The Mayor of Zaragoza Killed

The Mayaor of Zaragoza was found killed late last week. The news of his death was overshadowed by the tragic events in Tuscon. Zaragoza is one of the communities in Mexico wherre we are working. It is a town of about 5,000 and is about 45 miles from Eagle Pass. He was on a trip to Saltillo for a governmental or political meeting. He attended the meeting and was not seen since. His body was found in the neighboring state of Nuevo Leon. We have been in communication with Carlos and Josefina in Zaragoza and all is still calm in Zaragoza. We would appreciate your prayers concerning the work in Zaragoza and for our safety as we spend time on both sides of the border.

Update on our quest for a house!

For those of you who have been following our quest for a house, we are now at a standstill. As you may know, we got the winning bid of $26,000.00 on a house which was being offered by a real estate agent in October in the neighborhood of $66,000.00. The bank had the right to refuse the winning bid. They countered with an asking price of $45,000.00. We increased our bid to $30,000.00 and then to $35,000.00. The bank wanted closing within 30 days of acceptance. We have been approved for a loan through the USDA rural development program. The USDA has approved 100% financing with all closing costs included into the load. But there is one problem with this program, since it is a government program, funding would not be available until Congress passes a budget. Since we knew we could not close within 30 days, we had to suspend negotiations. When we know we have funding of our loan available, we will once again get back into negotiations. The property is currently being offered at $66,000.00. There are a couple of other possibilities in the area we are also looking into.PLEASE KEEP THIS IN YOUR PRAYERS. Because of a the response to our situation, we do have $1,500.00 set aside for an Earnest money contract (Which would be returned at closing!) and relocation expenses.

Our counter offers have been rejected.

For those of you who have been following our attempt to purchase a house, we have the following information. Remember we won the winning bid at the auction of $26,000.00. The bank rejected that bit and said they would accept $45,000.00. We have made two counter offers, $30,000.00 and $35,000.00. The bank is holding firm on the $45,000.00 figure. We have until noon on December 23 to either stop the negotiation or increase our bid. We are asking for prayers and wisdom as we pursue this purchase. Part of our problem is funding. We have been approved for a loan at 4% through the USDA. They see no problem in financing but, until a permanent budget is passed by congress, they will not be able to fund the loan. The bank wants funding within 30 days of a signed contract. Please keep this in your prayers.

An Unusual Christmas Verse

This morning I will be preaching in Spanish at the Iglesia de Cristo, Loma Bonita. I have been filling in there from time to time for several months. I have picked out a verse for my Christmas message which is not in the Gospels, does not mention Mary or Joseph, Angels, Shephards, Bethlehem or any of the other elements we think of as part of the Christmas story. But the essence of the Christmas story, past, present and future is found in thee words from Titus 2:11-14.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say `No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."

My message this morning is "Getting Ready for Christmas. We need to:
1. Commemorate the Past (Verse 11)
2. Consecrate the Present (Verse 12)
3. Contemplate the Promise ofthe Future (Verse 13)
4. Concentrate on our Purpose (Verse 14)

The message of Christmas is found throughout the scripture, not just in Matthew and Luke. Think about it!

We are waiting for an answer to our counter offer on the house.

As you may know, our winning bid at the auction was rejected by the bank. The bank countered our $26,000.00 off with a price of $45,000.00. Yesterday, we submitted a $30,000.00 bid in response to their counter. We are waiting for an answer. It appears we have permanent financing arranged. Please keep this in your prayer!

Progress in San Carlos and Zaragoza

Yesterday, Rosa and I made a regular visit to San Carlos, Zaragoza and Acuna. Because of the distances involved, we traveled about 200 miles. The majority of the travel was in Mexico. Once again, we praise the Lord we had no difficulty and saw no signs of problems from the Drug Cartels. In Zaragoza, we met with Carlos and Josefina. They are doing very well. Carlos in encouraged with the progress he is making on the property. They are getting new visitors to the services. We laid out plans for the laying of block and plumbing for the restroom and storage unit. I will be able to spend some more time on the project next week. We hope to have the restrooms, storage unit and a makeshift kitchen usable before the group from West Towne Christian Church in Knoxville visits next spring. We plan to have them stay in Zaragoza and work in both Zaragoza and San Carlos. In Zaragoza, we will have VBS type activities in the evening and we will be doing construction on Jose and Ana's house in San Carlos during the day.
After our visit in Zaragoza, we traveled to San Carlos and were very pleased with the progress on the house project. Block work had begun when Caleb and two friends from Knoxville were here after Thanksgiving. When they left, the block was up only ab out 5 rows on three sides of the house. Jose and Ana have laid considerable block since that time and it looks very good. I left Jose enough money to purchase 4 more 110 pound bags of cement. H should have the block up almost to the top by next week. The group from Knoxville wants to install windows and doors, put up the roof and do electrical work in March. Getting this accomplished will depend on getting the site ready for them in time. Here are a few pictures showing the progress in San Carlos.

After visiting in San Carlos, we were encouraged in a meeting with Antonio Preciado. Antonio is doing a great work in Acuna and San Carlos. However, two years ago, he lost his employment because of downsizing. He was a mid-level manager in a plant which produced seat belts for American cars. The company downsized and he had not had permanent employment since that time. He now is working with commission sales through Tel-Mex, the Mexican communications giant. He is offering internet service in new areas. He is excited about the prospects. He is preaching at two locations in Acuna as well as San Carlos. He is also supervising a couple of his "Timothy's" in two other locations in Acuna. We have been assisting him financially as we have funds available. Our commitment to Carlos in Zaragoza is our primary responsibility however.

Please keep these three projects in your prayers!

May the Lord Bless!

OUR AUCTION BID WAS NOT ACCEPTED!

When I made the winning bid at the auction, I was told the bank had the right to refuse the bid. They have made a counter offer, $45,000.00. Our bid of $26,000.00 was not accepted. We are in negotiation. The terms have changed. Pray for our progress. I will keep you informed!