Family Radio Mission to Leon, Mexico
July 24th - Augst 7, 2006
LETTER #1
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Monday, July 24, 2006. By God's wonderful grace, eighteen of our ambassadors for Christ, ten men and eight women arrived safely in Leon.
One additional female member of our team missed her flight and is scheduled to arrive tomorrow at noon. Our group hails from various parts of the United States and one dear brother and faithful Family Radio listener and Ambassador joined us from Holland. Our Lord has graciously provided a very experienced group, fifteen of us have been on several FR Mission trips and only four are first-timers.
Leon City is located to the north of the state of Guanajuato and geographically, it is in the center of Mexico. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes. It became a municipality in 1580 and then officially became a city in 1830.
By God's mercy, we plan to work here for six full days, starting tomorrow. We will then travel by chartered bus to the second city in our itinerary - Morelia, which is the capital of the state of Michoacan. Our goal is to distribute 359,000 "Does God Love You?" Tracts, one thousand Bibles, and several thousand of FR teaching booklets in the Spanish Language. All of our tracts were printed in Leon and the Bibles were ordered from the Bible Society in Mexico City and transported to our Hotel in Leon, prior to our arrival. Needless to say, we were very happy to see all our materials in place when we arrived. Lord willing, we will share approximately half of the tracts, Bibles and booklets with the people in and around this city and a few neighboring cities. We will then transport the remaining materials with us to Morelia, where we intend to continue our distribution for six more days.
Please pray that God will prepare the hearts and open the hands of many of the people of Mexico. Psalms 10:17. "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear". Please pray also that God will give us the strength, stamina, and courage to declare the TRUE GOSPEL of Salvation in these last days?
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:2)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #2
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (I Cor. 10:31)
Tuesday July 25, 2006. After breakfast, we had a brief meeting to discuss some elementary procedures that we follow on all our Mission trips, and to assign teams and team leaders for the task ahead of us. Wonderfully, our hotel is strategically (for our purposes) situated in the heart of the Downtown area, in the middle of a very large commercial plaza, that is also the central historical and cultural area of Leon. Vehicular traffic is severely restricted, thereby making the area very pedestrian friendly. There is a steady flow of people, from very early in the morning to late at night, as thousands visit the plethora of shops that sell a variety of goods and services. There are also many restaurants and snack shops that are popular hang outs for the locals. Tourists from all over the world come to this bustling area to visit the museums and see the ornate cathedrals, or just to 'rub shoulders' with the natives. This affords us the wonderful opportunity to present to a great many people, young and old, and from all walks of life, the precious gospel of Salvaton the life changing words of eternal life.
One team of four persons was assigned to the main Bus Depot that serves as an axix (hub) for routing people and buses to many cities throughout Mexico. The team gave out a large quantity of tracts in and around the station, until two Security Guards came and told the team leader not to distribute inside the terminal. They therefore stayed outside on the streets and continued their work until all their tracts were finished.
Another team went to a major local Bus Terminal, however, when they arrived there they saw that the whole Terminal was tightly secured and they were not allowed to enter the Main area. They made several attempts to get permission from the authorities to enter and distribute the tracts, but to no avail. One of the most wonderful aspects of the Mission Trips is that we know that only through prayer and our Lord's mercy and grace will we have any success in proclaiming His Word. By Godīs marvelous grace the team decided to go elsewhere, trusting that the Lord would guide them. And their prayers were answered. A friendly cab driver (who incidentally is from Morelia, the second city on this mission) took them to a very busy market area, with much bus and taxi traffic and small businesses and they distributed all their tracts to very receptive people.
Two teams went to two of the largest shopping plazas, but they too were turned away by the ubiquitous Security Guards. They immediately moved to two public squares and were able to give out all their tracts. They worked at the bus stops along the streets and boulevards, darting in and out of the various businesses that line the streets, in order to give tracts to the owners and their customers.
We are happy to report that overall, the reception rate was over 90%, and, praise the Lord, the discard rate was very low. We have discovered that the Mexican people are very gracious. Many of them will say Gracias (Thank You) or Mucho Gracias (Thank you very much), when they receive the tract.
We rejoice and thank our Lord for the joy and privilege of serving Him another day. We ask our dear brothers and sisters for their continued prayers for these dear people, the vast majority of whom are receiving the true message of Salvation for the first time in their lives.
"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." (Psalms 56:4)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #3
"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalms 107:20)
Wednesday, July 26, 2007. As is customary on the Mission Trips, we try to obtain permission to visit the
prisons to distribute tracts and Bibles. Yesterday, we made a preliminary visit to 'Silao', a maximum security prison located twenty miles from our Hotel. It is a large sprawling complex surrounded by cornfields. This is a co ed prison and more than 2,000 male and female inmates are incarcerated in this fortress like compound. Many of the guards were dressed in black, from head to toe, with only their eyes and hands exposed, nonetheless, most of them accepted the tracts that were offered to them, while simultaneously keeping a firm grip on their sub machine guns. After getting the bureaucratic run around (going from one office to the next), we were told that we had to get a letter from the Social Service Director, who was not in her office. Despite this set back, we were nonetheless able to give out hundreds of tracts and a few Bibles to the prison staff and visitors, who came from neighboring cities/states.
