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!

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?

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.



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.

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.

Weekend in Saltillo - Part 2

We were able to take several boxes full of craft supplies for VBS, provided by a ministry led by Dr. Connie Palm, in Hobe Sound, Florida. Thank you, Dr. Palm, Louise Crouse and other helpers!

The items are very well organized and in Spanish! What a blessing!

Pastor Dolores Hernandez with the new speaker system for which the Saltillo Church raised the funds. We were able to purchase it in the US for a much better price than they could find in Mexico.

Pastor Dolores' daughter, Cynthia, with the VBS visual for the story of Jonah, that she drew and painted. She's very talented and we are praying that she will find and do God's will for her life.

Maria and I eating ice cream with the Hernandez family in the Saltillo parsonage.

Weekend in Saltillo - Part 1

In June, we were able to make a quick trip to Saltillo. We were so happy to see our friends again and visit with the dear people at the church. Here's a picture of Maria holding Deysi Correa's baby, Sofia.

Another baby that is growing up and changing so fast! What a sweetie!

The Sunday School kids singing for the congregation.

Some of the Saltillo church people.

We so enjoyed the pitch-in lunch! Delicious Mexican food! Love it!