Mendoza Newsletter

FALL 2009

Our summer plans were disrupted by the unexpected home going of Josias’ father, Don Natalio Mendoza.  He was 86 years old.  Josias and his six siblings gathered together in Nogales, Veracruz, Mexico where they were able to lovingly care for him until his last moment.

Don Natalio was a man who loved the Lord, served as an elder in his local church for many years and was looking forward to seeing his Savior.  He is now enjoying his Lord’s presence face to face.

When we got back to Chihuahua, the group of nine who were studying the Discovery books had been diligently keeping up with their study. At the end of the series we could see the growth in their lives and their continual commitment to share Christ with their loved ones and co-workers.  Oh, how we thank the Lord for what He is doing!

One couple in the group, Jorge and Sarah went through an amazing process.  First God confirmed to them that they were being called to full time service as church planters.  Sarah has the gift of evangelism and Jorge of teaching.

There were two obstacles before them:  their need for more training and how to support themselves financially.  They both worked in different shifts at different factories. We met with them and came up with a plan as to how to ease them into ministry.

During this time Josias was put in contact with Biblical Training Center for Pastors.  They produce materials that are used all over the world for training pastors.  What is great about this material is that they can get the training they need and continue their ministry with their disciples.

With the first obstacle solved this couple decided that Sarah would be the first to quit her job in December so she could get her bonus.  Then Jorge would look for a job where he was not on a rotating schedule so they could minister in their free time together.  We prayed together asking for the Lord’s blessing and guidance in the all the details.

Less than two weeks later Sarah and Jorge came over with their faces beaming.  They explained to us that they had spent a lot of time praying and asking God’s guidance because Sarah was so very burdened with all the people at her work that were interested in studying the Bible.

She was announcing that she was quitting her job the following Friday—forget the bonus!  We were so proud of them for seeking the Lord and obeying his call.

God is giving us the privilege of training church planters so the gospel can go to other regions. II Cor. 10:15b-16a comes to mind:

“Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.”

This brings us to a special treat we got to experience this summer.  Our mission’s president, Jim Brumme.

Josias and I got to go to central Mexico also known as “The Circle Of Silence” because there is hardly anyone that praises the Lord there.

We got to meet with church planters in this area and hear what God is doing. We learned new strategies and are eager to put them into practice.

Our church group here has committed to pray for Mauricio and Adriana, who are church planters in Leon, Guanaguato.

Maybe one day we can send a couple from our church to “The Circle Of Silence”.

The last weekend of August we had baptisms on the outskirts of town.

 

Susi’s parents were able to be witnesses along with several other missionary families that had had a part in one of the families coming to know the Lord. Mom said it was the highlight of her trip.