Top: Federico and Blanca Muñoz family at Damaris’ quinceañera; bottom right: Noe & Eneydi Reyes family; bottom left: Eliel and Jessica Osorio family
The church is growing all throughout Mexico, and we are excited that we get to be a part of all that God is doing. The expansion of God’s church is inevitable. We see from the book of Acts how the church has grown. Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Then in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost the promised Holy Spirit was poured out and the church began to grow like wild fire. The once fearful disciples, became bold and brave when they encountered opposition.
We have the same Holy Spirit today who emboldens his people. The gospel is going forth in power. Lives are becoming transformed by Jesus Christ. That is why we start new churches. We pray for and work for the ever growing expansion of God’s kingdom through the proclamation of the good news of Jesus.
I put together some videos with my good friend and fellow missionary, Jim DeWitt that highlight some of the church plants that we are working on in Mexico. Oaxaca led by Pastor Eliel and Jessica Osorio. Durango led by Pastor Noe and Eneydi Reyes. Mexicali led by Pastor Federico and Blanca Muñoz. Each one of these churches are making an impact in the communities that they are reaching. In the video I expand on what each church is doing. How the Lord is using them for His Glory!
Video: God is Building HIs Church
Extend Your Hands to Help!
Dawn and I are grateful that we can be a part of the great and mighty work that God is doing in Mexico, on the Big Island and the Dominican Republic. Your prayers and your gifts play a critical role as the gospel goes forth. We are supporting church planters and the life changing ministries that they are involved in. Extend your hands to support our church planters, our familia today!
I just read an article on the news website 14ymedio.com about how the inflation on the Big Island is seven times higher than the increase in salary. This is reflected in the poverty that our familia faces in a greater measure daily. The article says it’s the worst economic crisis that the people have faced in the last 70 years, which is an astounding assessment of the state of this Island full of so many beautiful people.
One of our pastor friends wrote me this week and shared an example of how the economic collapse is affecting the families.
Feeding families on the Big Island is not easy as food prices continue to rise. Your gifts help these families
Sofia’s Cry
This testimony came from the wife, Maria, of one of our pastors on the Big Island. (It’s translated from Spanish, and it might be a little rough, but I thought it would give you a better idea if I left it that way) “My cousin gave birth 4 months ago. The arrival of a baby into the world brings great joy to all the families in the world. It is also like that on the Big Island, but unfortunately it also brings some sadness when the family begins to consider how they are going to feed her, to dress her, to have the articles for her personal use. The baby’s name is Sofia. Yesterday her mother told me while crying that the only soap that they had at home was to bathe the baby girl and since she bathed her in the patio, she left the soap outside of the house, and someone came by and stole it . A bar of soap in Camaguey is selling for 270 pesos (which is about $1.90 USD). The average salary on the Big Island is only $25 a month.
Life is more and more expensive as the cost of living continues to rise, families are poorer every day. Hunger, misery and lack of resources have caused some people to start stealing, there are already many examples on a day-to-day basis that are seen in each town, situations that have never happened before. Maybe some think? Why cry for a bar of soap? The sad reality is not the soap, it is that how this mother is going to bathe her 4-month-old girl, how can she maintain her hygiene in a place where it is very hot and that there is also no pest control, where dengue fever is worse every year and contagions are growing.
When does the time come to choose? If she buy a 270 peso bar of soap, she won’t be able to buy a pound of rice to be able to eat something during the day. Because her family is made up of 3 children and 2 adults. She had no choice but to talk to pastor Luis and tell him what had happened to her. Luis only had two bars of soap at home and there are 3 who live at home. We do not hesitate to share a bar of soap with her so that at least in their house Sofia would have something to bathe with.
This leads me to think how many people outside this Island have more than one bar of soap in their homes? How many people who have two would be willing to share with one? How many people cannot travel to this Island, but can support Christian and non-Christian families with their prayers and the kindness by extending their friendly hands?
Perhaps you think, “what I can give is very little,” but a little makes a difference to those who have nothing. To those who have the most, it is always good to be generous and remember that each work of your hands giving food and shelter to the poorest is the work that Christ left for us to do.
The sad reality for Sofia is also the sad reality of many families on this Island.
We pray to God that he will touch the hearts of men and women to extend their hands to give a piece of heaven to those on the Big Island. God bless in EVERYTHING to those who with outstretched loving hands dry tears and give away smiles.
