And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come” (Mark 4:26-29, KJV).
Sowing Seed: This parable, appearing only in Mark, shows the supernatural character of the Kingdom of God. It teaches us that while we are responsible for planting the message of the Kingdom, only God can guarantee the result. The current population of the city of Chihuahua already exceeds one million. God has been gracious since we arrived here, allowing the planting of the Word of God in different ways. In 2003 and 2004, Seed Sowers handed out over 100,000 texts in the southwest area of the city. This work has continued, with the assembly believers handing out texts, Via magazines, and tracts in the parks and neighborhoods near the Gospel Hall. The State of Chihuahua is Mexico’s largest state. It has a population of over three million people and is divided into 67 municipalities. However, we have only been able to reach 13 of those municipalities with texts and Via magazines.
Children’s work: In addition to our Sunday school held at the hall, we hold children’s meetings in the north of the city in a neighborhood called El Porvenir. We meet there every Wednesday and Sunday to plant the seed of the Word of God in these little ones’ tender hearts. We pray that these children will be converted and become men and women of God, bringing glory to the Lord and blessing in their homes. Each summer we have between 50 and 100 children attending the vacation Bible classes.
Radio Broadcast: Each Friday we have a radio broadcast where we read the Word of God and give a short gospel message. Some of the listeners have contacted us to ask questions or to share a spiritual need.
Open air: During the summer, we have an open-air meeting on Saturday in the neighborhoods surrounding the hall. As well, we go to the hospital to distribute literature and food for those visiting their sick relatives.
Annual conference: Each September we have our annual conference. It is very encouraging to see Christians bringing fellow believers many kilometres who would otherwise have no means of coming to the conference.
Outreach: In the city of Delicias, with a population of 140,000, we have a small rented hall and each week travel the 100km journey to distribute literature and preach the gospel. We ask ourselves, as did Andrew the disciple, what are they among so many?
Conditions in Chihuahua: During 2015, Chihuahua held the fifth place nationally for economic growth, and was in sixth place for contributing to national GDP. However, it is very sad to see other data that place the state of Chihuahua in last place for life expectancy. It has the country’s highest infant mortality rate and the fourth highest maternal mortality rate. The state of Chihuahua also has one of the highest homicides rates and causes of both preventable and highly preventable deaths. This has had an impact on the work of the Lord. During our nearly 13 years of labor here, 10 believers have gone to be with the Lord. Some already were in assembly fellowship and others had only been baptized. Most of these were elderly. There are other cases where relatives of the believers died of a drug overdose, and this has given us the opportunity to reach more of these homes with the message of the gospel. The assembly is still small, with much need for spiritual shepherding. Some believers live a long way from the hall and have trouble getting to meeting, so on occasions, it is necessary to go pick them up.
Prayer requests: We highly appreciate the prayers of God’s people for the continuation both of peace in the country and freedom to proclaim the gospel. We are confident that the Spirit of God can speak directly to the hearts of those who listen, producing repentance that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus and, like many other countries around the world, Mexico is a country with 120 million souls where there are many opportunities and great need, but few workers. There is real need for both the preaching of the gospel and the continuous clear teaching of sound doctrine to the Lord’s flock. We continue looking to Him to supply every need in the work. Please pray the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest and pray for blessing in the salvation of souls and the spiritual growth of new believers.
On a personal note, we are thankful to the Lord that we are in good health and our daughter is already halfway through her medical studies at the Autonomous University of Chihuahua. Thank you for your prayers.
