SLRC Day 2

God provided much fruit this day! We were able to see so much today and understand so much more about what is happening in northern Mexico.

As soon as we woke up the day started to get crazy. Martin had 4 ideas for things to do that we didn’t know about when we went to bed. All of them would happen and be valuable things!
First Martin had the idea to call Pancho Bravo, a former pastor here in SLRC who hasn't been in the ministry since his wife and he divorced. Martin scheduled to have lunch with Pancho after church. More on this later.

Next Martin called one of the pastors that could not attend Saturday night, Angel and his wife Loraina. We had breakfast with them and were about to here about what is going in locally first hand. By the way, Mexican breakfast was incredible!

Next Martin had the idea for us to talk to our ABF while they were meeting. Originally, we wanted to interview Angel with the group, but that didn’t work out. I was able to share what we experienced the night before. The group seemed to enjoy it.

Next Phil, Martin’s father, called some nephews of his that live in SLRC. They had breakfast while the rest of us met with Angel. This was a great time to connect with the family for the Guerenas. We also met with the 3 nephews and their families later that evening. It was a Guerena family reunion! Martin and Phil were encouraged to see that they were all ministering in this city. One, Filipe, is a deacon in his church!

After breakfast we visited 2 churches. The first is pastored by Bernardo (see first picture above). It was like walking back in time for me, as it reminded me a lot of Liberty Baptist Church where I was baptized. Even the chairs looked much the same. We were able to encourage him, and he was able to encourage us as he told us of the baptism service that night where between 5 and 10 people were being baptized.

The second church we visited is where we worshipped on Sunday. It is pastored by Edgar. The music time was incredible. The passion these folks have for worship is wonderful. For a church of 80 people, they rocked the house! Kurt preached while Phil translated. He spoke from Matthew 5, Jesus sermon on the mount. There were some who cried as the message of Jesus touched them so. Kurt has an amazing gift of teaching. He took this passage and broke it down into the basics. Jesus said Love God and Love one another. The rest of the sermon was a series of examples of the principle.

After church we were treated to lunch by the congregation. It was great to get to know them and talk with them. There was a family who had just moved here from Phoenix. She is a US citizen and they all speak excellent English. She prepared a song during the service for us in English to show their appreciation for our visit. We talked with them over lunch and got to know more about them. I also talked with a man, Filipe, who had just gotten out of prison. He came to know Jesus while in prison, but his wife Maria does not know Jesus. This is causing some tension in their marriage, and they are having a tough time readjusting to their new life. Please pray for Maria that she would be open, and for them as they readjust.

The rest of the day we spent visiting the local churches and pastors. Edgar was our tour guide as we saw where these folks minister. One pastor we visited at the largest GB church in SLRC, Felix, was so discouraged. He was not planning to come to the Equipo conference, but Phil was able to encourage him, and now he and his wife are coming.

While we were visiting the churches Martin met with Pancho. He was able to encourage Pancho and provide him some wisdom and guidance. Pancho has started a Bible study of 100 people in Mexicali, but he is hesitant to plant a church because of the past problems. We met up with Martin and Pancho at Edgar’s house. We were able to pray with Pancho about starting this church. Please pray about this possible new church in Mexicali.

We returned to San Diego last night for much needed rest. Once we stopped for gas, we also enjoyed Dairy Queen, which tasted really good. Monday we are heading to Ensenada and Baja. It will be a very long day. Please pray for continued safety and for time and opportunity to encourage pastors.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven - Matthew 5:16