Fiesta Cristiana (Christian Party)

For a couple of months pastors and members from about 8 local churches have been preparing for an event that would loudly announce the gospel.

The event included 2 clowns, 4 music groups, 3 drama presentations, a full lights and sound effects team, vendors, and lots and lots of tamales!

During the event local and state government offices were represented and there was even a “civic act” (singing of the national hymn and respects to the flag).

Many people made financial contributions and offered their services so this event could take place. We would like to thank SFWC for the special offering sent in January. With the special offering we were also able to be a part of this event. I helped with the design of the poster and we also contributed towards the printing of the posters/flyers.

Many received the gift of salvation on Saturday and it’s a joy to be used to spread the seed of the gospel. That many may know Him, that He may be glorified!

sing and praise his name. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things! The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship. Psa 96:2-4 CEV

Por un par de meses pastores y miembros de aproximadamente 8 iglesias locales han estado preparando para un evento que anunciaría fuertemente el evangelio.

¡El evento incluyó a 2 payasos, 4 grupos de música, 3 presentaciones de dramas, equipo de luces y sonido, vendedores, y gran cantidad y de muchos tamales!

Durante el evento oficinas de gobierno locales y estatales fueron representados y también hubo un "acto cívico" (cantaron el himno nacional y respeto a la bandera).

Muchas personas hicieron contribuciones financieras y ofrecieron sus servicios para que este evento pudiera suceder. Querríamos dar gracias SFWC por la ofrenda especial enviada en enero. Con la ofrenda especial también pudimos ser parte de este evento. Ayudé con el diseño de los posters y también contribuimos hacia la impresión de los posters y bolantes.

Muchos recibieron el regalo de la salvación el sábado y es de mucha alegría ser parte del esparcir de la semilla del evangelio. ¡Que muchos Lo pueden conocer, y que El pueda ser glorificado!

¡Cantemos alabanzas a nuestro Dios! ¡Celebremos día tras día sus victorias! ¡Anunciemos su grandeza y maravillas entre todas las naciones! ¡Grande y digno de alabanza es nuestro Dios, y más temible que todos los dioses! Psa 96:2-4 TLA

Nueva Era, Hidalgo

A short clip giving testimony of the recent trip to Nueva Era, in the mountains of Hidalgo.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV

Y sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios. Porque es necesario que el que se acerca a Dios crea que El existe, y que recompensa a los que Lo buscan. Hebreos 11:6 NBLH

An update - Serving Locally

I think it’s time for a little update.

These past winter months have been a change to the fast pace summer behind us. We don’t travel much, maybe 1 or 2 times a month versus every weekend and even weekdays. We also have been in much needed prayer/fasting and in personal daily Bible study. This is the time for preparation and strengthening.

We need to fill up if we plan an outpour.

Sharing the love of Christ is our existence, so we are focused for now on the local level. We currently have 3 weekly Bible studies. We praise God for these opportunities. We have prayed/fasted and believed the Lord would move the local pastors and grip in their hearts the need, which we also saw, for a biblically sound church. God has done that and more giving us favor with these brothers and a church that is hungry for his Word.

The Jordan –
In the last few weeks Wilson has been teaching stewardship. Every week taking it a little deeper and using it beyond the ‘tithe and offering’ preaching, but as a tool and a testimony of our faithfulness to the Lord. This Monday was the last part to this series and my God did the Lord show up! Towards the end of the lesson Wilson paused, I thank the Lord he was obedient, he then started prayer. I followed to what the Spirit was giving me to say and confirming his Word. What a powerful time! God moved, breaking the yoke of pride and poverty among his people! Many shared testimony saying they felt God speak and the received a blessing.  Next series…Family!

The Upper Room –
Wilson is also using the stewardship series for this congregation. There are people in this congregation who are generous and could potentially be contributors in the kingdom so it will be neat to see them aligned with his Word and full of fruits for his glory. I pray they see the blessings of being found faithful and with integrity. This will totally transform them individually and corporately.

Ladies Bible Study –
I have a certain preference with this group of course. Most of the parishioners in every congregation are women; a powerful way to impact the congregation is to minister to the women! Bible studies are done at my house; giving me flexibility and leadership over anyone who wants to come (this church or that church or no-church at all!). This is important for Tlaco because I can tell some women feel more righteous than others and some want to hide and feel ashamed. I’m prayfully choosing from counseling topics, Bible teachings, and worship/prayer times all to the goal of deepening their relationship with their Heavenly Father. Amen!

Let all we do and say be for His glory and his kingdom. Thank you all for your prayers, we’re are so blessed by His favor and power!

But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:7-10 ESV

Delicious lemons from the lemon tree in our yard!

