Mexico Outreach

CML August 2-8

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:48:00 +0000

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.

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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.

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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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:05:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:57:00 +0000

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.

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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.

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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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

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.

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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.

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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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:58:00 +0000

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.

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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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:41:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:06:00 +0000

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.

view photo album

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.

view photo album

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.

view photo album

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:07:00 +0000

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.

view photo album

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

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:43:00 +0000

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.

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:58:00 +0000

Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ ”

The angel spoke to the Shepherds many years ago and gave this message that still holds true today! Many are still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and are also waiting to experience the great joy that comes from knowing Him. We are doing what we can to share this message with those in the cities and remote villages of Chiapas. And you are helping us to make a difference!

Psalm 5:11 “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.”

The lives of the children in the photos on the Christmas card have changed since the good news of Jesus’ birth has reached their communities. Their faces reveal a countenance of pure joy that comes from knowing Him.

Neh. 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Psalm 94:19 “When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

During these past months of negative headlines and tough economic times, we remind ourselves of the true joy that comes from a relationship with our Lord Jesus. We also think of the children of Mexico and of the many believers there who seem to be overflowing with the joy of the Lord. It is obvious that it is not because of their material possessions or a secured retirement plan, but due to a genuine joy that comes from deep within a contented soul.

We realize that the enemy is doing what he can to rob believers everywhere of true joy which is their strength. Choose with us today that your joy in the Lord will remain and that you will be strengthened this Christmas season by the beauty and wonder of the message and promises that are ours through our Savior's birth.

I Thess. 3:9 “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”

It is with great joy that we serve the purposes of God among our dear friends of southern Mexico. “You” have brought such joy to these people and to us! And we cannot thank you enough! Also, we thank God for all of you who have contributed funds for building block churches, for those of you who have traveled to Mexico this past year and worked on these buildings, for everyone who contributed to the medical campaigns through your work and finances, for each Bible or blanket that you purchased and distributed and for all the smiles and hugs you gave showing the genuine love of our Lord. It was also with great joy that we helped to host the General Convention in Chenalho of over 5000 people, a youth conference and two women’s conferences. Because of your continued generous donations and your prayers for us and the work of the ministry, we can look forward to spreading the good news of great joy next year.

A new construction goal for 2009 is to add a much needed dining room to the missions facility in Chenalho and upgrade our small home style kitchen to commercial standard. The number of teams continue to increase each year and so do the events which could greatly benefit from these two projects.

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Have a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Texarkana, TX Team Nov. 9-15

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:57:00 +0000

Women's Conferences Nov.7-14

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:55:00 +0000

There was a special touch of God’s grace at the Lady’s Conference in Chenalho this past November. A generous person had donated some money specifically to purchase blankets for some of the Indians. Keep in mind that these Indians live anywhere from 5000-7500 feet in elevation, and it can get pretty cold at night. Many of these Indians still live in mud huts and sleep on the ground at night. Blankets are a God-send, both to sleep on to block some of the cold from the ground, and to cover with.

Russell had found a place in San Cristobal where he could buy thick, warm wool blankets for about $7 each (U.S. dollars). When we went to buy the blankets, with the money donated and the price quoted, Russell could buy 157 blankets. They came in bundles of 25, so we had 6 bundles and 7 extra single blankets. Russell had a new pick-up with a camper shell, and he had never bought blankets in this quantity since he had this pick-up. When we started loading blankets in the back of the truck, we had to open up the sixth bundle and begin stuffing blankets along the sides, on top of the first bundles up to the inside of the camper shell, and against the back of the tailgate. When we had the last blanket and were about to close the back of the camper shell, I told Russell, “we found out that your truck can hold 158 blankets, because there might be room for one more, but there sure isn’t room for two more!”.

