The Vision of the Pacific Coast

We hear of many of our friends and acquaintances taking off for Mexico vacations. I always feel a little tug on my heart wishing they would make their way to our part of Mexico, then I look at the map and realize we are WAY off the beaten path of where most folks go to vacation. Mexico is a big country with lots of coastline. I begin to wonder, "Wow, wouldn't it be nice to be near Cancun." Then I remember what brought us here. It was Malcolm and Billy's vision of the Pacific Coast. Last week Malcolm again reminded the baby church of our vision: to plant churches in 20 of the Pacific Coast's major port cities. Big cities are often the target of church plants, but Malcolm believes the port cities of Mexico need to be on our radar screen as well. The baby church in Lazaro Cardenas understands that we are just the beginning of what God can do here on the Pacific Coast. We dream of raising up leaders who will take on the challenge of church planting in places like Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and others. It's an exciting dream; it's definitely a God-sized dream.
As we look forward to the future, it is the day by day living of walking shoulder to shoulder with the baby Christians that God will raise up the church planters needed to fulfill the Pacific Coast Vision. God continues to shape and mold the baby Christians as they continue to grow and tell others of their new Master.
Blanca and Socorro continue to invite their neighbours and friends to home groups and our celebration time on Sundays. On Monday afternoons, Socorro and I visit friends and neighbours, as well as visitors who have come on Sundays. I never have to worry about who we will visit; she always has a list. On one of our visits, her former neighbour, Concha couldn't come to the Tuesday study so Socorro said we would come to her. The next Monday, off we went to Concha's house. Unfortunately, Concha was not there. We spent time chatting with her 19 year old daughter, Lety. After deciding that we could no longer wait for Concha, we said our good-byes. Lety leaned over to Socorro and said, "You come back next Monday. Even if my mom isn't here, I want to learn from the Bible." God orchestrates in ways that we can never imagine. Socorro can hardly wait until tomorrow evening. In fact, she's so eager in having holidays that she's booked us visits for the morning, as well as the evening!!! I'm praying for energy to keep up with her!!! What a blessing she is to my life and to those who do not yet know her Master.
The Ladies' Tuesday night study is growing as we search the scriptures for the Seed of woman that will crush Satan's head (Gen 3:15). I love watching these ladies sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation as we cover another chapter of the Seed-Line Story. Nothing thrills me more than being used by God in this way. As woman talk about the study, more make plans to attend; as more come, the more Blanca and Socorro pray! It's amazing to be working with them.
Our Thursday Feliciano study takes a huge chunk of our time because of the travel involved, but I love working with the children. Last week I had an activity of cutting and pasting. It was great fun watching Delfino(5) learn to cut with his scissors. He was so proud of his efforts. Of course, you could hardly tell what his picture was supposed to be, but to all of us, it was a masterpiece. The children continue to work hard to earn enough stickers to receive their Bible Story Books that await each one of them.
The Thursday evening study is growing in spiritual depth. Bernard led a study on the humanity of Jesus and its importance, as well as its implications on man-kind. You could see the "light-bulbs" click on as God used Bernard to teach this important concept.
Today, we had a guest speaker at our Sunday Celebration. Ivan Ponce de Leon, Malcolm and Tammy's son-in-law, spoke on the topic: Jesus is light. He was received very well by the congregation. It is Ivan and Stephanie's plan, along with two-month old Ethan, to join the work here in Lazaro Cardenas toward the end of this year. After today's reception, we can hardly wait until they get here. Having a Mexican preacher will be a huge step in fulfilling the Pacific Coast Vision. Ivan is a humble, gifted speaker. Stephanie completed her AIM project in Mexico so she's fluent in Spanish. They will be a great addition to the team and church. October just won't get here soon enough as Ivan completes his preaching studies in Texas.
Would you continue to pray for the Pacific Coast Vision? We have spoken with many who have an interest in church planting, and some thinking of Mexico. We have the places, we are praying for the planters. We look forward to watching God raise up leaders from the congregation, as well as others coming from Canada and the US.
Enjoy the following photos from our Thursday night study that took place in our house. Until next blog,
Bernard, Alicia and Logan Krogsgaard