Abundant Life, Rayne, LA

A team of seven from Abundant Life in Rayne, LA returned for their annual missions trip to México. The weather in the mountains changed drastically upon their arrival and those from Rayne must have brought the rain with them, because we certainly have received a lot of it. We appreciate Pastor Finley's heart for missions and the encouragement he is to his people by being a part of the group each year.

Having 3 welders on the team made it simple to decide what work projects to tackle this week. Three roofs were completed and it was none too soon for the Indian congregations with the rains that will come every day now for the next few months.

Monday, being a travel day with a late night arrival in Chenalho, made the early morning work hour on Tuesday a little challenging But the group was up to the task and loaded up in the back of the Ford Lobo and drove to Pulvmsibac. The roof was completed and supplies were packed for the return trip. That's when the adventure began! The afternoon down pour with hail and hard winds had forced the group to look for shelter and also made the road on the route home impossible to pass. The road is presently under construction and will one day be very nice, but the fresh dirt that had been moved that day caused the 4x4 lobo to get stuck. The group tried to push the truck but without success. After an hour it was obvious there was no other option but to return to Chenalho from another route which added hours to the drive. That made it arriving at 11PM, having dinner, showers and a few hours sleep before leaving early the next morning for San Caralampio.

It was a 4 hour drive one way. The roof job was completed and another congregation of people are worshiping this Sunday protected from the rain. The last work day was suppose to be a quick half day job. Oxinab had added on to its building due to growth and the 20 extra feet needed to beroofed.

Once again rain brought its challenges and the work crew would have to stop welding during the many showers. The team persevered and finished that day in spite of adversity.

The week concluded with lunch and shopping in San Cristobal and a night in Tuxtla before flying home the next morning. It was a very hard week for our friends from Rayne, but we thank God for you and the skills and abilities He has given you. Thanks, Pastor Finley, Doug and "Z", Clay, Jake and Greg for using those abilities to further the Kingdom. Special thanks to "Tia" Jeanna for helping with the kitchen duties and also for blessing so many children in Chenalho. They really love you and know how much you love them. What an emotional departure!

In Addition

During this same week we were privileged to host other dear friends from Cornerstone Baptist Church in Texas. They are missionaries to México from this congregation and God brought our lives together many years ago in a special way. It is always great to be with you and meet friends of yours! We thank God for our years of knowing you and for all you are doing for the cause of Christ in México!

Medical Trip to Constitución

Thanks to Jim Nichols for a summary of the trip below...

Medical/dental mission group went to Constitución May 14-17. This was the most remote village where a presbyter (overseer) lived, and as far as we could tell, was probably the first time that a medical team had ever been there. We had to drive about an hour and a half beyond Chenalhó, then park the truck and go by horse-back (and some walking) for another hour and a half. The views were absolutely spectacular! But that also meant there were a lot of steep uphill and downhill climbs, and some significant drop-offs on either side at times. But God kept us all on the horses, and we made it fine. Constitución seemed to have about double the number of children and dogs per capita than any other village that I had visited. Fortunately, the children slept well at night (unlike the dogs!!). Dr. Paul Landreneau saw around 800 patients (conservative estimate) over the 4 days. It seemed like each woman in line had 4-7 kids that she wanted Dr. Paul to check. I saw a significant number of dental patients, all for extractions since the remote location kept me from bringing equipment for any other procedures. John J. from Lafayette, and Jackie G. from Queens, NY were our assistants. Russell Linscombe was our “cook, guide, and coffee-pourer”. Raul, Alejandro, and Rafael were our translators. The evenings were spent “visiting” with the local residents outside the church, with surprisingly deep and warm relationships being formed very rapidly. During the Saturday evening church service, the Indians prayed for Al Wood by name, with hands, knees, and faces on the ground, for 10-15 minutes.

Thursday, May 19 we celebrated the dedication of the new church building housing Torre Fuerte (Strong Tower) Church. This is Carlos and Everardo Tovilla’s church in Tuxtla, which has been tremendous in helping our missionary efforts in the mountains around Chenalhó for many, many years.

Friday, May 20 was spent examining and treating orphans at Casa Hogar Alegre in Tuxtla-Gutierrez. This Christian orphanage houses 110 orphans, providing all care from feeding, clothing, school, and Christian training. I had never been to an orphanage before, and was pleasantly surprised at the joyful smiles, and friendly hugs that the kids exuded!

All in all, God pulled off another fantastic week, with the only downer being Al Wood’s accident. John and I were able to visit Al and his family in the intensive care unit at Hermann Hospital in Houston Saturday evening before driving home. He remains in a coma, and needs lots of prayer, and a special touch from God. But our God is faithful!

-- Jim Nichols

Pray for Al Woods

Please pray for Al Woods. He and his son were planning to fly down to chiapas with a group today, but they were in a serious car accident. Al is in serious condition at the hospital in Houston and is in need of a touch from the Lord. Please also remember to pray for his son, family, and the other members from this group traveling today.