CML August 2-8

Members of this team were from various parts of Texas and one from Atlanta. The team was led by Mike McAdams, director of Center for Missional Leadership.

(photos set 1)

On Monday the group traveled to the village of Titaltetic and built and painted 22 benches for the local church. This is the same church that was built by last weeks team. On Tuesday the group visited the orphanage Casa Hogar Alegre in Tuxtla which approximately 120 children call home. The group toured the facility and played sports with the kids. Lunch was in Chiapa de Corzo followed by the canyon boat ride down the Sumidero River.

(photos set 2)

On Wednesday and Thursday, the group traveled to the village of Tzajalehen and helped the local congregation pour cement for the floor of their new church. This was a continuation of the work to help Pastor Maria and the outreach she and her husband had begun a couple of years earlier. All the cement was mixed on the ground and hauled in buckets to the concrete finishers. On Friday the group visited San Cristobal for shopping and lunch.

(photos set 3)

Each evening the group would gather for a time of singing, devotion and testimonies. Everyone had a wonderful time. On Saturday the group had lunch at Las Jardines de San Cristobal with an afternoon flight returning to the US.

Construction/Medical Team July 25-31

This group consisted of First Baptist Church of Denison, TX, Georgetown Baptist Church of Pottsboro, TX, Dr. Jim Nichols and his family from Lafayette, LA and 2 father daughter teams - Lana and her father Doyle Bowers of North Houston and Krysten and her father, Pastor Joel Faulk of Lake Charles, LA. This was a large team totaling 33 Americans in all. The week was filled with multiple work options with the main emphasis being on medical, construction and Vacation Bible School (VBS).

(photos set 1)

The group attended Sunday morning services in Chenalho. Pastor Alejandro asked Joel to preach the morning message. His daughter Krysten interpreted from English to Spanish. Then the message was translated into the Tzotzil dialect by Pastor Alex. It was a great message all 3 times. After the Sunday morning service, the team enjoyed the Sunday buffet luncheon at the restaurant Las Jardines de San Cristobal. The afternoon continued with shopping at the open air markets. Krysten had the honor of preaching for the Wednesday night service. Since she preached in Spanish, there only had to be one interpretation into the dialect spoken in Chenalho.

Medical - Dr. Nichols led this portion of the team each day which provided dental and medical care to the villages of Tzajalehen, Majumpepentic, Cruzton, Chicmitantic. Dr. Joe Barns and Dr. Carlos worked along side our local physician, Dr. Lulu, in treating several hundred patients that week. Several nurses, a couple of physical therapist, a dental assistant and 2 EMT’s were also part of this week’s team.

(set 2)
Construction - First Baptist Church of Denison provided the funds to build a church in the village of Titaltetic. This is a fairly large building due to the fact that the congregation is running about 350 members. The first 2 days of construction were needed to weld the roof and secure the metal roofing. Also, the building was completely painted interior and exterior. Later in the week, the team helped the local men of the village to pour the cement slab for their new church.

(set 3)

VBS - While back in Chenalho, another portion of the group remained to help assist Olga and the other leaders of children’s ministries with VBS. Bible classes, crafts, refreshments and recreation were all a part of each mornings activities. Some of the crafts brought in by the American team consisted of materials to decorate a frame for each child’s personal photograph. Also, the children colored rainbows on a T-shirt with the saying “Dios siempre cumple Sus promesas” (God always keeps His promises). At the end of the week, the children celebrated with hot dogs and pinatas full of candy. Many thanks to Sonja and Wilma who have worked all year long in putting together ideas and materials for VBS.

(set 4)

The week concluded with a joint celebration of all team members and the congregation of Titaltetic in dedication of their new building. Pastor Mark Mitchell addressed those present with words of appreciation for all the hard work and concluded with a prayer of dedication. Following the service the group distributed gifts of new Tzotzil Bibles and blankets to 50 households.

Special appreciation to Mickey and Al Brown for all their work in putting together such a great team!

Youth Conference 2009

This year’s conference was held July 17,18 and 19 in Tuxtla and one day in San Fernando. Our guest speaker for the conference was Beau Thomas accompanied by his wife, Jessica and their 3 children. The schedule consisted of 2 morning sessions on Saturday and Sunday and 3 night services. Also attending from the US was Krysten Faulk. She and Pastor Carlos‘ wife, Barbara, did all the interpreting from English to Spanish for the conference. Krysten also ministered in Spanish to the youth each morning during one of the sessions.

