` Feliz Navidad!
Dear Friends;
In everything I did, showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Before the business of the season kicks into full swing, I wanted to get a quick note out to you.
We have so much to be thankful for—the freedom we experience as followers of Christ, the work He is accomplishing through the ministry of Friends of Mexico, and the blessings He provides.
Because we are a supported ministry, none of our work would be possible without the generosity of friends like you. We are humbled by your support and hope you know how much we love you and pray for you.
God is at work and using the ministry of Friends of Mexico to advance His Kingdom. We praise Him for that, and we also thank you for partnering with us for the sake of the Gospel.
This year our funds from our supporters have lessened, we are receiving monthly 700-900 dollars. It has dropped drastically in the past 3yrs, we haven’t been able to continue all activities as in the past, nor carry on extra staff to help in the 10 missions, the 5 nationals have full time jobs and serve at the church/villages and receive offering when available as it comes in. Please, pray to commit in helping this long journeyed ministry to carry on. As the nationals haven’t stopped, it continues on, the nationals carry on regular services and bible studies.
Friends, we need help! 300 children in Mexico are without Christmas gifts and dinner unless we get some help from you! We are in need of funds to provide each village with a Christmas dinner. These kids are going through a hard enough time. May we fill there tummy’s, give them a gift and share the Birth of our Lord Jesus with them.
From all of us here at Friends of Mexico, we wish you a blessed Christmas!
Because of Him,
Rebeca Rivera
If you’re interested in Helping we are in need of $300 per church dinner, 9 villages and Galeana Church. Estimating 120 people per village to feed.
Please mail funds to:
Friends of Mexico
PO BOX 2419
Edinburg, TX 78540
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Friends of Mexico, News and Updates
October 20, 2011
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On August 27, we saw the one year anniversary of Brother George’s passing. It has been a year of prayer and consideration regarding the future of Friends of Mexico. In early August, the board of directors met and after much thoughtful consideration passed a budget for the coming year. We based our monthly budget on just under $2,500 per month in income. This amount will allow us continue to support Rebeca and to continue present ministries in Galeana. Those ministries include weekly ministries in all villages and in Galeana. This budget does not include funding for special events such as vacation Bible school, provision of school supplies, or celebrations at Christmastime. We continue to depend on donations above the monthly income to cover those events or any other ministries that may take place during the year.
This year, we were able to have vacation Bible school in each village and in Galeana. Brother Milton and members from the various congregations were blessed to have assistance from four families from Monterrey to assist with Bible school. Attendance was good and seeds continue to be sown in each of these places. Brother Reyes and Sister Lidia had large attendance in Santa Rita, and this congregation continues to minister to this ever expanding suburb of Galeana.
Recently, Rebeca received news of expanding educational opportunities in the city of Galeana. At long last, a high school will be opening there as well as a branch campus of a university. This will bring tremendous opportunities for young people in the region and will also bring new fields of ministry. Pray for the young people that will be traveling to Galeana for their education. Also pray that we may be open to whatever opportunities for ministry are presented. New opportunities for ministry will bring needs for funds and people dedicated to those ministries. Please include these needs on your prayer lists.
The violence in Mexico continues to complicate ministry efforts. Please continue to be in prayer for Mexico and specifically for the states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. Pray for the safety of the people in each of the villages that FOM serves and for the safety of the people ministering there. Also, pray for each of the towns between the border and Monterrey and on to Galeana that continue to be ravaged by violence. We continue to await guidance from God regarding the right time for Rebeca to return to Galeana and for teams/individuals to be able to travel there.
Please continue to pray specifically for Rebeca as she continues to maintain contact with and provide support to those working in the church in Galeana and in the missions. She is constantly seeking God’s guidance regarding her return to Mexico. Pray for her health, and the health and safety of her family in Mexico that she misses tremendously.
As always, continue to pray for the individuals who have been steadily carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes. We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries. Pray that others in Mexico will be lead to join us in ministry.
As our second year without Brother George begins , pray that we are able to continue to seek the Lord’s guidance regarding the future of Friends of Mexico. We continue to have faith that God has big plans for Friends of Mexico that He is waiting for the right time to reveal. With that in mind, it is appropriate that the Great Commission is the scripture focus for this newsletter. Please pray for us as we seek to obey these scriptures.
Peace to You Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
October 20, 2011
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On August 27, we saw the one year anniversary of Brother George’s passing. It has been a year of prayer and consideration regarding the future of Friends of Mexico. In early August, the board of directors met and after much thoughtful consideration passed a budget for the coming year. We based our monthly budget on just under $2,500 per month in income. This amount will allow us continue to support Rebeca and to continue present ministries in Galeana. Those ministries include weekly ministries in all villages and in Galeana. This budget does not include funding for special events such as vacation Bible school, provision of school supplies, or celebrations at Christmastime. We continue to depend on donations above the monthly income to cover those events or any other ministries that may take place during the year.
This year, we were able to have vacation Bible school in each village and in Galeana. Brother Milton and members from the various congregations were blessed to have assistance from four families from Monterrey to assist with Bible school. Attendance was good and seeds continue to be sown in each of these places. Brother Reyes and Sister Lidia had large attendance in Santa Rita, and this congregation continues to minister to this ever expanding suburb of Galeana.
Recently, Rebeca received news of expanding educational opportunities in the city of Galeana. At long last, a high school will be opening there as well as a branch campus of a university. This will bring tremendous opportunities for young people in the region and will also bring new fields of ministry. Pray for the young people that will be traveling to Galeana for their education. Also pray that we may be open to whatever opportunities for ministry are presented. New opportunities for ministry will bring needs for funds and people dedicated to those ministries. Please include these needs on your prayer lists.
The violence in Mexico continues to complicate ministry efforts. Please continue to be in prayer for Mexico and specifically for the states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. Pray for the safety of the people in each of the villages that FOM serves and for the safety of the people ministering there. Also, pray for each of the towns between the border and Monterrey and on to Galeana that continue to be ravaged by violence. We continue to await guidance from God regarding the right time for Rebeca to return to Galeana and for teams/individuals to be able to travel there.
Please continue to pray specifically for Rebeca as she continues to maintain contact with and provide support to those working in the church in Galeana and in the missions. She is constantly seeking God’s guidance regarding her return to Mexico. Pray for her health, and the health and safety of her family in Mexico that she misses tremendously.
As always, continue to pray for the individuals who have been steadily carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes. We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries. Pray that others in Mexico will be lead to join us in ministry.
As our second year without Brother George begins , pray that we are able to continue to seek the Lord’s guidance regarding the future of Friends of Mexico. We continue to have faith that God has big plans for Friends of Mexico that He is waiting for the right time to reveal. With that in mind, it is appropriate that the Great Commission is the scripture focus for this newsletter. Please pray for us as we seek to obey these scriptures.
Peace to You Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
Updates from FRIENDS OF MEXICO
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
July 30, 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we pray for our next board meeting in early August, we continue to engage in prayer and discussion regarding future ministries for Friends of Mexico. In the past few months, there have been many occasions where we have asked ourselves if it was an appropriate time to return to Mexico. By various means, we have felt that the answer was no and that it was not the appropriate time. So, we continue to wait and seek the Lord’s guidance. When the time is right, we will know that the Lord has determined our steps. Please continue in prayer with us as we await that time.
