The Christian Expo ended on Sunday night. Apparently, it was a huge event, with over 40,000 people between Thursday-Sunday night!!
The evangelism seminar (called "You Can Tell It") that Armando conducted on Saturday went very well. Thanks for your prayers...his throat held up!
Tonight, he is in Acambaro, doing two seminars on relationships (The 7 Principles by Josh McDowell). He is very tired and his throat is still sore, so hopefully he can rest well tonight.
Now, for the exciting part! Armando has some relatives in Mexico City and he stayed at one cousin's house after the expo on Sunday night. Long story short, they stay up talking till the wee hours of the morning and his cousin ends up trusting Christ!! Praise God...one more saved!
I was thinking after hearing the exciting news, "What if the whole point of this entire 9-day trip was simply to gain one more soul?" Out of 40,000 people, one became a believer. Depending on whether you see the glass half empty or half full determines whether you will see this as something really great or really daunting. I choose to see this as something really great! You see, this particular cousin had a similar (horrific) childhood background as Armando. With enough follow up and development of her relationship with Jesus Christ, she can truly become a passionate Christ follower. SO, even IF there was only one believer out of 40,000 people, I believe that one passionate Christ follower can exert more positive influence and effect more change than numerous believers without passion.
Again, thanks to all who have been praying for Armando and for me. He will be back Thursday morning so I'm counting down! We would appreciate your continued prayers for continued safety and rest for him...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Mexico City Christian Expo
The first part of this trip was to attend a Christian Expo in Mexico City from Thurs, Oct 22 through Sunday, Oct 25 as an exhibitor with EvanTell. This is the first time we have even heard of it so Armando and crew did not know what to expect. It's been an interesting few days! There are MANY rules they have to follow as exhibitors and they have to be there at their booth from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, which was a bit shocking to hear, but I guess many people come even that late!
Many ministries are represented, including some pretty weird ones--one particular one was giving out evangelism tracts as well with some pretty scary pictures on them.
Their booth is fairly hidden; however, God has brought many people their way. In fact, by Friday night, they were down to the bare minimum as far as evangelism tracts and other material. Many are very interested in bringing the evangelism seminar to their churches! One church leader that Armando talked to wants him to come in January. Armando told him that if he can get about 40 people together, he can fly there on a weekend...the guy said, "How about 200 people?"
Please pray for Armando's health. He has had a sore throat, but it may also be a combination of having to talk so much. This morning (Saturday), he was supposed to be at a church in Mexico to give the You Can Tell It evangelism seminar, so hopefully, his voice held up. I'll find out the next time he calls me.
Till next time, thanks for all your prayers for Armando and the whole EvanTell team!!
Many ministries are represented, including some pretty weird ones--one particular one was giving out evangelism tracts as well with some pretty scary pictures on them.
Their booth is fairly hidden; however, God has brought many people their way. In fact, by Friday night, they were down to the bare minimum as far as evangelism tracts and other material. Many are very interested in bringing the evangelism seminar to their churches! One church leader that Armando talked to wants him to come in January. Armando told him that if he can get about 40 people together, he can fly there on a weekend...the guy said, "How about 200 people?"
Please pray for Armando's health. He has had a sore throat, but it may also be a combination of having to talk so much. This morning (Saturday), he was supposed to be at a church in Mexico to give the You Can Tell It evangelism seminar, so hopefully, his voice held up. I'll find out the next time he calls me.
Till next time, thanks for all your prayers for Armando and the whole EvanTell team!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Certain Man's Reality
Tuesday night, they traveled 2 hours to a church Salamanca, where other surrounding churches were invited. Armando gave a message on the 7 Principles of Relationships, by Josh McDowell. Besides reaching people with the love of Jesus Christ, this message comes second as something he is very passionate about because too often, especially in the small towns, kids become adults having NEVER heard their parents say a simple, "I love you" or "I'm proud of you." Then the cycle starts over because it's what they know.
Well, let me share with you a certain man's reality. Before Armando speaks, he normally talks or at least shakes people's hands. A man comes up to him and with sarcasm says, "I KNOW who you are! We'll see what you have to say!" almost challenging him. Well, apparently he got something out of the message because he came up to Armando again at the end and shared his heart...
This man's father used to beat him up, sometimes until he was bleeding! Even more tragic was the fact that his father was a minister! I believe he still is and was actually there as well for the message. How sad that a child would grow up in this contradiction!
Now an adult, this man is still very much emotionally scarred. He was very emotional as he shared with Armando. He has been looking for a job, but has been unsuccessful. He is very discouraged (to say the least) and said he is tired of waiting for God to provide.
This man's reality is not unique to him, but join us in praying for him...that he would have peace of mind, for doors to open for him as far as employment, and most importantly, that he would truly know the greatest love from his heavenly father!