Thank you because just for taking your time to read what I have written you have dried my tears and revived the hope that you can be a beautiful instrument in the hands of God on the Big Island.”
Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need!
Pastor Ernesto and his wife, Denise (bottom left) have been able to help feed the people in their church because of your generous gifts
The church is growing and many are coming to Christ, despite all the suffering. God is doing a great and mighty work on the Big Island. Many families have a meal on their table, and a bar of soap, because of your willingness to extend your hands to help. Thank you for the vital role that you play.TOGETHER we can make a difference!
Dawn and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to give a piece of heaven to those on the Big Island. You can support one family for $25 a month. Make a Donation Today.
They Fought the Fight of Faith and Finished the Race
Dr. Thomas Graham above; Dave with Dr. Richard Kaufmann
Two great men, who were heroes in the faith, spiritual fathers and amazingly wonderful mentors moved to heaven in February. Dr. Thomas Graham graduated to glory on February 17th. Dr. Richard Kaufmann left this earth on the next day February 18th.
The Lord has blessed me on my journey as a Christian leader with some outstanding spiritual fathers and mentors. Dr. Graham and Dr. Kaufmann were two of them. The other was Dr. William “Bill” Iverson. Bill is now the only one of the three who is still living. He celebrated his 95th birthday on February 19th.
It’s interesting to me that these three men who each helped me so much in so many ways are also linked by these consecutive dates in February.
Dr. William Iverson
Bill Iverson (in the middle in blue) Dave (on the bottom in red) with students from the International School of Theology. This photo was taken in 1984Dr. William Iverson & Dave
Each of these men came into my life at pivotal moments. Bill Iverson when I was in my 20’s, as a young student in seminary. These were formative years for me. I was still a relatively young Christian when I first met Bill. The Lord used him to help me build a more solid foundation in my faith. He always used to talk to us students about theology with skin on, so I learned how to think and how to live while ministering with Bill. I also went on my first missions trip to Mexico with Dr. Iverson and a group of students. God used that trip to call me into missions. Bill is the boldest personal evangelist that I’ve ever met.
Dr. Thomas Graham
Dr. Thomas Graham
I met Dr. Tom Graham while I worked with Mission to the World (MTW) in Mexico City. I got to know him well when we left Mexico to live in Colorado Springs. Tom came into my life during a difficult transition in ministry and our family was going through a hard time as well. Tom was like a rock for me during those years in Colorado.
It’s so sad to say goodbye to people that we love who have had such a huge impact on our lives. Tom was one of the most important men, spiritual fathers in my life especially while I was in Colorado. He will surely be missed. We are thankful that we have the hope of heaven. The hope to see him again.
I remember before we moved to Colorado Springs while we were still in Mexico City I met with my boss at the time, Jay Kyle. Jay told me that he talked to Tom and that Tom had agreed to mentor me. Jay said, “Dave, if you had to pay Tom for working with you and mentor you, you couldn’t afford him.” Tom became much more than a mentor to me. He was like a father. During our years in Colorado apart from my dad, Tom was definitely the most important man in my life. His influence and impact lives on in my life and in many others. I give thanks for him and all that he meant to my family and me.
Jayson Kyle
Jay Kyle
An interesting side note, is that Jayson Kyle, who Dawn and I worked with in Mexico had a connection with all three of these mentors. Bill Iverson introduced me to Jay when Jay was recruiting missionaries to work with him in Mexico. Then as I mentioned above Jay helped open the door for me to be able to work with Tom. The Lord also used Jay to help me to connect with Dick. When Dawn and I felt the Lord leading us on from Colorado Jay introduced me to Dick Kaufmann.
Jay was very gifted in connecting people. He was not only a boss and a friend, but the Lord used him to encourage me and I recognize I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Jay. Sadly, Jay suffered a massive stroke and moved to heaven last year on March 19th.
Dr. Richard Kaufmann
Dave with Dr. Richard Kaufmann
Dick Kaufmann guided me and gave me some great advice as I began ministering on the San Diego-Tijuana border. One of the things that Dick told me that I always remember. He said, “Dave, you are priestly, you have a pastoral heart. That’s good, but the problem is that you want to help everyone. You need to learn to say no.” Then he spelled out, “N-O, no.” Even though that may sound like very simple advice, it’s something that has stayed with me, and I think it’s been a good filter for me.