In Galeana and the missions, the ministry of Friends of Mexico continues. Regular services are being held in all sites. The women’s ministry continues at Monte Calvario. Currently, preparations are being made for vacation Bible schools to be held in each of the 9 missions and in Galeana. Lydia and Reyes are preparing for a large turnout
for VBS in Santa Rita. Milton is preparing for VBS in other locations with assistance from the women’s group at Monte Calvario. Funds are still needed for VBS materials and refreshments. It’s an average of $70-100 per village.
As always, VBS will provide a tremendous opportunity for ministry to all of the children that attend as well as indirectly to their parents. Many times children attending VBS are from other towns, so there is impact in areas other than the village where the VBS is actually being held.
Rebeca continues to maintain contact with and provide support to those working in the church in Galeana and in the missions. Reports from Mexico indicate that the violence continues and that our prayer support continues to be greatly needed. Pray for Rebeca as she continues her ministry from the United States. She is constantly seeking God’s guidance regarding her return to Mexico and asks for your prayers regarding this issue.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
As always, continue to pray for the individuals who have been steadily carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes.
We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries.
As summer comes to an end, please be in prayer for school children in Mexico as they return to school the third week in August. Also, during this time we provide the children/teens with school supplies, these kids are selected by faithful attendance in their church village. We average 300+ children and teens in regular attendance.
Please pray for school supply funding.
Please pray also for their teachers and other staff members who will be returning to work. The future of Mexico rests in the hands of these young people, and as a ministry, we hope to continue to share the Word with them and move toward that future.
At the August board meeting, the Friends of Mexico board plans to finalize a budget. Please pray for the following needs that may be considered in that budget: (1) Funds to cover specific ministry areas such as vacation Bible schools. (2) Financial support for those working in Mexico. Also, please pray for the Board as other directions for FOM ministry are considered. We continue to welcome your input regarding ideas for possible future ministry.
Finally, as we continue to plan for the future, pray that we have peace and know that we are truly following the Lord’s steps.
Peace to You Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
July 30, 2011
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we pray for our next board meeting in early August, we continue to engage in prayer and discussion regarding future ministries for Friends of Mexico. In the past few months, there have been many occasions where we have asked ourselves if it was an appropriate time to return to Mexico. By various means, we have felt that the answer was no and that it was not the appropriate time. So, we continue to wait and seek the Lord’s guidance. When the time is right, we will know that the Lord has determined our steps. Please continue in prayer with us as we await that time.
In Galeana and the missions, the ministry of Friends of Mexico continues. Regular services are being held in all sites. The women’s ministry continues at Monte Calvario. Currently, preparations are being made for vacation Bible schools to be held in each of the 9 missions and in Galeana. Lydia and Reyes are preparing for a large turnout
for VBS in Santa Rita. Milton is preparing for VBS in other locations with assistance from the women’s group at Monte Calvario. Funds are still needed for VBS materials and refreshments. It’s an average of $70-100 per village.
As always, VBS will provide a tremendous opportunity for ministry to all of the children that attend as well as indirectly to their parents. Many times children attending VBS are from other towns, so there is impact in areas other than the village where the VBS is actually being held.
Rebeca continues to maintain contact with and provide support to those working in the church in Galeana and in the missions. Reports from Mexico indicate that the violence continues and that our prayer support continues to be greatly needed. Pray for Rebeca as she continues her ministry from the United States. She is constantly seeking God’s guidance regarding her return to Mexico and asks for your prayers regarding this issue.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
As always, continue to pray for the individuals who have been steadily carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes.
We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries.
As summer comes to an end, please be in prayer for school children in Mexico as they return to school the third week in August. Also, during this time we provide the children/teens with school supplies, these kids are selected by faithful attendance in their church village. We average 300+ children and teens in regular attendance.
Please pray for school supply funding.
Please pray also for their teachers and other staff members who will be returning to work. The future of Mexico rests in the hands of these young people, and as a ministry, we hope to continue to share the Word with them and move toward that future.
At the August board meeting, the Friends of Mexico board plans to finalize a budget. Please pray for the following needs that may be considered in that budget: (1) Funds to cover specific ministry areas such as vacation Bible schools. (2) Financial support for those working in Mexico. Also, please pray for the Board as other directions for FOM ministry are considered. We continue to welcome your input regarding ideas for possible future ministry.
Finally, as we continue to plan for the future, pray that we have peace and know that we are truly following the Lord’s steps.
Peace to You Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Spring - news and updates
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:20-21
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: May 4, 2011
It is May 2011, and volunteers and board members have recently been in Edinburg replacing the roof on Rebeca’s house. This task was an exercise in confidence in God from the beginning: confidence that funds would be raised to replace the roof, confidence that volunteers would commit to providing the labor, confidence that good weather would prevail for the three days that it would take to complete the project, and confidence that the volunteers would remain strong and be able to finish the job safely. As always, God answered all prayers, and the project was completed. Sufficient funds were raised, the weather was great, and the volunteers, although small in numbers, were able to complete the job.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all who supported us in this effort to provide necessary maintenance to Rebeca’s home in Edinburg. It is her home base for Friends of Mexico operations as the violence continues in Mexico. Rebeca continues to maintain contact with and provide support to those working in the church in Galeana and in the missions.
While in Edinburg, we saw news reports that continue to document the ongoing violence in Mexico. Rebeca regularly receives reports from Galeana and other parts of Mexico describing the difficulties being faced by the people there. Brother Lee, a fellow missionary who travels in Mexico regularly, reported that he had been told of layoffs in factories along the border due to the continuing violence and impact on the Mexican economy, of large numbers of people fleeing the country seeking safety, and of hijackings of trucks carrying groceries, fuel, etc. with no repercussions for the hijackers.
As Easter drew near and many people were taking time off for Holy Week, security was being increased throughout the country. It is interesting that all of this was occurring at the time that we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. It is that very resurrection that gives us confidence that God does have a tremendous plan for Mexico and its people and for the ministry of Friends of Mexico. As our brothers and sisters in Christ stand firm in their faith there, we must also stand firm here by supporting them with daily prayers and continued provision of supplies needed for ministry.
Rebeca has received news from those working in Galeana that the church and missions are doing fine, and that there were lots of visitors during Easter week. Women from Monte Calvario are traveling with Brother Milton to the villages to help with the children’s classes. Please pray for those individuals who are stepping forward to work in the ministry during these difficult times.
Please continue to pray for the individuals who have been steadily carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes. We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries.
As the Friends of Mexico board begins to finalize a budget, please pray for the following needs that may be considered in that budget: (1) Funds to cover specific ministry areas such as vacation Bible schools, special events like the upcoming celebration of Children’s Day in Mexico, etc. (2) A means of transportation for Rebeca to use in Mexico when she is able to return. (3) Financial support for those working in Mexico. These are a few of the needs being considered. When a final budget is established, the board will be sharing additional information with supporters.
Finally, it is indeed a time that we should have confidence in God and the miracles that He can do as we celebrate the Resurrection. If He was able to raise His Son on the third day, then why should we not believe that violence can end in Mexico and that tremendous opportunities for ministry can proceed in this country where so many hunger for God’s word. Continue to pray for this eventuality.