(photos set 1)

Services were filled with worship and praise, youthful excitement, preaching of the Word of God and great alter services. God met the needs of many of our young people. Much emphasis was placed on integrity, purity and responsibility.

Groups from various churches in the area were in attendance as well as 26 Tzotziles from Chenalho. Everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the services.

(photos set 2)

On the days that followed, the Thomas Family was able to visit with dear friends in Chenalho before returning to the US.

Great job Beau, Barbara and Krysten!

Abundant Life Rayne, LA June 22-27

This team of 8 was led by Pastor Melvin Finley. Three generations of Finley family members were present on this trip. Also, joining them were Gerald and Karla Cormier.

(photos set 1)

The group began their work week by welding a roof on a large church in the village of Tzajaleheh. Due to the size, this project took 2 days. On the 3rd day, the group made 32 benches for the congregation. Pastor Mariano and his wife both of Chenalho had evangelized this village and had the vision for this new building. They had assisted the local people in raising funds to erect the block walls and purchased the materials for the roof. They just needed someone with welding skills to help out. Since Pastor Finley and his son Tod are both welders, this was a perfect match.

A few months after the project had originally began in 2008, Pastor Mariano passed away and the responsibility of this work was left with his wife Maria. She is also a preacher of the Gospel and took on the work of continuing to lead these people. She also had the overwhelming task of completing this building project. We were glad to be able to help her as well as this congregation. Maria expressed her gratitude many times and showed her appreciation by cooking several wonderful meals for our team. She also stated that we were the first Americans that had ever visited this Tzotzil village.

(photos set 2)

On one of the days driving to Tzajalehen, the white van had to be pulled out of the mud. Once again this was due to the combination of the rainy season and the bad road conditions. This always adds adventure to any missions trip.

There were other areas of outreach that week. Mel and Karla, who are both nurses, assisted Dr. Lulu as she worked in the village of Puebla. They were very impressed with the level of care and compassion that Dr. Lulu is able to give under such primitive conditions. Also, the men helped install a new water tank and water pump for the clinic house in Chenalho. This was very much needed due to the fact that the city does not always provide water on a daily bases.

Everyone left with a feeling of satisfaction knowing we were able to help many people in the highlands of Chiapas. Thanks again Abundant Life!

Family Life Sugar Land, TX June 13-19

It was a joy to host the team from Sugar Land and work with Steven and Megan Bowen. We appreciate the following report written by Dale Meek.

In June, I went on my first ever mission trip. Fourteen of us from my local church, Family Life Christian Fellowship (http://www.flcf.com/), traveled to Chiapas, Mexico for one week (June 13-19). Chiapas is the southern-most state in Mexico, which borders Guatemala. It is also the most indigenous state in Mexico, with almost half the population still speaking their native Indian dialect. Our main purpose of the trip was to help build a church for a local congregation. We also attended a local church service, enjoyed fellowship with the locals, and took a trip to a nearby town for a day of lunch and shopping.

(photos set 1)

While there, we stayed in the town of Chenalho, a small town set amongst spectacular mountains (about 6000 feet elevation). Our lodging was in a dorm-type housing complex. We each had separate room facilities and bath, including a large kitchen and meeting area for our group. The Linscombes, a husband and wife who live in Chenalho, were our contacts. They are full-time missionaries who work with Mexico Outreach Ministries (http://www.mxoutreach.org/), and hosted and arranged all our activities during our stay.

On Saturday, June 13 we departed from Houston, flying to Mexico City and then a flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez. After a 2-hour car/van drive, we arrived in Chenalho. The next day, Sunday, we attended a local church service. Our entire group also had a part in the service.

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During the next three days, Monday thru Wednesday, we helped build the church. The work site was a 45-minute drive each day from our complex. We left early each morning and worked until the afternoon. We had to walk down (and back up) a wet slippery slope/trail to the site each day. The cinder-block walls of the church were already up. On Monday we painted the church inside and out and put up beams for the roof. On Tuesday we mixed cement and laid the cement floor, and finished the tin metal roof. On Wednesday we cut and nailed together 22 wooden benches and also painted them. Many of the locals helped us with the work too, including the pastor and his family. We finished Wednesday afternoon and "dedicated" the church to the locals.

On Thursday, we took a day-trip to a nearby town and enjoyed a day of lunch and shopping. On Friday, June 19 we departed Chenalho, driving to Tuxtla Gutierrez. From there we flew to Mexico City and then a flight back to Houston.

It was a wonderful trip. Lots of hard work, but very rewarding! I hope to have a chance to go on another mission trip in the future!

SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2009

Lacandonia Jungle Trip





Acts 1:8 . . . "and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Pastor Carlos and Russell journeyed into the Lacandonia Jungle this past spring. This area has been on our hearts for some time. We didn't know what to expect or what God was up to. We just knew He was directing our steps. God's favor went before us, and we were able to make connections with a small nucleus of believers. Meeting with our guide and contact in a Tzeltal village prior to the jungle area, we began with an evening church service and prayer time. This was followed by going from house to house praying for the needs of the people of this area just as in Biblical times. The next day we entered the jungle area which has an estimated 750 Lacandonias left. According to our Mexican friends, these are the closest people group that are direct descendants to the original Mayan Indians. Even to this present day, they still hunt with hand made bow and arrows. The women have modernized their way of dress, but the men still wear the white tunics and have long hair. Twelve idols representing their pagan gods are placed in the center of the village to be worshipped. It was a moment of divine destiny for us to connect with these people, and we have an open invitation to return. Their most urgent needs at present are finances for Bibles and medical care. The rains will keep us from returning until this next fall, but a return trip to this area is definitely in the making. We will keep you posted.
We make our plans, but God often rearranges them. Wherever you are in life's journey today, may you be encouraged - God is directing your steps!  There are some days when you know you are exactly where you are suppose to be on this phase of your journey.  Sometimes those are extraordinary experiences and at other times, those moments would go unnoticed by the outside world.  But you and God know it was a moment in destiny.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
–Proverbs 16:9

Praise Report!





With the help of your support
* shoes were distributed to the needy
* a new commercial kitchen was installed in Chenalho
* 5 new churches were constructed

Medical/Construction Team May 23-30

During the last week of May, a team of 5 men from First Assembly of God Church in Lafayette came to Chiapas to build a block church for the village of Stenejaltic. A beautiful, finished church building was completed and dedicated to the glory of God, and Stenejaltic had their first service in their new building that Wednesday evening. Even with the language barrier, communication was taking place and relationships were formed and 2 different nationalities realized that they are both citizens of God’s kingdom.

On Wednesday, the group was treated to a performance by a Christian mariachi band, and the Americans responded with an impromptu singing by brother Jerry and Russell. This was a small taste of what heaven must be like!!

Also, Dr. Matt Melancon of Lafayette worked alongside Carmen and Jim Nichols and Dr. Lulu, going to 5 different villages in 5 days to provide dental and medical care for the very poorest of Mexico. One unusual occurrence was seeing many more very young children than usual. We extracted teeth on many, many 3, 4, and 5-year old kids, and pulled 4 teeth on a 2-year old girl. The amazing thing was how faithful God was in answering our prayers for fear to be taken away, and God’s peace to calm these little ones. Very few tears, even from the 2-year old!! (I’m sure that some of those kids felt that their prayers might not have been answered—praying to get away from those American dentists!! But that might even be a lesson on how our prayers for relief from a painful circumstance are not answered in the way we want because our loving, compassionate Father wants the very best for us—even if there is initial pain in the process, before the final healing and transformation.)

Many thanks to the brother who paid for the group from Lafayette to come, and for the donation that covered the construction materials, as well as the men who gave so much grueling work to bless these Indians!

Jim

Morrisville, MO A/G Church March28-April 4

Our dear friends Terry and Patsy Jett returned to Chiapas with 8 other members of their congregation from the Morrisville, Missouri Assembly of God Church. Sunday morning we attended a moving service in Chenalho. Later that evening we visited the church in Tzabalho where the local ladies sang beautifully in both Spanish and the Tzotzil dialect. This was followed by a time of special prayer for the needs of those present - from Chiapas and the US. It was a time that touch all of our hearts in so many ways. Prior to the trip, Bro. Terry had a real desire for the team to bring in several hundred pairs of clogs to give away. Their home church responded marvelously to this request. While the team was in Tzabalho, they distributed several dozen pairs to the children. What a joy it was to see the excitement in their eyes as they received their new shoes!

(group 1 photos)

On Monday we began our work week with a short drive to the village of Majunsenentic. The team had sent funds to build a block church for the people of this village. Throughout that week the team hand mixed the cement with shovels and poured the cement floor, welded the beams for the roof, screwed down the metal roofing, painted both the interior and exterior of the church, ran electrical lighting and made 22 benches.

