Noche de Paz

Silent Night, the Mexican/Canadian/Korean/New Zealander/American version :)




Noche de paz, noche de amor, 
Todo duerme en derredor. 
Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz 
Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús. 
Brilla la estrella de paz, 
Brilla la estrella de paz.

Noche de paz, noche de amor, 
Todo duerme en derredor. 
Sólo velan en la oscuridad 
Los pastores que en el campo están 
Y la estrella de Belén, 
Y la estrella de Belén.

A weary world rejoices . . .

I must admit, these last few months of 2012 have left me a bit weary. Families who have lost loved ones, close friends who have moved away, and a few personal struggles have darkened my days. And then the tragedy at Sandy Hook, a town only about an hour's drive from my hometown in Connecticut, rocked our nation. In fact, today I found out that two administrators and two teachers who died at Sandy Hook were graduates of my Alma mater (Southern Connecticut State University). With this news my world got a little smaller and my heart ached a little more.

When Advent began a few weeks ago, I did not expect these feelings of woe. Although the season of Advent is about recognizing the dark world in which we live, it also anticipates the light that is about to descend into our world. But with each passing week, and with each subsequent candle, I did not feel any brighter. That is until last night, when my daughter sang O Holy Night at her school's Christmas program.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn . . .

Indeed we live in a weary world, but hope makes all the difference. To every parent who has lost a child, and for every child who has lost a parent; for every heart-breaking goodbye, and in every tragic circumstance – may hope break into the darkness and illuminate our world. In trying times, hope anchors our souls. In the darkest of days, hope anticipates a brighter future. In a distorted world, hope transforms our perspective.

Hope descended into a manger 2,000 years ago and a weary world rejoiced over his birth. Hope dropped into my heart last night as my daughter sang, and I rejoiced in my Savior's advent. If you are feeling weary this season, may the light of the world pierce your darkness and may you awaken to a new and glorious morn.

Merry Christmas.

Stuart & Wendy

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angels voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night,
O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand;
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend;
He knows our need,
Our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!

Día Feliz

Worship today at Asamblea Cristiana, Mexico City.

Oh día feliz, día feliz 

Lavaste mi maldad 

Oh día feliz, día feliz 

Jamás seré igual 

Por siempre me cambio 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Cross-Cultural Christmas

Our family has celebrated Christmas in three foreign cultures since leaving the United States in 2005. Explore our Christmas adventures on Tortilla Press . . .  Posadas, Piñatas, and Noche Buena

For those traveling on the road to Emmaus . . .

Although suffering and grief may seem like odd subjects to blog about during the holiday season, I have never known death to check the calendar for a convenient time to visit. So with respect to friends and family who have suffered loss recently (and those who are walking with them) I dedicate this post to you . . . But We Had Hoped

Team Joey

Two years ago, I introduced to many of you young Joey and his parents, our friends, Nick and Elizabeth Keller. Doctors had just diagnosed 7 year old Joey with Medulloblastoma and since then countless numbers have joined Team Joey by praying for him and sending words of encouragement from all over the globe.

This past Sunday, November 18, Joey died after a valiant battle with cancer. Joey's spunky personality, love for life, and passionate concern for others has touched the hearts of so many and yet he has the potential to touch thousands more.

The Heroes Foundation is a charitable organization that exists to serve the cancer community through a variety of means. When Vince Todd, founder of the Heroes Foundation, visited Joey, Joey shared his love for Legos and his desire to see every child on the cancer ward with a gift of Legos. So now the Heroes Foundation, through Team Joey will make this happen.

Tomorrow, as many of you will venture out to shop, Joey's friends and family will gather together to celebrate his life. May I be so bold to ask that before you attend the Black Friday sales, please put someone else on your Christmas list; a child in the pediatric cancer ward. Go to the Heroes Foundation website, view the premise behind Team Joey, and then make a Donation to this worthy cause. 

