Caballos, Cowboys and Kidneys

Greetings from Tepeyac in the incredible name of Jesus Christ. We are encouraged, blessed and in awe of God’s faithfulness in recent weeks. So many things are happening here lately, and we are thanking Him for allowing us to be used by Him here in Mexico.

Thursday evening, after returning from a trip to Piedras, five boys arrived on horseback in our front yard. As I went out to greet them, I saw all of them were kids I knew and had enjoyed teaching here in Tepeyac.

Ricardo, about 14 years old, dismounted and came up to talk to me. He asked if I could drive his mother and grandfather to the doctor on Friday morning at 7 am. I said yes, and asked how many would be coming with them. He said about 5, so I took the van Friday morning to pick them up.

Felipe, the grandfather, is 74 and has suffered a stroke several years ago that he has not recovered from. He is unable to walk and is pushed around on a walker. Ricardo helped his mother, Mari, put Felipe in the van, and we loaded up for Acuña.

Bill went with me and we picked up Mari’s brother and his wife in Palmira. We arrived at the Seguro Hospital just before 8 am, the time for Felipe’s appointment. They finished about 10:30 and we loaded up and took them to the pharmacy and the bank. Then we headed back home.

On the way, as we were leaving Acuña, we picked up a family on their way to Zaragoza. They were hitchhiking and we gave them a ride to San Carlos, about an hour short of their destination. We filled up our propane tank, and then took Mari and her family home to Tepeyac. I was able to bring them a wheelchair for Felipe to use as he was badly in need of a way to get around. The wheelchair was a donation from my trip to California.

Here are some pictures of Mari's grandson, Gerardo. He is 4 years old and loves horses and ropes. He's quite a little cowboy.

I recently went into a parts shop in Eagle Pass to have them check out the “check engine” light on the dash of the Corolla.

They man who came out to do the diagnostic was eager to talk, as I usually am, and we started talking about the Lord and what He had done in our lives.

He said he had lost his wife and children because of his alcohol problems, but several years ago he came to know the Lord and his life is completely changed. He is attending a wonderful church and is being used by God nearly every day to share with people that come into the store. 

We hugged goodbye, and before I left, he prayed for me and for Bill, and was such an encouragement, I felt like it was just the “shot” I needed. His faith was contagious, as all of us believers should be. We need each other to remind us that God has a wonderful plan for our lives and can use us, no matter where we live or what we do.

Sometimes I feel like I am so far from my family and friends and need that little personal touch to keep my faith alive. God has a way of putting people in our paths right when we need them.

The funniest thing happened this morning. When I was getting out of the Corolla to close the gate heading for the house, I heard the fan turn on to cool the engine. That was the reason the "check engine" light was on on the dash of the car. When I got back in the car, the light had turned off. I thanked the Lord for healing that problem. He cares about even the smallest things.

Manuelita and her son, Cristian when we first moved to Mexico

Recently, I have been trying to get help for Cristian Vasquez Hernandez and his family. He is the boy I shared about a few years ago.

He was born with something called "neurogenic bladder" and his condition has damaged his kidneys. I trust the Lord will help me find someone in the US that can help this young man with this need.  I have made several visits to the Mexican Consulate, and have spoken to medical professionals in San Antonio. Right now, I am waiting for a response.

This is Cristian today. He will be 9 years old in May.

In the meantime, we appreciate your prayers for him and his family. This has been a very difficult journey and it is very expensive for them with all the trips to the hospital in Monterey and the things he needs to care for his illness.

Thank you so much for partnering with us in this ministry through your prayers and support. We are grateful for your interest and we especially thank you for your prayers. 

In Jesus' name,

Toni and Bill