Missionary Gospel Fellowship

Transcription

Missionary Gospel Fellowship
nO
L M
INIS T R Y IN
A
IC
MGF Welcomes New Missionaries
In This Issue:
Jose & Arcelia
Moreno
2
Don & Joyce
Townsend
3
Elizabeth Peinado
3
Shawn & Karen
Coleman
4
In Memory of
Karen Pietsch
4
Daniel & Christy
Hilson
5
Yunas Masih
Jerry & Barbara
Johnson
Rose Waltner
Juanito & Minda
Tay
Carolynn Shearn
Heather Rix
BULLETIN
6
6
7
7
What a joy it is to welcome three missionary families to MGF. It is exciting to
be a part of what God is doing! As He directs and leads, will you partner with these
missionaries through prayer, giving or serving?
Sal & Joyce Sarkis
It is our pleasure and honor to be part
of the MGF family. Since it is our first time,
allow us to introduce ourselves to you.
We came to know Christ as our Savior in
the 70’s as young teenagers, and have
since been members of a Baptist Church.
Through the years, our calling
became clearer as the Lord put a vision
before us to reach out to the needy with
love and then lead them to Christ’s love
and salvation.
In 2007 we were asked to come serve
the Lord by reaching the Arabic-speaking
communities in the States, in San Diego,
CA. specifically. We did so after much
prayer and fasting. God’s love reached
over 500 families during this period as we
launched our ministry into three different
phases: 1) Starting a relationship by
providing social and material needs, 2)
Building trust with those families through
social visits and fellowships, 3) Reaching
them with the Gospel, leading them to
take a positive step toward a personal
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8
Sal & Joyce Sarkis
Missionary Gospel Fellowship
PO Box 1535,
relationship with Christ, trying to build
a bridge between each person and the
Lord, and building it through Christ’s
love. That is why our ministry is called
“Bridging with Love.”
~Sal Sarkis
Sudha & Monica Peethala
We are delighted to be a part of this
God-ordained partnership with MGF. We
are very excited and are looking forward
to the journey God has paved for us.
God has blessed my wife Monica and me
photo courtesy of S. Peethala
RA
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RT
Vol. 65 No. 1
Missionary Gospel Fellowship
photo courtesy of S. Sarkis
I- C
TU
F
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Est. 1939
M
MU
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Mission
M
G
Winter 2011
h
ows ip
ll
a
G o sp el F
e
ry
Sudha & Monica Peethala, with their
daughter Alena
with a beautiful daughter, Alena, who is
three years old.
My spiritual gifts are teaching,
leadership and serving. I desire to use all
these gifts to the fullest to radiate the light
of Christ into the life of others who have
not experienced Him. We will be working
among the East Indian community with
a focus on teenagers and young adults.
continued on page 2
Turlock CA 95381 (209) 634-8575 www.mg-
The Fellowship Bulletin is a quarterly publication of Missionary Gospel Fellowship.
photo MGF files
I’ve recently been reading China Hans, Hans
Wilhelm’s memoir of mission life. He recounts
how he chafed
under menial work
assignments until
he recalled the
admonition from
Ephesians 6:7 “...
doing service, as
to the Lord, and
not to men.” This
really touched my
heart
because
I often feel my
duty turning to
drudgery. I really
Jay Hyatt,
want to serve “as
General Director, MGF
to the Lord,” but
I find myself caught up in how people receive
my service, or how inconvenient the timing of
various demands are, or the stress of different
people wanting me to do different things.
When I looked back at what Paul was writing
to the Ephesians, I noticed something that was
helpful to me in keeping my focus on Jesus.
Ephesians 6:6 (NKJV) “...not with eye-service,
as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart.” When I get
focused on myself, it doesn’t take long before
I’m evaluating my performance by how other
people react to me. That is an impossible game
to win. Someone will always be unhappy. Jesus
loved people, but He didn’t worry about what
they thought of Him. His primary motivation was
to do the will of the Father.
If I am committed to doing the will of God, I will
spend time with Him to understand what His will
is. This can still be scary because sometimes He
may want me to do things that are beyond me. If
He does, it means that He has already planned
how He’s going to help me do it. I just have to
be willing to obey. Suddenly, Jesus’ instruction
to take His yoke upon me becomes a relief
and refreshment. His yoke is easy because it
fits me just right, and His burden on me is light,
because He’s doing the heavy lifting.
