The Coult Family in Mexico -- 2015 in Review

I am the vine; you are the branches. 

Whoever abides in me and I in him, 

he it is that bears much fruit, 

for apart from me you can do nothing. -- John 15:5 ESV

In trying to write a "Year in Review" post, I find myself pouring through a year's worth of photos, and the memories just come rushing at me. We've had a very full year. Our little Sienna logged over 30,000 miles in 2015, so you can imagine that I ran across many, many photos along these lines:

And there were lots of fun mission-team photos.

Choosing just a few photos for this letter was difficult, but we hope you enjoy this look back at 2015:

January: We made a three-year commitment with churches in Patla, Puebla, and Celaya, Guanajuato, to teach the Sendas Biblicas course.  Along with that came a commitment with the EFCA to translate the course into Spanish.  Special thanks to our translation team (Sarah and Fabian), who are currently working on session 4, which we'll begin teaching this month. Kevin, our missions pastor from Oregon, went with us on this first Bible Pathways adventure.

February: In addition to a trip to Central Mexico and a pastors' retreat in Alamos with a team from Washington State, we also hosted the largest wedding Las Glorias has ever seen.  Sarah and Fabian were married February 28.

March: We said goodbye to one of our short-term missionaries, Hailey, who was here for 6 months.  We had two baptisms at the end of March -- Ramon, Rocio, Fernando, Jesus Piña, Ricardo, and Saul were all baptized.  Doug and Braulio began a construction company/discipleship project here in Las Glorias.

April: Pedro was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident.  God spared his life and used the accident to "knock some sense" into him. Now, a year later, Pedro is fully integrated into the church, participating in missions, and excited about his newfound life in Christ. Please keep praying for him.

May:  Andrew launched out on his own to live, work and study in Tucson.  We began community soccer programs for children in Las Flores, Las Culebras and Boca del Rio.

June: Another trip to Central Mexico to teach Bible Pathways.

July: Finished construction of the community garden here in Las Glorias.  Danira Rocio told us that God had given her a dream of her having her operation this year and being healed.

August: Hosted our first wedding at the Aposento Alto -- Julio and Lupita were married on August 30.  Fabian received a work visa so he could travel to Lousiana.

September: We completed our first year as "temporary residents" and received our 3-year residency cards, which included a miraculous 3-year permit for the car.  Began fund-raising for Danira Rocio's operation.

October:  Said goodbye to Keala, who had spent a year down here with us.  Said hello to Hillary who will be spending 6 months with us.  Took another trip to Central Mexico and spent a day scouting out possible locations for a home church in Tarimoro, Guanajuato.

November:  Launched a new mission in La Pitahaya.  Jeremias, Julio and Lupita are in front of this work.

December:   Doug and Rebecca traveled to Lousiana for the birth of Fabian and Sarah's baby, Jean Grace.  God provided the rest of the funds necessary for Danira Rocio to have her operation.  Miraculously, the operation was performed before Christmas and she was home for the holidays.  We were able to have practically the whole family here for Christmas, including some dear friends from Tucson, and we began construction on the next phase of Joaquin's house/worship center.

And here we are in January of 2016.  Last week, Danira Rocio went to the doctor for a check-up and the doctor says physically speaking, she's at 100%.  Now she just has to buckle down and work on rehabilitation! Thank you so much to everyone who prayed and donated toward her operation.  We ended up with enough surplus to pay for a therapist for several months who can help her get on the road to a complete recovery.  Please pray for her, as she battles depression and frustration.  Her road to healing isn't going to be without struggles, but we know that God has a beautiful plan for her life, and He's not going to leave it half done!!!

Teaching Bible Pathways in Jalisco...

...and in Patla...

...and Celaya...

The January 2015 Mission team to Central Mexico

A time of new beginnings, second chances and beautiful fruit in many lives here in Mexico.

Rocio after her surgery in December.

We are so excited about what God is doing here in Sinaloa!!!  The excitement continues as we look ahead to the next few months -- a trip to the States (hope to see you!), two mission teams from churches in Washington, continued construction on the house/worship center on Joaquin's property and teaching Session 4 of Bible Pathways here in Las Glorias.  2016 is looking good!

Thank you, everyone, for participating in our adventure here in Mexico.  We couldn't do what we do here without all of you praying for us and supporting us the way you do!  Happy New Year!!!
May God richly bless you in the coming year!!!

-- Doug and Rebecca and the gang

Danira Rocio's Amazing Journey

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High 

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say to the Lord, 

“My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

-- Psalm 91:1-2

UPDATE as of December 8, 2015: Hey Everyone!! Rebecca and I wanted to give an update on Danira Rocio. Yesterday (December 7) Pastor Braulio went and paid for the titanium plate with the money that was raised. It is on its way to Los Mochis from the state of Queretero. Praise God!  He was also able to put a small deposit on the the hospital care (among other costs) that she will need both before and after the operation.

She we be checking into the hospital tomorrow (Wed) and will be operated on, Lord willing, Thurs or Fri.
Keep praying that God will work this out for His glory and for her good and also that all the costs would be provided for. Thank you to all who have prayed and given!! Thank you Jesus!! Please pass this along to those who are following Rocio's story.

UPDATE as of December 5, 2015:

Please join us in praying for Danira Rocio (read her story below). We have good news! We have been able to raise $2650. The surgeon informed us yesterday that he would perform the surgery for $4060, which is the current cost of the plate. This amount is almost $1500 less than we thought it would cost! He is donating his services to help her. This means that we're only lacking about $1400! The surgeon also said that he can do the operation on Tuesday, December 8, if we can purchase the plate on Monday. This is a miracle that they can get her into surgery before Christmas! I can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than to see Rocio get this operation. Pray with us that God would continue to work and provide!

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and donated to this cause! God is so good!!!

If you'd like to pledge to help Rocio purchase the titanium plate, please message us right away. -- Doug and Rebecca

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Two years ago, Danira Rocio Lopez Cruz, a young lady from the small fishing village of Boca del Rio, Sinaloa, was involved in an accident which left her in a coma with a fractured skull. Doctors and family alike were uncertain whether she would live or die. After several long weeks, Rocio awoke from the coma with a fervent desire to live and to serve God. She told her family that God had rescued her so that she would be able to preach and tell others about Him.

The doctors, however, weren't convinced that she would survive and were skeptical that she would ever walk. More than likely, they said, she will be a vegetable for the rest of her life, if she lives at all. Because the family is very poor and they had no medical insurance, Rocio was sent home to recuperate as best she could in May of 2014. Part of her damaged skull had been removed due to brain swelling and infection. A titanium plate needed to be inserted to replace the missing bone, but funds were not available and the doctors were doubtful that she would live.

A year later, in April of 2015, Rocio walked down to the ocean's edge with a group of youth and adults to be baptized. God has done an amazing healing work in her body, and her attitude and positive outlook are such an encouragement to all who meet her.

So now here we are nearly two years after her accident, and she still is missing part of her cranium. Skin has covered the wound and this lovely young lady wears her hair long and hanging down to cover the unsightly bulge. She walks slowly, with a noticeable limp and with the help of a cane. Her right arm is strong and mobile, but her left doesn't respond well. Our hope and prayer is that once she has the operation to repair her skull, her brain will continue to repair itself and she will regain the use of her left side. Lately she has been having headaches and she struggles with fatigue, but through it all, she remains positive and keeps giving the glory to God.

Local doctors and surgeons have offered to donate their services to perform the operation. Another organization wants to help her with therapy afterwards. The only thing missing is the extremely expensive titanium plate. We've been told that it will cost about $5500 (U.S. dollars).

Our local church and youth group began raising funds for Rocio about two months ago and have gathered nearly $1000. We're excited about this good beginning, but the goal seems huge in a village where the average daily wage is about $5. Our desire is to have all the money necessary before Christmas and to schedule the operation before the end of this year.

With your help, we can do this!!!

Tarimoro or Bust! November 2015 Update

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, 

for my hope is from him. 

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; 

I shall not be shaken. 

On God rests my salvation and my glory; 

my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 

Trust in him at all times, O people; 

 pour out your heart before him; 

God is a refuge for us. 

-- Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)

This month has been another month of a lot of traveling!  At the beginning of November, we were in Central Mexico on a mission trip and on November 30, Doug and I headed north to Louisiana to be with Sarah and Fabian for the birth of their daughter, Jean Grace...(Which happened last night! Photos will be sent out soon.  Mom, Dad and Baby are all doing great!)

It seems that there are just a lot of things going on right now in our lives.  Here are some photos from our past month.  There's an important update from Doug after the photos, and don't forget to read our prayers and praises at the end of this letter.  You can even print them out, and post them on your bathroom mirror so you can pray for us every day, if you'd like!  Thank you for praying for our family and our ministry in Mexico!!!

On the street in Tecuala, Nayarit, a man sells freshly roasted ears of corn to passersby.  It was a cold and rainy day when we were there with Pastor Narciso and his wife Maria, so hot corn on the cob sounded really good!!!

Many of you have been following Danira Rocio's story on Facebook. You can read it here.  Thanks to donations from all over the US and Mexico, too, it looks like she's going to get her operation and might even be home for Christmas!  She will be admitted to the hospital today, December 9, and will hopefully go into surgery tomorrow or Friday.  Pray for her!!!

 

The Winter 2015 Mission Team from Las Glorias/Boca del Rio: Jeremias, Jessee, Kevin, Eva, Fernando, Hillary, Rebecca and Doug.  We left home on October 28, visited 5 different churches in 5 different Mexican states, and returned home on November 20.