Joy to You Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ as He is Risen!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
Randy Gordon, Board President
Randy4laws@aol.com
Melinda Harrington, Board Member
mlh@cctc.net
Rebeca Rivera, Missionary and Board Member
friendsofmexico@aol.com
Carlos Ruesga, Board Secretary
Laura Ruesga, Board Member
casaderuesga@yahoo.com
Steve Watkins, Board Member
Friends of Mexico, News and Updates
January 29, 2011
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we finished 2010, we looked back on a year that saw many challenges and changes for Friends of Mexico and for our brothers and sisters in the Galeana area and in all of Mexico. We look at the verses from 1 Peter, and we are confident that in due time, we will be lifted up. We are also confident that God is able to handle all of our anxieties as we look towards the future for Friends of Mexico and for the people of Mexico.
We are writing this letter as we finish the first month of 2011. Beginning on December 20, 2010, Christmas celebrations were held in all of the missions served by Friends of Mexico. By December 30, each village had been blessed with a Christmas service where shoeboxes were distributed and a Christmas fiesta had been provided. Approximately 429 shoeboxes were distributed in the missions, La Piedra, La Poza, Magueyes, El Palmito, El 18 de Marzo, Derramadero, Agua Fria, Santa Rita, Galeana Church. We are thankful for the shoeboxes provided by Samaritan’s purse and First Baptist Church, Gorman, Texas, as well as the donations that were used to cover the cost of the celebrations.
Once again, the Santa Rita mission was able to have a wonderful Christmas service and drama. At Monte Calvario, in Galeana, Bro. Milton Garcia was welcomed as the new pastor with a dinner on Sunday, December 19. Bro. Milton reports that all of the missions are doing well and the work of Friends of Mexico is continuing.
At this time, we have received $650 in donations towards replacing the roof on Rebeca’s house in Edinburg. We give thanks for the gifts so far. Our goal is $3,000, and we will have volunteers traveling to Edinburg as soon as we raise the necessary funds. We hope to be able to complete the job by mid-March, in order to avoid having to work in the hot season in south Texas.
The FOM Board continues to meet through regular conference calls to carry on the business of the mission. Rebeca continues to coordinate mission operations from Edinburg via internet and telephone. Milton is regularly visiting the missions and is pastoring Monte Calvario in Galeana. In the coming months, the Board will continue to work on budgeting and determining future directions for Friends of Mexico. We have had multiple contacts from individuals and groups who are interested in working with us in Mexico, and we eagerly await the time when God allows us to return to Galeana.
In Mexico, please continue to pray for the individuals who are carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes. We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries.
On a larger scale, please continue to pray for the country of Mexico, itself. Pray for protection of the people there and for a stop to the violence. As recent news has shown us, innocent people continue to lose their lives, even missionaries who are there to serve and carry out God’s work.
In the U.S., please continue to pray for Rebeca as she works to resolve the legal and financial issues that came with George’s passing. Also, the FOM Board requests your continued support, as we continue to explore future directions for Friends of Mexico. We are thankful for the long history of ministry carried out by FOM, and we look forward to a bright future of ministry wherever God may lead us.
Happy New Year and Blessings to All!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
Randy Gordon, Board President
11713 Rotherham, Austin, TX 78753
Randy4laws@aol.com
Melinda Harrington, Board Member
69 Corral Dr. N, Keller, TX 76244
mlh@cctc.net
Rebeca Rivera, Missionary and Board Member
2001 Pin Oak Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539
friendsofmexico@aol.com
Carlos Ruesga, Board Secretary
Laura Ruesga, Board Member
11915 Eagan Dr., Whittier, CA 90604
casaderuesga@yahoo.com
Steve Watkins, Board Member
January 29, 2011
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we finished 2010, we looked back on a year that saw many challenges and changes for Friends of Mexico and for our brothers and sisters in the Galeana area and in all of Mexico. We look at the verses from 1 Peter, and we are confident that in due time, we will be lifted up. We are also confident that God is able to handle all of our anxieties as we look towards the future for Friends of Mexico and for the people of Mexico.
We are writing this letter as we finish the first month of 2011. Beginning on December 20, 2010, Christmas celebrations were held in all of the missions served by Friends of Mexico. By December 30, each village had been blessed with a Christmas service where shoeboxes were distributed and a Christmas fiesta had been provided. Approximately 429 shoeboxes were distributed in the missions, La Piedra, La Poza, Magueyes, El Palmito, El 18 de Marzo, Derramadero, Agua Fria, Santa Rita, Galeana Church. We are thankful for the shoeboxes provided by Samaritan’s purse and First Baptist Church, Gorman, Texas, as well as the donations that were used to cover the cost of the celebrations.
Once again, the Santa Rita mission was able to have a wonderful Christmas service and drama. At Monte Calvario, in Galeana, Bro. Milton Garcia was welcomed as the new pastor with a dinner on Sunday, December 19. Bro. Milton reports that all of the missions are doing well and the work of Friends of Mexico is continuing.
At this time, we have received $650 in donations towards replacing the roof on Rebeca’s house in Edinburg. We give thanks for the gifts so far. Our goal is $3,000, and we will have volunteers traveling to Edinburg as soon as we raise the necessary funds. We hope to be able to complete the job by mid-March, in order to avoid having to work in the hot season in south Texas.
The FOM Board continues to meet through regular conference calls to carry on the business of the mission. Rebeca continues to coordinate mission operations from Edinburg via internet and telephone. Milton is regularly visiting the missions and is pastoring Monte Calvario in Galeana. In the coming months, the Board will continue to work on budgeting and determining future directions for Friends of Mexico. We have had multiple contacts from individuals and groups who are interested in working with us in Mexico, and we eagerly await the time when God allows us to return to Galeana.
In Mexico, please continue to pray for the individuals who are carrying on the work of Friends of Mexico: Milton and Gloria Garcia, Reyes and Lidia Oviedo, Berta and Tonita Corpus, Gloria de la Rosa, and Eloina Cortes. We give thanks for each one of these people and ask that you continue to pray for their safety and for their ministries.
On a larger scale, please continue to pray for the country of Mexico, itself. Pray for protection of the people there and for a stop to the violence. As recent news has shown us, innocent people continue to lose their lives, even missionaries who are there to serve and carry out God’s work.
In the U.S., please continue to pray for Rebeca as she works to resolve the legal and financial issues that came with George’s passing. Also, the FOM Board requests your continued support, as we continue to explore future directions for Friends of Mexico. We are thankful for the long history of ministry carried out by FOM, and we look forward to a bright future of ministry wherever God may lead us.
Happy New Year and Blessings to All!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
Randy Gordon, Board President
11713 Rotherham, Austin, TX 78753
Randy4laws@aol.com
Melinda Harrington, Board Member
69 Corral Dr. N, Keller, TX 76244
mlh@cctc.net
Rebeca Rivera, Missionary and Board Member
2001 Pin Oak Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539
friendsofmexico@aol.com
Carlos Ruesga, Board Secretary
Laura Ruesga, Board Member
11915 Eagan Dr., Whittier, CA 90604
casaderuesga@yahoo.com
Steve Watkins, Board Member
December 16, 2010
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this season, we remember the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus, who later died that we might have eternal life. It is truly a season of thanks. As we have reflected on events of the last few months, we are thankful to have been blessed to know George Rivera and to have the privilege of continuing the ministry that he lead for fifty-three years. As recent months have passed, the FOM Board of Directors has engaged in a time of thoughtful consideration regarding the future ministries of Friends of Mexico. God has been with us throughout this journey, and we look forward to the revelation of His plans for Friends of Mexico.