Is there something—maybe many things—
pressing upon you right now? I hope you’ll join
me at Jesus’ feet, and that whatever burdens you
bear will be left at the foot of the Cross today.
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~Jay Hyatt, General Director, MGF
We envision young people living lives that transform others toward
a love relationship with Christ. Our prayer and dream is to radiate the
light of Christ to the people in and around us in the Portland area and
everywhere we go.
~Sudha Peethala
Terry & Caroline Harbaugh
We have a heart for international students attending the University of
Missouri and other colleges in the Kansas
City metro area. Caroline knows how
overwhelming it can be for new students
arriving in the US; she was one of those
students herself many years ago. We
provide the new international students with
information on where to find groceries, the
post office and other important needs. We
invite students to our home so they can
learn about our culture. We believe that
by building friendships with international Terry & Caroline Harbaugh
students we can show Christ’s love through
our actions, words and lifestyle.
photo courtesy of T. Harbaugh
As To The Lord
Continued from page 1
We also have a heart for young children in orphanages and students
in Central India. We have supported several students attending school
for the past seven years, and are currently expanding our work to include
working with young children at an orphanage, starting new ladies’ Bible
study groups and working with young adults. Our mission is to bring the
good news of Jesus Christ to Indians.
~Terry Harbaugh
Our Romance
Jose: I would like to share the story of my relationship with Arcelia
Galanza. Arcelia and I had known each other for a long time, but I did not
have her address. She had called me several months before and I called
her just to greet her. I invited her to visit me because I didn’t want to go to
the cold in Plainfield, IL. She accepted, so I saw that the Lord was bringing
her into my life. I fell in love with her and she with me. In a special way, the
will of God was marvelously manifested to unite us in the Lord.
Arcelia: I met Jose in 1972 when he was laboring in the Lord’s work,
and we attended the same church. We all participated in different capacities
in the service of the Lord. I was a Sunday School teacher, a member of
the Women’s Society Committee and serving in other ways. Jose was in
the leadership of the church, and his wife Gladys was the treasurer. Our
families were great friends.
I became a widow many years ago when my husband, Nestor Camacho,
and the father of my seven children,
died. God’s will sent Jose and me
in different directions, and for many
years I knew nothing about Jose. That
was until, through common friends,
we began to communicate. Then the
flame of love sprang forth between us
resulting in the union of our lives. ~Jose & Arcelia Moreno
photo courtesy of Joyce Townsend
General Director’s Column
MGF Welcomes New Missionaries
Jose & Arcelia with Don & Joyce
MGF Missionaries’ Legacy
photo courtesy of J. Townsend
As Missionary Care Directors for MGF,
we have the privilege of seeing God
working in and through the lives of the
missionaries. Recently we visited MGF
missionaries in Idaho and Montana. One
of the blessings on this trip was visiting
churches where MGF missionaries have
served for many years. For example,
Jack and Dollie Harvey pastored the
Jack & Dollie Harvey with Don & Joyce
Teton Valley Community Bible Church
located in Driggs, ID, from 1977 to 1985.
At their first service there were only a few worshippers, but later 70 were baptized. While the
Harveys were on deputation, John and Pat Milloway filled in for them and invited Joe and
Alice Bair to lead worship through music. In 1981, Bill Farley was ordained at the church.
Today, the church continues to grow and also includes a Christian Academy.
photo courtesy of J. Townsend
Bill and Virginia Farley previously served at
the Ririe Chapel in Ririe, ID, a small community
of predominately Mormons. However, for the
past several years, the church has reached
out to the community under the dedicated
leadership of John and Pat Milloway. In
Montana, Paul and Cyndi Peck have seen their
congregation grow and were given a furnished
church building when a group disbanded. They
have found favor among the leadership in
John Milloway teaching at Ririe Chapel
Dillon as a church that cares and loves people.
In each of these churches, there is such a warm fellowship. Praise God for their faithfulness
as they serve the Lord in challenging environments.
~Don & Joyce Townsend
An Anchor for the Soul
photo courtesy of J. Townsend
I started going back to the labor camp
over a month ago. Another woman and
I go around the camp reminding children
of Sunday School. I am now 88-years old
and don’t know when I’ll no longer be able
to teach. With the McIntosh family’s Child
Evangelism Fellowship connection, I know
that somebody will carry on in the labor
camp. Unfortunately, the work in some labor
camps had ended when the missionaries are
no longer there. Pray that more children will
come and for their salvation.
