¡Cuernavaca para Cristo!

Perdónenme Por Favor (Excuse me please)

2008-05-19T07:43:00.000-05:00

It was mid-morning on Friday. Charita and I were situated in Parque Ocampo (the City Park at Ocampo) and I was in the middle of leading a study in Matthew among a small group. For those of you who have visited Cuernavaca, you may be aware of this location and may have participated in this small group study. This particular Friday, as we discussed Matthew Chapter 6, I noticed from a distance, a pair of young ladies, dressed in white, who were approaching our table. Upon their arrival, one of the young ladies addressed the crowd, “Perdónenme.” A conversation (question and answer session) began between the Bible study participants and these ladies in white. Come to find out, these ladies were nurses and working for the Mexican government surrounding a special disease-prevention program. Charita and I were both shocked and overwhelmed when these ladies began to remove needles and vaccinations from their bags. We were even more surprised to see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as well as those non-Christians in our group begin to roll up their sleeves and prepare to take the various vaccinations “on the spot”. Now, if you have been to Parque Ocampo, it is a very beautiful place with many beautiful trees and many, many birds. And, where there are many, many birds, there are many, many bird droppings. At times, it can be a chore to “protect” the pages of your Bible during these studies. Needless to say, it was a “different” situation in that the Mexicans were snickering at both Charita and I as they could sense our amazement and we joined in with the laughter not really knowing “what else” to do at the moment. Now, I have been interrupted, during Bible studies, for a number of reasons in the past, but, this was truly a first experience surrounding nurses, needles, new Christians, and nature.

Since moving to Mexico, Charita and I continue to discover the diferente costumbres (different customs) of this beautiful people and their culture. We continue to learn to adjust and “laugh with” the Mexicans vs. “laugh at” them. In reality, there are probably many of our American customs which other parts of the world might find quiet different as well. Please continue to pray for all of our Mexican contacts and ongoing studies as God continues to grow us both in number and maturity in Christ Jesus. Pray that these two nurses, Erika and Maria, were equally intrigued enough to return and join our study in the near future.

Captivated by the culture; Claiming Christ,

Pablo y Charita

"Free to Love...Love being Free!"

2008-04-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been another interesting and different week indeed. We ended the week being very tired, but, we also ended the week very thrilled! I preached my first wedding in Mexico on Saturday. And, it was quite the wedding being that it took place at one of Cuernavaca’s finer establishments, “Las Mañanitas”. The groom, from the Dallas area of the U.S., and the bride, from Mexico City, chose Cuernavaca to be married as the bride had been reared in Cuernavaca before relocating to Mexico City (D.F.) at a later age. It was a joy counseling this young couple as they prepared to become one. And, of course, the heart of the ceremony was based on “commitment” …. a commitment to God first, then, a commitment to one another. It is always exciting to see a couple “choose to love” and “commit” vs. choosing to live for the moment. Also, there are so, so many that choose NOT to put God first in their lives and many times, even choose to live together outside of marriage. This is so, so prevalent in both societies within the U.S. as well as Mexico. So, I am very proud of Trent and Elaine in their decisions and example to both their American and Mexican peers.

Also this week, Charita and I were approached by Daniela. Daniella has been “watching” and “listening”. Daniela wants to “choose to live” for God. Daniela wants to “choose” to live a different life. But, as Daniela states in Spanish, “I need to study with Charita and you. I want to change and live a better life; but, I don’t know how. I have many friends that are very bad people. And, I just do not know how to live the kind of life which you Christians live.” Daniela is trapped; she needs to be freed!

Thank God for Daniela. Charita and I begin a new study with her tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. So, please put this young lady in your prayers as we attempt to show her THE WAY! As I watched the tears roll from Daniela’s eyes, I could not help but give Thanks to the Savior! He has “FREED”, once and for ALL, those who CHOOSE to listen to and obey HIM!

Choosing, Loving, and Free,

Pablo y Charita

“ … I AM the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE …” (John 14:6)

¿Por qué?...Why?

