September 2014

Our New Team Arrives

In August Cruz de Cristo members bid a fond farewell to Pastor Briones and his family as they left for their new church in Leon, Mexico.  Now in September they welcome Missionary Ralph Martens and his wife Roxanne as they return to serve at Mahahual.  Many residents remember the loving care they received from the Martens in 2010-2011.  Those baptized and confirmed by Pastor Martens look forward to deepening the relationships they formed at that time.

Ralph Martens and his wife have served nearly 40 years in WELS Latin American missions.  They have spread the Gospel in Puerto Rico, Miami (Florida), Chile (ELS), Mexico (Mission to the Children) and on the team of Travelling Theological Educators (LATTE).

The Martens bring a wealth of understanding of the Latin American culture and language with them.  In addition, they will be able to reach more English speaking ex-patriots and temporary residents.  We are grateful the Lord has brought these two people into our midst, and we pray for bountiful fruits from their labor.

Renovations to Cruz de Cristo

We have been blessed with a grant from Christian Aid & Relief which has allowed us to make some major changes to Cruz de Cristo.  After only a month, the improvements are remarkable.  We are using only local labor to do the construction work, and it makes for a few families being much better off financially than they were before.  It's slow season here in Costa Maya, and it is always a difficult time for the locals. We are thankful that we have been able to help them, and at the same time, get our church work completed.  We still have lots to do, but the major work has been accomplished.  Thank you Balta and Manuel for sharing your skills to beautify our church. 

The owner of the building we are renting added a new roof, we added a concrete wall on the south side to keep the rain out, and also adorned our space with a nice wooden fence - it's so nice and airy, so open and available for all.  We were able to save our existing doors which are real treasures, work accomplished by Kingdom Workers over three years ago.  More to come...

 

 

Come Follow Me

On Saturday, July 5th, we showed the movie "Come Follow Me" at Cruz de Cristo.  Recently being given funding for expanding our space, everything worked out just perfectly.  We had a gathering of over 50 people, standing room only, offered juice and popcorn for refreshments.  We have been greatly blessed with our new van to transport people to and from events as well as the ability to enlarge our facility to allow us to share God's Word with many more people.  It was a spectacular night in Mahahual as Jesus extended an invitation to all - COME FOLLOW ME! 

There are exciting projects underway at Cruz de Cristo. We are pleased to be able to share some of the details with you this month.

First of all, a van has been purchased to aid in the transport of adults and children. Those living in Rio Indio can ride comfortably to church, and when Pastor Briones picks up children in Kilometer 55, it now only takes one trip (previously it took 2-3 very full car trips). It is the ¨bus¨ Deb has been praying for. What a blessing!

In addition, the church is renting a larger space. We continue in the same location, but have in addition the other half of the building. We are currently in the midst of clean-up and renovations. Look forward to pictures next month, God-willing!

The Lord continues to bless the mission work in Mahahual, and we know His plans will prevail. Thank you for your kind support in such a multitude of ways. May His kingdom come and will be done, now and forever.