An Advent Prayer

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

I love this season of anticipation and joy; of Christmas carols and kids pageants. I love connecting with friends and family who share warm wishes of good cheer as well as photos of their holiday gatherings on social media. Early in the season, silly issues tried to mar the holiday spirit (red coffee cups, anyone?). Yet recently, other more serious matters have since taken center stage. Extreme violence, racist posturing, and xenophobic chatter have dominated social media. Sadly, I finally understand the words by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Still, I can't help but remember Isaiah's prophetic message of peace has been pealing through the ages since he foretold of the coming Prince of Peace. At our Savior's birth, the heavenly host quieted the shepherds announcing peace to all the earth. On a mountainside so long ago, Jesus blessed the peacemakers calling them children of God. Even in the deafening cacophony of fear and hate, I can choose to join my voice with heaven's proclamation this holy season to share God's message of hope and peace.

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men

Saint Francis once prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Alone, my small voice and unassuming presence can't change the world or the great city of 25 million that Stuart and I live in. But I can change the atmosphere around me by carefully choosing my words and my actions to allow God's peace to be heard and known. Better still, why don't we all lift our voices together with the prophet Isaiah, the heavenly host, even Jesus himself this holy season and become God's instruments of peace by choosing to overcome hatred with love; despair with hope; and darkness with light.

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Merry Christmas 

Stuart & Wendy

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP)

Printable PDF: Christmas.Winter 2015

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Do Not Be Afraid

Contrary to a popular Facebook meme, the Bible does not say 365 times, “do not be afraid.” Although, it certainly says it often enough we should take notice. Yet, as popular as that meme has been, ironically no one has shared it in the wake of last week's events. Instead, I've seen numerous articles and opinions shared by friends and colleagues alike encouraging just the opposite. It's as if they want everyone else to be as scared as they are.

I get it. Recent world events remind us all once again that insidious evil lurks among us. We want to protect our families. We want to trust our government is doing their best. We want to feel safe and secure, but we feel vulnerable instead. At a time like this I need to hear Jesus say, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14.27).

Yet, when suicide bombers target funerals (Baghdad), public markets (Beirut), and popular tourist attractions (Paris) it's difficult to immediately recall and meditate on the words of Jesus. Yet we must.

“Never again!” challenges the previous generation. And we promised, did we not, to never again turn our back on such evil and atrocity? We remember and honor those, like Corrie ten Boom and her family, who risked their lives to harbor the refugees of their day. Each and every one of those people had to consider the possibility that the enemy could infiltrate their homes when they opened their doors. They counted the cost (and many paid the price) and still they chose the way of Jesus. They chose love over fear. They chose courage over despair. And history remembers them as heroes.

How does history remember those who closed their doors and refused to help?

How will history remember us?

The fact that the world can be a scary, violent place should not take us by surprise. Jesus warned, “In this world you will have trouble.” But then he quickly adds, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we enter the season of Advent, it seems especially appropriate to consider and meditate on the numerous times the Bible emphatically declares, “Do not be afraid,” throughout the Christmas story.

But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John” (Luke 1:13).

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God” (Luke 1.30).

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

As a baby, Jesus entered into a scary and violent world. As a toddler, his family sought refuge in a foreign land to escape the murderous Herod. I imagine fear constantly tried to seduce Mary throughout her son's life and ministry. Fear certainly had many opportunities to rear its ugly head and incapacitate her. Yet, we know Mary remained vigilant to the angel's message, “Do not be afraid,” for we see her standing courageously to the very end at the foot of Jesus' cross.

Make no mistake, fear is seductive. It feeds on insecurity and self-preservation. It limits our capacity to live freely and to love fully. But John tells us, “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4.18).

I agree with Jen Hatmaker, the last thing the world needs is “a bunch of scared, overwhelmed Christians wringing their hands and resorting to cliches. This world needs strong, convinced, courageous people who really believe God and are prepared to follow Him into every dark place.” (Read more here.)

I know we live in a scary, violent world, but I also know we can overcome fear and evil with radical love, generosity of spirit, Christ-inspired compassion, and with our heads held high and our mouths declaring God's truth to bring light and life to a dark and weary world.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!” 

(Luke 2:10, 11)

A day of honor and celebration

Yesterday, we attended Centro Evangelistico Emmanuel church to witness our friend and missionary colleague Donna Bustos and her husband Miqueas as they were officially installed as pastors.

