We enjoyed our service yesterday in Las Palmas, with guest speaker Ismael from the church in Jesús MarÃa. I took a few quick video clips and photos so you could see the church in action on a typical Sunday morning. It’s less than a minute long…
We had an … well, an interesting time this past Sunday. And thanks to those who prayed – it’s good to know you were praying. As you may see as you read on.
It was straight. Straight up. And narrow. We probably could have made it if everyone had gotten out of the van (except the driver, of course). But … we almost made it … but instead backed aaaaaalllllllll the way down, and once back down we easily found another way, and made it without any more problems to the service. On time, even.
Which is better than about 1/3 of everyone else did. One vehicle broke down (from the church in charge of communion), the preacher (Ismael) wasn’t there, and about a hundred or two others were still missing as the service began half an hour late.
So here’s the thing. Thankfully, I had checked out the route the day before, and other than the missed turn above, found it not too difficult. But once you get into the mountains, just try to get online and get an accurate map going on Google maps. Just try. You might end up like a group from one church, lost for 3-4 hours in the mountains.
Well, some arrived after the service was over. One lost group finally decided just to find a park somewhere, stop to eat and have their own devotional, and then go home. But guess what park they pulled into?
Yep, the one where we were all eating lunch. So – late – but at least they all had a warm welcome when they arrived!
Anyway, the service went well. The traffic was horrendous and the way home, so we’re still tired. But at least we made it both to the service, and home! So thanks again for praying. 🙂
Tomorrow is our annual mega-service with several other churches in the Mexico City area. Ismael, pastor of the church in Jesús MarÃa, will be preaching.
It’s been an interesting time trying to organize our travel, as a church. There are some people with cars, and some without. Can we all squeeze in? Do we need to rent a bus?
But then it turned out one vehicle wouldn’t be going (it’s not the vehicle’s fault, it’s because the owner isn’t going either). Can we fit? Yes, I think we’ll have space for everyone.
Then one family in our church had an accident (actually the second of our friends here to have an accident in the last few weeks). Don’t worry – they’re ok. But that’s another vehicle down.
Can we still fit? Well, now we’re at the last minute – I hope so! I’ve been messaging around looking for spaces and double checking who is coming. Still haven’t heard from everyone.
Ah well, Lord willing — we’re still going tomorrow — somehow! Up north of Mexico City, into the mountains. It’s supposed to be rainy and around 10C – pretty chilly for a service with no heat in an open structure.
Anyway, you could pray that we get it all worked out and are able to get everyone there safely! It will be an adventure!
In spite of an absolutely crazy week before big event, God blessed our 2nd anniversary service in Las Palmas!
As I mentioned last time, the owner of the hall did eventually let us rent it for the normal time. After the service, we went to a property owned by someone in the church for food and activities.
Above you can see the theme for the service, taken from Hebrews 2:3 (the key verse of the day was actually Hebrews 2:9). There was a lot of participation in the service – kids, youth, adults – music, drama, even some puzzles. We talked about our values as a church, and most of all we focused on the Son and His Salvation. As often happens – unplanned, but not by coincidence, everything fit together well.
After the service was a potluck. One of our friends also organized some activities “for the kids” – which in the end most certainly included almost everyone!
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that fact that Shari made some very cool cupcakes for the occasion. 😜
Thanks to everyone who prayed for the service. We’re so thankful for those who prayed, and for so many people who worked together to make the day a great success. We look forward to seeing what God will do in Year 3!
This coming Sunday, Lord willing, we’ll be celebrating the second anniversary of the Path of Life Bible Church in Las Palmas. Which means it’s kind of a busy week. Ok, crazy busy.
On Monday we were leaving the state for an overnight visit with our team of missionaries. It had been an exhausting weekend, and we were ready for a bit of a break. And that’s when I got the news.
The news was that we wouldn’t be able to use the hall on Sunday. That is, the hall where we meet as church each week. That is, where our anniversary service was going to be in a few days. The owner sent his apologies, and suggested maybe we could have it for more time the week after.
Because, you see, we were using it for a longer time on the 28th – special service, invited guests, decorations, activities for the kids, a special meal….
It would be impossible to move it to the next Sunday, because the 4th of November is the annual joint service with churches around the Mexico City area. We’ll all be out of state that Sunday.
Well, I left it in the Lord’s hands (after some initial shock). But God was kind, and sent us a bit of encouragement.
So Shari told her – well, she wasn’t sure what to tell her – sure, you can come … not sure where our church is, exactly. It might be somewhere this Sunday, somewhere else in 3 weeks – and then we will move to some unknown location….
So you’re welcome to come to our church, as soon as we find it.
Anyway, in spite of the church-of-no-fixed-address problem, it was just the encouragement we needed.
You’ll be glad to hear that when we returned home last night, we found out that the owner was going to let us use the hall after all – but only for the regular time. So we’re scrambling now to see if we can find a place for the after service meal and activities.
So — lots to be done in the next few days — lots more than expected! But we’re praying that somehow it would work out, and that we would have a special time together, and learn from the Lord about His great salvation (that’s our theme for the service – “Such a Great Salvation!”).
Lot’s of people are going to be involved on Sunday – special music, special presentations – we’re looking forward to it! Wherever “it” may be!
Of course, you can worship God anywhere, can’t you?
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father … the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
John 4:21-23
It was our first Sunday back in Ixtapaluca after our summer in Canada. The very first person I spoke to was the owner of the party hall where we meet.
“We’re converting the hall into squash courts”, he said. “We’ll be dividing up the room, so you won’t be able to use it anymore. You’ll have it until the end of November.”
He went on by explaining it was nothing against us – in fact, he has quite a high opinion of us. Well, that’s good.
But it does leave us without a place to meet in about 6 weeks.
So, before taking any action whatsoever, our church decided to have a week of prayer. (If you receive our email update, you might have joined us – thanks!)
Then, last Sunday, we started to discuss some of our options, and start investigating the possibilities.
The reason why it is such an urgent matter of prayer is that the options, from a human standpoint, aren’t great. There are a couple of places in the neighbourhood that might fit our group, but they’re either not really suitable/available, or extremely expensive. There are some other possibilities that we’re looking into, but from a human standpoint it will be a real challenge to find something.
So, you’re welcome to join us in prayer as we look for a place to use as we continue to make disciples. At this point, I don’t think we’ll be on the street (although pitching a tent is a current option!), but we want to pray that God would provide a suitable place – we’re thinking bathrooms, a place where the kids can do their Sunday School, chairs, electricity… and even space to grow.
I agree with Ezra – “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him” (Ezra 8:22).
Shari also encouraged us on Sunday, by reminding us that God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). So – let’s ask!