went to school with Greg.  It was a fun week because we had a youth camp in the evenings, Monday through Thursday–kind of like a VBS,  but much more “youth flavored”.  The Denton’s were in charge of games and they were really strange, but fun games (see the pictures).  We also got help from YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Pachuca.  It is called JOCUM (Joven Con Un Mission) here.  They were marvelous in working with the youth and teaching sessions.  There was very lively worship, and great teaching sessions, along with, of course, food.  As usual, I was in the kitchen helping with the food.   The most bizarre game was “throw the octopus” that involved throwing a dead octopus to each person on a team and which ever team didn’t drop it won.  It was so funny because the tentacles would wrap around arms and land on heads.  I was surprised that even the girls were competing.   On Thursday night there was a lock-in and they had a scrambled egg breakfast the next morning.   In the mornings, Pastor Jeff and his wife Deana had some talking sessions with people in the neighborhood about marriage and child raising.  Quite a few women–and one husband–received some good counsel regarding their particular problems.  During that week we had meals with some of our church families and a meal at my house–the only non-Mexican food they had all week (Lasagna).  I am so thankful for the Denton’s and their willingness to come and share with the people here.  They were a huge blessing.  Please pray for the Denton’s ministry in Wylie, Texas at Westbrook Bible Fellowship.  Also pray for the youth that were impacted by God’s love and grace that week, for our youth members that they will be salt and light, and for the people who are needing His wisdom and counsel in their marriages and raising their children.  Also please pray for YWAM’s ministry here in Pachuca and all over the world.  God has been using them in a mighty way.

Jeff Denton preaching on Sunday

Lunch at Carmela and Alejandro’s

The whole gang at Carmela and Alejandro’s house

the youth playing weird games

weird game

worship

FOOD!

Typical youth–Love um!

Praise team (my boys Pelusa–singing and Champy–playing the drums. They are my English students.

Lunch at Claudia and Lazaro’s house

the whole gang with Lazaro and Claudia and familyLunch at Simon & Victoria’s

met for an Italian lunch at my house

snack time

Life lessons for the youth

Youth prayer group

Jeff and an octopus (pulpo in Spanish)

another weird game–team building

weird game–team building

Octopus Yuck! but she played well

octopus toss

Friday, July 13 the Denton’s returned to Texas and ten people, including 3 middle school age girls, came from a church in Ohio. Last week we had VBS, Monday through Friday.  Here it is called Courso Verano (Summer Course).  We had 82 children and not sure how many workers.    They really worked hard and were such a blessing to the kids and other workers. One unfortunate thing happened, during a game Maximo, one of our youth leaders, collided with another, Jonatan, and dislocated his elbow.  He was in a lot of pain, but was very brave as we transported him to the emergency room, where they put it back in place without any anesthesia.  Poor Jonatan felt very guilty and was so upset.  Maximo was back on the job the next day with a soft cast and his arm in a sling.  That last day was Jonatan and Maximo’s birthday.  They have a cultural practice of dousing the birthday person with water.  Jonatan got it, but they had mercy on Maximo because of his cast.   On Saturday, the group went to the pyramids, a very interesting historical area about 45 minutes from Pachuca.  It is also a great place to get souvenirs.  Everyone had a lot of fun and a lot of exercise (even me) climbing the pyramid to the sun.  It is really high on top of a high elevation.  You really appreciate being able to breathe!  On Sunday we had a special VBS program that featured the Youth and the Kids.  It was wonderful because many unsaved parents came.  After the program and worship, we had a “convivio” (pot luck).  I know it sounds like we are always eating, well, yes, I guess we do eat a lot together.  Please pray for the mission group from Ohio, that God will bless them and that their experience will impact their lives and the lives of the other people in their church. (Would love for some of you to be able to experience our ministry in Pachuca soon!)

Children singing a funny song

doing art projects

playing games

women after making snacks

Everyone’s T-shirt. It says Brave like a Lion with Joshua 1:9 on the back. The theme was African animals.

playing in the play yard

All groups together after classes

my friend and co-worker Adriana’s granddaughter Alison

Maximo in his sling

English lesson

VBS photo

Jonatan with his mother Claudia after being doused with water

Her mama came to the marriage talks with the Dentons

Around 280 people came for the program and worship under our canopy in the area we want to cover for a worship area.

children reciting Bible verses–8 verses in all. They did so well!

Zeniada and her new baby Hannah. I showed you pictures of her baby shower a few months ago. Hannah is 2 months old

I wanted to put a couple of short videos of the children singing and the youth doing a Stomp that Amelia Denton taught them, but can’t figure out how.  I will get help from CMF staff to put some videos on in the future.

Pyramid to the sun. Looks daunting, eh?

1/2 of the way up

that’s me! I made it and was still breathing! Maybe it’s the WiiFit, but most likely it was the Lord’s help.

The whole group who climbed minus Greg, who took the picture, and Karen who had ankle problems and stopped 1/2 way

I taught some bargaining techniques for buying souvenirs–aiming for a win-win bargain.

We were serenaded at the restaurant. He had a wonderful voice!

Karen and I shared the traditional “molcajete mexcla” which is a mixture of grilled beef, chicken, shrimp, cactus, onion, chili, and cheese in a large Molcajete bowl. It was delicious, but too much for only 1 person.

After lunch exercise by climbing the temple to the feathered serpent. Karen and I only went 1/2 way (too much grilled food)

The whole group from Ohio.

