Mexico

Our work in Mexico has been hindered by the ongoing violence in the area. Last summer two of our members were able to make brief contact at the border with Juan Carolos Calderon who is the preacher at Progresso. They traveled to the border with the intent of delivering funds to them and helping with a Vacation Bible School and medical mission effort. 
    

However, on July 11, 2010 following a visit in the middle of the International Bridge with Bro. Calderon and under advisement of a friend who is on the Border Patrol, the our members decided it was not safe for them to continue to Progresso. They transferred the funds to bro. Calderon who took them back to Progresso on our behalf.
    

The following information is based on their recent travel to Mexico.

Juan Carlos and all of the members were very worried that they would be robbed during the medical mission. Thankfully, this did not happen.  VBS was Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with an average attendance of 90 children. The medical mission was held on Thursday and Friday with approximately 50 people attending the first day and 70 attending the last day.
    

We are proud of them, considering it was their first time to plan even a VBS on their own. Although they had no baptisms during the mission they were able to line up several Bible studies. They are very good at following up with contacts. This year they have had 9 baptisms, mostly from home Bible studies.
    

We need to keep them in our prayers. The poverty level continues to rise. Several of the Christians make their living as street vendors, and with no American tourists, their income has dwindled. They are also living under constant fear of the gangs.
    

Hopefully, conditions will improve soon and we will be able to visit with them again.