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Mixin’ with Missionaries

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Actually, mixing with missionaries isn’t something that we do all that often! But as you saw from our newsletter, it’s been a bit of a theme in the early weeks of 2023.

The Sandersons and Cottrills in Mexico City


We enjoyed, for example, a visit from two couples from the US who are part of our mission (at two different times). We had some fun time to hang out and chat.

We recently enjoyed some “cultural orientation” time in Mexico City, and, of course, some fellowship, with a missionary family who has been on the field for a few months (but I had not yet met them) (picture above). So we saw the sights and had some tacos, and then we all came back to worship with our church on Sunday.

A tradition has been “MK Camp” every spring, and this will likely be the last one for a while for Nathanael! We’re there right now. 🙂 Shari is the counsellor for the younger girls.

We’re in prayer for our church, and other churches in Mexico City, as this week is also a youth camp! Due to previously mentioned conflicts, we’re not there. But I’m sure they would appreciate it if you join us in prayer for the youth and the leaders and organizers. They’re there at a camp out of state until Saturday.

And then – Resurrection Sunday! If everyone coming back from all their camps is still awake to celebrate properly. We’re looking forward to the weekend, which gives us an extra reminder to meditate on and celebrate our God’s great work of salvation for us.

So a bit of a breather over the weekend before plunging into a few weeks of absolute chaos. But we won’t talk about that right now! Just stopping by because I realized I hadn’t updated you all for a while.

Retreats and Resources for Pastors: Special Project

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It is our desire to equip local pastors and elders for their long-term ministry. One of the many ways this is happening is through the special project, Retreats and Resources for Pastors.

It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like! 🙂 When you give to this project (and yes, it is a tax-deductible gift in Canada or the USA), you are providing resources such as Bible study materials, and also help with transportation and fees for retreats for pastors/elders and their wives once a year. Obviously what we can do will depend on the funds available.

This is a project that you can give to as an individual or family, or you can make it a special goal for your Bible study group, church, classroom, etc. For instructions on giving, just go to the donate page, click on your country, and then look for instructions for special projects. But to make it simple, you will be giving through Avant to Project #71969.

Thank you for your gift to the church in Mexico!

Everyone Working…

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Our worship service on the 12th of February was kind of cool – because all three of us were involved! Yes, it happens sometimes.

Nathanael at worship music practice
Music practice, David leading

Shari was leading the kids’ teaching time, with a lesson about Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:1-46; Romans 9:13). Nathanael grabbed his trusty ukulele and helped with the worship music. And I led the service.

We’re keeping busy, but there are a lot of other people working hard too! We’re still trying to get the “shade” just right, with some new mesh tarps. This Sunday will be attempt #3, but things are improving each week. It’s partly a matter of making things easier to set up, and partly a matter of covering what needs to be covered.

Sunday morning in February 2023
A Sunday morning in February 2023

Last Sunday we had another practical problem, however – we ran out of chairs. Two men rushed out to get some stools so that everyone could sit down under our nice shade.

So… I’ll be buying some more this week. However, finding a place to store them all is becoming a problem. Good problems, but problems.

As God continues to work in our local church, the world, the flesh and the devil attack. So we would appreciate your prayers for people in our church who are struggling with health issues, family problems, and bereavement. It’s a challenging time.

We’re also looking forward to starting up a couple of Bible studies – a general one starting this Friday, and in the near future a new study for the women. Please do pray that people will come and that God’s Word will be applied to their hearts.

Thanks for your prayers!

Three Odd Packages

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When these were delivered, I thought – there must be some mistake. Then, I remembered…

Strange packages


Of course! The cocoons of the giant Mexican Tacomoth! No, just kidding.

You may know that, every Sunday, a faithful few get up early in the morning to put up a series of tarps and tents so we can have our weekly service. There are various tarps over the congregation, all tied up with ropes every Sunday. There’s a tent for all the instruments and the pulpit. And there’s a small tent in the back for the children’s Sunday school class.

Taking down tarps


After the service, all this needs to come down, be wrapped and tied and folded and put away. There are usually quite a few extra helpers after the service, as everything comes down together, chairs are put away, instruments are put away, and so on.

Taking down tarps


The end result is fair, although sometimes things do blow over.

As thankful as we are for all the hard workers, we’re looking for ways to make things easier.

So, what have we there on the couch? Three new mesh tarps. The plan is to have something in place that not only looks nicer, but is a lot easier to put up and take down. They will let a little more sun through, but still provide shade. No, they will not protect from rain. However, here in Mexico City, that’s really only a problem maybe one or two Sundays a year, and we’ll still have options if we need to rush around at the last minute to provide shelter.

The other improvement we’re hoping for is a little more shaded space for children’s activities. It’s pretty chilly right now, but in a couple of weeks we’ll likely be entering into our hot season, and shade will be all the more important.

So here’s hoping we can be a little more efficient, while still providing space for our disciple-making. We’re also working on some electrical issues, plumbing issues, and some much-needed / urgent – sound system replacement and upgrades.

And if you’re wondering – what about a more permanent solution? Yes, we’re working on that as well! But I’ll keep you in suspense for a while longer as work goes on behind the scenes.

Working Together

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On Saturday four of us left Ixtapaluca at about 5am to attend a meeting of Bible church leaders from the area. I believe about 8 or 9 churches were represented (with three people attending via Zoom, due to a car breakdown and other circumstances).

It was encouraging to spend time together, although concerning at times to hear some of the things that people are going through. These are challenging times, and it’s good to come together as believers and look to the Lord.

We planned – or, I should say, started planning quite a few events for the coming year, including a youth event, a men’s retreat, and a joint service. Everyone is anxious to get together after having fewer activities over the past few years.

In other news, our coworkers Rod and David went to the state of Oaxaca to serve there and see what the Lord is doing. There’s a possibility of sending a team or two there in the future, whether from our area here in Mexico or (and?) from a team from outside the country. I won’t give everything away – there’s more information and a video at Rod’s blog – be sure to check out Reaching an Unreached Ethnic Group.

We’re encouraged to see what God is doing here at home as well. Here’s a recent picture from a Sunday morning, although there were quite a few who weren’t there that day. Nathanael used his growing skills as a photographer (Photography is one of his courses this year) to take the shot (with a timer, obviously!). Just click the image for a higher-resolution version in our photo gallery.

8 January 2023

Thanks to so many of you who also are working with us to reach Mexico!

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