2008-04-05T07:35:00.000-06:00

As he sat with his hands clasped between his legs, eyes staring, the question of greatest importance on his mind at this particular moment in time ….. was, ¨Why?” You see Edgar Corona lives a life of battle. He has been at war for most of his adult life. “¿Por què? ”, He asks:

Why ……… so many years ago, did two men have to enter my father’s restaurant and murder, in cold blood, my father and my brother? For a few dollars? Why?

Why couldn’t I return this murderous act when I later found one of these killers? Why am I a coward when the time came to complete justice?

Why did my beautiful, young daughter have to be taken from me due to Lukemia?

Why do people like you ….. you Christians …… celebrate through the hardships of this life? He says, “¿Por què? ”, can’t you see what I see?

Edgar and his family are “seeing” both the joy in our lives …. and beginning to discover “life” via the Word of God. Our teammate, Ben Jenkins, and dear brother Iker Marquez, have begun to study the Word of God with both Edgar Corona and his close friend, Mario Villa. Both of these men are confused and wandering. These men have faced many challenges in their lives. They are seeking; they are searching.

Sure, we KNOW the answer to Why ….. to “¿Por què? in these men’s lives.

Thank GOD for the VICTORY in CHRIST JESUS! As the faithful prayer warriors you are, please pray specifically for these men and these studies with our dear brothers this week.

Porque (Because) He Loves Us So,

Pablo y Charita

The Marveling Master & Mixiotes

2008-03-30T20:32:00.000-06:00

Well, our first “Friend’s Day” at the Pradera church of Christ has now come and gone. What a GREAT event; what a LOT of work for all! We were shooting and hoping for a turnout of 60; we ended up with 54. Praise God for 54! And, God blessed us with the opportunity to meet many new faces/visitors who expressed their appreciation and special interest with both the worship service and the convivio (potluck) which followed. We heard, “You are one ‘friendly church’ and I like it here”.

The place where we meet, Las Rosas, has been very pleased with the church meeting at their facility on Sundays. Of course, they are happy to receive rent for their salon (meeting room); but, they really appreciate Christians and how we take care of the facilities week in and week out. It is an old, but a very nice facility. And, it is a popular location for local groups during the week. But, this particular Sunday, a man, confused, standing in the parking area asked (in Spanish of course), “I was invited to church here along with a group from the Lion’s club; but, no one has arrived yet”. As members of the Pradera church, we were not sure about “the other group” of which he spoke; but, we did invite him to come and worship with us. So, Luis joined us for the day and left smiling. We have his contact information and hope to study with him soon. God opens doors; we need to continue to recognize them and act.

The worship was marvelous and we hope we brought GLORY to our “Marveling Master”. After worship, we all enjoyed a very, very special Mexican dish: “Mixiotes”.

Many, from the church, had spent hours in preparation of some 100 Mixiotes for this special day. To prepare a Mixiote, one must cut Nopales (Cactus), Cebollas (Onions), and Epazote (A Mexican Vegetable much like Spinach). All is placed in a special bag for steaming along with one piece of Pollo (Chicken) and Salsa Verde (A spicy green sauce). These packets are steamed and served with Arroz (Rice), Spaghetti (Spanish Noodles with Ham and Mexican Cream), and Homemade Corn Tortillas. The Mexicans just LOVE this dish! And, ALL loved the day together!

Looking forward to our “Next” Friends Day on the “Next” Fifth Sunday,

Team Cuernavaca

Día de Amigos...Friend´s Day

2008-03-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

We are SO EXCITED about Friend’s Day! You are probably saying, “Why are you so excited about Germantown’s Friend’s Day?” Well, it is because the Pradera church in Cuernavaca made a decision earlier in the year to have a “Friend’s Day” on each 5^th Sunday in 2008. So, both Germantown and the Pradera church of Christ, are having Friend’s Days simultaneously on Sunday, March 30^th! God is GOOD! We have MUCH to PRAY for!

