11.11.09
I am very excited to be able to say that in just a few more days I will have hugs from my family, and that Lord permitting, I will be with my church family at next week's prayer meeting! I will be traveling home all day this coming Monday.
I have two main pieces of news from Mexico to share in this last update.
The first is that we have three additions to the team! The first two are a newlywed couple, Samuel and Magali, ages 24 and 23. Samuel works during the week as a nurse, and has arranged his schedule so that he can be with us on the weekends. He speaks English and has also done some translation with Marcus in the past. His wife Magali is expecting their first child in March. They have already been quite a blessing in the work. The third person is Ramón, a 26-year old who has been active in the work in the assembly in Orizaba.
The second piece of news is in regards to my work down here. Two weekends ago I was talking with one of the ladies from the church in Omiquila, Viviana. It was only then that I found out that she has three grown deaf children that attend the chapel. I could hardly believe it took me nearly four months to realize this! When I had said hello to them, I had always just thought they were very quiet people. They hide it very well by smiling a lot and muttering an acknowledging sound. It then dawned on me that I had met some deaf people while evangelizing in Tepexpan, and that it seems it's a genetic thing that many of the Aztecs are born deaf.
Viviana told me that her children do not speak any standardized form of sign language. It seems that is generally the case among indigenous deaf. Because they use homemade signs to communicate, the signs are mostly unique within each family. I discovered that there is an official Mexican Sign Language, whose alphabet is nearly identical to the American Sign Language I had learned as a child. This past weekend I was fascinated and thrilled to begin teaching Viviana's children to spell their names. It was really quite an exciting privilege, and they are very enthusiastic about learning.
My plan is to learn the Mexican Sign Language while I am home, and then teach the deaf, their families, and the team when I return. Eventually we hope that we can be fluent enough to not only explain the gospel to them but also to translate the ministry meetings. Right now, it is extremely difficult to know how much they understand of the Bible. Very possibly the majority of what they understand has come from observing the Betty Luken's feltboards.
So, I have much homework to do while I am in Massachusetts. I will continue with the translation work, I will study the Nahuatl dictionary, and I will be learning Mexican Sign Language. We can be continuing to pray that I would use the time wisely, and that the Lord would give me much help in learning.
viernes, 13 de noviembre de 2009
sábado, 31 de octubre de 2009
Update #5
10.21.09
Things have been progressing both at home and with the mountain work. We are continually thankful to the Lord for his protection of Jennifer and baby Caleb, who is now two and a half weeks old. During the time that Jennifer was housebound, the girls took turns staying home to do the cooking and to look after things at home while the teams went into the mountains. Both mother and baby are doing quite well and Jennifer is glad to be more active by the day. One thing they need prayer for though is that they can get sorted out Caleb's birth certificate and/or passport requirements in time to be able to travel with him when they visit family and their home assembly in Florida in November.
We are also quite happy that the phone and internet were installed a few weeks ago, as that has allowed me to progress faster with the translation work. We are aiming to translate as much of Randy Amos' book The Church as possible before I leave. Due to some of the changes in wording that comes with translation, Marcus will be making a revised English version that he wishes to show Randy Amos when they see each other in December. We would appreciate prayer that we can reach this goal amidst our full schedule.
On the frontlines in the Sierra work we would appreciate prayer that we would be constantly well-prepared in giving God's Word to the people, and that we would have His wisdom when we encounter those of a popular cult here called The Light of the World. Some encouraging things have been happening in Tepexpan over the past few weeks. During the door-to-door work, a few people have accepted Christ, and there are five men who've already been attending the meetings that desire to be baptized.
Also in Tepexpan, there is an eight-year old boy who has enthusiastically begun helping me to translate the Old Testament when we visit on the weekends. His mother and aunt have also been helping. Since they speak both Nahuatl and Spanish, they are able to translate from the Spanish into the Nahuatl. When we come across a word that they don't understand, I and another team member explain it. When I brought Genesis 1:1 back to Marcus, he said it was very good. At this level, there are many good things about this method of translation. 1) We are getting to know the people better and have closer fellowship with them. 2) They are learning the Bible verse by verse as we explain it to them. 3) It works well in teaching me the language. 4) The text can always be revised later to be as close to the original intent as possible, and meanwhile we can have verses that they will understand better in their own language.
The Lord has also blessed everyone's prayers for the growth of the Friday kid's club here at the house. The last two Friday's we've had about 10-12 kids here. In the back yard, work has begun on building a little wood house just for the kid's club work. We pray for the salvation of these children and their families, and also that our testimony in the community would reflect Him.
We also usually go door-to-door once a week in the surrounding neighborhood. Last week, I spoke with a woman named Lourdes who at first didn't seem interested in anything we were saying, but by the end was listening intently and even asking us to repeat the verses we were reading. I look forward to visiting with her again and need prayer to speak His Word with grace and truth.
For a few days last week, the household grew to 15 people with the arrival of a family from Texas who is seeking the Lord's guidance as to whether to move here permanently for farming work, although they would like to help in what they can in a local church. They also have four little children approximately the same ages as the Reyes' kids. They are now staying at a house nearby, and for this visit will be here about a month. Their names are John and Verid McHaney.
Back home, Mom is doing somewhat better. She can drive short distances if she needs to, but can't walk for very long and is still not cooking, as far as I know.
It's hard to believe I only have four weeks before I will be home and seeing many loved ones again! Please pray that I will use the time wisely, and that the Lord would give us all wisdom in future preparations.
Things have been progressing both at home and with the mountain work. We are continually thankful to the Lord for his protection of Jennifer and baby Caleb, who is now two and a half weeks old. During the time that Jennifer was housebound, the girls took turns staying home to do the cooking and to look after things at home while the teams went into the mountains. Both mother and baby are doing quite well and Jennifer is glad to be more active by the day. One thing they need prayer for though is that they can get sorted out Caleb's birth certificate and/or passport requirements in time to be able to travel with him when they visit family and their home assembly in Florida in November.
We are also quite happy that the phone and internet were installed a few weeks ago, as that has allowed me to progress faster with the translation work. We are aiming to translate as much of Randy Amos' book The Church as possible before I leave. Due to some of the changes in wording that comes with translation, Marcus will be making a revised English version that he wishes to show Randy Amos when they see each other in December. We would appreciate prayer that we can reach this goal amidst our full schedule.
On the frontlines in the Sierra work we would appreciate prayer that we would be constantly well-prepared in giving God's Word to the people, and that we would have His wisdom when we encounter those of a popular cult here called The Light of the World. Some encouraging things have been happening in Tepexpan over the past few weeks. During the door-to-door work, a few people have accepted Christ, and there are five men who've already been attending the meetings that desire to be baptized.
Also in Tepexpan, there is an eight-year old boy who has enthusiastically begun helping me to translate the Old Testament when we visit on the weekends. His mother and aunt have also been helping. Since they speak both Nahuatl and Spanish, they are able to translate from the Spanish into the Nahuatl. When we come across a word that they don't understand, I and another team member explain it. When I brought Genesis 1:1 back to Marcus, he said it was very good. At this level, there are many good things about this method of translation. 1) We are getting to know the people better and have closer fellowship with them. 2) They are learning the Bible verse by verse as we explain it to them. 3) It works well in teaching me the language. 4) The text can always be revised later to be as close to the original intent as possible, and meanwhile we can have verses that they will understand better in their own language.