Russell had planned on giving one blanket to every lady who came to the lady’s conference in Chenalho, many of whom came from a good distance away. However, the turn-out was even larger than expected. That’s a good thing, but more blankets were given away than anticipated. On Friday, we went to Oxinam, another village about an hour and a half from Chenalho on very bad roads, and at much higher elevation, and had another lady’s conference for ladies who were unable to travel to Chenalho. At the end of the conference, Russell wanted to give out the last of the blankets to the ladies there. There were 47 ladies at this conference, and there were 47 blankets left! It came out just right! And I’m convinced that God had it calculated and under control all along! Just the right amount of money donated to fill the truck, just the right amount of space in the truck to hold the right number of blankets, and just the right number of blankets for the number of ladies attending. As I was thinking about this later, it dawned on me that the biggest part of the miracle was the 47th lady in line in Oxinam, the last lady. I’m sure she was wondering if there would be a blanket for her, whether we would run out, and what if she hadn’t been at the back of the line. But God loved that lady at the end of the line enough to make sure that she got her blanket, and that she knew that God had her in mind all along!

Report written by Jim Nichols, DDS

October Medical/Construction Team

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:55:00 +0000

FALL NEWSLETTER 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:52:00 +0000

Proverbs 25:25 “As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.”

We have good news from Mexico! Growth in the Kingdom of God in the state of Chiapas continues. From the beginning of summer until now, six more churches have been built from start to finish. Two others were completed with benches and paint. We thank God for His provision, and we thank the teams from various parts of the US (PA, TX, GA, MI, CO, MO and LA) that have joined us over the pass few months.

Relief for the suffering! 2000 or more people were seen during the last 3 medical campaigns conducted by teams from Macon, GA, Denison, TX and Lafayette, LA. Free medical care and medicine was given to so many in need. We thank Dr. Jim Nichols for his continued leadership in this area of outreach and also our local physician Dr. Lulu Araujo. We also thank Dr. Okoro, Dr. Delaney, Dr. Barns, Dr. Magee, and Dr. Landreneau and the many nurses and other volunteers who gave so sacrificially to make it all possible.

More good news! The three day youth conference this past summer was a wonderful event. A special thanks to youth pastor’s Steve Amora and Den Hussey for their ministry to the youth at this year's conference. Several churches from Chiapas participated in the event. It is always special to see God blend young people from different cultures and enjoy His presence together.

 
Good news from the little ones! At many of the construction and medical locations, we were able to incorporate a time of ministry to the children. God has raised up Pastor Alex’s sister, Olga, to minister to the children of the mountains. What an answer to prayer! VBS was another great blessing to the children of Chenalho. God sent a wonderful team of American and Tzotil volunteers who worked with the children each day.

The new Dodge Ram was good news for our summer teams. The rains made it impossible to pass in some areas. As you can see, the Dodge truck not only carried our teams but also pulled the other vehicles on the rugged, muddy roads.

A personal note: Although we spend much of our time in the country of Mexico, we have always kept a home in the US. We have recently relocated just north of Colorado Springs. Our two sons and their families have lived in this area for some time. We felt it was in the Lord’s plan for us to see them more frequently when we are in the US. This move will not change anything with the work in Mexico. We are still just as dedicated to the full time commitment to furthering the gospel in the country of Mexico and reaching out to the poor and needy. For those sending contributions to Mexico Outreach, the address remains the same.

Mexico Outreach
PO Box 81933
Lafayette, LA 70598

For any personal mail, our new house address is:
16609 Curled Oak Drive
Monument, CO 80132

Pray for upcoming events:
- Nov. 7-9 Women's Conference
Tuxtla/ San Fernando
- Nov. 12-14 Women's Conference
Chenalho/Oxinum
- Nov. 9-15 Texarkana Men's Construction Team

We thank you for your continued prayers and financial support! Today, we pray you are encouraged by good news from a far county. In this world of uncertainty, we serve the unchanging Lord Jesus Christ who is ultimately "the Good News." His promises are true, and He is faithful to protect and take care of those who put their trust in Him. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Ps. 84:11,12 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in you!"
The Linscombes

First Baptist Church July 26-August 1

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:07:00 +0000

We thank Mickey for the following report from their week in Chiapas. We also thank Mickey and her husband Al for doing such a marvelous job of organizing this team and working for one year prior to their arrival in Mexico to put everything together back in the states to make the week in Chiapas so effective. We so appreciate your heart for missions and all you do to help in various parts of the world. Thank you for including the work of the ministry in Mexico among your mission endeavors.

