Where Eagles Soar

Prayer Update

2010-04-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

What a privilege it is to partner together with each of you in the proclamation of the Gospel in Mexico.

This month we’d like to share with you just 2 examples of how your investment of prayer, financial support, and encouragement have paid dividends. One example has to do with a large group of people and the second focuses on just one lady.

We use special days on the calendar to plan ‘events’ to reach a larger group of our community with the Gospel. This past Sunday night (Resurrection Sunday) we showed a gospel film in La Poza. Magdalena depicts the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. We hang a sheet on the side of our friend, Carlos’ store, and invite one and all to come and enjoy the film. La Poza itself boasts a population of between 500 to 600 people. What a joy it was to have over 100 people show up for the film on Sunday. In addition to hearing and seeing the Gospel on the screen/sheet, I took about 10 minutes after the film to summarize the claims of the Gospel. Then we sent everyone home with a copy of John Piper’s excellent little evangelistic booklet, Para Tu Gozo (For Your Joy). As we highlighted in our last Prayer Update, much of Mexico and in particular the border region is being torn apart by the violence of the drug cartels. Just this past week more violence flared up in San Fernando (which is about a 35 minute drive south of La Poza) when grenades were thrown into a couple of government buildings, cars were shot up, and several people were killed. What a blessing it was to remind our friends and neighbors on Sunday night that though our country is filled with violence and murder, we can know peace because the Prince of Peace has come. The answer to the violence is not found in more soldiers patrolling the streets but it is found in Jesus Christ reigning and ruling in the hearts of men and women. We pray that the seeds of the Gospel that were sown this past Sunday will take root and produce a harvest of souls for His glory alone! Would you pray with us toward that end?

The second story has to do with one of the believing ladies who attends our Sunday afternoon Bible study. This past week this lady was sharing some of her testimony with Robin of how God has been working in her life in recent months. She told her how much she has learned about living the Christian life through our Bible studies.

“Robin,” she said, “I don’t know if you know it or not, but in the past I used to fight and argue with a lot of women here in La Poza. I used to say and do things that hurt a lot of people. But as we’ve studied the Bible and you guys have shown us from the Scripture how a Christian should live his or her life, the Holy Spirit has convicted me that I haven’t been living my Christian life like I should. So I don’t fight with people like I used to.” Then she admitted, “well, sometimes I still get into it with Martina, but I’m even trying to work on that!”

Do you ever go through periods in your Christian life when you wonder just how effective your witness really is? Sure you do. And so do missionaries. And then God gives us weeks like He did this past week when He lets us freely and publicly proclaim His Word to so many of our friends at one time. And then He reminds us too that in those little Bible studies of 5 or 6 people, He honors His Word.

Isn’t God so good to us?

Partners Together in the Greatest Cause,

Steve & Robin

Prayer Update

2010-03-03T22:16:00.001-06:00

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?—Psalm 56:3-4

The heading for this Psalm says that it was written at the time when the Philistines seized David in Gath. It was an extremely difficult time in the life of the man whom God had assured would be the king of Israel. But that day had not yet been realized. You remember Gath don’t you? David surely remembered it. It just happened to be where that guy, Goliath, had been from and David certainly recalled that as he was seized by the people of Gath. The thought had to at least pass through his mind—“is this the end of the line?” Yet in spite of what must have seemed very frightening circumstances, David penned those words. Did he know how it would all turn out? No, but that didn’t stop him from trusting in God and finding his peace in God’s all-encompassing care.

We are living during a time in Mexico’s history when these truths have become an excellent ‘door opener’ to share the Gospel of Peace. Unless you live in close proximity to the U.S./Mexico border, the coverage of the violence along the border that you hear is spotty at best. The national media tends to focus on violence in Ciudad Juarez because of the amount of violence in that city. Recently it was named the most violent city in the world. But violence all along the border is escalating. People in La Poza and the surrounding communities were reminded of that this past week. Until last Wednesday the violence in our state had been isolated to cities right on the border. Late last Wednesday afternoon that changed as rival drug cartels battled in the streets of Valle Hermoso. This city of about 60,000 people is about a 35 minute drive from La Poza. Many people in La Poza have family who live there. Some people from La Poza work at factories in Valle Hermoso. It’s the closest city for major shopping, hospitals, etc. Until last week it had escaped the violence of the cartels. The word often used to describe these acts of violence is battle. Cartels often battle among themselves or against the Mexican army in very public areas. The cartels don’t discriminate. If the average guy is in the wrong place at the wrong time, that is not the problem of the cartel. That seems to be what is so frightening to so many people. If you want to understand something of the nature of these wars, type in ‘Valle Hermoso violence’ into your favorite search engine and you’ll get a better understanding of what we’re trying to communicate.

So how does all this impact our ministry in La Poza? Since this incident last week, we’ve noticed people talking a lot more about the violence. We’ve sensed a fear among people that we hadn’t sensed in the past in La Poza and the communities where we travel here in Mexico. As a result it’s given us some good opportunities to challenge people to think about the source of true peace. As believers we know that peace is found only in the Prince of Peace but to the unbeliever, David’s calm assurance in Psalm 56:3-4 makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. Robin has been able to share some of these truths with folks who have come to the clinic this past week concerned about the violence. I had the opportunity to share some of these same truths in a couple of our regular Bible studies this past weekend. In the end, it is not the Mexican government’s attempts to rid Mexico of the drug cartels that will bring an end to the violence. It is not the United States somehow ridding itself of its appetite for illegal drugs that will stop the flow of drugs through the southern border. It is the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We have the answer to violence in Mexico and the drug problem in the United States. Ultimately it’s not found in stricter laws, bigger fences, or more military in the streets of Mexican cities. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He accomplished on the behalf of His people 2000 years ago. The old gospel song was right: “We’ve a story to tell to the nations that shall turn their hearts to the right, a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, a story of peace and light.”

Prayer Points

Pray that these troubled times in Mexico will produce a harvest of souls. Pray boldly. Pray that God might save some key Cartel leaders. What a testimony of God’s saving grace that would be to many. Pray that we will be faithful and seize opportunities to witness of God’s grace through these times in the part of the harvest He’s placed us in here in La Poza.
Praise God with us for some new folks who have recently attended our current Bible studies. Continue to pray that God will work in the hearts of those that we minister to on a regular basis.
We’re planning on showing a film to the community with the theme of the crucifixion and resurrection at Easter. Pray that God would be honored, the Gospel clearly proclaimed, and that people would be converted.

We appreciate your faithfulness to pray for us and always enjoy hearing from you anytime.

Sheltered and Protected in His All-Sufficient Hands,

Steve & Robin

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T19:23:00.017-06:00

No Christmas party is complete in Mexico without at least one piñata. There were at least 4 or 5 piñatas at this party. Santa was the first to fall.

Notice the difference in form between the boys and girls. The boys normally go at the piñata with a bit more intensity and vigor than the girls do.

The scrum for the piñata after it fell. Notice once again that it's all boys!

In addition to the gift bags all the kids received a stuffed animal. They were donated by the Lifeway Christian Bookstore in Houston and the generous customers of that store.