Earlier this month, board members travelled to Edinburg, Texas to meet with Mr. Milton Garcia and discuss his calling to return to work with FOM in Galeana and the surrounding villages. Since George Rivera’s passing, Milton has voluntarily served in the villages to see that ministry continued. At the meeting in Texas, Milton shared his desire to continue to serve and work as part of Friends of Mexico in ministry. We were excited to share our vision and to hear from Milton regarding his ideas for expanding the ministry. As a result of this meeting, the FOM board asked Milton to work with us for the next year as ministry continues and God’s will is sought for the future. Rebeca will continue to coordinate all mission efforts from the U.S. for the foreseeable future.
As a board, we give thanks for all who are serving with us: Milton, Facundo, Bertha, Tonita, Reyes, Lidia, Eloina, and Gloria de la Rosa. We also give thanks for Rebeca who continues to serve as both missionary and board member. We are thankful for the shoeboxes provided by Samaritan’s Purse that arrived in Galeana earlier this week. These gifts will provide opportunities for ministry in all of the villages and will be much appreciated by their recipients. We are also thankful for the shoeboxes provided by First Baptist Church in Gorman, Texas that will be given at Monte Calvario in Galeana. We have been blessed by the generosity of many individuals who have contributed to these efforts. We give thanks for the many messages of encouragement that have been sent to Rebeca and her family and to the board over the past few months. We continue to be grateful for the many prayers that are being offered up in our behalf. On the financial side, we are extremely thankful for the continued monetary support that allows us to continue to minister in northern Mexico, and we pledge to do our best to be good steward of your financial gifts.
We ask you to lift up the following prayer requests as we finish this year and enter into 2011.
1. Continue to pray for the missions and all of the individuals working with FOM to spread the Gospel. Pray for new workers to join the effort.
2. Pray for the FOM board as we continue to seek God’s plan for Friends of Mexico.
3. As always, our ministries are dependent on your financial support. In these tough economic times, pray for financial support that allows us to maintain our present ministries and expand those efforts in the coming year.
4. While in Edinburg, board members were able to evaluate the condition of the roof on Rebeca’s house and determine that it does need to be replaced. It is the roof that has been on the house since George and Rebeca bought it. We believe that we have volunteers ready to travel to Edinburg to replace the roof as soon as funds can be raised. We would like to complete this job before hot weather arrives, mid-March at the latest. Please pray that the necessary funds will be provided to meet this need, estimated at $3,000. Any excess funds raised will be used to cover some other repairs on the house, painting, etc. or will be channeled into the mission budget for ministry.
5. Continue to pray for the end of the violence in Mexico. We know that the prayers of God’s people will be answered and that peace will come.
6. Finally, as Christmas services and festivities are held, and shoeboxes are distributed, pray that people will open their hearts to receive Jesus Christ as their savior.
¡Feliz Navidad!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
Randy Gordon, President
Rebeca Rivera, Missionary and Board Member
Melinda Harrington
Carlos Ruesga
Laura Ruesga
Steve Watkins
Friends of Mexico
P. O. Box 2419
Edinburg, Texas 78540
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this season, we remember the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus, who later died that we might have eternal life. It is truly a season of thanks. As we have reflected on events of the last few months, we are thankful to have been blessed to know George Rivera and to have the privilege of continuing the ministry that he lead for fifty-three years. As recent months have passed, the FOM Board of Directors has engaged in a time of thoughtful consideration regarding the future ministries of Friends of Mexico. God has been with us throughout this journey, and we look forward to the revelation of His plans for Friends of Mexico.
Earlier this month, board members travelled to Edinburg, Texas to meet with Mr. Milton Garcia and discuss his calling to return to work with FOM in Galeana and the surrounding villages. Since George Rivera’s passing, Milton has voluntarily served in the villages to see that ministry continued. At the meeting in Texas, Milton shared his desire to continue to serve and work as part of Friends of Mexico in ministry. We were excited to share our vision and to hear from Milton regarding his ideas for expanding the ministry. As a result of this meeting, the FOM board asked Milton to work with us for the next year as ministry continues and God’s will is sought for the future. Rebeca will continue to coordinate all mission efforts from the U.S. for the foreseeable future.
As a board, we give thanks for all who are serving with us: Milton, Facundo, Bertha, Tonita, Reyes, Lidia, Eloina, and Gloria de la Rosa. We also give thanks for Rebeca who continues to serve as both missionary and board member. We are thankful for the shoeboxes provided by Samaritan’s Purse that arrived in Galeana earlier this week. These gifts will provide opportunities for ministry in all of the villages and will be much appreciated by their recipients. We are also thankful for the shoeboxes provided by First Baptist Church in Gorman, Texas that will be given at Monte Calvario in Galeana. We have been blessed by the generosity of many individuals who have contributed to these efforts. We give thanks for the many messages of encouragement that have been sent to Rebeca and her family and to the board over the past few months. We continue to be grateful for the many prayers that are being offered up in our behalf. On the financial side, we are extremely thankful for the continued monetary support that allows us to continue to minister in northern Mexico, and we pledge to do our best to be good steward of your financial gifts.
We ask you to lift up the following prayer requests as we finish this year and enter into 2011.
1. Continue to pray for the missions and all of the individuals working with FOM to spread the Gospel. Pray for new workers to join the effort.
2. Pray for the FOM board as we continue to seek God’s plan for Friends of Mexico.
3. As always, our ministries are dependent on your financial support. In these tough economic times, pray for financial support that allows us to maintain our present ministries and expand those efforts in the coming year.
4. While in Edinburg, board members were able to evaluate the condition of the roof on Rebeca’s house and determine that it does need to be replaced. It is the roof that has been on the house since George and Rebeca bought it. We believe that we have volunteers ready to travel to Edinburg to replace the roof as soon as funds can be raised. We would like to complete this job before hot weather arrives, mid-March at the latest. Please pray that the necessary funds will be provided to meet this need, estimated at $3,000. Any excess funds raised will be used to cover some other repairs on the house, painting, etc. or will be channeled into the mission budget for ministry.
5. Continue to pray for the end of the violence in Mexico. We know that the prayers of God’s people will be answered and that peace will come.
6. Finally, as Christmas services and festivities are held, and shoeboxes are distributed, pray that people will open their hearts to receive Jesus Christ as their savior.
¡Feliz Navidad!
Friends of Mexico Board of Directors
Randy Gordon, President
Rebeca Rivera, Missionary and Board Member
Melinda Harrington
Carlos Ruesga
Laura Ruesga
Steve Watkins
Friends of Mexico
P. O. Box 2419
Edinburg, Texas 78540
FALL NEWS
November 2010
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Dear Friends,
I would like to start by thanking all of you for your continued love and support expressed through your letters and other communications. It has been so nice to hear from you, and I'm especially grateful for the great testimonies I've heard regarding the impact of Friends of Mexico and George, on your lives. It’s a true blessing! I'm, especially thankful to have such great friends supporting and praying for us during this difficult time.
