An Amazing Night In Prison

Greetings from Watauga, Texas. Tonight I am at my son's home for a week-long visit with him and his family, and I am so grateful to God for allowing me the privilege of coming away for this relaxing time.

On Thursday morning, I left Tepeyac and headed for Haskell, Texas, where I wanted to join the group of women from "Treasures of Grace" ministry. They have been sharing the gospel in that prison for nearly ten years. Last week, I received texts from two women in the group about the group of 91 women who had attended the Bible study at the prison, and ten women accepted Christ that night. I really wanted to join them for an evening of praise and worship and sharing the gospel with these ladies.

When I arrived in the parking lot of the Rolling Plains Correctional Facility, the women were just unloading cases of bibles to take inside to the inmates. We hugged and greeted one another, excited about what God is doing behind those walls. We were a large group, 8 in all, and after signing in, we were taken to the chapel. It was the first time I'd been in the chapel and it was surprisingly like a regular church sanctuary with pews and a baptismal in the back of the room. I had ministered in this facility for many years while living in Texas, and have missed my Thursday evenings sharing in Spanish with the immigration detainees.

We prayed before the first group was led in, and 5 maximum security inmates filed in, hugging each of us before they sat down. We prayed with them and sang praise and worship songs, and then Haley  from Treasures of Grace, gave a short message. After that, I shared a little about my life in Mexico, and we asked them to share some about their relationships with the Lord. They told us they have Bible studies and try to encourage one another. They aren't sure what the future holds, but they know Who holds their future. It was a blessing to spend time with these ladies, and although it was short, we were encouraged by their faith.

When the guard led them back to their cells, we prayed again for the next group, knowing it would be the ICE detainees and a much larger group of women. We prayed God would prepare hearts and have His way, giving the messengers His message of hope for the lost.

Finally, the woman guard led the ladies into the room, and gradually, after many hugs and greetings, they sat down in the pews, over 65 women in all. Many took Bibles with gospel tracts freely offered them. A few had their own Bibles with them. We prayed and began to sing a few songs, with the women singing with such exuberance, it was what I imagine it will be like in heaven. The ladies took their places and Haley shared her message with them, and I translated it into Spanish. When she finished, I shared what God had done in my life, and what He is doing now, taking what the enemy meant for evil and turning it around for good, and the Lord did something amazing.

When I asked the women to come forward and ask Christ to come into their lives, it was amazing. One by one at first, then in groups, then every last woman came forward. None of us could imagine such a move of God. We were all crying and hugging, and as I prayed a sinner's prayer, everyone was repeating the words and everyone was crying, hugging one another and wiping tears. (Two of the women asked for prayer to rededicate their lives to Christ, as they were already born-again but had turned away.)

I can't tell you how wonderful it was to be in that room at that moment. It was obvious God was doing a new thing in that place. The TOG group has been ministering there for many years, and praying for God to have His way in these women's lives. Obviously, He is answering those prayers and blessing those efforts. What an amazing God we serve. What a privilege to be a part of that ministry and that movement of the Spirit.
When we said our goodbyes, the hugs were long and heartfelt, the words were sweet and grateful and the promises to pray for these sisters were sincere. May God give them the grace and the strength to serve Him every day of their lives, and to be a light to their families when they go back to their countries.

After the immigration detainees left, the guard led in two women, one prepared to be baptized. She was a petite young lady, only 18, but with the sweetest spirit. She had been studying with the group for 3 months and was being transferred to an SAFPF Drug Program at another location the next day. Sue McCurley asked the young woman a few questions about her salvation and then asked if she was ready to be baptized. She allowed me to baptize her, and we were so excited about all that God is going to do in this young woman's life. He has a wonderful plan for her and she promised to keep in touch with the TOG ministry.
When we walked out of the facility Thursday night two and a half hours later, all of us were so excited. It was an amazing night and we were thankful to God for allowing us to participate, each in our own way, with what He had accomplished that night.

May God be glorified in your life today and every day as you keep putting Jesus first in your life. He's our only hope of glory and "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6

Be encouraged. If we are willing to be used by Him, He will use our lives for His glory.

Blessed beyond measure,

Toni


"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." 1 Timothy 1:12

Party, Princessa and Prison

Sorry it´s been so long since we updated our blog. We´ve been ¨out of pocket¨ as they say in Texas. Our laptop still isn´t working but I used the old computer from Swenson Baptist to type out this update and saved it on a flash drive for the internet store here in San Carlos. Thank the Lord for computers!

Monday, April 2nd, we attended a little party for the local pre-schoolers. Blanca, the teacher, made a piñata and cupcakes, and all the moms brought something for the meal. We made sugar cookies and it was a beautiful day and the lake (they call it a tank) is a great place for a get-together. We gave the moms a ride to and from the party and everyone had fun.

I love this picture! It says it all...
Bill and Guillermo laughing while Evelyn cracks a confetti egg on Chandy´s head...too funny!

Angela and her sunglasses! Perfect Springtime attire...

Forgive the wrong date stamp...couldn´t figure out the camera settings...Ring around the rosies, Mexico style. The kids facing outwards are ¨burros¨...when they lose they have to turn and face outwards...very cute game.