Pastor Larry gives bags to some of the girls.

The goodies were all lined up with care.

Oh wow, look at what we're getting!

Yea!!! We all got something!

Guarding the loot.

Chowing down after all the festivities. Notice the T-shirt the boy is wearing. The team brought 1300 of these shirts--not only for the kids but enough for every person in La Posa. The shirts were also donated by Lifeway Christian Bookstore in Houston. On the back of each shirt it says, "It all comes back to Jesus" with a reference to 1 John 4:9

Prayer Update

2009-12-28T19:07:00.007-06:00

Dear Prayer Team,

A little over two weeks ago we asked you to pray specifically for a couple of Christmas activities that we had planned in La Posa. We wanted to send you a quick update on how those activities went and to thank each of you who prayed for those ministries. Here is the brief report on what happened.

• Pastor and Mrs. Larry Newcomer from Mills Road Baptist Church in Houston arrived on the 17th with 7 members from their congregation. What a great time of fellowship we had with these dear friends! They brought over 100 brightly decorated gift bags for the children in the kindergarten and primary schools in La Posa. For many of these children, these gifts are the only ones they will receive this Christmas. The team participated in the Christmas party at the school and was able to show the love of Christ through not only the gifts they brought but through the time they invested with all the children, teachers, and parents at the fiesta. After the school activities we were able to introduce them to several of our friends in La Posa and Media Luna. We genuinely appreciated not only the 9 people who came this year, but also all those from the church who made this outreach possible.

• On Sunday night, December 20th,we showed the film, “The Nativity,” in La Posa. We were so encouraged when an estimated 150 people came out on a cool evening to watch this portrayal of the birth of Christ. We show the film outside and this was the first time we’ve ever shown a film at this time of the year. By the time the film was finished temperatures had dropped into the 50’s but nearly everyone stayed for the whole evening. After the film Steve took the opportunity to outline the Gospel for all in attendance. What a great opportunity to publicly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to 25% of all the people who live in La Posa. May God use the seeds of the Gospel that were planted last week to draw some dear souls unto Himself. Thanks again to each of you who prayed specifically for these two outreach ministries.

As we look forward to 2010, we’re anxious to see what God has in store for the ministry here. Here are a few things we’d really appreciate you keeping on your 2010 prayer list:

• We continue to ask God to work in the hearts of Mexican men or a man who could be trained to serve alongside of us in the work of church planting here in La Posa. We don’t know who he might be but we remain confident that God has His timetable and His man. Our task is to remain faithful to the work He has called us to here in this community.

• Pray that our own hearts remain passionate for the glory of God and focused on the ministry He has given us. Distractions from keeping the ‘main thing the main thing’ do not vanish when a person crosses the border from one country to another. Our desire remains to see God honored through our witness here and that if He so chooses, He’ll allow us to see his church established in La Posa.

• Thank you for your prayers for our Bible studies. We intend to continue the three studies that we currently are involved in on a weekly basis. Pray that the believers in these studies will be encouraged in their faith and grow in Christian maturity. Pray that God will convict the unbelievers of their sin and save them soon.

Know that we give thanks to God for each one of you and pray that God blesses and uses each of you mightily for His greatest glory in 2010.

Your Co-laborers in the Gospel,

Steve & Robin

Financial support: Central Missionary Clearinghouse/P.O. Box 219228/Houston, TX 77218-9228 http://cmc.missions.net/

Sending Church: Christ’s Covenant Church/2090 East Pierceton Road/Winona Lake, IN 46590 http://christscovenant.org/

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Various Scenes Here and There

2009-10-14T16:17:00.006-05:00

One of our adopted granddaughters--Marifer

When we returned from furlough we found that we had 2 new additions to our cat pack.

Ethel (the mama) and her look a like kitten

While in Michigan some friends from our supporting church in Kalamazoo donated a lot of needed medicine for the clinic. It filled the back of our pickup truck as well as the back seat!

Prayer Update

2009-10-14T16:01:00.008-05:00

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and his brothers.—Acts 1:14

In preparing for our Sunday afternoon Bible study a few days ago I was reading and studying the events that took place immediately following the ascension of Christ. Though I have read this verse many times in the past those words, were devoting themselves to prayer, seemed to jump off the page. For almost a year and a half we have been studying chronologically through the Scripture with a group of people here in La Poza. We have spent many months tracing the steps of Jesus’ public ministry. We’ve spent weeks looking at the events of the crucifixion and resurrection. The majority of the folks who were devoting themselves to prayer had been with Jesus throughout his public ministry. It’s almost impossible to comprehend the emotions that they were feeling at that moment. There was the initial excitement that came with walking and talking with Jesus in that public ministry only to have that joy and excitement turn to sorrow and dismay in seeing their Messiah crucified before their eyes. Then came that spark of hope that Sunday morning when reports that He had risen from the dead began to be heard. Hope exploded into full blown delight when He began appearing to many of his followers. But the time seemed so short and once again He is gone. But this time He promises them they will not be alone. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Surely they had questions. Why? How? When?

What do we do when we have questions? Go to the bookstore for the latest ‘how to’ book? Call the pastor? Turn on our favorite Christian music? Fall into depression? These folks devoted themselves to prayer. This wasn’t a one time, ‘let’s take it to God’ sort of prayer. They agonized. They persevered. They dedicated their time and their energy to this one matter. What do we devote our time to? Our job? Our family? Our favorite sports team? Scriptural examples can often challenge us. Might the example of the early followers of Jesus serve as that kind of challenge for us.

With these thoughts in mind, we’d like to challenge each one reading this update to devote yourself to prayer concerning only one matter for us this month.

Our desire remains to see a fully functioning local church established in La Poza. We’ve had numerous opportunities to share the gospel and those opportunities continue to present themselves on a regular basis. We currently have 3 different Bible studies that are meeting—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. We have seen people converted by the power of the Holy Spirit. We’ve developed solid relationships with many folks in the community. So when will a church be established? The answer to that question contains the key request that we’re asking you to devote yourselves to prayer on our behalf.

Our strategy since the beginning is that a church will have its foundation when there is a man or men who can be trained for leadership of that local church. Should God choose to bring in a man from outside of La Poza who already has some training or is willing to be trained, we are certainly open to that as well. At this point in the ministry here we continue to pray that God will raise up a man/men for leadership. This is the prayer that we’re asking you to devote yourselves to on behalf of the ministry here. So the prayer request is a simple one but one that we genuinely sense as crucial for the advancement of the ministry here. Lord, raise up a man/or men to come along side the Henrys who could be trained for leadership in a future church plant. That’s it. Pretty simple request, isn’t it. But ‘devoting ourselves to prayer’ is where the rubber meets the road.

These men we’re asking God for will be Mexicans with a heart for pastoral ministry. Last month we asked you to pray about a young Mexican believer named Tony who had moved to La Poza back in the summer. We were hopeful he might be someone who could be trained to work with us. Since our return from furlough in August, Tony has been living away from La Poza. There was no work for him here and so he’s moved to a city about 45 minutes from here. We saw him just last week when he came to visit relatives in La Poza. At this point it looks like he’ll be staying in the city. We’re confident that God has someone in mind. Until he comes along, we continue to sow the seed.

All we’re asking you this month is that you’ll devote yourself as you pray for the ministry here that God might bring those men soon.

Serving Together with You for His Glory,

Steve & Robin

Support: Central Missionary Clearinghouse/P.O. Box 219228/Houston, TX 77218-9228 http://cmc.missions.net/

Prayer Update

2009-09-10T00:42:00.001-05:00

Comings and Goings

Since our last Update at the end of July we’ve traveled more than 6,500 miles and seen many of you in churches that we’ve visited along the way. We’ve visited churches and friends in Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Oklahoma. It’s been a great blessing for us to share with many of you firsthand what is happening in La Poza. We want to thank all of you for your hospitality and kindness that you showed us.

We’re anxious to return to La Poza and resume a somewhat more normal life with a routine that we’ve grown to love. Life really is different in La Poza. Oh, there are the obvious differences: different language, no flush toilets, salsa that actually has some kick to it and doesn’t taste like ketchup, etc. But there are other differences that may not be as obvious. One of the big differences is simply ‘pace’ of life. As we travel in the U.S. and ask folks, “How are you doing?” we’ll get a variety of responses but usually somewhere in the response will be a direct statement or at least an allusion to the business of life. “Oh, I’m just so busy.” “Tell you the truth, I’m burning the candle at both ends.” “I’m just so tired.” “I’ve got so much to do I don’t know how I’m going to ever get it all done.” By contrast, we don’t recall ever hearing a Mexican talk about how busy they are. That’s not to say that they are lazy or don’t have things that need to be done. They are hard workers and extremely industrious. Community is important. We’ve grown to appreciate that aspect of the culture. Another of life’s little differences is the abundance of choices that we have in the U.S. Don’t believe us? Go to the cereal aisle of your favorite grocery store. Cereal aisles in Mexican stores have Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, and a few other choices, but that’s it. Some restaurants we ate in while we were in the States had menus that can take you a half hour to read. The choices are endless!

Most of you know that while we live in La Poza, we still own a home on the border in Brownsville, TX. When we returned to Brownsville after 6 weeks of traveling up north we had a bit of a surprise before we ever went into the house. We had a utility trailer that we use in Mexico and when we have teams come from the States to La Poza. We normally leave the trailer in La Poza but because our visas had expired just before we went north, we had to leave the trailer in Brownsville. We had thought that leaving a trailer in our driveway might be a temptation to thieves but reasoned because a Brownsville city policeman lives right across the street (and his police van often sits in front of the house) and a Cameron county deputy sheriff lives about 4 doors down (and his police cruiser often sits in front of his house), everything would be fine. We were wrong. Sometime during our time away someone stole it. One of our neighbors told us he went to bed one night and the trailer was there and he got up the next morning and it wasn’t there. We’re thankful that there was nothing else taken and no damage to the house itself. Incidents like this are vivid reminders of 2 things: 1) we live in a fallen world; 2) the ‘stuff’ that we have is all temporal. It may rust out. It may wear out. Or someone else may take it. It’s only stuff but there are things of eternal value. That is where our focus should be. Jesus put it this way, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there our heart will be also.”

Praises and Prayer

We’ll be resuming Bible studies when we return to La Poza this week. We will soon be finishing a year long chronological study of the Bible in our Sunday afternoon Bible study. We’ll be starting another topic soon—possibly a study on “what is the church?” Pray for wisdom in teaching these important matters and that the people would be open and responsive to the truths of God’s Word.

A believing Brother in Christ recently moved to La Poza. Before we left in August we spoke with him about our desire to train nationals for leadership in any church that God might raise up in La Poza. He seemed very interested in what we were saying. Pray that we’ll be able to begin discipleship/leadership training with Tony.

In just a few weeks we will celebrate 3 years of actually living in La Poza. We have seen God answer many prayers during that time. We’ve had many opportunities to share the Gospel and have seen several folks come to faith in Christ. Our Sovereign Lord deserves all the glory for what has been done, what is being done, and what He will do in the future. We’re thankful for the opportunity to represent the King in this part of Mexico. And we’re thankful for the team of faithful prayer and financial supporters who have stood with us during these years. May God bless and use each one of you for His glory.

Anchored to the Rock,

Steve & Robin

Prayer Update

2009-07-23T21:47:00.004-05:00

“God treats me like He likes me best.”

A good friend who happens to be one of the pastors at our sending church in Indiana has been known to use that expression from time to time. Our first response to a statement like that might be to think, ‘well that sure is a prideful thing to say.’ But if the truth was known, every believer could say that with absolute sincerity, couldn’t they? Basically it’s another way of saying—God pours out His blessings on me in absolutely more ways than I should ever deserve. So, as we reflect back on the last couple of months since we last updated you on the ministry here in La Poza, we’d simply say, ‘God treats us, like He likes us best!’ What are some of the evidences of God’s goodness in the ministry here recently?

God’s blessing through a short-term ministry team

We have just returned from a week of ministry in La Poza with a team that was made up primarily of folks from Grace Covenant Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. The team did a VBS for the children in La Poza in the mornings and then we moved to Media Luna in the afternoons where we did the same program. The Gospel was clearly presented to the kids in both communities. On Wednesday there were 90 kids that showed up for the VBS in La Poza. The team also brought a lot of material and other sewing related items. We have 6 battery operated sewing machines so that while the kids were in VBS the mothers and other ladies could sew. That too was very well attended and much appreciated.

On Wednesday night we showed the Christian film, “Fireproof” for the whole community. We had 100 people show up for the film and had an excellent response from this time together. Though it was late when the movie ended (about 10:45 p.m.) everyone stayed for a 5 minute summary of the Gospel and invitation to talk further if they so desired. Gospel literature was given to all those that attended. Thursday morning at about 8:00 a.m. Oscar, who had attended the movie, brought another friend (who hadn’t been able to attend the film) who has been having problems in his marriage to our house to ‘talk’. (If you haven’t seen the movie the general theme is about a man who is having serious problems in his marriage and how God intervenes and saves the man and eventually his marriage.) God gave us a good conversation together as the man related to me some of the things that have been going on his marriage. When I told him his story sounded like the man in the film, Oscar chimed in, ‘that’s what I told him too. That’s why I thought it might be good if you talked to him.’ I had the opportunity to talk and share the gospel with him. I invited him back to the house sometime to watch the movie in its entirety and so we could talk more. This man actually lives in Vera Cruz—about an 8 hour drive from La Poza but he comes to this area to buy fish for resale. We’re hopeful we’ll be able to have continued opportunities with him.

God’s blessing through answered prayer

What a blessing it’s been to Robin to see how God has been working in the life of one of her good friends in La Poza. This lady is young in the faith but has been sharing recently with Robin how she and her 10 year old daughter have prayed for specific matters and God has answered them in some very definite ways. Her comment to Robin was, “these things we’ve prayed about might be insignificant to other people but we prayed specifically for them because they were important to us and God answered our prayers!” We’ve prayed that God would make it obvious that He’s at work in the hearts of people here. This is a definite answer to that prayer. We’re reminded of John’s words in 3 John 4—“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

We’ve also prayed since we came to La Poza that the Lord would raise up a man or men who could be discipled and trained for leadership in any future church plant. While we can’t say with certainty, it appears that God may in fact be answering this prayer as well. In the last few months we have met and developed a friendship with Tony. He has lived most of his life in Miami, FL but has relatives in La Poza and Valle Hermoso (a larger city about 45 minutes from La Poza). The story that brings him to live here is too involved to get into in this email, but suffice it to say, the fingerprints of God are all over it. Tony has been a believer for about 5 years (saved out of a gang in the Miami area) and has a real passion for prayer and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also seems extremely teachable and after sharing with him our vision for church planting, he was extremely excited and said, ‘maybe this is why God brought me from Miami to La Poza. Because there is no work for Tony in La Poza he is currently living and working with family in Valle Herrmoso. But the last time we talked he told us his desire is to live in La Poza and commute to work in Valle Hermoso. We’re praying that this will indeed be the case and we can begin the discipleship/leadership training process. Would you pray with us about that?

God’s blessing through new believers

On May 31we had the privilege of baptizing 2 recent followers of Christ. Minerva and her daughter Ariana live in Media Luna. We have been friends of this family since before we even lived in Mexico. Over the last year we’ve seen evidence of genuine conversion and when we talked with them recently about following the Lord in baptism they both readily admitted their desire for this act of obedience. While our primary area of ministry is La Poza, we maintain friendships with people we’ve known a long time in Media Luna. They attend a small church with us on Sunday mornings in La Loma and we are encouraged by God’s continued work in their lives.

Minerva being baptized

Ariana being baptized

Thanks and upcoming plans

Thanks so much for your faithful prayer on our behalf. God continues to treat us like He likes us best! We certainly don’t deserve it but we give Him all the praise for it. We covet your prayers even more. Pray over the things mentioned in this update. Give thanks to God for what He is doing.

August finds us visiting our remaining supporting churches that we weren’t able to visit in 2008. We’ll be in churches in TX, MI, PA, and OK. We’d really appreciate your prayers for safety as we travel as well as good times of fellowship with friends who are vital to this ministry.

Partners Together in the Greatest Cause,

Steve & Robin

Clinic Pictures

2009-05-19T01:07:00.012-05:00

The hard working team: back row left to right: Ryan, Josh, Paul, & Dan
Front row left to right: Cora, Jaci, & Tobe

One of our neighbors 'treated' the team one day to rattlesnake. Cora cooked him up. The verdict: a bit chewy but tolerable.

Temperatures were in the 90's all week so there were plenty of breaks for rest & rehydration

Robin gets in on the demolition action

. . .and the walls fell down.

Sadie kept a watchful eye on the cats to make sure they stayed clear of the construction zone.

Dan, are you sure that's what we need to do?

Ryan works the post hole digger!

Walls!

We hired the concrete work out to local labor. This is how cement is 'mixed' in Mexico without a mixer.

Lalo, one of our Mexican neighbors helped us with the painting.

Consultation room in old clinic

The new & much cleaner consultation area in new clinic

Meds in the old clinic

New med room

The Old Clinic

The New Clinic

Prayer Update

2009-05-19T00:33:00.001-05:00

“Please pray for me. I have a desire to attend church and learn more about the Bible but often I’m distracted by my friends who want me to drink whiskey with them or I’m distracted by other things in this world.” A man whom we’ve shared the Gospel with on numerous occasions made this statement at the end of our Sunday afternoon Bible study yesterday. Pompilio comes from a Roman Catholic background but says he enjoys attending evangelical churches and Bible studies. A couple of weeks ago he asked me why evangelical churches don’t have crosses in them. (**Side note—this is typical in Mexico—because Romanism is the dominant religion in Mexico most evangelical churches do not display a cross in their buildings.) I explained to him in the United States often evangelical churches will have a cross somewhere in the building but unlike the crucifix in the Roman Catholic Church, the cross is empty. Christ is not on the cross. This seemed hard for him to understand. Why would you have a crucifix without Jesus? It was just another simple question that opened the door to share the Gospel:

“What did they do with Jesus after He died, Pompilio?”

“They put Him in the tomb.”

“And what happened after 3 days and 3 nights?”

From there it was an open door to the Gospel. Pompilio’s closing comment: “you know, I’d never really thought about an empty cross. I think I’ll ask my Mom (who is a strong Catholic) why the Catholic Church keeps Jesus on the cross!”

“Do you think God directs the steps of someone like me who is not yet a follower of Christ?” Carlos recently asked me that question after I had shared with him how I was confident that God had directed our steps in leading us to live and work in La Poza. Wow, talk about another open door to walk right through! The shortened version of my response was something like this:

“It’s not like God is unaware or unconcerned about what happens in your life, Carlos. But the real issue that He desires most of you at this point in your life is that you repent of your sin and trust completely in Him as your Lord and Savior today. If there was an orphan living in La Poza I wouldn’t have any real input in the life of that child. But if I went through the legal process of adopting that child as my own then I would have a personal interest in the welfare of that child and giving instruction and direction to him. When we’re adopted into God’s family, He takes a personal interest in our welfare—in directing our every step.”

At that point I challenged him once again directly with the truths of the Gospel and that if he truly wanted God’s direction in his life, today was the day to repent and believe. He listened but made no real response. He and his wife are open to meeting regularly with us for a Bible study.

“La Poza is a hard place to start a church because a lot of people are just interested in getting drunk and having a good time.” Just today as I was working on the truck in front of our house Jose Luis stopped by to talk. As we talked he asked me how long I thought we’d live in La Poza.

“We’ll be here until God directs us otherwise. Our desire is to see a church established here in La Poza and that’s not something that usually happens quickly, so I think we’ll be here for a while.”

It was at that point, Jose Luis made the above statement. And once again, the door opened to point him to Christ and the divine sovereign power of Almighty God to change the most wicked heart.

The truth is, we don’t know how long it will take to see a church established in this community and while we might be anxious to see more happen more quickly, we rejoice in every opportunity God opens like the ones mentioned above and know that He will do His work in His time.

Praises & Prayer Requests

Do pray that God will work in hearts of men like Pompilio, Carlos, and Jose Luis to convict them of their sin and draw them to Himself.
Pray for many of the women that Robin interacts with on a daily basis in the clinic that God will be at work in their hearts as well. We long to see Christian families established in La Poza.
Speaking of the clinic, we’re so thankful for a newly renovated and enlarged building. Our sending church, Christ’s Covenant Church in Winona Lake, Indiana, recently raised the funds and sent a construction team to La Poza. The five men and two women team tore down the old clinic and rebuilt a new one in its place. Be sure and check out the pictures on our blog: http://www.mexicohenrys.blogspot.com/
Finally, rejoice with us as we reach another milestone in married life. We celebrate our 30 year wedding anniversary on May 19!

He is always faithful!