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Denison, TX July 26 – August 1, 2008

Al & Mickey Brown returned to Chenalho bringing a group of 20 from their church, First Baptist Church, Denison, Texas. Pastor Mark Mitchell & Youth Pastor Chad Rogers accompanied the team along with their wives. Bro Larry Myers also came with the group from Denison. It was an amazing trip with no delays or cancellations. The team arrived with all 42 pieces of checked luggage with half of them containing the gifts, medicines and supplies.

Dr. Jim Nichols, his wife Carmen and Dr Patrick Magee from Lafayette, LA joined the group in Chenalho. The team attended church in Chenalho Sunday morning. Then they went to San Cristobal for lunch at Jardines de San Cristobal. The afternoon was spent shopping at the open market.

The medical team consisted of Dr. Jim Nichols, Dr Patrick Magee, Dr Joe Barns, Dr Wayne Delaney, Dr Lulu Araujo. The nurses were Terry Griffin, Michelle Pearce, Laura Adams and Mickey Brown. The medical assistants were Karen Sylvester, Julie Blount, Jane Mitchell, Phil McKinzie and Carmen Nichols. The team worked for four days in the following villages: Chanal, Yabteclum, Oxinam and Puebla. Eyeglasses were dispensed and various medical and dental needs were attended to approximately 550 patients. The glasses, medicine and dental needs were donated by the team & First Baptist Church Denison. Gifts were presented to each church from the team. The gifts consisted of beanie babies, crayons, markers, clothes, baby blankets, toys, toiletry items, flipflops, potholders, backpacks, etc.

The construction team consisted of Mark Mitchell, Chad Mitchell, Al Brown and included Bro Larry Myers. The team enlarged the church in the village of Oxinam. The church was in great need of more space for the congregation of 350. For three days approximately 40 of the church men showed up to do the construction work. The people there had a dedication service to honor God & the team for all that had been accomplished. The medical team and the VBS team were also present for the dedication service.

The VBS team consisted of Sonja Rollins, Wilma Joseph, Stephanie Lawrence, Cheyenne Lawrence, Rebekah Jones, Julie Rogers and Betty Reynolds. They worked with Olga, Cokie and the other ladies of the Chenalho church. There were approximately 80 children attending the VBS program. The team provided the crafts, recreation and refreshments. The children especially loved the praise sticks, which they had made. For the last day of VBS the team provided two piñatas, one for the girls & one for the boys. The children really enjoyed knocking them down & gathering up the candy & toys.

Wednesday night the team attended a Mexican fiesta at the home of Umbi and Cokie. We celebrated the 8th birthday of Little Larry & the birthday of Bro. Larry (much older than Little Larry). Both Larrys were presented gifts & cards from the team. It was a wonderful celebration. Umbi & others provided music and entertainment.

The First Baptist Church sent donations to purchase 96 Tzotzil Chenalho bibles, which were delivered on Thursday in Chenalho. The team also presented 800 men’s neckties to Pastor’s Alex & Carlos for the pastors. Sunglasses for the pastors were also presented to Pastor’s Alex and Carlos.

The group ended their week with a trip to the Tuxtla orphanage, Casa Hogar Alegre. They presented gifts to the children. Before leaving for the airport the team was given a tour of Pastor Carlos church in Tuxtla.

HILDA'S GRADUATION

LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR VBS

Thibodaux Family Church July 19-27

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:05:00 +0000

A team of 10 people from the Family Church of Thibodaux, LA joined us from July 19-July 27. We appreciate all that this group and the rest of their church members did to raise funds for various projects in the Chiapas area.

view photo album

The team led by Jory B. had formed a bell choir and played songs at each location they visited during the week including the Sunday morning service in Chenalho. That afternoon the team enjoyed a pleasant dinner and time of open air market shopping in San Cristobal.