One more request before I go. Today, as you join with loved ones to give thanks to God for his mercies, draw your family a little closer, hug your children a little tighter, and give thanks for the precious life that was Joey Keller.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Please take the time to visit and like Team Joey, A Heroes Foundation Facebook page

Mexico Ministry Highlights

These happy, smiley pumpkins welcome you to check out our most recent newsletter.
Feel free to subscribe or share as well.

The Day of the Dead (is not a Tim Burton Film)

Rather it is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the 1st and 2nd of November.

While visiting the mall the other day we came across this display for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

I Will Rest in You . . .

Last week I preached at our home church in Mexico City on Resting in God's Rest. You would think resting would be easy, but as I've learned these last few years, it's not as easy as it sounds. For instance, whenever I face a challenge I like to think it through, make a plan, and then to the best of my ability make it happen. But sometimes, no matter what I try to do, nothing works. Or it gets worse.

Much worse.

Check this Out!

I like to find good news in my inbox. And today is a good news day.

For months Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) has been updating and designing a new website to make it easier to give online.

Hey, for a missionary and their supporters that is very good news!

So if you are a current supporter (or you would like to be - hint, hint) check out the new site.

The link above (under the blog title) will also get you there.

Through the new site you can give a one-time donation or become a monthly supporter.

Go ahead. Click on the link.

Seriously, it's not like you're doing anything important anyway. And if you don't, the thought will haunt you for the rest of the day. So you might as well give in and Click on the Link :)

BARK If You Love Jesus

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk. ~O.A. Battista

Our Schnauzer Jack convinces Stuart to go for a walk at least twice a day. Usually though, it's a great opportunity to meet and talk with people as Jack has a tendency to greet and sniff every person, dog, tree, and rock in the park.

The other day, Jack ran over to two guys sitting on a bench. They struck up a conversation with Stuart and talked about a myriad of topics including, "What do you think of the world ending in 2012?" Taking the bait, Stuart (armed with all his hard-earned Spanish) delved into his testimony and the hope he found in Christ years ago.

Hmmm, dog-inspired evangelism. Maybe we're on to something.

http://groupwrok.wikispaces.com/Cartoon+Writing

Pray with . . . Pray for . . . Mexico

What Dreams are Made Of

As the legend goes, in 1531, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin heard a voice calling his name as he walked to church one day. Eager to know the source, Juan ran to the top of Tepeyac Hill where the Virgin Mary appeared to him. Although many historians doubt the veractiy of the story, a shrine to the Lady of Guadalupe was eventually built and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) has become a significant place of adoration for many Roman Catholics in northern Mexico City.

In recent years, a business man in Florida (who grew up in the Roman Catholic faith) had a dream to help four local Assemblies of God churches surrounding the Basilica in Mexico City . . . 

Let's Do Something

Let's pray for Mexico.

Today is election day in Mexico. We appreciate your prayers for God's guidance and peace in the land.

How to Eat Your Way Through Mexico City and live to tell about it

One must indulge one's children when they return home from university, mustn't one. 

Therefore, Olivia's recent visit gave us an excuse to revisit some eateries like the Crepes & Waffles restaurant.

A Father's Love

Brianna's engaging smile belied the fact that she trusted no-one, especially adults. A quiet, teen-aged girl her physical scars told a story she never spoke of and her emotional scars hindered her from embracing close friendships. Regardless, Stuart and I cared deeply for Brianna and sought to buff away the hardness that encased her young life . . . Read the rest of the story on Tortilla Press.

Ministry in the City

I just realized I had some ministry photos hiding in my phone! 

So here's to Ministry in the City over the last few months.

True Confessions

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Martha certainly made a name for herself in the New Testament. If I asked you to describe Martha with one word, you might say: Impulsive. Bold. Impatient. Hardworking. But how about these words:

A Blast From the Past

I just had to post this video from our time in Jamaica as directors of New Vision City of Refuge Children's Home.