As we were leaving, one poor, elderly woman, who had received a tract and read it, asked for a Bible and we were glad to offer her the last Bible we had in our back pack. She was very grateful for this precious gift and informed us that Wednesday is usually the main visiting day of the week and hundreds of the inmates' family members are lined up outside the compound from 8.00 am until the time that they are allowed to visit their loved ones inside the prison. We see the hand of God working so that His will could be accomplished.
Today, therefore, we hired a taxi and arrived early at the prison, with 300 Bibles and thousands of tracts and FR booklets. What a wondrous opportunity to share the gospel with such a captive audience. We distributed about 2,000 tracts and all the Bibles, and this was able to be done in a very orderly manner, given the surroundings. We were glad that we were able to distribute as many Bibles as we did because most of the people did not have a Bible or could not afford one. And, several of them requested extra tracts to share with the family member or friend that they were visiting. We encouraged them to share the Bibles and teaching materials with their loved ones.
One team was assigned to a local hospital and had great success around the main entrance and along the sidewalks and streets. Taxis and buses were constantly dropping off passengers so there was a steady flow of doctors, nurses, patients and visitors entering and exiting. The reception was excellent and many people were reading the tracts as they waited for their appointments. After reading the tract, one lady wept with joy after she was given a Bible and some FR teaching booklets, causing tears to flow also from the FR Missionary who witnessed with and to her.
Another team revisited the large Regional Bus Depot (a hub for buses traveling all over Mexico), but, unlike yesterday, the Security Guards did not prohibit their distribution efforts, but actually gave them free rein, and this was a great blessing indeed, because the team was able to give out all their tracts. We praise and thank the Lord for opening the effectual door of utterance, providing a great witnessing opportunity, that was temporarily closed yesterday.
Yet another team went by taxi to a Food Distribution Center. This is an area of wholesale vendors who sell and distribute food in bulk quantities to smaller retail markets. Whereas this center provided the physical food for the city and its environs, we were there to provide the spiritual food, necessary for mankind's eternal security. Although a large quantity of tracts were not distributed, the team was able to witness to small groups of people who had questions regarding the true gospel of Jesus Christ (Jesu Cristo). The remaining teams worked at markets in and around the city center, with very good results. In fact, everywhere we go the reception continues to be excellent.
Providentially, the weather has been very pleasant, with a high temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Brethren, please continue to pray for these dear people and for God to give us wisdom as we seek to faithfully serve Him.
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." (Psalms 138:2)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #4
"Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." (Isaiah 66:5)
Thursday, July 27, 2006. We praise and thank our gracious LORD for giving us another day to proclaim His precious Gospel of Salvation to the people in the highways and by-ways of Leon, Mexico.
Two teams worked in and around the large downtown area where literally thousands of people come daily to shop and socialize. Here one can find a compendium of products, such as gold and silver jewelry, fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, and a dizzying array of shoes. One cannot help but notice the overabundance of 'ZAPATERIAS' (SHOE STORES). In the past, the economy of the city of Leon was dominated by agriculture, however, today, handicrafts and shoe production are major contributors to the economic boom. Leon is known as the 'shoe capital of the world', given that more than 100 million shoes are produced here annually; most of which are exported to other countries, including, of course, the United States. It is in the midst of all this materialism that we have the privilege of declaring the gospel and indeed with much success, and here is a story that testifies to that: While walking on the sidewalk, a local woman approached one of our female ambassadors and told her, with tears, that she also is a Christian. The ambassador reached into her pack and gave the woman the booklet 'What Must I do to become saved'. The woman began to cry and held the booklet close to her chest. As the ambassador continued to give her other booklets the woman cried even more, but when a Bible was offered to her she broke into big sobs throwing her arms around the ambassador with great joy. We realize, therefore what a great impact the distribution of the Bibles have on the people of this city. It is indeed a blessing that people sacrificially send in monies to purchase Bibles because they are needed and well-received on these Mission Trips, and we pray that they would continue to do so.
One team was assigned to a local flea market that caters to the poor and middle class. This market is open only on Thursdays and the natives flock here to do their weekly shopping, therefore we were able to zero-in on a wonderful opportunity for tract distribution, the people providing a captive audience.
Two teams went to poor areas in the city with the tracts, Bibles and teaching booklets to offer the people living under some very harsh conditions - a stark contrast to the downtown area and in and around our hotel. The people here were just struggling to survive from one day to the next and could not afford to purchase a Bible. We were told not to go to these areas because they were very dangerous. Nevertheless, we would not be deterred from taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the depressed and down-trodden places, where God's elect could very well be, since God is not a respecter of persons. We do know that God is always in control of this world and, whatever happens to us, whether good or bad, it is to the glory of God. We are reminded of ROMANS 14:8 'FOR WHETHER WE LIVE, WE LIVE UNTO THE LORD, AND WHETHER WE DIE, WE DIE UNTO THE LORD: WHETHER WE LIVE THEREFORE, OR DIE, WE ARE THE LORD'S'.