(group 2 photos)

We also were able to do a children's program directed by the Chenalho children's minister, Olga Hernandez. One of the team members, Bruce, is the children's pastor at the Morrisville Assembly. He was a real asset to the ministry and really knows how to relate to children of all ages and cultures. It was the first children's service of its kind in Majunsenentic, but with all the children of this village, it is only the beginning. Following the children's service, the team distributed more shoes and blankets. It was a privilege to put shoes on one particular women. She was 58 years old and had never had a pair of shoes before.

(group 3 photos)

Later that week we drove to the village of Las Ollas and painted a new church building that had been constructed earlier this year. What was so special about this location is that it is the Chamula church that was built through much prayer and determination by the Christians of that area. Prior to this one, two other church buildings had been erected (by other ministries) in Las Ollas and knocked down by the nonbelievers of that area. Pastor Carlos and the other leaders felt God speaking to them to try again. We did not bring in an American team to do the construction, but we were given the approval to go to the village and paint the church. While some were painting, others conducted another children's program. Later blankets, clothing and shoes were distributed here in Las Ollas as well. We concluded our time with a season of prayer for the pastor and congregation.

(group 4 photos)

On our last work day we returned for a prayer of dedication for the new building in Majunsenentic. That time also included prayer for the pastor and his wife. An invitation was given to those who were sick and needed prayer for healing in their physical bodies to come forward. Great things were accomplised and great friendships were made. We had the privilege of eating a meal in the home of the pastor and got to know his family even better. This allowed our team to see just exactly how the Tzotzil people live. What a great privilege! Also the remaining clothing, blankets and shoes were distributed to the local church members.

(group 5 photos)

During the week prior to the teams arrival, the men from North Texas poured a new balcony area over looking the stadium in Chenalho. Railings were needed along the new veranda. God is so good in the way He provides for each detail of the work. Several of the men on this week's team were welders. We were able to purchase the necessary materials, and they fabricated and welded the railings for the new stairs and reused some of the old railings for the balcony.

(group 6 photos)

At the end of the trip, the group enjoyed a fun day shopping at the market in San Cristobal, the boatride through the Sumidero Canyon and concluded the evening with a wonderful dinner in Tuxtla. It was a delight hosting this team! Special thanks to Terry and Patsy Jett, their son in law Gary, Pastor Bruce, Ethan, Wendell, Teri and Dan, Glenda and Rod.

North TX Men/Medical Team March 2009

27 men from Covenant Church in McKinney, TX came to Chenalho during the fourth week of March. The team was led by Paul Pogue, a long time friend of Missionary Larry Myers and friend to the missions work in Mexico. The week's work for this group of men involved many different facets of accomplishment. In a recent newsletter, we had mentioned about the desire to convert the small kitchen in the mission's headquarters into a large commercial kitchen. The second part of this was to turn the large patio area into a dining room. So you can imagine our delight when we found out that one of the group's projects was going to be to work on the dining room. They were able to weld the beams and screw down the roofing over the dining area. They made 8 new benches for the church in Chenalho since they have completely run out of seating. They scraped, cleaned and spray painted the entire metal stadium. Also, they poured a new large balcony that will be over looking the stadium area so more people can attend the general convention that is held there in Chenalho. An unbelievable amount of work was accomplished in 3 days. We salute the men of Covenant Church and their pastor, Michael Gamble! As the work week concluded, the group spent the last day shopping in San Cristobal, touring the Sumidero Canyon by boat and visiting the Casa Hogar Alegre orphanage in Tuxtla.


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Simultaneously, Dr. Jim Nichols, his wife Carmen and Dr. Ken Morgan conducted a medical campaign that same week. Arriving a few days prior to the rest of the team, they were of great assistance with the multitude of necessary task to be done before a team's arrival. The medical team worked in Chenalho for 2 days early in the week. On the third morning the medical team left for an overnight stay in the village of Santa Marta. Accompanying Drs. Nichols and Morgan was a member of Covenant Church Dr. Ralph, our own local physician, Dr. Lulu, and a team of interpreters. The overnight stay required tent camping but this always gives a wonderful opportunity to connect with the people of that village and be more involved with their personal needs and lives. After their return Drs. Nichols and Morgan also went to the village of Batchen located on the mountain peak above Chenalho.


