The Lord’s mercies are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23
CHENALHÓ 35th ANNIVERSAY CELEBRATION
Russell and Charlotte were blessed as they were honored for their years of ministry.
Chenalhó leadership with Pastor Carlos and Barbara
Special worship service
Outdoor Celebration dinner
Indigenous leaders in their traditional clothing.
FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
“Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”
At El Salto waterfall
Over 35 years ago, I traveled to Chiapas with Missionary Larry Myers. At that time, I had been working with him in Mexico for about 4 years, but when my feet touched the soil in Chiapas, I knew I was home. The beauty of the country and the adventure of the unknown was intriguing, but it was the Divine connection with the people that confirmed what I was feeling. In those first moments, I experienced what would become a lifetime of commitment, first to God and also to a people. Charlotte and I have dedicated our lives to the fulfillment of God’s purposes with a people who would become our family— in Chiapas, now also in Oaxaca and other parts of Mexico.
On January 3rd of this year, our Chenalhó family, and church congregation, many from surrounding areas and leaders of the work, honored us with an amazing celebration to thank us and express their love and gratitude. We were moved to tears by the graciousness of these people. They are the ones who needed to be honored. We were showered with gifts of new Tzotzil clothing, a special service, an elaborate fiesta, handmade and personal gifts and monetary offerings. We were overwhelmed! It was a great day of reflecting on memories of God’s faithfulness. God promised that He would be with us even unto the ends of the earth. We thought of the many villages we have been to, the roads we have traveled and the difficulties we have encountered, but God has always been faithful!
Great is God’s faithfulness! No matter the circumstances of summer, winter or harvest, God has guided and shown His great mercy and love. All that we have needed both at home in the US and in Mexico, He has provided. Health, strength, a business in the US, a network of wonderful people and support, the most incredible co-laborers and encouragers. God has always been faithful! To Him we give all glory! And to all of you and our dear precious people of Mexico, we express our thankfulness from the depths of our hearts.
Blessings!
Russell
IBI March Sessions
TUXTEPEC - CLASS OF 2025
Students celebrating their graduation with professors and IBI leadership on March 15, 2025!
Professors Danny and Leroy, IBI President Pastor Carlos, IBI Chenalhó Director Raul, IBI Tuxtepec Directors Cesar and Mauri, Interpreters Luis and Berenice, Russell and Charlotte
Grateful to Dr. Leroy Curtis for teaching during class sessions and giving the commencement address with Interpreter Luis. More graduation photos to come!
In the classroom with Professor Danny Williams.
CHENALHÓ - CLASS OF 2026
Students with US professors
Professor Dwayne with Interpreter Berenice.
Students praying for the professors.
Dr. McCarty during a class session.
Many thanks to Professors Michael McCarty, Dwayne Higgason and Danny Williams.
IBI Student Sponsorships
For MXO, the greatest calling and need continues to be to train up pastors and leaders and to raise funds for their schooling.
A student sponsorship is $800 for the complete two year program and it takes more than one sponsor per student. An entire two week session is $5,000 per campus. If you would like to help, it can be monthly, annually or one time online or by mail. Whatever works for you.
God has been faithful and so have our sponsors for the past 12 years of IBI history!!
Lacandon Youth Conference
A wonderful three day youth camp which included times of worship, teaching and fun sponsored by MXO!
Updates and News
HOME FOR JOSIAS AND JACQUELINE - Construction is progressing thanks to your generosity!
We were honored to speak at the Bethesda Church Valentine’s Couples’ Dinner.
NEW TRUCK - Your gifts helped Johnny, who often assists us, buy a truck.
Thankful to King’s Trail Church for their recent donation for new windows and doors for Pastor Berta’s home (Widow and IBI grad).
Welcome Babies!!
Congratulations to Carlos Perez and Laura, his wife, for the birth of their daughter, Hadassah Charlotte, who joins 2 year-old sister, Jireh.
After 12 years of praying for a baby, God has given Cayun and Josefa a miracle baby, Cayun Natanael, born in December 2024.
Mission Teams
1st Baptist Church-Texarkana
Team in front of the church constructed in Diamantes.
Hard at work preparing cement for the floor.
Team lead by Mike Beck enjoying a meal.
Medical & Construction Team
Medical and Construction team lead by Dr. Jim Nichols and Chap Gary.
Ribbon cutting atdedication ceremony for church built in Tehauacan Agua Dulce, Chiapas.
Chap presenting new church building keys to Pastor Antonio.
Nurse Cindy Wessel assisting in the clinic.
It was great to have Dr. John Mahoney with us again!
Carmen and Lauren preparing the dental instruments.
Oaxaca Women’s Ministry
Team led by Megan Bowen with Mauri, Berenice and Jacqueline for ministry in various churches.
Attendees with the leadership team
Beautiful times of worship.
Megan’s daughters ministered through dance.
Dress give-away for all attendees.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE TUXTEPEC
Church on the Rock team with Jacqueline, Mauri, Berenice and Charlotte.
Whitney Jackson, the COTR team leader, speaking at Bethesda on Sunday morning with Luis, Interpreter.
Women of all ages entering into worship together.
Team members from COTR praying with women at the event.
Mauri and Charlotte ministering with Berenice as interpreter.
Conference ladies were honored with a special luncheon.
CHURCH DEDICATION
MONTE TINTA
Many thanks to the Jacksons of COTR for their gift to build this church in Oaxaca.
Whitney Jackson led COTR team for the celebration.
Man praying at the altar by the Bibles ready to be gifted to the church members.
PENNELL FOUNDATION TEAM
Team lead by Jim Bob Walters in front of the completed church building they helped construct in Sibal, Chiapas.
Each day, the team ministered to the children with fun games and Bible lessons.
Team members adding final paint touches and providing new chairs for the church.
Jim Bob and his wife, Valerie, distributing Bibles, beans and rice to the church members at the dedication service.
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