 Jessee, playing the role convincingly as King Nebuchadnezzar, commends Fernando for the beautiful statue he built in the King's honor.  As you can imagine, the kids in the various kids' classes enjoyed themselves completely.  We had a fantastic team of young adults on this trip and they really worked well together to bring the gospel to every town and city we visited.

 

 The Bible Pathways class in Patla finished the third workshop and are really learning the concepts.  More that half the group were youth, and it was very encouraging to see these young people standing up (some of them for the first time) in front of the class teaching the Bible in a clear, direct way.

 Our Celaya Bible Pathways group completed the second workshop and are very motivated!  It's been wonderful being able to come back to teach the same groups in both Patla and Celaya; we feel like we're building relationships as we train leaders.

 We made an impromptu day trip to a city called Coyutla to meet and encourage the Body of Christ there.  We traveled for about 3 hours in the back of a stock truck to get there.  This is the missionary life we always dreamed about!

One joy of doing mission trips with youth is all the fun, youthful activities we do with them.  We found a zip-line at a park near the town of Tarimoro and most of the team zipped across the canyon.  This is Jeremias, who was obviously enjoying himself immensely!!!

We've mentioned Tarimoro a few times during the past months. Tarimoro is a town located in the southern part of the state of Guanajuato, Mexcio, nestled into the rolling hills and canyons of that area. The population of Tarimoro is approximately 35,000, and 99.9% of them do not know Christ as Savior. This town, and many others like it in Central Mexico, are in an area known as the Circle of Silence, so called because of the lack of the Gospel being proclaimed there. We have been praying specifically for this region of Mexico for quite some time and are now beginning to pray toward and make preparations for relocating ourselves to this “unreached” area.

While we were doing pastor training last month in Celaya, Guanajuato, we had the opportunity to once again visit Tarimoro. We are thrilled by the way God has put people into our path according to His timing. During the past year that we have been praying specifically for Tarimoro and the possibility of starting a mission in that area, Ricardo and Cristina have been able to visit the town several times and have built friendships with several people there. Even though this area of Mexico is extremely resistant to the Gospel, it appears that God has opened a door to begin working there and has provided a house to live in. The owner of this house, although not a believer, is very open to a Christian mission in his hometown and even in his home. The house is in need of some work, but we see it as provision from God. All four of us, Ricardo and Cristina as well as Rebecca and I, sensed God moving as we were presented this house that seems to be the perfect house in the perfect location for launching our first mission in this area.

It has been two years since we began praying about moving ourselves further south and a year since we started praying specifically for Tarimoro with the intention of sending Ricardo and his family there to live. Ricardo is a native of Celaya, Guanajuato, which is about 40 minutes north of Tarimoro, and has been living there with extended family for the past few years as they have been working and praying about God's will for their family and ministry. When we visited them in November, Rebecca and I both sensed that God might be calling us to move to Tarimoro to help their family get settled into this difficult mission field. Pray for us in this decision!

Because we currently travel to Central Mexico for pastoral training every 4 months, moving to the area makes good sense. Braulio and Joaquin, together with the other brothers, are very capable of continuing the work that has been established in Las Glorias, Boca del Rio, La Pitahaya and Las Flores. This will be a stretching and growing time for all of us, but we believe that it is time for this growth!

Prayers and Praises:

• Praise God that we are able to be with Fabian and Sarah in Louisiana for the birth of their baby. (Photos in the next update letter!) 
• Praise God for the funds that have been raised for Danira Rocio to purchase the titanium plate to repair her skull and that this surgery is going to be done before Christmas!!! Pray that God will direct the surgeon and that all other costs would be covered.
•  Praise God for a successful mission trip south and for the continued Bible training taking place in Patla and Celaya. Pray that God would continue to give us the strength and resources to finish the 4-year training. 
• Praise God for the house that is being provided for the mission in Tarimoro, Guanajuato. 
• Pray for Rebecca and I as we consider relocating our family to Central Mexico for a season. Praise God for the new church-plant in La Pitahaya. 
• Praise God for the 3 mission teams coming in the next 3 months to help finish Joaquin's house and build a meeting area, among other outreaches and projects. Pray for these teams as they prepare – physically and spiritually – for their time here in Mexico. 
• Pray for Fabian and Sarah during the next months. Pray that God would give them wisdom and direction and peace in their decisions. They both earnestly desire to return to their mission in the mountains of Sonora, but also desire to wait on God's timing.

Noticias de Sinaloa -- Otoño 2015

Click here to read this letter in English.

