Merry Christmas!

'Tis the season for parties and presents and food...and food, and we have had our share (sometimes more than our share...) here in San Pedro. Last Thursday was the posada (Christmas party) for the Mexico-Canadiense English school. All the classes did a presentation in English, and there were songs, dramas, and games. On Friday the youth of Templo Cristiano Libertad held their own Christmas all-nighter, and on Saturday was the El Calor Christmas dinner. Finally on Sunday it was the church Christmas celebration with music, special choir presentations, and of course, more food....I was talking to a friend yesterday and we were both reflecting regretfully on the amount of food we seem to have eaten over the past few days, but then my friend shrugged and said, "Oh well, we have the rest of the year to work it off!" Which is true....and so, as I go in search of another sugar cookie, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has read the blog throughout 2009, to everyone who has supported us in prayer, in giving, in supplies, in visits. All of us in San Pedro wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, as we give thanks to God for the greatest gift ever given, salvation and eternal life through His Son, Jesus.

English school posada:

El Calor posada:

Holiday!

Today was a holiday here in Mexico and we held a one-day mini youth camp. About 50 young people came and participated in a full day of games, team competitions, sports, and worship. There was a relay race, dodgeball, girls and boys soccer tournaments, and volleyball. Several new youth came for the event as well as some of our El Calor players. Thanks to everyone for their hard work!

A warm-up with some action songs!

A game involving a lot of pushing, pulling, and falling...

Dodgeball!

And finally, a disgusting game where you try to blow a tubeful of the most awful goop (Coke, raw eggs, water, hot chiles, and who knows what else) out of your opponent's end of the tube before they do it to you...may the strongest lungs win!

Important Need

It's winter now, and yes, it does get cold here! Our soccer team is in need of winter uniforms, which will cost about $400. If you would like to help us with this expense, and bless the boys of El Calor, you can make an offering through the PayPal button on the top of this page, or send an offering through this address:

Seedtime and Harvest Ministries
8635 Callaghan Rd.
San Antonio, TX
78230

Thank you in advance for your support and prayers!

El Calor Photos 2009

Players from Professional and Select teams during a recent cell group

Here are the official photos of the main teams of the El Calor soccer organization.

3rd Division Professional Team

3rd Division Select Team

4th Division

Please be in prayer for all the teens, children, families, and coaches involved in this ministry!

Update

Several items to share today....

Last weekend we were blessed with a visit from sister Lydia Chorpening. Sister Chorpening was a missionary in the Philippines for many years and in September she made a tour of Mexico, visiting several missionaries and holding services. We were blessed by her visit and glad that she had the chance to visit San Pedro.

El Calor won their last two games, 3-1 and 7-1. This weekend they play here in San Pedro. We are working on setting up a web page with live streaming video of the games, and I will post on the blog when this becomes available.

Today is Stephen's birthday, and we wish him all the best in the coming year!

Happy Anniversary

Congratulations to Stephen and Marcela, who, on September 5, celebrated 22 years of marriage and ministry!

Back to School

Today was the first day of school for most children and teens here in Mexico, and yesterday in the afternoon service we had a special time of prayer with about 70 students. Afterwards we gave out notebooks, pencils, calculators, markers, and backpacks so that everyone would be prepared for today.

70 students...two things come to mind when I see that number. First, wow. That's a lot of kids, and last night the church was absolutely packed. Which is good, but also bad if you come in late, unless you like standing...which brings me to a new but related topic: construction! We are planning to expand the current church building as we have not yet found a suitable piece of land to use for a new building. Also, we are planning to open a new church in Torreon, on the property that belongs to the rehab center there. So, as always when there are new projects on the go, we need two things: prayer and resources - prayer first, because that's how you get the resources, right? Please be in prayer as we plan these projects, that God will provide the money and people and supplies to see them through to completion, and that the church will continue to grow!

The second thing that comes to mind when I think about students are the ones we have living here on the property and being supported by the church and its ministers. We have one girl, a graduate of the Id Pues Bible school, who has entered nursing school, and 5 boys from El Calor who are from all over the country, who have come here to play on the team and are all in school, from secondary school to university. Some of them were Christians when they arrived, some have just come to accept Jesus in the short time they have been here, and some we are still waiting for, but please be in prayer for these students as well, that those who haven't accepted Jesus will do so, and that those who have will be strengthened in their walk with the Lord and be witnesses wherever they are - in school, on the playing field, or wherever God sends them.