Again, thank you to all who have been praying for this trip. It is truly a blessing and such an encouragement to us! They arrive Friday morning. Till next time, praise God for what He is doing in Mexico and for what He will continue to do!!
Well, let me share with you a certain man's reality. Before Armando speaks, he normally talks or at least shakes people's hands. A man comes up to him and with sarcasm says, "I KNOW who you are! We'll see what you have to say!" almost challenging him. Well, apparently he got something out of the message because he came up to Armando again at the end and shared his heart...
This man's father used to beat him up, sometimes until he was bleeding! Even more tragic was the fact that his father was a minister! I believe he still is and was actually there as well for the message. How sad that a child would grow up in this contradiction!
Now an adult, this man is still very much emotionally scarred. He was very emotional as he shared with Armando. He has been looking for a job, but has been unsuccessful. He is very discouraged (to say the least) and said he is tired of waiting for God to provide.
This man's reality is not unique to him, but join us in praying for him...that he would have peace of mind, for doors to open for him as far as employment, and most importantly, that he would truly know the greatest love from his heavenly father!
Again, thank you to all who have been praying for this trip. It is truly a blessing and such an encouragement to us! They arrive Friday morning. Till next time, praise God for what He is doing in Mexico and for what He will continue to do!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
An Exciting Testimony!
This story was too exciting and required its own special post, although, I apologize as I did not get specific names...
During the EvanTell certification class, there was a guy who ended up having to leave before the class was over because his wife's grandma was very ill and was in the hospital. But, before he left, they prayed over him, specifically for things that pertained to boldness in sharing the gospel as the grandma was a non-believer.
Now, before the guy got to the hospital, the grandma had been in such pain and anguish (probably making sounds of misery). However, as soon as he got there, the grandma stopped and said to him, "I've been waiting for you." He was extremely nervous about sharing the gospel with her, but gathered up courage and did it--other relatives were present in the room. With the method he had just learned, he was supposed to ask if she had any objections to trusting Christ at that moment, but before he could even finish, the grandma declared her trust in Jesus Christ!!! She then said, "Tonight, I'm finally going to be able to sleep in peace."
That's not the end of the story...As he was leaving, one of the grandma's sons came up to him wanting to talk and one thing led to another and the gospel was also presented to him. He didn't vocally declare his trust in Christ, but did confess he was an alcoholic and said he was tired of living the way he had been living.
The guy then returns to the certification class and shares what had just happened and enthusiastically affirms that the method (what they had just learned) really works!!
Just imagine, with this guy's new-found passion, even if he is the only one who ends up giving evangelism seminars in his area, that is ONE MORE laborer fully passionate for God's work and it is ONE MORE person in the process of "producing" more Armando's and Guillermo's, for the work is GREAT in Mexico and the laborers are few...Let's pray for MORE, even if it is one person at a time!
During the EvanTell certification class, there was a guy who ended up having to leave before the class was over because his wife's grandma was very ill and was in the hospital. But, before he left, they prayed over him, specifically for things that pertained to boldness in sharing the gospel as the grandma was a non-believer.
Now, before the guy got to the hospital, the grandma had been in such pain and anguish (probably making sounds of misery). However, as soon as he got there, the grandma stopped and said to him, "I've been waiting for you." He was extremely nervous about sharing the gospel with her, but gathered up courage and did it--other relatives were present in the room. With the method he had just learned, he was supposed to ask if she had any objections to trusting Christ at that moment, but before he could even finish, the grandma declared her trust in Jesus Christ!!! She then said, "Tonight, I'm finally going to be able to sleep in peace."
That's not the end of the story...As he was leaving, one of the grandma's sons came up to him wanting to talk and one thing led to another and the gospel was also presented to him. He didn't vocally declare his trust in Christ, but did confess he was an alcoholic and said he was tired of living the way he had been living.
The guy then returns to the certification class and shares what had just happened and enthusiastically affirms that the method (what they had just learned) really works!!
Just imagine, with this guy's new-found passion, even if he is the only one who ends up giving evangelism seminars in his area, that is ONE MORE laborer fully passionate for God's work and it is ONE MORE person in the process of "producing" more Armando's and Guillermo's, for the work is GREAT in Mexico and the laborers are few...Let's pray for MORE, even if it is one person at a time!
Leadership Conference & EvanTell Certification
Saturday was the much awaited leadership conference (the 2nd year in Mexico), where 3 messages from last year's Leadership Summit was shown. Over 50 people attended the conference, with 4 surrounding states/5 cities represented.
A presentation by the CCBT (Center for Church Based Training) Rep was also made, which was a big hit! The other message that was a hit was the Summit message by Craig Groeschel entitled "It." Overall, the conference was a success and hopefully, each church leader who attended got something that God wanted them to hear and act on in their local church!