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Our last evening together concluded with all the teams meeting together in Tuxtla at Pastor Carlos' church, Torre Fuerte. Larry and a team of workers hosted a lovely meal that evening inside the gymnasium behind the church. The food was delicious and the facility was decorated and prepared beautifully for the team. Pine needles were placed throughout the dining area which is a gesture done by the people of the highlands to show honor and respect to their guest. It was a delightful way to conclude a fantastic week!

MARCH-APRIL 2009 NEWSLETTER

PSALM 34:8 "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

In the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico, the Chamula Indians were among some of first converts in the late 1900's. In spite of that fact, the non-Christian Chamulas have remained true to their resistant and aggressive behavior. They continue to make it extremely difficult for their own people who "dare to be different" and have given their hearts and lives to Christ. After 2 other failed attempts by other groups to establish a church in Ollas, Chamula, we are so delighted to report that because of your support, a block building now has been built and still stands to the Glory of God is this area. Please keep Pastor Diego in your prayers as he preaches and disciples new believers who are making a stand for Christ against all odds. These block churches are not built until a body of believers have been established, but with the completion of each new church comes many new believers that are added to the Kingdom of God.



Things have been going well in the state of Chiapas and several other new churches have been built this year. We enjoyed hosting a team from Branch, LA last month who experienced a tent camp out in Maravillas. This church is in a great location right next to the school's soccer field surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. It was challenging but a moving endeavor. And our hearts were filled with gratitude for all the shoes, blankets and Tzotzil Bibles that were given out in various villages to those who so desperately needed them.

Also, the recent workshops in Tuxtla and Chenalho for leaders of Children's Ministry was a great success. We are trying to expand this vision of ministry to all the churches in the area. There is great interest, and we will also be able to continue utilizing children's ministry in different villages when US groups come to Chiapas. A very special thank you goes out to Nell Lamury and her team from Patterson, LA for making this possible! Last year Olga was set apart to work in this arena of ministry in the mountains. She now has 20 churches under her leadership.



Praise report from Chenalho! Growth brings new challenges, so we are expanding the facility! We are adding a new dining room which will better accommodate large groups from the US and other gatherings hosted here throughout the year. Also, we are taking the existing standard kitchen and dining room area and turning it into a large commercial kitchen. The funds have begun to come in, and we thank you for your generous help.

Spring will be very busy, and you have probably heard a lot about the US warnings for travel into Mexico. We thank God that at this time the state of Chiapas is peaceful, and we have not had any problems in Tuxtla or the mountain areas. We do ask that you continue to pray for our safety and the safety of all of our teams traveling in and out of the country. Also, Russell and Pastor Carlos will be journeying this month into the jungles of Lacondonia to explore the reception to the Gospel and need for building churches in this unreached area of Chiapas. Pray for our protection and the mind of the Lord concerning reaching these people. We will keep you posted!

MARCH TEAMS
*Fort Bend Baptist Academy-
Sugar Land, TX
*North Texas Men's Group
Medical - Drs. Nichols & Morgan
*A/G Team-Morrisville, MO
APRIL TEAMS
*Life Church - Lafayette, LA
*Detroit, MI Men's Group

PSALM 34: 9,10 "Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him...those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing."

Trip to Lacadonia Jungle

For many years the work of the Lord has grown in an area surrounding the ministry headquarters in Chenalho. Many churches have been built and the work of the Lord is strong in this area. For some time I have been praying about an expanded area that God may want to direct us to minister to in Chiapas. During the third week of March, Pastor Carlos and I drove from Tuxtla for a 7 hour drive into the far eastern jungle area of Chiapas. There we met a young pastor (and former student from Atoyac) by the name of Marcelino in Ococingo. We continued our journey to the village of Monte Libano where he has been ministering to the Tzeltal Indians. That evening we met a local family and had a short church service with them. Later we walked throughout the village from home to home praying for the sick and encouraging others in Christ. That night reminded me of my first night in Chiapas in 1989 when we had a similar evening in the village of Puebla. It brought back good memories!


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After a good night's rest sleeping in the back of my truck, we began a short drive into the Lacandonia area to the village of Naha'. Our plans were to meet a young Lacandonia Christian by the name of Kinsol, which means "Big Sun" in the Mayan language. Lacandonias are some of the closest descendents of the original Mayans. These are the only Indians of Chiapas that to this day still hunt for wildlife with bow and arrows in the jungle. I learned upon arriving that there are only somewhere around 750 of them in existence. In their Mayan culture, they have 12 gods that are still placed in the center of the village where their people go to pray.

I had never been to the Jungle of Lacandonia, but I had a strong urging by God that I needed to go. Prior to our arrival my prayer was, "God, how do you want us to reach the people of this area? Are you going to use the young man Kinsol to reach his people? Are we going to have the opportunity to build a church in this area. What needs to be done and what is our part?"

As we drove into the city, we saw the men of the village all wearing their traditional white tunics. Their long straight hair reached down to the middle of their back. As we stopped to speak to the group of men, the first person we met was the leader of the village. God had already opened up the door for us to meet their most important village official. He directed us to a large lake that was near Naha'. We parked the truck nearby and began walking on a path through the jungle. As we proceeded they showed us different plants that they would use for various medicinal purposes.


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One of the Lacadonia Indians by the name of Pepe invited us to go by his house if we were interested in purchasing hand made bow and arrows. He still personally makes these and collects rocks by the Guatemaula border to make the arrows. After looking at his collection, a young women stuck her head through the window and told Pepe that we could go by her home to see some necklaces that she had made to sell. We asked her to bring them to us. We were told they were made of different seeds and dried berries from the jungle. After she didn't return for some time, we decided to walk and locate her house. As we approached her one room home, there was a young man in the back yard hand carving a 6 foot boat paddle with a machete. As we were looking at the necklaces, young Pastor Marcelino asked her if the music in the back ground was Christian. She said," Yes, and we are Christians, but Christians are the minority in the village." Immediately, Pastor Carlos and I made eye contact, and we knew in that moment that meeting this young couple was why we had driven to Naha'.

We immediately introduced ourselves. The young man making the paddle was named Chochkin. He began telling us of the wooden church that had been built in their community. Pastor Carlos commented later how you could see something in his eyes - how they were dancing with the excitement of the Lord. He told us about the young pastor that had evangelized their community and lived in another nearby village called Lacandonia. We immediately asked him if it would be possible to ride together and be introduced to his pastor. Upon our arrival at the pastor's home, we first met his wife. She said that he should be back shortly. As he drove up, we introduced ourselves and explained about how we felt like God had directed us to this area to help the Mayan Indians of Lacadonia. We immediately knew that since there was already a small church building in existence that God wanted us to help and support the work that was already established. We explained to him about our ministry of helping to build churches, of the distribution of Bibles, and about our medical teams of doctors and dentists that go into the villages to bring healing to the people. We asked him what was the most important needs of his area. He told us he needed Bibles and tracts to distribute. He would also love to have our medical teams come into the area to help the people. He offered the use of the local church to set up the day clinics. Before leaving I asked if we could have prayer. As we prayed the local pastor wept in appreciation to God because he needed someone to help lift his hands and encourage him in the work of the Lord. As we drove away from the village of Lacondonia, we all felt that our prayers had been answered. We knew why God had sent us. We are looking forward to the next opportunity to return to this area.


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As we were driving back to Naha', I was thinking about one additional problem. We would have to have an interpreter in the Lacandonia dialect when we returned. Since he spoke both languages perfectly, I turned and asked the young Lacandonia man that had accompanied us if he would be our interpreter. He was excited and said "Yes, he would!" Once we returned to Naha', we said our good-byes to our new friends. We drove to finally met our original contact, Kinsol. Immediately upon meeting him, he realized he was extremely ill and very emotionally unstable. We had the opportunity to pray with him and his family before we left. As we drove away, we knew God had answered our prayers, but it had been done through a completely different direction than what we had thought originally. We are planning on returning to this area, first of all to bring the requested Bibles. In the near future we hope to also bring in medical groups. The rainy season will make for great challenges in our return, but we know God has a plan. My experience in this area was life changing, and I will never forget the opportunity I had to visit with the Lacadonia Indians.

Russell

Fort Bend Baptist Academy March 7-14

Every time it is our privilege to host a team of young people, we remember the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy whom he called a true son in the faith. I Tim. 4:12 "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

The youth of Fort Bend Baptist Academy (FBBA) of Sugar Land, TX are not to be underestimated. These 19 high school student along with the 4 adult leaders accomplished great things this past week for the Kingdom of God in the state of Chiapas. We believe much was instilled in their own hearts and lives as well. It was absolutely a great week of ministry, but one that included many challenges. For some it was a first time missions trip, while others were returning for the second year. It is our understanding that FBBA conducts what is called Eagle Week each spring offering a variety of options for their students - one being a foreign missions trip. We are thankful that once again the work in Chiapas was selected as their destination.


