A Day With Cristian

Greetings from Mexico in the merciful name of Jesucristo.

Yesterday was a great day with Cristian, his mother and her cousin. Our trip started just before 7 a.m. and we went to both of the Seguro hospitals in Acuña for blood work and paperwork for next week's trip to the kidney specialists in Monterrey. Cristian's aunt joined us, and they did some shopping in the downtown shops and then headed to the Gutierrez grocery store. 

We had lunch at the store's cafeteria, and then we headed back home. When we went through the military checkpoint outside Acuña, we gave the soldiers a bag of donuts and said, "Dios le bendiga." (God bless you.) The soldiers thanked us and smiled, giving us the okay to pass.

I pray God uses us in the lives of the soldiers we encounter. I have been blessed to have many conversations with these men, and have had numerous opportunities to share the gospel with them. It is my desire to plant the seeds, praying others will water and God will cause the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
So many things are happening all around each of us in this world we live in, and God's Word tells us not to be "conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2
We should trust Him in every situation, and be a godly example to those around us. Even in adversity, we can be comforted in the knowledge that He will never leave us or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5

We appreciate your prayers for us and the families we minister to here in Mexico, and are grateful to be the hands and feet of Christ in our little corner of the world.

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

By His grace,
Toni and Bill

Three Trips and a Soldier

Greetings from Mexico in the glorious name of Jesus!
Yesterday was a very busy day, starting at 4 a.m.
I took a friend to Del Rio to help her sister who just had a baby Friday. Then I stopped by the storage on my way home to pick up a few donations. It it was still dark and raining a little when I crossed the border.
When I went through the military checkpoint outside of Acuña, the soldier asked me my business, and then asked how I felt about their presence in Mexico. I told him I felt grateful they were there, and prayed God's protection for them all. He told me he was from Mexico City, "Districto Federal," but that his family was now living in Acuña. He asked why I lived in Mexico and I told him I was a missionary and loved serving God here. I asked if he attended a church and he said he didn't. I encouraged him to seek the Lord. He smiled and told me to have a good day. I said goodbye to the soldier, and headed down the road.

I picked up Bill at the house and two ladies in Tepeyac and took them to Eagle Pass, and we turned around after dropping them off.

We stopped to get Bill a haircut in the Mercado in Piedras. Always an adventure at our favorite barber shop.

We headed home but stopped by on our way to see Pastor Alejandro and his family in Centinella for a brief visit, bringing them the book on Homiletics from a friend in Knox City.

We said our goodbyes, heading home for a brief stop and something to eat before picking up 5 more people in Tepeyac and heading back to Acuña for the Seguro Hospital.
When we drove back home nearly two hours later, I had a different group of passengers and it rained all the way home. It was nearly 8 pm when we finally got to the house. I was exhausted but so grateful for God's mercies and protection all those miles on the road.

What a blessing to serve the King of kings. No matter where we live, our lives can be of service to others.

Warming my feet in front of the hot coals from the fireplace. Until you do this, you can't appreciate how nice it is!

This morning I have one more trip to Acuña for Cristian to get bloodwork done. Please pray for wisdom for his doctors with his kidney failure. May God heal his whole body.

We appreciate your interest in our ministry and the blog, and we especially appreciate your prayers and support. May God use each of our lives for His glory.

In His strong embrace,
Toni and Bill

Help For A Homeless Man

Yesterday, we spent the afternoon with a man who lives in a storage locker, about 3 spaces down from ours. He has been living in his rental space for over 3 years, no electricity, candles for light, a propane heater for cold nights, sleeping on a bed of cardboard and blankets. I can't even begin to imagine what kind of a life that must be.

His name is Javier and we took him to town, to McDonald's, WalMart, HEB and Dollar General. During our 3+ hours together, he told us about his life. He had been married for a short time years ago, but for twenty years he cared for his ailing father, a disabled veteran. When his father died 4 years ago, he was unable to work due to a foot injury and now lives in the storage unit, visiting churches in the area and had been unsuccessful trying to get disability benefits.
He washes his laundry at the laundromat, bathes and shaves in the storage restroom, and was clean and well-kept when we visited with him. We asked if he'd like us to get him something to eat, but he declined, saying he'd just had a big meal at the church he attends.

When we took him back to his "house," he thanked us and told us how much he appreciated our help getting him where he needed to go. It was nothing to us. Just a little lift to save him many miles and hours of walking.

I know many people have had to resort to unusual measures when times are tough. I have been homeless and stayed at a shelter over 30 years ago. It was a very hard time for me.

Maybe we can each give a hand for a person we see struggling when we have the means and opportunity to do so.

I pray God use each of us in the lives of the hurting and lost around us. You never know when you can make a difference.

New Year Update, 2016

Greetings from Tepeyac in Jesus' mighty name!

We enjoyed time with our family and friends for the holidays, but are back in Mexico, serving the folks here.
I am making trips, bringing people to doctor appointments in Piedras Negras every day this week.

I am so grateful for the van, and the capacity to bring the wheelchair in the back for those who need it. It makes life so much easier.

The Tundra is in need of a starter and the Corolla needs electrical work that can only be done at the dealer. So both remain immobile for now. It makes me appreciate the van even more, being our only working vehicle.

I am still doing glucose testing on diabetics in Tepeyac and Palmira, along with blood pressure monitoring. The local clinics often lack the monitors and test sticks so it helps folks to bring their results when they see their doctor for checkups.

Next month, a group of friends from Texas are planning a ministry trip to Guadalajara. I am prayerfully considering joining them, and trusting God to make it clear to me if it's His will for me.

We are so thankful for your prayers for us and your interest in this ministry.

Recent events in Mexico have caused the government to increase security in our area, and probably all over the country. There are currently 5 security checkpoints between our home and Piedras Negras, approximately a 30 mile distance. We appreciate your prayers for protection for the police, Federales, soldiers and all employed in the security here. May God protect them and their families.

Thank you for your comments and encouragement. We always look forward hearing from you.

In His loving embrace,
Toni and Bill

P.S. I had the privilege of bringing 11 people to church in Tepeyac this morning! What a blessing it was! Wonderful worship and message.