Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Food in Mexico - Part 2

Rice, enchiladas and beans at a restaurant.



Chickens and goats (considered a delicacy) prepared to cook on spits.



Beans, picadillo (ground beef and potatoes), salsa and tortillas served at a pastor's home.



Chicken and onions on a charcoal grill on New Year's Eve.



A large lemon that Steve picked off a tree at our church in Hualahuices, Mexico.



Pig's head at the market in Saltillo.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Food in Mexico - Part 1

We really enjoy the food that is typical to Mexico. Obviously, there are some foods that are not our favorites, but then we have to realize that some American foods are strange, too (some of our casseroles, stews, cottage cheese and oatmeal come to mind).


Gorditas are tortillas filled with meat, potatoes and or cheese. So, so good!



This is beef stomach and pig feet for sale at the market in Saltillo. I didn't buy any.



An assortment of meats, cheeses, beans, mushrooms and guacamole.



Beef tacos with guacamole and salsa on the side.



Soup with chicken, cheese, tortilla strips and avocado.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Scenes from Rio Bravo

About 15 miles from where we are living is the Rio Bravo Bible Methodist Church pastored by Santiago Hernandez.



This is Dafne Luna who was severely burned from her neck to her knees about 4 months ago. Her skin grafts are healing well and we thank God for His touch on her. Thank you to all who gave towards her treatments. The family is so very appreciative of your generosity and kindness.


Some of the children participating in their Sunday School program.



Some of the church people including Dad and Mom Sankey who came to visit us in August.


Pastor's wife, Edith, visiting after service.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

La Boca - Part 2

Here are some of the beautiful faces we see in La Boca, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.



A teen-age girl...




An elderly man...



Faithful ladies...



Faithful men...



Pastor Pablo with his grandson, Leonardo.

Friday, September 23, 2011

La Boca - Part 1

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of worshipping with a great group of people in La Boca, Nuevo Leon. Several gathered around the front of the church for prayer.



Steve joined Pastor Pablo and some others in special prayer for this dear man.



Steve preaching during the evening service.



The people leaving the church and walking home.



We were so glad Maria was on vacation from school and was able to be with us during this visit.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

San Pedro

Pastor Pablo Hernandez from the San Rafael Bible Methodist Church, has felt a burden to plant a new church in tiny San Pedro, Nuevo Leon. This is the simple, adobe church building they are using to reach the people of this village.




In a nearby home, where they met for Bible Class, children show the craft project they completed and the new book they received, "Jesus, My Very Best Friend."



Kids kneel on the dirt floor and complete their projects on a wooden plank set on adobe and rocks.



17 children gather around a small table to learn about God and His love for them. "They are precious in His sight."



Pastor's daughter - Teresa, her son - Leonardo, Pastor's wife - Ofelia, and a village lady, help teach the children.


Please keep this new church plant and these hungry hearts in your prayers.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

San Rafael - Part 4

After church, we enjoyed a delicious Sunday dinner at the Pena home.


As is their usual custom, the hostess, women and children eat in the kitchen. (Pictured from [standing at] left are: Mrs. Pena, Mrs. Luna, Pastor Cedillo's wife and daughter-in-law, Pena, Luna and Cedillo children, and Mrs. Pena and Mrs. Cedillo's mother).



The guests and men are served first, usually in a different room. (Pictured from left are: Pastor Alejandro Cedillo, Daniel Luna, Daniel Pena, Beth and Maria Stetler and the pastor's son. Steve was taking the picture.)



Salad, milanesa (crispy, pan-fried meat - so, so good!), and tortillas. You may also notice the bowl of ice on the table, they don't use it much, but they know we like cold drinks - very thoughtful.



Carne guisada (diced meat in red sauce - one of my favorites!), salsa and Mexican rice.


Pastor Alejandro, Missionary Steve Stetler and Host Daniel Pena. Wonderful food, shared by wonderful people!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

San Rafael - Part 3

Scenes from the church van...


Every Sunday morning the pastor's son takes the decrepit, old church van out to pick up these beautiful kids...



Handsome boys ...



And pretty girls ...



What does the future hold for these dear children?




Wednesday, September 7, 2011

San Rafael - Part 2

After Sunday School class, the children came back in to the church to tell what they learned.


Another Sunday School class. So cute!


A great group of kids!


Some of the older girls.


Some of the older boys.



Monday, September 5, 2011

San Rafael - Part 1

In July we were able to make a trip to the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. On Sunday morning we attended service at the Bible Methodist Church in the town of San Rafael.



This is their new annex, which was built in memory of Mike Butcher of the Port Clinton, Ohio Bible Methodist Church. Steve was able to help Saltillo Pastor Dolores on part of the construction of this building.


Pastor Alejandro, his mother-in-law, Daniel Pena and pastor's wife, Adalia, in front of the church.


The gravel road, desert scenery and beautiful mountains near San Rafael.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Scenes from La Boca

The tiny village of La Boca is nestled in the rugged desert mountains of the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. Its people are strong, stoic and beautiful. Their physical  life is not easy, but their spiritual life is vibrant.



Some of the children working on a Sunday School project.


Showing the finished product.



Lovely, donated quilts we were able to provide to them. Thanks to all who gave!


The ladies choosing their quilts.



Pastor Pablo Hernandez and two faithful men standing on the church steps. Pablo is also planting a church farther up the mountain. Although he is advancing in years, Pastor Pablo has a vision and a heart for outreach.