Donna Bustos has served in Mexico City for many years and is currently also the Academic Dean of Facultad, the master's program of Christian Education Service of the Assemblies of God in Latin America and the former director of Anna Sander's Seminary in Mexico City.

I am grateful to Pastor Carlos Dávila del Real (next to Stuart) who took such wonderful photos of the whole event (all the photos here are his except for the video at the end). We are gathered with our Area Directors Paul and Sandy Kazim (to my left) and Carlos' wife, Lilia. Both Carlos and Lilia also work at Anna Sander's Seminary.

Donna and Miqueas' wonderful son, David, greeted the congregation he has known all his life and honored his parents with a special blessing.

Que Dios los bendiga con una insatisfacción santa frente a las respuestas fáciles a preguntas difíciles, a las medias verdades y relaciones superficiales, de modo que ustedes puedan buscar la verdad y el amor con valentía en lo profundo de sus corazones.

Que Dios los bendiga con ira santa ante la injusticia, la opresión espiritual o física, y la explotación de las personas, para que puedan trabajar a favor de la justicia, la libertad y la paz de Cristo entre los pueblos de la tierra.

Que Dios los bendiga con lágrimas para derramar por aquellos que sufren dolor, rechazo, hambre, o pérdida de todo lo que es de gran aprecio, para que ustedes puedan extender sus manos para consolar y transformar su dolor en alegría.

Que Dios los bendiga con suficiente locura para creer que ustedes realmente pueden hacer una diferencia en esta ciudad, nación, y hasta los confines de la tierra, para que sean capaces por medio de la gracia de Dios de hacer lo que muchos dicen es imposible.

Y que la bendición de Dios, la Suprema Majestad y nuestro Creador, Jesucristo, el Verbo encarnado, que es nuestro Hermano y Salvador, y el Espíritu Santo, nuestro Abogado y Guía, permanezca con ustedes, hoy y para siempre.

If you want to see the English translation, I posted it on the blog about a year ago: May God Bless You with Discomfort.

And just so you can have a taste of what worship is like here ...



(This song should sound familiar to many of you.)

Don't be afraid. Don't be the least bit afraid.

Playful esqueletos (skeletons), colorful calaveras (skulls), and bright cempasúchitl (marigolds) adorn neighborhood yards and local parks in preparation for el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) this weekend (Nov 1 & 2).  

Contrary to the intentions of many in the US during this holiday season, our Mexican counterparts don't decorate in order to scare us to death, but to mock and make fun of death. My Mexican friends explain it this way: Death is inevitable. Therefore let's not fear what we can't avoid - death - rather let's choose to celebrate life. Let's laugh in the face of fear, let's remember with fondness those who have died, let's rejoice in the life once lived!

See this cutie patootie – not the least bit afraid :)

Many Mexicans also place photos of loved ones, their favorite food and drink, and other remembrances upon these ornate tables. Around these tables, families recall and entice loved ones who have died to visit and enjoy life's pleasures on this one day of the year it is thought they are allowed to roam the earth. 

Although these tables are often referred to as altars, don't mistakenly assume these families worship the dead. According to my Mexican friends, these tables/altars are not places of worship, but simply a gathering of familiar tokens to remember a cherished loved one.

However you choose to celebrate this weekend, may it be filled with laughter and joy at the remembrances of loved ones and the hope of life eternal with Christ.

I almost forgot. Look who I found wondering the streets of Mexico City – MiKo the chameleon ready to join the festivities!

(All my kids and MK friends know who MiKo is. You can too by following this link.)

One more thing. At the request of a friend and missionary colleague, I shared a story of transformation on her blog this past week. Enjoy! The Shape of My Faith

The story of a cloak of flowers and a miraculous image

During language class last week, I read about the Virgin of Guadalupe whose appearance to an indigenous man in 1531, will be commemorated here on the 12th of December. Our language tutor suggested a field trip to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe for our next class to round out our language studies and learn a little about Mexican culture.

As the legend goes, the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego numerous times, commissioning him to go the Bishop in Mexico City in order to build a shrine. Reluctant to believe his story, the Bishop wanted proof.

On his way to visit his dying uncle, the Virgin appears again to Juan. She declares that his uncle is well and to gather the flowers from the place of her first appearance to bring to the Bishop. Juan fills his cloak with the flowers and travels to him. When Juan lets down his cloak, the flowers cascade to the ground and miraculously an image of the Virgin, as Juan previously described, remains etched on his cloak.

The faithful recognize this as the original cloak and image displayed in the great Basilica today.  