The teams returned to our Hotel rejoicing that reception continues to be excellent, no matter where we go, and, by God's grace, our work here is progressing well.
We cannot help but thank God for how He blesses us in so many ways on these Mission Trips. Here is just an example that is somewhat more unusual than most. One of our group members happened to be at his computer about a month ago in a faithful Bible Conference Room, where people can post questions on the screen and get answers from other members in the Conference Room. This night a message popped up on the screen, saying thusly: 'I AM A MISSIONARY FROM VENEZUELA, NOW LIVING IN MEXICO AND I AM BRINGING THE MESSAGE OF THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE TO THE PEOPLE HERE'. I feel as though I am the only one here who understands this from the Bible and consistent with what Family Radio is teaching today. The member of our group immediately pounced on this information and responded to this missionary (whose name is Juan Vargas), and told him that Family Radio is coming to Leon and Morelia from July 24th to August 7th. After a few e-mails between them, and by God's grace and providence, this man arrived here in Leon, on Tuesday, after a 10-hour bus ride from his home. He came with another young man (Adrian), with as great a desire to serve the Lord. They have been out on the streets with us since they arrived and plan to work alongside us for the entire trip. We know that their presence with us is God's wonderful provision (given that two members of the group would be leaving us on Saturday). We thank God for these two Mexican missionaries who are a great asset to our tract distribution here. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Again, our prayer is that our gracious Lord would do a mighty work of Salvation in the lives of the Mexican people, bringing many into His Kingdom. We are thankful that God provided such a marvelous and spiritually-fulfilling day in His name and to His glory.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (Jeremiah15:16)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #5
"For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)
Friday July 28, 2006. Our distribution continued at a rapid pace. Several teams fanned out across the city and suburbs; at small shopping plazas, flea markets and commercial strips, by bus stops and taxi terminals, and along busy streets.
One team made a one hour taxi ride to GUANAJUATO proper and they found a bustling city and people that, thankfully, God had prepared to receive the Gospel. The reception was fantastic. So great was the response that they finished their distribution of 8000+ tracts, Bibles and teaching materials in a little over three hours. They returned to the hotel full of joy and praising and thanking the Lord for allowing them to have such a wonderful experience of spreading His precious Word.
There is no doubt about the strong Catholic influence here in the city of Leon and its environs. This is seen not only in the number of Cathedrals, but also in the homes and businesses. Over 90% of the people express a devout association with this organization, so much so that some will not accept any religious material from anyone except the priest. When offered the tracts they would wag their finger from side to side, indicating to us that they do not want it. The fanaticism with the Catholic faith is so deep, that in some instances when they took the tracts with great vehemence, they would rip them up in front of the ambassadors. But thankfully, these instances are few and far between. We have to continue to pray for these people that God would open their eyes, ears and hearts to receive His Word. Most of the people are very gracious and polite and some would offer a smile and words of encouragement. Some would even offer to buy us food or sodas. One lady even wanted to give money, thinking that payment was required, but the ambassador told her that it was free (GRATIS).
Here in the city of Leon, the weekend begins from Friday evening when many people, after a week of hard work, throng the plaza and historical center around our Hotel, participating in the many night life activities and relaxation. This provided us a wonderful opportunity at tract distribution, therefore, after dinner, most of the team members went out into the plaza and surrounding area. There were couples strolling along, families pushing strollers, tourists and locals milling around, and even an occasional well behaved drunk, sitting on the bench, oblivious to what is going on around him (the fog of alcohol having its full effect on him). As PSALMS 103:8 declares: 'THE LORD IS MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS, SLOW TO ANGER AND PLENTEOUS IN MERCY', we pray that our gracious Lord would have mercy upon some of these dear people, all to His praise and glory.
The reception of the tracts continues to be excellent and still a low discard rate. Lord willing, we plan to continue our distribution for the next two nights and then leave, by chartered bus, at 9.00 am on Monday for the city of Morelia.
Brothers and sisters, consistent with what PSALMS 107:8 proclaims: 'O THAT MEN SHOULD PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS WONDERFUL WORKS TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN', please continue to pray for these dear souls and for God to give us the strength and stamina to do His work.
Again, our prayer is that our gracious Lord would do a mighty work of Salvation in the lives of the Mexican people, bringing many into His Kingdom. We are thankful that God provided such a marvelous and spiritually-fulfilling day in His name and to His glory.
"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." (Psalms 36:7)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #6
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (Psalms 91:4)
Saturday, July 29, 2006. Saturday is usually a very busy shopping day, but we decided to keep only five people in the city and send three teams outside of Leon. Our goal on all the Mission Trips is to start in the epicenter of the city and progressively move outward, in order to spread the true Gospel of Salvation, as far and wide as God allows.
