Thursday, March 29, 2007

Update and Thanks

Stephen and the kids returned safely from Houston on Tuesday night. Now, everyone's gearing up for camp next week, which will run from Tuesday night to Saturday morning. Stay tuned for more details - I'll try to post daily summaries and pictures.

Thanks to Ruth for her contribution toward new tires for the truck. We appreciate your generosity (and, if you look at the post "What Are The Odds?", you'll understand why!).

Friday, March 23, 2007

Travel

Stephen, Elisa, and Timothy left last night on their way Houston, where Stephen will be preaching and ministering this weekend. Please pray for their safety and that God will speak in these services.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

San Pedro Projects Blog

In the last couple of weeks we've started a new blog called "San Pedro Projects". We want you to know the projects we're working on and praying for, and some of the needs of the ministry. The blog address is here at: SHM San Pedro Projects

You can also go to the site by clicking on the link on the left side of this page. We will be updating the blog to reflect progress and to let you know specific areas you can pray for. We ask you to pray for the needs that are presented, and also about how you can help complete the work. We've set up a PayPal account for those of you who might prefer to donate online; just click on the "Make a Donation" button on either the Projects blog or on the first San Pedro blog.

If you have any questions or want more information about any of the projects, please contact me at sanpedroshm@gmail.com. If there are questions about the missions school, you can also direct them to Paul at paulsworth84@gmail.com; he's overseeing the development of this ministry and is happy to tell you more about it.

God bless you as you continue to participate in his work here!

The Growing Church

In the last week, we've had 6 baptisms in the church. Those baptised ranged from an 11-year-old girl to an elderly woman who was introduced to the church through the cell group program. Praise God that his people are obedient in taking this step of faith and demonstrating their commitment to him!

Last Friday we welcomed our new youth pastors, Cesar and Paulina. They came to us in January from the state of Nayarit, where they worked and studied with Philip, David, and Elizabeth. They are currently living with us on the property and have already shown much willingness to act as mentors and friends to our youth. We're excited to see how God will use them to lead the young people in changing lives and spreading the Gospel.

We're just two weeks away from our annual youth camp, which this year is taking place on the property from April 3-6. The theme is "Go for more", and we're expecting between 100-200 youth from all over Mexico to come and participate in 4 days of fun, work, and ministry.

Last week in Cartonlandia, the area where we hold our weekly children's breakfasts, several houses caught fire and about 25 families lost everything except the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no one was killed or injured, and the fire was contained to a relatively small area. Please pray for protection for the people living in this impoverished area, and for us as we minister every week.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

A Generation Without Limits

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
(Rev. 17:14)

On March 3 the youth of Templo Libertad took part in a youth gathering in Torreon, along with about 200 youth from 8 other churches. The theme of the conference was missions and Stephen was the main speaker. For some time we have been praying that God will open the way to establish a missions school here, and now things are starting to fall into place. We are still in the planning stages, but we are aiming to open the school in September. Stephen felt very strongly called to preach at this gathering, and in keeping with the missions theme he shared a message entitled "Called, Chosen, and Faithful", which he also preached in church a couple of months ago. God calls us to his service, but we must respond to his voice. Those who are called are chosen by God to be part of his family and to bear fruit for him. We do not choose God first; he chooses us because he wants us as his children, whether we feel worthy or not. Being called and chosen, we must then ourselves choose to be faithful to God no matter the cost - as he was and is faithful to us.

We're excited to watch the plans for the missions school unfold, and just a few days after the conference we have already been contacted by people who want to enroll. Please pray with us for the success of this new area of ministry, and that many here will respond to the call of God in their lives.