We have received great news from Galeana. Samaritan’s Purse, ran by Franklin Graham will be donating, “Christmas Shoeboxes” this year. Many of you have heard and are a part of this ministry year after year. Well, this year, the state of Nuevo Leon has been designated as one of the chosen areas. We are blessed to hear that all seven villages served by Friends of Mexico will be provided with 100 shoeboxes in each village. In addition, the First Baptist Church of Gorman, Texas will be providing the shoeboxes for the Galeana church. Thank you, Martha Harrington for coordinating this effort. Not only will all of our kids receive boxes, but we will be able to minister to other kids that aren't regular attenders and provide them with a box. This will be a tremendous opportunity to share the Good News.
Franklin Graham’s ministry has asked that there be a festival/banquet conducted in celebration of Christmas and giving when the boxes are presented. We need your help to fund these events in all villages with 100 plus attendance in each village. We will need to provide food, candies and piñatas.
We have been thrilled with this news, since it’s been difficult for me to get to Galeana, due to the danger on the border and in Mexico. Many of you have been following the news, and the violence has been very aggressive this month. Please continue to pray for the border towns and our nation.
Bro. Milton, in this past month, has been able to visit all the villages and conduct services regularly. He also has given the food baskets that Bro. George bought in August. People were extremely grateful knowing that he was on his way to give them food. The hurricane in the summer, as well as the increased levels of violence, have made people’s daily lives much more difficult.
All of the eight missions have continued on with their regular services, Bible studies and other events. Weekly attendance in the villages is as follows: El Diez y ocho, 35-45; La Piedra, 20-25; La Poza, 28-30; Magueyes, 19-25; Derramadero, 18-25; Sta. Rita, 35-45; and Galeana, 20-28.
Please continue to support our staff with your prayers:
Bro. Milton Garcia is currently visiting all of the missions and will be starting classes for Sunday school teachers in the villages. The villages are in need of age appropriate teachers.
Bro. Facundo is helping in the Galeana Church.
Sister Eloina is coordinating the women’s ministry in the Galeana church.
Bro. Reyes and his wife, Lidia, are serving as pastors of the Sta.Rita church.
Sister Berta and Sister Tonita are coordinating the women’s ministry and Sunday school in El Diez y ocho.
Sister Gloria de la Rosa has been helping maintain and clean the buildings and dorms in Galeana.
Please join us in prayer for the following needs:
Prepare the hearts of the people to be ministered to in the coming weeks to be open to receive God’s word.
Pray for the Sunday school teacher classes starting in December 2010.
Pray for the planning and preparation for festivals and Christmas programs in the villages and Galeana.
Continue to pray for the finances for Friends of Mexico.
Pray for the funding needed for the Christmas festivals.
Continue to pray for the violence to cease in Mexico.
Pray for the continued recovery of Mexico after summer hurricanes. The need for road repairs in Galeana and the surrounding area continues to be a major issue.
Pray for income for our national staff.
Continue to pray for the FOM Board as they continue to work with me in moving the ministry toward the future.
Also, please pray for me as I continue to address my personal needs in regard to my ministry with Friends of Mexico:
Please pray for me during these coming months as I continue to address the many legal issues related to George’s passing. Things so far are going smoothly, and my daughter is currently here helping with these matters, but there are still issues to be resolved.
Please pray for provision of a vehicle for me to use in continuing the ministry of Friends of Mexico. I found that I needed to let the previous vehicles return to the companies and seek more economical transportation.
Also, please pray for the provision of funds and possibly volunteers to replace the roof and complete other repairs on my home in Edinburg. The Lord has been generous in providing this house for George and me to serve as a home base for our ministry. At this time, it is also a blessing to have a home on the U.S. side of the border where I can continue to coordinate the mission efforts in Mexico.
Finally, please continue to pray for me as I seek the Lord’s guidance in continuing the ministry of Friends of Mexico and in leading the mission efforts from the United States.
Thank you all for your faithfulness! May God bless you all!
Happy Thanksgiving!
In His Love and Service,
Rebeca Rivera and Family
P. S. PLEASE SEND ME A LITTLE NOTE AFTER YOU GET THIS LETTER, WE WANT TO UPDATE OUR MAILING LIST AND E-MAIL ADDRESS, THANK YOU!
Friends of Mexico
P. O Box 2419
Edinburg, TX 78540
956-874-8195 Cell
www.Friendsofmexicogaleana.org
November 2010
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Dear Friends,
I would like to start by thanking all of you for your continued love and support expressed through your letters and other communications. It has been so nice to hear from you, and I'm especially grateful for the great testimonies I've heard regarding the impact of Friends of Mexico and George, on your lives. It’s a true blessing! I'm, especially thankful to have such great friends supporting and praying for us during this difficult time.
We have received great news from Galeana. Samaritan’s Purse, ran by Franklin Graham will be donating, “Christmas Shoeboxes” this year. Many of you have heard and are a part of this ministry year after year. Well, this year, the state of Nuevo Leon has been designated as one of the chosen areas. We are blessed to hear that all seven villages served by Friends of Mexico will be provided with 100 shoeboxes in each village. In addition, the First Baptist Church of Gorman, Texas will be providing the shoeboxes for the Galeana church. Thank you, Martha Harrington for coordinating this effort. Not only will all of our kids receive boxes, but we will be able to minister to other kids that aren't regular attenders and provide them with a box. This will be a tremendous opportunity to share the Good News.
Franklin Graham’s ministry has asked that there be a festival/banquet conducted in celebration of Christmas and giving when the boxes are presented. We need your help to fund these events in all villages with 100 plus attendance in each village. We will need to provide food, candies and piñatas.
We have been thrilled with this news, since it’s been difficult for me to get to Galeana, due to the danger on the border and in Mexico. Many of you have been following the news, and the violence has been very aggressive this month. Please continue to pray for the border towns and our nation.
Bro. Milton, in this past month, has been able to visit all the villages and conduct services regularly. He also has given the food baskets that Bro. George bought in August. People were extremely grateful knowing that he was on his way to give them food. The hurricane in the summer, as well as the increased levels of violence, have made people’s daily lives much more difficult.
All of the eight missions have continued on with their regular services, Bible studies and other events. Weekly attendance in the villages is as follows: El Diez y ocho, 35-45; La Piedra, 20-25; La Poza, 28-30; Magueyes, 19-25; Derramadero, 18-25; Sta. Rita, 35-45; and Galeana, 20-28.
Please continue to support our staff with your prayers:
Bro. Milton Garcia is currently visiting all of the missions and will be starting classes for Sunday school teachers in the villages. The villages are in need of age appropriate teachers.
Bro. Facundo is helping in the Galeana Church.
Sister Eloina is coordinating the women’s ministry in the Galeana church.
Bro. Reyes and his wife, Lidia, are serving as pastors of the Sta.Rita church.
Sister Berta and Sister Tonita are coordinating the women’s ministry and Sunday school in El Diez y ocho.
Sister Gloria de la Rosa has been helping maintain and clean the buildings and dorms in Galeana.
Please join us in prayer for the following needs:
Prepare the hearts of the people to be ministered to in the coming weeks to be open to receive God’s word.
Pray for the Sunday school teacher classes starting in December 2010.
Pray for the planning and preparation for festivals and Christmas programs in the villages and Galeana.
Continue to pray for the finances for Friends of Mexico.
Pray for the funding needed for the Christmas festivals.
Continue to pray for the violence to cease in Mexico.
Pray for the continued recovery of Mexico after summer hurricanes. The need for road repairs in Galeana and the surrounding area continues to be a major issue.
Pray for income for our national staff.
Continue to pray for the FOM Board as they continue to work with me in moving the ministry toward the future.
