My suitcase is checked and I am sitting down for a quick bite before my 5 p.m. flight home. It’s a great time to pause thank you for your recent gift. We are always so awed by God’s provision. We’ve been at this for more than half a century, and He has not failed to come through for us ever!
Our son Jason joined me this trip. We were supposed to fly out Monday, but the erupting “Popo” volcano made that impossible. We caught a 6 a.m. flight to Mexico City the next day then drove two hours to Tepetlixpa. I’ve been here a handful of times in the past. Some trips were to speak at teen events, but usually I’m a guest instructor at the Bible school.
This trip was to teach on missions for four days. What a privilege. A full thirteen hours of class time to share, inspire, challenge the hearts and minds of Bible students. We opened to Matthew 10 and went through it verse by verse, just as Jesus did for Missions 101 with His twelve.
Of course, I like to add a surprise or two along the way. When we jumped over to Ephesians to read about the fiery darts of the enemy I lit and threw some firecrackers. And I had darts of my own along, not fiery, but they are from the Amazon jungle. They are not as exciting as the firecrackers, but if a student is holding a balloon in their mouth and I shoot at it, that adds all the excitement we need!
By my recollection, the Holy Spirit began stirring Mexicans for the nations about 37 years ago. It has been an exciting ride, and it’s been neat to have a small role. As a national church, now are sending missionaries to the field now. Where we are still lagging is in teaching pastors what it means to be a sending church. How to provide the counseling, encouragement, and care so desperately needed by those on the field. And of course, the money. It’s hard for pastors to grasp just how expensive missions are when they themselves are squeaking by with little—if any—financial support from their congregation. But we are making progress!
Thank you again for your part in our work. Your support means a lot. And, to answer the three questions we are asked most frequently: Veronica is doing well; Rebecca is struggling; and no new news on adoption!