Greetings in the beautiful name of Jesus Christ!
When I think of last year, I can only say God is faithful and I am blessed to be writing this today. With all the challenges of 2020, those of us who remain living and breathing in this new year have much to be grateful for.
We have seen God’s hand on our lives and I hope we can say “It is well with my soul.” Our hope is in Jesus Christ and He has a wonderful plan for our lives if we only surrender to His will. The pandemic has helped most of us see what is truly important.
I am blessed to still be here in Mexico, and have experienced so many blessings and challenges over the past calendar year.
It’s almost impossible to share all that God has done here, but I will say that He has been faithful and protected me and provided for my needs and the needs of many in my sphere of influence here.
Last month, I had the privilege of handing out over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies, toys, and many other goodies from a group of churches in Oklahoma and Texas. The ministry of Bridge Builders for the Cross of Ada, Oklahoma brought over 1,500 backpacks to Acuña, and Shon and Janeene Young invited me to include the children of Tepeyac. Also, Chava and Elvira Rodriguez of Dallas, Texas brought down dozens more gifts to complete what I needed for the children of Tepeyac. It was a sweet time of sharing the love of Christ with these families.
Bill remains in the residential care home near San Antonio, and although I haven’t been able to visit him due to COVID restrictions, he is doing well and had his first vaccine on his birthday this month. He turned 76 this year.
Last week, I drove up to near Abilene to meet Greg and Robin Goza. It was wonderful to fellowship with them for even a short time. They have been in Texas for the past month and are heading back to Guadalajara this week, so it was a great opportunity to reconnect. They have been such a big part of our lives here in Mexico, and I am so grateful for their friendship.
I continue to attend Sunday services at Agua Viva Church in Centinela, with Pastor Alejandro Alvarado and his wife, Veronica. Most weeks, three friends from Palmira accompany me. The church is part of the ministry based in Juarez, Chihuahua, and is a place of healing for men coming out of drugs and alcohol. Alejandro is from Durango and has been ministering in our area for over a decade. The men he disciples have come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all receive a firm foundation of Bible teaching and instruction. I am blessed to be a part of the ministry.
I would like to thank the support of Aspermont Community Church, First Baptist Church of Swenson and Primera Iglesia Bautista of Corpus Christi. These churches have continued to partner with the ministry here in Mexico, as well as some precious families and friends. I would not be able to do what I do if it weren't for these partners.
Every day is a gift. Be grateful to be alive and make your today better than yesterday.
God bless you as your serve the King of kings.
In His loving embrace,
Toni