On Sunday, the team was in Irapuato (NW of Acambaro) for the certification class by EvanTell's director of international ministries, David Souther, with Armando/Guillermo translating for him. 19 people came to the class(including 6 women, 4 of them as last-minute registrants). Basically, to be certified meant they would become trainers (as Armando and Guillermo are) giving evangelism seminars using EvanTell's resources and method of teaching/sharing the gospel clearly and simply. If you have never heard of them, check out their website (evantell.org). Something from their website summarizes what they are all about, "For 35 years EvanTell has existed for one purpose...to declare the Gospel clearly and simply around the world." It's very exciting because this is the first time EvanTell will have certified anyone in Mexico!!
Monday, they are back in Acambaro for a little rest. Armando will be spending a little time with his maternal grandmother, who has Stage 3 cancer, as well as his mother, who has been taking care of the grandmother. Both need our prayers: for peaceful and pain-free last days for the grandmother, and for renewed strength, peace, health for Armando's mom (she also has some painful health issues that she is suffering from).
Tuesday night, Armando will be in Salamanca to present a Josh McDowell seminar, called 7 Principles of Relationships. More on that on the next post. Till next time, thank you for your continued prayers and being a part of this adventure/God's work in Mexico!!!
A presentation by the CCBT (Center for Church Based Training) Rep was also made, which was a big hit! The other message that was a hit was the Summit message by Craig Groeschel entitled "It." Overall, the conference was a success and hopefully, each church leader who attended got something that God wanted them to hear and act on in their local church!
On Sunday, the team was in Irapuato (NW of Acambaro) for the certification class by EvanTell's director of international ministries, David Souther, with Armando/Guillermo translating for him. 19 people came to the class(including 6 women, 4 of them as last-minute registrants). Basically, to be certified meant they would become trainers (as Armando and Guillermo are) giving evangelism seminars using EvanTell's resources and method of teaching/sharing the gospel clearly and simply. If you have never heard of them, check out their website (evantell.org). Something from their website summarizes what they are all about, "For 35 years EvanTell has existed for one purpose...to declare the Gospel clearly and simply around the world." It's very exciting because this is the first time EvanTell will have certified anyone in Mexico!!
Monday, they are back in Acambaro for a little rest. Armando will be spending a little time with his maternal grandmother, who has Stage 3 cancer, as well as his mother, who has been taking care of the grandmother. Both need our prayers: for peaceful and pain-free last days for the grandmother, and for renewed strength, peace, health for Armando's mom (she also has some painful health issues that she is suffering from).
Tuesday night, Armando will be in Salamanca to present a Josh McDowell seminar, called 7 Principles of Relationships. More on that on the next post. Till next time, thank you for your continued prayers and being a part of this adventure/God's work in Mexico!!!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Morelia Experience
"For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise..."(1 Chronicles 16:25 NIV)
Praise God for what He is doing in Morelia, another very strategic place for the gospel to start spreading! They were actually taken to the place where the grenade incident happened last year.
For lack of time, a short version of the evangelism seminar was held in one of the churches there. 31 people attended, many of them very passionate about learning. Out of those 31, two women want to get certified by EvanTell to be able to teach those same seminars Armando gives. This is a BIG deal and an answer to prayer! (To put it mildly, many churches in Mexico do not allow women to have leadership positions.) SO, not only are they WOMEN, one of them is a doctor and it is very unusual to find highly educated, well-off people in Christian churches in Mexico to begin with! Imagine the impact this doctor can have in her sphere of influence!! They are both very eager to start sharing the gospel, then start teaching others how to share it as well!
Please pray for Saturday's event to be a success and for everything to go smoothly. Leadership Conference Day, a short version of the Leadership Summit 2008. It was very successful last year and the attendees wanted to have it again this year. Pray for open hearts and a willingness to be teachable (for those who may be new this year).
On a different note, three other people from the U.S. flew out this morning (Friday) to join Armando and Guillermo--David Souther from EvanTell, who will be conducting the certification classes to raise more Armandos's to be able to teach the evangelism seminars themselves; Julio Garza, the pastor who planted the Acambaro church; and Michelle Davis, from Chase Oaks Church, who read about what Armando is doing in Mexico and decided she was going to go...heard God's call and was willing to leave her family and comforts of home to be a servant for God!
Your continued prayers are much appreciated. More to come this weekend!
Praise God for what He is doing in Morelia, another very strategic place for the gospel to start spreading! They were actually taken to the place where the grenade incident happened last year.