Just “how important” is Friend’s Day? We just LOVED the flyer sent out by Ron Roberson describing the importance of this opportunity at hand. We agree. We believe it is simply an “opportune” time to “plant seed” with all of our Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors (FRAN) who do not know God and who have not obeyed the Powerful Gospel!

So, stealing one of Nike’s logos, “Let’s do it!” Let’s all be praying, inviting, planting, and praying!

And He is with us ALWAYS,

Pablo y Charita

Happy...Harassed

2008-03-25T12:46:00.000-06:00

As we have shared earlier, “holidays” and “fiestas” are a very, very important part of the Mexican culture. In the U.S., we celebrate special days for Grandparents, for Parents, as well as a number of other Special Event Days. But, in Mexico, there are Special Days which are celebrated for “The Day of the Dead”, a “Special Day for Kids”; and, this past Sunday, a “Special Day for Families”. Usually, Family Day is a day set aside, as you would guess, for recognizing the importance of “family”. And, this is so, so important in this culture. This is a very positive thing in that family ranks high among the Mexicans. In many, many countries, we believe this is not always the case. The negative to all this is that many times, people put “family” before “God”. The body of Christ at the new church plant, The La Pradera church of Christ, chose to have a potluck or “convivio” following our worship services this past Sunday. We encouraged all to celebrate this special time with our families; but, we also chose to recognize “family” as a body after worship and celebrate as the family of God.

When you first read the title of this article, you probably question: “How can happy and harassed” go together? Well, we want to share how family before God can also create persecution among the body. We have a sister in Christ who is just a “Joy” to be around. Her smile is always prevalent. We love her so. As she began to prepare for this potluck or convivio, she communicated that she really could not bring her much loved “tinga” (a special Mexican chicken) to the potluck because her husband (who is not a Christian) would make things very, very difficult for her if she was to take food from the home and share with others instead of keeping it in-house. This same sister told us that the costs for this food would come from her own personal savings (she sews for a living) as her husband demands a separate account. She said that she would choose to not bring tinga to avoid the conflict and she would purchase fruit, after leaving home for Sunday, A.M. worship, and cut the fruit after worship for the potluck. She said all this with a smile. This same lady has set up numerous studies for Sharita and I in her own neighborhood on an ongoing basis. She is ALWAYS a “pleasure” to be around regardless of her “persecution”. To keep confidence, I will not mention her name; BUT, when you come to Cuernavaca ………..you will know who she is………she will be the one with the BIG smile!

We love each of you dearly,

Pablo y Charita

"¡El Secreto!" The Secret!

2008-03-10T09:38:00.000-06:00

Many, if not all of you, have heard of one of the “new age” movements which has engulfed people from the U.S. as well as countless folks around the world. It is being called “The Secret”. People have scrambled to gain the knowledge of the Secret to find peace in their lives. For those of you who have not heard, the mystery of the secret has supposedly existed throughout the history of mankind. It supposedly has been discovered, coveted, suppressed, hidden, lost, and recovered. It has been hunted down, stolen, and bought for vast sums of money. Supposedly, a number of exceptional men and women discovered the Secret, and went on to become known as the greatest people who have ever lived. Among them: Plato, Leonardo, Gallileo, Napoleon, Hugo, Beethoven, Lincoln, Edison, Einstein, etc… Supposedly, knowing the Secret can bring one unlimited joy overcoming limitations, fear, worry, illness, unlimited money, and magnificent relationships. And, where “supposedly” is it all found? The power of the “human mind” is unlimited. Supposedly, no one needs God; He gave us a mind to obtain success of our dreams just “believing” in self.

Friday night of this week, the Greater Cuernavaca Mission Team joined hands with supporting a number of missionaries in Mexico City for a very special outreach event. Over 10,000 flyers were passed out in Tlalpan, in southern Mexico City, to attract neighbors to hear about “The Secret”. The speaker was Iker Marquez. For those who have come to Cuernavaca, you have probably met Iker and Lircy. Iker did a GREAT job, describing to this LARGE crowd, the fact that there really “is no secret”. In fact, the secret, the mystery has already been revealed in Jesus Christ. Iker did not promise them that they would find fame and fortune in becoming disciples of Christ; but, he did share with them that there is great JOY, PEACE, and LIFE ETERNAL to be found in being in Christ Jesus.