The Lord has also blessed everyone's prayers for the growth of the Friday kid's club here at the house. The last two Friday's we've had about 10-12 kids here. In the back yard, work has begun on building a little wood house just for the kid's club work. We pray for the salvation of these children and their families, and also that our testimony in the community would reflect Him.
We also usually go door-to-door once a week in the surrounding neighborhood. Last week, I spoke with a woman named Lourdes who at first didn't seem interested in anything we were saying, but by the end was listening intently and even asking us to repeat the verses we were reading. I look forward to visiting with her again and need prayer to speak His Word with grace and truth.
For a few days last week, the household grew to 15 people with the arrival of a family from Texas who is seeking the Lord's guidance as to whether to move here permanently for farming work, although they would like to help in what they can in a local church. They also have four little children approximately the same ages as the Reyes' kids. They are now staying at a house nearby, and for this visit will be here about a month. Their names are John and Verid McHaney.
Back home, Mom is doing somewhat better. She can drive short distances if she needs to, but can't walk for very long and is still not cooking, as far as I know.
It's hard to believe I only have four weeks before I will be home and seeing many loved ones again! Please pray that I will use the time wisely, and that the Lord would give us all wisdom in future preparations.
miércoles, 21 de octubre de 2009
Language Blunders
HORNBLOWER
I was asked what kind of animals live in Massachusetts. Since I didn't know the word for “deer”, I was trying to describe it. One of the ladies asked if they have horns. I replied, “Si, los varónes tienen cuernos”, after which there was uproarious laughter by every single person in the truck. I thought that what I said meant, “Yes, the males have horns.” Since varón is translated in English as “male”, I figured I was saying it correctly.
However, this blunder was hilarious for two reasons.
1.The word varón is only used in reference to human males. The word for a male animal is macho. So what I basically said was closer to “The gentlemen have horns.”
2.There is an expression in Spanish (of which I was also ignorant) that goes: “ponerle los cuernos a alguien” which means “to be unfaithful to someone”. So when I said “los varónes tienen cuernos”, it was like I was saying they all cheat on the female deer.
ACCENTS
Sometimes people speak either too fast, too slurred, with an unusual accent, or any such similar thing, that I can't understand them even though I could if the words were written out in front of me.
So one rather embarrassing moment very early on was when Marcus was introducing me to one of the elders in Orizaba. He asked me what my name was, but because of the way he said it, I just stood there with a dumb look on my face trying to figure out what he was saying. The look on poor Marcus' shocked face was like: “WHAT?!!! You graduated with a degree in Spanish and you don't know '¿Cómo te llamas?'!!!"
We laughed about it later when I explained why I was having trouble, but boy did I feel dumb in the moment!
HERESY
One of the first times I heard Marcus preach, he directed us to turn to the book of San Manuel (Saint Manuel). What?! What was this, some heretical fifth gospel?! Oh wait, nevermind, what he said was actually "Primer Samuel" - 1st Samuel.
BONES OF CONTENTION
I had just made scones. Marcela and Lorena told me it was very good and wondered what was in it. While listing off the ingredients, I accidentally said it had bones (huesos), when I really meant to say eggs (huevos).
MATRIMONY
Twice now, I have heard wrong in regards to the same thing.
The first time, I was asking my friend what we should do next. This is what I THOUGHT I heard:
Me: Que quieres? [What do you want?]
My friend: Casamos. [Let's get married.]
What had actually been said was "Que hacemos?" [What do we do?]
The second time this happened, we were crossing the road and I thought my friend said: "Vamos a casar." [Let's get married.] What was really said was: "Vamos a cruzar." [Let's cross.]
OLD ANXIETIES
One day Lorena looked really worried. Being the good friend that I am, I decided to go over to her and see if she wanted to talk about it. So I put on my serious face and asked: "¿Estás anciana?" She looked at me with this horrified face and then I realized what I'd done. I had just asked her if she was elderly, when what I really meant to ask was, "¿Estás anciosa?" - "Are you anxious?"
...and there are more to come in the future, I'm sure.
I was asked what kind of animals live in Massachusetts. Since I didn't know the word for “deer”, I was trying to describe it. One of the ladies asked if they have horns. I replied, “Si, los varónes tienen cuernos”, after which there was uproarious laughter by every single person in the truck. I thought that what I said meant, “Yes, the males have horns.” Since varón is translated in English as “male”, I figured I was saying it correctly.
However, this blunder was hilarious for two reasons.
1.The word varón is only used in reference to human males. The word for a male animal is macho. So what I basically said was closer to “The gentlemen have horns.”
2.There is an expression in Spanish (of which I was also ignorant) that goes: “ponerle los cuernos a alguien” which means “to be unfaithful to someone”. So when I said “los varónes tienen cuernos”, it was like I was saying they all cheat on the female deer.
ACCENTS
Sometimes people speak either too fast, too slurred, with an unusual accent, or any such similar thing, that I can't understand them even though I could if the words were written out in front of me.
So one rather embarrassing moment very early on was when Marcus was introducing me to one of the elders in Orizaba. He asked me what my name was, but because of the way he said it, I just stood there with a dumb look on my face trying to figure out what he was saying. The look on poor Marcus' shocked face was like: “WHAT?!!! You graduated with a degree in Spanish and you don't know '¿Cómo te llamas?'!!!"
We laughed about it later when I explained why I was having trouble, but boy did I feel dumb in the moment!
HERESY
One of the first times I heard Marcus preach, he directed us to turn to the book of San Manuel (Saint Manuel). What?! What was this, some heretical fifth gospel?! Oh wait, nevermind, what he said was actually "Primer Samuel" - 1st Samuel.
BONES OF CONTENTION
I had just made scones. Marcela and Lorena told me it was very good and wondered what was in it. While listing off the ingredients, I accidentally said it had bones (huesos), when I really meant to say eggs (huevos).
MATRIMONY
Twice now, I have heard wrong in regards to the same thing.
The first time, I was asking my friend what we should do next. This is what I THOUGHT I heard:
Me: Que quieres? [What do you want?]
My friend: Casamos. [Let's get married.]
What had actually been said was "Que hacemos?" [What do we do?]
The second time this happened, we were crossing the road and I thought my friend said: "Vamos a casar." [Let's get married.] What was really said was: "Vamos a cruzar." [Let's cross.]
OLD ANXIETIES
One day Lorena looked really worried. Being the good friend that I am, I decided to go over to her and see if she wanted to talk about it. So I put on my serious face and asked: "¿Estás anciana?" She looked at me with this horrified face and then I realized what I'd done. I had just asked her if she was elderly, when what I really meant to ask was, "¿Estás anciosa?" - "Are you anxious?"
...and there are more to come in the future, I'm sure.
sábado, 10 de octubre de 2009
NEWSFLASH!!