Steve & Robin

Prayer Update

2009-03-27T13:58:00.004-05:00

Mexican Drug War: The Facts

President Felipe Calderón took office in December of 2006 and made the elimination of Mexican drug cartels a top priority of his administration. The cartels have responded to the government crackdown and since that time drug-related violence has increased dramatically in Mexico.

There have been over 9,500 reported drug related deaths in Mexico since December 2006, over 5,300 in 2008, and already over 1,000 drug-related murders in 2009. Those murdered during that time include cartel members, Mexican soldiers, policemen, members of the media, and many ‘innocent’ bystanders who just ‘happened’ to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Official statistics show that Mexico ranks with conflict zones like Iraq and Columbia as among the worst countries for abductions/kidnappings. Official sources report there are 65 kidnappings in Mexico every month. Since many kidnappings are never reported, some groups estimate as many as 500 kidnappings occur every month in Mexico.

Mexican Drug War: How It Affects Us

Military ‘checkpoints’ are very common in Mexico wherever we drive. It’s not unusual to have your vehicle searched at the border as you enter Mexico. Soldiers set up checkpoints randomly on highways. A couple of weeks ago as we drove into La Poza, soldiers had set up a checkpoint on the gravel road and were randomly searching vehicles.

It is not unusual to see the Mexican military in and around La Poza and Media Luna. In the past drug smugglers have used the Laguna Madre (La Poza and Media Luna are located on the Laguna Madre) as a route to smuggle illegal drugs through Mexico on their way to the United States. Last summer I was helping a friend take water to some of his goats out in the country side about 5 miles outside of La Poza. We didn’t finish delivering the 300 gallons of water until after the sun had set. As we were finishing up the headlights from the truck were shining brightly in the summer night. Before we realized what was happening 3 trucks with about 30 soldiers descended on us in full military gear. Even though we explained what we were doing the soldiers made a thorough search to make sure it was only water we were handling. The officer in charge was very polite and simply said they were just doing their job. When they saw the lights of our truck they needed to make sure we weren’t drug traffickers involved in illegal activity.

While we hear much about the violence of the drug war (it’s daily front page material in the newspapers in Mexico), there’s little talk of it away from the cities. We have no fear of living or traveling in Mexico. That’s not a statement of pride in self, but simply an acknowledgment of the sovereignty of God in all things. We’re confident that Mexico is where God wants us. Paul said, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26) If that statement is true, what do we have to fear?

We don’t believe God’s sovereignty negates the fact that He also gave us a brain and common sense. There are certain places we would not travel at night. We’re a bit more vigilant when we’re in cities in Mexico—especially border cities where the violence is greater. We’re respectful of soldiers at military checkpoints, do what they tell us to do, and are thankful for their work and sacrifice.

Things You Can Pray About

You might remember a man named Miguel that we’ve written about in past Updates. Over the past year we’ve met weekly with him and his wife, Juani, to study the Scripture, pray, and encourage. Miguel had been a mean and bitter man since we first met him several years ago. Last year we began seeing a difference in his life. Miguel died a couple of weeks ago. Nearly every week we visited him over the last year we outlined the truths of the Gospel to him. Recently he had become much less responsive to us because his body and mind just seemed to be wearing out. The changes in his attitude and desires were hopeful signs though that God had indeed converted him and that Miguel was trusting in Christ alone for his salvation. Pray for us as we continue to minister to Juani and Miguel’s family. Pray that God will use this circumstance to draw more people to himself.

Continue to pray for the family of Victor Rangel. We wrote in last month’s Update about his death. It has been a difficult month for his wife, Andrea, as well as the rest of his family but they wanted us to express their appreciation for each one of you who sent cards and notes of encouragement. Continue to pray especially for Victor’s son, Carlos. Pray that he will be converted. We’ve had several excellent conversations about the Gospel and spiritual matters since Victor’s death.

We appreciate your continued prayers for the weekly Bible study we have on Sunday afternoon. Attendance has been consistent and the interaction, questions, and comments from the folks who come have been good in recent weeks. It seems to indicate that they’re listening and responding positively to the truths of God’s Word. Pray that the Christians who attend will grow in grace and be bold in their testimony for Christ.

Stay focused on Christ!

Steve & Robin

Prayer Update

2009-02-18T00:06:00.006-06:00

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

—Psalm 116:15

For those of you who have ever visited us here in La Poza, you know our good friends, Victor and Andrea. You have sat at their table for authentic Mexican meals. You have pitched your tents in their ‘yard.’ You know their son and daughter-in-law, Carlos and Sandra. You’ve gotten hugs from their granddaughters, Vicki and Cassandra. It was Victor and Andrea who together repented of their sins and professed faith alone in Christ as their Lord during a visit we had here in 2005. When the Lord directed us to move to La Poza in 2006 it was Victor who told us, “I own some land right there that you can build your house on.” Since that time our relationship with them and their entire family (11 children and their families) has grown even deeper.

With that as a brief background, it is with sorrow over the loss of an earthly relationship but with joy in knowing that a dear friend is in the presence of his Savior, that we tell you Victor Rangel went to be with the Lord this past Thursday night, February 12. As long as we’ve known him, Victor has had problems with his heart. Over the last few months his health has been up and down but never to the point of what would be classified as gravely ill. Because Victor and Andrea had lived most of their lives in Monterrey, Victor’s doctors were all there and they would make regular trips for check-ups. On a regular visit in January, one of his doctors had more concerns about his health and scheduled him to return to Monterrey for more testing about a week and a half ago. They were still there this past Thursday when Victor passed away. While he has been weaker in recent days, his death was unexpected to the family. Thursday night about 9:00 p.m. Victor had called La Poza and talked by phone with his son, Carlos. He told Carlos he had been tired that day but wasn’t in any real pain. Shortly after that phone call, he began having problems breathing. The ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital. He died about 10:00 p.m. at the hospital. His death was quick and with very little suffering.

In God’s providence we had returned to Texas Thursday afternoon with plans to return to La Poza Friday afternoon to celebrate Vicki’s 10^th birthday with the family. Vicki is Carlos & Sandra’s oldest daughter and a granddaughter of Victor & Andrea. When we arrived back in La Poza about 3:30 Friday afternoon, we were told of Victor’s passing. We immediately got back in the truck and made the 5 hour trip to Monterrey. Funeral and burial customs are different in every culture. In Mexico the velorio (what we would call the ‘wake’ or the ‘viewing’ in the U.S.) doesn’t just occur a few hours the night before the funeral or a few hours before the funeral itself. It begins the night before the memorial service when the body is brought to the home of the deceased or to the funeral home (in Victor’s case it was the funeral home) and lasts all night and all day until the time of the service and burial. So when we arrived in Monterrey about 9:00 p.m. on Friday night the velorio had already begun. We spent the night talking, crying, praying, and reading Scripture with family and friends. What an opportunity for ministry!