Thousands of faithful pilgrims trekked to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the day we visited, yet the crowds will only grow larger as her day of commemoration nears.

Will you pray with us for the beautiful people of Mexico? 

May our hearts and lives be always drawn to God's one and only Son, Jesus; that we all may know the power of his forgiveness, the hope of his resurrection, and be ever guided by the light of his truth.

The grand adventure of speeding the light

Through the ministry of Speed the Light, Assemblies of God youth provide essential transportation for missionary service.

I imagine this is what Speed the Light thinks we look like as we travel the crazy busy streets of Mexico City.

via GIPHY

However, this is what we usually feel like :)

via GIPHY

Whatever your view, Speed the Light makes sharing the gospel a grand adventure.

Thank you, Assemblies of God youth for helping us Speed the Light of the gospel in Mexico City!

What a character!

Like many mornings here recently, Sunday began as cool and overcast, but by the time we got to Reto a la Juventud (Teen Challenge) we were warmed up sufficiently to regret wearing our choice of attire. Regardless, we enjoyed our time yesterday, including the testimony shared by this hermana prior to the sermon. 

The series, 40 Days of Purpose, continued with Hermano Mario (who usually leads worship) preaching on Fuiste Creado Para Ser Como Cristo (You were created to be like Christ). Mario reminded us that God uses a variety of sources and circumstances to shape our character throughout our lives. 

Haven't we all experienced the consequences of poor choices? Although painful, God can redeem our choices and grow our character. Such truth is quite liberating and provides hope for a better life, especially to the young men of Teen Challenge. 

Yet sometimes we suffer through no fault of our own. Nevertheless, God can (and does) develop our Christlikeness as he comforts us in our misery, loves us through our frustration, and strengthens us in our weakness.

Your partnership in the gospel allows us to be partners in the ministry with so many wonderful people. Thank you for your prayers and support.

God bless the misfits and the outcasts

In recent weeks, a new friend asked us to pray for him. Of course we said we would. And we did. Then in a conversation a few days later he asked again, but with more urgency. This subsequent conversation proved more revealing as he shared his feelings of rejection and loneliness.

My heart really went out to him. No one wants to feel like a misfit or an outcast; these feelings conflict with our created purpose. God created us for relationships and when we feel like we don't fit in (misfit) or we've been rejected (outcast) it cuts to the heart of who we are and our deep need to belong.

So what's a body to do? How can we the convince the misfit or outcast they can belong - they do belong within the family of God? Certainly Jesus invited the misfit and the outcast to his family. But how did he make them feel welcomed?

Well, I recall that he healed the lepers (and commended the foreigner who returned to give thanks); he shared a lively and deeply theological conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (who then evangelized her neighbors and brought them to him); he publicly defended the woman who anointed his feet with oil (whose tale would be told whenever the gospel is preached); he rebuked the disciples in order to bless the children (and certainly gladdened the hearts of all their parents); and he endeared himself to a tax collector (who repented of his cheating ways and promised to make restitution).

How did Jesus make the misfit and the outcast feel like they belonged? By embracing the foreigner, respecting the rejected one, defending the courageous, showing compassion to the tiny ones, and befriending the despised. 

In other words, he loved them as his own. 

Because they were. 

Even if they didn't know it yet.

Because our encounter with our new friend had me thinking a lot this week about how we could best pray for him and cultivate this friendship, I wrote this prayer:

Lord Jesus, we pray for all the misfits and outcasts in the world to find refuge in the family of God. Draw them by your Spirit so that they may recognize and embrace your merciful love. And because so many of us have felt like misfits and outcasts, may we treat everyone we meet with kindness and respect so that they may discover their self-worth through the knowledge of being created in your image. Amen. (WMB 2015)

*****

As you can see, because of you, we have the privilege of meeting and befriending some truly beautiful people. Thank you again for your faithful prayers and support. Your partnership in the gospel makes this all possible.

Fall Newsletter 2015 Printable PDF

Created to worship

Forty Days of Purpose continued at Reto a la Juventud (Teen Challenge Mexico) as co-director Alejandra Martínez preached this week on what it means to truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Each week the teaching is recorded and later aired on a local cable channel. What an opportunity to spread the message of hope and purpose to a wide audience! 

So remember, as we learned this week, we don't need to pretend with God (no necesitamos fingir). He simply wants you to be you (quiere que seas como eres). So just take your everyday life - your rest, your meals, your work, and your comings and goings - and give it all as an offering to God* (Toma tu vida cotidiana, la vida de todos los días - tu descanso, tu comidas, tu trabajo, y tus idas y venidas - y ponlas como una ofrenda ante Dios).