We petition your prayers with all of these new contacts. They are seeking. Please pray that they will hear and want to respond to the Word of God. Please pray that Iker’s message has pricked hearts and that they will earnestly want to seek Him.

Because we are not ashamed of the Gospel; It is the POWER unto Salvation.

With a common, eternal purpose,

Pablo y Charita

Are We Winners...or...Are We Losers?

2008-03-07T13:16:00.000-06:00

After the “Big” Super Bowl on Sunday, I was reading a very interesting article where the writer declared the “Winners” and the “Losers” of the Super Bowl. We all know that the Giants came away the winners of the game and that the Patriots came away as the losers. But, this writer wanted to dig much “deeper” surrounding who were the Winners and Losers. For instance, he described the coach of the Patriot as the big loser in that he made a bad call in the third quarter where he “might” have kicked a field goal vs. going for it on Fourth and 13. And, according to this article, the Patriot’s coach wore different clothing (a bright red hoodie vs. his normal grey hoodie) and he was jinxed for this move. And, the writer talked about Brady, the infamous quarterback of the Patriots. He was a “guarantee” for VICTORY! But, he did not come through. Then, the writer bragged on the Patriot’s Wes Welker as being a winner, the young man from Texas Tech, (which by the way is my Alma Mater), for fulfilling a Super Bowl record of Eleven catches.

As I read this article, I could not help but be reminded of “Fame and Glory”. Who really are the “Winners” and the “Losers” of this life. We all know that we MUST be in Christ Jesus to win. He is our VICTORY from the beginning and until the end!!!

He is our Alpha and Omega!!! ‘Nuff said.

Let’s continue to TELL THE WORLD about Him, what He has done, and what He expects from us as His disciples.

Pablo y Charita

Mateo 12:15-21

Super Bowl Evangelism

2008-03-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

A few years ago, I read a story in the news about some of the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. This was their first Super Bowl in 24 years. Kevin O’Donoghue was 11 years-old when the Eagles made it to their last Super Bowl appearance and he promised himself that he would be there if the team ever went again. He told his wife, "I don’t care if we have to mortgage our house, I’m going." She agreed and O’Donoghue paid $4,000 for a package that included round-trip airfare, four nights in a hotel, and ONE ticket to the game. The trip was financed through a home equity loan. Mortgage banks in the area said that many Eagles’ fans asked about refinancing mortgages or taking out home equity loans to pay for a trip that O’Donoghue called "the chance of a lifetime”. These people literally loved their team so much, and valued the event so seriously, that they would pay any price for it.

The question of the hour is: “What price are you and I willing to pay to have the opportunity to share The Gospel with others? Do we also look at this as a “chance of a lifetime?” How many of us look at every opportunity as “Fourth and Short” when it comes to sharing our faith with those around us?”

I often wonder about the thoughts which must have been running through the mind of Saul/Paul as his life was changed in an instant. One day he was a persecutor and murderer of Christians, and then, the next day, he was obedient to Christ in obeying The Gospel in baptism as he recounts in Acts 22. He later wrote about this experience, in more detail, in Romans 6. I personally believe it is worth reading again – much, much better than the best, past Super Bowl rerun.

Pat Summerall has been a very famous football commentator for the past 50 years with the NFL. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1952 and played with the Chicago Cardinals and New York Giants until 1961. After his retirement from the game, he joined CBS as a broadcaster, and in 1993, switched to Fox. During his CBS years, he and a fellow broadcaster partied hard off the field. "We raised Cain. I was the first guy at the bar and the last to leave." But then, Summerall was told that if he kept on drinking he was going to die. He checked himself into the Betty Ford Clinic and while he was there his counselor urged him to seek a better life through faith. At age 66, Pat Summerall heard The Powerful Gospel and obeyed as he was baptized into Christ. In USA Today, he told a reporter that when the minister "leaned me back in the water, I never felt so helpless.” He later recounted what a GREAT life it has been since!

Fourth and one…………who all do we know in our lives who are helplessly wandering …. searching for the Truth of God’s Word? God has shown us the winning play; we just need to “read the play sheet” (the Holy Bible) and follow His plan.

Seeking the helpless with you,

Pablo y Charita

New Year's Resolution

2008-01-02T09:59:00.001-06:00

We have reason to rejoice again! Sergio Orea gave his life to Christ by putting Him on in baptism on January 1^st, 2008. Wow! Can you believe it? Its 2008! Sergio did for the first time, to start this year, what we all need to be doing on a regular basis; he gave his life to Christ.

When was the last time you started your day with a pray that said what the Israelites’ sacrifices said to God everyday; “God I am yours, and everything I have is yours. Do with me and my stuff as You will.”?

I am thankful to our brothers in Christ here that are starting to “get it” and reach out to their friends, families, and co-workers with the good news of Jesus, thank you Daniel for sharing the simple, but most wonderful story with Sergio.

Please be praying for the changes that Sergio needs to make in his life. He understands that now is when the battle begins. Satan wants him as his servant but Sergio has God’s Spirit within him as a guarantee of whose his is! Thank God for all that He does for us.

In the Great Hunt,

Ben, Karen y Madaí

New Year...New Life!

2008-01-02T09:37:00.000-06:00

Last week, we joined together for a Special Week of Prayer offering thanks for ALL that God has done during 2007. We offered special prayers asking God to give us the courage we need to share our gifts when others cross our paths. We offered special prayers that God would open new doors for the work here in Cuernavaca across this magnificent city. And, we offered special prayers that the Truth of the Gospel would fall on tender hearts as it continues to be shared.

God answers prayers! Today, we have another new sister in Christ Jesus!

We rejoice together as Rosalia (Rosita) Montoya Valle did carefully read the Word of God, understood the Truth, and decided to obey the Gospel as commanded by our Lord.

Please continue to pray for Rosita as she matures in The Word. Also, we have been studying with both the grown son and daughter of Rosita, Pepe and Daniela respectfully. Their eyes continue to be opened as they fix their eyes on the Scriptures. Please pray that they too will receive the Gospel Message and obey the commands of God!

Please continue to pray for our partners, Doug and Sandy; Ben and Karen, as they continue to study, reach out, and mature the church here. Please pray that the seed we all scatter will fall on additional tender hearts. Please pray that God will continue to lift up leaders within the Pradera and Lomas de Cortes congregations!

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! ¡Dios les Bendiga!

Happy New Year and God Bless You,

Pablo y Charita

Thankful for Thieves!

2007-12-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(Mateo 6:19-21).

Charita y yo had just finished our last study for the day. It had been another very long day; it was late. And, we decided to “grab” a bite to eat. We recalled an earlier contact….she owns a “Thai restaurant” in which we had visited earlier and her plan was to open a second restaurant in a different part of the city. She had invited us for a Grand Opening ………. if we were able. The day matched up, so, off we went. We arrived late for the Grand Opening (it was about 10:00 p.m.), but, our new friend was ready to welcome us. It is very normal for Mexicans to eat “cena” between 9 and 10 p.m. Our time together was GREAT! It seemed to be the right place for us to be at the moment. All went well until we returned to our vehicle directly in front of the restaurant.

Yes, you know it. “THIEVES”! The passenger-side window in our van had been broken. My briefcase was gone including 3 Bibles, all of my printed study materials, and a number of copies of the churches’ songbooks. Charita lost a bag containing all of her makeup and a couple of medications. And, they had actually stolen our coats! One of these coats had a name imprinted on it; but, that did not appear to be a problem.

As we scraped the broken glass from the seats and floor, I could not help but remember………..Matthew 6. “Ah! This is nothing,” I thought. “You did not take anything that can’t be replaced here.” “There is MUCH, MUCH more from where this came,” were my silent thoughts and words.

In fact, while I was thinking and cleaning, Charita said with smiling teeth together, “Well, at least, they received multiple copies of the The Word!”