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After their arrival at the Tuxtla airport, the team traveled to Chenalho to the missions facility and had a brief orientation, dinner and a good night's rest. On Sunday the team attended a local Tzotzil service in Chenalho and participated with special songs they had prepared. Later after lunch a sports competition was scheduled with the youth of Chenalho in both basketball and volleyball. Everyone had a great time with fun activities, as well as building relationships.


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The work week began by driving to a remote village of Oxinum where the group painted the interior and exterior of the church building. It had been added onto twice due to the fact that the congregation has grown so much during the last few years. The building has been doubled in size and the timing of the work was perfect. Oxinum was scheduled to have a dedication of their new addition of the building just 3 days after we painted it. Later that afternoon once we arrived back in Chenalho, the work day continued as the group made 40 benches. 20 for Chicumtontic and 20 for Patuits. The lumber was cut out and painted, but the benches for Patuits were nailed together the following day once they were brought up the steep mountain climb.


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Patuits is a very remote Tzotzil village in Chiapas that was a hard 2 hour drive on a mountain dirt road. After our arrival to the closet location by vehicle, the group unloaded all the materials with the help of the local people of the village - lumber for 20 benches, the tools, welding machine, boxes with welding equipment, etc. All of this had to be carried up the mountain on a narrow path to the village of Patuits, plus any of our food and water for that day.

The local Tzotzil people said it would take 40 minutes to walk up the mountains. Instead it took some of us Americans up to an hour and a half. I had prepared the group to let them know that even though this day would be difficult physically, the church members and Pastor Lorengo had hand carried every block, 100 lb. bags of cement, re-bar, metal for the beams and the tin for the roofing over these past several weeks. It was all because of their desire to have a church in which to worship God.

After our arrival and greetings by the local people of Patuits, one crew started welding the roof, and the FBBA youth nailed the 20 benches together. Later they poured cement for the platform inside the church. The group left the village arriving back in Chenalho late that evening, very tired, but with a feeling of accomplishment. They had helped to encourage the people of Patuits and gave of their time and funds to help others in need.


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The following day was a time of shopping in the local markets and enjoyment in San Cristobal de las Casas. Lunch was in the beautiful garden restaurant of San Cristobal. Later that evening the team participated in a children's service in the village of San Antonio del Monte with Pastor Juan. With the help of Olga, our children's minister from Chenalho, the youth of FBBA assisted with puppet ministry. Olga did Bible stories and songs in their dialect. Also, the youth performed a drama and sang during the service. It was a festive time, and everyone enjoyed it, especially the children of San Antonio del Monte.

Our last work day required an early departure to Socoltenango where we have a large church that has been under construction since Oct. 2008. The church was plastered and ready for an interior and exterior paint job. Within 3 hours the church was complete, and it came out beautiful. FBBA provided the funds for the doors and windows as well as the paint for the completion of this church building.


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15 minutes away from Socoltenango is a famous waterfall called Chiflon. Due to its close proximity, we were able to visit the area before heading back. It is approximately a 30 minute walk from the base to the top view of the final waterfall in the series. The water was beautiful and clear, even in Mexico. Hope you enjoy the photos. Upon our return to the vehicles, we had a tail gate snack, and then headed out for our 3 hour trip back to Chenalho.


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On Friday the group loaded up the vans and trucks to returned to Tuxtla. The team ate lunch in Chiapas de Corzo, shopped, and then took the 2 1/2 hour boat ride down the Sumidero River through the canyon. The team completed their week at the Camino Real in Tuxtla with pizza, devotions, prayer and reflecting on their week.

The days were hard due to the travel and physical demands, but the group did an awesome job this week with great attitudes as well! Only God knows all what was done in the hearts and lives of each of these young people! We don't know who will be the next missionaries or person He will use mightily for His purposes. We know He has good plans for all of them, and it is often the ones we least expect that God uses most. The possibilities and opportunities for these young people are endless. We know great things are in store for each of them!

We send special thanks to the 3 teachers of FBBA and also Charlie Williams who spent this week helping with the team. We appreciate Mrs. Bowen and the great job she always does in organizing and leading her mission teams. God bless you all!

Elizabeth Memorial February 21-27

While many in South Louisiana were celebrating Mardi Gras week back home, the group from Elizabeth Memorial Baptist Church of Branch, LA chose to spend these days building a church in Maravillas, Chiapas. Pastor Brian Hotaling, his wife Kim, 2 of their daugthers, Samantha and Kelsey along with 3 other members of their church, Laurie, Geno and Murrell formed a great team who worked so hard all week long.


