Made Competent

It is not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.  He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 

What a relief;

What a privilege.   

We get to minister out of His competence!  

Thank you God for Your power to open doors and Your Word to open hearts! 

At the beginning of the month, Xaume traveled to a town in Oaxaca called Huautla (way up in the mountains). Our friend Braulio makes the seven-hour trip every two weeks as he establishes a mission in his hometown.  

Oaxaca is a diverse and intriguing southern state.  It is considered the most "indigenous state" with 16 languages and 154 dialects. Mostly due to its mountainous terrain, many people groups remain practically isolated.  Even though most young people in Huautla speak Spanish, Braulio often preaches in his first language: Mazateco.

Since we're on Oaxaca, I'll post the pictures from the end of the month here too, since we spent a week there ministering with a pastor friend of ours (in the capital city, Oaxaca and nearby areas.)

We had the opportunity to minister to both kids and adults at the local church.  Above Xau's preaching on obedience, and here below we're making a commitment with the little ones to be obedient as well.  

Ok, on our second day in Oaxaca, we made a windy trip to this village.  I'm talking about the village you see here on the far mountain.  (Yes, we drove down and then up.)

The village is called Abejones, and is closed to evangelical christianity.  However, there is a missionary working here quietly as a counselor/psychologist at the school.

The lesson on "respect" that we taught at this elementary is a topic our missionary friend says is especially important.   Eighty percent of these kids' parents are in the States.  Since grandparents or relatives raise them, the majority grow up without active parenting.  

Firewood stacked conveniently on their roofs.

Back in the city, we were so excited to get to share in several public schools.  Our pastor friend, Junny had made arrangements with different grade levels for us to share on values. 

Our main value lesson for the week was on being truthful: telling things as they are without adding to them or taking away from them. 

I think we went to seven schools total.  But another interesting thing about Oaxaca are the teachers.  First of all, there are lots: 70,000 of them.  They are known for their union and activism.  

They're often on strike, so students don't have classes.  Their rebellion is rubbing off on kids who respond back to them, "Why should I do my homework if you don't even come to school?"  

Even so, we found the kids extremely responsive and attentive.  We've got to keep praying for them, their families, and their teachers.  

And, after seeing the lesson, principals and staff were very thankful.  Several even invited Junny to come back in order to share with parents.  

The young man in the white shirt here below was very influential in our entering schools.  His name Ake and is on the directive board for 78 schools.  Please keep him in your prayers as well! 

Before leaving, we had an evening training for children's leaders at the church.  We know that the power of God's word is what can transform the young generation! 

Ok- now we'll jump back to Mexico City!  Here both Xaume and I had the privilege of preaching at a youth camp.  

Since for the majority, it was their first time at a Christian event, we were so excited to pray with many of them to receive the Lord! 

 We pray that they will choose to continue growing in Him through the local church which hosted the camp. 

I've probably mentioned this before, but in Mexico, April 30 is Kid's Day.  We like to take advantage of the opportunity and celebrate kids in different communities through local outreach.  

We like to be in the street whenever possible, since that's where people are passing by and often feel less intimidated. 

This year we were invited some friends of ours to play live music for the choreographies and worship time!  The lesson then focuses on God's great exchange: His Son Jesus for our sins.  

Praise God in both events (these pics and those below) the kids and parents responded so openly.  We took time to pray for the children and individual families who attended.  

The pastors and volunteers at both churches were blessed by meeting and inviting newcomers from the neighborhood. 

Thank you Jesus for these lives!  Thank you that you haven't forgotten about any one of them.  This generation belongs to You! 

Thanks for reading!  We send our love and hugs to all of you and thank you for sharing with us!  We are one Body and praise God for you.  

We're expectant for more of Him and are making plans for Mario & Suzanne's visit in May.  Praise God for openings to minister!  And please continue to lift up this coming month for His Glory.