No more mission groups anticipated, but exciting things going on with CHE.  I think I told you that on August 10 and 11 we are having a vision seminar for leaders and influential people in LaRaza.  We are busy preparing for it.  Adriana and I have been practicing and planning here in Pachuca while Pam deLeon was in the US and Ireland with her mother.  She brought her mother back to Mexico City to live with her.  She is coming to Pachuca to join us in preparing on Monday.  She has been working hard on translating lessons for the seminar and for the training session to start in September.   Please pray for God to give us wisdom and strength for this important seminar.  Ask Him to prepare the hearts and minds of the people who will attend and to protect us from whatever Satan would plan for us.  Also please pray for the deLeon’s as they are getting used to Pam’s mom living with them and dealing with some health issues.

 As always, I am thanking God for you and for your prayers and support.  God is answering!  I am praying for you all and always ask for his abundant blessings for you and your families.  I will keep you posted on the seminar and other exciting events. 

 

I have been watching your weather in the midwest and am truly thankful to be in Pachuca (Temps 55-73)  I have been praying for all of you to be able to stay cool as possible.   I hope none has been adversely affected by the high temps.

Summer is busy here and I am so thankful to be busy with CHE!  I am spending time with Adriana 2 times a week preparing for our Vision Seminar for the community leaders in LaRaza.  We’ve been walking her route giving people brochures about CHE, going over the seminar and practicing each lesson Adriana will teach.   God willing, it will be held August 10 and 11.

Adriana carrying her juices at the primary (elementary) school

Selling juice at the school

Adriana with neighborhood kids

Pam deLeon, Adriana, and I are facilitating the seminar.  Adriana has never done anything like this, but she is diligent in preparing.  A lot of the burden is on her to secure a place to have it, enlist some women to provide food, invite the key people of the community and teach 3 lessons that we hope will cast a vision of a changed community to the people who attend.  Please pray for this effort of all of us.  Pray that God will open the hearts and minds of the people who attend and that He will guide us and give us wisdom as we interact with each one.

I have also been bolstering my Spanish 3 evenings a week with my tutor–(also named Adriana).  It gets a little confusing as I talk about them.  I thank God that my Spanish has improved.  I am able to understand much more.  Adriana is very good at using techniques to help me in the areas I need it most.  Please pray that God will give me with what I need to accomplish the work He has for me here.  I depend on Him and your prayers!

June 2 we had another baby shower!  Almita’s second baby!  She has a gorgeous little girl, who is 3 and this baby, due in 3 weeks, will be a boy!  I planned the games for the shower and it was so much fun.  The mother of previous baby shower I told you about, Zenaida, had a beautiful little girl by C-Section.  Both are doing well, though Zenaida developed an infection in her incision and her sister-in-law called me to check it out.  PTL, it is fine now.  Please pray for Almita and her baby to have a safe delivery and for all the parents to bring up their children to know and love Jesus.

“Best wishes” Almita (little Alma)

Everyone’s favorite–el pastel (the cake)

feeding baby food blindfolded (a lot of laughs)

sitting on a balloon to bust it and read the note inside to find out what I am supposed to do (eat like a baby)

Reyna gave a beautiful devotion (there were quite a few non believers there)

Almita opening gifts

Father’s Day was really special at the church.  Many fathers came who never come to church.  We had a special recognition of the fathers then played games after the service and had a pot luck.  Lola’s husband came and won a prize.  We have been praying for him for a long time.  Please pray for the fathers in Cubitos/LaRaza to be good examples to their children.

this was hilarious!

sack race

water balloons

eating doughnuts off a string

egg in a spoon race

hoops

Lola’s husband, Raymundo

prizes awarded

The last of May, my friend Marina went to be with the Lord.  She has been in poor health for a long time.  PTL, she is not longer suffering.  She is the only one in her family who knows the Lord.  She has a 12 year old daughter who had been caring for her.  She also has grown children who are married.  We had a wake at her house the day she passed.  Our people had to wait until the priest and the Catholics had their ceremony.  The next day was the funeral, which is at the grave side here in Mexico.  We had a wonderful service that was celebrating her life with the Lord and celebrating eternal life in Christ Jesus.  I pray that Marina’s steadfast faith and obedient life will cause her family to come to the Lord.  Please pray for her family and especially her daughter.  

Last week I decided to visit my friends in Guadalajara.  God has blessed me with so many friend everywhere I’ve been.  I really missed those in Guadalajara.  It was a 2 hour bus ride to Mexico City and then a 7 hour bus ride to Guad.  The buses here are very comfortable and have everything you need, bathroom, personal screen with movies or games, internet, reclining seats and a place to put your feet up.  With all that, it was pretty tiring.  Jann and Paul VanderMay met me at the bus station and I stayed with them 5 days.  They were fellow students in my Language School.  I had a marvelous time experiencing their ministry there.  (They are missionaries in Guad.)  Jann teaches English, they have Bible Studies with neighbors and are starting cell groups.  Jann has a tutor too and I went with her for that time.  We all had a great time talking in Spanish.  Two of their English students and their mother came over one evening and we played Family Feud.  It was so much fun!

Paul and Jann at a restaurant eating tortas (sandwiches)             

I made a visit to Harvest Language School and saw 3 former teachers and the students learning Spanish.  It was good to see them.

Chayo, preparing for a class.

Lisa, the director.

I also got to see the family that lived below me in the apartments.  German, his wife Ana and their daughter Ximena (Heemaina).  I got a wonderful surprise that they had a new daughter, Ana Victoria, who is 1 month old.  Her name is Victoria because the pregnancy was extremely difficult and they consider it a miracle that she was born healthy and her mama is okay too.  They are a precious family.  They are catholic, but really love the Lord.  German is such a sweet, kind, helpful guy (who also speaks very good English).  He is a sound director for a very popular band and travels to the US and South America and all over Mexico.  Please pray for them to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Ximena

Ana Victoria

I returned to Pachuca July 3 and went to a July 4th party with some American missionaries.  It was a great time of fellowship and food!  I took homemade ice cream sandwiches and watermelon salad.   Please pray for the missionaries here and thank God that He loves the people here and has sent workers for the harvest.

Joy, Sergio and his wife, Holly

Kids playing

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th celebration even though most of you had to endure the heat.  I appreciate your prayers and support and I am praying for you in your own ministries.

God has been working in amazing ways at our church in Pachuca (Iglesia Christiana Nueva Vida–New Life CC)  We have over 90 in attendance consistently.  The church is such a joy to see.  All the members work together and in ministries.  One of the leaders and members is very special.  His name is Alejandro (Alex).  He is married with 2 children.  May 13, he preached for the first time.  I was amazed because it was as if he had been preaching all his life.  He is truly anointed.  He reminds me of Pastor Abraham in Africa, wise beyond his years (he is only 26)Our teaching series now is “The Story”, which is taking us through the Bible in 33 weeks.

Alex and his wife, Carmela and their 2 children

   That Sunday, we had 5 baptisms and then a pot luck.  I marvel at the unity of this church.  God must be pleased.  Please pray for these new brothers and sisters, that God will keep them close to Him through out their lives.

 

Those who were baptized.

  After the pot luck, we had a church cleaning day to prepare for our 3rd anniversary.  Everyone participated in the cleaning and EVERYTHING was cleaned.  It was such a joy to participate and everyone had a great time!

 

The next Sunday, May 20, was our 3rd anniversary.  My friends Judy Fish and Pam deLeon were able to attend as people from our sister churches.  A fellow missionary, Luke Greer, preached and everyone was blessed beyond measure.  Then we had a dinner and the food (barbacoa, nopal–cactus, and rice) was delicious.  Please pray for New Life CC, that God will continue to grow it and use it for His glory.

Greg Syverson gave an overview and video of the past year

Luke Greer preached

the praise team

praying for the leaders

the congregation

Maximo and friend enjoying the food

more people enjoying the food

Last Sunday, May 27, we had 3 more baptisms!!!  One was a young man for whom I had been praying.  I mentioned him in a previous blog–Guillermo, the father of  baby Valeria.  After he and Ana had to get married, he left them because he couldn’t handle the responsibility.  Many people were praying for him and he returned, before Valeria was born, and has been coming to church.  It is amazing to see what God has done in their lives.  Please pray for these new believers to grow in Christ and experience the joy of an intimate relationship with Him.

Guillermo

Please stay tuned for the next blog (below) which tells of God’s grace in our work with CHE (because of your prayers and support).

My dear friends,

I am so grateful for your prayers and the marvelous answers God has given!  Last time I wrote, I was a little discouraged because 3 of the 4 women we had trained for CHE decided not to continue.  Our church and cell group teaching series “The Story” is taking us through the Bible in 33 weeks. God got my attention with the story of Gideon and how God decreased the number of fighting men with Gideon to drive out the Midianites so that there would be no question but that God accomplished the victory.  I surely do want God to be glorified in the work in LaRaza, so we are stepping out in faith to continue with Adriana, our champion (kinda like Gideon–the person we look for who is very enthusiastic about what God is going to do).  Adriana is totally committed to God and how He is going to use her in LaRaza to change the lives of her neighbors.

My friend and colleague, Judy Fish, came May 15-25 to help us get restarted.  She is a CHE consultant for the missionaries of CMF.  After a couple of days of preparation at Pam deLeon’s house in Mexico City, we (me, Judy and Pam deLeon) came to Pachuca to develop a plan.  We went to LaRaza and walked with Adriana through the neighborhoods and decided it was well worth the effort to begin anew, with Adriana’s knowledge of the community and her vision of a changed community for God.

Judy and Pam deLeon in front of Adriana's house

one of the many steep hill streets in LaRaza

We all have our jobs to accomplish.  Pam deLeon is translating CHE lessons into Spanish.  Adriana and I are going through out the community twice a week to promote CHE and do an informal survey of needs and resources.  Adriana’s means of support is selling juice and fruit to people in LaRaza.  She gets up early in the morning and makes fresh juice from oranges, pineapple, grapefruit, carrots, beets, cactus and other ingredients and then she and her daughter take the juice throughout the neighborhoods to sell.  She says God has really blessed her with the popularity of her juices.  Because of this work, she knows many people in the community.  Please pray for God to give direction and bless our work with an increase in His kingdom.  

 

Adriana selling her juices

Adriana's busy kitchen

After spending time with Adriana, the 3 of us went back to the deLeon’s house in Mexico City to continue planning, visit with a Mexican woman who has planted a church in Mexico City through CHE,  and see Judy off to the airport.  It was such a blessed time and I feel such optimism.  Thank you, Lord, for sending Judy and giving us such encouragement.  After Judy left, I took the chance to see 3 movies with Pam and Vic deLeon and go out to eat.  I rarely see movies in Pachuca because I don’t have anyone to go with me, so I got my “movie fix”.

Vic and Pam at restaurant

waiting for the delicious shrimp tacos

Thank you again for your prayers and support.  You are the backbone of the ministry!  God bless you all.

 

 

The past 3 weeks have flown by full of many experiences and blessings.  This will probably be a long blog–but with lots of pictures!  Feel free to read it in segments, but hope you enjoy it and get a good idea about how God is answering your prayers and what you can pray for in the weeks ahead.

I did start Spanish tutoring and it is going very well.  I am learning and reviewing and my teacher, Adriana is an experienced teacher and has been able to focus on my needs as well as review what I need to remember.  I go to her house (15 minute drive) 3 times a week, Mon. Wed and Fri. in the evening for 1-2 hours.  I am so blessed to have her and to be friends with her.  I believe God has arranged this and know that He will bless the time.  He has even prompted a Mexican missionary to help me with the language, Juanita del Angel, who is also with the sister church, Jubileo.  She has offered to have breakfast or lunch with me a couple times a month to help immerse me in Spanish.  We had breakfast at a restaurant April 16 and only spoke in Spanish.  She is so much fun and a wonderful friend.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please continue your prayers in this focus.