For lack of time, a short version of the evangelism seminar was held in one of the churches there. 31 people attended, many of them very passionate about learning. Out of those 31, two women want to get certified by EvanTell to be able to teach those same seminars Armando gives. This is a BIG deal and an answer to prayer! (To put it mildly, many churches in Mexico do not allow women to have leadership positions.) SO, not only are they WOMEN, one of them is a doctor and it is very unusual to find highly educated, well-off people in Christian churches in Mexico to begin with! Imagine the impact this doctor can have in her sphere of influence!! They are both very eager to start sharing the gospel, then start teaching others how to share it as well!
Please pray for Saturday's event to be a success and for everything to go smoothly. Leadership Conference Day, a short version of the Leadership Summit 2008. It was very successful last year and the attendees wanted to have it again this year. Pray for open hearts and a willingness to be teachable (for those who may be new this year).
On a different note, three other people from the U.S. flew out this morning (Friday) to join Armando and Guillermo--David Souther from EvanTell, who will be conducting the certification classes to raise more Armandos's to be able to teach the evangelism seminars themselves; Julio Garza, the pastor who planted the Acambaro church; and Michelle Davis, from Chase Oaks Church, who read about what Armando is doing in Mexico and decided she was going to go...heard God's call and was willing to leave her family and comforts of home to be a servant for God!
Your continued prayers are much appreciated. More to come this weekend!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
2nd Annual Trip to Central Mexico (2009)
What's a trip without some excitement??!! I'll tell you about that in a moment. First, the boring details. Armando, Guillermo, and Armando's brother, Hugo left Tuesday night around 11:30 PM, drove all night to be able to cross the border in Laredo, then get to Acambaro before nightfall.
The Cherokee was LOADED to the brim with mostly care box items for kids and some clothing donations. We had such a great response for care boxes for kids that they ended up having to leave most of the shoe boxes here and just take the items in them to be "re-package" in Acambaro. Still, some will be going as luggage with the other 3 individuals flying out to join them this coming Friday.
SO, they get to Laredo in the morning. They get a green light, so they cross. However, there was a group of men (not in any kind of uniform) who wanted them to stop. Knowing they were not officers, but seemed to be just street guys, Hugo told Armando NOT to stop. Of course, the men got a little angry and tried to run after them, but Armando was able to drive off. Not sure what they wanted exactly, but Armando said some police officers saw the whole thing and did nothing...Makes you want to say, hmmmm??!!
With that behind them, they had to cross a second immigration post about 40 minutes into Mexico. The officer stopped them saying they had to go back to the border to get a permit. Mind you, they have all the proper documentation to begin with! He had them drive aside then proceeded to "ask" for money (i.e., a bribe). Not wanting trouble and definitely not wanting to drive back unnecessarily, Armando gave him some money to allow them passage. Somehow, the officer ends up telling them that he has a son who is sick, but when Armando offered to pray for the son, he declined and simply asked, "Are you a Christian?" When Armando replies, "Yes!" the officer basically says, "I believe in that stuff..." (not exactly his words as I'm not sure how he said it in Spanish). Then, he asked Armando if he wanted his money back! Armando told him to keep it and they went on their way.
Just a couple of things to keep them on their toes!!! They arrived safely in Acambaro around 6:00 PM Wednesday.
Thursday, someone will be picking them up in Acambaro to take them to Morelia, in the state of Michoacan, where they will be giving an evangelism seminar. The gospel is definitely needed in this area!! This is a place where a grenade attack occurred last year carried out by members of a drug cartel during the Mexican Independence Day--killed civilians and wounded over 100. One rapidly growing cartel based in this area, called La Familia, is now using religion as a way to recruit and create discipline within its members. Needless to say, spreading the gospel in this area is vital!
They will stay in Morelia overnight and will be driven back to Acambaro Friday morning. My next communication with Armando will be Friday night, so I will update you after that. We truly appreciate all your prayers!! Please continue to pray...
"to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:27 NIV)
The Cherokee was LOADED to the brim with mostly care box items for kids and some clothing donations. We had such a great response for care boxes for kids that they ended up having to leave most of the shoe boxes here and just take the items in them to be "re-package" in Acambaro. Still, some will be going as luggage with the other 3 individuals flying out to join them this coming Friday.
SO, they get to Laredo in the morning. They get a green light, so they cross. However, there was a group of men (not in any kind of uniform) who wanted them to stop. Knowing they were not officers, but seemed to be just street guys, Hugo told Armando NOT to stop. Of course, the men got a little angry and tried to run after them, but Armando was able to drive off. Not sure what they wanted exactly, but Armando said some police officers saw the whole thing and did nothing...Makes you want to say, hmmmm??!!
