NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2007 UPDATE

May the light of His birth fill your heart with joy this Christmas and always.



John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

During this Christmas season, lights are everywhere. How they add such beauty to any holiday decorating! Let us pause to think about the true Light of our festive celebration and give Him praise for His goodness during 2007.

What a joy to see a new generation growing up in the knowledge and truth of God’s light! The children on the Christmas card live in San Antonio del Monte. This village is comprised of Christian believers that have relocated from other areas where in past years they were persecuted for their faith.

I John 1: 7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another...”

Amazing people were brought together this past year, and we are so thankful for all that we share with you in Christ. We appreciate your help in carrying His light to the people of Mexico through the many block churches that were built, the hundreds of Bibles that were distributed, the suffering of so many that was relieved by dentists and doctors who came and the medicine provided by your donations. You also touched the lives of the children living in the Tuxtla orphanage through contributions, medical care and visits. Donations of warmth through new blankets, clothing and shoes went throughout the mountains. We had a great youth conference in July and two marvelous women’s conferences in November. This was accomplished because of team work and the kindness and generosity of hundreds of people helping throughout the year to make it all possible. Through your prayers and contributions, you are a part of bringing the light of the Gospel to so many. We hope you always know how special you are to us and count it a great privilege to be your hands extended to a people in great need.

Ps. 27: 1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?”

Great changes have taken place recently in Chiapas! Last month we attended a service where a visiting guest addressed the congregation and gave praise to God our Lord and Savior. This man is now the new Christian mayor from a community in Mitontic which is located just a few miles from the missions facility in Chenalho. Years ago Missionary Larry Myers built a church in this area. In those days the church was not welcomed by the leadership of this community. The pastor was thrown in jail, and the doors of the church were padlocked. Larry encouraged the people to stand strong, and they did not fear what man could do to them. Later the pastor was released, and the church was allowed to stand. The seven other Americans that were with us that evening last month can also give account to the light of Jesus that has truly shone in this area of darkness and the results have been incredible!

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...”
Whatever your situation may be this holiday season, we know that God is mindful of your need and cares so deeply for you. May your heart and home shine brightly this Christmas with the greatest gift of all - the light of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Russell and Charlotte Linscombe

Magnificent 7 - November 10-16

Jerry Jet headed up a group from LA which included Elton Navarro, Wade G. along with Pastor Brian Hoteling and Jake Taylor from Elizabeth Baptist Church, Branch, LA and Pastor Brian Head of Buena Vista Community Church. Also with the group was Tim Rochel from Florida.


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Though the group consisted of 4 different churches, there was great unity among the men. An overwhelming expression of joy was demonstrated throughout the week with singing and laughter. From the beginning the group joked about being the magnificent 7 in reference to an old western, but the name was appropriate and became very fitting!

The group built a church in the village of Tzajalch’en. Day one consisted of erecting the roof and painting the church. The next day the team made benches and poured the cement floor. A dedication service was held with praise and worship and special prayer for the pastor and those that were sick.

Also, the group painted the church in Chalam. In addition the team distributed blankets to people of 6 different villages which was such a blessing with winter approaching. On the last evening in Chenalho, we attended a special service at a neighboring village. Many churches were represented there, and it was a very exciting event. People were everywhere - packed inside the small building and just as many standing outside. The joy that these people expressed during worship moved all of our hearts. We were given special places of honor along with a visiting city official of the Mitontic area. This was remarkable since just a few short years ago, the pastor in Mitontic was put in jail for preaching the gospel. Now not only is there freedom of worship in these same areas, but Christians are on the city councils in many villages.

We thank all the guys for a week of hard work and one that was enjoyable to us all. Thank you for the funds you gave to build a block church and bless the people in so many ways.

Women's Conferences Nov. 1-10

Tuxtla/San Fernando Conference Nov.2-4


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Chenalho/Rancharia Sinai Nov. 7-9


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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2007 UPDATE

Matt. 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Matt. 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

What a priceless treasure readily available to all of us as believers - the precious written Word of God! It is ours to read, study and cling to anytime we so choose. Most households have many copies in various translations. The Bible has been available to us for so long that few ever take the time to even think about how or when it was translated into our own language or the price that was paid to accomplish it.

This is not so for our Indian friends in the highlands of Chiapas. Translation of the Bible into the Tzotzil de Chamula language only began in the 1970’s. It took several years to complete the work. When we arrived some years ago, the Old Testament had not even been published yet. Now the complete Bible is available and the dear people of the highlands have access to the life changing Word in their own dialects. It was not without a price. These early believers and Indian translators were martyred for their commitment to follow Christ and involvement with working on the translation. It went against cultural and traditional tribal teachings of their people, and no one was allowed to be different. Many suffered great persecution or even paid the price with their very life.

Strongholds in some cities still exist today ...... While it is not allowed for a building to be erected in some areas of block and mortar, God is still able to penetrate the walls of darkness through His written word. It has been a great privilege to put Bibles into the hands of so many believers that hunger to know the Word of God and walk in the liberty that only Christ can give.



You have been such a part of helping us in building churches in other locations where freedom of worship is allowed, and you have also helped us purchase many cases of Bibles in the different dialects. We thank you for the wonderful donations. You have been so faithful to keep the work of the Lord moving forward in Chiapas. Because of the explosion in the growth of believers being added to the body of Christ, there continues to be a need for more churches and more Bibles.

We also return to these locations as often as possible with medical teams that help relieve some of the physical suffering. This month a medical team will be working at the Casa Hogar Alegre orphanage in Tuxtla and seeing patients from the city of Tuxtla prior to a 3 day campaign in the mountains. We thank God for Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr. John Mahoney and the other workers for their dedication and compassion for these people.

San Fernando - God has been faithful and so have you! He has spoken to your hearts and the construction continues on this large project. We are now believing for the windows, doors, floor and drop ceiling.

Please pray for upcoming events: November 1-9 - Women’s conferences November 10-16 - Construction team with Harvest International

May God continue to show Himself mighty in your own present circumstances of life. May you find His Word as precious and priceless to your life as our Mayan friends. And may God bless you and your family for your faithfulness in supporting this area of ministry for the Kingdom through your prayer and financial contributions.

Isaiah 55:11 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Russell and Charlotte