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Back in Action

By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving Him by spreading this Good News. Ephesians 3:7 (NLT)

View of the snow-covered "Popocatepetl" volcano from Kai & Grace's room

It seems like we've been back months! But it's just barely been three weeks. 😅 Not sure what that means - either we're doing too much or we just really enjoyed our time in Ohio...okay, probably both.  Either way, this much is clear: it is a PRIVILEGE to serve. Whether there or here or wherever we are in the world, belonging to Him is the best thing. And out of that belonging flows moving - moving in small ways, step by step to honor him. 

Before I get into the month, I just wanted to clarify some lingo I use in the blog (feel free to skip over this if you already know):
  • "Crece" is of course the church plant we've started in an area of the city called Ecatepec (northeast whereas our home is southwest of the city ie. One hour away without traffic, two with). 
  • Twist refers to the kids' club outreach program we've implemented partnering with several churches.  We refer to them based on the area of the city they're in. Here are the main currently active clubs:
    • 1. Twist Ixtapaluca (2017)
    • 2. Twist Chalco (2018)
    • 3. Twist Covadonga (plant of Chalco) (2020)
    • 4. Twist Aragón (2020/2021 - originally a different site)
    • 5. Twist Iztapalapa (2022)
    • 6. Twist Ecatepec (2022) *as the opener for the Crece church plant
Highlights from the month:

1. Snow & sledding in Ohio! 
Many of you know that from the moment we knew we were coming to Ohio this winter, Liam was excited for the snow. We are so thankful the kids got to have a blast sledding and playing and experiencing the gift of snow - especially with Grandpa and cousins. 

2. Operation Christmas Child Box Outreaches. 
Mexico is one of the countries that receives the highest volumes of boxes.  While in Ohio, Xau's sister Yazna and our team member Brayan picked up the delivery.  
Then, we were able to be at Twist Ecatepec to facilitate the outreach lesson and gifting. Xau always reminds them before opening that there's one rule: we have to be thankful for whatever we get. It's thrilling to get to thank God for the boxes with the kids and then see them open the surprise!  One girl got a necklace of the letter "A." I asked her what her name was: America. 🙌

Since it's a requirement here for the boxes to be given out in January, we had two other outreach events: one at a nearby neighboring colonia in Ecatepec, and one way out in the country near Toluca (capital of the State of Mexico). Both times also went well, and the people were receptive to the gospel message.  Thank you, Jesus. We're evaluating the possibility of opening another kids' outreach once-a-month at the other Ecatepec site (below). 

3. New Twist Kids' Clubs Opening
We were super-excited upon coming back to hear from two different people who want to start kids' clubs in their states: in Chiapas (southern Mexico) and San Luis Potosi (central-north). Xau's been zooming/meeting to help them get going. 
Outreach near Toluca: contact is our neighbor Ciro (from this town) who we've been discipling for several years.
4. Interns
Benito, a college student from Oaxaca who has served with us before, came to dedicate his last weeks before going back to school. He was a huge help.  Thank you, Benito!  On that note, a new intern, Hector, arrives from Honduras in February. He finally got approved for his Mexican Visa and will be serving six months, living onsite at the church facility in Ecatepec. 
(Also, both of Xau's parents' birthdays are in January)

Some challenges from the month were: 
negative/false rumors in the community about church and kids' club, some volunteers needing to grow in maturity and commitment, and just overall discouragement.  In the moment these hit hard, but after the initial impact, we look at them and remember: 1. There will always be these kind of issues because we're people 2. There is OPPOSITION. 

 A Sunday morning at Crece
Thanks so much for taking the time to read through this and pray along with us.  
As you pray, please lift up: 
  • Baptisms this Sunday - for those on the edge of committing to Christ to have confirmation in their spirit and not be afraid; 
  • And, Hector - as he arrives on Tuesday and transitions into what God has for him during this time, for protection and provision.
If at any time you would prefer not to receive these email updates, just shoot me an email back letting me know. No offense taken! I know email gets full fast. 

Blessings!  

The Buenos



... 

Online giving link: 

CHECKS TO: HEARTS IN ACTION INTL, INC.
Memo: Mexico Mission
Send to: 7104 Africa Road Galena, OH 43021


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