With that behind them, they had to cross a second immigration post about 40 minutes into Mexico. The officer stopped them saying they had to go back to the border to get a permit. Mind you, they have all the proper documentation to begin with! He had them drive aside then proceeded to "ask" for money (i.e., a bribe). Not wanting trouble and definitely not wanting to drive back unnecessarily, Armando gave him some money to allow them passage. Somehow, the officer ends up telling them that he has a son who is sick, but when Armando offered to pray for the son, he declined and simply asked, "Are you a Christian?" When Armando replies, "Yes!" the officer basically says, "I believe in that stuff..." (not exactly his words as I'm not sure how he said it in Spanish). Then, he asked Armando if he wanted his money back! Armando told him to keep it and they went on their way.
Just a couple of things to keep them on their toes!!! They arrived safely in Acambaro around 6:00 PM Wednesday.
Thursday, someone will be picking them up in Acambaro to take them to Morelia, in the state of Michoacan, where they will be giving an evangelism seminar. The gospel is definitely needed in this area!! This is a place where a grenade attack occurred last year carried out by members of a drug cartel during the Mexican Independence Day--killed civilians and wounded over 100. One rapidly growing cartel based in this area, called La Familia, is now using religion as a way to recruit and create discipline within its members. Needless to say, spreading the gospel in this area is vital!
They will stay in Morelia overnight and will be driven back to Acambaro Friday morning. My next communication with Armando will be Friday night, so I will update you after that. We truly appreciate all your prayers!! Please continue to pray...
"to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen." (Romans 16:27 NIV)
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 3-7 Puebla, Mexico Trip
Armando's Summary of his most recent Mexico trip: Puebla and Mexico City.
Wednesday
I arrived in Mexico City in the afternoon and was scheduled to present the You Can Tell It seminar from EvanTell, to teach people how to present the gospel in a clear and simple way. Over 40 people from 3 different churches were in attendance. We had a great 3-hr session and during one of the breaks, one of the leaders came up to me and said that there were 2 non-believers in the crowd. It is my understanding that at the end of the session, one of them put their trust in Christ or at least understood what salvation was. I was supposed to only teach 3 sessions out the 8, but the people were so eager to learn that I made a decision to come back to MX City after my trip to Puebla to complete the seminar.
Thursday/Friday
I traveled to Puebla, Mexico, home of the Puebla Bible Seminary, to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Seminary, where I manned a table to represent the EvanTell organization. I taught 5 workshops, one of them unscheduled. People were really open to learning what it means to trust Christ. Out of this conference, I was invited to give 3 seminars in other parts of Mexico; one of them has a confirmed date and time in the state of Michoacan, where drug dealers have a big presence. It will be in July, which will coincide perfectly since I will already be in Mexico (close to Michoacan) during that time.
Saturday
I was scheduled to be in Mexico City by 7:00 PM to complete the seminar started on Wednesday night. Around 1:00 PM, I received a call from the person who was supposed to drive me to Mexico City to tell me that his car had broken down. By now it was too late to even take the bus and make it to the conference on time, so the director of the seminary and other people tried to find someone to give me a ride, but were unsuccessful. As I was next to my EvanTell stand, I had one packet of evangelism tracts on my table left. One lady came up to the table and picked them up to look at and so I said, “If you want them, they’re yours.” It turns out her husband has been to Dallas to take the EvanTell training and uses those tracts, so she was very thankful to have more. It also turns out they live in Mexico City and had one space left in their minivan. We encountered a lot of construction traffic and an accident, but I made it a few minutes past 7:00.
To my surprise, we had more people on Saturday than we did on Wednesday, even though the Mexican Nat’l soccer team was playing a very important game and usually people would rather stay home to watch. This group in particular was very attentive (over 50 people from 3 different churches). One of the churches in attendance meets at a house in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Mexico City, named Tepito, in which one of the leader’s sons was killed (shot over 20 times). The pastor that invited me to present this seminar told me that these small churches are very evangelism-oriented, so they were very eager to learn. No one even flinched when they found out Mexico lost the game.
Sunday
On Sunday morning I had a pleasant surprise. Just before services, they had 2 groups in Sunday school and one of them had 3 non-believers and that morning they used what we taught them the night before to present the gospel to them and ALL three of them trusted Christ and they stayed for services and worshiped with us. As I was passing by where the other Sunday school group met, I very clearly heard how they wanted to start to pray for Laborers, Opportunities, Boldness, Success, Safety, and Salvation (LOBSSS, an acronym, which was part of the seminar) for their community. These 2 things completely made my day and my trip so worth while! The pastor wants me back in Mexico City to teach the seminar to five other churches he knows.
When I arrived at the Mexico City airport, I had an opportunity to present the gospel to one more person before I left. He didn’t clearly put his trust in Christ, but he does want to be at my next seminar in Mexico City and he wants to bring his wife. I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to at least plant a seed. I know He will do the rest! Thank you all for your prayers…it always makes a big difference!
