Greetings dear friends in Christ!
We
are amazed that two more months have flown by.
We pray this note finds you well and flourishing in your faith. We have again traveled to Nayarit, this time
with dear friends Felix and Yolanda Cedillo who provided space for our trailer
to park, and whom we consider our “Progresso angels.” We visited our Alternative Missions friends
in Cofradia and were graced again by their hospitality and by the work God is
accomplishing with three church plants, bible studies, youth work, music,
outreach to surrounding communities, and now a new worship / education complex
of great practical glory to God. “For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self discipline.” Words intended to
propel us from wherever we may be to confident action in Christian service. What encouragement from Paul writing from
prison to Timothy (and all of us!). II
Timothy is power packed with advice as we serve, Paul continues in 1:8 “…But
join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us
and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because
of his own purpose and grace.” We thank you as brothers and sisters in the
family in Christ for your presence in ministry with Jesus!
Another
incredible experience was the opportunity to work with the San Antonio PET group,
who actively support the El Buen Pastor PET project, in distributing two PET
tricycles (complete with Bibles!). Talk about an affirming message of grace –
transformation now and forever!
(pictures are attached) If you
know of others in need of a PET, we would love to connect you with PET or
assist in any way possible.
Padre Pascual
continues to serve Cora youth and their nation.
In forty years he has helped over 6,000 students attend the Mission
school and more than 400 have completed university study in a nation where 8th
grade education is a high mark. Most
importantly all the students have heard the Good News and have the opportunity
to live with Christ on their respective life journeys. Padre Pascual is a powerful testimony to the
fruitful life of one humbly serving to the glory of God.
Thanks be to God
work on the school at Buen Pastor continues with many groups willing to
continue the project. The carpentry shop
is also up and running thanks to the work of many, particularly the equipment
and teaching of Tom Sayre. Our hope is
that Ramon (photo attached) will be the first of many to skillfully produce
beautiful pens and other products from the shop as a sustainable economic
project.
“Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I
have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted
to him for that day.” As we depart Progresso,
our prayer for the future is again written by Paul to Timothy. He encouraged
Timothy to stay the course and assured him that struggle was part of the journey
God lays before us, that He will be faithful to see us through. We share with you the same hope that we not
be ashamed when things appear unjust, upside down, or unfinished. We have come to the understanding that
adversity is part of any fruitful journey with Jesus. Certainly our work with Buen Pastor has
confirmed the spiritual battle that often manifests as conflict in the flesh,
yet we take heart knowing that our loving God is in complete control.
Please join our
prayer as in Philippians 1:6 “…that He who has begun a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We are confident that God will provide the
grace and clear the way for Pastor Rueben and the church to complete the wonderful
works God has set before them. We are thankful for the opportunity to have
shared in the achievements the Lord has wrought during this part of their
journey. We truly marvel at God’s hand
as He works in each of our lives to accomplish His purpose and plan.
During our final
weeks here in Mexico
we were connected by the Lord with another unique and wonderful Christian work
( there are so many - praise Him!). The
International Christian
Centers for the Deaf developed a
school near Rio Bravo Mexico
that is currently serving about 30 students – www.ICCD.net
for more information. We were asked if
we could help them with a water purification system for the salty water
produced from their well (a common problem in this area). So we prayed and began to seek assistance,
and as usual found the Lord working far ahead of us! Thanks to the immediate response from several
strong Iowa
churches funding is on the way to build the water filter system. Of course there is more - a local Christian
operated company will donate materials and complete the project at their cost. We are excited to support this work in the
years to come.
We ask for your
prayers for us as we return to Des
Moines to family and friends for a season of
renewal! Collette and I are planning to
rejoin the work force for a while, and prepare for a return to Mexico
after the Christmas. We are praying for the opportunity to purchase a larger
travel trailer that we may use to continue mobility in the work God places
before us ( the 1978 Nomad we lived in is being used by Pastor Elias and his
wife for their work in Nuevo Progresso).
Our hope during these next months and years is also to set down roots
with a home to minister from and to gather family and friends. Maybe even plant a garden! We continue to explore papercrete, domes, and
other forms of earth friendly, inexpensive housing as ministry. Community participation while building
housing creates exciting possibilities to share the Good News and encourage
Kingdom living now!
We are
eternally thankful for your love, prayers, and support in so many ways, we love
serving Jesus with you. Please stay in
touch and let us know how God is working in your lives, we will do the
same! May you be blessed in the fullness
of His love and grace.
In Jesus name,
Tom and Collette
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