MARCH-APRIL NEWSLETTER 2007
Jesus saw how people gave to the treasury. One poor widow came and threw in two mites. Jesus told His disciples that she had given more than all the others.
"...For they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." Mark 12:41-44
Often I have seen the poor in Mexico give just as this widow woman. They would be giving all they have - a couple of peso coins. And most Sundays on the altar will be a tithe or offering of eggs, corn, beans, etc.
Recently, when I was at the ministry headquarters in Chenalho, Chiapas, I responded to a knock on my door. I was greeted by a pastor and his wife. They had come with a large arm load of food - 4 pounds of fresh Chiapas coffee, a dozen fresh yard eggs, 2 gallons of fresh honey, fresh corn, bananas and vegetable pears. I was so touched by their gift of generosity and love.
You see recently I had made a commitment to 5 pastors who are overseers working in the highlands - “with God’s help we would buy each of them a used truck”. One pastor will oversee at least 12 to 18 churches and usually he has personally evangelized them. For years these men have walked 8 to 10 hours one way to reach their destinations preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. Often it is in the rain and cold of the mountains of Chiapas.
This pastor and his wife at the door came to say thanks and gave “out of their poverty” the very best they had. As each pastor was presented the gift of his truck, it fulfilled a dream they thought would never come true. Some pastors cried, while others with smiles and hugs, could not thank us enough. One of the pastors lives in a very remote location. When he received the news of his truck, he could not sleep that night. He left home at 2 AM and walked a couple of hours before he got a ride that brought him on to Chenalho. Some pastors and their wives cooked Charlotte and I a wonderful meal while the men served us. It is not common to see a man serving tables in this culture, but they were not concerned about that. Everyone just wanted to express their gratitude in whatever way they could.
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Each pastor has worked and sacrificed for years and given endlessly to the work of the ministry. Since it was more than they could have hoped for, these men may have never actually asked God for such a blessing. Yet, He knew not only was it a desire but a real need for these dear men of God.
Nothing could have prepared me for the joy that it brought me personally to bless these pastors. I was so thankful to present each one with a truck, but in return I was the one that was blessed. Their heart of love allows us all to understand it is truly more blessed to give than receive.
Pray for our April teams: Franklin, LA youth- Medial Campaign
Needs: Completion of church in San Fernando- More Bibles
Praise Report: Church completed in Las Mercedez- Soon completion of Chenalho clinic house
So many of you have given sacrifically to the work of the Lord and to help the poor in Mexico. Many times you have given with the widow’s heart and given all you had. We pray for God to meet each and every need you are facing at this very moment. May He continually bless and keep you and your family in His care!
Russell
"...For they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." Mark 12:41-44
Often I have seen the poor in Mexico give just as this widow woman. They would be giving all they have - a couple of peso coins. And most Sundays on the altar will be a tithe or offering of eggs, corn, beans, etc.
Recently, when I was at the ministry headquarters in Chenalho, Chiapas, I responded to a knock on my door. I was greeted by a pastor and his wife. They had come with a large arm load of food - 4 pounds of fresh Chiapas coffee, a dozen fresh yard eggs, 2 gallons of fresh honey, fresh corn, bananas and vegetable pears. I was so touched by their gift of generosity and love.
You see recently I had made a commitment to 5 pastors who are overseers working in the highlands - “with God’s help we would buy each of them a used truck”. One pastor will oversee at least 12 to 18 churches and usually he has personally evangelized them. For years these men have walked 8 to 10 hours one way to reach their destinations preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. Often it is in the rain and cold of the mountains of Chiapas.
This pastor and his wife at the door came to say thanks and gave “out of their poverty” the very best they had. As each pastor was presented the gift of his truck, it fulfilled a dream they thought would never come true. Some pastors cried, while others with smiles and hugs, could not thank us enough. One of the pastors lives in a very remote location. When he received the news of his truck, he could not sleep that night. He left home at 2 AM and walked a couple of hours before he got a ride that brought him on to Chenalho. Some pastors and their wives cooked Charlotte and I a wonderful meal while the men served us. It is not common to see a man serving tables in this culture, but they were not concerned about that. Everyone just wanted to express their gratitude in whatever way they could.
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Each pastor has worked and sacrificed for years and given endlessly to the work of the ministry. Since it was more than they could have hoped for, these men may have never actually asked God for such a blessing. Yet, He knew not only was it a desire but a real need for these dear men of God.
Nothing could have prepared me for the joy that it brought me personally to bless these pastors. I was so thankful to present each one with a truck, but in return I was the one that was blessed. Their heart of love allows us all to understand it is truly more blessed to give than receive.
Pray for our April teams: Franklin, LA youth- Medial Campaign
Needs: Completion of church in San Fernando- More Bibles
Praise Report: Church completed in Las Mercedez- Soon completion of Chenalho clinic house
So many of you have given sacrifically to the work of the Lord and to help the poor in Mexico. Many times you have given with the widow’s heart and given all you had. We pray for God to meet each and every need you are facing at this very moment. May He continually bless and keep you and your family in His care!
Russell
posted by Russell & Charlotte at 2:23 PM
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