The Lord also used Dick to help me raise the funds for the first three or four churches that we helped Pastor Daniel Nuñez and Ministerios Transformación plant. Through that experience the Lord opened many doors for planting churches in Mexico, especially along the US/Mexico border. Dick helped me to focus on the things that God has gifted me in, and he connected me to his church planting network in San Diego, which at the time was called Harbor. I used to meet with Dick once a month for the first five years or so when we moved to the border. His time and advice were invaluable.
I give thanks for each of these men, and I realize that I’ve been blessed beyond measure to have more than one Giants of the faith that were willing to pour into my life.
Tom Graham, Dick Kaufmann and Jay Kyle will be surely missed. I give thanks for how the Lord used them so powerfully in my life and in the life of so many. I like to think about our Hannah up in heaven welcoming these friends and mentors into heaven. One day we will all be together, enjoying one another and our relationship with the Father.
Thank you Jesus for your love and care for me as demonstrated by these men.
Extend Your Hands to Help!
The influence and legacy of each of these wonderful mentors and heroes lives on. Their handprint is all over the ministry that God has called Dawn and me to. We are grateful to witness the great and mighty work that God is doing in Mexico, on the Big Island and the Dominican Republic. Your prayers and your gifts play a critical role as the gospel goes forth. Extend your hands to support our church planters, our familia today!
It’s so good when the churches we are planting thrive! It’s wonderful to see God at work building his church. Dawn and I give thanks for the amazing work that the Lord is doing through Pastor Eliel and Jessica Osorio in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pastor Eliel and his wife, Jessica are doing a marvelous job leading the church. They launched their public worship services in September of 2021, and the church just took off. I just talked to Eliel this week and he told me that they’ve had 80 or more attending their church services this year. It’s so encouraging to see the Lord changing lives and using Pastor Eliel and the team he has put together.
Eli Osorio Moved to Heaven on January, 1st
Eliel on the right with his father, Eli Osorio
2023 began in a painful way for Eliel and Jessica. Just days after Christmas Eliel’s dad, Eli suffered a massive stroke. The doctors operated and thought there was hope for Eli, but after a valiant battle Eli moved to heaven on January 1, 2023. Eliel was very close to his father, and it’s been hard on him and on his family to have to say goodbye. Soon after Eli moved to heaven they found a cancerous growth on Eliel’s mom, Maria’s face. Maria had surgery just a few weeks ago, and the prognosis is very positive. Pray for Eliel and their family as they adjust to life without Eli. Maria has now moved in with Eliel and Jessica, so that they can take care of her. The Osorio’s are going through a difficult season with much change.
We’ve noticed that our church planters and their families often get attacked. It’s a good reminder of how important it is to be lifting each of them up in prayer as they invade the enemy’s territory. We know that our God is greater than he who is in the world, but as Paul says in Ephesians 6 we are in a spiritual battle. It seems like the battle is fiercest for those working on the front lines. Your prayers for them are essential.
The Church is Growing
Some of the young people from the church – it’s wonderful to see the smiles
Eliel told me that the place they are renting for their Sunday services holds 110 people, but it begins to feel cramped when they have that many people. They are praying about whether they need to go to two services or find a bigger place to meet. You can pray with us for that need. I told Eliel, “well, this a good problem to have, when you are outgrowing your meeting place.” We are praying with them that they can find some property to purchase and begin to build so that they have a bigger and more permanent place to meet.
I put together a short video that will give you a better idea of the wonderful work God is doing as He builds His church in Oaxaca.
Video: Lives are being Transformed by Jesus in Oaxaca
God is at work in Oaxaca, Mexico
Join us in Prayer for the church in Oaxaca
Pray for Eliel and Jessica and their two girls, Sarvia (right) & Tirsa (left)
Pray for Pastor Eliel & Jessica Osorio as they lead the church plant
Pray for them as they raise up and develop leaders
Pray for the new people that they are discipling
Pray for the Lord to provide property to build a church
You can give to this church planting project by clicking the button below
Your gift will allow us to accomplish the God-given vision to impact Oaxaca for generations to come. Make a Donation Today.
Pastor Daniel Nuñez praying over Pastor Hector and Perla at the inaugural church service
Dawn and I moved to the San Diego – Tijuana border in 2012. One of our main desires has been to extend the kingdom by planting new churches. God has far exceeded our expectations!
