Busy With Rides and Baby Lambs

Today is another busy day with rides to Piedras Negras to take families to doctor's appointments.

It is a beautiful, crisp morning in Coahuila, after a night of strong North winds.

Every day I wake up thanking the Lord for giving me breath and another day to serve Him. When I think of how blessed we are to be of service for these people we help, and how God supplies our needs and the needs of those around us, I am in awe of His loving kindness and mercies. He is faithful in every way, and the joy and peace I experience are a sweet part of walking this walk with Him.

Bill has been caring for a little lamb born on the rancho last Friday. Apparently some animal bit his leg off, but he can stand and walk. He spends the night in the corral with his mother, then, when she's gone to the field during the day, he stays in our house, mostly resting in the dog bed. Bill has named the baby lamb "Pánfilo" which means slowpoke.

It is God's care and goodness I think of when I see Bill love on little Pánfilo. When Bill pets him, his tail shakes with contentment.

Be encouraged today. God can use you in an amazing way if you allow yourself to be sensitive to His Spirit. He will guide your steps.

God bless you today as you keep your eyes on the Lord. He alone is our hope.

By His grace,

Toni and Bill

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.

Christmas Shoebox Delivery 2015

Happy to be bringing gifts to Mexico

On Friday, December 11th, Bill and I met with Pastor Greg and Robin Goza in Del Rio, along with Pastor Jeff and Amy Oliver, from First Baptist Church, Eagle Pass, to prepare for the delivery of 260 shoebox gifts for Tepeyac and the surrounding communities.

We unloaded the U-Haul trailer and reloaded the boxes in our 1989 Chevrolet Van, and Greg's car, and headed across the border with Jeff and Amy joining us.

We went to deliver gifts in Nueva Jarita first, then picked up Lucero, Socorro, Aniceto and Estrella Martinez in Palmira before heading for Tepeyac. We were able to give out most of our gift to children attending a meeting at the Catholic Church with their families. They came over to Yessica's house nearby as we distributed shoeboxes to children and mothers.

After Tepeyac, we headed  for the Children's Home in El Moral, where 8 young ladies were getting ready to go to church in Piedras Negras. We gave gifts to all the girls and the workers that were there, including the pastor's wife.

We stopped at a little store in El Moral for something to snack on, and behind the store, three men were unloading bales of hay, and children were jumping on the bales. We introduced ourselves and Greg gave the men gloves and bottles of Powerade, and we gave the children and mothers gift boxes. It was fun to take their pictures, as the guys posed with their new gloves.

From there, we headed to Centinella, where we first went to the Agua Viva Rehabilitation Center. We gave gifts to each of the 8 men living there, and the pastor, Alejandro Alvarado, his wife, Veronica, and their 7-year-old daughter, Priscilla. Then we went to every house and gave gifts to all the children and most of the mothers. We were able to hand out almost all the gifts, with a few left over for families that were out of town in Tepeyac. I was able to take them to their homes in the week following our delivery.

Greg and Robin and the Olivers headed back to Del Rio to the motel and I took the Martinez family home and delivered more gifts before returning to Del Rio to spend some more time with Greg and Robin. 

It's always a joy for me to have time with friends from the U.S. I miss the fellowship and appreciate every opportunity to spend time with good friends.

We are so very grateful for all the people who made this year's shoebox program a success. We especially want to thank the members of Aspermont Commuity Church, Swenson Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Eagle Pass for all the shoebox gifts they sent to the children and families in Mexico. You gave these families hope and love in a special way this Christmas. God bless you as you share Christ's love in the coming year.

Breakfast Saturday morning with the Greg and Robin Goza and Amy and Jeff Oliver and girls.

Ofelia and her brother with her children. Sweet family in Tepeyac.

Greg Goza and the youngest Oliver

Jahaziel and his regalo.

Our favorite family in Nueva Jarita.

 

Cristian, receiving his gift from Rebeccah

Great guys working unloading hay in El Moral.

With new Gloves and Powerade, we made friends.

 

 

Little Brother and Big Sister!

 

The girls from the Children's Home in El Moral.

A Happy Little Girl with her shoebox.

Expectant Mother and her son

This young man lives in Centinella.

Sweet Kids!

A Happy Family

Proud Boys!

Turkey Dinner At The Agua Viva Rehab Center

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the Hope only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Wednesday afternoon, December 16th, we took the van full of friends and food to Centinella. We enjoyed a wonderful meal of roasted turkey, beans, red rice, ambrosia fruit salad, tortillas, and white cake to celebrate the Christmas season with the "muchachos" at the Agua Viva Rehabilitation Center. We fed 20 people with lots left over, and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful.