Mexico City Missive ~ Summer 2018

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

Dear friends,

Did you know missionaries receive lots of fan mail? Well, maybe not fan mail, exactly. But we often receive notes of encouragement, holiday cards, and a few inquiries that get us thinking. A few years back, an inquiring mind asked how our ministry focus aligned with God’s purpose. Granted, I may not remember exactly how the sender worded the question, I do remember answering it more or less this way. No matter where Stuart and I are in the world, Jesus’ command to make disciples remains at the center of who we are and what we do.

In Jamaica, making disciples looked like caring for 40 precious children and teenagers at our children’s home. It also looked like teaching at the Assemblies of God Bible College and developing a mentorship program between those two entities.

In Mexico City, making disciples looked like teaching at Anna Sanders Seminary and preaching in our home church and other venues during our first term, and focusing our efforts at Teen Challenge Mexico during our second term.

Suffice it to say, following the call to make disciples has afforded Stuart and I the privilege to love, serve, and minister with many wonderful people in God’s wonderfully diverse world.

Just recently, the Executive Committee of World Missions granted Stuart and I approval for a short-term assignment as Missionaries in Residence (MIR) at Evangel University. This opportunity would not have happened without you. Your support over these last three terms of service (15 years!) gives us the perspective and the experience we need to inspire students in their God-given vocation and help them find their place in his Great Commission. In other words, Stuart and I will continue the process you began in your homes and churches to make educated, responsible, Spirit-led disciples to go and do likewise.

I’ve barely given you a glimpse of all the responsibilities required as a MIR. But as the year progresses, I trust you’ll be impressed with the partnership of Assemblies of God World Missions and our Assemblies of God learning institutions to provide missionary educators to create vision, promote missions, and provide your students guidance as they discover God’s call on their lives.

As I mentioned, the MIR is a short-term assignment (for the 2018-2020 academic years). Then Stuart and I will eagerly return to the field by God’s grace and your continued support. Please know, we need you just as much now as ever. Transitions are never easy. We’ve already hit a few snags that hopefully will turn out to be nothing more than inconveniences. As for now, please pray for us as we settle into a new home and into all our new responsibilities.

Grace and peace,

~ Stuart & Wendy Brown

We met the challenge! A few weeks ago, we challenged our supporters to help us give a generous offering to Teen Challenge Mexico to repair, replace, and upgrade some worn out items at their facility. In fact, you more than met the challenge and so we made these guys, as well as the directors of Reto a la Juventud, very happy. 

Thanks everyone. You're the best!

View email in your browser

Printable PDF

We're up to the challenge!

Teen Challenge directors, Gamaliel and Alejandra Cerda, have guided numerous adult and young men from drug and alcohol addiction through a proven, well-structured, faith-based program. Graduates of Teen Challenge Mexico (Reto a la Juventud) leave with their dignity recovered and the strength required to take control of their lives to reintegrate with their family, or form a family free of addictions.

Stuart and I have had the privilege to serve Teen Challenge Mexico these last few years to witness such miracles.

As you can imagine, housing, feeding, and training upwards of 20 men takes it toll on the facilities. And for Teen Challenge Mexico, many of their basic necessities have worn out and need replacement or repair.

This is where you and I come in. Gamaliel and Alejandra have submitted a short list of basic necessities that need replacing (like pillows and bedspreads), a few high end repairs (of a refrigerator and freezer), and wish list to upgrade their kitchen (like an industrial blender).

Expenses total a modest $3000. With your help and generosity, we believe we are up to the challenge of raising this amount quickly and get the funds into their hands as soon as possible.

Just follow this giving link and these simple steps:

1. Choose the amount of your offering

2. Click on class 40 in the drop down box

3. Write Teen Challenge in the comment box

4. Press Give Now

Easy Peasy.

Please note, offerings exceeding the expected amount will joyously be given to Teen Challenge.

Thanks for your help!

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. Matthew 10:42

Y quien dé siquiera un vaso de agua fresca a uno de estos pequeños por tratarse de uno de mis discípulos, les aseguro que no perderá su recompensa. Mateo 10:42


Mexico City Missive ~ We're up to the challenge

Printable PDF

Mexico City Missive ~ winter 2018

Here's a snippet of our life and ministry in Mexico City for the second half of the year, 2017.

