Testigos--Witnesses--Acts 1:8

2008 marks our sixth year working with Bro. Pedro and Maria Tobias of Guerrero, Tamps. Many people have either wondered or have perhaps asked aloud, "Why do you continue to go to Guerrero?" The answer is simple. God is still working in Guerrero and He continues to use us there. Let me recap for you the progression of growth that we've seen there these past years.

2003: The church had just reopened the year before we arrived with only a few families. The building had been there, but remained empty for the previous five years. In 2003 the church was young and virtually had no leadership. Pedro and Maria carried the full load of responsibility. Our role that year was to fully lead a Bible School, build a house, and lead in all evangelistic activities.

2004: The church grew. Pedro began leading discipleship classes for men and women. Some families began to emerge as leadership. Our role that year was similar to the previous year although we saw more of their people assisting in Bible School, and other ministries.

2005: When we would make trips within the year, such as the Feb. pre-trip, we began to notice more people taking an active role in the worship services. Pedro would have others read scripture, or lead in special music. In 2005 they provided a teacher to lead Bible School as well as one for the women's Bible study. We provided people to lead in games and crafts. At that point we began to take a lesser role.

2006: In our visits throughout the year we noticed men taking a more active role in the worship services. Men would gather to pray, sing specials, or read scripture. During each service there is a time for testimony to tell what God is doing in the lives of people. This time usually lasts for 15 minutes because so many desire to share with the body what God is doing. In 2006 the church of Guerrero took leadership and assisting roles in every area. For the first time though some of the men of their church took an active role in assisting in our construction project. Their men were busy and working throughout the day to assist in whatever ways were needed.

2007: Bro. Tobias and Maria visited the Baptist Convention in Mexico City. The man they visited with told them that one of the objectives of the Mexican Baptist Convention is to have a church in every city in Mexico. He pulled out a map and showed them two towns near Guerrero who were without an evangelical witness, the towns of Paras and Aglaia and asked them to prayerfully consider planting churches in those towns. At that point Pedro and Maria began to go to those cities to pray over them. They earnestly prayed for the lost in those towns and actively took people from their church to prayer walk the cities.

While we were there last summer their church membership continued to lead in all activities and take an active role in leadership.

2008: During our February pre-trip to Guerrero about 12 members of the Guerrero church went to Paras to go door to door meeting the people and talking with them about Jesus. Since that first weekend, the Guerrero church has not only visited door to door in Paras, but in the town of Agualuega as well. Many people in both towns have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior as a result. Each Sat. evening a group of people meet outside a home for worship and Bible study led by Bro. Pedro. The Holy Spirit has gone before the Guerrero church and prepared the hearts of people to receive the message of Jesus.

Two weeks ago a small church from Texas led a VBS and women's ministry in Paras. 76 women and children were involved in ministries that week. Out of 26 women attending, 18 of those prayed to receive Christ. God is moving in the lives of people there.

Our role will be much the same as past years. This year though, we will be conducting VBS, Women's Ministry, Girls' Ministry, Daycare, and a Medical Clinic in Paras. Our construction team will stay behind in Guerrero and build a home for a young lady in the church named Gabby. Gabby is married and has a six year old son. We will have night time activities in Guerrero.