NOT AN ORDINARY PRAYERWALK BUT A PRAYER MARCH

Missionaries David and Pam W. are praising Jesus for a recent team from Fleming Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia, that came to work with them and a Mexican Baptist Church, Iglesia Filadelfia.

Winston and Cheryl Collins, of FBC, put together a team that truly had servants' hearts. When the Collins' had to return home for health reasons, this did not deter the vision of the team. They regrouped and continued without grumbling to finish the task.

David and Pam say it best,"This group of six rose to the occasion and bent beyond being flexible this week. We commend them for staying to continue with the project. They did a great job distributing Gospels, working at a homeless shelter down town, and cleaning up a park. The team adapted well to changes and did anything extra we asked of them. Each team member was sensitive to the needs of others and demonstrated the love of Christ through both their words and actions. I know Winston and Cheryl, and their church family, are very proud of this team."

PRAYERWALK

"Sunday's service was very exciting with incredible music and words of encouragement by the pastors. After worship, we ate a nice meal and got ready for the 'Prayerwalk.' We think this is where the tone was set for the week. This was the most exciting Prayerwalk we have ever taken part. It was not an ordinary Prayerwalk because it was a Prayer March! We paraded down the streets of La Cebada holding a Mexican Flag up front with two pastors playing their guitars. Tambourines were banging, people were singing and praying…right thru the Tiangis! It was an experience we will never forget," states David.

CONCERT IN PARK A SUCCESS

One afternoon, the team assisted churches in cleaning the park. "This was a great way to show the families of Barrio 18 love in action. Numerous bands, drama teams, dancers and rappers all shared the Good News of Jesus Christ. During the invitation, many people came forward for prayer," exclaimed David.

It is such a blessing when a team comes to serve alongside missionaries and national pastors in an effort to reach this area of the world with the Gospel. They distributed over 7,000 packets in just one week, and there are now at least 17 new brothers and sisters in Christ!

Think how many are still waiting to hear the Truth. Respond now by contacting us today.

Doors Open Wide for God

FEELINGS OF UNCERTAINTY TURN INTO FEELINGS OF JOY

IMB missionaries, Jack and Sheri T., share with our readers how God answered prayers when a team from United States traveled to Mexico to evangelize. They explain:

"We began the week with feelings of uncertainty. Violence had created an atmosphere of fear and distrust in the city of Tijuana, and we were unsure how the people of "Hacienda de las Delicias" would accept our team. Truthfully, we doubted we would have a good number of face-to-face conversations with those living in the neighborhood."

"Several days before the project began; we visited the area and prayed over the homes and families within the community. On that same day, the pastor of 'Iglesia Bautista Vidas con una Misión' made the difficult decision to cancel our evening activities because he felt that it was just too unsafe."

"Our prayer partners joined us in praying for the area, for safety and for open hearts. As always, the project began by prayerwalking and we again prayed over every person living in the community. God not only answered those prayers, but amazed us as well! Although the community was fearful, He used that fear in a positive way. Because of the uncertainty that these families face, many recognized the need within their lives, and God moved them to seek the answer as to how they can fill that need."

DOORS OPEN WIDE TO THE WORD OF GOD

Jack and Sheri go on to say:

"It was a joy to see doors tentatively open to strangers, and then open wide to the word of God. As follow-up visits began, and Bible studies were scheduled, God showed us repeatedly that He is still in control, and even in these difficult times, He is reaching out to those who seek Him."

Praise God for His faithful intervention with this team and the neighborhood where they evangelized. Over 3000 families now have the Word of God in their homes and are involved in over 70 home Bible studies. Uncertainty turned into blessings for the national seekers and for volunteers from Porter Memorial SBC, Lexington, Kentucky.

Contact us for opportunities to sow seeds like this team. IMB field missionaries have a multitude of neighborhoods that have no church presence. We need and want your assistance in reaching our Mexican brothers and sisters.

A Block Party for Jesus!

We encourage you to read the following story from missionaries on the field that explains how God used a small church in Mexico to open doors for the Gospel.

"Iglesia Bautista Betuel has a vision to begin cell groups throughout the colonia of La Gloria. Their prayer is that cell groups will reach out to this lower economic area and provide hope to those living there through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Because this was an indigenous project, the national church assumed all responsibility.

As the church began to plan how to begin their follow-up for the saturation project, they decided an afternoon and early evening block party would be helpful. They wanted the neighborhood to know who they were and meet them personally.

We often joke about the number of dogs versus people in Mexico, but we truly believe that in the colonia of La Gloria the dogs are the majority; most of which run free. With this in mind, a veterinarian (who is a member of the church) decided he would donate his services and the medicine to vaccinate dogs and cats living in the community. His objective was to open doors and help build relationships.

When the Gospels were distributed, an invitation was included for residents to bring their pets to the cancha where we held the evening activities. Additionally, two cosmetologists donated their services to provide free haircuts, and we planned an evening movie.

Unsure of what to expect, the church members waited anxiously for the festivities to begin, but they had nothing to fear. The owners of sixty dogs and cats arrived at the cancha with their pets to have them vaccinated. We collected contact information from each owner. Besides vaccinations, the cosmetologists gave countless haircuts. At the end of the evening, the people of the community were in awe that the little church they never knew existed wanted to help them in so many ways, with no strings attached. For those who questioned why the church would do this, we told them, "Because Jesus loves you and we want you to know we love you too."

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  Please pray that the work of Iglesia Bautista Betuel will lead to new cell groups.
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  Pray that the nationals who accepted the Gospel will understand the Word and reach out to Him.
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  Pray God's message will spread to the entire area of colonia of La Gloria so the residents can learn about the One who will give them eternal life.

If you feel God leading you to join the work in the American Peoples Affinity, please contact us at the address listed below.