Pastor Dana Coverstone presented the story of the mad-man of the Gaderenes and incorporated our little piggies into his devotional. Neither the pigs nor the kids will ever forget that night :)

Of Angels and Missionaries

Years ago, my young daughter confessed that she believed angels had the responsibility to fetch our heads after we die and bring them to heaven.

Read the rest of the story on Tortilla Press.

You May Be a Missionary If . . .

Here is a fun list that a bunch of us missionaries contributed to on Facebook. I have to say, we've experienced all these things. Let's see how well you do :)

You may be a missionary if . . .

it takes all day to pay your electric bill because the power went out at the utility company.

you open Christmas cards and gifts on Valentine's Day (because that's when they arrived).

a police officer stops you on the road because he needs lunch money.

the word itineration sends you into convulsions or cold-sweats.

you think stop signs and red lights are more of a suggestion.

A Change of Pace

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

We love Mexico City, but we really appreciated our recent change of pace at our Mexico Field Retreat in the beautiful state of Jalisco during Semana Santa.

The Last Enemy

My hand rests upon the white coverlet of my brother’s over-sized bed in the cramped room. My mother glances towards me and says, “Wendy, get your brother some water, please.” I search the unfamiliar house to complete my task . . . 

Read the rest of the story on Tortilla Press.

My Tower is Bigger than Your Tower

The continuing saga of the Tower of Babel (review part 1 here).

The great flood of Genesis 9 wiped out all the people in the area and everything that they had built, planted, and created. Now in Genesis 11, the people have migrated eastward and settled on a plain in Shinar. In the process of rebuilding, some of the people decided to unite their efforts and build a grandiose tower.

Cristo en la Pascua

As many of you know, I teach Pentateuch at Anna Sanders Bible Institute in Mexico City. In the course of our studies, we learned about the institution of the Passover in Exodus. Last week, missionary Elena Parker shared with my students the significance of the Passover to the Christian believer.

Angel Wings and Anginetti

The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!" ~John 12:12-13 (NLT)

As Palm Sunday approaches I recall once again the holidays I celebrated as a child within the traditional context. Palm Sunday was a special holiday where I grew up; a memorable event that began at church and extended throughout the day with family. At Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, every worshiper received a few strands of palm; the long thin variety from the fan of the palm tree. As we waved the palm branches we sang, All Glory, Laud, and Honor and then during Sunday School we would fashion the palms into crosses to be shared with family and friends later in the day.

Vida Nueva

I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God to other towns, too, for that is why I was sent. ~Luke 4:43

Pastor Vicente Nolasco invited Stuart to share his experiences as a missionary at his church this past Sunday.

Going Kosher

Today, Stuart and I went on a road trip to Polanco with the hopes of finding Matzoh.

 Unlike in the US, where you can probably find it in any international isle of your local grocery store, we had to travel about an hour north by metro and taxi. 

Here at La Selecta we found our matzoh and horse radish.

My students will enjoy these and other treats on Tuesday when a guest missionary presents Christ in the Passover at Anna Sanders Seminary.

The Tower of Babel

(I preached today in our home church in Mexico City (Asamblea Cristiana). I will share my sermon with you here and in the next few blogs)

I grew up in a town called Hamden in southern Connecticut and I lived in a neighborhood which consisted mainly of Italians. Our town and the surrounding area enjoyed the best pizza places and Italian bakeries, owned and operated by many Italian immigrants and their families. It seemed that everyone had names like Proscino, Velardi, Fiondella, and Cappucci - and that was just my mother's side of the family. In fact, as a youngster, I thought everyone in the whole world was Italian, because that was the world in which I lived.

La Palabra de Dios

Stuart preached last week at our church, Asamblea Cristiana in Mexico City. In fact, our pastor asked us to take turns preaching every month. We really appreciate this opportunity, the pastor's faith in our ability, and the kindness of the patient saints in our church  :)

Let Justice Roll on Like a River

Discouraged. Disheartened. Depressed. Dismayed.

That about sums up my week.