A Divine Vocation

A group of people at Templo Cristiano Libertad are reading through the Bible in one year, using the "Every Day With Jesus" Bible, which includes short devotionals and prayers after each reading. Today the New Testament reading was from Acts 11, where Peter talks to the Christians in Jerusalem after having gone to preach at Cornelius's house and seeing them receive the Holy Spirit. At first they couldn't believe that Gentiles had received the same gift as they had, but Peter replies, "...if God gave them the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?" (Acts 11:17). In the devotional that follows, the author notes that on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell on all 120 who were in the upper room, not just on the 12 apostles. What does this mean for us? Well, you could argue that the 12 were more special than the others, as they had walked with Jesus and received special teaching and ministry, but the fact that the Holy Spirit fell on everyone in the room meant that there are no special requirements, no special positions, no role that is more important than another in the Kingdom of God. The author continues by stating that this realization "might enable us to regain a sense of mission in life." Often we think that pastors, missionaries, church leaders, etc. must be more holy or must have a higher calling than "ordinary Christians" but as the coming of the Holy Spirit shows us, this isn't true at all. As Christians and recipients of the Spirit of God when we accept him into our lives, we all are called to be holy, no matter where we are or what we do. The devotional ends with a prayer thanking God for his gift of the Holy Spirit and for the opportunity that each one of us has to "live out my life where [God] has placed me, with a sense of divine vocation."

Youth service

On Saturday evening we held a joint youth service in the church with 3 other churches in the Torreon area. This is a new monthly initiative put together by all the participating churches in the area and each month the location is rotated between the churches. Over 130 young people filled the church and for 2 1/2 hours sang, prayed, and learned about the flow of the Holy Spirit. The previous night we held an acoustic church service because the church roof leaks (it has actually rained here!) and some of the sound equipment got wet. There were concerns for Saturday's service, but everything went smoothly and sounded great!

What To Do When You Don't Have A Baptistry...

Use the irrigation canal!

Yesterday we had 12 baptisms in the church, 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. There were several children who made the decision to be baptized, and one young man who had come to the church for the first time yesterday.

³⁸ Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ
for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—
for all whom the Lord our God will call."
⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them,
"Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:38-41

El Calor

Good morning!

A prayer request for this week - El Calor won their game on Saturday and are now in the quarter finals for the second year in a row! They left late last night for a 20h trip to Caborca, Sonora, where they will be playing on Wednesday night*. The return game is here in San Pedro on Saturday afternoon. Please pray for their safety as they travel to and from the game and also that they will win, but over all that they will give glory to God.

*The game is supposed to be broadcast on the internet - if anyone would like the link, email me at sanpedroshm@gmail.com.

Swine Flu and Soccer

Just a quick update on some important stuff happening here in the last few days....first of all, thank you to all of you who have asked about us here in Mexico. Everyone is fine and we are confident that God is with us in and through all situations. We are praying for the affected people and families and that the cause and cure of this flu will be discovered quickly. Psalm 91 reminds us that

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

Also, El Calor made it through to the second round of playoffs and played their first leg on Wednesday. Unfortunately they lost 2-1 and need to win their game tomorrow by 2 goals (assuming the other team doesn't score any more). Please pray for the team as they prepare to play tomorrow afternoon, that they will be calm, confident, and that in all they will give glory to God.

Youth Camp 2009

Our 2009 youth camp took place from April 7-10 over Easter vacation. I wasn't able to attend, so today we have a special guest blogger...Paul Ellsworth! Here is a short account of the camp from his perspective.

*****

I have lived in Mexico for four years now, and something that has always confused me is the lack of organized events with other churches. Many churches are private and do not seem interested in socializing with each other. Every year our church really breaks the mold by inviting youth from all churches and denominations to our spring break camp, and this year, many churches responded.

Camp this year was incredible!! It was the most amazing, most fun, and most tiring camp that I have been to (although it was well worth it). Everyday, there were several activities, Bible lessons, sports, games, workshops, and a service every night. It was great to see churches respond to the invitation and send their youth to camp. There were also quite a few unbelievers at the camp. God moved strongly in the services. Everyone received a personal touch from our amazing Lord.