(This is slightly old news due to our internet problems from before...)
Baby Caleb Zachary Reyes arrived on Friday, October 9th! Both baby and mother are doing just fine now, all praise be to the Lord.
We really appreciated your prayers for them, because actually he almost died. Friday around 9pm she had an ultrasound that showed two major concerns. The first thing is that the chord was wrapped around his neck. And secondly, the water level is supposed to be between 8 and 16, the week before it was at a healthy 12, but that Friday it was down to 2! He had been at full gestation and was ready to come, but because the chord prevented him from coming down, the water apparantly was slowly draining. Her water never actually broke. So shortly after 11pm they did an emergency C-Section, and he was born at 11:20. There was basically no water left when they went in, and because of the problems caused by that, he could not breath at first. They gave him oxygen for a little while and then he started to breath on his own after awhile.
Praise be to the Great Physician that He took care of them both. Any little mistake or mis-timing may have resulted in permanent damage. But he is a very normal looking and healthy 9 lb baby! Jennifer looks great too; in fact, she didn´t even look tired! Marcus looked even more tired the next morning than she did!
Here are pictures:
Caleb Zachary Reyes
Baby Caleb Zachary Reyes arrived on Friday, October 9th! Both baby and mother are doing just fine now, all praise be to the Lord.
We really appreciated your prayers for them, because actually he almost died. Friday around 9pm she had an ultrasound that showed two major concerns. The first thing is that the chord was wrapped around his neck. And secondly, the water level is supposed to be between 8 and 16, the week before it was at a healthy 12, but that Friday it was down to 2! He had been at full gestation and was ready to come, but because the chord prevented him from coming down, the water apparantly was slowly draining. Her water never actually broke. So shortly after 11pm they did an emergency C-Section, and he was born at 11:20. There was basically no water left when they went in, and because of the problems caused by that, he could not breath at first. They gave him oxygen for a little while and then he started to breath on his own after awhile.
Praise be to the Great Physician that He took care of them both. Any little mistake or mis-timing may have resulted in permanent damage. But he is a very normal looking and healthy 9 lb baby! Jennifer looks great too; in fact, she didn´t even look tired! Marcus looked even more tired the next morning than she did!
Here are pictures:
Caleb Zachary Reyes
viernes, 9 de octubre de 2009
GENERAL UPDATE #4
The following is from SEPTEMBER 30th
It gives me much encouragement even to write this fourth letter, because with it comes much gratitude for many answered prayers. We are all part of the same Body, and when one member rejoices, we can all rejoice. We are first and foremost thankful to the Lord, who always knows the needs of His children and is able to supply all His riches in Christ Jesus.
In addition to an extremely generous and timely financial gift, the Lord has blessed us in other ways by answering our prayers:
1.Another American missionary who often works with us recently returned from a trip to the States, and brought back with him three sets of the Betty Lukens feltboards (a prayer request I mentioned in the first letter). This will be very useful in helping to communicate the Word of God more clearly to the Aztecs.
2.We are all very happy that the kitchen is now finished. It is easy to take for granted having a sink, countertops, cupboards, etc.
3.I also found a very comfortable mattress for about $90 USD. The couch was comfortable enough for a month, but the bed is much nicer.
4.My Spanish skills are improving more noticeably. I have been thinking in Spanish considerably more. A few Mexicans have also told me that I am speaking a lot more fluidly, and that even the accent is improving.
Other news:
1.A few weekends ago the team went to a town called Tequila to study the Word of God with Aztecs from various nearby mountain towns. It would be fairly comparable to the New England Regional Bible study that is held at my home church. It is a particularly encouraging time for everyone to be able to gather together, since this mountain region is one of the most persecuted in Mexico.
2.Since the time we have been in the new house, the phone line and internet still have not been installed. This has affected two main things: 1) It has made it very difficult to keep connected with home, and 2) it has slowed down the translation work considerably. There is a very good online dictionary that I use as I translate, and it is the most efficient method of looking up words and phrases. We are taking a break from translating the book Treasury of Bible Doctrine, and today we just started on Randy Amos' book The Church, which is a much simpler text to translate and will go much faster.
3.The team has begun a weekly Friday kids club at the new house for nearby neighbors. It consists of songs, a gospel presentation, memory verse, and games. It usually takes a little while to get a new kids club started since at first not many people know about it. The first week we had one kid come, and the second week there were two. It will probably grow faster once it spreads by word of mouth and the kids bring their friends. It is also good that both a mother and grandmother have stayed to watch, and heard a clear gospel. Please pray for the growth of this kids club and for the salvation of the those who hear the gospel through it.
4.Jennifer is due to give birth this Sunday, so the baby could come any day now. Please pray for a smooth delivery and the transition to having our ninth member of the household. Marcela, Lorena, and I also need prayer in this upcoming time that we can be very attentive to the needs of the house (specifically helping with the cooking).
It gives me much encouragement even to write this fourth letter, because with it comes much gratitude for many answered prayers. We are all part of the same Body, and when one member rejoices, we can all rejoice. We are first and foremost thankful to the Lord, who always knows the needs of His children and is able to supply all His riches in Christ Jesus.
In addition to an extremely generous and timely financial gift, the Lord has blessed us in other ways by answering our prayers:
1.Another American missionary who often works with us recently returned from a trip to the States, and brought back with him three sets of the Betty Lukens feltboards (a prayer request I mentioned in the first letter). This will be very useful in helping to communicate the Word of God more clearly to the Aztecs.
2.We are all very happy that the kitchen is now finished. It is easy to take for granted having a sink, countertops, cupboards, etc.
3.I also found a very comfortable mattress for about $90 USD. The couch was comfortable enough for a month, but the bed is much nicer.
4.My Spanish skills are improving more noticeably. I have been thinking in Spanish considerably more. A few Mexicans have also told me that I am speaking a lot more fluidly, and that even the accent is improving.
Other news:
1.A few weekends ago the team went to a town called Tequila to study the Word of God with Aztecs from various nearby mountain towns. It would be fairly comparable to the New England Regional Bible study that is held at my home church. It is a particularly encouraging time for everyone to be able to gather together, since this mountain region is one of the most persecuted in Mexico.
2.Since the time we have been in the new house, the phone line and internet still have not been installed. This has affected two main things: 1) It has made it very difficult to keep connected with home, and 2) it has slowed down the translation work considerably. There is a very good online dictionary that I use as I translate, and it is the most efficient method of looking up words and phrases. We are taking a break from translating the book Treasury of Bible Doctrine, and today we just started on Randy Amos' book The Church, which is a much simpler text to translate and will go much faster.
3.The team has begun a weekly Friday kids club at the new house for nearby neighbors. It consists of songs, a gospel presentation, memory verse, and games. It usually takes a little while to get a new kids club started since at first not many people know about it. The first week we had one kid come, and the second week there were two. It will probably grow faster once it spreads by word of mouth and the kids bring their friends. It is also good that both a mother and grandmother have stayed to watch, and heard a clear gospel. Please pray for the growth of this kids club and for the salvation of the those who hear the gospel through it.
