A Witness in the Darkness

On Friday night we hit the streets of Jesús María – and you’ll never guess what we found there!

Ok, well, if you read my post on Hallowe’en In Mexico, you may at least have a clue.

The streets were packed – it was like a carnival.  Families roamed with their kids – often all of them dressed up.  Although people were mostly having fun, we could see the results of a generation brought up on horror movies.  There weren’t a lot of super heroes or princesses – more witches and killers and skeletons.

This was the evening of the 1st of November, right in the middle of the Days of the Dead.

Our friend Jos, accompanied by Tina and the youth of the church, led the kids from our congregation as they handed out flyers (written by our coworker Rod) explaining how Jesus has conquered death.  They did a great job teaching the kids about the joys and challenges of sharing the Gospel.

We as adults also handed out tracts and spoke to people.  Shari and I had a very interesting conversation with an older man who felt he was a very good person before God.  Do pray that he will understand his need.  On the bright side, he was aware of the classes we give at the community centre.  It was good to hear that we do have a good testimony before many in the community.

Please pray as the believers here continue to share the Truth in their community.

Some of our group peaked inside one of the tents that was set up on the street.  Inside were probably dozens of images of Saint Death – the “woman” skeleton dressed in white, representing death, that many here worship.  Offerings, candles and orange marigolds (the flower featured in the Day of Dead celebrations) were everywhere.  They were encouraged to return for prayers at 8pm.  But we don’t pray to death – we spent time that evening praying to Someone else – the Life.

How difficult – and yet encouraging – to be a light in the darkness.  We had fun, and made a few people smile, but we also encouraged people to think about what God really has to say about death and life.

Thanks for your prayers!  God hears.