Two teams revisited GUANAJUATO city, a 500 year old city of old world architecture, but which has been modernized to keep up with the technology of today. This city was once the hub of silver and gold mining and even in the midst of modernization, it has still preserved its cobblestone footpaths and other 15th and 16th century structures. The area is surrounded by a maze of underground tunnels for parking (there is no parking above ground) and there are many museums, shops, galleries, markets and the like; thus this city is always bustling with tourists and people from other cities and states of Mexico. Therefore it provides fertile ground for our tract distribution. The day began a little slowly because the Mexican culture is a sleep in culture; however the pace picked up nicely as the day progressed and needless to say, we have had a very productive day of distribution at the bus stations and the various above ground outlets from the underground parking facilities.
One team went on a 90 minute taxi ride to the city of 'IRAPUATO'. They spent the whole day there sharing the Gospel of Grace with a people willing to accept our 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU?' tracts, Bibles and FR teaching materials.
Another team worked at a large Flea Market that caters to those who are looking for bargains inexpensive second hand goods and fake designer clothing. The team worked there for only a few hours and then they returned to the bustling downtown area where families come to do their weekly shopping or just to see the activities at the plaza. It is not unusual to see clowns performing for the children, bands playing, or strolling minstrels, given that the downtown plaza is the most popular gathering place for the locals and tourists.
It appears that no matter where we go in the city and its environs, we have been approached by FR listeners who are elated that we are bringing the 'Words of Eternal Life' to their people. They recognize us by the tee shirts and hats that we are wearing.
This city exhibits a very active night life, and much more so on Saturday nights; thus, once again, after dinner, we went out into the streets in and around the plaza, continuing our distribution with great success, and even though it rained many people still thronged the streets. We are indeed gratified by the response and are still rejoicing from a glorious day of tract distribution yesterday, but today, it was awesome.
We praise and thank our Lord for His protection and His wonderful provision for us. Also, we thank our dear FR brothers and sisters for their prayers. May our gracious Lord include many of the people of Mexico in 'THAT GREAT MULTITUDE THAT NO MAN CAN NUMBER', per REVELATION 7:9.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #7
"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain" (Philippians 2:16)
Sunday, July 30, 2006. Our final day of tract distribution in the city of Leon was very joyous. We spent a blessed Sabbath Day serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ from dawn to dusk. By God's grace and providence we successfully wrapped up our work here, by distributing the alloted tracts, Bibles and FR teaching materials. The teams worked at several ethnic markets in the downtown plaza, around a public park, and outside a zoo and water park.
One team leader had this report: Today our team handed out tracts in a large plaza located in the center of Leon. Thousands of people were coming into the city to shop and sightsee. We stationed ourselves at a very busy entrance and handed out many tracts. There was an elderly lady by the entrance who had a small table set up to sell packets of nuts a means of livelihood for her. She came up to an ambassador and requested a tract and we noticed that she was diligently reading it and so we offered her a Bible. Words are not enough to describe the overwhelming thankfulness that she displayed upon receiving the Bible; it was a look of inexplicable joy that one will never forget. And, to God's glory, others in the area came up to us to get a tract and to inquire as to what we were doing. It was such a pleasure to be able to witness to these dear people of Leon. 'LET THE LORD BE MAGNIFIED'.
We conducted our Worship Service in the afternoon, praising and thanking God for the joy and privilege of bringing the 'True Gospel of Salvation' to these dear people; and for working in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure (PHILIPPIANS 2:13). Because our distribution was so successful during the day, we did not go out at night, but rather, after dinner we had a pleasant time of fellowship in the Lord, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, all to the glory of our dear Lord and Savior. We thank the Lord for keeping us under the shadow of His wings. It was hard work, but a labor of love.
Lord willing, we plan to continue our work in the next city. We leave tomorrow, after breakfast on a four hour bus ride to MORELIA. PSALMS 71:16 comes to mind: 'I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only'.
Dearly beloved, we thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for the people of Mexico, and also that God would guide us and direct our efforts, as we seek to faithfully serve Him.
"Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee." (Isaiah 55:5)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #8
"Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." (Psalm 40:5)
Tuesday, August 1, 2006. By God's mercy, we arrived safely in the city of MORELIA, after a luxurious bus ride, and also after stopping for 45 minutes in VALLE DEL SANTIAGO, a small town midway between LEON and MORELIA, which we blanketed with our gospel tracts.
MORELIA is the capital of the state of 'MICHOACAN' and was founded by the Spaniards in 1541. It is located in the heart of MEXICO, right between two of its largest cities MEXICO CITY and GUADALAJARA. Upon entering the downtown area, one is struck by its monuments that are built in Catholicism's pink stone. Traveling through this city one gets the feeling of being transported in time, with the many historical buildings, quaint plazas, tranquil gardens, palatial buildings, and ornate cathedrals. The splendor of this city makes it ripe to receive the 'Gospel of Grace'.
After breakfast, a team of four ambassadors worked at a large market that primarily catered to the tastes and culture of the Mexican people. There were fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, bread and pastries, and a variety of clothes and household items, sufficient to satisfy mankind's physical needs (as well as desires). When the team had covered this three story market, with very positive results, they walked for about twenty minutes to another indoor market, aptly named 'THE SWEET MARKET', that sold mostly local delicacies. Here again, the reception was fantastic.
Two teams were assigned to the downtown Historical District in the city's center and which encompasses 150 city blocks. There are over 1,000 historical buildings and sites that are conducive to tourism. Many seemingly affluent people from MEXICO and other Spanish speaking countries gravitate to this locale for their vacations, in order to see the grandiose cathedrals. And, to cater to the tourists, there are many fine restaurants and businesses that provide upscale shopping. This made for a wonderful opportunity and day of sharing the 'True Gospel of Salvation' with the thousands that visit this area to sightsee and shop.
Yet another team of ambassadors visied a Government Office Complex where, among other activities/business, the residents pay their water bills (it being the first day of the month). About 1500 people were gathered here and our distribution efforts were well received. We also discovered that here, as elsewhere, people had questions about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the team happily provided Bibles and additional FR booklets and teaching materials (including 'GOD'S MAGNIFICENT SALVATION PLAN' in the Spanish language). Once the welcome mat had been rolled up at this location, the team traveled to a Regional Bus Terminal and continued the distribution efforts. Again the reception was good and one man and his family were deeply moved by the Word of God as reflected on the tract, and sought more information. He was presented with a Bible and other FR materials. He also requested additional tracts to take back to his village. Due to the unusual paucity of people at the terminal, the team left, but were still thankful that those that received the tracts would be able to read it on their long journey to their villages and be able to share it with their families, to the benefit of God's lost sheep there. The team came to one of the many parks that is within walking distance from our hotel. There was a hive of activity in this park, including what we later found out was a political rally. Needless to say there was a lot of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, providing a captive audience for our distribution efforts. Providentially, and with thanks to our Lord, within 90 minutes the ambassadors were able to put into the hands of a very receptive people, approximately 3,000 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU' tracts, and they completed this task within seconds of the customary late afternoon downpour of rain.
Our first day of distribution here went very well, all praise and thanks to God. The over 90% acceptance rate is reflective of the emotional warmth of the people of MORELIA, and by the Lord's mercy, there are very few discards. In our prayers for these dear people, that God might do a mighty work of grace in their hearts, PSALM 40:3 comes to mind: 'AND HE HATH PUT A NEW SONG IN MY MOUTH, EVEN PRAISE UNTO OUR GOD: MANY SHALL SEE IT AND FEAR, AND SHALL TRUST IN THE LORD. We give all glory to God for using us, earthen vessels, to proclaim the 'True Gospel', and we ask you brethren, that you continue to pray for us, that, in God's strength, we may go forth to His honor, in the remaining days, and in this part of His vineyard.
"For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands." (Psalm 92:4)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #9
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalms 107:8)
Wednesday, August 2, 2006. Our seventeen ambassadors are feeling the effects of the long hours on the mission field, but nevertheless joyful to be able to serve the Lord another day.
Two ambassadors took a 45 minute cab ride to 'CERESO', the largest maximum security prison in MORELIA, a coed prison with about 2,000 inmates. The team leader submitted this report: We were at the prison yesterday to obtain permission from the Director, however, she was in a meeting, and even her secretary had no idea as to when she would be available. We were made to understand that this lady had assumed the Directorship only a few weeks earlier, and the Security Guard told us that due to the period of transition, the Director was still formulating procedures concerning the distribution of material within the prison. We subsequently learned that Wednesdays were visiting days and that we could distribute our tracts, Bibles and teaching materials to the families and they could take them into the prison. On Wednesday we arrived early, gained entry to the compound, and positioned ourselves at the entrance of the jail. The line of people got longer and longer as the day progressed. The people, mostly poor, came from all corners of the state and included mothers with infants in their arms, toddlers, and men and women, both young and old. They came by buses, taxis and private cars, carrying bags of food and sundry items. We were able to distribute over 2,000 tracts, 100 Bibles and some FR booklets and teaching materials, in an orderly manner, to the families. The Bibles were allotted one to a family and when our supply was depleted, we gave out only the tracts until both our backpacks were emptied. We encouraged all the families and visitors to share these tracts and booklets with the inmate(s), and many indicated that they would do so.
Several of the people, who perhaps were regular visitors to the prison, mentioned that they had never seen such a long line waiting to enter the prison, and they marveled at this seeming phenomenon. However, the ambassadors were not surprised, but recognized that it is God's providence, consistent with ROMANS 8:28 'ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, AND TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE'.
Upon completion of our distribution, as we were gathering up to empty boxes to appropriately discard them in the nearby dumpster, a young boy (about 14 years), whose name is Michael Angelo, and who previously lived in California and speaks fluent English, decided on his own to assist us. He had received a tract a few hours earlier, had read it, and was presumably blessed by it, and wanted to demonstrate his being blessed in a tangible way. He told us that he is a Christian, and loves Jesus and he also indicated that he would share the tract, not only with his inmate father (the reason for his presence at the prison), but also with his mother, two sisters and a brother. Before we left, he said 'I WISH I HAD A BOX OF THESE TRACTS TO DISTRIBUTE IN MY VILLAGE'. Regrettably, we had only ten tracts remaining and we offered them to him, together with some teaching materials. Please pray for this young man, and his family, and all the families who received the 'True Gospel of Salvation' at the prison today, and perhaps for the first time in their lives, for some of them.
One team worked at a Government Office Complex in the afternoon, but left after a few minutes, when the seemingly typical afternoon showers (including thunder and lightning on this occasion) began. Another team was assigned to the large Public Hospital which was not too far away from our Hotel. They were able to go into the clinics and wards and were able to distribute the tracts to the patients and the staff and medical personnel. Thankfully, they exhausted their entire allotment of tracts. In the afternoon, this team was at one of the heavily traveled streets, also within blocks from the Hotel. The team leader reports thusly: As I was working the traffic on this narrow thoroughfare, I gave a man a tract while he was in his car, sitting still in the traffic. (Incidentally, working with the traffic, with backpacks off, is a very profitable way of tract distribution, because our uniforms, as we like to call them tee shirts with the question 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU''? on the front and 'ARE YOU READY TO MEET GOD'? on the back, and with 'FAMILY RADIO.COM' beneath the questions, on both sides, provide a great witnessing tool, because, even if people do not take the tract, the tee shirts would arouse their curiosity, leading them to the website where they could perhaps read, or listen to the Gospel of Grace). Continuing, I then handed out a few more tracts to people who were going to and fro on the sidewalk, when suddenly I heard the man in the car yell out to me: 'WHAT CHURCH ARE YOU FROM?' I said, 'NO CHURCH, ONLY THE BIBLE'. And he responded, 'I AM GOING TO BUY ONE AND READ IT', and I answered, 'I WILL GIVE YOU ONE RIGHT NOW'. So I ran to my backpack, pulled out one of the two remaining Bibles and gave it to the man. He was so stunned at receiving such a precious gift, that he sat speechless in the car, with horns blaring around him, because the traffic signal had changed to green. Needless to say, that was one happy individual that drove away, Bible in hand, and not a peso spent. Praise the Lord for the mighty way in which He has guided us throughout this Mission Trip.
We rejoice that God has once again given us a blessed day of tract distribution and we look forward to tomorrow and the opportunity to serve Him. It is tiring but joyful work and we know that 'WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US' PHILIPPIANS 4:13 and that 'THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH' NEHEMIAH 8:10. We thank and praise the Lord for His unfathomable mercy and inexplicable love.
"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." (Psalm 115:3)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #10
"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand." (Isaiah 53:10)
Friday, August 4, 2006. Our ambassadors continue to be diligent in serving the Lord. We go out twice a day, always 'LOOKING TO JESUS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH' HEBREWS 12:2, to guide us as we proclaim His Gospel of deliverance, of righteousness, and of judgment, all over this city and its environs
Whereas on Wednesday two ambassadors visited the maximum security section of the 'CERESO' prison complex, yesterday, they had the opportunity to go to the medium security wing of this complex, which is located about a 15 minute cab ride from our Hotel. Here is their report on that visit: We had a 10.00 am appointment, and with the required letter requesting visitation, in hand, we arrived at the prison, however the Assistant Director with whom we had the appointment was not there. The Security Guard contacted him by cell phone and he granted permission for us to enter the sprawling institution to distribute the Gospel of Grace. After the obligatory security checks, we were escorted, by two armed guards, to several two story concrete buildings that housed about 25 70 inmates. We were allowed to go into each cell block and personally meet the prisoners, and to share our precious gifts with them. They greeted us cordially, were very appreciative of our visit, and they were happy to receive the words of eternal life. We went from cell block to cell block, giving each inmate a tract, and a few Bibles and FR teaching booklets per cell. Altogether, we distributed about 2,200 tracts and 135 Bibles. We are thankful that God has allowed us this great opportunity of getting His gospel out to His lost sheep, even right here in this prison complex.
A team of four ambassadors was assigned to the City University, one of the few educational institutions that is conducting classes at this time of the year (the majority of the public schools and colleges are on summer recess). Two ambassadors went from one classroom to the next sharing tracts with the students, faculty and staff, while two ambassadors stood in the street, distributing to those entering and exiting the institution. By God's grace, there was no interference, and the acceptance rate was about 95%.
Two teams worked at large markets in the city and also on the outskirts, while yet another team covered the Central Historical District, where there are always people going to and fro for business or pleasure, eating and drinking, and even a marriage procession will pass by after the ceremony had been conducted at one of the ubiquitous cathedrals in the plaza. This brings to mind the scripture of MATTHEW 24:38 39 'FOR AS IN THE DAYS THAT WERE BEFORE THE FLOOD THEY WERE EATING AND DRINKING, MARRYING AND GIVING INTO MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY THAT NOE ENTERED INTO THE ARK, AND KNEW NOT UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME, AND TOOK THEM ALL AWAY: SO SHALL ALSO THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE'.
Yesterday, one ambassador was distributing tracts at a busy intersection when an elderly man (named Sam) approached the ambassador, with a 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU TRACT?' in hand, and asked for a Bible. He had read the tract and agreed wholeheartedly with its message. The ambassador did not have a Bible in his backpack, therefore he told the man that in about two hours, after he would have finished his distribution, that the man could come to the Hotel and he would receive a Bible. The man then said: 'I WILL WAIT FOR YOU'. About fifteen minutes later there was a heavy downpour and everyone scattered in different directions to seek shelter and so the ambassador lost contact with Sam, the elderly man.
Surprisingly, today Sam showed up at our Hotel to get the Bible. What determination! He told us that he wanted the Bible for a group of 120 men who are between the ages of 60 and 85 years, and for whom he is the Bible Teacher. He said that they had only a few Bibles in the village where he is a resident. Needless to say, we were happy to provide him with a few Bibles and teaching booklets. During our brief conversation with Sam, who knew a little English (having resided in the United States for two years), he enquired: 'WHAT RELIGION ARE YOU?' The ambassador answered: 'THIS IS NOT ABOUT RELIGION, OR ABOUT CHURCH; THIS IS ABOUT SALVATION'. The elderly man then hugged the ambassador and said: 'NOW YOU ARE TRULY MY BROTHER'. May our gracious and merciful Savior use this man (Sam) to continue His work, in his village and throughout this country.
Yet another ambassador has had a wonderful experience worthy of sharing. This is what he says: As I walked down the street handing out the 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU?' tracts, in a doorway, was a teenage boy with a very stern face and when I offered him the tract, he responded with a flat out 'NO'. So I pleaded with him, with the little Spanish I know, to try to change his mind, but he held his ground and refused to accept. I continued handing out the tracts along the sidewalk, and even though I went a little distance, I was sure that he could still see me. After about twenty minutes of distribution, I retraced my steps along the same sidewalk, and there again, in the same doorway, was this brave young man. Once again, I offered him the tract, silently this time, but looking him straight in the eyes. His countenance changed from a stern one, to a more relaxed, but matter of fact 'ALL RIGHT, SINCE YOU INSIST GIVE ME ONE' look, and he grabbed the tract out of my hand. His attitude is a typical of some of the people that we encounter daily on these tract distribution trips. We pray for this boy and many like him, who for some reason, unfathomable to us, would take the tract that they had previously refused. May God sprinkle the clean water of the gospel on their stony hearts, changing them to hearts of flesh, to His glory.
Our tract distribution is going exceedingly well. Consistent with the Scripture passage of PSALM 145:3 'GREAT IS THE LORD AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED; AND HIS GREATNESS IS UNSEARCHABLE', we rejoice that God in His great mercy has granted us the privilege and honor to be His ambassadors for yet another day in fields of this beautiful city of Morelia and its environs. By God's grace the weather has been very favorable, the cool temperature (mixed with a few showers), making it very conducive for our distribution efforts. Brethren, we covet your prayers for these warm and gracious people, and for strength for us as we continue here.
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galations 1:10)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico
LETTER #11
"For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them" (Psalm 44:3)
Friday, August 4, 2006. Today, the streets, markets, and downtown area were jammed with people doing their weekly shopping, but, as is our goal on these Mission Trips, we want to spread the Gospel to the neighboring cities. Therefore, we sent two teams outside the city of MORELIA.
One team traveled for two hours by taxi to 'URUAPAN', a city that is high in the mountains. They took with them 8,000 tracts and some Bibles and worked the town square, and at several roadside markets in and around the city. The streets in these areas are narrow, making them quite amenable to sharing with the people who are traveling in private cars, taxis, buses, and on motorcycles.
Another team rode a small public bus to two small towns in the hills overlooking MORELIA. Most of the residents of these two towns were dressed in their native garb, and were somewhat shy, nonetheless, they readily accepted the tracts. The team worked at a small market, and then walked the streets, going from door to door with the 'True Words of Life the Gospel of Grace'.
The two remaining teams worked at the bustling markets in and around the city, and with the ever flowing stream of people who visit the many Cathedrals in the city's downtown. As one of our ambassadors was leaving a busy market, a middle aged man, working security detail, started running towards the ambassador and simultaneously, was wildly gesticulating to the ambassador. Naturally, and understandably, the ambassador was concerned, thinking that perhaps he had done something wrong, or had violated some kind of local ordinance. As the ambassador and the Security Guard approached each other, the guard pulled out a 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU?' tract, but, thankfully, all he wanted was a Bible. He had read the tract and wanted to check out the verses in the Bible like the Bereans, he wanted to '... SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES TO SEE WHETHER THOSE THINGS WERE SO' ACTS 17:11. This man did not have a Bible of his own and was enquiring as to whether FR could send him one. The ambassador dug into the bottom of his backpack and pulled out one of two Bibles he was carrying (he had previously prayed for the opportunity to give the Bibles to someone who really needed it). Words cannot express the look of great joy and thankfulness that suffused the guard's face. He kept asking over and over if it was truly free. The ambassador kept telling him 'GRATIS' (meaning free in Spanish). He finally clutched this precious gift and thanked the ambassador profusely, but the ambassador responded: 'THANK GOD'. May our gracious Savior use His words of eternal life in the heart of this man, and in the hearts of many here, whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, from before the foundation of the world. Thousands of tracts were distributed, and overall, the reception continues to be excellent (over 90%). TO GOD BE THE GLORY. The Lord willing, we plan to finish the approximately 17,000 tracts tomorrow.
ISAIAH 52:10 'THE LORD HATH MADE BARE HIS HOLY ARM IN THE EYES OF ALL THE NATIONS: AND ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH SHALL SEE THE SALVATION OF OUR GOD.
Saturday, August 5, 2006. At the start of this Mission Trip, when we arrived at our Hotel in Leon and saw 120 boxes, each containing 3,000 tracts, it seemed, from mankind's point of view, a rather daunting task. 'BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE' MATTHEW 19:26. We thank and praise the Lord for strengthening us and leading us to the people, and we are happy to report that we have finished our work of placing 360,000 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU?' tracts, 1,000 Bibles, and thousands of FR teaching materials into the hands of the people of LEON and MORELIA, and their environs. Here, the Scripture passage of ZECHARIAH 10:12 comes into sharp focus: 'AND I WILL STRENGTHEN THEM IN THE LORD; AND THEY SHALL WALK UP AND DOWN IN HIS NAME, SAITH THE LORD'. Since we had only 17,000 tracts remaining, we therefore assigned all four teams to two cities outside MORELIA.
Two teams went by bus to the city of 'PATZCUARO'. There they found a beehive of activity, people shopping in the many souvenir and novelty shops, and markets that lined the streets within what seems to be one huge square block; families strolling the plaza or partaking of the variety of delicacies in the many eateries catering to 'al fresco' dining. They distributed all their tracts within hours, once again with an over 90% reception rate. On the way back by taxi to our hotel, the driver engaged one of our Spanish speaking ambassadors in conversation, after she had given him one of the 'DOES GOD LOVE YOU?' tracts. He mentioned to her that he believed that there was something amiss in the churches and he requested that she read the tract to him. In the one hour that that it took us to get back to the hotel, she had read the whole tract to him, explaining as she progressed, and he nodding his head in agreement. We thank the Lord for providing such a wonderful opportunity of witnessing.
The other two teams traveled, also by bus, to the city of 'QUIROGA'. They worked in the city center, the ethnic market, and even went door to door, distributing tracts and Bibles and here too, the 90% reception rate was maintained.
Throughout the trip we have noticed that if a person seems hesitant to take a tract, when we say to him/her, in Spanish 'NO EGLESIA, SOLAMENTE LA BIBLIA', which means, 'NO CHURCH, ONLY THE BIBLE', the person would quite often smile, and would gladly take the tract. This shows that some people are so ingrained in their own church doctrines, that they do not want to hear any other teaching, even if that teaching is more beneficial to their spiritual health. To help these people to be more aware of who or what is Family Radio, and where they could hear the True Gospel of Salvation, we show them the last sentence on the back of the tract which reads 'FAMILY RADIO IS A BIBLE BASED CHRISTIAN RADIO MINISTRY WITH NO CHURCH AFFILIATION', and we point out the broadcast schedule where they could listen to FR Programing in both Spanish and English. Many of them are happy to receive that information.
We thank our dear Lord and Savior that He has opened many doors here in LEON and MORELIA, so that His Word could go throughout hospitals and prisons, and to thousands of people in the streets and back alleys, in cars, buses and taxis, and even in some homes. Everywhere that we have gone, we have had virtually no resistance, confirming the Scripture that says: '... I HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AN OPEN DOOR, AND NO MAN CAN SHUT IT' REVELATION 3:8.
This is our eleventh and final report for this Mission Trip. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will have our Worship and Thanksgiving services and Bible Study, and leave our Hotel, for the Airport, late Sunday night or early Monday morning, to fly back to our respective homes in the United States and Holland.
We praise and thank our Lord for this final day of distribution. We marvel at how God has guided every aspect of this trip, keeping us grounded in the faith, and diligent in His service. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude to our loving Savior for all He has done for us (with respect to Salvation), with us and through us (enabling us to be ambassadors to His kingdom, spreading His Word). We strongly encourage others to join us on future Mission Trips and experience the joy of being an Ambassador for Christ, as we read in I CORINTHIANS 15:58 'THEREFORE, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVEABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, FORASMUCH AS WE KNOW THAT OUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD'.
We thank God for our Mission Director and our dear brother, Mr. David Morrell, who has done such an excellent job of setting up these trips. Our thanks also go out to the listeners/supporters and staff of Family Radio for their prayers and financial support. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
"O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble." (Isaiah 33:2)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in Mexico