About 1:30 a.m. as we were talking with Andrea, she began expressing her desire that she wanted a Christian service for Victor. Victor and Andrea have 11 children. None are professing believers and most of them would claim to be Roman Catholic. Andrea asked me if I would do the service. She made it clear that she wanted prayer, Scripture and a presentation of the Gospel. I told her that I would be more than willing to do whatever she desired. While I’ve preached several times in Mexican churches and teach weekly Bible studies in Spanish, it’s always with plenty of time for preparation and thinking through the best way to communicate the biblical truths in Spanish. Knowing that I did not have the luxury of much advance preparation, Saturday morning I enlisted the prayers of my dearest friend and life’s companion for nearly 30 years. Robin assured me she had already been praying that God would give me the ability to communicate His truth in Spanish. Hoping to add a little support to her prayers, I made quick phone calls to 5 dear friends in the States who I knew had a love for God, a love for us, a love for the ministry here in La Poza, and a commitment to prayer. I asked them to pray specifically for the opportunity at hand, that God would manifest His greatness, and that He would give me the ability to clearly present the Gospel in Spanish.

To make a very long story a bit shorter—He did exactly that. The Spirit of God granted that liberty to speak His truth for about a half hour without the aid of a note. In addition to the service itself, Robin and I both had numerous opportunities to share the Gospel individually with a number of folks. Wow! What an absolutely draining, yet exhilarating 48 hours we had! Here’s how we’d like you to pray:

Pray that the seed that has been sown will take root and we’ll see a harvest come forth. In particular, pray that God would work in the lives of the family that we have the closest contact with who are not yet believers. That would include Carlos and Paz who are Victor & Andrea’s son and daughter and David who is their grandson.
Pray for Andrea. She and Victor would have celebrated their 53^rd wedding anniversary on February 28^th. While she sorrows, she does not sorrow as those who have no hope. But there is the loss of her dear husband that leaves a large hole in her life.

Some of you might like to send a note or card of comfort and encouragement to Andrea and the family. If that is your desire, we have 2 ways we’d suggest doing that. If you’d like to send a card you can mail it to our home address in Brownsville. That address is 943 Pueblo Court/Brownsville, TX 78526. If you can, we’d suggest looking for a card in Spanish. They can often be found at Wal-Mart or a Hallmark store. We will translate for Andrea and the family whatever note you might like to write. Of course, if you know Spanish, by all means, write your note in Spanish.

If you prefer, you are welcome to send your note of encouragement via email to me at shenry@christscovenant.org. Again, we’ll translate your note and be sure that the family receives the note. Whether you choose the post office or email, there is one other suggestion we have. Could you include a picture of yourself and/or family? If you send your note via email, just attach your picture and we’ll print them out here. Victor and Andrea have had hundreds of Gringos pass through their house over the last few years and if you send the picture with your note, we know it would mean so much to Andrea. Even if you’ve never personally met Victor and Andrea, you are more than welcome to send a note as well.

Thanks for sticking with us through this longer than usual note. Thanks too for your prayers during this opportune time for ministry. We are having more opportunities here in La Poza to share the gospel as a result of Victor’s death. He was known by all here and everyone we talk to brings up his passing in conversation. It is an obvious open door to proclaim the Gospel truth. Our hearts are full. We’re rejoicing in the opportunities for ministry. Pray for the harvest, Friends.

Humbled and Amazed Again by Grace,

Steve & Robin

Prayer Update

2009-01-26T00:16:00.038-06:00

New Year/New Life/New Opportunities

Guns, grapes, and good times--that's how we celebrate the New Year here in Mexico. Guns: it doesn't have to be a gun but anything that makes a loud 'boom' (ie. firecrackers, anything with a fuse) is in order when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. We prefer to be inside at midnight because when you fire a gun in the air it still falls to the ground somewhere. Every year there are stories in the news of people who have been randomly hit when someone discharges a gun in the air to celebrate the New Year. Grapes: we've celebrated New Year's with our friends in La Poza for several years now and there's one tradition that is always celebrated. At midnight (usually afer the guns are fired or the firecrackers lit) everyone at the party receives a bowl of 12 grapes. The grapes symbolize the 12 desires/goals/wishes that you have for he 12 months of the New Year. As you eat the grapes the idea is to think about your goals and wishes for the New Year. Good Times: it's true that in Mexico we never pass up the opportunity for a party and New Year's Eve is a great time para festejar.

Celebrating new life always tops fiestas--". . . there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents"--Luke 15:10. Our good friends, Carlos and Sandra, have 3 daughters. Their oldest daughter, Vicki, has shown a real interest over the last several months in going to worship services with us on Sundays in the church we attend. Vicki has been exposed to he Gospel often over the last several years through Bible Schools we've had here in La Poza and in spending time here at our house where she's watched Gospel videos and read and heard Bible stories. Several weeks ago during the children's church time on a Sunday morning she repented of her sin and trusted in Christ alone for salvation. Rejoice with the angels of God and with us over this one sinner who has repented.

Looking forward to what is in line for '09--"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ"--Philippians 3:14. Even though we're not through January yet, we are excited about a couple of new opportunities for ministry and hopefully and prayerfully more lost sinners who will repent. English Class: most public schools in Mexico have some sort of English curriculum. Unfortunately, most schools we're familiar with don't have teachers who know how to speak English. Consequently the students might learn how to recognize written words, but they rarely understand how to pronounce the words. Robin recently offered to 'help out' in the 4th and 5th grade class in La Poza's elementary school. She didn't want to offend the teacher by implying he didn't know how to teach a language he couldn't speak so the offer was simply to help the students in their pronunciation if that would be of help. He was delighted with her offer and rather than simply having her 'help him' he has essentially given here one hour every Monday afternoon to teach the whole class. We are both open to teaching other grades and classes if the opportunity arises. Not only does it open a door to spend time with the kids here in La Poza, but it also allows us opportunities to build friendships for sharing the Gospel with the teachers. Teen Bible Study: Carina is a teenager who used to come to our Sunday afternoon Bible study. Carina is a professing believer and came faithfully with her mother, Lilia, to the study until she enrolled in a Sunday afternoon computer class that meets on Sundays in a larger city near La Poza. Recently Carina has asked if we'd be willing to study the Scripture with her at a different time during the week. We've challenged her to invite some of her teenage friends and we'd be glad to offer the same chronological Bible study for them at a time that was convenient for all of them. She's talked to 6 of her friends about the possibility and there seems to be interest. As with most teens, the challenge is getting them to come as a group for the first meeting. We'll keep you updated if this study actually materializes.

We would ask you to pray specifically for:

Vicki--our new sister in Christ. Pray for Robin as she seeks to encourage and disciple Vicki in the faith. Pray that we will indeed see fruits of repentance in this young sister's heart. Pray that God would use Vicki's profession of faith to challenge her dad, Carlos, and see him brought to faith in Christ. Upon her return home that Sunday, the first thing Vicki did was to tell both her parents what had happened at the church service that morning.
the new opportunities for ministry. Pray that God might use the English class in the school for His glory. Pray that God will give Robin wisdom in looking for those opportunities to proclaim biblical truth even as she teaches English. Pray also that we'll be able to begin this teen Bible study and that God might use it to save a young generation here in La Poza. It may be that God would use these teenagers as part of the foundation of a new church in this community.