Wednesday
I arrived in Mexico City in the afternoon and was scheduled to present the You Can Tell It seminar from EvanTell, to teach people how to present the gospel in a clear and simple way. Over 40 people from 3 different churches were in attendance. We had a great 3-hr session and during one of the breaks, one of the leaders came up to me and said that there were 2 non-believers in the crowd. It is my understanding that at the end of the session, one of them put their trust in Christ or at least understood what salvation was. I was supposed to only teach 3 sessions out the 8, but the people were so eager to learn that I made a decision to come back to MX City after my trip to Puebla to complete the seminar.
Thursday/Friday
I traveled to Puebla, Mexico, home of the Puebla Bible Seminary, to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Seminary, where I manned a table to represent the EvanTell organization. I taught 5 workshops, one of them unscheduled. People were really open to learning what it means to trust Christ. Out of this conference, I was invited to give 3 seminars in other parts of Mexico; one of them has a confirmed date and time in the state of Michoacan, where drug dealers have a big presence. It will be in July, which will coincide perfectly since I will already be in Mexico (close to Michoacan) during that time.
Saturday
I was scheduled to be in Mexico City by 7:00 PM to complete the seminar started on Wednesday night. Around 1:00 PM, I received a call from the person who was supposed to drive me to Mexico City to tell me that his car had broken down. By now it was too late to even take the bus and make it to the conference on time, so the director of the seminary and other people tried to find someone to give me a ride, but were unsuccessful. As I was next to my EvanTell stand, I had one packet of evangelism tracts on my table left. One lady came up to the table and picked them up to look at and so I said, “If you want them, they’re yours.” It turns out her husband has been to Dallas to take the EvanTell training and uses those tracts, so she was very thankful to have more. It also turns out they live in Mexico City and had one space left in their minivan. We encountered a lot of construction traffic and an accident, but I made it a few minutes past 7:00.
To my surprise, we had more people on Saturday than we did on Wednesday, even though the Mexican Nat’l soccer team was playing a very important game and usually people would rather stay home to watch. This group in particular was very attentive (over 50 people from 3 different churches). One of the churches in attendance meets at a house in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Mexico City, named Tepito, in which one of the leader’s sons was killed (shot over 20 times). The pastor that invited me to present this seminar told me that these small churches are very evangelism-oriented, so they were very eager to learn. No one even flinched when they found out Mexico lost the game.
Sunday
On Sunday morning I had a pleasant surprise. Just before services, they had 2 groups in Sunday school and one of them had 3 non-believers and that morning they used what we taught them the night before to present the gospel to them and ALL three of them trusted Christ and they stayed for services and worshiped with us. As I was passing by where the other Sunday school group met, I very clearly heard how they wanted to start to pray for Laborers, Opportunities, Boldness, Success, Safety, and Salvation (LOBSSS, an acronym, which was part of the seminar) for their community. These 2 things completely made my day and my trip so worth while! The pastor wants me back in Mexico City to teach the seminar to five other churches he knows.
When I arrived at the Mexico City airport, I had an opportunity to present the gospel to one more person before I left. He didn’t clearly put his trust in Christ, but he does want to be at my next seminar in Mexico City and he wants to bring his wife. I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to at least plant a seed. I know He will do the rest! Thank you all for your prayers…it always makes a big difference!
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 2009 Weekend Trip, 5/21-5/25
This is what Armando sent out, so I just copied and pasted it here...
Presenting the Gospel at 30,000 feet
Guillermo and I were supposed to leave at around 9:40 AM, but American Airlines had canceled the flight and we ended up on another flight and sat separately. Next to me was this gentleman in his 50s, ponytail, boots and hat, he said he was going to Mexico for his Mother’s funeral. As we continued to chat he mentions how sad and depressed he had been after he heard of his mother’s death. You could tell his heart was heavy, but I told him he looked very composed. He said he was getting ready because he knew that he had to confront one of his brothers, whom he doesn’t have a good relationship with, and he mentioned he was getting ready in case the confrontation got physical. During our talk he actually mentioned something about God and even mentioned something he had read in the Bible. I had been praying as we were talking to have an opportunity to present to this man the gospel and the moment the conversation turned to spiritual things I presented the gospel and at the end I asked him if he had any objections about trusting Christ as Savior and Lord and right then and there at around 30,000 feet he said “I don’t have any objections” and he trusted Christ as his Savior; I then prayed for his situation, his family and his safety.