That afternoon, we took our next-door neighbor and her family up to Navaja to visit a sick friend, and they had a nice visit.

We’ve had a beautiful week in Tepeyac and although I know the really hot weather is coming soon, we have enjoyed the beautiful days and evenings in the 60’s and 70’s. It has already hit the high 90’s and we keep our fan going most of the time in our room and the trailer. With the rain we‘ve had recently, everything is green and it’s a beautiful trip when we go down the road to pick up Maria and her family for church.

Tuesday, the 3rd, we went up to Del Rio and were able to get some more dog food for Rito and Maria’s dogs. We also picked up some Emu oil for Princessa. She has a bad spot on her back over her shoulder, about the size of my open hand. We trimmed the hair over the wound on Sunday when we went to celebrate Rito’s birthday. They made a nice meal and we spent several hours there. When we brought the food on Tuesday night, Rito said her back looks like it’s starting to dry up a little. We don’t know what caused the problem, but are glad it´s beginning to heal.

Lupita is doing much better after the past month being ill. She was doing so much better when I saw her at the Bible study Wednesday evening and we enjoyed fellowship after the study at her house. 

Thursday we had 14 kids for the art class and they memorized their verse, Ephesians 2:8. They made little boxes from card stock that had verses on all sides. It was a little complicated for the younger kids, but most of the older children helped with the little ones. Blas and Paula came and helped, too. It was nice, and everyone enjoyed the refreshments as it was pretty warm that afternoon.

Saturday, we went to the prison and visited with our girl from the U.S. for several hours. She was supposed to be transferred to a federal facility in the states but her move has been delayed for 3-4 months. We also talked to several men about the Lord, and we attended a church service under the trees outside the women’s unit. The man who spoke is named Hector and he lives in Piedras Negras with his wife, Ofelia. He is a horse-trainer by trade and spent 15 years in prison in California when he was younger. He has a great testimony and a great way of sharing the gospel with the inmates. He reminds me of Jimmy Stewart....Gentle, quiet, and to the point.

We visited with several inmates individually, praying with some and reading the word with others. It was definitely divine appointments that day.

We had a quiet Resurrection Day, with a little birthday party after church for Lupita´s daughter, Nena and Yessica´s son, Pepe. I made a three milk cake and everyone enjoyed cake, peaches and punch. 

Thank you for your interest in our blog and our lives here in Mexico. We appreciate your prayers for us, and for those here in our area. We want to make a difference and we see opportunities every day for evangelism here.

May God use your life for His glory this week and always, and may He guide your steps and put you in the paths of people who need to hear the truth and see the changes He can make in our lives.

Seeking the King,

Toni and Bill

Rey, Princessa and Manuel

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints”   Ephesians 6:18

From Rochester, Texas to Mexico

We've had some birthdays since I last updated our blog. Sister Lupita turned 81 this month. Maria had a birthday and her son, Manuel, turned 5 this month. Everyone enjoyed the Italian Cream Cake, Carrot cake and Manuel especially liked his M&M cake. It has been a sweet month in Tepeyac, needless to say. 

Saturday, Maria and Socorro came over and we made lots of empanadas to sell for the church. We sold all of them and everyone enjoyed the day together.

Bill and I went to the prison Sunday afternoon and again today for several hours, visiting with our American girl who has yet to be transferred to a Federal facility in the U.S. We’re glad we get to see her but know she’s anxious to get moved into a safer environment.

Our visit with her was sweet both days, and today we were able to bring her some hamburgers, as she told us last time she misses American food. She said she’ll probably miss Mexican food when she gets to the states.

We also visited with a man we met Sunday. We shared alot with him about God's plan for his life. He admitted he's made alot of mistakes in his life and said he’s trying to seek the Lord now, and we hope he really does. He has 6 children he hasn't seen since he's been locked up, and he said it makes him very sad to think of how much his mistakes have cost him.

We visited awhile with Pedro. He was selling candy and showed us where his hair was shaved on the top as a punishment from the other prisoners. The inside of the prison is run by the inmates, and the guards remain on the outside all the time. Pedro is another one who confesses the Lord but isn't sure he wants to surrender all yet. Please keep him in your prayers. He was very surprised when I called him by name and thought I would have forgotten him. I told him I've been praying for him since we first met him a month ago. He said he was grateful for our prayers. The courts gave him more time and he won't be released until April, he said.

Bill went out in the yard while I was talking to our girl, and met a man named Alfonso who spoke perfect English. When Bill asked him where he got in trouble, he told him Rochester, Texas! That's about 30 miles from Aspermont! Hard to imagine, but he said he was picked up by Greg Hearn, who is the police chief and city manager there. In 1998, Alfonso was working at the Rochester Peanut Company, the main employer there. Mr. Hearn told him he stopped him because "he wasn't from around there." I remember when people used to say that to me. Too funny! 

Anyway, Alfonso had a warrant from Eagle Pass and went to jail in Rochester, then Haskell, and finally got deported to Mexico. Now he's serving 4 years in Mexico for another crime, and although he was born in Texas, he's serving time behind bars there near Piedra Negras.