I also started teaching English.  At first to 2 young men in our church, Champy and Pelusa.  These are nicknames.  Champy’s real name is Carlos and Pelusa (which means lint,???) is Emanuel.  Nicknames are very common here, especially with young people. I started on Monday, April 16.  They were supposed to come to my house at 8 p.m.  They arrived at 9:15.  I told them they were too late and they said Wednesday would be better.  I told them that I would lock the door at 8:30 and would not answer the door bell.  They came at 8:15 on Wednesday and have been fairly on time (for Mexicans) since then.  We really have a good time.  They know more English than I thought.  They have level 1 in school (over and over again–never have more than level 1)  The material that my friend gave me is really good and includes games, which they really enjoy.  They have had 4 classes since we started.

Last Saturday, I prepared for an English class with some of the women in the church, who had asked me to teach them.  About 8 people told me they would be there, so I worked hard to prepare for 8 people.  :0 Only 1 came–Lety.  Par for the course here, but I was very impressed with Lety’s determination.  She REALLY wants to learn English–but knows NO English.  We started with the alphabet and numbers.  The written alphabet in Spanish is the same as English, but it is pronounced very differently, such as J–in Spanish it is pronounced Hota.  Y–in Spanish is E gre a ga.  She was determined to learn how to say the alphabet in English so wrote out each letter phonetically in her notebook.  I am sure she will be able to say it this coming Saturday.  I hope more women come then.  I have also been thinking and praying about putting a sign on my gate offering English lessons to my neighbors.  I don’t get a chance to meet many of them because they are rarely out of their houses.  I am praying that God will use me in this capacity to show His love and to tell them the Gospel.  Please pray that God will direct me in how He wants to use me in this capacity and if He wants me to do this, He will prepare the hearts of the people He wants me to influence to His glory.

April 18, Fabis (my translator) and I met with another CHE Trainer, Vicenta.  We talked about TIC (CHE) and what she was saying made me realize that they are not working as a team and do not all have the same vision.   So the next Sunday, Pam deLeon and I had a meeting with 3 of them.  Norma decided to go to a movie instead (She is only 18 and hasn’t learned to focus on priorities yet).  At that meeting Lola and Vicenta made it fairly plain that they didn’t consider TIC their top priority.  Lola wants to be the Children’s director, which would not give her enough time to be committed to the huge ministry of TIC.  Vicenta voiced fears about working in LaRaza. (She and Lola do not actually live in LaRaza, but in Cubitos which is adjacent to LaRaza) Adriana is very committed and wants to see changes in her neighborhood.  Of course, Norma made her choice by going to the movie.  Soooo. . . we have to find others in LaRaza (maybe at other churches) who want to be a part of the changes God is going to make there.  Adriana is the best person to know who in her neighborhood would be excited about changing their community for Christ.  Adriana can also help us train other people, since she has had the first phase of CHE training.  Also, Judy Fish is coming May 15 to help us get restarted.  Judy is a CHE consultant for CMF and other organizations.  She is always a source of great advice and encouragement.  I praise God that He has made us look this situation in the face and trust Him to put the right persons in place to accomplish His will.  I also praise God for Judy–His resource for CHE and encouragement.  Please pray for God to use us to accomplish His will and give use encouragement.  It has been a little discouraging as we have invested a lot of time and money in these women, but God keeps telling me that He is in charge and His perfect will is ongoing.  Please pray for Lola to be used to teach the children of our church the love of Jesus and how to live for Him.  Please pray for Vicenta to find out how to use her gifts for the glory of God.

On April 19, our cell group had a baby shower for Zenaida.  She and her husband have a son, who is 8.  She had been pregnant before but lost the baby, a girl, right after she was born.  We have been rejoicing with Zenaida since  we found out she was pregnant, but also praying for God’s touch in her health and having a healthy baby.  She has found out that this baby is also a girl.  Please pray for her and her baby as the time is very near for the delivery.  The baby shower, my first here, was definitely a cultural experience!  One game they play is that anyone who crossed their legs or arms have to wear a diaper.  Nearly everyone had to wear the diaper at one time or another.  The one who is wearing the diaper is on the watch for anyone who can take over the diaper by crossing legs or arms.

Alma got caught crossing her legs

Even Zenaida got caught. Her son, Josue is helping her.

Vicki (in the background) is really enjoying my admission to the club (she posted it on Facebook)

They place some really fun other games.  One woman had to hold a baby doll, feed it and hang clothes while talking on the cell phone.  The person who could finish all in the least time got a prize.

Lola competing in the game

Claudia managing the challenge

Zenaida practicing for motherhood

We had other games, but I won’t describe all of them, but here are the pictures:

feeding someone blindfolded (messy)

guessing how much toilet paper will go around the soon to be Mom

measuring the TP

She guessed wrong, so gets a red dot on her face. She looked like she had measles when it was finished

opening gifts

as always, eating! Yum

On Saturday, April 21, some of us went to Peñas Cargadas (which loosely means rocks carrying rocks) for Benjamin’s (Vicki and Greg’s son) birthday.  It is a beautiful park with lots of rocks to climb.  We had grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, a lot of fun talking with other missionaries, and the kids ran themselves ragged (along with Luna, my dog).  I had to leave early for my English class at the church.  No one came except Champy.  He is really faithful!

kids climbing

 

Luna playing with the kids

Greg grilling, with help from Matthew

Pam deLeon came the next day for the meeting with the trainers.  I always enjoy Pam’s visits as it is a break from only my own company!  She is a good friend and teammate.  We went to visit Lola the next day in my quest to get to know the trainers better personally.  I had never been to Lola’s house and was so happy to see her in her own environment.  We were there more than 2 hours talking.  Fabis went too, so she could translate for me when necessary.

The next day was my oldest granddaughter’s 12th birthday.  It was hard to not be there.  She is an amazing young lady.  Please pray for her to stay in Christ through the tough times of adolescence.

Haley Akihiro

On Wednesday I met with Luke Greer, a missionary from Jubileo Christian church, who is very interested in the CHE ministry for the people in an area in Pachuca ministered to by Jubileo. We are praying for God’s guidance in this possible endeavor. Please pray with us
The next day Greg, Vicki and sons left for the US for a work vacation. They will return on the 12th of May.

That Saturday I was ready for English class and a lot of women and young people who had asked to come.  1 woman came–Lety.  We had a great class and I am coming to know Lety more and realize her strength and determiniation.

Sunday was a special day.  On the 5th Sunday we have testimonies.  3 people gave their incredible testimonies.  Lazaro told how his marriage was almost over and God rescued them and have made their marriage incredibly strong and their lives totally blessed.  Santiago (James) testified how God changed his life from the life of an addict to drugs to an abundant life in Chirst.  He admonished everyone to never hesitate to share their testimony and tell people about the love of Jesus.  Then Ana (who had just had baby Valeria) shared how her life was very bad before she found the love a Jesus.  Now He is changing her life day by day and her marriage is stronger every day.  It was an incredible Sunday to the glory of God!

Lazaro

Santiago

Ana

After the service, the special day continued with a church picnic at a beautiful park about 1/2 hour from the church.  Most people went in a hired bus, but Enrique and I drove.  A young couple from YWAM (the organization, Youth With A Mission) came along with me because the wife is American and speaks very good Spanish.  She went as a translator for me (Fabis couldn’t go).  It was great to get to know them.  They (Amanda and Juan) have been married for about a year and are totally committed to serving our Lord!  I am blessed to know them.

My good friend Adriana (sitting) our faithful trainer

hiking and finding Obidian (local prized black rocks)

me with Simone, one of God's recent miracles

as always, eating! Yummy food

My good friend Efra and his girlfriend, Jaque (used to be my tutor)

Whew!  This week has been Spanish tutoring, English class, cell group and enjoying God’s blessings.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  I never stop praying for you too.

 

 

Ana, Guillermo, and baby Valeria

Gerza (Herza) praying for the baby and family

Our good times started March 31 when I went to the bus station to help transport 7 young people (middle school age) and 4 adults from Southland CC, Lexington KY.  It was the first visit to Mexico for all but 1 adult–Jeri Dyer, who lived and worked here a couple of years ago. I must say I was very impressed with each of the young people.  They were truly ambassadors for Christ.  They worked very hard for our 3 day (Tues-Thurs) VBS for ages 6-10.   We had 40 children at VBS with a number of youth from our church helping also.  I helped make snacks, as usual.  I love doing it because I learn so much from the women I work with and have made some good friends.  Please pray that God will touch the hearts of each child and that they will pass that on to their families.

singing with motion

learning new things

learning Bible verses

learning English (Jeri Dyer)

doing crafts

making sopes

A couple of the kids got sick stomachs , but didn’t last long and everyone got to go to see King Jesus, the pyramids and other attractions near Pachuca.

King Jesus (about 20 minutes from Pachuca)

climbed up into the statue

Jesus among friends

in a shopping area at Real del Monte (about 35 minutes from Pachuca)

Human statue in Real D M

2 of our girls with the "statue"

another human statue with one of our girls

climbing the pyramid (about 1 hour from Pachuca)

pyramid from farther away

Saturday--time to go back home : (

The day those kids went home, David Giles, Mike and Don, (3 guys from Post Road CC in Indianapolis) came to help remodels the lower level of the church building into an apartment for people to stay when they come.  They really worked hard, but did get some down time in the week to visit the pyramids and then on Thursday, I took them to see King Jesus, and Real del Monte.  (Those places seem like my home away from home lately).  We really got lucky at Real del Monte.  There was a team of indigenous men who do acrobats swinging from ropes on a tall pole.

Then they came to my house for dinner.  We had a great time and I am thanking God for people who will give their time to help out here.

David, Mike and Don at the statue of Cristo Rey (King Jesus)

men at the top of the pole

pretty high up there

amazing

back on the ground

Easter Sunday was a wonderful day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!  In the afternoon, some of the middle school kids from our church went on an overnight retreat in El Chico National Park (about 12 hour from Pachuca).  I transported 7 of them.  I think there were about 25 including adults.  It started out good, but started raining on the way.  It was in kind of a remote area and the cabin they were staying in was pretty rustic.  I was thanking God that I didn’t have to stay!  We went back to bring them home then next day.  It was a nice, clear day.  They said they had a great time, but were pretty tired (probably didn’t sleep much).

I have started a program of visiting with our 4 CHE trainers during the week.  For now, I am taking a translator with me in case I have problems understanding or they can’t understand me.  My translator is Fabis, who used to live with me, but needed to move back home after 4 months.  (No she isn’t the one who stole from me).  Fabis has good English and she is not working right now, so she is going to come with me to translate whenever I need her.  I enjoy being with her.  She is also good at correcting my Spanish.  Please pray for the time I spend with our trainers, so I can get to know them better and  encourage them in their CHE work

Last Tuesday, Fabis and I went to visit Adriana at 8 in the morning.  Adriana prepares and sells juice and fruit to people in LaRaza.  I wanted to get to know more about what she does.  She starts at 6 a.m. but we decided to go at 8 a.m.  I was amazed at how hard Adriana works.  It was very interesting.  She puts together combinations that are very healthy.  She has one for people who have colds.  My favorite is Orange/Carrot.  We helped her prepare some.  We finished about 9:30 and then her daughter took the juice and fruit to sell in the neighborhood.  We are going to go with Adriana next Saturday to the market and see how she buys the fruit.  It was great to be with Adriana and learn more about her and her family.  Fabis was a big help.  She helped clarify some of the things I said to Adriana and some of the things she said to me.  Adriana’s husband left the family quite a long time ago.  She has a son in the US, a daughter, (who has a 3 year old daughter) and a teenage son.  Her teenage son was baptized last month.   Please pray for Adriana’s family to all come to the Lord.  She has a heavy burden for all of them, including her husband.