One of our key partners has been Ministerios Transformación (Transformation Ministries) led by Pastor Daniel Nuñez. When we first met Daniel and his wife, Yolanda in 2010 he told us that he had a goal to plant 50 churches. I think they had planted 7 or 8 churches. At that time 50 seemed like a far off goal. On Saturday, January 28th of this year we joined Pastor Daniel and Yolanda and 500 others to inaugurate and celebrate church number 50!
Church number 50 – Esperanza de Vida (Hope of Life)
Wow! it’s so encouraging to see God building his church along the border and throughout Mexico. God has given us the privilege to partner with Daniel and Ministerios Transformación (MT) in a number of ways. We’ve helped evaluate, train, mentor and coach many of their pastors. The Lord has provided for us to raise the funds and build eight of their church plants in Tijuana, Rosarito and Mexicali. We’ve also aided in building and extending the ministry of another 7 churches. It’s been fun to be a part of building and planting churches from the ground up.
Pastor Hector and Perla Sigala
Perla and Hector
Church number 50 is being led by a young couple, Hector and Perla Sigala. Hector and Perla have three beautiful daughters. Dawn and I first met them at the Centro de Descubrimiento (Discovery Center) when they came through as church planting candidates last year. They were also involved in the evangelism course we led this Fall.
Hector and Perla hold a special place in our hearts. The first time we met them Perla was wearing a blouse with butterflies on it. Butterflies hold a special significance for Dawn as they remind of her of our daughter, Hannah. The Lord used Perla’s blouse and Hector and Perla’s sweet spirit to draw us toward them. Now it seems like almost each time we see them Perla gives Dawn a gift with a butterfly on it. We are excited for them as they lead this new church.
God is building His church!
Some people have asked Pastor Daniel what’s next, now that he’s reached the goal that the Lord gave him. He is raising up a new group of young leaders from MT. They have felt that the Lord is calling them to plant 500 churches. That’s a big goal, but God is able. He can do all things!
Each of these churches become a light that shines brightly in the community where they are planted.
Join Us In Prayer – Extend Your Hands to Help!
Damaris’ Quinceañera (15 year birthday celebration). From left to right: Junior, David, Federico, Damaris, Blanca and Daniel
God is on the move building His church. One of the goals that we have for this year is to build a church in Mexicali, Mexico for our church planters, Federico and Blanca Muñoz. Pray with us that God makes this dream a reality. (see video below)
We need $25,000 to build the church in Mexico. We’d like to ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift for this need. Your gift will allow us to accomplish the God-given vision to impact Mexicali for generations to come. Make a Donation Today.
Some of the pastors that we are partnering with – Our Familia
God is doing a wonderful work on the Big Island. I’m amazed by how much the church is growing despite the skyrocketing prices of staples like rice and beans. We think inflation is bad here, but what would it be like to live with a 500% increase in prices? Our familia has had to live without electricity for long stretches. Last year some families were without power for up to 20 hours a day. The other big challenge our familia is facing is that there is a shortage of medicine.
Yet, even with all these difficulties the pastors have remained faithful to serve, and people are responding to the gospel. They frequently send me photos of when they are out sharing the good news of the gospel with people that live in their neighborhood.
God’s Work of Multiplication
Evangelistic teams faithfully sharing the good news!
Last year the pastors that we are partnering with shared the gospel with 21,215 people and 5,223 of them came to faith in Jesus. In 2022 eighty six new churches were started. The aid that we sent helped 9,302 people. God is building his church and he is multiplying the gifts that we are sending.
Pastor Justin’s Testimony
Pastor Justin sharing the gospel with his team of faithful friends
Pastor Justin shared this testimony with us, “I want to thank David for his life and ministry. He not only supported our church and my family with training and mentoring, but also during this period of great scarcity. The economic situation of the pastors who live on the Big Island is complicated. Pastor David has raised love offering to support us for the last 3 years. He and his wife, Lety (Dawn) have demonstrated a beautiful ministry on the Big Island supporting many pastors.”
It’s so encouraging to hear from the pastors that we are partnering with. They truly become like family to us, and we give thanks for each one of them. They are very gifted and some of the most committed people to the cause of Christ that I’ve ever met in my life.