May God grant you new opportunities for ministry in the New Year so that you too will see the fruit of new life as God saves His people.

Resting in His Faithfulness,

Steve & Robin

Our Mailing Address: 943 Pueblo Court/Brownsville, TX 78526
Address for Financial Support: Central Missionary Clearinghouse/PO Box 219228/Houston, TX 77218-9928 (checks can simply be written to CMC)

2008-12-22T22:04:00.018-06:00

The children in one of our supporting churches recently made gift bags for over 100 students in the schools in La Poza. We had the privilege of delivering the goodies.

Patiently waiting. . .

Checking out the loot

La Piñata is always a highlight of the Christmas celebrations

The girls are usually a bit more 'polite' in the beating of the piñata

November 20 is Dia de la Revolución in Mexico. Contrary to popular belief Mexican independence is not Cinco de Mayo. For an explanation of the Mexican Day of Revolution check out this link:
http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/thehistoryofmexico/a/mexicanrevo.htm
Most communities celebrate in some way. Parades are always a big part of the celebration. La Poza was no different. Because we have a trailer we were asked to pull the float with the kinderdarten children.

The girls dress up like little señoritas and the boys dress up like Pancho Villa.

Prayer Update

2008-12-22T19:30:00.087-06:00

Mexican Christmas Traditions

Mexicans have their Christmas traditions just as Americans do and just as almost every other culture with any kind of Christian heritage does. Here are a few that we’ve noticed over the few years that we’ve lived here in La Poza. We suspect some are universal in

Mexico

and some may be specific to this region only.

The traditional Christmas Eve meal is tamales. The dough for the tamales is made from corn flour (masa harina). Then chicken or pork is cooked with a certain (non-spicy) pepper. The masa is then spread on a corn husk and the meat is placed on the masa. Then it is all rolled up in the corn husk. Other parts of Mexico (most notably the state of Vera Cruz) use banana leaves instead of corn husks. The whole thing is then steamed for about a half an hour. Some people eat them straight. Some prefer to spice them up a bit with some nice hot salsa.
We haven’t noticed a lot of ‘gift-giving’ among adults. Usually the gifts are given to the children. Santa Claus (Papá Noel or San Nicolás) is part of the tradition but since there aren’t too many chimneys, we haven’t figured out how he’s supposed to sneak into the house.
The word posada literally means ‘inn’ (like the inn where Joseph and Mary found no room). In Mexico the word posada is also used to describe an Advent celebration that is observed each year. This is a Roman Catholic practice that seems to have become part of the tradition/culture in Mexico. When we’ve asked various Mexican Catholics the purpose or meaning of the celebration they don’t seem to have a clue. For 9 days before Christmas there is a nightly processional to various homes in the community. The icon of the baby Jesus is taken in the processional to the various homes. The first night the processional begins at the church and proceeds to a home where the family is asked if they can keep the statue of the baby Jesus. It is supposedly an honor to have the processional come to your home. The processional goes through a series of songs, chants, dances, etc. once they arrive at the home. The next night the processional returns to that home and takes the baby Jesus to another home and the whole tradition is repeated. This ritual continues throughout the 9 days. On the final night the statue is returned to the church from where it started. Connected with this tradition is a heavy emphasis on the Virgin Mary. The exaltation of Mary is central in much of the Roman Catholic dogma.
They also seem to use the term posada in a more generic sense as well. For example, the traditional Christmas party that the local school has each year is called the posada.
We do our best to use these opportunities to show forth the true meaning of Christmas. For example, we’ve engaged friends on the meaning of the Christmas posada and in so doing describe for them what the Scripture teaches about Christ’s incarnation. We’ve also distributed gifts bags to all the children at the school posada. These bags include among other things a copy of the Scripture. We appreciate one of our supporting churches preparing these gifts for us to distribute this year.

Praises & Prayer Requests

As we begin a new year we always reflect back on how the ministry has progressed as well as evaluating how we should proceed in the future. Our desire remains the same—to see a fully functioning local church that is led by Mexicans. Please pray that if there are better or more effective means to approach this task that we will be sensitive to the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice with us in how God has blessed the ministry here in 2008. We believe that we have seen genuine conversions among several folks and initial steps of obedience to Christ’s commands in their lives since those conversions.
Continue to pray in particular that we will see men who will be converted who could be trained for leadership.

A Few Changes for 2009

Most of those who have supported us financially in the past have received letters concerning a change in where our donations will be sent in the future. The pastors of our sending church have asked that we be released from To Every Tribe Ministries in order to come under the direct care of our local church. While our relationship with TETM will come to an end, we pray for God’s continued blessing on their ministry. As we look to the future, we are excited about the direct accountability we will have to the leadership of the church that we have been so closely associated with for almost 20 years. Financial support will be handled by Christian Missionary Clearinghouse (CMC) in Houston, TX. CMC is not a mission board but rather simply a service agency whose only function is to receive, receipt, and distribute support to missionaries worldwide. They have been doing this since 1974 and are very experienced in what they do. If you’re interested in donating, please contact us and we’ll be glad to send more information.
Our email address will be changing from steve@toeverytribe.com to shenry@christscovenant.org. Future Prayer Updates will be coming from shenry@christscovenant.org so if you have a spam filter that needs updating on your email program, please let it know not to direct emails from that address to your junk folder. Because we send these Prayer Updates out via bulk email, they sometimes end up there if email programs aren’t updated. While the To Every Tribe address will remain active for a little while longer during the transition, we would ask you to update your address books now and begin directing your emails to us at the new address.

Thanks so much for your prayer and financial support in 2008. We’re looking forward to even greater things in the coming year.

Yours for the Sake of the Gospel,

Steve & Robin

Prayer Update

2008-11-04T20:34:00.020-06:00

The last time we wrote you we were preparing for our return to La Poza after being gone for a little over 2 months. In some ways it seemed like 2 years. We were anxious to return and reconnect. There’s an old Country & Western tune that has the line in it “I’m back in the saddle again. . .” Don’t ask us who sang it or any of the other lyrics because we don’t know them but there’s a very real sense in which we feel like we too are “back in the saddle again.” So, what’s it like to be back in the saddle again in La Poza?

Picking Up Where We Left Off

Our first Sunday back we jumped right into our weekly chronological Bible study that we’d left when we headed north in August. Attendance has been better than before we left and the folks who come seem to have a genuine interest in knowing what the Bible teaches. Because they haven’t had a lot of solid background in Bible study, we try to keep the lessons simple with one or two significant principles that we hope they will take home with them. In addition to this weekly Bible study in our home, we have also resumed individual Bible studies with various individuals and couples in their homes throughout the week. We would ask you to continue praying for Miguel & Juani. We are meeting with them at least twice a week to talk with them of the Scripture. We continue to lay out the claims of the Gospel in the most basic ways we can explain them. Pray that God would open their eyes to the glorious truths of Scripture. Pray also that God would open the eyes of Martina & her husband Nacho. Both of these couples are Roman Catholic in their background but really have no understanding of what their church believes. Our approach is to simply present to them the truths of the Gospel with a strong emphasis on salvation by grace alone through faith alone. They’ve heard some of these terms in the Roman Catholic Church and they wrongly conclude that they must already believe what we’re trying to show them from the Scripture. There are times we feel that we must tell them what Romanism truly teaches so they can then begin to discern the truth of Scripture. We walk a fine line at times because if they sense we’re simply attacking Catholicism they see it as an attack on their culture and upbringing. If we don’t point out the differences they wrongly assume that we’re all on the same team. Pray that we’ll have wisdom.