Adriana preparing juices

Next week I am starting 1 1/2 hour tutoring classes 3 evenings a week.  My teacher’s name is Adriana (not the same Adriana).  She goes to our sister church, Jubileo CC (Hubelao, which means Jubilee).  I am hoping it will help me do the work I am called here to do.  Please pray for my language to improve so I can interact more with the people at church and in LaRaza and also that the Lord will provide the extra money I need for tutoring and translation.

Also next week I am going to start teaching English to some of the youth in our church.   I also think it will help me with Spanish.  They speak NO English.  Dee Duggins, a fellow missionary here, teaches English at Jubileo CC.  She has been very helpful with books and ideas.  I am looking forward to developing some strong relationships during these times.   Please pray that these times with the young people will be helpful for their language and that I can help them grow in Christ.  

Thank you all again for your love and support.  Your prayers mean so much to me.

 

 

The past couple of weeks have been rich in fellowship and blessings.  March 18 and 19 our church had a surrender retreat.  Those who had completed the 1st step in discipling were eligible to go.  It was held at a beautiful area called El Chico National Park, about 45 minutes from Pachuca.  It was an overnight venture for 28 adults, youth and kids.  I went to the one last year, though it wasn’t an overnight venture and was at a different place in El Chico.  There is Bible Study, Prayer, Introspection, and a ceremony of surrender to the Lord along with food, fun and fellowship.  This year I just went to help transport them back to Pachuca.  I took Luna, my dog, who was pampered to no end.  Please pray for our new brothers and sisters to grow and bear fruit.

main house, there was also a cabin

owner's residence

beautiful view from El Chico

Lety and her 2 children, Fannie and Said

dining area

as always, women in the kitchen

packing up to leave

Luna and me

David and friend relaxing

play time

The Surrendered

The next Wednesday started a 4 day Mexico Missionary Reunion.  This is an annual time when missionaries, mainly from Christian Churches and Ministries (including Niños de Mexico), get together for fellowship, share ministry ideas, refresh, network, and be fed.  We have decided to include missionaries from other denominations that we know personally.  One couple from Pachuca who have planted a Bible Church attended this year and were a big benefit to the group.   It was the 2nd one I have attended.  It was in a city called Ixmiquilpan (X me keel pan), about an hour from Pachuca.  It was at a place called Hotel Campestre, which was all inclusive and had areas for children to play and very comfortable rooms (though the beds were quite hard).  The speaker was Michael Sweeney, President of Emmanuel Christian Seminary, who encouraged us with words about Spiritual Leadership.  We had game night, Karaoke, and lots of prayer for each other.  It was wonderful.  Thanks to 3 churches who helped out with finances, including First Christian Church of Florissant, we were able to rent the hotel area so that we were the only ones using it.  All 48 people were blessed and very thankful.  Please pray for all missionaries in Mexico to remain strong, preach the word boldly, and be guided by the Holy Spirit in their ministries.

playground

we all ate meals together

Mike Sweeney speaking

door to my room

inside the room

Praise and worship time

book share

kids' pool

fun slide

soccer

Karaoke

Tomorrow, 11 people from a church that supports Greg and Vicki Syverson (my teammates here in Pachuca) are coming for a week of ministry.  We are going to have a 3 day VBS for kids ages 6-10 (school will be out for Easter break).  There should be some fun pictures of that.  Please pray for the children and parents to experience God’s love through the team and VBS.

I have another request for prayer.  I am still struggling with language.  Since I am the one who is interacting most with our 4 CHE trainers, I really need to be able to understand and communicate better.  Our 4 ladies have kinda lost the enthusiasm and need someone to walk along side to encourage them to complete their projects before we can start the 2nd part of their training. This and my difficulty with language have been a big source of discouragement for me.  We have decided that I need to hire a tutor and also to hire someone to translate for me in certain situations.  I will start 5 hours of tutoring a week until I have improved enough to communicate on my own.  Please pray for God to enable me to speak Spanish well enough to complete his mission for me here. 

Thank you all so much for your faithful prayers and support.  I wouldn’t be here without you.  Please know that I am praying for you too.  Let me know if there is anything specific I can pray about for you.

Last week was an event packed week!  I did go to Mexico City Tuesday, March 6, though Thursday, March 8 and had a great time with Pam DeLeon.  We did some shopping, cooking and Kay Carpenter and Daisy, a friend from the church there, came to sample our cooking.  We were able to talk about CHE and discussed the latest spiritual attacks that have been aimed at the program.  These attacks prove that it is a threat to Satan. I know God is going to work a miracle in that area.  The latest attack is that the judge in authority in LaRaza has denied our request to do surveys there.  He believes we are a political organization, even though we are church-based.   Even though Adriana, our trainer who lives there and knows the judge, assured him that we only want to help the people of the community, he refused.  We can do our praise concert there, which involves other praise bands in LaRaza and in other areas near Pachuca. It will be a way to let people know what TIC (CHE) is and how we can help them.  I believe that God will soften the heart of the judge after the concert.  It is important to have the survey so we can find out what the people think are the problems and what is  most important to them.  There are other ways to gather that information, but a survey would be the most beneficial.  We are still going to do a school screening to find out problems with children and get in contact with parents, which will be a way to make them aware of TIC.  Please pray for the judge and for our four trainers to stay motivated to accomplish what they need to before starting our next training session.

