The Jordan - local church in Tlaco

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Most of the videos, pictures and testimonies you’ve seen here in the blog are from visits to a region church or trips to mountain areas where the gospel is still new. This work is done through a partnership with a local denomination and their committee. This denomination also has a local church in the town we live, Tlacotlapilco, the church’s name is “The Jordan”.

A little of the history of The Jordan-
This church was founded by a man more than 30 years ago. The founder and pastor went to be with the Lord last year. One of his daughters is a member of the church we then were pastors in South Carolina. She traveled immediately to be with her family but didn’t travel with her daughters. Wilson, as a favor, served as an escort and brought her daughters down. The Lord used Wilson to minister to the families and flock left behind.

The church has a new pastor whom the founder recommended before passing. However, the church’s condition now is heartbreaking. More than 30 years of ministry in this town and today the service attendance was 11. There are no branch ministries (children, youth, ladies, men’s) to support the work. Biblical sound doctrine is practically nonexistent. Worship services have a deep religious influence (songs are sung without passion, there is no real hunger for God’s presence).

Even though the pastor and parishioners know Wilson since his first trip, we still have to gain their trust and confidence as people. So until recently we’ve played the quite role, visiting their services and teaching once in a while as ‘guest speakers’. Today the pastor spoke to us and agreed Wilson would teach every week. This is a phenomenal opportunity we have been waiting and praying for!
Therefore go and teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. Mat 28:19-20 MKJV
Our great commandment as church does not only involve preaching the gospel but teaching people how to live it. This requires love and patience, time and energy, scarifies and persistence.

I know here there are people hurt, families broken, children growing up without a relationship with Jesus, and Christians who are so religious they can’t see beyond their circle. I also know a Healer, Restorer, Savior, and a Bondage Breaker! God is up to something amazing in this town. He will restore and transform the hearts and minds of every person who believes without respect of age, gender, language or religious background! In Jesus’ name!

Thank you to all who continue to pray for us and this ministry. We are certainly not here alone.

…But earnest prayer was made to God for him by the church. Act 12:5 MKJV



Veracruz 04

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

This visit was a marker for the brothers and sisters of Veracruz.
It was their first baptism service!

We had to walk about an hour down the mountain to the river. It was very steep and slippery but I finally made it after a few slips of my own. It was worth to see the river and to be in between 2 huge mountains. I felt so proud! Then I saw a 8 month pregnant lady and a 70 something elderly woman come down. I laughed and was once again amazed at the endurance these people have. Shame on me! (Lol)



Someone asked why I wasn't on the videos, unfortunately I'm the only camera man on this team :(



For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10(NKJV)

Veracruz 03 Video

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Finally!!! I'm so excited! The video finally uploaded!
Ta..ta...ta...!! Here it is:





My First Mexican Independence Day

“To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews…”1Co 9:20 ESV
This verse became more real and true to me tonight as I experienced my first Independence Day in Mexico. I attended a service with a program that included “A Great Mexican Night”. During this program the pastor called for prayer for the nation confessing sins, asking mercy and rebuking spirits. It was then that I actually realized, “I am a Mexican now, do so as the Mexicans”, I remembered Paul and his ministry.

I feel as I need to become one with the people, if I must intercede surely my heart must feel their pain and need of deliverance. My thoughts naturally compared my life in the States; it’s difficult to take notice of these things when you feel at home. Sins don’t ‘look’ like sins anymore and spirits become familiar.
"…Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Eph 5:14:17 ESV
Let’s get in touch with God! We ALL have a part in his kingdom! I spent many years with zeal to serve the Lord but feeling out of place. Consider the scripture “…make the best of your time…” and “…understand what the will of the Lord is…” personally that His name may be glorified!



Veracruz 03

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Our last visit to Veracruz was short but victorious. We prayed over the place where services will be held, it's actually a semi-built house we will be borrowing because the owner, a brother in the Lord, was touched by God to offer it. It's a great opportunity for us because the people in the village get to know us before we buy any land for a worship house.

I feel I have to apologize because it has taken me a while to post this. A few reasons, I traveled back home for a couple of weeks, and when I finally got back the video wouldn't upload to youtube. That is where I store them and then just embed here. I like to think I'm savvy but honestly sometimes I just guess things out on how they work. I'm trying right now as I type to upload once again. My internet connection is super slow, takes up to 5 hours, but I've done it before so I don't think that's the problem.

Well here are some pictures and hopefully the video will follow.