Elizabeth Peinado
It was good
to be able to
visit at the jail
again.
My
pastor’s
wife
and I hadn’t
been able to go
for almost five
months after I
broke my hip.
The
women
who were there
when we went before had gone to prison or
home. Unfortunately, some former inmates
were back. One woman asked me if I'd
had a Bible club in a church in Woodville 30
years ago. She went there when she was
eight years old. She said that she pretty
much raised herself, so I don’t know what
her home life was like. She said that I had
taught her John 3:16 and she was able to
quote it. I don’t know why she was in prison
again, as we don’t ask.
One Bible correspondence student wrote:
My life as a heroin addict was going very
bad. When I came to jail for the sixth time in
three years, I wanted to die. I had given up.
Jesus knew this. I prayed to God to end my
sufferings. I read a prayer from the book “An
Anchor for the Soul.” I’m pretty sure that prayer
with meaning brought Jesus into my heart. I
was saved in November of 2008. I know that
God loves me and always has. I was blind
exactly like the hymn, “Amazing Grace.”
~Elizabeth Peinado
MGF Changes
Accrediting
Membership
MGF has just been
accepted for membership
in the Evangelical Council
for Financial Accountability
(ECFA). Formerly a member
of ANAM, the Association of
North American Missions, the
MGF membership voted this
past year to seek membership
in ECFA, as it is much more
widely known. We hope that
this affiliation will give you
and the rest of our supporting
family growing confidence
that we are fully committed to
transparency and integrity in
all of our financial operations.
The requirements for
membership in ANAM and
ECFA are quite similar, so
MGF has not had to make any
changes in our operations.
Still, the ECFA staff has been
very helpful in assisting us to
make sure that we are not only
doing things right, but also
demonstrating that integrity
through documentation and
communication.
I personally have enjoyed
the camaraderie we shared
with the other members
and leadership of ANAM
and wish them all great
satisfaction in serving God
in their respective areas.
Now, MGF looks forward to
our cooperative relationship
with the leadership of ECFA
in assuring the highest
standards of accountability
for MGF’s financial practices
and communications.
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Missionary Gospel Fellowship PO Box 1535, Turlock CA 95381 (209) 634-8575 www.mgfhq.org
Just In Time
photo courtesy of S. Coleman
Shawn & Karen with the city of
Ensenada in the background
phase of building the second
women’s dorm to house up to
12 more women. Our current
women’s dorm is over-subscribed
for the Spring Semester 2011.
All construction is done on a
cash basis. We do not take out
loans or borrow to build, so the
construction time line is defined
by the Lord. God continues to
prove His faithfulness, and we
have learned He is a “just in time”
God. He provides what we need
when we need it.
CCBC Mexico is truly a team
effort. We work with an amazing
staff of six other missionaries. Our
purpose and the purpose of the school
is to be a place for believers to be rooted
in God’s Word and raised up by Him to
reach the world for Christ. We both feel
privileged to see God working in the lives
of everyone here (including us)! The
vision for the school is to build a campus
to house 800 students and to have at
least one affiliate campus in every state
photo courtesy of S. Coleman
This year we have truly been blessed.
We saw the first seven graduates of
CCBC Mexico graduate in May, and now
two more in December. December will
also mark the end of our fifth semester.
The students have spent four semesters
-- over a two-year span of their lives -working and studying God’s word. All
along they put into practice what they
have learned on mission trips to Tijuana,
San Vicente, San Quintin, Hermosillo,
Bahia Kino, Rosarito and Mexicali. The
school is growing and is in the beginning
Leadership and graduates
in Mexico; all 31 states of Mexico. This
past September, an affiliate opened in
Mexico City, and next February, a second
one will start in Rosarito, Baja California.
As the students graduate, some will
become pastors and some missionaries;
others will return to their hometown and
work in other occupations. Our prayer is
for all of them to have a firm foundation
on which to build their future.
Our dear Mother, Karen Helene
Pedersen Pietsch, passed away
September 18, 2010. She had
Alzheimers/dementia for over a year,
and she was having more and more
signs of frailty, weakness, apraxia, all
the signs of worsening dementia, and
general decline, including falls.
I went up to see Mom on Sept. 5th
and, on the 8th, I took her to her doctor.