Also, please pray for me as I continue to address my personal needs in regard to my ministry with Friends of Mexico:
Please pray for me during these coming months as I continue to address the many legal issues related to George’s passing. Things so far are going smoothly, and my daughter is currently here helping with these matters, but there are still issues to be resolved.
Please pray for provision of a vehicle for me to use in continuing the ministry of Friends of Mexico. I found that I needed to let the previous vehicles return to the companies and seek more economical transportation.
Also, please pray for the provision of funds and possibly volunteers to replace the roof and complete other repairs on my home in Edinburg. The Lord has been generous in providing this house for George and me to serve as a home base for our ministry. At this time, it is also a blessing to have a home on the U.S. side of the border where I can continue to coordinate the mission efforts in Mexico.
Finally, please continue to pray for me as I seek the Lord’s guidance in continuing the ministry of Friends of Mexico and in leading the mission efforts from the United States.
Thank you all for your faithfulness! May God bless you all!
Happy Thanksgiving!
In His Love and Service,
Rebeca Rivera and Family
P. S. PLEASE SEND ME A LITTLE NOTE AFTER YOU GET THIS LETTER, WE WANT TO UPDATE OUR MAILING LIST AND E-MAIL ADDRESS, THANK YOU!
Friends of Mexico
P. O Box 2419
Edinburg, TX 78540
956-874-8195 Cell
www.Friendsofmexicogaleana.org
NEWS AND UPDATES AUGUST, 2010
Dear Friends: August, 2010
Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalms 119:49-50.
I remember telling folks that Mexico was the most peaceful country in all Latin America. It is not true anymore. The violence along the border towns has made it for people not wanting to go to Mexico. To hear the reports of the violence, turbulent turmoil in the nation, now we see that it is like so many other countries. The enemy is working as usual to destroy the world.
The cries for peace and Jesus went to the cross to give us His peace, but the world rejects His peace and so must suffer the consequence. We have had wars and we have not learned that man cannot do anything for us to make peace.
We are aware that the media just touched lightly on hurricane Alex but Mexico has suffered untold damages.
Bridges, highways, landslides, electrical powers shut off. They have had to fly by helicopter water and food supplies for the people of Galeana and its 5 municipal areas. We are short handed and low on funds but with God’s help we will do what we can. If you are able to increase with a little extra we would truly appreciate it at this time.
The road from Linares to Galeana has just opened up.
The stories are simply heartbreaking, I have never seen the need for help for this country as this time; since I have been here for fifty three years, three major earthquakes, this has been the worst.
Psalms 146:6-8 (NIV) “ He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry… the Lord lights up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.”
I know you love and care about this ministry. God will not forget your prayers and generosity towards this work.
You have been so faithful to help keep us here. I love you and appreciate your help.
The destruction of the road made it impossible to go to Galeana. Rebeca and I were anxious to go but I was reminded how it Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 1:13 “I want you to know dear Brothers and Sisters, that I planned many times to visit you but I was prevented until now…”
The work continues.
I. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IN GALEANA CHURCH
We thank God for a wonderful week. Many new children attended and we thank God for the response and the Gospel seeds planted in their hearts.
II. PROJECT RESCUE
Taking food supplies and School supplies for children.
III. PRAYER
We lend a car to some people and they suffered an auto accident four weeks ago. No one was hurt but our vehicle suffered nine thousand dollars damages. We need your prayers.
When we pray we are letting God know we trust Him.
Pray for our health that God can strengthen us and help us to continue in this ministry.
In His Love and Service
George and Rebeca
Friends of Mexico www.Friendsofmexicogaleana.org
P. O. Box 2419 Friendsofmexico@aol.com
Edinburg, Texas 78540
News and Updates Galeana on week after "Alex" July8, 2010
Dear Friends:
Greetings, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hope this finds you all doing well.
We are writing to inform you of a few things. Ever since I had open heart surgery in 1999, the VA clinic here in McAllen, Texas asked me if they could do the follow up work to make sure I had my medical needs taken care. I feel they have done a terrific job. Since then I’ve had to be on Insulin, and Coumadin, and many more medication and require often visits to the clinic to check blood work and other tests therefore we have to make several trips to McAllen outpatient clinic monthly. In the coming weeks I will be undergoing a few test. I haven’t been feeling well. Please pray that I regain strength to keep it going.
Rebeca and I were here when Hurricane Alex struck.
I cannot in words describe the destructive damage that Alex has done to North Eastern Mexico. The floods, destruction of Bridges, Roads, homes, crops and thousands left without a place to sleep.
Never in all the years that we have worked here have I experience such destruction. The Border roads and bridges have been closed and damaged and it makes it impossible for us to return to Galeana at this time.
In Galeana was some damage on the streets, some adobe walls came down, bridges were washed out; from Linares to Galeana and Santa Rosa and Iturbide Bridge collapsed as well.
There have been a lot of landslides on the Galeana road and some roads were washed out. The road Reynosa-Monterrey has been closed several times, road Monterrey-Saltillo too, they closed San Roberto- Linares since yesterday (July8), only way to get to Galeana is by helicopter, government has been taking some food basket to Galeana and surrounding communities, store are running out of merchandise, and most importantly drinking water. Hopefully in the next 2 day they will open at least the road from Saltillo to Galeana so they can get more help to a lot of the villages and communities that don’t even have running water nor electricity.
Water got into first floor of the corner house, electricity went off for 2 day, food that we had in freezer spoiled. Some branches of tree on back of Galeana church broke no damages to building.
We will stay in Texas until we know the roads are drivable from Reynosa to Monterrey, and Saltillo to Galeana.
Right now the borders have been closed because the rivers and dams are at high.
We encourage you to pray, for the people we serve. We know that around the world weather has been so unusual, but we know, it’s no surprise to our heavenly Father that is in control. Pray for strength and health for us, for our church members to come together and have the opportunity in this vulnerable time to be able to share the “Good News” to the weary. Join us in prayer! Thank you for your support, love and prayer it is so greatly appreciated!
In His Love and Service
Brother George and Rebeca
==================================================================================================
Friends of Mexico News and Updates May, 2010
Reading the Book of Daniel we see how God uses dreams to reveal His plans and purposes. To gets man’s attention and bring him to God. Man’s sinful nature gets him to a lot of trouble. So quick to want to go his own way, that is his nature. He builds his image and demands that the people worship and bow down to them. It’s do it or die? They are forced to worship false gods. It may cost people their lives yet we have witness to those who remain faithful and make a solid stand for God.
We are warned by the apostle Paul, “Now the spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron; I Tim 4:1,2
You hear messages today that everything is getting better. They ignore God and do not take heed to His voice. He has given us His life to save us.
Redemption has been a costly event.
The most important thing that God has done for us, yet we reject, turn our backs to God and act as though He has done nothing. We dishonor Him, we ignore Him, we neglect our prayer life, we do not study His word that we might know Him and His thoughts, how He cares for us.
God has been and is so good to us. Our sinful nature drives us away from Him. The world is in ciaos and it gets worse each day. Man tries with all his skills to repair the damages but like Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city the watchman waketh’ but in vain… Psalm 127:1
The world is in a mess and mankind has done it all. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the Light and only Hope for the world.
We must obey, trust Jesus and stand fast in Him. He promised to return and He will. Not one of His promises has failed.God is the only one who can bring peace to this world. As Christian we must continue to obey the lord and be faithful to His Word.
