Short Term Missions in Nogales
Missions • Global Missions • Local Missions • Nogales Short Term
Christmas in Nogales
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Christmas Party in Nogales |
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As promised, here is an update regarding last Saturday’s Christmas party in Nogales.
Yun and I traveled down with Pastor Luke Evans on Saturday afternoon, arriving at Josue’s house shortly after 5pm. As it was 5pm US time (ie 5pm), very few people had arrived until closer to 5pm Mexican time (ie, 6.30pm). No one is ever sure how many people are going to arrive – so we were anxious to see how many people would show. The tables and chairs Tod brought down were extremely valuable and will be an asset to any future event held at Josue’s home. I counted 40 people in attendance from a group photo I took (I’ll attach below).
Josue began by giving a wonderful gospel message that incorporated the use of candy canes and a overview of the candy’s origins. Pastor Luke had commented later on how commanding Josue is when he gives the gospel message. The message was probably no more than 20 minutes, but held the attention of all present. The visitors that had come each received a very nice hard cover Biblia as a gift which was certainly helpful as Josue navigated through various passages.
The children accompanied Martha Mayo to another room where she gave a Bible lesson. All of the children seemed anxious to participate. Miguel’s son Samuel had invited one classmate from school who in turn had invited her mother and brother.
We sang a number of Christmas hymns. Upon the completion of Josue’s message, he requested visitors interested in further study to complete a handout offering a 5-night bible course. I was told most (if not all) completed and requested Josue to contact them further.
The dinner was superb – we had two enormous hams that Tod brought. There were a number of other traditional dishes and of course an excessive amount of tamales.
One of the visitors was a reporter from a local newspaper. He seemed to have enjoyed himself and participated in all of the events and even received a bible. It will be interesting to see if the event made the papers.
It is evident that Josue and Miguel are gifted evangelists. Every worship service we have attended has grown in size and the dinner just confirms the continual growth in participation.
I hope you will be able to visit soon – perhaps we need to do another dinner at La Roca!
I will add a short video I took to http://muchachopolaco.com later tonight so you can see and hear some hymn singing.
Blessings!
Ryan and Yunuen
Nogales Baseball Clinic
Just recently we returned from a Baseball Outreach in Nogales. The results weretremendous! Our purpose was to help Josue, Miguel, and Ubed in the effort to reach the people of Nogales. The work of developing relationships had begun. Miguel informed us that some 39 adults had stepped forward and requested a personal follow up visit from them. Despite the challenges of the day, God’s plan continued tounfold before our eyes. God is on the move in Nogales, Sonara and has he blessed this ministry with committed followers of Christ under the leadership of Josue Mayo and Miguel Gonzalez. Watch the 5 minute video here.
Both Pastors are now living there and they are still in need of help in supplying furniture, appliances, lamps, sheets, kitchen supplies etc. We are attempting to gather all donations in one central location so we can move it to Nogales in one move. If you are able to help, please contact Bruce Lau.
About BEAMM Church Planting in Nogales, Mexico
BEAMM is a Mission to the World ministry that promotes church multiplication movements by planting Reformed and Covenantal churches in strategic urban centers utilizing MTW church planters and partnerships. Beginning in 2008, Catalina Foothills is partnering with BEAMM and other PCA churches to start the process of planting a church in Nogales, Sonora. In the fall of 2008, Josue Mayo, Miguel Gonzalez, and Obed Uc and their families will be relocating to Nogales for the purpose of directing and guiding the church plant process. CFC is a partner and will be assisting in the process of establishing the foundation for the new church. There will be ample opportunities to offer your talents and time once the work begins. For more information, contact Bruce Lau at bruce@cfcpca.org or 615-8500.