We gave out lots of Agua Viva, the gospel of John in a nice booklet in Spanish that we recently received in the mail. They are great ministry tools. 

We look forward to seeing Greg, Robin and Laura this weekend, and hope to take them to the prison while they're here. 

Thank you for reading our blog, and thank you for your prayers for us and the ministry here in Mexico. We are blessed and encouraged by your loving support.

In His grip,

Toni and Bill 

Valentine's Day Within Prison Walls

Our Valentine’s Day afternoon was spent with the men at the prison near Piedras Negras, and we had a wonderful visit. We arrived a little after 1 p.m., and after trading our licenses for “fichas,” we were led to the big metal doors where the guards stay on the outside and we walk into the prison yard. Almost immediately, two of the men we’d visited with Monday met us and helped us carry our bag and plastic bucket, filled with some canned goods, candy, Bibles and tracts. We also brought some sandwich bags with instant coffee, deodorant, soap and toothpaste, some of the items they had asked us to bring.

We walked down the gated walkways that traverse the yard, and greeted every man who walked past us or was sitting along the sides. Most of them greeted us with “Buenas tardes, Hermana,” and “Buenas tardes, Hermano.” Some even said, “Dios le bendiga.” (God bless you.) Some men were playing soccer in the yard as we walked by. Some of the men were washing clothes, hanging them on the cyclone fences.

One of the unusual things Bill noticed was that there are dogs inside the gates of the prison. He saw about 20 dogs there. I guess I don’t remember ever seeing a dog inside a US prison before, except the guard dogs that search for escapees.

Under a covered area, several men were cutting wood and making cutting boards and tortilla boards in the shape of apples, carving details in the leaves and stems. Nearby, we sat down with several men at a cement table with benches and listened to them as they began to share about their lives and their testimonies. We read the Word together, some of them sharing their favorite verses. I told them about Bill’s life and shared my salvation experience, coming to Christ after the death of my first son. They asked how long I’d been walking with the Lord and it was the first time I thought about it being over 30 years. Today is my son, Brandon’s 30^th birthday. What an adventure, walking with Jesus!

We got their names and told them we’d be praying for them. This morning, Bill and I prayed for each one individually, trusting God to transform their lives and use them for His glory.

The men introduced to two musicians, who invited us into a church nearby, framed with 2x4’s, and covered with blue FEMA tarps. The hand-painted sign over the door read, “Ministerio Carcelario Bethesda.” Inside, it said “Casa de Misericordia, Escuela de Fe.” (Bethesda Prison Ministry, House of Mercy, School of Faith.)

We joined them in the little church, with a few folding chairs on a broken, concrete and dirt floor, one bare light bulb giving light in the semi-darkness of the blue tarps, and sang praise songs with the men and their families. It was uplifting and encouraging to us to join that Spirit-filled congregation.

Antonia, the lady I met 10 days ago our first day at the prison, and her mother and sister from Torreon were there to visit Antonia’s son, Jose Luis. It was a wonderful service, and the men took turns giving their testimonies and sharing favorite songs with the little group of about 20 people. The guitar player, Jorge, led the service and asked us to share. I translated while Bill told the men that he hoped they would listen to an old man who has spent many years behind bars, and wasted most of his life doing crime. He said he hoped they would take the Bible seriously and start using it as their life’s manual. I told them that ever since I first saw the prison I desired to share the gospel behind these walls, and now God has opened the door for us to do just that. It was encouraging to meet and shake hands with these men, and to pray with them and praise the Lord with them in the little makeshift room.

We talked to several more men on our way out, and prayed with 5 more individuals that Bill stopped to talk with along the way. The last man we visited with was Pedro, a troubled 26-year-old who lived in Denton before being deported. He said he’s being released in two weeks, to move home to Monclova, and said he knows his three enemies are the devil, the world and his flesh. We prayed for him before we left, and prayed God would deliver him from his lifestyle, and help him to walk with the Lord the remainder of his days.
 

We appreciate your prayers for the men at this facility and for us as we share the love of Jesus with the men and their families behind the walls. Bill got to hold several babies that came to visit family members for Valentine’s Day. It was a good day and we look forward to returning soon.

On a different note, Guillermo still comes over every day. This morning, he watched  Hope Ranch on the DVD player the Goza’s gave us. He loves to watch cowboy and horse movies and laughs out loud, which I love to see.

Someone recently told me they didn’t know how to pronounce his name. Guillermo means William and its pronounced “Ghee-air-moe.” (Ghee sounds like key) I don’t know how else to put it. It’s the same name Bill uses when he introduces himself, and here, they give him the nickname “Memo.” It’s like Bill in Spanish.

Our doctor here still hasn’t got a referral for us to a specialist for Guillermo’s hearing problem. We know the wheels move much slower here, so we are patiently waiting for God’s timing in all of this. In the meantime, I am blessed that he enjoys spending time with us.

We are grateful for your interest in what we’re doing here. We know that God is holding us in the palm of His hand, and is opening doors for us every where we turn.

God bless you today, as you keep your eyes on the King of kings. He’s our only hope.

Clinging to Jesus,

Toni and Bill

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a]
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
  and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:1-3