Pastor Rolando’s Testimony
Another pastor that we are working with, Pastor Rolando had this to say. “God is working in a supernatural way in our ministry, because we work as a network of churches that are multiply more each day. Last year my team shared the gospel with more than 1,000 people and we planted 26 new churches. We also gave food and aid to 452 people. All of this work requires pastoral care for the church planters. We have to travel to all parts of the country to help support the movement. Even though I struggle with often being sick and diabetic God has strengthened by wife and me to continue the work.”
Extend Your Hands to Help!
Some of the families that we are extending our hands to help
God is doing a great and mighty work on the Big Island. Your prayers and your gifts are essential as the gospel goes forth. Thank you for the vital role that you play. TOGETHER we can make a difference! Dawn and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to support our familia on the Big Island. You can support one family for $25 a month. Make a Donation Today.
From left to right: Daniel, Federico, Blanca, Dave, Damaris, Paola, Junior with Mykela, and David
In my last post I wrote about Pastor Jorge Alvarado and his wife, Lucy who are planting a church in Mexicali. Dawn and I give thanks for them and for how the Lord is using them to shine the light of Christ in a dark place. Today I would like to highlight another church plant in Mexicali that we are excited about. The church is called, Verdad y Vida, “Truth and Life” and it’s led by Pastor Federico Muñoz and his wife, Blanca.
Federico and Blanca were renting a nice hall for their Sunday services, but the church wasn’t growing. They thought they were in a good location, but when you are a new church plant and you are not reaching new people that is a problem. Federico realized that they needed to do something different. He and Blanca prayed and they found another community where there wasn’t a church, and there was a need. They left the building and started meeting in a park. The weather isn’t always ideal in Mexicali, because it is a desert climate similar to Phoenix.
Even though it seems like a park wouldn’t be ideal they did start to grow. In a few weeks they doubled in size. This month they just completed one year of meeting in the park. The church has left the building!
The Gospel is Changing Lives
Fun during the ministry event at the park in Mexicali
Last weekend Federico and Blanca held an outreach event on Saturday afternoon. Initially we had a church from Southern California that was going to join them and help them with the event, but the church ended up not being able to come. The Muñoz’s felt like they should hold the event anyway. That is one of the qualities that I love about them is they are very committed and they will work through adversity.
Blanca praying for Kimberly while Federico is leading the group
They had a great response as many showed up for the games and food at the park. After the fun time Federico presented a gospel message to the people and thirteen people said “yes” to following Jesus. Pastor Federico and his team invited them to join them for church on Sunday and ten of them returned. Now they are busy following up and encouraging these friends in their new found faith. It’s so exciting to witness God changing hearts and building his church in Mexicali. We have six churches that we are working with in Mexicali and five of them are recent church plants. Eight years ago only one of these churches existed.
Join Us in Prayer and Extend Your Hands to Help
Isabel working with the children who came to the outreach in the park
One of my goals for this year is to raise the funds and find enough partners to come alongside us to buy some land for the Verdad y Vida church. I also would like to be able to build at least the initial building for the church. My prayer is that we can begin building the church by this Fall. Join Dawn and me in prayer that this dream will become a reality. We’d like to invite you to prayerfully consider giving towards the construction of this new church. We will need $25,000 to put a down payment on the land, and build the church.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift today.
Pastor Jorge & Lucy in front of the new church building as it was being built in April of 2022
I hope that your year is off to a good start! One of the things that I enjoy doing at the start of the new year is to think back over all the good things that God has done in the last 12 months. One of the highlights for us was helping to start new churches. It’s always encouraging to think of the good news of Christ being proclaimed in a new neighborhood. I love that we are able to change the atmosphere and bring light into a dark place.
In 2022 we helped build and start a new church in Mexicali, Mexico. We are actually involved in a number of church planting projects in Mexicali. Today, I would like to highlight the church that Pastor Jorge & Lucy Alvarado are leading in this capital city.
The Light of Christ is Shining Brightly Through His Church
Worship in Mexicali as the church was being built. Lower left: Dave & Dawn with Lucy & Jorge on the property before construction had begun.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts Jorge and Lucy have an amazing testimony. Jorge was saved out of a life of addictions. He was also literally brought back from the dead. God rescued Jorge and Lucy’s marriage. They were divorced, and the Lord used their daughter to bring them back together. It’s amazing that they are now ministering together to people in the community where Jorge lived with his parents when he was younger. These neighbors have seen a huge change in Jorge’s life over the years. What a difference Jesus makes! Hallelujah!
God brought them back to this neighborhood to reach all the hurting people. They are reaching a number of men and women who are struggling with addictions. The Lord has given them a heart to see these people’s lives transformed by Christ. Men and women who are caught in some of the same addictions that Jorge used to deal with, before God set him free.
Children’s Ministry in Mexicali
Children’s ministry at the church in Mexicali, Mexico
Jorge and Lucy love to send me photos about the people that they are ministering to. There are also a number of families and children that live in the community where the church is located. Just this last week they were able to bless the children with gifts provided by Samaritans Purse. If your church participated in Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child your gift might have blessed one of these children.
There is always a lot of good life giving activities going on in Mexicali through the ministry and outreach of Pastor Jorge and his wife, Lucy. They live very simple and humble lives. They have demonstrated that are willing to make sacrifices and give the little that they have to make a difference in the someone else’s life. It’s one of the many reasons that we give thanks for all that God is doing through them. (See video: New Birth in Mexicali below)
Extend Your Hands to Help Reach the Lost in Mexicali!
The new church building
Last year we helped raise almost all of the funds needed to build their church, and buy the property that the church sits on. Just yesterday I met with Pastor Daniel Nuñez the leader of Ministerios Transformación (Transformation Ministries). Daniel told me that they just need $2,000 more to finish paying off the property. I told Daniel that we would like to cover the remaining $2,000, so that the church owns the property, which will take a huge burden off of Pastor Jorge and Lucy.
Dawn and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider giving to this need. Help us pay off the last $2,000 that the church owes to pay off their property. You can make a difference by making a donation today.Click on the donate button below.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift today.
Evangelism training course for pastors and leaders in Tijuana
I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Dawn and I celebrated Christmas at home this year, and we spent the afternoon with some good friends for an outstanding meal and a fun time.
It’s hard to believe that 2022 is almost over. One of the highlights for us this last year was the evangelism training we helped lead for pastors and leaders in Tijuana. We teamed up with a friend, Steve Dueck who works with Cru. He and his wife, Alyssa were missionaries in Italy and now they’ve been ministering in the San Diego area for the last 8 years or so.
Dawn and I enjoyed partnering with Steve in training pastors and leaders about how to share their faith in a natural way. This experience took us back to our roots, because when we first met in our 20’s I was attending Campus Crusade’s seminary, the International School of Theology and Dawn was on staff. Campus Crusade, which is now called, Cru used to be headquartered in San Bernardino, California. We met there in the mid-80’s, and we were married just outside of San Bernardino in Redlands.
CoJourners: Showing Others the Way to Jesus
Steve Dueck and Dave leading the evangelism training course in Tijuana
Steve led the training, and I recruited the pastors and leaders. I also translated for Steve as we went through the four week training. We made the time interactive and it filled my heart to hear the testimonies of those that participated. There were 20 pastors and leaders that went through the material with us. It was so encouraging to get feedback from them on how they were putting the principles that they were learning into practice. One of the main things that stood out to me was when we talked to them about the importance of praying for people that don’t yet know Christ. We explained how it’s essential to lay the groundwork through prayer. All of them had testimonies of family members and friends that they have been praying for. Some of them have already come to Christ. God is at work in drawing people to himself through the prayers and testimonies of his people!
The course is called, CoJourners: Joining Others in Spiritual Journey. The basic idea is that everyone is on a spiritual journey, and we get to join them on their journey. God is already at work in other people’s lives. He uses us to help guide and lead them towards Christ. We have the privilege of showing them the way to Jesus.
One of the main reasons that people don’t share their faith is because of fear. Fear can paralyze us. Many are afraid that if someone asks them a question they won’t have the correct answer. People are also afraid of rejection. These are some of the things that we address in the training.
Steve and I had actually started talking about doing some training like this over two years ago, but then COVID happened and it slowed down our progress. This was a pilot run for us. Everyone that went through the course with us loved it, so in 2023 we’d like to work with more pastors and leaders. Pray that the Lord guides us and leads us as we prepare and plan for 2023!
Extend Your Hands to Help!