The busy work week began early Monday morning when the group had to use the new 4 wheel drive truck to get to the difficult location of Johtontic 1. The team painted the church inside and out, ran electrical lighting and made benches for the congregation. The day continued with a very successful time of children's ministry.

It seems as though God always sends the right people at the right time. We had been needing some carpentry work done and God sent two carpenters on this team. So another project that TFC did was to make 22 bed side tables for the ministry center and medical house in Chenalho. The ladies assisted with staining and sealing the end tables.

Pastor Alex's youngest sister, Hilda, graduated from High School during this same week. The team enjoyed a full day of celebration for Hilda hosted by her family at their home. It was a marvelous time of fellowship, food and worship.

On Wednesday the team ministered to the many children of San Antonio del Monte. These are some of the sweetest people in the entire world. It is always such a joy to be with Pastor Juan and his family.

Later in the week we had the same work schedule as Monday. It was just as difficult, but this time we were in the village of Pacanab. Due to the rainy season, there were many mud slides causing the team to have to wait occasionally for dozers to clear the muddy roads in order to get through to our destinations.

Friday was filled with a visit to the village of Puebla where we were greeted with a full church of children ready for a service with puppets, singing and bibles stories.

This special week of ministry to the children of Chiapas was appropriately concluded with a visit to Casa Hogar Alegre, the orphanage in Tuxtla.

Thanks again Thibodaux for all the gifts that were distributed among so many in Mexico and for a week of hard work and ministry to the dear people of Chiapas.

Youth Conference July 11-13, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:00:00 +0000

The 2008 Youth Conference was held July 11, 12 and 13. The youth group from Christian Life Center of Bensalem, PA joined us during the first night of services in San Fernando. In addition various other youth groups from Mexico participated in glorifying the Lord through drama, song and/or dance. Pastor Steve preached a great message that night that was an encouragement to all of us and was especially timely for the congregation of San Fernando.

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Pastor Den Hussey from The Crossing Place of Franklin, LA taught and preached the remaining sessions of the conference. Pastor Den's ability to communicate with young people and present messages that dealt with the issues and needs of youth from any culture, made the ministry of the remaining 2 days so productive. We so appreciate The Crossing Place for sending Pastor Den and his wife Bonnie to Chiapas to minister. We look forward to having them back next year if it works out.

On Saturday our PA team had to leave us and return to the US. We were not sure how that would effect the interest of the young people of Mexico, but we were so delighted when they stepped up and really put their all into making the next two days of conference extra special. It let all of us know that the foundation that has been laid is solid and built upon Jesus and not dependent upon any particular person or group.

Sunday afternoon was sports competition, and boy are they serious about their sports. And they are really good too! We thank God for the beautiful gym located behind Torre Fuerte in Tuxtla. It is a great blessing during such events.

Everyone was fed lunch both Saturday and Sunday and the youth from Chenalho were provided with a hotel and all their meals. This is still a really special gathering in Mexico to combine the Spanish and Indian cultures. We are privileged to be a part of God bringing unity among the body of Christ that transcends our own personal traditions and is simply for lifting up the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory for each life that was touch by His presence and eternally changed during the course of this week end!

Christian Life Center July 7-12

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:57:00 +0000

The busy month of July began with our first team from Bensalem, PA. A youth group along with their leaders formed a team of 28 people from Christian Life Center and joined us from July 7 - July 12.

view photo album

The team had raised the funds for a new church that was built in Guadeloupe Victoria. The hard work consisted of the usual erecting of the metal roof, pouring the cement floor, painting the interior and exterior of the church and building benches for the congregation. The team had to use the nearby river as their water source to hand mix and pour the cement. It also served as a good place to clean up and cool off from the hard work.

We concluded our time in Guadeloupe Victoria with an outdoor children's service. We also had a time of prayer for the dedication of the new building and the work of the ministry in this village. The experience was great for all involved and the week flew by way too quickly.