Arrival and my grandmother
We arrived Thursday night in Guanajuato and I went to see my grandmother. I had a chance to once again pray with her and talk to her about God and salvation. Thanks to God and all of you who prayed, she is doing much better, she began to eat again and gained some strength. I spoke with her again this morning after we arrived in Dallas and her spirits are high. She told me how much she loves me, which felt really good because she seldom mentioned that before and for those of you who don’t know, she raised me as a little boy and I do actually call her mother.
Friday Conference in Acambaro Church
On Friday, Guillermo and I presented 7 principles (from Josh McDowell’s Belief Matters) on how to build a healthy relationship with our kids, over 30 people in attendance. We talked about unconditional acceptance, appreciation, affection, availability, accountability, etc., and gave part of our testimonies. We had no idea that people would react so positively to the presentation. A lot of people shed tears, I guess God touched a few hearts there. This area of Mexico is known for a lot of broken families, single mothers, lack of affection; we can see families love each other, but affection and I love you's are not a norm. One lady in particular was crying so much that the Pastor and his wife had to console her; later on she came to us and said, "thank you for showing me this, I have never ever told any of my kids that I love them, I need to go home to call each of the!!" The lady was over 50 years old.
Saturday Evantell Seminar
On Saturday, we presented a seminar to a congregation, two pastors and several church leaders on personal evangelism, how to present the Gospel clear and simple from the Evantell Organization. One of the pastors was actually shocked to hear what we had to say about the gospel and the way to present it from the Bible. He was particularly upset when we explained that in order to be saved we have to Trust, believe in, have faith in Christ alone for salvation, he was upset because that is not the way he presents the gospel, or … teaches it. He happens to teach the class on evangelism at a Bible Institute. Guillermo and I explained the meaning of the word “believe” using a digital Strongs Dictionary on our laptop, which we left with him as a donation. After the class he came to us and said, "I need to teach this course in my Bible Institute!" We will be training him in July so he can actually teach this class himself.
Sunday presentations on 3 hours of sleep.
On Sunday we had 3 more presentations in the City of Irapuato about 2 hours away from the first city we went to. We again presented the 7 Principles in the morning to about 60 people. In the afternoon we did a presentation about the Center for Church Based Training founded by Dr. Gene Getz which helps local churches bring people to maturity and leadership. Later on, we taught a seminar on personal evangelism on how to present the gospel to children from the Evantell organization.
There are a lot more details about this trip. These are just some highlights. There is movement in those small churches...God is being glorified and as such, Satan is working hard to cause disunity in each of the churches, so please continue to pray. Thank you!!
Presenting the Gospel at 30,000 feet
Guillermo and I were supposed to leave at around 9:40 AM, but American Airlines had canceled the flight and we ended up on another flight and sat separately. Next to me was this gentleman in his 50s, ponytail, boots and hat, he said he was going to Mexico for his Mother’s funeral. As we continued to chat he mentions how sad and depressed he had been after he heard of his mother’s death. You could tell his heart was heavy, but I told him he looked very composed. He said he was getting ready because he knew that he had to confront one of his brothers, whom he doesn’t have a good relationship with, and he mentioned he was getting ready in case the confrontation got physical. During our talk he actually mentioned something about God and even mentioned something he had read in the Bible. I had been praying as we were talking to have an opportunity to present to this man the gospel and the moment the conversation turned to spiritual things I presented the gospel and at the end I asked him if he had any objections about trusting Christ as Savior and Lord and right then and there at around 30,000 feet he said “I don’t have any objections” and he trusted Christ as his Savior; I then prayed for his situation, his family and his safety.
Arrival and my grandmother
We arrived Thursday night in Guanajuato and I went to see my grandmother. I had a chance to once again pray with her and talk to her about God and salvation. Thanks to God and all of you who prayed, she is doing much better, she began to eat again and gained some strength. I spoke with her again this morning after we arrived in Dallas and her spirits are high. She told me how much she loves me, which felt really good because she seldom mentioned that before and for those of you who don’t know, she raised me as a little boy and I do actually call her mother.
Friday Conference in Acambaro Church
On Friday, Guillermo and I presented 7 principles (from Josh McDowell’s Belief Matters) on how to build a healthy relationship with our kids, over 30 people in attendance. We talked about unconditional acceptance, appreciation, affection, availability, accountability, etc., and gave part of our testimonies. We had no idea that people would react so positively to the presentation. A lot of people shed tears, I guess God touched a few hearts there. This area of Mexico is known for a lot of broken families, single mothers, lack of affection; we can see families love each other, but affection and I love you's are not a norm. One lady in particular was crying so much that the Pastor and his wife had to console her; later on she came to us and said, "thank you for showing me this, I have never ever told any of my kids that I love them, I need to go home to call each of the!!" The lady was over 50 years old.