4.Jennifer is due to give birth this Sunday, so the baby could come any day now. Please pray for a smooth delivery and the transition to having our ninth member of the household. Marcela, Lorena, and I also need prayer in this upcoming time that we can be very attentive to the needs of the house (specifically helping with the cooking).
GENERAL UPDATE #3
Pardon the lack of entries! Up until the day before yesterday, we did not have internet access at the new house ever since we moved in on September 5th. So the following “general” entries were actually written several weeks ago as an update to my home church and are now modified to be posted here.
- - -
Thank you for the all prayers and encouragement you have sent our way. After I sent the second update, I found out after the evening meeting that I could stay with the Mexican family an additional week. That was a very helpful answered prayer because it meant that we would not be quite as crowded for as long at the Reyes' house. After that, I was with the Reyes' family about a week and half before we then moved to the new house this past Saturday. [September 5th]. We value your prayers that the Lord would provide for the various needs of the household, including the completion of the kitchen.
The Lord also answered prayer concerning finding a low cost bed. We got a really good deal on a wooden frame with drawers and two nightstands that worked out to about $100 US. It is still being made at the moment, and we'll also need to find a reasonably priced mattress for it before it's ready to use.
Last week we began the translation work, starting with the book “Treasury of Bible Doctrine” edited by Precious Seed magazine based in Great Britain. Our method has been that when Marcus has a bit of “spare time”, he dictates a rough translation into an audio recorder, and I later transcribe it and edit it as best as I can. Then Marcus and other Spanish experts will look to examine the translation many times before the final copy. We desire to translate with excellence for the glory of God. Because it is a complicated book and I still have a lot to learn in regards to Christian Spanish terminology and also general language expressions, the translating process goes rather slowly. But I enjoy it very much and it is a very valuable learning tool. I would appreciate prayer for the continued development of my Spanish language skills that I might be able to translate at a faster pace. Two of the Mexican team members looked over my draft and said that it was very good, so that is encouraging.
Now for a little explanation of the teams and the usual schedule. There are eight of us who go regularly to Omiquila and Tepexpan, and about four others who also come with us to evangelize Metlac. Metlac is another remote village in the Sierra which takes about an hour and a quarter to get to. We park the truck and then traverse through various types to terrain to reach the houses. We usually cross a particular river. One time it overflowed and the team had to pass over one by one via horseback. When we go to Tepexpan and Omiquila over the weekends, we usually split up half and half and alternate locations. This allows for each person to break bread in both churches once every two weeks.
The typical schedule is as follows:
Sunday AM – breaking of bread and ministry meetings in Tepexpan and Omiquila
Sunday PM – gospel meeting in Orizaba
Monday – family day (rest day)
Tuesday AM and afternoon – evangelism (usually in Metlac) and team Bible study
Tuesday PM – ministry meeting in Orizaba
Wednesday AM and afternoon – team Bible study, evangelism and meeting in Tepexpan
Wednesday PM – ministry meeting in Orizaba
Thursday AM and afternoon - team Bible study, evangelism and meeting in Omiquila
Thursday PM – prayer meeting in Orizaba
Friday AM – team music lessons and practice
Friday PM – young peoples' meeting in Orizaba
Saturday afternoon and PM – travel to Tepexpan and Omiquila to encourage and disciple the saints there, also to stay overnight to be with them Sunday AM.
The team consists of four to six men (depending on the day) and five women. All of the men teach, and all of the women help out with the children's Sunday school and with the music (I've been playing my psaltery when possible, and am beginning to learn guitar as well).
The men:
Marcus – originally from NYC and later Florida, where his commending church is. He and Jennifer have been working here 11 years now.
Alejandro – 28 yr. old who graduated from college with a literature degree and then came to work with Marcus full time about a 1 ¾ yr. ago. He left his home (which is about 1 ½ hr. from here) to help with the various ministries and especially one of his favorite activities – evangelism.
Eder – 25 yr. old who got saved two years ago and left his job and family (from about an hour away) to work with Marcus full time about 1 ½ yr. ago.
Pedro – 28 yr. old responsible for his own mission 2 hrs by bus and then 3 hrs walking each way into the mountain on weekends and then during the week he is with us.
Alvaro – 59, and Vicente – 60, they both live locally and fellowship at another assembly. Their local church expressed interest in evangelism and did not know where to begin, therefore asked if they could send some of their men to work on the team and gain experience. They provide age and maturity to a team that averages 28 yrs. old. They get to learn, share their knowledge and experiences with their home assembly.
The women:
Olivia – 25 yr. old originally from an Aztec village, she is very valuable for her ability to speak fluent Nahuatl.
Amisadai – 18 yr. old who has been working with Marcus for five years. Now that she is finished with high school, she has even more time available to serve. She plays several instruments very well and is very good at teaching the Sunday school kids.
Marcela and Lorena – 18 and 19 year old sisters from another part of Mexico who just started serving here the month before I arrived. It is unknown for how long they will be staying to help, but they estimate a year or two. Marcela is particularly talented at playing guitar, and Lorena with violin. They also live with us in the new house.
Please pray that the Lord would also continue to provide for the needs of these team members, as each person is of great value and encouragement to us all.
Please pray also...
- for the spiritual growth and encouragement of the assembly in Omiquila, which is experiencing some difficulties.
- that those in Tepexpan and Omiquila would understand the Word of God preached to them, since some of them do not understand Spanish very well, and there are few who ever preach in their native language.
- for Jennifer and the baby boy that is due on Oct. 4th, and that the things of the house would be well in order to make it easier when the newborn arrives.
- - -
Thank you for the all prayers and encouragement you have sent our way. After I sent the second update, I found out after the evening meeting that I could stay with the Mexican family an additional week. That was a very helpful answered prayer because it meant that we would not be quite as crowded for as long at the Reyes' house. After that, I was with the Reyes' family about a week and half before we then moved to the new house this past Saturday. [September 5th]. We value your prayers that the Lord would provide for the various needs of the household, including the completion of the kitchen.
The Lord also answered prayer concerning finding a low cost bed. We got a really good deal on a wooden frame with drawers and two nightstands that worked out to about $100 US. It is still being made at the moment, and we'll also need to find a reasonably priced mattress for it before it's ready to use.
Last week we began the translation work, starting with the book “Treasury of Bible Doctrine” edited by Precious Seed magazine based in Great Britain. Our method has been that when Marcus has a bit of “spare time”, he dictates a rough translation into an audio recorder, and I later transcribe it and edit it as best as I can. Then Marcus and other Spanish experts will look to examine the translation many times before the final copy. We desire to translate with excellence for the glory of God. Because it is a complicated book and I still have a lot to learn in regards to Christian Spanish terminology and also general language expressions, the translating process goes rather slowly. But I enjoy it very much and it is a very valuable learning tool. I would appreciate prayer for the continued development of my Spanish language skills that I might be able to translate at a faster pace. Two of the Mexican team members looked over my draft and said that it was very good, so that is encouraging.