Please continue to pray for Alejandra and Gamaliel as they present this teaching week after week through October and disciple the residents of Teen Challenge day by day.

Thank you for your prayers, we have secured a new language tutor! He arrives twice a week for two hours at a time and already we feel the linguistic juices flowing more freely :)

Please visit our new and improved Missionary Profile on the AGWM Directory. There you will also find links to our Blog, a Newsletter Signup and Archive, as well as a giving link. Check it out!

*Paraphrase of Romans 12:1

Finding a blessing a little closer to home

Feeling a little queasy yesterday before church, so instead of opting for a 20 minute taxi ride and a 5 minute walk to Teen Challenge we decided to stay a little closer to home, therefore we visited the church we used to attend when we lived here our first term.

We enjoyed greeting so many familiar faces, and a few new ones. The cutest face of the day belonged to little Fabián. His parents prayed eight years for their little miracle. Felicidades to Vane and Alex!

The video doesn't do it justice, but the musicians and singers led us into a beautiful spirit of worship.

Que todo lo que soy,

alabe al Señor,

con todo mi corazón,

de tu grande amor, cantaré

tu nombre alabaré

Sound familiar?



As always, we appreciate your prayers. Today we hope to firm up our plans for a new language tutor!

Have you seen our Missionary Profile on the new AGWM Missionary Directory? Among other things you will find links to our Blog, Newsletter signup/archive, and Commitment to Pray. Check it out!

Created for Purpose

Yesterday at Teen Challenge Mexico (Reto a la Juventud), Director Gamaliel Cerda began a new series, 40 Días con Propósito (40 Days of Purpose). Everyone received a bookmark that outlined the teaching points for the next few weeks and a workbook to follow along.

You may not know this, but Sunday services are are not just for Teen Challenge residents and visiting families, they also include individuals from the surrounding community. In fact, I've noticed a couple of familiar faces these last few weeks from those who participated in the health clinic last month. However, this particular series will also serve a wider audience as it is being filmed to show every Thursday on a local cable channel.

Please take a moment to pray right now for Directors Gamaliel and Alejandra and their staff at Teen Challenge. Pray for a clear presentation of the teaching, a receptive audience, and that people will find their purpose in life by finding the God who created them for a purpose.

***

We are grateful for the ministry opportunities that continue to present themselves to us, even in the short time we've been back. Thank you for your faithful support that allows us to minister in this crazy, busy, wonderful city. If you haven't already, please subscribe to our newsletter so we can stay in touch. Thanks again!

The old has gone, the new is here!

It's hard to believe that we returned to Mexico City just one month ago. I'm still amazed how much time and effort it takes just to settle in and make your house a home after an international move. Although, we're still plugging away at the process we've also enjoyed plugging into Teen Challenge on Sunday mornings (Reto a la Juventud). 

Teen Challenge Directors, Gamaliel and his wife Alejandra, greet and encourage the residents and their families here in Mexico City. Yesterday was a particularly special day as Eliu shared his amazing testimony.

Raised in a pastor's home, Eliu strayed far from the Lord. A bright young man, he graduated law school at twenty-one and became a district attorney. Eliu successfully prosecuted drug lords, but then became addicted to drugs himself. His drug use led to other illicit behavior and soon he realized he was HIV positive. 

Although Eliu surrendered his life to Christ, he eventually lay sick and dying of AIDS. While he was at the brink of death, friends and family fasted and prayed for him. A missionary friend (also a nurse) convinced the doctors to try a new drug therapy. Today, Eliu's HIV is considered medically undetectable. As Eliu preached yesterday, he is a new creation in Christ. Eliu is married now and has a six year old son. Both his wife and his son are HIV negative. Eliu pastors a church in Mérida.

 This week, Pastor Eliu is in Mexico City to study Greek at the Anna Sander's Seminary. As much as I appreciated Eliu's testimony of transformation, I also appreciate his dedication to continuing education. Many pastors here who want to complete their bachelor or master's degree must travel to do so. It takes a lot of effort, time away from family and ministry, and of course finances to continue their education. But a good education is that important to them. 

Please pray for Pastor Eliu, his wife and congregation, as well as the young men at Teen Challenge. I trust his life and testimony encouraged many yesterday to continue seeking the Lord to become new creations in Christ. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo! 2 Corintios 5:17

Overcoming obstacles

Last Monday I could hardly wait for the tech guys to come and install our internet. Finally, we would have world-wide access at our finger tips. I could install my Vonage phone and call my family. I could update our blog. I could catch-up on emails. The possibilities were endless!

