The Testimony of the Venegas Flores Family

Salvador and Lourdes were deep into the Mexican Catholic tradition.  They would make pilgrimages to the Basilica (the Catholic Church dedicated to the Virgin), carry the cross, have statues in the house, give an offering to the dead on the day of the dead, etc.  Lourdes’ brother in law first accepted Christ while in the U.S. illegally.  Then when the man who led the brother in law to Christ came down to visit, he stayed with Salvador and Lourdes.  Before he came down, Salvador thought that the man was coming to kidnap kids and take them back to the U.S.(no joke) 

After arriving, they didn’t accept what the man had to say at first, but Lourdes and the rest of the family accepted Christ before he left.  Salvador, however, still wasn’t sure.  He eventually accepted Christ.  They still held on to their Catholic traditions of the idols, giving an offering to the dead, etc. for some time afterwards.

After being saved, they began a Bible Study with the Smith’s(our teammates).  Whenever the Smith’s would come over, they would be embarrassed thinking about what their neighbors would be thinking about them having Christians come to their house to have a Bible study.

Now, Salvador and Lourdes are growing as Christians.  They no longer hold on to any of the old traditions that they used to.  They have become bold in their faith, sharing the gospel with others, and starting Bible studies.

Because of the way they were before they were saved, and how they were shortly afterwards, we can see what others must be thinking when they invite them to a Bible study or a church event. 

Texcoco is very hostile towards Christians.  Lourdes started a Bible study with 3 ladies.  The study had to be changed to her house because neighbors would blast the radio so they couldn’t hear.  One of the ladies from the study no longer comes because of the pressure she has received from her family.

Evangelism is very slow and must be built upon a relationship here.  We praise the Lord for what he is doing in this family as well as other families in the church.