My personal favorite aspect of the camp actually happened afterward. Most camps that I have been a part of in the past were excellent, but the week afterward, everyone starts falling back into the routine of life. God answered our prayers, and many of the youth who were at the camp have kept coming to church and have filled the front seats. It just goes to show that Jesus can do more than we ask or imagine and when he does a miracle in someone's life, he doesn't do a temporary job. That is exactly what we were praying for at camp: lives that would be changed forever.

*****

You can link to pictures from the camp here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/enochabdias

Change

It is said that change is the only constant in this world. Things that we take for granted as normal, as givens, can suddenly disappear and we are left wondering, "What will happen to me?" "How will I survive?" "What do I do now?"

It's kind of like a snowstorm in April:All we see is the unexpected, uncontrollable situation...
But we have to remember what Jesus says...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Even in the midst of the storm, there is provision.

Update

Hi everyone,

Just a quick general update for you:

• Our annual youth camp begins this week, and we are expecting young people from all over Mexico to attend. There will be group competitions, activities, Bible classes, and special music and services for the 3 days of the camp. Please be in prayer for the leaders, the campers, and that God will move in their hearts and lives.
  
• El Calor is traveling to Ciudad Juarez today - actually, they set out last night, as it is a 12 hour trip. Last week they won 2-0 in Torreon and have secured a place in the playoffs, beginning at the end of the month.
• Please be in prayer for Elizabeth, as she underwent knee surgery this week. She has lived with severe pain and swelling for several years in both her knees, and on Thursday had surgery. She is doing well and resting in San Pedro. We are thankful for the doctor's expertise, and we are also praying that God will speed her recovery.
• Finally, congratulations to David and Elizabeth! Today is their 56th wedding anniversary, and through all the years of their marriage, they have been open to hearing the voice of God, and he has used them greatly.

David and Elizabeth on their wedding day, April 4, 1953

Praise the LORD.
Blessed [are those] who fear the LORD,
who find great delight in his commands.

[Their] children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Psalm 112:1-2

Visit

Thanks to our friends at Grace Church of Humble for a great visit! A small group of 5 people came in late Thursday night and left early Sunday morning, but in that short time managed to travel to various towns, participate in an evangelistic outreach, participate in church services and services at the San Pedro rehab center, assist with the children's breakfasts, help tear down the old baptistry tank (and I think they even had time to do some shopping!). We're looking forward to your next trip here!

Fear Not

In the news recently we have been hearing a lot about violence, drugs, terrorism, murder, kidnappings....any number of horrible things taking place here in Mexico and around the world. The US and Canadian governments have issued travel advisories warning citizens to avoid Mexico for the time being due to the unrest, and I have talked to people who have changed travel plans because of the reports they have heard. The fighting is between various drug trafficking groups, but unfortunately their agendas have an effect on normal citizens as well. Many people live in fear, although they have nothing to do with these groups, thinking constantly, "What if...", "What's going to happen if....". However as Christians, we don't have to be afraid of the things that are happening around us in the world. The Bible tells us time and time again not to be afraid - and why? Because God is bigger than everything that is happening here on earth, and he's on our side! He has promised us his protection and all it takes on our part is trust and faith in his promises. Does this mean we can live recklessly? No, not at all - we need to be aware of our world and be cautious, but there is a difference between caution and wisdom, and fear. To remind myself of God's promises, a couple of weeks ago I wrote some Scriptures out and taped them to my door so that I see them whenever I leave the house. Sometimes I worry when I go out alone, but seeing these words reminds me that I am never alone.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Ps 34:7

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Ps 4:8

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Ps 32:7

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
Ps 3:5-6

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Ps 27:1

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Is 12:1

Need Met!

Our need for a new fridge has been met thanks to a supporter and friend who heard and listened to the voice and prompting of God. I am going out later today to look at prices, and will post a picture of the fridge when it arrives!

Miracle Baby

We have been having a baby boom in Templo Libertad lately, but there are two special stories that I am going to share on the blog. Juan and Imelda have been faithful members of the church for many years, and have a 10 year old son. He was conceived through fertility treatments and it was a difficult process for his parents. They desperately wanted more children, and so several years ago they began treatments again. One treatment....and nothing. Two treatments...still nothing....and so it went for 8 years. Finally, Juan and Imelda decided, "One more treatment, and if this doesn't work, then we give up." The church had been praying for them through the years, but on this occasion several ministers gathered to pray for the couple. And then, a couple of months later, we heard that Imelda was pregnant! 3 months ago a little girl was born, and her parents couldn't be more thrilled. We don't know why God chose to wait so many years before sending this child, but he is faithful and works in his own time to bless us as we wait on him.

Stay tuned for the next Miracle Baby!

Urgent Need: Refrigerator

Some good news and some less-good news: first, our children's breakfast program is expanding, which is great! What's not so good is that we are out of storage space for the food we buy every Friday. Since we prepare everything the night before, it all has to be refrigerated until Saturday morning, and with our numbers pushing 200, our current fridge isn't near big enough: it's math time!

On the left you see our fridge, which is the size of an average lawn chair (at right of fridge), and on the right is a picture of all the supplies we will be taking to the breakfasts tomorrow. The pew which the food is on seats about 8 people, so being good mathematicians we will convert pews to lawn chairs and say that we are trying to fit 8 lawn chairs of food into 1 lawn chair of space.

Result: 8 lawn chairs of food / 1 lawn chair of space = time for a big new fridge!

With about $1000 we could buy a large fridge and possibly a small, separate freezer. This is an urgent and important need because we see an increasing number of children every week. We don't want to run the risk of a child becoming sick from an improperly stored item of food; not only would it physically endanger the people we are trying to help, it would also damage our testimony in the area. Please pray that God will meet this need in the coming week, and please contact me at sanpedroshm@gmail.com if you are interested in donating toward this important ministry.

Evangelism Service

On Friday night we held a special evangelism service at Templo Cristiano Libertad. Having stabilized from our initial growth two years ago through our cell group ministry, we are turning our focus as a church once again to outreach and growth. In the service we had special music and drama presentations, and over 50 first-time visitors came out at the invitation of church members. About 20 people accepted Jesus as their Saviour by the end of the service, and on Sunday we were happy to see many of these people return to services.

With this growth, we are now in need of a new church building, or an expansion of the existing building. The church currently holds about 150; on Friday there were about 250 people in the service, and on Sundays we are close to starting a third service. We have been offered a piece of land on the outskirts of town, but are worried that the distance will deter people from coming. Please pray that God will provide a good location and the resources for a church that will serve the needs of a growing congregation.

Below are some pictures from the service:

Update

Hi everyone, just a quick note about the latest goings-on in San Pedro...

Last week we enjoyed the annual Destiny Church missions conference, "Light Your World". Many of the speakers addressed the ongoing economic crisis facing the world, and we were reminded that God's economy is not dependent on the world's economy, and that he is not limited by banks, currency, employment, etc. In Genesis 26 we read of Isaac, who was facing a severe famine, yet in obedience to God he sowed crops and reaped 100 times what he planted because God blessed him. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul thanks them for sending him aid and reminds them that God will supply all their needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus - not some of your needs, not the needs you think will be most easily met, but every need. In Psalm 23 David says that God prepares a banquet in the presence of his enemies - even in the midst of difficulties and trials, be they personal, relational, economic, God spreads before us all the riches of heaven. At times it is hard to do this; our minds limit us and we think, "But this need is so great, it's impossible", but nothing is impossible for God!

Thanks to everyone at Destiny for another great conference.

El Calor opened the second part of the 2008-09 season with a 9-0 victory on Saturday afternoon. This week they travel to Chihuahua, so please pray for their safety and that God will bless their efforts.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from everyone here in San Pedro to all of you who read this blog and keep us in your thoughts and prayers. It is our prayer that God will bless you in this new year! We are excited to keep sharing with you what he is doing here in Mexico. We are back to our normal routines now, with the start of classes at the English school and Id Pues Missions School today. We are also getting ready for our trip to San Antonio and the annual missions conference at Destiny Church, which is always a blessing to us.

In early December we were happy to receive a visit from another group from Grace Church of Humble. They stayed over the weekend and participated in the Children's Breakfast and held a service at our San Pedro rehab center. Almost 300 people showed up for the breakfast and we ran out of food, even after a quick trip to a nearby Wal-Mart. We have submitted an application to the food bank asking them to allot us more food, so please pray that they will grant the request.