V. Carranza, Puebla

We visited V. Carranza in the state of Puebla this weekend.
Church service was powerful!
There were several healings, including a man who couldn't walk, a man with one eye blind, and a little girl with fever.

See the Pictures

And watch the Video

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17 -18

Recent Trips with the Committee

We have been blessed to meet Sister Irma. She is the legal representative, and a lawyer by profession, of a local church denomination. She introduced us to "The Committee", a group of leaders who visit sister churches around the region. It's a wonderful partnership so far. They know the people and the places, we get an opportunity to minister where there is need.

Since we came back from the States we've visited 3 places.

• Zimapan, Hidalgo - There was a pastor established in a mission church.
• Chapantongo, Hidalgo - Visited a home service, no pastor established yet. This group is fruit of the labor done by a nearby pastor who does prison ministry. A lady was delivered from generational curses and a few testified the power of God in their life.
• The third place I will share in a separate post (more pics and video).

It's not always easy to take pictures or video. My smaller camera is nonfunctional, plus people can feel intimidated when they see my bigger Cannon. Sometimes I'm ministering myself and there isn't anyone to take a picture :-( I share as much as I can though.

We are really taking an effort to build a strong relationship with the denomination and it's leaders and churches. There are many things that NEED a change. I believe we can teach them many principles including integrity, authority/submission, and a leadership style without religion or legalism.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

Tidbits of Life in Mexico

• I feel weak physically compared to other women here. They carry so much on their backs and even around their heads. I can barely pull up my wet sheets from the washer to extract them.

• When I walk, I now have to remember to watch my step because there may be chicken or other animal waste.

• The fair is coming this weekend. I'm so excited to see the culture come alive. There is one small detail. I can't go with the girls who live here. You see, Christians and Non-Christians (Catholics) are so separated in the community that a community fair can become a religious discord. Town families are all asked to cooperate with the expenses of the fair. Christians refuse because the money goes toward a festivity that ultimately is done by the Catholic church. Therefore, even if they wanted to enjoy the food, rides, and entertainment, they feel it’s not their place because they didn’t give money and because they want to make a statement out of it. We also want to make a statement here and that’s why I’m making plans to go. Hopefully it will show Christians especially that we are not here to draw lines but to show God’s love to everyone, regardless of how they feel towards us.

• I’m so annoyed by bugs. Ugh! They are everywhere and frankly sometimes I have to let go of my germ phobia.

• Yes! Prayer! I’m doing so many things more prayerfully here, like the food we prepare, the showers I’m grateful to have without worrying the water will run out, the hands I shake believing God will keep us healthy.

• This town can seem so quite and serene, it can be deceiving. Don’t get me wrong I like the calmness. The problem is that there is still a war to be fought. Last week was a brutal wake up call. We’ve had 3 people sick including Wilson, 2 ‘small’ accidents that required medical attention, and misunderstandings. I spent a whole day just grieving and battling the enemy with his lies. You don’t think anything of it until you battle it out, the enemy is a liar.

• Being prepared is essential. We are like doctors on call duty. We may be called at any time for anything. My job is to be emotionally, physically, mentally, and obviously spiritually prepared. I may not always know what to do but my spirit must be willing, my soul calm, and my mind charged. People are hungry and God will use me as he wishes.

• I spend my down time listening to worship CD’s, reading the Word or maybe a counseling book, writing bible studies, journaling and of course online keeping in touch with friends.

• It’s been difficult mentally. My life in the States was so fast and on the go. I was used to multitasking at my job, go home cook and eat, sometimes washed my teeth so fast I was still chewing my dinner so we could go to church or small group meeting. It’s good to know I’m supposed to be here. My mind may play games with me sometimes but my heart and spirit know God is in control. Gloria a Dios!

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV

PS:
1. Thanks to my amiga Mary for the blog's new look. Tell me what you think!
2. I know many of you have asked for recent videos/pictures, I will have some soon!