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Many were responsible for making this week possible. The members of Elizabeth Memorial had several fund raisers and donated the money to purchase all the construction materials for the church building. Knowing this was also such a community effort, we thank everyone involved in working together over the past 14 months for the successful endeavor to further the Kingdom of God in Chiapas.

The distance to Maravillas from the ministry facility in Chenalho involved a fairly challenging drive, and also due to the distance an over night camp out in tents was required. The team painted the building inside and out, welded and erected the metal roof, built and painted benches, ran electrical lighting and poured the cement floor.


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It was very exciting for all the people when the team was able to bless the children of Maravillas with shoes and the adults with blankets and Tzotzil Bibles. This was followed by a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication to the Lord for the new building, prayer for the pastor of Maravillas and for those that were sick.


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The team was able to distribute shoes to children in 2 other very poor villages. The children in some of these villages didn't even have clothes, but they were so proud of their new shoes. We hope to get some clothing do them in the future. 3 other villages were blessed with Bibles in the Indian dialect.


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The week ended with all of us being physically tired, but our spirits were soaring with gratitude for all that had been accomplished. It was a very rewarding week, and we can't thank you enough - our dear friends from Branch - for the enormous blessing you have been to so many in Chiapas. You have touched our lives as well with your kindness!

We send our greetings and prayers to Jake Taylor who had to miss the trip due to the illness of his grandfather.

Leadership Conference February 12-19

We in the US have grown up understanding the concept that children need to be ministered to on a different level than what is taught to adults, but this is still a fairly new idea in parts of the church world in Mexico, particularly in the mountains. But after the concept was introduced last year, and Olga was prayed over and set apart to led in children's ministry, this arena of ministry has grown at such a delightful rate. In fact Olga has 20 churches under her leadership at this present time.


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So since the workshops for training leaders of children's ministry were so successful last year, we did it again. In fact, we hope to host these opportunities for growth and inspiration each year as long as God gives direction to do so. Nell Lamury of Word of Life Fellowship of Patterson, LA and her team once again did an incredible job. Nell stated prior to their arrival that Russell would need to bring an extra van to the airport just to pick up all the supplies they were bringing in. And she was right. What a blessing to the work of the ministry as the ladies unpacked suit case after suit case of materials that were right away put to good use. In addition an enormous amount of supplies were purchased in Tuxtla, so each church represented at the workshops went home with many new ideas and lots of tools to work with.


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We began our week with a visit to the Tuxtla orphanage, Casa Hogar Alegre. Besides all the wonderful ministry to the children during a chapel service, the ladies blessed the kids with a pizza and ice cream party. What a delight for us as American adults to see the excitement of these children and the many happy faces as they enjoyed this really special treat!


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The following day the Tuxtla workshops were hosted for the churches of the cities, and everything was translated into Spanish. 12 different groups were represented from various parts of Chiapas and also the state of Tabasco. Later that week the same workshops were conducted in Chenalho for the Indian churches where all the classes had to be translated into the Tzotzil dialect. 18 churches were represented, and everyone left Chenalho with new vision.


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The workshops included classes on making puppets, props for various puppet songs, materials for several games that can be used with new themes or Scriptures each week, plus many more ideas. Brandi, Ashley and Bonnie taught a Human Video to a Spanish song, and they all loved it so much. People of all ages were learning these moves including one of the pastors. The passion for worshipping the Lord through this means of expression was beautiful to watch. Those that attended were blessed with gifts sent from the US, and they so enjoyed having so many beautiful things to choose from.

Children's service in San Fernando


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Many people were responsible for making this a successful week of ministry. Lots of funds were donated by people who were not on the team, but wanted to help out. Many, Many Thanks to all who made it possible! To all of you who came, we once again say thank you, and Chiapas is a blessed place because of your visit. To Martie, Bonnie, Sandy, Shellie, Monique, Brandi, Ashley and Lorraine. You were terrific! And Carlitos is still singing the songs you taught him! And to Nell Lamury - your energy, passion for ministry, love for people - both children and adults, willingness to press on and work through any obstacles, your enthusiasm for life and complete commitment to the cause of Christ regardless of location, is so greatly admired and appreciated! You are truly an inspiration to us and to the leadership of the work in Mexico. To you and all those who have worked along side of you - your labor is not in vain, and we truly believe it has been planted in good soil. We believe you have already seen, but will continue to enjoy much fruit for your labor.