And, you know, she was right. The MOST VALUABLE thing they had taken was THE WORD. Who knows if they will read it. (Our lessons are translated in both English/Spanish……..my sweat, HA)!

We are Thankful For Thieves. It, has indeed, been another good lesson for us: “Where exactly is our treasure?” Is it on Avenido Tepanzolco in some van? …. Or, is it “On Things Above?” A briefcase, some makeup, a few coats, a small stereo, etc……..NOTHING compared to our TREASURE in Christ Jesus!!!

¡Feliz Navidad!

Pablo y Charita

...el Regalo...

2007-12-19T09:17:00.000-06:00

According to our version of the Harper/Collins Spanish Dictionary,

“El Regalo” means: 1. A gift; a present. 2. Something given. 3. The power or right to give. 4. A quality or special ability/endowment or talent.

There is MUCH written about “gifts” throughout both the Old and New Testaments of God’s Word. For instance, according to I Peter 4:10-11, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

We have been praying A LOT this week surrounding “gifts.” Of course, we have been praying that we are using the “gifts” God has given us to reach out and serve others in Cuernavaca. We have been praying that these Christians would be able to use their God-given “gifts” mightily so that God may be PRAISED as recorded in I Peter 4.

After praying, we have often wondered, “Have we unwrapped all of our gifts?” You know what we mean. It is Christmas morning and all of the gifts are being passed out to everyone in the family and before you know it all the gifts have been opened. But, wait, as we are cleaning up all the wrappings, we find yet ANOTHER “gift”, hidden away, in the corner, behind the tree. Whose is it? Who did not open their gift? Yes, it is simply an analogy, but, it makes us wonder……and ask, “Have we opened all the “gifts” provided by God?”

Think about it, pray about it, as we search the “corners” of our hearts and minds and open ALL of our gifts so that God may be PRAISED!

¡Feliz Navidad!

Pablo y Charita

… Ask And You Will Receive … Walk This Way …

2007-12-13T11:31:00.000-06:00

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Col. 4:2-6).

WOW! Although we all know that the Lord answers our prayers, it still is simply amazing to see God at work! Watching the eyes of Marco light up as he contemplated the real meaning of I Corinthians 15, to welcoming newlyweds Brian and Sonja to Cuernavaca, to a study with Yolanda growing to include her daughter, her mother and possibly others, to our study group on Friday morning growing from 4 to 10 in a week. The stories are endless! God is GOOD! And, this last week was indeed active. The Lord is answering your POWERFUL prayers as the doors open and opportunities continue to increase surrounding the work here. Charita y yo ended up being blessed in having 12 studies the last week; and, the Lord has placed two more, additional new studies in our path for this week, 14! We told you that your prayers are POWERFUL! Doors are continuing to be opened daily for our partners and for the entire body here as well. We truly believe these numbers will steadily increase as the body here continues to grow, mature, grasp courage and boldness and reach out to others.

We ask that you begin to pray for the last week of December. Here, the La Pradera church of Christ is making special plans surrounding a “Week of Prayer”. As we approach a brand, new year on the horizon, the body here is wanting to spend the last week of 2007 praying together specifically for the work here in Cuernavaca. The “Week of Prayer” will culminate with a special service on September 30^th. We know God has continued, big plans for the Gospel in Cuernavaca and across Mexico. And, we want to lay our petitions at His feet as we prepare for 2008. As we get nearer, there will be more to come surrounding this last week of 2007 and this special “Week in Prayer”.

Praying for His richest blessings in your lives,

Pablo y Charita

Parenthood

2007-12-10T08:12:00.000-06:00

On Nov. 18th while our morning service was concluding Karen & I made a presentation of our daughter to the congregation. We took her up front and told the congregation that here is our
daughter, Madai, but the fact is that she is not ours; she’s God’s. God was only gracious enough to bless us by loaning her to us. But with this loan comes great responsibility. God gave her to us saved, perfect, pure, holy, GOOD in the purist sense of the definition of the word. But one
day, if God willing she lives long enough, she will sin and we have the responsibility to raise her and educate her in the ways of God. Secular education, a good job, productivity in society, are all well and good, but they pale in comparison and aren’t worth comparing to her eternal destiny. I take this responsibility seriously. And I beg your help, your advice & your prayers to complete this task before us, that we present her back to God one day the way He gave her to us; SAVED!