On Friday, we had our 2nd Missionary Women’s Fellowship. Four women came.  Kay Carpenter, our Mexico team leader and Darla, a young woman who is interested in ministry in Mexico were there too.  We had a really good prayer ministry time and time just to talk.  One young woman, Lauri, and her family are moving back to the US soon.  Please pray that God will bless each woman in her ministry here in Pachuca.

The next day, Saturday, we had a Women’s Breakfast.  The night before I made 3 chocolate cakes for it.  That was an interesting night–The gas in my oven exploded when I was trying to relight it.  When I got over the shock and surveyed the damage, I only had a small cut on my nose.  My hair wasn’t even singed.  I was standing right in front of the oven when it happened.  It was like there was a shield around me to protect me.  The rest of the kitchen was a mess.  Things flew out of the cabinets, the stove and cabinets moved 6 inches away from the walls.  It was so powerful that the windows in my living room blew inward and my neighbor’s windows rattled.  I can only say that God evidently has more for me to do here on earth!  I called Greg and asked him to check the oven so I could finish making the cakes.  The oven checked out fine and the cakes got baked.  Gerza, the church elder who made the cabinets, came today and  put things back to normal, repairing some cabinet doors  and the living room window.  Please praise God for his protection and mercy.

small cut on my nose and a little bruise

The Women’s Breakfast was a success.  It is a great outreach to this community.  Quite a few women came that don’t attend our church.  A number of women have started to attend after coming to one of our breakfasts.  Kay Carpenter gave a program on who we are in God’s eyes.  Please pray that many women will come to Christ through this ministry.

women's breakfast

The next day our sister church, Jubileo (Jubilee) Christian Church, had its 5 year anniversary.  Some of our members went there to do children’s Sunday School so their workers could take part in the special service.  What a blessing!   The church has more than doubled in the past 5 years.  Vic DeLeon (Pam’s husband) preached, even though he had just returned from the US at 1 a.m. that morning and he and Pam had to drive 2 hours from Mexico City.  After the service they had a dinner.  The anniversary for Iglesia Christiana Nueva Vida (New Life Christian Church), our church is in May.  God is blessing both churches in a mighty way!  Please pray that God will continue to bless both churches and guide their leaders to help them grow.

Monday evening was our Leader’s meeting.  We planned a Surrender Retreat for this Sunday and Monday in a beautiful area called El Chico Park.  It will be an overnight event for new baptized believers who have completed the first step of discipleship.  I really wish we had these at our church in the US.  Many people have accepted Christ as their Savior, but never completely surrendered their lives and their past to Him.  There were lessons on surrender from the Old Testament and New Testament and how we cannot bear fruit without it. It is a time for them to search souls for any obstacles that have come between them and God, make a list, and then  burn their lists together, praying that God would cleanse and fill them with His Spirit. It is very powerful.  I went to the last one, but am not going to this one.  Please pray for these new brothers and sisters (many of them young people) that they will grow into mature, fruit bearing followers of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday I went to a cell group that I normally don’t attend because Marina, one of our church members lives near.  She has been quite ill for a long time and just got home from the hospital after having some biopsies.  We went to her house for our cell prayer time so we could pray for her again.  (We went to her daughter’s house in El Chico a few weeks ago.  I told you about it in a previous blog).  She doesn’t look good, but much more cheerful than the last time.  Her son and his wife are taking care of her now.  She will get the results of her biopsies today.  Please pray for her and her family in the difficult time.

Next Wednesday through Saturday we have our Mexico Missionary Retreat in a town about an hour from here.  Many other missionaries come to share with each other.  There will be a speaker from the US to feed us spiritually and we will get to know each other, relax and have fun.  I’m looking forward to seeing people from Niños de Mexico and other ministries whom I met last year.  It is really a blessing and a wonderful time for refreshing.  I’ll be sure to have pictures from then.  God bless you.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  I continue to life you all in prayer.

my dog, Luna. She's camera shy.

It has been a great opportunity to meet some people.  The first day I went another dog came and was bothering Luna. (Luna doesn’t know she’s a dog, so avoids having her butt sniffed).  There were 2 boys there and after watching how we would handle it for a while, they shooed the other dog away.  As it turned out, one lived adjacent to the park.  His name is Alberto.  They were very friendly and I was able to practice Spanish with them.

The next morning, I was looking for my iPhone and couldn’t find it anywhere.  I asked Vicki to call me so I could find it, but it never rang.  The only place I had taken it the day before was to the park.  I think it fell out of my pocket when I sat down on the bench.  I was really praying that God would help me find the cell phone, but didn’t have much faith because if I had left it in the park, I was pretty sure it was gone for good.  Here the motto is “finder’s keeper’s”.  I went to the park and searched, but didn’t find it.  I kept looking until late afternoon and I then decided I would have to go buy another SIM card so I could use an old phone I had saved for just such a time as this.  I went out to buy the SIM card (which is about $12) and also had to buy time, so spent another $16 for time.  I came home and my home phone was ringing, but didn’t get there in time.  I looked at the number and it was my iPhone number!  It turns out that a woman had been trying to call me 6 times to tell me she found my phone.  Even more, she speaks very good English.  She works near to my house so, later that evening,  Vicki and I met her at a store close to my house.  Come to find out she is not Mexican but Polish, married to a Mexican.  She teaches English at a language school near my house and found the phone in the park, where she went for lunch.  She was very sweet.  I thanked her for being honest and for meeting me.  She asked me why I live here.  I told her I am a missionary and asked her if she goes to church.  She said she was Catholic and goes to the Catholic church.  She had to leave quickly to get to work, but I hope our paths will cross again soon and I can share with here how wonderful it is to know Jesus personally.  I believe God orchestrated this meeting, so I don’t think he will let it drop.  I am so thankful that God takes care of me–he’s been really busy doing that all my life!  Please praise God for this miracle!