Now for a little explanation of the teams and the usual schedule. There are eight of us who go regularly to Omiquila and Tepexpan, and about four others who also come with us to evangelize Metlac. Metlac is another remote village in the Sierra which takes about an hour and a quarter to get to. We park the truck and then traverse through various types to terrain to reach the houses. We usually cross a particular river. One time it overflowed and the team had to pass over one by one via horseback. When we go to Tepexpan and Omiquila over the weekends, we usually split up half and half and alternate locations. This allows for each person to break bread in both churches once every two weeks.
The typical schedule is as follows:
Sunday AM – breaking of bread and ministry meetings in Tepexpan and Omiquila
Sunday PM – gospel meeting in Orizaba
Monday – family day (rest day)
Tuesday AM and afternoon – evangelism (usually in Metlac) and team Bible study
Tuesday PM – ministry meeting in Orizaba
Wednesday AM and afternoon – team Bible study, evangelism and meeting in Tepexpan
Wednesday PM – ministry meeting in Orizaba
Thursday AM and afternoon - team Bible study, evangelism and meeting in Omiquila
Thursday PM – prayer meeting in Orizaba
Friday AM – team music lessons and practice
Friday PM – young peoples' meeting in Orizaba
Saturday afternoon and PM – travel to Tepexpan and Omiquila to encourage and disciple the saints there, also to stay overnight to be with them Sunday AM.
The team consists of four to six men (depending on the day) and five women. All of the men teach, and all of the women help out with the children's Sunday school and with the music (I've been playing my psaltery when possible, and am beginning to learn guitar as well).
The men:
Marcus – originally from NYC and later Florida, where his commending church is. He and Jennifer have been working here 11 years now.
Alejandro – 28 yr. old who graduated from college with a literature degree and then came to work with Marcus full time about a 1 ¾ yr. ago. He left his home (which is about 1 ½ hr. from here) to help with the various ministries and especially one of his favorite activities – evangelism.
Eder – 25 yr. old who got saved two years ago and left his job and family (from about an hour away) to work with Marcus full time about 1 ½ yr. ago.
Pedro – 28 yr. old responsible for his own mission 2 hrs by bus and then 3 hrs walking each way into the mountain on weekends and then during the week he is with us.
Alvaro – 59, and Vicente – 60, they both live locally and fellowship at another assembly. Their local church expressed interest in evangelism and did not know where to begin, therefore asked if they could send some of their men to work on the team and gain experience. They provide age and maturity to a team that averages 28 yrs. old. They get to learn, share their knowledge and experiences with their home assembly.
The women:
Olivia – 25 yr. old originally from an Aztec village, she is very valuable for her ability to speak fluent Nahuatl.
Amisadai – 18 yr. old who has been working with Marcus for five years. Now that she is finished with high school, she has even more time available to serve. She plays several instruments very well and is very good at teaching the Sunday school kids.
Marcela and Lorena – 18 and 19 year old sisters from another part of Mexico who just started serving here the month before I arrived. It is unknown for how long they will be staying to help, but they estimate a year or two. Marcela is particularly talented at playing guitar, and Lorena with violin. They also live with us in the new house.
Please pray that the Lord would also continue to provide for the needs of these team members, as each person is of great value and encouragement to us all.
Please pray also...
- for the spiritual growth and encouragement of the assembly in Omiquila, which is experiencing some difficulties.
- that those in Tepexpan and Omiquila would understand the Word of God preached to them, since some of them do not understand Spanish very well, and there are few who ever preach in their native language.
- for Jennifer and the baby boy that is due on Oct. 4th, and that the things of the house would be well in order to make it easier when the newborn arrives.
miércoles, 19 de agosto de 2009
GENERAL UPDATE #2
Since the first update, we finished the VBS in Orizaba. Then while Marcus was kept busy with house preparations, I accompanied a team that went to another mountain church that I had not yet been to. Xoxocotla (show-show-COAT-lah) is about two hours from Orizaba. So for four days we commuted four hours to do a VBS there. About 30 kids attended, and praise the Lord that six of them accepted Christ as their personal Savior!
I asked our driver why they had chosen to plant a church so far away, instead of first evangelizing a closer area. He told me he had grown up in Xoxocotla and that he had become convicted that he ought to preach the gospel to his family there. The Lord blessed this desire, and they received his message so well that within the past two years the town went from having no Christians to about forty. Around three months ago a building was constructed for them to meet in. Please pray for the spiritual growth of this new assembly, and that solid local leadership would be raised up.
Twice now I have gone with Marcus and about eight others to evangelize yet another mountain region, where there is much confusion and erroneous doctrines about the Bible and salvation. There is only one Christian in that area. In the past there has been some persecution towards the towards the teams. Although the people have received us better the last two weeks, most are blinded by what they've been taught by others. Many are also illiterate and thus cannot read the Scriptures for themselves. Please pray for the Spirit of God to enlighten the truth of the gospel to them, and for the preparation and testimony of those bringing the good news to them.
We are grateful for the prayers for the new house. Things are moving along and we should be moved in no later than September 6th. Marcus' mother will also be returning Sept. 3rd to help with the move. We are especially looking forward to having a lot more space with this place since we are now up to having seven people in the house and only two bedrooms. Next week when I move out of the Mexican family's house and back into the Reyes', it will be eight people and two rooms. (There was a slight change in the housing arrangement since the first update). Please pray for a smooth transition and also for the various household needs that come up in a situation like this.
Living with the Mexican family has been a great blessing for language acquisition. Progress is difficult to measure, but it is coming along. Though it was particularly challenging at first, it is becoming easier to understand people despite the presence of background noise, other conversations, mumbling, accents, etc. I've also made progress in making myself understood, but there is so much yet to learn and I appreciate prayers for this. Much free time has been spent studying grammar and vocabulary. We plan to begin some translation work this week, which I am quite excited about!
I asked our driver why they had chosen to plant a church so far away, instead of first evangelizing a closer area. He told me he had grown up in Xoxocotla and that he had become convicted that he ought to preach the gospel to his family there. The Lord blessed this desire, and they received his message so well that within the past two years the town went from having no Christians to about forty. Around three months ago a building was constructed for them to meet in. Please pray for the spiritual growth of this new assembly, and that solid local leadership would be raised up.
Twice now I have gone with Marcus and about eight others to evangelize yet another mountain region, where there is much confusion and erroneous doctrines about the Bible and salvation. There is only one Christian in that area. In the past there has been some persecution towards the towards the teams. Although the people have received us better the last two weeks, most are blinded by what they've been taught by others. Many are also illiterate and thus cannot read the Scriptures for themselves. Please pray for the Spirit of God to enlighten the truth of the gospel to them, and for the preparation and testimony of those bringing the good news to them.
We are grateful for the prayers for the new house. Things are moving along and we should be moved in no later than September 6th. Marcus' mother will also be returning Sept. 3rd to help with the move. We are especially looking forward to having a lot more space with this place since we are now up to having seven people in the house and only two bedrooms. Next week when I move out of the Mexican family's house and back into the Reyes', it will be eight people and two rooms. (There was a slight change in the housing arrangement since the first update). Please pray for a smooth transition and also for the various household needs that come up in a situation like this.
Living with the Mexican family has been a great blessing for language acquisition. Progress is difficult to measure, but it is coming along. Though it was particularly challenging at first, it is becoming easier to understand people despite the presence of background noise, other conversations, mumbling, accents, etc. I've also made progress in making myself understood, but there is so much yet to learn and I appreciate prayers for this. Much free time has been spent studying grammar and vocabulary. We plan to begin some translation work this week, which I am quite excited about!
sábado, 8 de agosto de 2009
ODDS AND ENDS, BEGINNINGS AND NORMALS
Now for some things about the culture and experiences
ODDS – things that are different than what I'm used to
1.Most of the roofs are flat.
2.Dogs like to stand on the roofs.
3.Dogs run, walk, and lay on the streets, and cars either just swerve around them or the dogs know to move at the last second.
4.The toilet paper is scented. It also makes blowing one's nose more pleasant since you get to smell flowers.
5.It is considered strange to pet mountain dogs, since they are considered dirty. They are also not treated very nicely. This gives fresh insight into the way the Jews of the Bible viewed “Gentile dogs”.
6.A peddler of bread comes by regularly in the morning, tooting his horn so loudly you can't help but wake up. There's all types of peddlers. The garbageman comes this way too, standing outside your gate calling out “Basuuuuuuraa!!” [“traaaaash!”]
7.In parking lots there are people who are there to help direct your driving to make sure you don't hit other vehicles. You must give them a tip if they help you.
8.Lunch is usually between 2-4. Supper is around 10/10:30.
9.The concept of “right of way” at a stop sign does not exist in Orizaba. Here it is the opposite. He who stops first waits, lets another car go, and then goes himself. Or, if he just doesn't feel like stopping at the sign, that's perfectly ok too. He can just speed on through and others will have to stop for him. Talk about confusing!
10.There are no barriers or warning bells at train tracks. If you have enough time to get across before the train would hit you, you go. Last night I was riding a little bug and it stalled right smack on top of the track.
11.It is quite common to see illegal immigrants riding the tops of the trains. Some ride in between the cars on the platform and fall asleep there. Some who fall asleep accidentally fall off and are run over. Those who survive usually lose limbs. I have already seen at least three people missing two limbs each.
12.A fair amount of people put tile on the OUTSIDE of their house.
13.People will paint their houses any which color. And if it's two-toned, the colors don't necessarily match.
14.Building workers mix the cement right in the middle of the new house.
15.I've lost count how many cars I've seen with cracked windshields. Upon questioning their owners, I find that the cracks have been there awhile. I guess they don't bother to change it out until it's practically falling out or something.
16. Washing machines and dryers are kept outside. If the roof does not cover them, they put a plastic casing on top.
ENDS – miscellaneous random comments/observations
1.It is directionally challenging here because everything looks basically the same. One of the ways I am finding my way around is by remembering the different graffiti. Sometimes I also remember places by the placement of the mountains around.
2.When saying hello and goodbye, you shake hands with everyone. So imagine shaking hands with every person on entering and leaving!
3.Mexican tacos taste absolutely nothing like American tacos.
4.Flavored water is referred to simply as water.
5.If you want to get a picture of Aztec children, you either need explicit permission, or you must do it so subtlely that they don't know you've taken it. When people take pictures of Aztec kids, they think they're going to sell them on the Internet.
6.No two days have been alike thus far.
7.The young people here are very lively, encouraging, and love to sing! Almost everyone plays some kind of instrument. And if you show any talent in music (instrument or singing), they WILL draw it out of you and put you on display to play or sing for everyone, someway, somehow.
Here are pictures of most of my lively friends:
Friends in Mexico
BEGINNINGS – firsts
First time I ever...
1.went to a party for an engaged couple. It was like a bachelor/bachelorette party for the two together and not separated. Apparantly they do also have separate parties for bride and groom, but I'd never seen or heard of a party like this for the two of them. Definitely the liveliest fiesta (and most unusual) I've ever seen.
2.stopped on the side of the highway next to an exit to drop someone off. Here in Mexico, it seems just about anything goes on the highway.
3.saw coffee bean stands on the side of the highway. Just as kids in the States set up lemonade stands, grown-ups set up coffee stands (and sometimes other goods too) on the highway.
4.have had to light the boiler by hand any time I want to take a warm shower.
5.ate ice cream that had a little bit of expresso coffe poured around the base of the serving dish. It made the ice cream amazing!
6.gave my Christian testimony of how I get saved in Spanish.
7.began learning an indigenous language!! Yay!!
8.was responsible for videotaping (with an HD recorder!) a choral concert (1st time for any concert, for that matter).
9.visited a church where up until about 8 years ago, there were no believers in that village. Later I visited a village that had no believers until 2 years ago. Now there's a church of 40, and a building was put up for them 3 months ago.
10.got to see stone age homes of real people who really live on dirt floors and share two or three beds between 8-10 people.
11.played my bowed psaltery in church (in Tepexpan).
12.saw such extensive and painstakingly long creativity in making VBS decorations.
13.heard Star Wars music among the Aztecs, via a radio that one of them has and plays really loud on his loudspeaker. Very comical.
14.was asked why I was wearing a seatbelt.
15.ate apple and mango slices that had been sprinkled with lime. At first I didn't realize that there was lime on it, and I just thought it was a different tasting Mexican brand of apple. It tasted like an apple of steroids however, and I soon realized why. I actually really like it, and will try it at home. Apparantly they put lime and chile on just about any fruit. I avoided the chile, however. Not that brave quite yet.
16.had a two-inch (or so) long scarab walk on my hand and arm.
17.saw a young boy around 8 or 9 driving stick shift.
NORMALS – things that are similar or basically that same as at home
1.Wal-Mart
2.Subway
3.Kentucky Fried Chicken
4.Blockbuster
5.Domino's Pizza
6.Six Flags
7.electrical outlets – I don't need a converter! This is very good.
ODDS – things that are different than what I'm used to
1.Most of the roofs are flat.
2.Dogs like to stand on the roofs.
3.Dogs run, walk, and lay on the streets, and cars either just swerve around them or the dogs know to move at the last second.
4.The toilet paper is scented. It also makes blowing one's nose more pleasant since you get to smell flowers.
5.It is considered strange to pet mountain dogs, since they are considered dirty. They are also not treated very nicely. This gives fresh insight into the way the Jews of the Bible viewed “Gentile dogs”.
6.A peddler of bread comes by regularly in the morning, tooting his horn so loudly you can't help but wake up. There's all types of peddlers. The garbageman comes this way too, standing outside your gate calling out “Basuuuuuuraa!!” [“traaaaash!”]
7.In parking lots there are people who are there to help direct your driving to make sure you don't hit other vehicles. You must give them a tip if they help you.
8.Lunch is usually between 2-4. Supper is around 10/10:30.
9.The concept of “right of way” at a stop sign does not exist in Orizaba. Here it is the opposite. He who stops first waits, lets another car go, and then goes himself. Or, if he just doesn't feel like stopping at the sign, that's perfectly ok too. He can just speed on through and others will have to stop for him. Talk about confusing!