Mientras caminaba junto al mar de Galilea, vio a Simón y a Andrés, hermano de Simón, echando una red en el mar, porque eran pescadores. Y Jesús les dijo: Seguidme, y yo haré que seáis pescadores de hombres. Y dejando al instante las redes, le siguieron. Yendo un poco más adelante vio a Jacobo, el hijo de Zebedeo, y a su hermano Juan, los cuales estaban también en la barca, remendando las redes. Y al instante los llamó; y ellos, dejando a su padre Zebedeo en la barca con los jornaleros, se fueron tras El. 

--  Marcos 1:16-20 LBLA

Ya llegó la temporada de la pesca aquí en nuestro parte de México, y siempre me hace pensar en el llamado de unos de los discípulos de Jesús, los cuales fueron pescadores. Veo que los cuatro dejaron sus redes inmediatemente. Ir a pescar en Boca del Rio no es cualquier trabajo: es la vida. Generaciones han sacado pescado de ese rio y han conocido los corrientes del mar para décadas. Con el favor de Dios, van a poder seguir haciendolo por aún décadas más. En la foto arriba, Daniel está preparando sus redes mientras sus hijos le ayundan. Eso es el negocio de la familia. Es lo que hacen, y me imagino que era lo mismo en la época de Cristo. La invitación de Jesús fue sencillo: "Sígame!". Pero los cuatro hermanos dejaron todo para obedecerla. Estamos viendo ese tipo de fe en las vidas de jóvenes cómo Fernando, un hijo de Daniel, quien estará viajando con nosotros en noviembre cuando viajamos al centro de México. Será su primero viaje misionera. Oren por nuestro equipo mientras llevamos capacitaciones e enseñanzas a Nayarit, Guanajuato and Puebla.

Durante de los últimos meses, nuestro iglesia en Las Glorias ha sido juntando recursos para un jovencita de nuestro pueblo. Quizás ha visto a su nombre, Danira Rocio, en cartas anteriores. Rocio es una jóvencita de 17 años quien necesita una operación para poner una placa de titanio en su cráneo. Hace dos años, ella sufrió un golpe a su cabeza y después entró una infección. Al fin, los doctores tuvieron que quitar una sección de su cráneo. Cuando la mandaron a su casa en mayo de 2014, no le dieron mucha esperanza a vivir, y menos a caminar. Pero Rocio está de fuerte carácter y ella cree que Dios la ha llamado a predicar a Cristo. Ella también cree que por eso Dios la rescató. Ahora ella camina -- despacito y con baston, pero camina...gloria a Dios!!! En abril de 2015, Douglas tuvo la oportunidad de bautizarse a ella en el mar. Nosotros quedamos soprendidos de lo que Dios está haciendo en su vida y por su vida. Casi no podemos esperar a ver lo que Él tiene planeado por su futuro. Por favor, oren for esta jovencita querida de Dios!!!! Nuestro communidad ha juntado casi 16,000pesos de los 80,000 necesario para comprar la placa. En junio doctores de Los Mochis le ofrecieron a hacer el cirujia gratis, si ella podría comprar la placa. Entonces, eso es nuestra meta! Si usted le gustaría involucrarse, avísanos. Hemos hecho una cuenta de "Go Fund Me", lo cual requiere una cuenta de EEUU. Haz clik aquí para donar via GoFundMe o puede donar sin impuestos a través de nuestra iglesia in Oregon. Contáctanos por más información.

Esas chicas son las jovencitas que juntan en nuestra casa en los jueves.  Juntaron para una despedida de Keala. Rocio está parada y tiene la blusa rosa.

Este semana, queremos compartir una carta de Pastor Braulio, de Las Flores de Las Culebras. No se olvide de leer "Peticiones y Alabanzas" al fin de la carta!

Carta de Braulio:
Dios les bendiga. Damos gracias a Dios por cada día que nos ha permitido. Mi familia y yo estamos contentos por todo el apoyo que Dios ha mandado atravez de nuestros hermanos en la fe. Sus oraciones han sido un factor muy importante para seguir adelante en el ministerio pastoral en el ejido Las Flores, que a pesar de las cosas en momentos han sido dificiles. Hemos visto también milagros grandes de parte de nuestro Dios que nos ha fortelecido para seguir adelante. La familia de mi Hermano Cristino está muy contenta debido al milagro que nuestro hermano ha recibido de parte de Dios curando sus piernas de una bacteria la cual estaba comiendo su carne. Había mucho temor de que pudiera perder las piernas. La familia cada miercoles y domingo ha decidido seguir estudiando la palabra. Ellos brillan como verdaderos hijos de Dios. ¡La gloria sea para nuestro Señor Jesucristo!

Estudio Bíblico en la casa de Hermano Cristino

Seguimos visitando la familia de la Hermana Inez, la familia de Hermana Hermeregilda y la familia de Melecio en sus casas ya que se han visto en la dificultad de enfermedad pedimos sus oraciones por cada uno de ellos. Este miercoles se incorporó una nueva familia: Rosario y su hija Nataly. Tienen gran necesidad en sus corazones. Orar por ella porfavor.

