Prayer and Praise

28 November 2018

Here and There…

For those of you who have been praying for a place for our church to meet, you can keep praying! I won’t go into all the details here, but you’ll be glad to hear that we have a place for the time being – hopefully for a few more weeks.

But that’s not a long time – especially considering that the holidays are coming up quickly.

Bible study - November 2018 So, that and about a thousand other things are on our minds as we hurtle toward the end of the year.

Thanks to the hospitality of one of our church families, we do have a place for Bible study! Shari snuck this picture of us from last week. Shari is teaching the kids, continuing the chronological study that she started several months ago.

We’re preparing this Sunday for an adoration service, a special service that we have once a month. And there’s lots more coming up!

Anyway, just wanted to give you a quick update. Keep praying for the church – not only for a place, but for the people, who are going through some major struggles.

6 November 2018

This Year’s Mega-Service

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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.

Eating after the service with some Ixtapaluca friends.

So before our drive through the mountains, we had to go through the city of Pachuca. That’s where we got tangled up a little. Nothing major – actually, I missed one turn, and of course the friendly GPS (full name – Gabriela Paula Sanchez) adjusted our route. It looked like a fairly straight road, on the map….

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.

The Joint Service 2018 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.

Nathanael and Friend at the Lagoon — Exploring after the service…

Well, the good news. We were able to have the communion service. Ismael arrived in time to preach, and did a great job. And the others?

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. 🙂

3 November 2018

Into the Mountains…

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Tomorrow is our annual mega-service with several other churches in the Mexico City area. Ismael, pastor of the church in JesÃºs 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?

Mountain road up to the camp (thanks to Google Maps)

Well, our numbers were respectable, but not huge. It looked like we would all fit.

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!

29 October 2018

2nd Anniversary! Path of Life Bible Church of Las Palmas

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In spite of an absolutely crazy week before big event, God blessed our 2nd anniversary service in Las Palmas!

Â¡Una SalvaciÃ³n Tan Grande! — Such a Great Salvation!

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.

Iglesia BÃblica Sendero de Vida Las Palmas 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. ðŸ˜œ

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!

…we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:9

Amor

15 October 2018

Where to Worship?

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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!

3 October 2018

Prayer Request: Goodbye, for now.

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Today we are saying goodbye to our team mate, fellow worker, and friend Beth Sandoval. Many of you have prayed for her and her family as she has fought cancer. This morning she finished the good fight, and went to be with her Lord.

Chalo and Beth Sandoval
(2016 – just a few days before her first diagnosis of cancer)

We’re so thankful for the testimony that Beth has had – throughout her life, but also over the past few years. When we would get together, her stories would be about doctors and nurses who had heard the gospel, made confessions of faith, who were interested in Bible studies. In spite of the ongoing pain, nausea, and uncertainty, she persevered for her Lord, and the rewards will be eternal.

Of course that doesn’t convey the constant, quiet encouragement that she has been to us. Both Beth and her husband Chalo have meant so much to us, and so many others. There are many churches filled with many believers, who are there because of the way that God has used this couple.

Of course, Beth wouldn’t want us to spend a lot of time talking about her. She would want us to glorify the Lord Jesus – who, in His mercy, conquers all sickness and discouragement and loss in a way that is far beyond what we see and imagine. And yet, we’ve had glimpses.

Please pray for Beth’s daughters, who are arriving now in Mexico City. Please pray for her son, who is unable to come. Please pray for the service, which will be in the city of Puebla tonight. Most of all, pray for Chalo during this time, and in the months ahead.

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

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