From The Planting of the Lord

Pienso que es tiempo para algo mas reciente.

Estos meses de invierno pasados han sido un cambio del verano al ritmo rápido que quedo atrás. Ya no viajamos mucho, quizá 1 o 2 veces al mes versus cada fin de semana e incluso días de semana. También hemos estado en oración que tanto necesitamos, en ayuno, y en el estudio personal de la Biblia diariamente. Este es el tiempo para la preparación y el reesfuerzo.

Debemos llenarnos si planeamos un derramar.

Compartiendo el amor de Cristo es nuestra existencia, así que estamos enfocados por ahora en el nivel local. Tenemos actualmente 3 estudios semanales bíblicos. Alabamos a Dios por estas oportunidades. Hemos orado y ayunado y creemos que el Señor movería a los pastores locales y pusiera en los corazones la necesidad, que nosotros también vimos, por una iglesia bíblicamente sana. Dios ha hecho eso y más dándonos favor con estos hermanos y una iglesia que tiene hambre por su Palabra.

El Jordán –
En las últimas semanas Wilson ha estado enseñando mayordomía. Cada semana tomándolo un poco más profundo y lo utilizando más allá de la predica del 'diezmo y ofrenda', como un instrumento y un testimonio de nuestra fidelidad al Señor. ¡Este el lunes fue la última parte de esta serie y el Señor se manifestó! Hacia el fin de la lección Wilson se detuvo, doy gracias al Señor que él fue obediente, él entonces comenzó a orar. Seguí a lo que el Espíritu me daba a decir y confirmar su Palabra. ¡Qué tiempo poderoso! ¡Dios se movió, rompiendo el yugo del orgullo y la pobreza entre su pueblo! Muchos compartieron testimonio que ellos sentían a Dios hablar y recibieron una bendición. ¡Próxima serie…la Familia!

El Aposento Alto –
Wilson también esta utilizando la serie de mayordomía para esta congregación. Hay personas en esta congregación que son generosas y podrían ser potencialmente contribuyentes en el reino, será lindo verlos alineados con su Palabra y llenos de frutos para su gloria. Oro que ellos vean las bendiciones de ser encontrado fiel y con integridad. Esto totalmente los transformará individualmente y como congregación.

Estudio Bíblico de Damas
Tengo cierta preferencia con este grupo por supuesto. ¡La mayor parte de los feligreses en cada congregación son mujeres; una manera poderosa de impactar la congregación es de ministrar a las mujeres! Los estudios de Biblia son hechos en mi casa; dándome la flexibilidad y liderazgo sobre cualquiera que quiera venir (de esta iglesia o aquella iglesia o ningún iglesia!). Esto es importante para Tlaco porque puedo ver que algunas mujeres se sienten más justas que otras y algunas quieren ocultarse y sentirse apenadas. Estoy escogiendo con oración temas de conserjería, enseñanzas de la Biblia, y tiempos de adoración/oración todo con el objetivo de profundizar su relación con su Padre Celestial. ¡Amén!

Que todo lo que hacemos y decimos sea para Su gloria y su reino. ¡Gracias a todos por sus oraciones, somos tan bendecidos por su favor y poder!

Pero el Señor me dijo:«No digas: “Soy muy joven”, porque vas a ir adondequiera que yo te envíe, y vas a decir todo lo que yo te ordene. No temas a nadie, que yo estoy contigo para librarte.» Lo afirma el Señor. Luego extendió el Señor la mano y, tocándome la boca, me dijo:«He puesto en tu boca mis palabras. Mira, hoy te doy autoridad sobre naciones y reinos,»para arrancar y derribar, para destruir y demoler, para construir y plantar.» Jeremias 1:7-10 BAD

Pozuelos, Hidalgo

Located in the valley of Hidalgo, Pozuelos was our last preaching commitment of 2009.

Localizado en el valle de Hidalgo, Pozuelos fue nuestro ultimo compromiso de predica para el 2009.

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. 2Pe 1:16 NLT

Cuando les enseñábamos acerca del poder de nuestro Señor Jesucristo y de su regreso, no estábamos inventando una historia, sino que con nuestros propios ojos vimos el gran poder de nuestro Señor. 2Pe 1:16 BLS

It's our first Christmas in Mexico!

Back in the States our celebration usually involved church family since we didn't have relatives near so Mexico is no different. We invited a few families to the house.

First, a little background info
When religion is more important than family and forgiveness the consequences are apparent. There are about 10 families that although the gospel has been played over and over like a broken record, active faith and genuine love are weak in their foundation. Part of the families go to a church service on the 24th and don’t miss it for anything in the world. I went to that same church service last year and like most of the many churches here, it was just another program. The other families may realize the need for fellowship but don’t do anything about it.