On the Friday night the group participated in the youth conference that was held in the San Fernando/ Tuxtla area. CLC did a marvelous job of ministering in song during the service. Pastor Steve brought a timely message to the congregation, and it was interpreted into Spanish by one of his own youth. The alter ministry was very special and many people were touched by God's presence.

A special thanks to Terri who did so much to make all the necessary preparations for the team and is a marvelous organizer.

Macon, GA June 14-21

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Pastor Clint Jett brought a group of 18 from their church, Victory Christian Center of Macon, GA. Jerry and Ann Jett, Pastor Clint’s parents, who have brought many teams to Chiapas in the past few years, also accompanied the team.

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The group consisted of 9 medical people including Dr. Loues Okoro and 4 nurses. The medical team had the opportunity to consult with 465 patients in a 4 day period visiting Yabteclum, Chalchihuitan, Pueblo, Takiukum and Rancheria Sinai. Free medicine and eye glasses were prescribed from donations to Mexico Outreach and from those of Macon and other individuals.

The construction team consisted of 10 men including Phillip Latolias from the Lafayette, LA area. A church was built in the city of Yabteclum. The team constructed the metal roof, pour the cement floor, made 24 benches and painted the interior and exterior of the church. A case of Tzotzil Bibles were given to the local church. The construction team also helped put up a new metal roof on a classroom and kitchen at the church in Palestina near San Cristobal de las Casas.

The group enjoyed many evenings of singing and devotion time and also celebrating the birthday of Pastor Alejandro on June 15. We concluded the week by having a fun day of taking the boat ride through the Canyon Sumidero in Chiapas de Corzo.

Six different nations were represented by these team members - Nigeria, Kenya, Jamaica, Philippines, India and the US. Many lives were touched through the medical team and there were many additional opportunities for the team to pray with people for various physical needs that only God could meet. The construction team left behind a beautiful church building in the village of Yabteclum to the Glory of God.

Detroit Team-June 7-14

noreply@blogger.com (Russell & Charlotte) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:47:00 +0000

Russell assisted Missionary Larry Myers of Mexico Ministries with a team from the Detroit, MI area. The group consisted of 11 men from Zion Church under the leadership of Pastor Scott L.

view photo album

On the first day of work, the group left Chenalho for a 31 mile drive to the Tzotzil village of Seclum. Little did we know due to the horrible road conditions that it would take us 5 1/2 hrs to get to the village. After having to push the van in many different areas on the rugged, muddy, mountain roads, we had no choice but to abandoned it. Two local villagers were left to stay with the van until we returned. All the team had to ride in back of the two pick up trucks.

Upon our arrival Bro. Larry made the decision for the group to spend the night due to the distance and the problems getting there. The group was not prepared for an over night stay and had no tents, sleeping bags or personal items nor adequate drinking water or food. By that afternoon half the group built 20 benches for the church while the other men welded the rafters and screwed the tin on the roof. It was completed by dark. The team was able to sleep on the wooden benches that they had made for the local congregation. The temperature was very cool in the mountains that night and no one got much rest.

The local people of Seclum provided a nice breakfast that morning. The men immediately started mixing the cement for the church floor. By mid day the work was completed and the group began their return trip to Chenalho. The difficulty of getting the van out of the rough, mountain terrain and the bad road conditions started all over again. Local villagers cut plants and brush to lay in the road for the van tires to have enough grip to get up the steep inclines. Everyone was happy to return to the ministry facility in Chenalho after being in the remote mountains of Chiapas. Our teams always feel like the facility in Chenalho is so nice after enduring such difficult conditions, and it is then referred to as the Chenalho Hilton.

The men also assisted in other work projects that week - pouring a sidewalk at the medical clinic and digging and pouring cement for the footings for the expansion of the stadium to house more people for our general conventions.

The group ended their week with a trip to the Tuxtla orphanage, Casa Hogar Alegre. Later that day the team went to Walmart and bought around 20 soccer and basketballs for the kids.