Special Prayer Needs

For several years, I have been concerned about Rosa's health. She has been having a series of seizures or blackouts. I have not been able to share this publicly because it has taken a long time for Rosa to accept she has had this problem. We have seen a Doctor in Eagle Pass but, because of limited funds, we have not been able to fully check it out. She did have a test some months ago. The results were inconclusive. Additional tests on this side of the border would be several thousand dollars. We have been wanting to go to Monterrey for further tests but, because of the problems with the drug violence Rosa has not wanted to make the trip. Yesterday, April 5, she had another spell and realized she had the spell. We have an opportunity to attend a wedding in Monterrey over the Easter weekend. An appointment can be made for extensive tests following the wedding. We are not sure what the test will cost. But we do know the trip will more than we can afford at the present time financially. Our papers for the car will need to be renewed. We will have to spend a couple of days in a motel prior to the wedding. After the wedding, we can stay in a private home. Our finances have been extremely low during the past several months. We have also been using some of our personal funds to keep up with expenses in Mexico. Please pray the Lord might provide a way for us to make the trip and get the required tests for Rosa!

Jose and Ana's New House

A group from West Towne Christian Church in Knoxville, TN spent a week with us in March (March 12-18). West Towne has been a major supporter and contributor of the work we are doing in Mexico. They provided the funds for the purchase of land and poured the foundation in March of 2010. During the past year, we have been able to get the supporting walls up and this year, they were able to put the roof in place! Jose and Ana have 8 children. They had been living in a cardboard and pallet hut with no floor, water or electricity. They love the Lord and God has been blessing them with this new house. Much needs to be done but they are excited with the progress. Jose helped make the block used on their house and together they laid the majority of the block for their new home. Praise the Lord! Here is a picture of their original house and progress on the new one. The group also made substantial progress on a well near the new house.

Progress in Zaragoza

It has been several months since I have added anything to our blog. There are several items I need to share and have taken it upon myself to update our information today. I will be posting three blogs. Two concerning the work in Mexico and on concerning personal needs and opportunities. I will begin with the work in Zaragoza. Work has been continuing on the expansion of the church building. A foundation was prepared in November for the construction of two restrooms and a small storage/workshop.  The foundaton was set up in line with the current building but about 50 feet away. Plans call for completing this unit and then "filling in the gap" with another room. The additonal room will include a kitchen and provide additional space for activities. A group from Northwest Hills Christian Church in San Antonio helped our a 10 X 18 slab roof over the restroom on Saturday, April 2. We are making progress but the funds are very short at the present time. I have been trying to get Carlos $200.00 per week salary. He has been a faithful worker and is deserving. We currently are out of funds for his salary and will be curtailing further work until funds become available again.  Here are a few pictures showing the progress and a combined service which was held on March 13.

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!