With issues deeper than just spending time together, I see the need for God to confront each and everyone to forgiveness, love, and to be in one accord. Something happens when we come together in His name. Chains are broken. Hearts are melted. Minds are renewed. This time it was the occasion of Christmas but I hope for many more gatherings.

There were about 20 people plus kids at the house on the 24th. We listened to Christmas music all day. There was prayer and I read the story of Jesus’ birth. We ate dinner together and had a bonfire. We waited until 12 midnight and gave hugs to say “Merry Christmas”.

I pray this celebration showed the families in a tangible way:
We can be together in harmony
We can put aside our misunderstandings, judgments, and past quarrels
We can celebrate Jesus sincerely and openly without religious traditions
We can show our children that being a Christian is real and to apply it in everything we are!

You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14 GNB

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¡Es nuestra primera Navidad en México!

Cuando estábamos en los Estados nuestra celebración era con la familia de la iglesia ya que nosotros no teníamos parientes cerca aquí en México es no diferente. Invitamos unas familias a la casa.

Primero, información de fondo
Cuando la religión es más importante que la familia y el perdón las consecuencias son aparentes. Hay acerca de 10 familias que aunque el evangelio haya sido repetido una y otra vez similar un disco rayado, la fe activa y el verdadero amor son débiles en su fundamento. Una parte de las familias va a un servicio el 24 y no lo pierde por nada en el mundo. Fui a ese mismo servicio el año pasado y como la mayor parte de las muchas iglesias aquí, fue otro programa más. Las otras familias pueden darse cuenta de la necesidad para la confraternidad pero no hacen nada acerca de ello.

Con asuntos más profundos que pasar el tiempo juntos, yo veo la necesidad que Dios confronte a cada uno al perdón, el amor, y el estar en un acuerdo. Algo sucede cuando nosotros nos reunimos en Su nombre. Las cadenas son rotas. Los corazones son derretidos. Las mentes son renovadas. Esta vez fue la ocasión de Navidad pero espero muchas más reuniones.

Había cerca de 20 personas más niños en la casa en el 24. Escuchamos música de Navidad todo el día. Había oración y yo leí la historia del nacimiento de Jesús. Comimos la cena juntos y tuvimos una fogata. Esperamos hasta la medianoche y nos dimos el abrazo para decir "Feliz Navidad". Oró que está celebración mostrara las familias en una manera palpable que:
Podemos estar juntos en armonía
Podemos abandonar nuestros malentendidos, prejuicios, y peleas
Podemos celebrar a Jesús sinceramente y abiertamente sin tradiciones religiosas
Podemos mostrar a nuestros niños que ser un cristiano es algo verdadero y nosotros lo aplicamos en todo lo que somos

Por lo tanto, como escogidos de Dios, santos y amados, revestíos de afecto entrañable y de bondad, humildad, amabilidad y paciencia, de modo que os toleréis unos a otros y os perdonéis si alguno tiene queja contra otro. Así como el Señor os perdonó, perdonad también vosotros. Por encima de todo, vestíos de amor, que es el vínculo perfecto. Colossians 3:12-14 BAD

Day of Thanks at the Jordan

God moved in a mighty way in the Day of Thanks at the Jordan church in Tlaco.

Let the Lord be praised. O give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is unchanging for ever. Psalms 106:1 BBE

Dios se movió en de una manera maravillosa en el Día de Acción de Gracias de la iglesia el Jordán en Tlaco.

¡Aleluya! Dad gracias al SEÑOR, porque es bueno; porque para siempre es su misericordia. Psalms 106:1 LBLA

Tamala, Hidalgo

We left the house around 5am and arrived in Tamala around 1pm. The drive was smooth but the roads are winding. I didn't get nauseated, this time.

There was a youth conference in the afternoon and a worship service in the evening.

People are hungry for a Word that restores and strengths the faith. I had the opportunity to minister to the youth leader and Wilson spent most of the time with the local pastor. It is so palpable how the Lord uses the experiences we’ve had as pastors to now encourage and give wisdom to His servants here.

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1Ti 3:1 KJV

Nueva Brazil, Hidalgo

This time Wilson went with the committee to Nueva Brazil, in the state of Hidalgo. Two other brothers also went with him. I had stay and do the Bible Study in Tlaco.

God is good!

Huacri, Hidalgo

Despite the weather, people still showed for service at Huacri. This is a mountainous region in Hidalgo. It was cold, windy, and rainy and most people walked to church. Men sat on one side of the building and ladies on the other. It was clear there were more men than ladies that night; it also meant the ladies stayed home with the kids.

People’s hospitality here is endless. The few ladies still managed to prepare us something to eat: tortillas, salsa, boiled eggs, coffee and bread. One lady in particular I remember juggling on one hand the tortillas, a toddler on her skirt, and a baby on a kangaroo-type carrier.

Ptlapixca, Hidalgo

What a blessing in Ptlapixca! Don't worry, you don't have to pronounce it, just believe it! :-)

Video



Pictures

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2Co 4:7 ESV

Set Me Free

Chapantongo, Hidalgo
There is small group that meets every 2 weeks in a moderate size bedroom. We promised them we would be back and we did. Our first visit to this 'mission' church was a few months ago.

Since that first visit I remembered a lady I prayed for. After Wilson's teaching he started praying for people. I immediately felt the need to pray for her. She almost refused but the Holy Spirit's kindness pushed her. After a few moments into prayer she fell to the ground, still conscious, but struggling. Holy Spirit was giving me revelation of her needs and the power to call out specific spirits that were taunting her. I know and believe the Lord did a work that day. No doubt!

This second time we visited I noticed she was still not free.

~Teaching on How the Word Changes our Life~

Prison Ministry
Wilson visited a local prison this past weekend for the first time. A local minister has been doing this work for some years. He has been in ministry for 20+ years and so available to the Lord that he wanted for Wilson to go and preach but also observe his system of ministry and possibly provide suggestions or ideas for change. That amazes me.

In their current program they visit once a month and by way of rotation, churches bring food for the prison mates, after the Word they fellowship. Wilson said the majority of the prisoners are very young men who are hungry for some thing real.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me....to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isa 61:1 ESV

We see much need of spiritual deliverance. Like the lady in Chapantongo and even from my own experience, prayer is just the beginning. With freedom and healing comes learning a new way of life and unlearning the lies of the enemy.

I would like to buy a copy of this book: The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson as a teaching guide for everyone we meet who needs spiritual deliverance. This book, I can say, has made a huge difference in my life and I believe that it can do the same for others. Thankfully it's available in Spanish here and I can order it through a Christian bookstore (about $10 dollars per copy).

I trust Holy Spirit speaks to each of us and pray he will continue to lead us in every word or deed we say or do in His kingdom. Amen. May God bless you friends.
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Chapantongo, Hidalgo
Hay un pequeño grupo que se reúne cada 2 semanas en una recámara moderada de tamaño. Nosotros les prometimos que regresaríamos e hicimos. Nuestra primera visita a esta iglesia de "misión" fue un hace pocos meses.

Desde que visitamos la primera vez recordé a una señora que oré por ella. Después de que la enseñanza de Wilson él empezó a orar. Sentí inmediatamente la necesidad de orar por ella. Ella casi se negó pero el Espíritu Santo la empujó. Después de unos pocos momentos en oración ella se cayo al suelo, todavía consciente, pero luchando. El Espíritu Santo me daba revelación de sus necesidades y el poder de llamar los espíritus específicos que la provocaban. Sé y creo que el Señor hizo un trabajo ese día. ¡Sin duda!

En esta segunda visita note que ella todavía no fue libre.

El Ministerio de la Prisión
Wilson visitó una prisión local este fin de semana pasado por primera vez. Un ministro local ha estado haciendo este trabajo durante algún años. El ha estado en el ministerio por más de 20 años y esta tan disponible al Señor que él deseó que Wilson fuera y predicara pero también observar su sistema de ministerio y aportar posiblemente sugerencias o ideas para un cambio. Eso me asombra.

En su programa actual ellos visitan una vez al mes y por manera de rotación, las iglesias traen alimento para los compañeros de la prisión, después de la Palabra hay confraternidad. Wilson dijo que la mayoría de los presos son muy jóvenes que tienen hambre para alguna cosa verdadera.

Vemos mucha necesidad de liberación espiritual. Como la señora en Chapantongo e incluso con mi propia experiencia, la oración puede ser solo el principio. Con libertad y sanidad viene también el aprender un nuevo estilo de vida y desatender las mentiras del enemigo.

Quisiera comprar una copia de este libro: Rompiendo las cadenas/ The Bondage Breaker (Spanish Edition)por Neil T. Anderson como una guía de estudios para todos los que encontramos quién necesita la liberación espiritual. Este libro, puedo decir, ha hecho una diferencia inmensa en mi vida y yo creo que puedo hacer el mismo para otros. Gracias a Dios está disponible en español aquí y yo lo puedo ordenar por una librería cristiana (aproximadamente $10 dólares por copia).

Yo me confío que el Espíritu Santo habla con cada uno de nosotros y oró que él continué dirigiéndonos en cada palabra u obra que decimos o hacemos para Su reino. Amén. Dios los bendiga amigos.

The Jordan - local church in Tlaco

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

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

Domini, Hidalgo

Teaching at a Pastor's conference followed by a general service.