Ben, Karen y Madaí

Giving Yourself Away

2007-12-03T08:19:00.000-06:00

If you are like us, you may dread the usual, seemingly, essential part of Christmas in “shopping” for that perfect gift for your loved one. It is not that most of us do not like “giving” the gift; it lies in discovering that “right” gift. Most givers and receivers of gifts realize that a gift does not simply revolve around something a person might like, desire, or even need; these gifts are sacraments of a relationship. By giving things, givers are giving a part of their very own self one to another. Being on the mission field in Mexico, this Christmas, we truly believe our gifts may have much more meaning to the receiver than in years past. We believe this is a GOOD thing! Our funds are much, more limited than in year’s past, but, Charita y yo do not view this as an inconvenience; we approach this as a true blessing from God. Let’s all face it; if Charita y yo had chosen to “not” go into full-time mission and on to Mexico, we would have “missed out” on ALL the bountiful blessings God has placed in our lives since first making that decision. What a shame that would have been. God is GOOD!!!

Often, we are asked by people of the world about happiness, joy in the life of a Christian, or how to be satisfied. Charita and my usual response is that the goal should be to “give yourself away”. Joy and satisfaction does not simply lie in “our” seeking these virtues for ourselves, but, these are found in helping others to be joyful. In reading II Corinthians Chapter 8, we can clearly see Paul’s examples of this promise surrounding the abundance of joy overflowing in the lives of these Macedonian givers.

This past Sunday was another time of “blessing” for us. Doug and Sandy, our partners, had left on furlough to the U.S. to be with their supporters and loved ones. Ben and Karen were in Cuernavaca, but, Ben was suffering from a horrible case of strep throat. And, so, Charita and I were “on the spot” to completely organize, lead, and implement plans for worship for the new church plant. Sure, it was a lot of work; but, it was truly a blessing in that we were allowed, once more, to “give ourselves away”. We could have taken this encounter in the direction of a complaint; but, we chose to “be blessed”.

We know you. You are Christians who “sacrificially give” week in and week out. We have been in your presence and we have seen it firsthand. In addition, you are a people who “sacrificially give FIRST” that in which God has blessed you. We are partners in spreading the Gospel in Mexico! Thank you for your sacrificial love and your willingness to “give yourself away”.

Que Dios les Bendiga,

Pablo y Charita

Revitalizing!?

2007-11-12T15:15:00.000-06:00

this past week was the Mexico Missionaries Retreat. this retreat is held annually and is hosted by different missionary teams throughout Mexico. this year it was held in Zihuatanejo. we had 91 people attending including all the children.
Karen and i were really looking forward to this retreat, we just had a kid and she is starting into a routine, and Karen is healing fairly well from the c-section so we thought, "rest, relaxation, and revitalization!" boy were we wrong! with a baby one month old this was a daunting task. trying to fit her schedule with the schedule of the retreat was impossible. taking her from a 55 at night, 75 in the day with no humidity climate to 80 at night, 90 daytime with high humidity was a big adjustment. we also parked on the 7th floor of the hotel and there was no elevator. so everything we did required long flights of stairs. Karen's "healing fairly well" wasn't quite enough, the stairs were too much for her to take.
needless to say this retreat didn't accomplish what we had planned for it to. but it did accomplish some good. we spent time with fellow missionaries and were able to be encouraged by their stories of success and disappointments in their daily work for the Lord. though it was stressful it allowed Karen and I to start showing our daughter at a very young age that there are more important things than our daily comfort. we were able to share meals, stories, frustrations, theologies, ideas; we shared our lives with brothers and sisters in the great hunt for searching souls.
so, did we rest? para nada!! did we relax? i think not. but did the experience benefit our family? i think so. our family learned some things, grew, and experienced life together as difficult as it was.
fellow missionaries, thank you for being part of our family.

