On Sunday, December 17, the Iglesia de Cristo Tierra Firme (Solid Ground Church of Christ) went on a mission trip to one of the pueblos of Tlalpan, San Andres Totoltepec.

 Side Note: The Náhuatl word Totoltepec means “mountain of the turkeys.”  However, most people in the area simply call it “San Andres.” San Andres was once a rural pre-Hispanic town on the side of the Ajusco Mountains in Tlalpan, but in the last 15 years it has been enveloped by the city. Because of the high altitude (around 9,000 ft.), it gets much colder than it does down in the valley.

 Israel and Nelly Molina started a new cell group in this area a couple of months ago and immediately he noticed how ready this field is for harvesting. The cell group has grown to over 20 people gathering on a consistent basis. Israel, together with this new cell group, helped organize a special day called “El Abrigo del Altísimo” (The Shelter or Wrapping of the High One). The Kirkman family in Colorado sent us blankets for the children and money to buy 30 Bibles. The Tierra Firme Church raised funds for buying an additional 35 blankets and brought food for everyone.

 On the day of “El Abrigo del Altísimo,” we worshipped together with those who came to the event. We sang praises, shared the Lord’s Supper in small prayer groups, and Sean told the biblical “Christmas” story. After worshipping together, we gave out the blankets and Bibles to each family. Then we enjoyed a delicious meal together. The presence of the Lord was felt and many hearts were touched by God, including ours.

 The Tierra Firme Church has begun to see service to others as part of their relationship with God. Therefore, they have begun planning events like this one every 6 to 8 weeks. These events are ones in which the entire congregation can participate. And ooh, what a response! Many people in the Tierra Firme Church have the gift of service and are taking advantage of these events to freely share their love for God with others. As a result, doors are being opened for sharing the gospel. Please pray that the Tierra Firme members will have boldness for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ as they seek to serve others.

In the last couple of months of 2006, the Tierra Firme Church has met several difficult challenges, but with God’s mercy and grace the church continues to grow and mature. While the developing leadership of the church has taken on more responsibility and ownership, they continue to struggle with the distractions of living in this massive urban center. From my perspective, they will need to continue learning what it means to live in the world, but not be of the world (John 17:14-19).

 Several of the members have showed tremendous growth in the last year: Jorge (Coco) and Patty Morales, Angel and Lucy Chavez, Miguel Angel Chavez, Hilda Herrera, Alfredo and Norma Hernandez, and Luis and Irene Gonzalez. Luis Enrique Rojas has struggled with many legalistic tendencies he was taught in independent Pentecostal churches before becoming a part of Tierra Firme. Finally, in November, he and his family decided to leave Tierra Firme. Please continue to pray for them as they search God’s will. May they encounter the heart of God.

Jeni and I continue reach out to new people in the Villa Coapa zone of Tlalpan. The administrator at the park near our house, Maggie Beltran, has asked Sean to give his English classes using the music from U2. Maggie has given us the use the multipurpose room in park for giving these classes. Sean has developed a series of 6 classes for practicing English using the music of U2. This series has a purposeful focus on the spiritual themes in U2 music and is used as a net casting project and LST follow up. Many people have already signed up and classes will be given on Monday afternoons beginning on January 8, 2007.  

As you might have noticed, we have recently made several changes to our blog.

 First of all, we would like to point out that Jeni will now be blogging on her own site (http://www.micasaestucasa-jeni.blogspot.com/). On Jeni’s blog you will be able to catch up on the McClue family and our life as missionaries in Mexico City. You can access Jeni’s Blog through the Link on the left-hand column. Meanwhile, this blog will continue to be updated with church planting news.

 Secondly, we have recently added the Soapbox Video Player with new videos of our work in Tlalpan.

 Thirdly, we have updated the Photos section of this blog. So, please make sure you scroll down and see all of our recently added photo albums.

 Lastly, we plan on keeping our blogs updated more often. So, please check back for new stuff in the coming weeks and months of 2007!