This is one of those times when writing a short explanation about a person coming to Christ just doesn’t do the real story of God’s love and power any justice what-so-ever…

On Friday, September 7, Froylan Tellez was baptized into Christ. You may remember that his wife, Hilda, was one of the first baptized members of the Tierra Firme Church back on March 28, 2004. For over 3 years Hilda has been praying for her husband to come to Christ. At times Hilda and her kids, Alexis and Daniela (also Christians), thought Froylan would never become a Christian. Over the last year Froylan began to slowly participate in the small group that meets in his home. As his interest in the Word grew, so did his faith. After his baptism, in the youth cell group, Froylan’s daughter said, “Peace has come to our home. I still can’t believe what God has done in the life of my dad.”

As a missionary, I get some of the best front row seats to see the awesome works of God. I’ve been blessed to see a lot of people give their lives to Christ in baptism. However, there are a few experiences which have been tattooed in my memory. This will definitely be one of those times. When Froylan Tellez made his decision to follow Christ, it was not done lightly. I, perhaps, have never seen someone “count the cost” like Froylan. You see, Froylan has denied himself and hundreds of years of family tradition to receive freedom from the consequences of sin. From my perspective, that is huge! However, it still doesn’t compare to what our Savior did on the cross for you and me… and for Froylan. God be praised for His Son Jesus Christ! 

Oscar Hernandez has continued to work part-time as an apprentice missionary for the Tierra Firme Church. He is involved in the preaching rotation on Sunday mornings and he has been working as a co-leader for the Santa Ursula Coapa cell group. Over the summer, Oscar developed an evangelistic project in his neighborhood. He passed out invitations to borrow the Jesus Film. Over 25 families responded to the invitations and watched the movie. Now, we are in the process of visiting each of the families with the idea of continuing to share the life of Jesus. We have already begun two individual Bible studies with those who are interested. So please pray for Benito and Erika, that God may open their hearts to the word of Christ. Also continue to pray for Oscar Hernandez and his spiritual growth as a young servant leader. 

On Saturday, September 1, the Tierra Firme Church came together for an evening of prayer and praise. Angel and Lucila Chavez opened their home and invited several of their neighbors. It was a great time of faith being expressed as we lifted our hearts to God. After the night of prayer at the Chavez house, we decided to move the Santa Ursula Coapa cell group to their home. Since then we have had 3 or 4 visitors come to our cell group every week.

Please pray for Angel Chavez and his family. Angel recently lost his job due to cut backs. He has been looking for another job for several weeks now. We believe that God will provide something for him in the near future. These situations put families in Mexico under extreme pressure. So pray for wisdom and strength for Angel and provision for his family.