Starting from bottom left: Pastor Federico & Blanca Muñoz; bottom right: Pastor Eliel & Jessica Osorio with Sarvia and Tirsa; Top right: Pastor Ernesto with his wife, Dayana and their daughter; Top left: Our familia on the Big Island
You can help us to end the year strong, so that we can continue training and coaching leaders. Our desire is to spread the flames of faith and ignite church planting movements on the Border, the Baja and Beyond!
Please consider giving an extra gift of $25 $50, $100, $500, or more to plant a new church and to equip and encourage ministers who are bringing the love of Christ to the Border, Baja, and Beyond.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift today.
The Gospel is Going Forth in the Midst of the Difficulties
Pastor Justin bottom left is always faithful to share the good news of the gospel
Dawn and I always enjoy connecting with our pastors, our familia on the Big Island. We love them and it’s great to learn about what the Lord is doing in and through them.
Life is still hard on the Big Island. Many people on the Island had been dealing with long periods without electricity. The good news is that has recently improved, and they have more electricity. Some of the challenges that they are facing is that the price of rice and beans, and other staple food items have skyrocketed. The average pastor makes 3,000 pesos a month, which is about $20 USD. One pound of rice now cost 150 pesos or $1 USD, and it used to only cost 5 pesos. Pastor Justin said they are only able to eat meat once a week. He added if it wasn’t for the aid that we’ve been sending they wouldn’t have enough to eat. The gifts that we are sending make a difference!
God is on the move, and he is building his church. In spite of all the obstacles that they are facing the church is growing. Justin told us that he and his wife were able to share the gospel with over 1,000 people this year and 450 said ‘YES’ to Jesus. The Lord used Justin and those who are partnering with him to plant 15 churches in 2022. We give thanks to the Lord for how lives are being transformed by the life giving message of Jesus.
Pastor Ernesto Shares His Thanks for Our Help and Encouragement
Top photo: Pastor Ernesto with some of the people from his church; bottom right: Pastor Ernesto giving aid to a family; bottom left: Pastor Ernesto with his wife, Dayana and his daughter
As we celebrate Christmas and come to the end of the year I thought you would enjoy a greeting from pastor Ernesto, one of the pastors on the Big Island that we have been supporting for the past year. “Pastor, a big hug from our family and to all the brothers and sisters who have helped us and blessed us through the ministry of you and Lety (Dawn). This year that is passing and is about to end, has been very hard for our nation, but we thank the Lord because despite being a difficult year with many needs in many areas, we have been able to see His hand caring for us and providing for us. We have been able to see God’s caring hand very much alive through you and your ministry, sending not only financial aid, but also the Word of life. In my case many times the words of encouragement that you send picks me up off of the floor and strengthens me to continue. THANK YOU PASTOR THANK YOU!”
Pastor Ernesto said that they saw 200 people come to Christ in this last year. They started seven new churches. Despite their lack they are committed to reaching out to those who are lost and without hope.
Pastor Marco & Pastor Jesus’s Need
Top photo: Pastor Jesus, Pastor Marco, Yolanda, Miguel and Raquel in front of the church; bottom right – Pastor Jesus & Raquel; bottom left – Yolanda, Raquel and Jesus leading worship
Pastor Marco, One of the other pastors we are working with shared a need that he has as they are starting new churches. The building for one of their church plants collapsed recently during the stormy season. Jesus, a young church planter who is working with Marco is planting this church. Jesus and his wife, Raquel are faithful evangelist sharing their faith in the city where the church is located. It’s wonderful to see how people’s lives are being changed by the gospel as they share the good news of Jesus. In the last year 60 people came to Christ through their outreach. I asked Marco and Jesus how much it would cost to rebuild the church, and they said $1,000 USD. That’s not much for us in the USA, but it’s a fortune for their economy. I told them that we would let you know about their need, and trust the Lord to raise the funds to rebuild the church.
Extend Your Hands to Help Those in Need!
Pastor Jesus’ church that collapsed
You can help Pastor Marco and Pastor Jesus rebuild their church so that more people will hear the good news of Jesus Christ. You can also give towards the needs of the other pastors and families that we are sending monthly aid to so that they can put food on the table.
Your gifts do make a difference in this nation. God is using you, because even where your feet cannot reach, your prayers can reach! Your offerings of love can reach!
TOGETHER we can make a difference! Pray with us and extend your hands to help our familia. Help us to end the year strong and bring hope to our familiaMake a Donation Today.
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