Teen Challenge Mexico, or as we know it Reto a la Juventud, provides Stuart and I opportunities to preach throughout the year as we did in the month of July. Likewise, I continue to teach English classes on Saturdays and Stuart enjoys his weekly round of futbol with the guys.

As we are able, Stuart and I also visit other Asambleas in Mexico City. In August, we worshipped with Pastors Cristobal (right) and Lourdes at Rios de Agua Viva when they invited our area director, Paul Kazim (center), to preach. I chose this delightful photo for obvious reasons.

September began happily enough with a dinner invite from Teen Challenge directors, Gamaliel and Alejandra at their home and Independence Day celebrations with our Reto family. Yet on the 19th, the anniversary of Mexico City's devastating earthquake of 1985, Mexico City rocked again from a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that left hundreds dead, thousands wounded, and many thousands more homeless. (I wrote more about it here in a previous newsletter.)

Relief efforts began immediately by the good people of Mexico as neighbors went door to door looking for volunteers and donations. Stuart and I, because of your generosity, dropped off supplies at collection sites with our trusty Speed the Light vehicle.  Well into October and beyond, Mexico City's resiliency remains strong as they continue the slow process of recovery and rebuilding.

Once again, in November, I had the privilege to speak to some of Mexico City's finest leaders at our monthly ministers breakfast for women. Although I spoke on the strength and courage of Esther, these courageous women of God shared stories that rivaled any biblical character.

In December, Stuart and I enjoyed a visit with all our kids - Olivia, Wesley, and Sophia as they came to Mexico City for the holidays. This new year looks bright with opportunity as both our daughters are set to graduate in May. Olivia from Duke Divinity with a master's degree in Theological Studies, and Sophia from Evangel University with a bachelor's degree in Communications. 

Stuart & Wendy

Printable PDF

View email in your browser

Subscribe to receive newsletter directly to your inbox

Mexico City Missive ~ Christmas 2017

[King Herod] called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” Matthew 2:4-6

Bethlehem, the birthplace of king David becomes the birthplace of the Christ, Israel's promised king and shepherd. When the reigning king, Herod, receives confirmation of the Messiah's birth, he seeks to harm the vulnerable, humble child of Bethlehem. An angelic warning sends Mary and Joseph fleeing from Bethlehem to Egypt as refugees until word of the dubious king's death brings them back to Israel and the city of Nazareth. From here, the one born in the “house of bread” grows up under the care of his earthly parents until he is ready to go out into the world, offer himself, and feed hungry souls.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” John 6:32-34

Intrigued by the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd desires to perform the works of God, too. Instead, Jesus calls them to believe. Still the crowd demands a miraculous sign, after all, even Moses gave them bread in the wilderness. Yet, unbeknownst to them, bread from heaven has already descended again from the Father's hand in the form of his Son, Jesus; the true bread from heaven. The bread that gives life to the world. “Give us that bread,” the crowd demands. And so Jesus does.

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

From the “house of bread” to the Last Supper and beyond the true bread from heaven gives life to those who receive. As we remember the babe born in Bethlehem this holiday season, let's venture out into the world, offer ourselves, and generously share the bread of life with a hungry world.

Wishing you joy and peace, always.

Stuart & Wendy Brown

Printable PDF

View original newsletter in your browser

Subscribe to receive directly to your inbox

A different kind of Advent

After the earthquake on September 19, thousands in our city had to abandon their residences. This apartment building, right across the street from our neighborhood, left more than a few people homeless. In fact, many who left this building have been camping out in the park behind it.

This past weekend, 2 1/2 months after the quake, workers scaled the building and began tearing down the upper portion with sledge hammers. Today, some heavy duty machinery continued the work.

Please continue to pray for Mexico City. Many buildings in our area remain uninhabitable but have yet to be demolished (or repaired). Which equates to thousands of residents unable to return to their homes or their businesses. A sad state of affairs especially at this time of year.

Yesterday began the season of Advent - the season of waiting and hoping. We light our advent candles in patient but hopeful longing for the light of the world to shine in our midst. We make ready our hearts in hopeful anticipation to welcome the Christ child into our homes. But for many in our city, it'll be a different kind of Advent. A different season of longing.

As we prepare for the holidays in the days and weeks to come, will you join us as we remember in prayer and serve our displaced neighbors who also wait and hope for a brighter future and a secure home?

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.*



*Tickle, Phyllis. Christmastide: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from The Divine Hours (p. 10). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.