Ben, Karen & Madaí

¡Wow! ¿what's that beautiful smell?

2007-11-11T09:11:00.000-06:00

“Thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God” (II Cor. 2:14-17).

The past weekend, Charita y yo were so blessed to attend our first, annual Missionary Retreat in Mexico! Missionaries from all over Mexico gathered to study, pray, share success, and share frustrations surrounding the different works in many, many cities of this great nation. Although I was privileged with the honor to speak one night, our greatest blessing came in being present to hear much more experienced families with leaders who are on mission for God. We left Saturday feeling reconnected and recharged as we reaffirmed our common, eternal purpose.

Charita and I have dreamed for many, many years about having the opportunity to spread the Gospel among a hungry nation of people of His Creation. We continue to offer prayers of thanksgiving, following this last weekend, and how we have been so richly blessed to work closely with each of these spokesmen for God in such a country as Mexico which is growing, beyond measure, so rapidly.

Because of your love for the Gospel and allowing God to work through you, we are here able to battle for Him and share the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. And, also because of your Powerful Prayers, seed is falling daily among different soils within the Mexican people in Cuernavaca. ¡May His Harvest be plentiful, beyond measure, as well!

Sent with a “Scent”,

Pablo y Charita

“Light” … The Night by Paul Nash

2007-11-05T08:33:00.000-06:00

While living 4 years in Wyoming, Charita y yo frequently visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. Of course, it includes one of the greatest collections of firearms in the world. I once remember reading a story about Sarah Winchester, widow of Oliver Winchester, who invented the famed Winchester Rifle that “won the West”. She worried deeply about the departed soul of her husband because of all the Indians that his rifle was responsible for sending on to the next life. She also feared for her own soul and the souls of the Indians. And, she also fretted about losing her dead husband’s fortune.

Instead of taking her worries to the Lord, she consulted with mediums and spirits. In her life from then on, it was Halloween every night. These mediums told her that she needed to be fearful, and further, that if she was wise, she would seek to placate the ghosts while she still had time and money. She was urged to make the spirits comfortable and provide them a place where they could dwell. She would need their friendship later.

So, the story is told, that she hired 22 carpenters to build her a mansion –160 rooms spread out over six acres! She had 47 chimneys, secret passageways, stairs that led nowhere. It was a designed home that made no sense. For 38 years, she squandered her fortune on this project, holding nightly séances, from which she would receive further direction in just how to build. Work was finally stopped when she died in 1922. The mansion is near San Francisco and is referred to as the “Winchester Mystery House.”

How sad … how sad that she didn’t consult with The Carpenter, the Master Builder. He would have prepared a mansion just for her. He would have banished fear from her troubled soul. Instead, she decided to live a life of fear.

It’s a night of darkness. It’s a night of evil. It’s a night that some say the Devil claims as his own. It’s called, by many, “The Festival of the Dead,” better known as Halloween. Occultists honor this night. Many Christians abhor this night, for it dishonors God and pays tribute to Satan. On the other hand, how many of us consider Halloween to be one of the greatest nights for evangelism? “What other night do we have people knocking on our doors … coming to our church parking lots … looking to receive something special?” Rather than hiding from the evil that surrounds Halloween, maybe we should use this night to meet neighbors and show them a glimpse of God’s love and goodness.

Trunk-n-Treat … Knock-n-Share … Look Creepy and Love …… Just Do It!

just a start

2007-11-04T19:11:00.000-06:00

I just decided that a blog would be a good thing for our team. i don't know how well the people we know will use it but i do know that it is great for those who have internet and want to keep up with us and the Lord's work here in Cuernavaca.
I will say that our daughter, Madaí Abigail Jenkins Barrón was born October 6th and she is doing well. she's almost a month old! i can't believe that it has went by so fast with as little sleep as we've gotten! so here is a picture of our family. this all is just a start because i've never blogged before.