I had been pretty discouraged with how our trainers were continuing the projects they need to do before we can start the 2nd phase of training.  Nothing seemed to be happening, even with frequent encouragement from me and Pam.  Last Sunday I told 2 of them we needed to have a meeting with people from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) who had offered to help do our survey.  I also talked to one of the young men from YWAM (my friend Efra) and told him they would contact him that day.  I had to leave before this happened so I could take someone to the doctor.  Monday, I emailed Efra, when I could not reach the women by phone, to find out when the meeting was scheduled.  He told me Tuesday at 5 at my house.  He came at 4:45 and no one else came, so we finally reached Vicenta and Norma and decided to go to Vicenta’s house to meet. I was hoping that we could find the other 2 while we were there.  God is so good–Norma brought Adriana and we found Lola, so we were able to plan the survey that day with all four trainers.  They decided to ask the church if more people could help them do the survey.  Efra really was good a encouraging them and firing them up.  They were very excited when we parted.  I felt much more encouraged about the whole thing.  Even more–I was able to speak and understand almost everything during the meeting.  I am sure your prayers worked these miracles.  Thank you!  Please praise God for his faithfulness and pray for the enthusiasm to continue until the work is done.

Next week is going to be exciting!  On Tuesday, I am going to Mexico City to Pam deLeon’s.  Her husband, Vic, is going to be gone for a few days and she invited me to come and hang out and cook yummy things together.  I also thought is would be a good time to do some TIC (CHE) planning.  I plan to stay until Thursday.  Then Friday we have another Women Missionary Fellowship meeting.  I always look forward to that.  I’ll fill you in on all the fun.

The past 2 weeks have been incredible!  I love being busy and God has provided incredible times with Mexicans, missionaries, my team, and friends from First Christian Church of Florissant.

On Friday evenings, I have been attending a jewelry class to practice Spanish.  In addition to learning how to make some really neat jewelry, I have made some Mexican friends and it is helping my Spanish.  I hope  to make some jewelry for gifts.  I’ll take some pictures next Friday and post them.  Sorry, I was so involved with learning, I forgot to take pictures.  Please pray that God will bless this time with Mexican women.

The wall of the bedroom upstairs has been slowly crumbling away, I guess from a leak on the roof (although I have never seen any leak when it rained).  I got it repaired two weeks ago.  It still needs to be painted, but I was happy to find a man who could do the work and he was very reasonable.  I learned some vocabulary specific to that trade.  Who knows when I might  have to use it again (hope not-at least on this house).  Please praise God for his provision.

Friday, Feb 17 we had another fellowship of English-speaking missionary women.  It was at another woman’s house.  There were 5 of us.  We shared lunch, girl talk, and prayer for each other and those who could not come.  I am praying that at least 4 others can come next time.  We agreed to meet every three weeks.  I hope it is a blessing for each of us to be able to share concerns, experiences, and joys with each other.  Please pray that God blesses this fellowship and that He will use us to minister to each other.

Sunday, Feb 19 we had a “Cena Romantica” (Romantic dinner) in relation to Valentine’s Day.  We had about 40 people there, mostly couples.  The most exciting thing was that Steve and Janet Ross, from my church in Florissant were the guest speakers.  They had a program on marriage.  It was really good.  We also had a “newlywed game”, 2 women sang to their husbands–one was my friend Lola, other great music, and wonderful food, which I got to help prepare earlier that day.   It was a lot of fun and  I was so glad to see Steve and Janet and was honored that they could stay at my house that night.  (was so glad I was able to get the wall fixed before they got there).  God even gave us a beautiful sunset.  Please pray that God will work in the marriages of the people in our church.  There are a number of them in crisis now.

preparing the meal

Exhausted Vicenta (main cook)

table decorations

Waiters--youth directed by Gaby and her husband

people at the dinner

Lola singing to her husband Ramondo

Ramondo enjoying her song

Steve and Janet

Steve and Janet sharing a song

Monday, Kay and Steve Carpenter came to join others on our team in a forum. Kay and Steve stayed at my house Monday and Tuesday night.  It was so good to be able to share my home.  The forum was about an exciting method for evangelism and starting a church planting movement called T4T (Training for Trainers).     We had all read the book and expressed interest in discussing it and finding ways to implement it into our ministries.  David Giles, CMF director of Church Catalyst Ministries, came from the US to show us what he had learned in a training session.  I believe God has given us all His vision for each of our areas in Mexico and how He want people to come to him in great numbers.  I can see many ways that we can incorporate this model into CHE.  I am really excited about it.  If you are interested in learning more about it, the website is http://t4tonline.org.  God is doing some amazing, exciting things all over the world–including America!  Please pray that God will use this method to bring a huge revival to Mexico.

I’m so glad that I was able to enjoy all those activities.  Thursday and Friday I was sick and wasn’t able to go to our cell group (even though I made a dessert for it)  PTL, I’m back to normal now.  Please pray that God would continue giving me good health for the things that He wants me to accomplish here.

Our TIC (CHE) trainers are getting ready to do their mapping and surveys–hopefully this week.  Some of the young adults from YWAM (Youth With A Mission), who are based here in Pachuca are going to help do these.  It will be a great model for CHE.   Please pray for our 4 trainers and for the young people to do good work and make people aware of TIC and God’s love in LaRaza.

More exciting things are coming up in March.  I will post them as soon as I can.  I love you all and depend on your prayers and support.  Thank you!  You are in my prayers as always.