An Update on Almost Everything

I know someone out there wants to hear an update, so here it is!  I don’t like writing a lot of "general news" posts, but there comes a time to catch everybody up!

Health

Since one of my last posts was on the topic of health, I’ll start there.  First, no one in the family is at death’s door, as far as we know, but everyone is undergoing "adjustments" of one kind or another.

Shari is trying to get a hold of her doctor to talk about what to do next.  Lord willing she can talk to the doctor over the phone without taking another trip, but so far they haven’t been able to connect.

Nathanael is awaiting test results, and then he’ll be back in Puebla with one of his doctors.  He’s also dealing with changes in medication for other reasons.

Jim?  Well, I’m feeling a little better than I was, but still not great.  I have two appointments with specialists coming up – probably one next week and another the week after.

We really appreciate your prayers for health.  It obviously has a huge impact on ministry here.  Also, it’s costing a lot – particularly all the gas as we drive hither and yon.

And you could pray for the health of a co-worker here in Ixtapaluca, who has been struggling with something for several weeks.

During all this driving time, I took some pictures of Mexico City.  Here’s one – those gorgeous purple flowered Jacaranda trees are one great reason to enjoy the city in March!

Practical Matters

One big thing we’re trying to work through is van repairs.  That’s another time/money thing, of course.  Lord willing I’ll be going to get a part on Monday, and getting the first repair done.

We have to have this repair done, and have the van verified, or else we’ll have severe limits on when we’re allowed to drive come April.  Due to laws here in Mexico City, there are certain hours on weekdays and at least one day a week when we can’t drive if the van isn’t properly verified (a test that includes emission tests).

Upcoming Events!

Tomorrow is an exciting day!  It’s the first anniversary of the church plant in Jesús María!  We’re going to have a special service, special music (we’ll be doing a number, Lord willing), and of course some great food afterwards.  Praise the Lord for what He’s doing here in Ixtapaluca!

Do you remember the first service?  I don’t…

I have two more keyboard classes before the end of this series at the community centre.  Please pray that these classes will end well.  After the last class there’s a special closing of classes event, which is always a lot of fun and an opportunity to connect with people from the community.

I’m busy preparing for a kids’ camp in Hermosillo, Mexico next weekend.  It’s going to be a lot of fun!  Hannah and I will be flying there on Thursday.

Please do pray that I will have something useful from God’s Word to share with this group of young believers.  I’m drawing from the life and works of the Apostle Peter.  It’s been great to get to know Peter – what a guy.  What a life!

Of course, there’s lots more coming up!  I’ll be preaching again shortly, we’re looking forward to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services later in April – great times!

We continue to be very concerned about space issues when it comes to services and Bible studies.  People are frequently standing outside, and can’t hear what’s going on.

We’ve started raising money to find another place, and we’re looking for temporary solutions too.  If you want to know more, and help out, you can visit ixtapalu.ca and click on "Making Space".

Yes, that’s correct.  He’s selling cotton candy and cigarettes.  Which would you prefer today?

Ending with a little hymn history…

Here’s a sample from the song we’ll be singing tomorrow, especially for those who want to try out a little Spanish.

The song is a translation of an English hymn.  About 160 years ago, Thomas Westrup came to Mexico from London England with his family.  He was only 15 years old.

They had come to set up a flour mill.  But it was in Mexico that Thomas became a believer, and eventually he became a pastor, and then a missionary!  Thomas and his son wrote and translated literally hundreds of hymns.  Thomas was the translator of this one: