Iglesia de Cristo en Toluca, Mexico

Saturday November 28th, I was honored with the priviledge of helping teach at a youth rally in Toluca. As many of you know, Barb and I were AIMers there in 1994 and 1995. Mason and I loaded a bus Friday midday and headed South to Toluca. After 6 hours in the bus, we were both REALLY happy to have arrived in Toluca. We took a cab to the church building and watched them practice a skit and then we went to the Prieto house for a little R & R before the big day. Enrique, Eva, Noe and Quique all treated us like kings. We were wined and dined and we loved every minute of the whole weekend with them! We didn't get to sleep til late Friday night and of course Saturday morning we were up super early, but Mase was a real trooper and we both took the little rest in stride.

Saturday morning was exciting. Meeting new people, watching all the kids arrive and like only Mexico knows how to do it...we started WAY late :) The group was singing and it was off to a great start when 6 terrorist (all part of the skit on persecution) busted in the doors with guns (bb and water) and threatened to kill anyone who would not deny Jesus. It was a powerful reminder that we are frequently challenged in our faith, even if there's not someone literally holding a gun to your head!

I spoke from the book of Acts and how God used (though He didn't cause) the persecution to grow the church. The second session was primarily review and application. We talked a little about present day persecution and the need to look to God as our strength!

Sunday morning I taught the youth class and I preached on "the offering". I'm still not sure if they were punishing me with that topic for something I did years ago as an AIMer or what? :) Mason read a few verses before I spoke Saturday and again Sunday morning. It's really cool to see him so brave and willing to help and get involved with the church! In all it was a weekend with little sleep, lots of friends and fun and a time I'm honored and thankful to have been a part of.

It's exciting to see how God is at work in some many ways in so many places. Mexico has been near and dear to my heart for more than 15 years now. I'm so thankful to be a "grain of sand" on the "beach" of the Lord's work in Mexico and with over 100 kids (just from the STATE of Mexico) at the youth rally, I'm looking forward to the future and what God holds for this great country!

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