Robin has quickly gotten back into her ministry through the medical clinic as well. In fact, her number of consultations has probably increased. In the past the government has sent a medical student (as part of their training) to La Poza to serve in the government run medical clinic. Each year a new student takes up residence and Robin has had a good working relationship with each of the med students who have worked the clinic in the last few years. A new resident is typically sent in August and Robin always visits the new resident to introduce herself and tell him or her that she is not in La Poza to compete with their clinic but rather as a support to the government run clinic. While we were gone, the government sent a new medical student to the clinic in August. She lasted one week. She returned to Matamoros saying that she didn’t like living in La Poza. The government still has not placed another resident in the clinic and we’ve been told that they probably will not have anyone here this year. Consequently, Robin is the only health care provider in La Poza for the time being. That probably means we’ll need more meds in the clinic and more work for Robin this year but it also provides more opportunities for ministry and relationship building. Pray that God will use this ministry in the coming year to honor His name and reach people with the Gospel.

Making Friends, Reaching Out, Becoming Part of the Community

Several events recently have given us the sense that we are more and more becoming a ‘part’ of the community. Several weeks ago we were invited to a quinceañera for a teenage girl here in La Poza. The quinceañera is a celebration that the family has when their teenage daughter turns 15. In a way it marks her right of passage into adulthood. It’s celebrated in a variety of ways—sometimes with a mass but always with a large meal, dance, and a big fiesta. Just a few days ago we were invited to another one later this month. These kinds of activities give us the opportunity to talk and associate not only with the family but many friends and folks in the community. At the meal we even had the opportunity to talk some with the priest who comes to the Roman Catholic Church here in La Poza. This is the second opportunity we’ve had to meet and talk some with him. He knows that we’re missionaries living here in La Poza and we’re looking for opportunities to engage him more directly in the truths of the Gospel.

Another occasion that made us realize we’re becoming more a part of the community was a recent celebration we had at our house. Robin and several friends here in La Poza celebrated birthdays late in October and we had over 20 folks from the community over for a cookout and party one Saturday night. We love having folks here at the house and these relaxed times are great ways of building relationships that God often allows us to develop into opportunities for ministry.

Being gone for a couple of months simply reenergized us and caused us to refocus on the task at hand. La Poza is home to us and we love living here. God has given us a heart for this ministry and our desire remains to see a fully functioning grace preaching church established here in the future. Thanks for your part in pursuing this desire with us.

Saddled Up and Ready to Ride,

Steve & Robin

At the quinceañera the young lady is treated like a queen--complete with formal dress.

Robin and Don Margaro's birthdays were just days apart so we celebrated together.

A Mexican tradition is that the person with a birthday takes the first bite of the cake without fork or spoon. Robin was a little tentative in following the tradition until Vicki gave her a little 'help.'

Prayer Update

2008-10-07T17:36:00.027-05:00

Where We've Been

What a joy it was for us to see many of our friends and family as we visited some of our supporting churches in the Midwest during August and September. The hospitality that was shown by so many was overwhelming. We have seen Christ in you and we could never begin to adequately express our appreciation and gratitude. It was good not only to renew old acquaintances but also to meet many new folks along the way. What a privilege it is to have such a committed team of passionate followers of Christ standing side by side with us in the ministry here in Mexico. We truly give thanks to God for you. One of the other blessings of visiting supporting churches and individual supporters is to see and hear what God is doing to extend the Kingdom of God through your various ministries. We want you to know that we pray for you and the ministries where God has strategically placed you. Thank you for your prayers for our safety as we traveled over 7000 miles during the last couple of months.

Where We're Going

We're anxious to return to La Poza, renew friendships, continue the Bible studies we've already begun, and see what God has on deck for us. We've talked by phone several times with friends in La Poza as we've traveled up north. We're encouraged that folks have been asking when we're going to return! Lord willing we'll head across the border tomorrow. We feel like our focus and vision for what God wants us to do have been reenergized with our time away from the village. It's not that we had lost those things before we left but being away for these few months has reminded us of the love God has placed in our hearts for our Mexican friends as well as the desire to make his name known among them. With that in mind there a few things we'd request prayer for as we return.

What You Can Do

Pray that we'll quickly transition back into life in La Poza. We don't anticipate this being a big problem but anytime you get away from your routine there are adjustments to be made.
Pray for those folks in whom it seemed God was working in their hearts before we left in August. In particular remember Miguel & Juani, Nacho & Martina, Carlos & Sandra, and Mariachi. Our hope is that they have continued to read the Scripture and booklets that we left with them. We'd rejoice if indeed God has brought some to faith while we've been away!
Our coworker, Chris Berger, has returned to language school for an undetermined length of time. In his absence he has asked if we could periodically visit some of the folks in Media Luna who have expressed interest in the Gospel. Chris recently contacted me and said that he had received an email indicating that two people he had evangelized often were now professing faith in Christ. He's asked that we follow up. We're delighted to be asked and would rejoice if his news of conversion is accurate.
We don't often mention it, but we have contacts and friendships with a number of people in surrounding communities. We are in these places on a regular basis. Pray for opportunities to encourage the saints and evangelize the lost in La Loma, San Juan, Emiliano Zapata, Valle Hermoso, and Ruby Island.

One Last Thing

We've started a blog where we'll be archiving all of our Prayer Updates as well as occasionally posting pictures and giving you information that we may not necessarily include in these Updates. It's a work in progress but you're welcome to check it out and leave us a comment if you so choose. You can find it here: http://www.mexicohenrys .blogspot.com/.

Still Amazed by Grace,

Steve & Robin

Here are some photos from our time visiting friends recently:

It seemed like a lot of time was spent either waiting to eat,

eating,

or cleaning up after eating.

We also enjoyed celebrating the 58th wedding anniversary of Steve's parents.

Why a Blog?

2008-10-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

We already send out regular updates via email to most of you. So why enter the blogesphere? We've decided to do this for a couple of reasons:

Some folks have asked us if there is a place we could post past email Prayer Updates. This seems to be the most simple way for us to do that and we will endeavor to include this address in all of our future mailings to you. So, should you ever want to read some of our older Prayer Updates, this will be the place to find them.
A blog is also a good way for us to post pictures that might fit well with the Updates that we send. Since we send emails to some folks who still have slower Internet connections, attaching pictures to emails is not a real option.
A blog also offers us a way to share more information with those who might want a little bit more than what we send in our regular email Updates.

So, we hope that you enjoy our occasional postings and ramblings. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments. We'd love to hear from you.