I told Mom that morning I was going to
take her to the doctor. She said to me, “I
think I will do what you decide.” (It was
so clear and so unusual considering
she could rarely form a complete
sentence or thought!) It was so helpful
that Mom and Dad had been very clear
about their wishes for the end. Within
about two to three days of my visit to
the doctor, Mom started refusing all
her medicines. Within about 10 days
of the doctor visit, she took her last
breath and entered Heaven.
4
We are so glad that we were able to
keep Mom in her home and in her own
comfortable bed until after she passed
away. All three of her children were with
her the last day. She went from us in a
quiet and peaceful way in our care and
just the way we wanted for her.
I have to tell you a funny story that I
have shared with others. On Sept. 7th,
I was lying on the bed beside my Mom.
She couldn’t quite see me, but she put
her hand over near me and asked, “Have
I met you yet?” I responded, “Yes, I am
your daughter. You are my mother.” She
said, “That’s amazing!” A moment later,
I could tell she didn’t understand, so I
added, “Yes Mom, you gave birth to me
53 years ago in Northern Pakistan.” [I
thought it might be too much to remind
her that she gave birth to me on a
dining room table in Northern Pakistan,
so I left that out!] She said, “That’s
amazing!” A little bit later, I took her into
the dining room. She sat on her chair at
the table and I went to the kitchen sink.
She had her
back to me.
She said,
out of the
blue,“Did
you
meet
that
lady
who
was
born
-m a n y ,
many years
ago?!”
I
said, “Yes,
Bill & Karen Pietsch
Mom, that
was me, and one “MANY” would have
been enough, but “MANY, MANY” was
too many!” It was so amazing and
special to have that as one of my last
conversations with her.
photo from MGF files
The Fellowship Bulletin is a quarterly publication of Missionary Gospel Fellowship.
In Memory of Karen Pietsch
There is much more that could be
said. We were blessed with a very
precious Mother and have many
memories and her love to sustain us.
~ Susie Pietsch Escueta
Missionary Gospel Fellowship PO Box 1535, Turlock CA 95381 (209) 634-8575 www.mgfhq.org
The Transformation
That’s what’s been happening in the last few decades. Millions
of people all around the world who practice other religions have
been coming into North America, into our neighborhoods. Not only
are they coming but also bringing with them idols of their gurus,
gods and goddesses. They are building their temples, Gurdwaras
and Mosques next to our churches in our communities. Often we
don’t know how to respond.
Recently a new church was started among former Hindus and
Sikhs in Sunnyvale, CA. The day we started the Punjabi/Hindi
Community
Church
at
Geeta
and
Herjinder ’s
house,
the
house had an
idol altar to
Hindus gods,
and pictures
of the Hindu
gods
and
Sikh
gurus
Yunas & Daniel serving in the new church
were hanging
in the living room. For many weeks we met at their home, prayed
and preached about only worshiping the true living God, Jesus
Christ! We began to see the transformation in their lives. Herjinder
and Geeta got married. As the Lord, the Holy Spirit, began to work
in their lives, they came under the conviction of having idols and
pictures of gurus. Today, by the grace of God, the altar is gone
and there are no more pictures of gods and gurus. Instead there
are Bible verses hanging in the living room. Herjinder & Geeta are
expecting their first child! Please pray for them!
photo courtesy of D. Hilson
Often we are good at sending missionaries to a mission field
far away, but how do we cope with a mission field when it comes
to us? The face of North America has changed and is changing
every day, every month, and every year. Have you noticed that
the names of people around you are changing? While there are
still some Smiths, Taylors, and Joneses, these common English
names are no longer the norm. Every year, there are about
200,000 people from virtually every nation, culture, and ethnic
group of the world coming to our shores. Our communities are
becoming more of a “tossed salad” rather than a “melting pot.”
The North American population has become a multi-cultural
mosaic. In fact, the US and Canada are the most culturally
diverse nations on the earth.
Our vision is to evangelize Sikhs and Hindus in Northern CA,
and from that harvest, plant indigenous bilingual Punjabi/Hindi
speaking churches. We plan to develop prayer groups and cell
groups and bring them together to become self-supporting, selfgoverning, self-proclaiming and sending Punjabi/ Hindi churches.
photo courtesy of D. Hilson
~ Daniel & Christy Hilson,
and Yunas Masih
photo courtesy of Daniel Hilson
Yunas Masih & Christy Hilson with church members
Yunas is ministering to Hindu and Sikh communities
throughout the Central Valley of California. Yunas uses his
music and singing ministry as an inroad to open doors to
share the love of God.
nd
Yu
nas Masih
Christy & Daniel Hilson
Congratulations to Daniel
& Christy on the birth of
their grandson. Xavi was
born on December 5, 2010
to their son, Ben and his
wife Nicole.
photo courtesy of B. Hilson
Together Yunas and the Hilsons
are working in planting the Punjabi/
Hindi Community Church.
o Courtesy of M
P h ot
ark
Fr
ie
After serving for 17 years in Canada, planting a church
among the Sikhs/Hindus and raising up
leaders there, Daniel and Christy Hilson
are now called to reach Punjabi/
Hindi-speaking Sikhs and Hindus in
Northern CA.