Stand fast and firm in Jesus. Pray for us.
Love in Jesus
George and Rebeca
==============================================================
News and Updates April 2010
FRIENDS OF MEXICO
Dear Friends:
The Apostle Paul in the Letter to the Philippians 1:12(Living letters) Paul's joy is that Christ is preached. V.12 and I want you to know, dear Brother and sister that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here including all the soldiers in the police guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ, and because of my imprisonment many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ.
He shares the attitude of you. Wrong motives but under his circumstances He stands faithful and encourages the Christian suffering persecution, He lets us know how he feels. v. 20 Paul writes "For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whatever I live or I die. v. 21. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is ever better.
Thanks be unto the Lord we have been busy for Him.
Rebeca and I have been in ministry for all the villages. Rebeca has been holding services in La Piedra, La Poza, Magueyes, El 18, Derramadero, Santa Rita and helping me at the Galeana Church. We conducted special services in each villages, serving meals, clothing, gifts, and candy bags. For lack of funds our giving of things was a little light, but thankful for what we were able to do. The attendance has increased in all villages which has been very satisfying.
We had to let all are workers go for we had no funds for their support, but Rebeca has been doing an outstanding job.
God has provided a family that was going to Guatemala and asked if they could stay with us for a month. A couple and their eight children. We thank God, they stay for 3 months, help fix buildings, repair, paint and going to villages and ministry preaching, singing and serving God.
They playing a flute, piano, violin, guitar and sing and Dad preaches. A great Bible teacher. Its been a terrific Blessing and I hate to see them leave us.
Finances have been low this past year and it has been difficult to meet the expenses of the ministry for Galeana. I know people are struggling with jobs and finances. So we understand and are doing what we can.
The major task we had was the roof replacement. It cost over $25,000.00 dollars. We are trying to repair all the dorms that needed a big lift.
The Bontager's share this in there newsletter.
The weather is currently nice and warm again, with temperatures into the seventies or lower eighties during the day, but one week in January it was cold enough during a couple nights to freeze and burst PVC water lines. Many people wrapped outside waterlines with newspapers for insulation. For those that don’t use anti-freeze coolant in their vehicles, it was interesting to see how they draped mattresses and blankets over the hoods to protect the engines and radiators from freezing
During the coldest night the Mexican government sent helicopters to deliver blankets and food packs to high altitude villages. The chopper blades began icing over, so they had to use trucks to finish some areas. Here most houses have no source of heat because they are not built for the cold weather we had recently. At the hospital, the nurses and doctors were wearing layers of sweaters, or jackets. Store owners clothe accordingly because the buildings aren’t heated, and some are open in the front. People here in the mountains going to their jobs can’t run from warm houses to warm cars, and then from warm cars to warm work places, like back in the U.S.A.
When snow covers the mountaintops it’s an attraction for many people, and they’ll drive up to experience it firsthand. This can cause problems because natives are not used to snow and ice. Some take motorcycles and have accidents when getting to slippery spots. Recently one person went to see the snow, and then began climbing a radio tower on top of the mountain. He fell to his death because the steel was slippery from ice. On the same day another person, a doctor, became missing on the same mountain. They had search teams and helicopters out for a couple days, but I believe he is still missing today.
We are grateful for all of you who are a part of this ministry in various ways, and especially thank you for your prayers on our behalf. God will reward you in ways you may not realize at the time. We need the strength of your prayers as we move against the powers of darkness. At times I reflect on how foolish we must seem to the world, wondering why someone would ever choose a lifestyle like this when he could seemingly be living very comfortably doing his own thing.
One of the Church that was going to come this summer just cancel this week to come because the violence in Mexico. Please keep praying for Mexico.
I'm sure you are aware of one of the most peaceful nation in Latin America has broken into rage and violence. We are aware of the unrest the whole world around. The leaders in the world are crying for peace and trying to convince us that they are going to do it. I do not believe they will be able to do it. It will take good to bring peace to the World. The gospel is the only answer for this turmoil. The soldiers are in Galeana and warning people and children to stay in their homes. The preachers need to commit themselves and make our stand for Jesus. I have quoted Paul for years that in the last days that there will be very difficult times (II Tim 3:1). We are living in those days. But thanks be to God He promise to be with us and His promises never have failed and won't regardless of what we face.
I'm on medication that they ordered me to have after open heart surgery they keep a watch on me for Coumadin (blood thinner). The V. A. has been good to me. Rebeca suffers with neck pain, it slows us down but we continue to Praise God that we can still serve.
Praise His name. Let us continue to pray one for another.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us to continue to declare the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
In His Love and Service
George and Rebeca Rivera
=========================================================================================
Dear Friends:
The Apostle Paul in the Letter to the Philippians 1:12(Living letters) Paul's joy is that Christ is preached. V.12 and I want you to know, dear Brother and sister that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here including all the soldiers in the police guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ, and because of my imprisonment many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ.
He shares the attitude of you. Wrong motives but under his circumstances He stands faithful and encourages the Christian suffering persecution, He lets us know how he feels. v. 20 Paul writes "For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whatever I live or I die. v. 21. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is ever better.
Thanks be unto the Lord we have been busy for Him.
Rebeca and I have been in ministry for all the villages. Rebeca has been holding services in La Piedra, La Poza, Magueyes, El 18, Derramadero, Santa Rita and helping me at the Galeana Church. We conducted special services in each villages, serving meals, clothing, gifts, and candy bags. For lack of funds our giving of things was a little light, but thankful for what we were able to do. The attendance has increased in all villages which has been very satisfying.
We had to let all are workers go for we had no funds for their support, but Rebeca has been doing an outstanding job.
God has provided a family that was going to Guatemala and asked if they could stay with us for a month. A couple and their eight children. We thank God, they stay for 3 months, help fix buildings, repair, paint and going to villages and ministry preaching, singing and serving God.
They playing a flute, piano, violin, guitar and sing and Dad preaches. A great Bible teacher. Its been a terrific Blessing and I hate to see them leave us.
Finances have been low this past year and it has been difficult to meet the expenses of the ministry for Galeana. I know people are struggling with jobs and finances. So we understand and are doing what we can.
The major task we had was the roof replacement. It cost over $25,000.00 dollars. We are trying to repair all the dorms that needed a big lift.
The Bontager's share this in there newsletter.
The weather is currently nice and warm again, with temperatures into the seventies or lower eighties during the day, but one week in January it was cold enough during a couple nights to freeze and burst PVC water lines. Many people wrapped outside waterlines with newspapers for insulation. For those that don’t use anti-freeze coolant in their vehicles, it was interesting to see how they draped mattresses and blankets over the hoods to protect the engines and radiators from freezing
During the coldest night the Mexican government sent helicopters to deliver blankets and food packs to high altitude villages. The chopper blades began icing over, so they had to use trucks to finish some areas. Here most houses have no source of heat because they are not built for the cold weather we had recently. At the hospital, the nurses and doctors were wearing layers of sweaters, or jackets. Store owners clothe accordingly because the buildings aren’t heated, and some are open in the front. People here in the mountains going to their jobs can’t run from warm houses to warm cars, and then from warm cars to warm work places, like back in the U.S.A.
