In the extreme north where we live there is extreme wealth with people who work in the US co-existing with extreme poverty as people come here hoping for a better living without finding it.Here in the North there are neighbourhoods with an abundance of churches, most with untrained pastors and hurting sheep.
In the south- there seems to be less poverty in the cities, but a Spiritual dryness that permeates the land. The "Circle of Silence" is an area in Central Mexico where less than 2% of the population would consider themselves followers of Jesus Christ.
I was glad to get an opportunity to go south to one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen- Zacatecas, Zacatecas Mexico.Jason and Rebecca Villalobos are Mexican-
American Church planters who are planning on starting a church in the City Center of Zacatecas. It is a spiritually needy place whose need is only superseded by that of the countryside around it. We spent 4 days examining the city, walking its streets, praying on its mountains, speaking to it's people to see what God was wanting to do in this place.We all became convinced that God
is calling the Villalobos to plant a vibrant, loving, Jesus following church with a purpose. The purpose is to raise up leaders, train the called and send the willing to the spiritually neediest parts of Mexico- in this "Circle of Silence".
Pastor Mike and I both agreed that we'd love to participate in this ministry by equipping saints here in the north and sending down the called and the willing to this important work in the 10/40 window of Latin America!Mexico's north is saturated with churches and Christians--- many from the south originally and we have been seeing God call them to Himself, equip them and give them a burden for the south. There really is no more need for church planting in the north- the focus here ought to be on strengthening the churches and equipping the called to fulfill their obligation to their own countrymen!
I am excited about what God will do through this family as they leave behind the comforts of home in southern California to one of the most hardened areas in the Americas. We believe God is going to do as much as we dare to ask Him and trust Him for in this area for His Honour and glory!We will continue to work here in the North raising up saints and calling them to action and then assisting them in whatever way God directs in breaking the silence in the Circle of Silence!
Thank you so much for your partnership with us here in Mexico! Without you we could not do what we do and we are very thankful for your investments in eternity through this ministry!
Please continue to pray with us as we are heading back to Canada to report on the work here and serve in camps and churches over the next 6 months.- pray that our needs would be met
- pray that our ministry here would continue to flourish in our absence
- pray that we would have wisdom to know what do with our "stuff" while we are gone. We are most concerned with our 2 dogs and cat who as of yet do not have a home when we leave.
Praise Report
- Praise God for the excellent vision tour to Zacatecas- we have seen a need so great it could keep us busy and fruitful for the next 20 years.
- Praise God for His provision- we continue to be amazed at how He uses his loving, generous saints to care for our needs. We have had many extra needs such as flights, Visa renewals and up to know all have been met as we needed them to be!
- Praise God for 4 new graduates from the Bible College in Ensenada.
- Praise God our calendar is filling up for our home assignment!
- Praise God for a vehicle to drive in Canada!
Thank you again, may God bless you all-- We hope to see as many of you as possible in the upcoming months- we will pass on our cell number as soon as we get a Canadian Cell phone!
Co-labourers with you in Mexico,
Mike, Shar, Elijah, Caleb, Jacob McDonald