[Nota del editor: Hace dos semanas, después que me dio esa carta el Hermano Braulio, la Hermana Inez falleció. Estuvimos presentes como grupo para apoyar a la familia y estuvo un tiempo muy bonito. Mucha gente dieron testimonio a la vida de esa mujer valiente y fuerte en su fe. Ella ahora está danzando y alabando a Dios en el cielo y allí nos está esperando. Por favor, oren por la familia de ella en ese tiempo difícil.]

Dos pangas entraron para bajar sus camarones y pescado.  La señora en la blusa rosa se llama Beatriz, la mamá de Fernando.

Los torneos de futbol con niños, adolescentes y jóvenes por lo pronto están suspendidos por el tiempo de lluvias. Los reactivamos lo más pronto posible. Orar por el ejido Las Culebras y Cañadas que gracias a Dios y a los torneos de futbol se abrieron puertas con familias nuevas. Orar por nosotros como familia, Braulio y Pily con nuestros hijos Madai, Nehemias y Eunice. También orar por la pesca que acaba de empezar.

Peticiones y Alabanzas:

• Oren por Rocio mientras que seguimos juntando recursos para su operación.
• Oren por nuestro viaje misionera al centro de Méxcio. Estaremos enseñando y animando a las iglesias durante del mes de noviembre. 
• Oren por Keala quien terminó su año con nosotros y ha regresado a su casa en Michigan.  Oren que Dios siga creciéndola y guiándola cada día!!!
• Gloria a Dios! -- Hemos recibido nuestro residencia de tres años junto con el permiso del carro!!!!
• Oren por Ricardo y la familia Ramirez. Ellos están pasando por unas pruebas muy duras ahorita. Compartiremos una carta de ellos en la semana que entra.
• Oren por la iglesia nueva que va empezando en La Pitahaya. Julio y Lupita están muy contentos que por fin pueden juntar en su casa para estudiar la Palabra. Jeremias va a ayudarles con esa obra.
• Gracias a Dios por las muchachas que están llegando a la junta en nuestra casa. Oren que Dios siga creciendolas y que ellas podrian buscar a Dios en todo lo que hacen.
• Gracias a Dios por todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Cristo en todos partes -- en México, Los Estados Unidos y todo el mundo -- quienes están orando y apoyándonos en nuestro ministerio. Gracias a todos!
• Siga orando por todos los ministerios en que estamos involucrados y los ministros que trabajan con nosotros: Jeremias, Jessee, Braulio y Pily, Joaquin y Luz, Ricardo y Cristina, Narciso y Maria, Fabian y Sarah.

 

Autumn Update from Sinaloa

Haz clik aquí para leer esa carta en español.

While Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were throwing a net into the sea because they were fishermen. Jesus told them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishermen of people!" So immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther he saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat repairing their nets. He immediately called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. --  Mark 1:16-20 ISV

It's fishing season in our part of Mexico, and once again I'm reminded of the story of the calling of some of Jesus' disciples, who just happened to be fishermen.  I'm specifically struck by the fact that all four of them left their nets immediately.  Fishing in Boca del Rio isn't just a job, it's a way of life.  Generations of men have fished this river and these ocean currents for decades and Lord willing they will be able to do so for decades to come.  In the photo above, Daniel is mending his nets while his two sons help.  This is the family business.  It's what these men know, and I'd imagine that it was the same in Jesus' day.  Jesus' simple invitation to "Follow me!" was compelling enough that it caused these two sets of brothers to drop everything they knew and obey.  We're seeing that kind of faith lived out here in Las Glorias and Boca del Rio in the lives of young men like Fernando, one of Daniel's sons.  Fernando will be traveling with us at the end of this month to Central Mexico on his first-ever mission trip.  Pray for our team as we take Bible training and parenting classes to the states of Nayarit, Guanajuato and Puebla.

For the past few months, our small fellowship in Las Glorias has been raising funds for a young lady in our village.  You have probably already seen the name "Danira Rocio" in previous letters. Rocio is a 17 year-old girl who desperately needs an operation to insert a titanium plate into her skull.  Two years ago, she received a blow to the head and by the time doctors saw her, an infection had begun.  In the end, the doctors removed a section of her skull.  When they sent her home in May of 2014, they didn't give her much chance to live, let alone walk.  But Rocio is a fighter and she firmly believes that God has called her to preach Christ.  That's why she believes that God allowed her to live.  Today she walks, slowly and with a cane, but she walks, praise God!  Doug had the opportunity to baptize her in April of last year and we're amazed at what God has done and is doing in her life.  We can't wait to see what He has in store for her future.  Please pray for this Godly young lady!  Our local community has raised about $1000 of the $5000 necessary to buy the plate.  In June of this year, doctors from Los Mochis offered to perform the surgery free, if she was able to supply the plate.  So, that is our goal!  If you would like to get involved in Rocio's cause and help us purchase the materials necessary for her operation, please let us know.  We have set up a "Go Fund Me" account, which you can access by clicking here, or you can make a tax-deductible donation through our sending church in Oregon.  Donations must be made out to "New Hope Church" with "Mexico Mission-Rocio" in the memo line.  Note that donations given through "Go Fund Me" are NOT tax deductible.