Xavi Hilson
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But God...
Since then, GOD has started to open up some
doors for us. GOD has given us an opportunity here
in Mariposa to help many come to know Him as their
Lord and Savior. We are working daily with the lost men
and women that are still in their addiction of drugs and
alcohol. Even though it seems that we are not having any
impact, we look back and can see that GOD has been
there each and every step of the way. Please pray that
GOD will continue to open doors to the teens, as well as
the adults, lost in their addiction.
~Jerry & Barbara Johnson
photo courtesy of Rose Waltner
I have had many trials in my life since I have become
a Christian. From the time GOD called us to missions,
we have been bombarded with trials. It seems that for
every step forward we take, the world tries to knock us
back two steps. For a long time we could not see any
growth. We were trying to stay afloat. Doors were closed,
and it did not seem they are going to open. It was barely
noticeable, but we were losing that fire for doing GOD’s
work. Then these verses came to me, and I realized that
it is not about how fast things happen or where I want
to work. It is about what GOD wants us to do. My whole
attitude of working with the addicted changed.
My dad, Ed,
mom,
Flossie,
and I are currently
ministering
by
way of a sing
along, devotional,
and prayer in
three
different
nursing
home
and
assisted
Rose with her parents, Ed & Flossie
living
facilities.
Because of the
folks’ advanced years (Dad is 89 and Mom 86), we have had
to curtail our ministry to three facilities and to every other
week. One week we go to a facility on Tuesday and another
facility on Saturday. The next week we go to a facility on
Thursday. I am also an on-call chaplain and secretary of the
Pastoral Care Ministries, which entails going to the hospital
three mornings a week—Monday, Wednesday and Friday—to
handle secretarial work. On Friday, my on-call day, I also visit
patients. There is a very active Catholic ministry in the hospital
and I have many
opportunities
to interact with
the clerks and
Eucharistic
ministers. I am the
secretary and a
nursery worker at
our independent
Baptist church.
Rose visiting friends
photo courtesy of Rose Waltner
“My brethren, count it all joy when
ye fall into various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith
produces patience.” James 1:2-3
Visitation
photo courtesy of Jerry Johnson
Living in a senior mobile home community, I visit within
the community helping some out with various things such
as providing transportation for shopping. My mom and I
have a greeting card ministry. We recycle greeting cards.
Mom crochets around the front and I do the insides on my
computer. We anticipate the coming of our Lord for us in the
air very soon. Our prayer request is, as God brings us to your
mind, for God’s enabling to continue to be used as a team in
the ministries He has given us here in Las Cruces, NM.
~Rose Waltner
Jerry & Barbara Johnson with sons
Tim & Joshua
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Missionary Gospel Fellowship PO Box 1535, Turlock CA 95381 (209) 634-8575 www.mgfhq.org
From the Front Desk
Partners In Prayer
Minda, Johnelle & JT
In June 1996, my husband and I moved to Oregon. As an
answer to my prayers, I was invited to PIP; a fellowship and
gathering ministering to Filipino women, their families and other
cultures.
I continued attending PIP gatherings faithfully, which later
became my strong support group and lifeline. In November
1998, I was privileged to serve on the Leaders Council for PIP
(PIP-LC). During this time, my husband was not consistently
walking with the Lord. This situation put a very difficult strain on
our marriage, but I kept my walk with the Lord, my fellowship
and ministry association with PIP.
PIP-LC supported me with their prayers and words of
encouragement. I took a temporary leave of absence from
being a member of the PIP-LC, until my situation was under
the control of the Holy Spirit. The Lord healed us and restored
our relationship with Him, with one another, and our families. I
have been back as an active member of PIP-LC since 2002.
