NEWSLETTER March - April 2006
I Kings 8:20 "Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise..."
II Cor. 1:20 "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
Marcelino's Story
Several years ago we had an opportunity to meet a young man named Marcelino - a Tzeltal Indian from Yajalon, Chiapas. Prior to meeting him, Marcelino had gone through a very difficult time in his life and was headed down a destructive path. At a very young age, he began sniffing paint thinner, using marijuana and cocaine. Though it may seem harsh, his dad tried to change him and tied his feet together with a rope, hung him upside down and beat him. He told his son that he would have to change from his life of sin and drugs. Soon thereafter Marcelino left home vowing to one day return and kill his father, but God had other plans. Marcelino went to a church in the city of Acayucan where he met Pastor Rafael. He lied to the pastor and told him that he was a Christian, so he could be provided with housing and food. While there he accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. That same year Russell drove from the Atoyac Bible College in the state of Guererro to Acayucan, Veracruz to transport students. During those years in bible school, Marcelino grew in the Word and knowledge of the Lord. We made a promise to him that if he was faithful to preach the Word and evangelize his people that we would one day help him in building a church building for the congregation.
A Promise Not Forgotten
This past November while we were praying a simple prayer in Tuxtla for God to broaden our horizons and vision, little did we know that Marcelino was waiting for us to arrive in Chenalho that same evening. We had not seen him in 13 years since his graduation. After renewing old memories, he presented 2 request - one was for a church where he is presently the pastor of Templo Emanuel in Petalcingo, Chiapas. The Lord has provided and enabled us to keep our promise to him. In late February we had the opportunity to drive through the mountains to this village and present the funds necessary to build educational classrooms. Marcelino also oversees 12 other missions where he has to walk many hours to reach these locations. His latest area of evangelism is in the village of San Juan Cancuc with the Tzeltal Indians, an 8 hour walk one way. Marcelino had not forgotten the promise we made 13 years ago and neither had we! We thank God for the changes that have taken place in Marcelino's life and for the transformation that comes from His Word. Marcelino continues to reach his own people, and we know that God will provide for those of San Juan Cancuc.
Thanks for making it possible!
In addition, we thank God for the two block churhes recently built by Destiny Foundation of Orlando, FL and Crossroads Church of Lafayette, LA. Also, 3 senior pastors received their very own means of transportation this past month. Presently, we are involved with a medical campaign here in the mountains of Chiapas. In April Chenalho will be hosting the annual convention where at least 4000 people are expected during the 2 days of services.
Thank you for helping us to fulfill the promises that are made to continue the work of the Lord. We know that you are holding onto your own promises from God and that you can rely on the words that Solomon spoke "not one word has failed of all His good promise."
II Cor. 1:20 "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
Marcelino's Story
Several years ago we had an opportunity to meet a young man named Marcelino - a Tzeltal Indian from Yajalon, Chiapas. Prior to meeting him, Marcelino had gone through a very difficult time in his life and was headed down a destructive path. At a very young age, he began sniffing paint thinner, using marijuana and cocaine. Though it may seem harsh, his dad tried to change him and tied his feet together with a rope, hung him upside down and beat him. He told his son that he would have to change from his life of sin and drugs. Soon thereafter Marcelino left home vowing to one day return and kill his father, but God had other plans. Marcelino went to a church in the city of Acayucan where he met Pastor Rafael. He lied to the pastor and told him that he was a Christian, so he could be provided with housing and food. While there he accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. That same year Russell drove from the Atoyac Bible College in the state of Guererro to Acayucan, Veracruz to transport students. During those years in bible school, Marcelino grew in the Word and knowledge of the Lord. We made a promise to him that if he was faithful to preach the Word and evangelize his people that we would one day help him in building a church building for the congregation.
A Promise Not Forgotten
This past November while we were praying a simple prayer in Tuxtla for God to broaden our horizons and vision, little did we know that Marcelino was waiting for us to arrive in Chenalho that same evening. We had not seen him in 13 years since his graduation. After renewing old memories, he presented 2 request - one was for a church where he is presently the pastor of Templo Emanuel in Petalcingo, Chiapas. The Lord has provided and enabled us to keep our promise to him. In late February we had the opportunity to drive through the mountains to this village and present the funds necessary to build educational classrooms. Marcelino also oversees 12 other missions where he has to walk many hours to reach these locations. His latest area of evangelism is in the village of San Juan Cancuc with the Tzeltal Indians, an 8 hour walk one way. Marcelino had not forgotten the promise we made 13 years ago and neither had we! We thank God for the changes that have taken place in Marcelino's life and for the transformation that comes from His Word. Marcelino continues to reach his own people, and we know that God will provide for those of San Juan Cancuc.
Thanks for making it possible!
In addition, we thank God for the two block churhes recently built by Destiny Foundation of Orlando, FL and Crossroads Church of Lafayette, LA. Also, 3 senior pastors received their very own means of transportation this past month. Presently, we are involved with a medical campaign here in the mountains of Chiapas. In April Chenalho will be hosting the annual convention where at least 4000 people are expected during the 2 days of services.
Thank you for helping us to fulfill the promises that are made to continue the work of the Lord. We know that you are holding onto your own promises from God and that you can rely on the words that Solomon spoke "not one word has failed of all His good promise."
posted by Russell & Charlotte at 10:16 AM
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