This is a photo of our girls' group during a farewell party for Keala, who was instrumental in getting this group started.  Rocio is the young lady standing on the right.

This week, we have a letter to share with you from Pastor Braulio, who pastors a small congregation in Las Flores de las Culebras.  Be sure to read the "Prayers and Praises" at the bottom of this letter!  

Letter from Braulio:
Blessings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ! We give thanks to God for each day that He has given to us. My family and I are very blessed by the help and support that God has sent to us through our brothers and sisters in the faith. Your prayers have been a very important factor in our ability to continue forward in the pastoral ministry in the village of Las Flores, which at certain moments has been difficult. We have seen great miracles on the part of our God, which have strengthened us to continue forward. The family of Brother Cristino is quite joyful due to a miracle which he received from God. His legs were cured of a bacteria which was eating his flesh and there was much fear that he would lose his legs. The family has decided to host Bible studies at their home every Wednesday and Sunday. They are shining as true children of God. Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ!!!

Bible study at Cristino's house

We continue to visit the families of Sister Inez, Sister Hermeregilda and Brother Melecio in their homes, since it has become difficult because of their infirmities for them to attend church services. We ask for your prayers for each of these elderly believers. Las Wednesday, a new family came to our study: Rosario and her daughter Nataly. They have a great need in their hearts. Pray for them, please!

[Editor's note: Two weeks ago, just after Braulio had given me this letter, Sister Inez passed away. We were able to be present at the wake as a group to support the family and it was a very beautiful time. Many people gave testimony to the life of this Godly woman, her strength and her faith. She is now dancing and praising God in Heaven, and she'll be waiting for us all there. Please pray for her family during this difficult time.]

Two of the local fishing boats moored to unload their catch.  The woman in pink who is waving is Beatriz, Fernando's mom.

The soccer tournaments for children, adolescents and youth have been suspended for the rainy season. We'll be restarting them as soon as possible. Keep praying for the villages of Las Culebras and Las Cañadas. Because of the soccer outreaches in those villages, many doors have been opened to meeting new families. Pray for our family as well: Braulio and Pily, and our kids Madai, Nehemias and Eunice. Please pray for fishing season which has just begun.

Prayers and Petitions:

• Pray for Rocio as we continue to raise funds for her operation.
• Pray for our mission trip to Central Mexico where we will be training and encouraging churches during the month of November.
• Pray for Keala as she has finished her one-year internship with us and has returned to life in Michigan.  Pray that God would continue to grow and direct her every day!!!
• Praise God -- We have received our 3-year temporary residency and the accompanying car permit!!!
• Pray for Ricardo and the Ramirez family who are going through some difficult times right now.  We'll be sending an update from them next week.
• Pray for the new church gathering in La Pitahaya.  Julio and Lupita are very excited that we are finally able to begin meeting in their home.  Jeremias will be helping to lead this weekly study.
• Praise God for the young ladies who are attending the weekly girls' group at our house.  Pray that God would grow them into godly young ladies and that they would seek Him in all they do. 
• Praise God for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ across the U.S. and around the world who continue to pray for and support our ministry.  Thank you, everyone!!
• Keep praying for all of the various ministries with which we are involved and for all the pastors and missionaries in our fellowship: Jeremias, Jessee, Braulio and Pily, Joaquin and Luz, Ricardo and Cristina, Narciso and Maria,  & Fabian and Sarah.

 

Noticias de la Familia Ramirez

Estén siempre alegres, oren sin cesar, den gracias a Dios en toda situación, 

porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús. 

No apaguen el Espíritu, no desprecien las profecías, sométanlo todo a prueba, 

aférrense a lo bueno, eviten toda clase de mal. 

Que Dios mismo, el Dios de paz, los santifique por completo, 

y conserve todo su ser —espíritu, alma y cuerpo— irreprochable 

para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. 

 El que los llama es fiel, y así lo hará. -- 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16-24

To read this letter in English, click here.

Esta semana, estamos compartiendo una carta de nuestros hermanos en Celaya, Guanajuato.  Pastor Ricardo y su esposa Cristina tienen 3 niños y han sido muy amigos de nosotros para varios años.  Ellos han estado trabajando con FLOWinternational por casi dos años.

No se olvide a leer los peticiones al fondo de la carta. 