But then the tech guys came. They saw. And they left.
A two-ton, (seemingly) immovable object parked in front of our house blocked access to the underground cables.
Alas, no internet. No access. No fun.

But what a difference a week makes. The obstacle was moved. The tech guys came back. And now we're ready to roll!

We stepped into ministry a week ago Sunday at a health fair hosted by Teen Challenge (Reto a la Juventud) and led by missionary colleague Sandy Kazim. Sandy put all my medical expertise to work by allowing me to take the height and weight of all the patients :)

Meanwhile, Stuart chatted with a 16 year old resident who has been with Teen Challenge for 6 months. He shared with Stuart his testimony and transformation, and Stuart likewise shared his. 

Here's a taste of the worship service attended by residents and family alike. 

We all face obstacles in our daily life. Obstacles can range from simply annoying (like our internet experience) to life threatening. Some can be moved with great physical effort (like the one in front of our house), yet others need the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome. As you can see, those who have experienced Christ's dramatic freedom from the obstacle of drug and alcohol addiction now know how to worship him in true liberty.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us in Mexico City. Your continued support helps us to partner with ministries like Teen Challenge so that all who seek liberty from life controlling obstacles may find their freedom in Christ.

Back in the Big City

I think I've aged a month this past week with all the last minute sorting & packing, then leaving & flying, and then arriving & cleaning.

Whew.

Although there is a lot more to do, we obtained SIM cards for our Mexico cell phones and bought a little food and other items for the house.

In the midst of all the hectic-ness that is a part of transitioning to a new country, we did manage to take a little break with our area directors, Paul and Sandy Kazim, to visit one of our favorite places for tacos and churros in Mexico City: El Moro.

Yummy.

Today, Paul accompanied Stuart again to get power reconnected to the house. 

Tomorrow fellow missionaries, Nicky and Janie Rider, will arrive from Chihuahua to help make some repairs on the house.

This week we hope to sign up for internet at the house.

On Sunday we plan on being with Teen Challenge.

And then next week we'll need to visit the immigration office to secure our temporary residency status.

Wow.

So grateful for all of you; for your prayers and financial support, and for missionary colleagues coming alongside us to make this transition more manageable.

Thanks everyone!

Hey, hey, hey ... we're on our way

While many of you are attending General Council in Orlando this weekend, we'll be setting up house in Mexico City!

It's been a whirlwind of activity around here these last few weeks: a trip to Indianapolis to obtain our temporary residency visas, clearing out our home for rent, and prepping the family dog for return to his homeland.

Although we've done this numerous times before, this time is different as we are leaving all our kids behind in the States for the first time. We'd appreciate your prayers for our family during this transition.

Also, please pray for an uneventful flight, a breeze through immigration and customs, and for all the last minute details to be taken care.

We look forward to returning to Mexico City to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. 

Thanks, everyone!

Printable PDF Summer special edition newsletter 2015

Why should my heart be sad?

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.” Luke 13.1

Very little is known of this particular incident from the biblical record. All we do know is that Pilate slaughtered a group of Galilean pilgrims while they were offering their sacrifices in Jerusalem. Even historical records from that time period reveal nothing; only that atrocities such as this were consistent with Pilate's reputation.

Recent tragedies in our country and around the world remind us once again that such cruelty has a long and powerful reach. Like you, I'm sure, these senseless tragedies have troubled me deeply. Yet, while contemplating life in the midst of a particularly stressful day, I came across this timely reminder on social media:

This is my Father's world.

O let me ne'er forget

that though the wrong

seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

Like the songwriter, I know all is not right in this world. Tragic events, barbaric acts of violence, and unjust systems can at times shake us to the core. And although cruelty may seem to have a long and powerful reach, it can never out-distance nor out-maneuver God's saving grace and redeeming love.

This is my Father's world:

why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

*Stuart and I thank you for your prayers and financial support. Because of your faithfulness and generosity we have reached the top of the Itineration Pyramid. Yay! The next order of business is securing our temporary residency visas. Please pray with us as we gather all necessary documents and set an appointment at the consulate. Once we secure our visas we can make travel arrangements. We hope to complete the process and be back in Mexico City within the next month! 

We look forward to returning to Mexico City to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade. Thank you!

Printable PDF Summer 2015

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