Men of Valor Conference

Irapuato, Mexico (Saturday, July 31)

Today was the much anticipated Men of Valor Conference, the very first time ever brought to Mexico and the very first in Spanish. About 114 men attended from 4 different states.

Dr. David Harms was the main speaker, with break-out sessions by Armando, Guillermo Tijerina, David Buckert, Robert Silva, and Felipe Vasquez. For those who don't know, Dr. Harms was a last-minute provision from God as the first planned speaker had to back out a couple of weeks prior. They all LOVED him and the message he gave!! What an amazing provision he turned out to be!! Thank you, God, for changing OUR plans and giving us yours!!

After the conference, Armando finished up an evangelism seminar that he started teaching at one of the churches there in Irapuato. This church does not believe in assurance of salvation and one of the things the seminar teaches is that you cannot lose your salvation. Well, they didn't kick him out, so that's a good thing! Everything is backed by scripture, so there's really nothing they can dispute. Armando started with 10 people (and he only had 10 booklets left), but ended up with about 40 people...so the leaders ended up having to make more and more copies! What a great problem to have...not to have enough booklets!! Pray that the people in the seminar would feel equipped to share Christ boldly and intentionally in their community...

The team returns tomorrow (Sunday) evening! Thank you to all who have been praying for them and for Natalia and I. We TRULY appreciate all your support!!!

"Welcome to the family!!"

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

Queretaro
Monday, they were in the city of Queretaro (can anyone pronounce that?) to do an evangelism seminar in one of the churches. People trickled in little by little and ended with over 30 people (they started with 8) in attendance. They didn't really know what to expect from the seminar, but once they heard it, they were glad they came. The church wants them back to do another seminar! Yes, that means another trip for Armando, but it also means another chance to equip more people to share Christ clearly and simply.

Celaya
Tuesday was in the city of Celaya for another evangelism seminar. This time it was in a Christian rehab center for young people (not sure of the age range)--tough guys with drug addictions and "colorful" past. Armando said it was the toughest crowd they have ever had...a few times, from the expressions and looks they had, Armando was sure they were going to beat him up. Nothing of the sort happened thankfully!

Here's the exciting part!! From that seminar, one young man trusted Christ!! Yahoo...glory to God!! And apparently, there was another young man, who the rehab staff said they have been trying to share the gospel to for SO long, but has never wanted to hear it. Well, after the seminar, the staff said this young man is now asking questions!! I don't know about you, but this gives me the "wow goose-bumps" (I just made that up, by the way! :-)!!

Anyway, please pray for our new brother and for the young man asking questions...that he would come to a full understanding of what it means to trust Jesus Christ. Just imagine the potential these young men could have for God's glory and the awesome testimonies they would share with others!! Again, wow!!

Up next:
Wednesday they travel to Irapuato and will be there till Sunday.
Wed - prayer workshop
Thurs/Fri - evangelism seminar
Thurs - the Men of Valor team arrive in Irapuato: Dr. David Harms, Dan Martin, David Buckert, Robert Silva, and Felipe Vasquez.
Fri - day of sight-seeing for most of the team; that evening, there will be an inauguration for the very first church library in the Irapuato church, thanks to Michelle Davis and her vision!!

A huge thank you to all who have been praying diligently for this trip!!!

Flat Tire, Rain, Redemption

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness."
(Psalm 115:1)

Acambaro, Mexico
On schedule for Saturday was the Leadership Summit 2009 (selected speakers). It was raining quite a bit, so only about 40 people showed up, but I believe they were the exact 40 that God wanted there that day. The team was late getting to the church because they had a flat tire on their way there. However, since it was raining, the people were also late, so it all worked out!

All the messages were well received and convicting to many of the leaders in attendance, especially the message from Wes Stafford (Compassion International president), who shared his testimony. Please pray that the leaders will take what they learn and actually implement them in their respective churches.

After the conference, Armando showed the movie "Fireproof" (in Spanish), with a follow-up message the next morning on love & respect and Ephesians. Many were moved to tears by the movie, but there was one particular couple there who had been married for 20 years, were separated for 8 years, and just a week ago, had gotten back together and here they were watching a movie about reconciling a broken marriage and hearing a message on love & respect! I believe God is at work in this couple's life and redeeming the marriage He meant for them to have!

That afternoon was the prayer workshop (hindrances to prayer), which challenged many about their prayer life.

After that, many requested to see "Fireproof" again so they showed the movie once more and again, more tears were shed. Please pray that those tears will turn to action...where they will seek to change their marriages to one that honors God.

Up next:
Monday - You Can Tell It (evangelism seminar) in Queretaro.
Tuesday - You Can Tell It (evangelism seminar) in Celaya.

Hopefully, I will be able to talk to Armando again for updates in the next day or so (calls don't always go through). Plus, they are not sure yet where they will be staying after the evangelism seminar. Please pray for rest and health for them...Armando was not feeling well (probably from lack of sleep) and he'll need stamina as the evangelism seminar takes 4.5 hours to cover.

Arrival

They arrived safely in Mexico City last night. Today, they ride a bus to Acambaro (4-hr bus ride) to prepare for the Leadership Summit tomorrow (Saturday). They, for those who don't know, are Armando, our friend Guillermo, and 15 or 16 yr old Marcel Baptiste (who will be doing some worship leading).

As you know, they go there mostly to share Christ with ANYONE who makes eye contact with them! SO, I do have to add that Guillermo has already done that...on the plane, in fact! Guillermo traded seats with Marcel and one conversation led to another and Guillermo shares the gospel to the lady beside him!

Please continue to pray:
-for safe travels today
-Leadership Summit, prayer workshop, and marriage seminar Saturday

Stay tuned for more stories as I receive them.