Carta de Ricardo:
Hola hermanos, saludos de Celaya.  Esperamos que se encuentren bien. Que el amor del Padre llene sus corazones cada día. Estamos contentos porque primero podemos ver su misericordia sobre nosotros y gozar de la comunión con Dios, personal y como familia. Son el combustible para caminar en este mundo cada vez más perverso e incrédulo y enfrentar las dificultades, enfermedades, e ataques espirituales. Conocemos por las escrituras que tenemos a un enemigo muy astuto, pero Fiel es Dios que nos librará y da la salida para vencer.

Cristina con Sara y Jasiel en Tarimoro

Hemos tenido un mes con muchas luchas. En junio nuestra hija Sara comenzó con fiebre por infeccion en la garganta. Después, todos fuimos contagiados. Sara fue la que duro más tiempo en sanar. Le hicimos unos estudios que era un procultivo en la garganta para saber que bacteria tenía ya que habia tomado 4 tratamientos diferentes y no le hacian efecto. Gracias a Dios ya está bien. Después, en el trabajo me lastimé la columna. Estuve en cama por 10 dias de reposo. Todavia sigo con rehabilitacion. Después, mis dientes de enfrente ya estaban muy desgastados y era necesario ponerme prótesis porque me lastimaban. Busqué donde era más economico y gracias a Dios encontré un lugar. Después me avisan que un hermano que se llamaba Ernesto que tenía cancer en el pancreas habia fallecido. Me prestaron una camioneta para trasladarme y me toca que se descompone y pagué la compostura. Después me dan la noticia que se divorcian unos pastores amigos mios. Estuve platicando con los dos, pero no se muestran dispuestos a arrepentirse, lo cual me da tristesa su situacion. Confio en que Dios obre en sus corazones. Cristina tiene una bola en la espalda. Se tiene que hacer un ultrasonido para ver de que es, confiamos en Dios que todo salga bien. Son muchas cosas en este tiempo, pero Dios es nuestra fortaleza. La voluntad de Dios es que demos gracias en toda situacion. 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16-24

El camino a Tarimoro 

Seguimos orando por el municipio de Tarimoro, Guanajuato. Son 35 mil habitantes que no conocen el evangelio. Hemos visitado en 2 ocaciones explorando el lugar, preguntando por casas en renta, conociendo las costumbres del pueblo, y conocimos a una hermana que se llama Carmen.

Conociendo a una hermana en Cristo en el centro de Tarimoro.

Ella vende libros en la plaza principal del pueblo y nos dijo que se congrega en una unica iglesia con 30 personas. El pastor se llama Martin Mendoza y nos dio su numero de celular. Nos comunicamos para visitarle por amistad y compartir nuestra visión , pero no estaba en Tarimoro. Está pendiente esta visita. Por nuestra parte, por el momento estamos visitando una vez al mes Tarimoro conociendo el lugar.

El puesto de Ricardo en Celaya donde se vende ropa

Les compartimos que oramos si es su voluntad rentar una casa y cuente con local para vender ropa. Sea de provisión para la familia. El propósito es comenzar con iglesia en casa, evangelizar e invitar a congregarse, y vivir en comunion personal con Cristo. Pedimos en oracion para que se logre en su voluntad y tiempo.

Estamos contentos de compartir con ustedes nuestras necesidades y vision y ser un equipo de trabajo con la voluntad de Dios, oramos por ustedes para que sean bendecidos y prosperados en todo.
Dios les bendiga,
Les amamos,
Ricardo y Cristina

Peticiones y Alabanzas:

• Por la salud y que seamos sabios en cuidar nuestros cuerpos. 
• Por la vision de Tarimoro que Dios nos guie en Su voluntad. 
• Por Cristina que todo salga bien en su estudio. 
• Por la provisión económica para Ricardo y su familia, y todos los ministerios aquí en México
• Damos gracias a Dios por la boda que vamos a ver en domingo en Las Glorias.  Julio y Lupita se van a casar!
• Oren por Fabian y Sarah -- en miércoles y jueves de esta semana, tiene Fabian una cita en Hermosillo para conseguir su visa para trabajar unos meses en Lousiana, EU.  Oren que Dios abre las puertas y que todo sale según la voluntad de Dios.
• Sigue orando por los hombres en Las Glorias y Boca del Rio que están dejando los vicios.  La batalla está fuerte, pero Dios es aún más fuerte! Oren especificamente por Pedro, Adán, Mario, Frederico, Cheque y los hijos de la Hermana Lilia.
• La semana pasada compartimos en Facebook que hubo un choque muy feo en nuestro pueblo.  Sigue orando por la familia del muchacho que falleció, Julio César, y tambien por el Esteban "Lobito", quien fue muy golpeado adentro y afuera.  Además, la esposa de Lobito está esperando su primer bebé. 