When snow covers the mountaintops it’s an attraction for many people, and they’ll drive up to experience it firsthand. This can cause problems because natives are not used to snow and ice. Some take motorcycles and have accidents when getting to slippery spots. Recently one person went to see the snow, and then began climbing a radio tower on top of the mountain. He fell to his death because the steel was slippery from ice. On the same day another person, a doctor, became missing on the same mountain. They had search teams and helicopters out for a couple days, but I believe he is still missing today.
We are grateful for all of you who are a part of this ministry in various ways, and especially thank you for your prayers on our behalf. God will reward you in ways you may not realize at the time. We need the strength of your prayers as we move against the powers of darkness. At times I reflect on how foolish we must seem to the world, wondering why someone would ever choose a lifestyle like this when he could seemingly be living very comfortably doing his own thing.
One of the Church that was going to come this summer just cancel this week to come because the violence in Mexico. Please keep praying for Mexico.
I'm sure you are aware of one of the most peaceful nation in Latin America has broken into rage and violence. We are aware of the unrest the whole world around. The leaders in the world are crying for peace and trying to convince us that they are going to do it. I do not believe they will be able to do it. It will take good to bring peace to the World. The gospel is the only answer for this turmoil. The soldiers are in Galeana and warning people and children to stay in their homes. The preachers need to commit themselves and make our stand for Jesus. I have quoted Paul for years that in the last days that there will be very difficult times (II Tim 3:1). We are living in those days. But thanks be to God He promise to be with us and His promises never have failed and won't regardless of what we face.
I'm on medication that they ordered me to have after open heart surgery they keep a watch on me for Coumadin (blood thinner). The V. A. has been good to me. Rebeca suffers with neck pain, it slows us down but we continue to Praise God that we can still serve.
Praise His name. Let us continue to pray one for another.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us to continue to declare the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
In His Love and Service
George and Rebeca Rivera
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NEWS AND UPDATES FROM GALEANA
FRIENDS OF MEXICO, INC.
January, 2010
Greetings and Happy New Year to all of you.
We are thankful for a wonderful year in service for our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you for believing in the ministry of friends of Mexico, and we thank you for demonstrating your faith in the Friends of Mexico by standing behind us with your prayer and gifts. Whatever we have achieved in the ministry here it has been possible because of God and His people.
In the first of the year we were able to replace the roof. The walls and broken windows were repaired. The stairs and wooden decks were repaired for the dorms and back apartment.
Many repairs in the building have been taken care of.
One of the great blessings that God has given us. A family of ten from Michigan who was on their way to Guatemala stopped here for a while. Wanted to know if they could come to be of help. Praise God they have surely been that. They preach, play instruments, such as piano, guitars, violin, flutes and sing.
For many years they gone to Guatemala and we have been blest to host them here. The Villages have had the Word of God preached and have been refreshed.
January 15, 2010 was my Birthday Anniversary. It was a great day. My wife fixed a great dinner and the Church joined us for dinner. The Bontrager family played music and sang. Their children came over early morning, made birthday cards and gave them to me. On the facebook received many messages and greetings and telephone calls plus flowers and fruit basket. Everyone wish me many years. Whatever God gives me it is my desire to follow Jesus and serve Him.
So thankful that the Lord saved me and put me in His service. My desire is to glorify His name.
So grateful for Kelsie and Rebeca to be able to conduct Vacation Bible Schools in seven villages. Dr. Nelson and his wife a dentist that came and conducted dental clinic and served in various villages.
We can’t praise God enough for the help that He sends our way. So many needs that we have to try and help people to learn the gospel apply it to their lives. The spiritual and physical needs that they have. We are grateful that God brought me here and that we have tried to serve and help these folks where we can. One thing for sure at least a dozen village get the gospel each week.
Since summer Rebeca began to prepare for the Christmas activities. We took hot meals, toys for children, blankets, groceries and goodies. The exciting part was preaching the Christmas message. “What does Christmas mean? In every village this was the question.
Melinda, Becky and Randy from Texas came down to bring shoe boxes gifts for the village of Magueyes, that was a blessing for those peoples.
The Bontrager have been here since Dec 2, 2009; they have been doing reapairs during the day and preaching at night. The children have had participating in all services. We started December 10th and just finished yesterday January 14 the Christmas programs.
Finances have been low and we need prayer help. I am really thankful that God helped as to do all we did in recent weeks. To provide food for eight villages and help several families.
To be able to buy materials, lumber, cement, paint, replace windows and screens, plumbing.
We have had freezing weather, snow and freezing cold that broked water pipes, etc.
All in all we thank God for a good year 2009 and trusting Him for whatever He has planned for us to be a part of His plan and purpose.
God bless you!
In His Love and Service
George and Rebeca
January, 2010
Greetings and Happy New Year to all of you.
We are thankful for a wonderful year in service for our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you for believing in the ministry of friends of Mexico, and we thank you for demonstrating your faith in the Friends of Mexico by standing behind us with your prayer and gifts. Whatever we have achieved in the ministry here it has been possible because of God and His people.
In the first of the year we were able to replace the roof. The walls and broken windows were repaired. The stairs and wooden decks were repaired for the dorms and back apartment.
Many repairs in the building have been taken care of.
One of the great blessings that God has given us. A family of ten from Michigan who was on their way to Guatemala stopped here for a while. Wanted to know if they could come to be of help. Praise God they have surely been that. They preach, play instruments, such as piano, guitars, violin, flutes and sing.
For many years they gone to Guatemala and we have been blest to host them here. The Villages have had the Word of God preached and have been refreshed.
January 15, 2010 was my Birthday Anniversary. It was a great day. My wife fixed a great dinner and the Church joined us for dinner. The Bontrager family played music and sang. Their children came over early morning, made birthday cards and gave them to me. On the facebook received many messages and greetings and telephone calls plus flowers and fruit basket. Everyone wish me many years. Whatever God gives me it is my desire to follow Jesus and serve Him.
So thankful that the Lord saved me and put me in His service. My desire is to glorify His name.
So grateful for Kelsie and Rebeca to be able to conduct Vacation Bible Schools in seven villages. Dr. Nelson and his wife a dentist that came and conducted dental clinic and served in various villages.
We can’t praise God enough for the help that He sends our way. So many needs that we have to try and help people to learn the gospel apply it to their lives. The spiritual and physical needs that they have. We are grateful that God brought me here and that we have tried to serve and help these folks where we can. One thing for sure at least a dozen village get the gospel each week.
Since summer Rebeca began to prepare for the Christmas activities. We took hot meals, toys for children, blankets, groceries and goodies. The exciting part was preaching the Christmas message. “What does Christmas mean? In every village this was the question.
Melinda, Becky and Randy from Texas came down to bring shoe boxes gifts for the village of Magueyes, that was a blessing for those peoples.
The Bontrager have been here since Dec 2, 2009; they have been doing reapairs during the day and preaching at night. The children have had participating in all services. We started December 10th and just finished yesterday January 14 the Christmas programs.
Finances have been low and we need prayer help. I am really thankful that God helped as to do all we did in recent weeks. To provide food for eight villages and help several families.
To be able to buy materials, lumber, cement, paint, replace windows and screens, plumbing.
We have had freezing weather, snow and freezing cold that broked water pipes, etc.
All in all we thank God for a good year 2009 and trusting Him for whatever He has planned for us to be a part of His plan and purpose.
God bless you!
In His Love and Service
George and Rebeca
