"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. " (Habakkuk 2:14, NIV)
You may have been wondering, what are Mario and Sam up to? why are we not getting weekly mission reports? what's going on? The reason for this absence of reports has been that the majority of the places the Lord's led us to minister His love and knowledge have been out of internet or mobile coverage. For you, our beloved reader this is a summary of what we did in partnership with the Holy Spirit:
- This time we preached the gospel to thousands and about 1,000 people gave their lives to Christ in contained environments. In other words, all of them are being followed up by committed pastors and teachers. We have chosen to work only with congregations and ministries who are serious about discipleship. Jesus told us "go into all the world and make disciples" (Matt 28:19)... "and I will build my church," (Matt 16:18) however, so often these days we find people do quite the opposite, building the church themselves while leaving discipleship to Jesus. He gave us a specific mandate, and only in such cases of obedience to Jesus' command does church growth and maturation occur. We had to make a concerted decision to stop working with any ministries who were not dedicated to making disciples. We love them, but the word God gave us was clear: "I'm interested in fruit that remains," so we must focus on opportunities to create just that. Since making this decision and working with dedicated discipling churches, we're receiving reports that some congregations have doubled or even tripled in size! Praise the Lord!
- We're working with an association of ministries called "Ministerios Unanimes" (http://www.ministeriosunanimes.com/) who work all over the state of Chiapas. They offer spiritual cover to over 150 congregations from this state only. They are delighted that we're already supporting them in equipping the saints for fruitful and powerful evangelism throughout that net of churches.
- The glory of God has been manifested in awesome ways like never before in our three years of ministry. We've seen hundreds of miracles done in the name of Jesus! Here are three of the most remarkable miracles we've seen. They're remarkable for two reasons: firstly they were afflicted from birth; secondly the three of them were over 80 years old.
1. "Rosa, 81 (Comitan, Chiapas), was blind from birth and had a chronic back disease. She testified that when the word of healing went forth she felt heat in her spine and the pain was gone. She could now move normally! In tears she also described how she'd just started to see colours and people for the ...first time." (Facebook 26 of November)
2. "Maria Elena, 87 (Carranza, Chiapas) was completely deaf in both ears from birth but left the evening meeting completely healed. In tears, her daughter described that as her mum stood up to come forward and receive healing, by the time she made it to the front of the room she had already been healed" (Facebook 23 of November).
3. "Blanca, 85 (Union Juarez, Chiapas) was deaf and mute from birth and communicated with smiles, touch and sign language. Despite not hearing the call for prayer she came for healing and was set free in Jesus name! She asked me how I was and I asked her what her name was, she said "Blanca" and blessed me in Jesus name. The pastor run towards me and said she's mute and deaf from birth! What? She's not now, I said! Glory to God! This meeting was shown on National, non-Christian cable TV. I love it! Don't you?
If the Lord is willing we'll return to Mexico at the end of January. They've started organising several conferences and evangelistic campaigns in different parts of the state. Moreover, the Lord has opened a door to us in Mexico City which we're praying at the moment about what to do here. Please join us in prayer and tell us when the Lord shows you something about us.
Last but not least, we've started looking at 2010 as the start to children's work here in Chiapas as a very important part of our ministry. So we'll be organising mission teams and fundraising to finance this foundation of the ministry. In addition to that God has opened channels in the indigenous community for us to distribute medicines and provide health care. We're going to need funds to purchase medicines as well as volunteers to help with the distribution. This project is very exciting and we're already praying for God to release all it's needed. Again, if you feel called to help us here please speak to your pastor and give us a buzz!
We are ministering to both Mexicans and indigenous groups. The fruit has been amazing, the work is massive, the harvest is gigantic, the power of God is abounding but the workers are few. Please get involved, get your church involved, contact us, we want to know about you and share with you the reality of God in the nations.
Finally, redeem your time for you don't know when God will be demanding your life. Be prepared for His coming back (which is very very soon!), purify yourselves. There is not time for strife but to love one another that the love of God will be perfected in you!
May God bless you and prosper you as you choose the way of holiness!
Adios!!