10.There are no barriers or warning bells at train tracks. If you have enough time to get across before the train would hit you, you go. Last night I was riding a little bug and it stalled right smack on top of the track.
11.It is quite common to see illegal immigrants riding the tops of the trains. Some ride in between the cars on the platform and fall asleep there. Some who fall asleep accidentally fall off and are run over. Those who survive usually lose limbs. I have already seen at least three people missing two limbs each.
12.A fair amount of people put tile on the OUTSIDE of their house.
13.People will paint their houses any which color. And if it's two-toned, the colors don't necessarily match.
14.Building workers mix the cement right in the middle of the new house.
15.I've lost count how many cars I've seen with cracked windshields. Upon questioning their owners, I find that the cracks have been there awhile. I guess they don't bother to change it out until it's practically falling out or something.
16. Washing machines and dryers are kept outside. If the roof does not cover them, they put a plastic casing on top.
ENDS – miscellaneous random comments/observations
1.It is directionally challenging here because everything looks basically the same. One of the ways I am finding my way around is by remembering the different graffiti. Sometimes I also remember places by the placement of the mountains around.
2.When saying hello and goodbye, you shake hands with everyone. So imagine shaking hands with every person on entering and leaving!
3.Mexican tacos taste absolutely nothing like American tacos.
4.Flavored water is referred to simply as water.
5.If you want to get a picture of Aztec children, you either need explicit permission, or you must do it so subtlely that they don't know you've taken it. When people take pictures of Aztec kids, they think they're going to sell them on the Internet.
6.No two days have been alike thus far.
7.The young people here are very lively, encouraging, and love to sing! Almost everyone plays some kind of instrument. And if you show any talent in music (instrument or singing), they WILL draw it out of you and put you on display to play or sing for everyone, someway, somehow.
Here are pictures of most of my lively friends:
Friends in Mexico
BEGINNINGS – firsts
First time I ever...
1.went to a party for an engaged couple. It was like a bachelor/bachelorette party for the two together and not separated. Apparantly they do also have separate parties for bride and groom, but I'd never seen or heard of a party like this for the two of them. Definitely the liveliest fiesta (and most unusual) I've ever seen.
2.stopped on the side of the highway next to an exit to drop someone off. Here in Mexico, it seems just about anything goes on the highway.
3.saw coffee bean stands on the side of the highway. Just as kids in the States set up lemonade stands, grown-ups set up coffee stands (and sometimes other goods too) on the highway.
4.have had to light the boiler by hand any time I want to take a warm shower.
5.ate ice cream that had a little bit of expresso coffe poured around the base of the serving dish. It made the ice cream amazing!
6.gave my Christian testimony of how I get saved in Spanish.
7.began learning an indigenous language!! Yay!!
8.was responsible for videotaping (with an HD recorder!) a choral concert (1st time for any concert, for that matter).
9.visited a church where up until about 8 years ago, there were no believers in that village. Later I visited a village that had no believers until 2 years ago. Now there's a church of 40, and a building was put up for them 3 months ago.
10.got to see stone age homes of real people who really live on dirt floors and share two or three beds between 8-10 people.
11.played my bowed psaltery in church (in Tepexpan).
12.saw such extensive and painstakingly long creativity in making VBS decorations.
13.heard Star Wars music among the Aztecs, via a radio that one of them has and plays really loud on his loudspeaker. Very comical.
14.was asked why I was wearing a seatbelt.
15.ate apple and mango slices that had been sprinkled with lime. At first I didn't realize that there was lime on it, and I just thought it was a different tasting Mexican brand of apple. It tasted like an apple of steroids however, and I soon realized why. I actually really like it, and will try it at home. Apparantly they put lime and chile on just about any fruit. I avoided the chile, however. Not that brave quite yet.
16.had a two-inch (or so) long scarab walk on my hand and arm.
17.saw a young boy around 8 or 9 driving stick shift.
NORMALS – things that are similar or basically that same as at home
1.Wal-Mart
2.Subway
3.Kentucky Fried Chicken
4.Blockbuster
5.Domino's Pizza
6.Six Flags
7.electrical outlets – I don't need a converter! This is very good.
domingo, 2 de agosto de 2009
Photos
Since I can't seem to get my pictures to upload here at anywhere near a reasonable speed, I am posting them on Facebook and then adding the link here:
Mexico Update #1
Mexico Update #1
martes, 28 de julio de 2009
Dreams
For those of who don't know, I am now in Mexico, about 4 hours southeast of Mexico City. I have come to improve my Spanish language skills, with the ultimate purpose that I might be able to translate Christian literature from English into Spanish. If for whatever reason, the translation route doesn't work out, I will still benefit greatly to be speaking better Spanish.
I am staying with a lovely missionary family – Marcus and Jennifer Reyes and their three kids. Marcus had been specifically looking and praying for someone to train to do textual translation work, and since last November I have been looking for a missionary with exactly that kind of need. So we found each other via a mutual friend.
First of all, I just want to mention one example of how the Lord cares for us in even the “little things”. My church had been praying concerning some minor inconvenient issues with my eyesight. Now, not only has the double vision almost entirely disappeared, but also I found out that Marcus used to work with patients during the early years of Laser vision corrrection, and is able to check my eyes if I need it!
Now for an overall description of the “bigger things”:
THE SETUP
Because of several Vacation Bible Schools taking place last week and this week, I am not yet familiar with the “normal” routine; the big picture remains, however.
There is a valley (named Orizaba, where we live), and then there are the mountains surrounding it. In Orizaba is their home Spanish-speaking assembly. In the mountains live Aztec Indians, whom the Reyes' have been doing church planting work with for many years. These areas generally have no local evangelical churches, believers, or gospel efforts. There are three different villages of Aztecs that we visit regularly – Tepexpan, Omiquila (pronounced oh-mee-KEE-lah), and the Sierra del Volcán (which I've not yet visited).
In general, Mexicans have a racial prejudice against the Aztecs. The first time we went to Omiquila, I saw an Indian man with a wood-laden donkey walking along one of the paths. A few hours later, after we had come down the mountain and were driving through the city, I saw the same man. I was told that they walk all that way just to sell their wood to people who end up ripping them off. It is due to the racism that the Aztecs don't usually recieve fair prices for products they sell.
Getting to either village requires approximately an hour each way, though traveling to Tepexpan is quite a bit easier since there are roads the entire way there. Reaching Omiquila, however, requires about a half-hour hike after driving up the steep and very rocky mountain road. Or, on occasions when noone can drive us part-way, it takes an hour to hike from the bottom. Imaging climbing an hour to get to church several times a week!
Because of its paved road access, Tepexpan is quite a bit more built up than Omiquila, though both have strong similarities in culture. Omiquila is much more remote and poor; they really are living in the stone age. The work that Marcus has done with them over the years is really quite a good combination of ministries. Not only did he build them a little chapel, a one-room cottage next to it, installed a men and women's toilet station, and brought some electricity via a car battery, but he also shows great kindness towards their personal needs. He gives them seeds for growing more food in their gardens and he helped build a family a house.
