Ministry News

Like every year, in December, we held our annual Christmas Program. We had about 90 in attendance including several first time visitors. Our neighbors, who are not open to the gospel, also attended for the second consecutive year.
We were planning on returning to the United States this year for a short home assignment(furlough), but we have changed plans as we have been thinking about the future of the church here in Texcoco. Our goal is to have this church established in about 2 years and then return to the U.S. for a year as we transition into a new area.
We praise God for the growth in two of the men in the church. We are currently doing a Bible study with Salvador and Enrique, who we are preparing to take over the ministry here in Texcoco when the Smith’s, our coworkers, and we leave this work. Both of them are taking turns with us teaching the weekly married’s Bible study. Enrique is taking turns preaching once a month as well.
Through the boys’ soccer team, Bryan has had the opportunity to get to know some of the parents. Nester, one of the fathers, invited Bryan to play on his soccer team. Nester lost his job last year and is still unemployed. He has talked with Bryan about doing a Bible study, but he says that his wife currently isn’t open to the idea.
We have had a new family coming to church as well as other people contacting us about the possibility of coming to our church.
Please continue to pray for the marriages. Chucho, who I mentioned in an earlier letter, has decided not to get a divorce, however he remains separated from his wife. Neither are attending church anymore. Odin returned from his trip to the U.S., as he couldn’t get across the border (praise the Lord). He is doing better with his marriage, but they still have problems. Another man, Gerardo, separated from his wife. His wife really pushed him away and wasn’t accepting our counsel to her. Now that he is gone, she is attending faithfully with her 2 children, and we have seen some real positive growth in her life in the past few months. Susan is doing a study with a woman in our church, named Abby. Her husband is saved, but does not attend church, and is away from the Lord. One praise is that one lady, Sara, has gotten back together with her husband after being separated for several years.
Next Sunday evening, February 15th, we are going to have our Valentine’s banquet at church. We should have a good group of visitors there that day to hear the gospel.

Family News

Aaron is growing. He is a big boy. We’ve found that he can’t tolerate several foods including milk, even in Susan’s diet. With those things eliminated, his stomach is doing a little better, and thankfully he is beginning to sleep a little better at night too. It has been difficult for Susan as she takes care of him, home schools, and takes care of her other responsibilities.
Josh and Caleb continue to play soccer. Caleb’s team won 2nd place last season, and he was so excited to get his medal. Abby likes playing with her dolls and going to school with her big brothers.

Praises

1. Salvador and Enrique taking on responsibility

2. New People coming to church

3. Attendance at Christmas Program

4. Sara is back with her husband

1. Marriages in the church and community

2. Commitment of the church family

3. Valentine's Banquet

4. Leadership Development

5. Salvation of Nester

6. Safety in daily living

7. Adjustment to life with Aaron

Mexico News

There is a military report out that Mexico is one of two places in the world that is at risk of a “Rapid and Sudden Collapse.” There are wars going on along the US/Mexican border where thousands have died in drug related conflicts. Texcoco is still a risk with kidnappings as well. Last Sunday, a sister church, 30 minutes from here had their service interrupted by armed robbers who robbed everyone there. Things probably won’t improve anytime soon as the economic crisis is just as bad here as the U.S.