Saturday Evantell Seminar
On Saturday, we presented a seminar to a congregation, two pastors and several church leaders on personal evangelism, how to present the Gospel clear and simple from the Evantell Organization. One of the pastors was actually shocked to hear what we had to say about the gospel and the way to present it from the Bible. He was particularly upset when we explained that in order to be saved we have to Trust, believe in, have faith in Christ alone for salvation, he was upset because that is not the way he presents the gospel, or … teaches it. He happens to teach the class on evangelism at a Bible Institute. Guillermo and I explained the meaning of the word “believe” using a digital Strongs Dictionary on our laptop, which we left with him as a donation. After the class he came to us and said, "I need to teach this course in my Bible Institute!" We will be training him in July so he can actually teach this class himself.
Sunday presentations on 3 hours of sleep.
On Sunday we had 3 more presentations in the City of Irapuato about 2 hours away from the first city we went to. We again presented the 7 Principles in the morning to about 60 people. In the afternoon we did a presentation about the Center for Church Based Training founded by Dr. Gene Getz which helps local churches bring people to maturity and leadership. Later on, we taught a seminar on personal evangelism on how to present the gospel to children from the Evantell organization.
There are a lot more details about this trip. These are just some highlights. There is movement in those small churches...God is being glorified and as such, Satan is working hard to cause disunity in each of the churches, so please continue to pray. Thank you!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Evangelism Seminar
Today was THE big day of the trip, the day of the evangelism seminar. Just to give you a little background, through the recommendation of one of his mentors, Armando got certified with EvanTell, an organization founded by Dr. Larry Moyer, who has been teaching and training people a clear and simple and biblical way (a method) of sharing the gospel for 35 years. Giving an evangelism seminar was not Armando's original plan, but I believe it was God's all along. Through help from friends and lots of last-minute scrambling around, they were able to get the Spanish version ready in time for the trip.
The seminar was a success! Over 60 people from surrounding cities/churches came. Armando had some reservations at first because there were parts of the seminar that were different/contrary to what they have always known, but the material presented is thoroughly backed up by scripture. Well, everyone was very receptive and were thankful for having their eyes opened. Many of them even want to get certified themselves!
Armando wishes to thank you for your prayers! He is encouraged and very humbled by the experience of being used by God. Just imagine the possibilities, if those 60 people each presented the gospel to one person, then those people presented it to others...and from these little towns to surrounding towns and cities in a country that desperately needs hope. Please continue to pray that the people who attended will continue to share what they learned so the gospel will continue to spread in Mexico.
Armando is now in Acambaro and the pastor there has asked him to give the first 2 sessions of the seminar to the congregation. He will then be back in Mexico City Monday to continue the business portion of the trip. Again, please continue to pray...I may have more to report soon...
The seminar was a success! Over 60 people from surrounding cities/churches came. Armando had some reservations at first because there were parts of the seminar that were different/contrary to what they have always known, but the material presented is thoroughly backed up by scripture. Well, everyone was very receptive and were thankful for having their eyes opened. Many of them even want to get certified themselves!
Armando wishes to thank you for your prayers! He is encouraged and very humbled by the experience of being used by God. Just imagine the possibilities, if those 60 people each presented the gospel to one person, then those people presented it to others...and from these little towns to surrounding towns and cities in a country that desperately needs hope. Please continue to pray that the people who attended will continue to share what they learned so the gospel will continue to spread in Mexico.
Armando is now in Acambaro and the pastor there has asked him to give the first 2 sessions of the seminar to the congregation. He will then be back in Mexico City Monday to continue the business portion of the trip. Again, please continue to pray...I may have more to report soon...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Irapuato Church
Armando went to Mexico City on a business trip and was able to extend the trip to go back and visit the church in Acambaro as well as Irapuato. He flew to Mexico City, bringing with him some computer equipment for a business associate. Normally, they would have paid much attention to that, scrutinizing everything to see if they can collect taxes on something. However, what they made a big deal and thoroughly questioned him about were the evangelism booklets, pamphlets, and especially the Bible...apparently, the X-ray machine could not recognize the Bible, but then again we all know it's not just any ordinary book! They also leafed through the gospel booklets (which were in Spanish) and Armando offered to give them one, but they declined. Well, maybe next time...
He arrived by bus in Irapuato Friday and on Saturday he will be giving an evangelism seminar there from an organization based in Dallas called EvanTell. He was informed a few days ago that there will be over 50 people there, WAY more people than Armando expected. Please pray for open and receptive hearts and minds. Check back to see how the conference went...
He arrived by bus in Irapuato Friday and on Saturday he will be giving an evangelism seminar there from an organization based in Dallas called EvanTell. He was informed a few days ago that there will be over 50 people there, WAY more people than Armando expected. Please pray for open and receptive hearts and minds. Check back to see how the conference went...
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