 

 

Summer Update from the Ramirez Family

Always be joyful and never stop praying. 

Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. 

This is what God wants you to do. 

Don't turn away God's Spirit or ignore prophecies. Put everything to the test. 

Accept what is good and don't have anything to do with evil. 

I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless 
until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 

The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Para leer esta carta en español, haz clik aquí.

This week, we're sharing a letter from our Christian brothers in Celaya, Guanajuato.  Pastor Ricardo and his wife, Cristina, have 3 children and have been good friends of ours for many years.  They have been working with FLOWinternational for almost 2 years.


Don't forget to read our Prayers and Praises at the bottom of this letter!!!

Letter from Ricardo:
Hello, Brothers! Greetings from Celaya.  We hope this letter finds you all well.  We pray that the love of our Father would fill your hearts every day.  We are so content because, first of all, we can see God's mercy over us and enjoy communion with Him -- both personally and as a family.  This is the fuel that enables us to walk in this world which is becoming more perverse and unbelieving every day and to confront difficulties, sicknesses and spiritual attacks.  We know from the Scriptures that we have an enemy who is very astute, but God is faithful and will free us and give us an exit to victory.

Cristina with Sara y Jasiel in downtown Tarimoro

We have had a month with many struggles.  In June, our youngest daughter Sara got a fever and a throat infection, which we all caught.  Sara was the one who took longest to heal.  We did studies and cultures to find out what she had, after she had taken 4 different treatments that had no effect.  Thank God that she is well now!  I hurt my back at work and was on bedrest for ten days.  I'm still doing rehabilitation.  Then I discovered that my front teeth were deteriorating and it was necessary to get false teeth, since they were beginning to hurt.  Fortunately, we were able to find an economical place to buy them.  After that, we heard that a brother named Ernesto, who had pancreatic cancer, had died.  We borrowed a vehicle to go visit the family, but the the vehicle broke down and I was left with the responsibility of repairing it.  We also received word that friends of ours who are pastors are getting a divorce.  I was talking with both of them, but they don't appear open to repentance, which makes me very sad.  I trust that God will work in their hearts.  Finally, Cristina has a lump on her back and will need an ultrasound to see what the lump is.  We are trusting God that all of this will turn out well.  There are many hard things in this season, but God is our strength.  The will of God is that we give thanks in every situation!

Road signs to Tarimoro 

We keep praying for the city of Tarimoro, Guanajuato.  There are 35,000 inhabitants who haven't heard the gospel.  We have visited on two occasions, exploring the place, asking about houses for rent, and learning the customs of the city.

Meeting a sister in Christ in downtown Tarimoro.

We met a sister in Christ named Carmen.  She sells books in the plaza at the center of town and she told us that she meets with a small congregation of 30 people.  The pastor's name is Martin and she gave us his contact information.  We tried to communicate with him to plan a friendly visit, but he wasn't in town.  We're looking forward to getting together with him soon.  For now, we are visiting the city once per month to get to know the place.

The locale where Ricardo and Cristina sell clothing in Celaya

We ask that you would join us in praying to know God's will about renting a house and a locale to sell clothing in Tarimoro.  It would be an economic provision for our family.  Our idea is to begin a home church, evangelize, invite people to fellowship with us and live in personal communion with Christ.  We pray that all things would be done according to God's will and timing.

We are so happy to be able to share our needs and our vision with you all and to be a team working together in God's will.  We pray for all of you that you would be blessed and prosperous in all you do.

God bless you,
We love you all,
Ricardo y Cristina

Prayers and Praises:

• Pray for health and that we would be wise in caring for our bodies
• Pray for the vision we have for Tarimoro and that God would guide us in His will
• Pray that Cristina's tests on the lump on her back turn out well.  Pray for peace while she waits.
• Pray that God would provide economically for the Ramirez family and all the families ministering in Mexico
• Praise God for the wedding we will be having here this weekend.  Julio and Lupita are finally getting married!!!
• This week is big for Sarah and Fabian: Wednesday and Thursday Fabian has meetings in Hermosillo to see about getting a work visa to work a few months in Lousiana.  Please join us in praying for this situation.  Pray for open doors and that everything would work out according to God's will!
• Keep praying for some men in our village that are trying to turn their lives around.  Pray specifically for Pedro, Adan and Mario.  The battle is real!  
• Also pray for some other men whose family has asked that we pray for them: Cheque, Frederico and the sons of Lilia, one of the ladies in our fellowship.
• We shared on Facebook last week that there was a car accident near our house in which one young man was killed and another badly injured.  Please continue to pray for the family of Julio Cesar as they mourn.  Also pray for Esteban "Lobito" as he heals from head trauma and various internal injuries.  In addition to that, his wife is expecting their first baby.  The baby is breech and due any day.