May / June 2009

 

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming

the time, because the days are evil ”      Ephesians 5: 15-16

 

 

Dear Pastor, Supporters and Friends,

    The Lord has continued to bless your missionaries in Mexico.  In spite of the Swine flu, drug violence and other equally challenging situations we continue to see people saved and lives changed.  Thank you for your support without which we wouldn’t be able to continue this ministry. 

PRAISE –  Grace Bible Baptist Church, Bermejillo, Durango 

    Raul was a diehard catholic for more than 30 years; he dedicated much of his time to his church and even became the right hand man to the priest here in Bermejillo.  He would go to the smaller pueblos and ranches and prepare the way for the priest’s arrival.  A couple of years ago, as he would read his Bible he started to run across things that troubled him.  A little over a year ago a Bishop came to town for a meeting with the area priests.  Raul was invited and in that meeting he witnessed something that destroyed his faith – all the priests and the Bishop started drinking wine and soon became drunk!  He couldn’t believe what happened and started to question his religion and the things he had been taught.

    Last June we held the 2^nd anniversary service for the church in Bermejillo and close to 300 came.  News travels fast here and the next day Raul came to the church asking for Pastor Angel.  He had many questions.  We were hosting a church group that week and had open air meetings each night.  Raul came to one and after we invited him to come eat with us.  He came to church on Wednesday and after the service I was able to lead him to the Lord!  Praise God, but the story doesn’t end there!

    Later last summer he allowed the men from one of our short term teams to stay in his home, when the priest found out he was quickly ex-communicated.  He came to services from time to time over the next several months and then in February started coming around more and more.  He wanted to start in the Bible Institute but there was one more hurdle – being baptized.  This step is difficult for many Mexicans since it is the final cutting of the line that binds them to the Catholic Church and many times to their families as well.  Well he was baptized and started the 2^nd semester in the Bible Institute.

 

PRAISE – Grace Bible Institute – Bermejillo Durango  Each day presents new challenges and new blessings.  The original 6 students and now Raul are hard at work, preparing to serve the Lord on a full time basis.  It is a blessing to see the growth of each student.  Brother Hugo has made an amazing transformation from introvert to leader of a sector.  Last Sunday evening he along with 8 members from his sector each recited a Bible verse from memory in front of the congregation.  Beside the traditional subjects we are also studying character qualities and trying to apply them in our lives – what a challenge it is to develop good character.  If you can help with a special offering for the institute we would sure appreciate it.  Also those in the Gideon’s Band please remember the June offering – Thanks!

  

PRAYER REQUESTS   Please pray for the Bible Institute, that the students would remain faithful.  Pray for our guidance and protection.  Pray that the Lord would continue to call more laborers into His harvest.  Continue praying for our son Zach in Iraq.  Thank you for your prayers!

      Looking for that Blessed Hope and Glorious Appearing!  

                                               Brother Tim, Miss Kelly and Leah Urling