My husband also has been actively involved with PIP and our
congregation, and is a strong spiritual leader in our home. I
praise and thank YHVH [Yahweh] for the PIP Leaders Council,
especially my friends and partners Juanito and Minda Tay for
standing with me in prayer. It was also through PIP’s answered
prayers that He blessed us with two beautiful daughters, Abigail
and Tiffany (Johnelle Tay became their big sister).
photo courtesy of M. Tay
I believe that the Lord used PIP’s intercessory prayers,
ministry, partnership, friendship, and encouragement to help me
walk strongly with Him and be able to live victoriously. Through
PIP ministry I have
tasted and am still
experiencing
His
way, His truth, and
His life becoming
alive like never
before. I give all
the glory, honor,
and
thanks
to
our
Sovereign
God for Partners
In Prayer (PIP)
ministry. Blessings
& Shalom!
Jonathan & Emma Perry with
daughters Abigail & Tiffany
~Juanito & Minda Tay
photo courtesy of C. Shearn
Here is a brief testimony from
Emma Perry, one of our PIP
Leaders Council members:
photo courtesy of Mark Friend
We are excited - the Lord
continues to enlarge our territories.
Our strength is in the power of the
Living Word for “He who began a
good work in (us) will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ
Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Carolynn Shearn with her grandchildren
This year has slipped by so quickly it takes my breath
away. It has been a full and exciting year here at MGF.
Nine people have been accepted to missionary status
and four more applications are pending. It is amazing
to see how God works in wondrous ways in the lives of
the missionaries and their ministries.
Our Annual Conference, in August, was a true
highlight; it was well attended and enjoyed by everyone.
It is very fulfilling to be a part of the conference plans
and preparation; and ultimately enjoy the fellowship of
the missionaries when they arrive. I thank God that
I can be a part of MGF; to experience the growth of
MGF and to see the Gospel of Christ being shared with
people who need the Savior.
The picture above is of me with my six grandchildren;
ages 6-20. They and their parents are my personal
mission field, and all are dearly loved. I pray daily
for their salvation, God’s guidance and protection in
their lives. I have been blessed with a supportive and
loving family.
Many thanks to all of you who support the MGF
missionaries, and for your faithful prayers for those of
us working here at Headquarters.
~ Carolynn Shearn
While it is the goal of MGF to respect your giving preference, all
contributions are received with the understanding that Missionary
Gospel Fellowship has complete discretion and control over the use
of all donated funds.
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PAID
NON-PROFIT ORG.
PERMIT #732
TURLOCK, CA
95381
M
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Missionary Gospel Fellowship
PO Box 1535
Turlock, CA 95381-1535
Return Service Requested
“He’s Got This!”
To be honest, in daily life here in San
Carlos, I often forget the violent realities
of the drug trade which make people
wary of coming to Mexico. In November,
our team of MGF missionaries in Sonora
hosted a courageous group from Canada
who prayed, chose to trust God, and
came to the border town of Nogales
for a week-long work project, despite a
multitude of warnings along the way. The
team slogan “He’s Got This” became so
real to all of us in many areas, including
an amazing peace – not only a peace of
mind, knowing God is in control, but an
actual peace in the city. Pastor Jesus
noted that they (Mexico) report 4-6 deaths
in the city each day, but during our time
there we only heard of two all week! We
had so much prayer coverage, evil didn’t
have a chance!
Our work team was extremely busy,
but no one missed a chance to connect
with the Mexican people. What a joy to
see Mexican and Canadian believers
working side by side! As I spent most of
my days in the kitchen, my highlight was
the community outreach day we planned
with a kids club, hotdogs for everyone,
food hampers for moms, and then out to
the street for penny carnival-type games
with prizes galore. Time with the kids was
a blast, but chatting with a mom of nine
reminded me how God’s love, through
this little church with a heart for kids, is
so important in this community.
Why did a group of 17 Canadians
travel to a Mexican-border town known
for drug related violence? The same
reason I’m here. Maybe the same reason
you live, work, and minister where you
do – because God wanted them there.
HE’S GOT THIS! That was on the team
t-shirts and in their hearts. It doesn’t just
reflect this one courageous STM trip, it’s
an everyday, everywhere assurance as
we seek to do God’s will.
~Heather Rix
photo courtesy of Heather Rix
While relationships and daily
ministry with the church here in San
Carlos is truly a blessing, I’d like to
share with you something from my
recent experience hosting a Short
Term Missions (STM) team:
Heather with kids from the community
Missionary Gospel Fellowship PO Box 1535, Turlock CA 95381 (209) 634-8575 www.mgfhq.org