San Gabriel Church

Tucked away in the hilly, jungles of Southern Mexico, lies the little town of San Gabriel, Mixtepec, Oaxaca. A thriving Bible Methodist Church is woven into the fabric of this remote place. Although it is fairly close to the capital city of Oaxaca, the road conditions are so poor that it usually takes about 5-6 hours to travel those 100 miles.

Founding pastor and successful church planter, Desiderio Lopez.

San Gabriel Bible Methodist Church, with some of the towns' buildings in the background. This is such a remote location that we (foreigners) get a lot of attention as we walk through the streets.

The church is surrounded by dense vegetation.

Foggy, mist settling over the village. Such a beautiful scene!

Oaxaca - Culture

Several weeks ago, Steve joined Tim Keep, Marc Sankey and Shane Craycraft on a trip to the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. There are dozens of pictures from this trip that we plan to share over the next few blog posts.

A lady carrying items to sell on her head, leaving her hands free to carry other things.

A group of indigenous people in their native garb, visit the capital city of Oaxaca. Aren't their clothes beautiful?! Knowing their living conditions, primitive detergents and lack of appliances, I do not know how they keep this cloth so clean, bright and white.

Colorful balloons and toys for sale in the central gathering place of the city. Socializing and visiting is very common in this culture.

A beautiful street scene in Oaxaca City. The streets are narrow and vehicles are expensive, so walking is the most common and convenient method of transportation.

A charming outdoor cafe.

Precious People in San Rafael

Saltillo Pastor Dolores and Sylvia Hernandez.

Steve with our sweet friend, Trini Correa.

Conference President, Refugio Cuco Sanchez, Pedregales pastor, Manuel Navarro, and La Soledad pastor, Homero Luna, visiting after the special anniversary service.

Hermana Cruz visiting with Esther Luna.

Granddaughter and daugher-in-law of San Rafael Pastor, Alejandro Cedillo.

Dinner on the Grounds

During the special Anniversary services meals are provided to all the attendees. The San Rafael church was thrilled to be able to use their new all-purpose building for these special dinners. This building was constructed in memory of Mike Butcher from the Bible Methodist Church in Port Clinton, Ohio.

Minerva de la Rosa serving up refried beans.

The cooks and ladies who helped serve the delicious food.

 Some of the Correa family, visiting from the Saltillo church, enjoying their meal.

Digging in!

Some ladies from the Cuchicuato church fellowshipping over lunch.

Video Clip of San Rafael Anniversary

We hope you enjoy this 1.5-minute video of a group from the Cuchicuato Bible Methodist Church  practicing to sing, "Because He Lives" ("Porque El Vive"). What a message of hope for all of us!

San Rafael Anniversary

Churches here in Mexico like to have special services to commemorate the date that their church began. Here are some pictures of the anniversary services in San Rafael, Nuevo Leon.

Mexico Bible Methodist Conference President Refugio (Cuco) Sanchez speaks during the special services.

Manuel Navarro, pastor of the Pedregales, Guanajuato Bible Methodist Church preaches at the anniversary service.

Traditionally, visiting churches present special songs during the services.

San Rafael Pastor, Alejandro Cedillo, and his sweet granddaughter.

Pastor Alejandro visiting with Jose Correa after the service.

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.