Dear loved ones,
Approximately 20,000 lbs of steel went in the air. The structure is up! 15 dump trucks of material were shoveled into a mixer along with 400 bags of cement that all got poured on the ground. Since the last letter. Not to mention the sanctuary roof getting poured by pump truck, 3 full trucks! She’s born! (see last letter) At last, we can see her. Now we clean her up and watch her develop her beauty in these next few months. Praise God! And thank you. Many of you responded with a special gift, per my concern for materials in the last letter. It’s what we had to have to see this amazing advance. It was a mini modern version of Nehemiah, live in Los Canelos! 50 workers on one day, all working hard, all with the materials we needed to GO! For 2 weeks, we ran the East Lincoln Team ragged. Our total crew averaged about 30 people a day. We were joyfully ragged (at least most of the time).
A question keeps echoing through me these last few days, one that I’d rather not have to share. It’s one that our Lord asked Peter. “Why did you doubt?” I’ve lost a lot of sleep over this project and this difficult step, this pregnancy if you will. My concerns were natural, and some lost sleep was necessary since each of these days needed lots of planning. That being said, every lost moment I spent being concerned over what I could not provide on my own was just that, lost. Lost time and energy. It can be so hard to concentrate on Jesus when the wind blows so hard, and we are attempting to walk where we’ve not crossed before… I wonder if Peter ever had a moment of joy during his water walk. Or did the fear and concerns take over immediately? I can answer Jesus’ question with a plethora of understandable, well-thought-out responses, but I’d much rather learn more about what our Lord was teaching Peter, and is trying to teach us.
I’ve seen God’s provision at the last moment, time and time again over my missionary life, but not to the scale we needed provision this time. God did it. Again. And I also cannot help but be in wonder about the exact timing of the mission and the fact that while the latest Mexico uprising was turning to chaos, we rolled the last of the team out of Mexico, one of whom happened to be detoured through Puerta Vallarta just the week before.
And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped…(see Matthew 14:31-33)
I’m so thankful He bids us to come. He listens when we cry out. He holds our hand when we need it most. The structure is up, and the cement is down. Glory to God! It’s amazing to see her. Mexico is calm for the second. I had my first good night’s sleep for quite some time, and the winds have calmed…it’s nice just to sit with Jesus this morning. And not fret, and not shovel (Minnie’s glad to get a break from the kitchen too!).
We enjoyed a couple work days alongside some pastors and friends who volunteered their time. We also worked beside the Berea Bible Institute, which came to help as well. The mission team from East Lincoln did a fantastic job staying at it, and sometimes the day shift turned into the night shift as well. The lead team that came in the first week also stayed an extra day to wrap things up. One more day, one last pour. We knew it was another full day, the picture upper right was taken as we finished the pour and started putting things in order for that early morning trip to the border the next day. It’s my favorite pic of the time together. That’s a tired, satisfied group of men. After that last pour, finishing the pouring for this beautiful set of stairs leading into the new sanctuary, Mike took this picture of Minnie and me. He pondered a question as he captured the pic:
“How many groups will be posing for pictures on these stairs?“
Oh God, may it be hundreds, starting with a children’s camp, at the end of this month.
Prayer requests/ praise reports….
Thanks again to the team and to all who helped make the mission successful. This was a great effort by the whole family. It was unity, power, glory…it was beautiful. And many of you helped carry me through this time of intensity. We’re finally out of and off the ground again!
The sheeting is sponsored! All the outside roof structure should have sheet metal by the kids’ camp and by the next newsletter!
For laughter together. We enjoyed so much laughter and sweet fellowship while we pressed and hurt, and sweat.
March 8th Preaching at Towerpoint Resort in Mesa, AZ
March 25th– April 8th Mission group out of Rushford, MN
March 30th-April 2nd Kids Camp
April 3rd Good Friday Day of Service (7 Palabras)
As we look forward to this year, our teen camp is scheduled for August. Hosting visiting local camps and various events will resume as well. Please begin praying for the pastors’ retreat we are planning for November. We will help bring pastors we are connected with from eastern Mexico, as well as the deep southern regions. One of the most powerful moments of this last month happened when some local pastors and friends came to help. We had a special service, and Pastor Ricardo shared from the book of Nehemiah. We were all touched as he explained how needed our facility is in Mexico, how unique it is, and how our facility is an answer to prayer.
After service, Ricardo explained to me how difficult it was to find a place for his church while we were closed under construction this past year or so… “Will you be open to receiving groups again soon?” he asked. Glad to report he’s already separating some dates!
Love from Mexico, Gary and Minnie