These three places – Orizaba, Tepexpan, and Omiquila – all celebrate the Lord's Supper weekly, where Marcus also preaches on rotation. Because Spanish is not the Aztecs' native language, he has been working on training the Indian men to be doing more of the teaching.
In Orizaba, he also teaches an English class on weekday mornings from 7-9, and last week finished up a choir outreach that was formed by singers from various evangelical churches.
THE HOUSING SITUATION
I stayed with the Reyes' family for the first week. Marcus' mother then came to visit and I have since been moved over to a Mexican, Spanish-only speaking family. When his mother returns to Florida, I will move back in with them. Eventually we will be moving into a larger house that has been given to them by a generous Christian brother. It comes at a good time too, since Marcus' wife Jen is expecting their fourth child in October, and they already have barely enough room with their two-bedroom house now.
Meanwhile, there are two Mexican girls (Marcela and Lorena) from about 7 hrs. away who are also here to help out with the work for quite some time. They've also been staying in local Christian homes, and will become my roomates once we all move in to the new place. So it will be a lot easier for everyone involved once the new house becomes habitable.
PRAYER FOR CURRENT NEEDS
1. The Aztecs are in need of a Bible in their own language. Marcus and I agree that if this becomes a more long-term venture for me, my second main task would be to learn the Nahuatl (pronounced KNAW-wah-tl) language and begin producing an Old Testament for them. That would be a dream come true since that is exactly what I have always wanted to do since I was a kid. The fact that this location allows for both that dream and for utilizing my Spanish for the Lord in translating doctrinal books is simply amazing. To me personally that is a huge answered prayer in itself. Last year I had somewhat given up on the idea of working on Bible translation of an indigenous language, yet now I have been asked to seriously consider taking it up.
2. For God to raise to up convicted indigenous leadership in the Nahuatl churches.
3. Because the Aztecs' understanding of Spanish is limited, one of the most effective ways to teach them the Bible is by using the Betty Lukens felt board pictures. At the moment they only have one set of these that is shared between the three churches, and they need two more so that they don't have to haul them up and down the mountains each time they use them.
4. An offroad vehicle like a Jeep, 10 years or older. Marcus is working on expanding his ministries to more Nahuatl villages. Another vehicle is needed so that teams of people can split up and continue visiting these places more regularly. Also, a Jeep is designed for maneuvering strenuous conditions, which abound in the mountain work. To say we traverse bumpy roads is an understatement!
5. Prayer for the completion of the work on the new house, that we can all move in very soon. It is behind schedule at the moment.
A LITTLE SOMETHING FROM TODAY
We went to a Chinese restaurant and my fortune cookie read: “They have offered you the dream of your life.”
Yes, I would have to agree.
I am staying with a lovely missionary family – Marcus and Jennifer Reyes and their three kids. Marcus had been specifically looking and praying for someone to train to do textual translation work, and since last November I have been looking for a missionary with exactly that kind of need. So we found each other via a mutual friend.
First of all, I just want to mention one example of how the Lord cares for us in even the “little things”. My church had been praying concerning some minor inconvenient issues with my eyesight. Now, not only has the double vision almost entirely disappeared, but also I found out that Marcus used to work with patients during the early years of Laser vision corrrection, and is able to check my eyes if I need it!
Now for an overall description of the “bigger things”:
THE SETUP
Because of several Vacation Bible Schools taking place last week and this week, I am not yet familiar with the “normal” routine; the big picture remains, however.
There is a valley (named Orizaba, where we live), and then there are the mountains surrounding it. In Orizaba is their home Spanish-speaking assembly. In the mountains live Aztec Indians, whom the Reyes' have been doing church planting work with for many years. These areas generally have no local evangelical churches, believers, or gospel efforts. There are three different villages of Aztecs that we visit regularly – Tepexpan, Omiquila (pronounced oh-mee-KEE-lah), and the Sierra del Volcán (which I've not yet visited).
In general, Mexicans have a racial prejudice against the Aztecs. The first time we went to Omiquila, I saw an Indian man with a wood-laden donkey walking along one of the paths. A few hours later, after we had come down the mountain and were driving through the city, I saw the same man. I was told that they walk all that way just to sell their wood to people who end up ripping them off. It is due to the racism that the Aztecs don't usually recieve fair prices for products they sell.
Getting to either village requires approximately an hour each way, though traveling to Tepexpan is quite a bit easier since there are roads the entire way there. Reaching Omiquila, however, requires about a half-hour hike after driving up the steep and very rocky mountain road. Or, on occasions when noone can drive us part-way, it takes an hour to hike from the bottom. Imaging climbing an hour to get to church several times a week!
Because of its paved road access, Tepexpan is quite a bit more built up than Omiquila, though both have strong similarities in culture. Omiquila is much more remote and poor; they really are living in the stone age. The work that Marcus has done with them over the years is really quite a good combination of ministries. Not only did he build them a little chapel, a one-room cottage next to it, installed a men and women's toilet station, and brought some electricity via a car battery, but he also shows great kindness towards their personal needs. He gives them seeds for growing more food in their gardens and he helped build a family a house.
These three places – Orizaba, Tepexpan, and Omiquila – all celebrate the Lord's Supper weekly, where Marcus also preaches on rotation. Because Spanish is not the Aztecs' native language, he has been working on training the Indian men to be doing more of the teaching.
In Orizaba, he also teaches an English class on weekday mornings from 7-9, and last week finished up a choir outreach that was formed by singers from various evangelical churches.
THE HOUSING SITUATION
I stayed with the Reyes' family for the first week. Marcus' mother then came to visit and I have since been moved over to a Mexican, Spanish-only speaking family. When his mother returns to Florida, I will move back in with them. Eventually we will be moving into a larger house that has been given to them by a generous Christian brother. It comes at a good time too, since Marcus' wife Jen is expecting their fourth child in October, and they already have barely enough room with their two-bedroom house now.
Meanwhile, there are two Mexican girls (Marcela and Lorena) from about 7 hrs. away who are also here to help out with the work for quite some time. They've also been staying in local Christian homes, and will become my roomates once we all move in to the new place. So it will be a lot easier for everyone involved once the new house becomes habitable.
PRAYER FOR CURRENT NEEDS
1. The Aztecs are in need of a Bible in their own language. Marcus and I agree that if this becomes a more long-term venture for me, my second main task would be to learn the Nahuatl (pronounced KNAW-wah-tl) language and begin producing an Old Testament for them. That would be a dream come true since that is exactly what I have always wanted to do since I was a kid. The fact that this location allows for both that dream and for utilizing my Spanish for the Lord in translating doctrinal books is simply amazing. To me personally that is a huge answered prayer in itself. Last year I had somewhat given up on the idea of working on Bible translation of an indigenous language, yet now I have been asked to seriously consider taking it up.
2. For God to raise to up convicted indigenous leadership in the Nahuatl churches.
3. Because the Aztecs' understanding of Spanish is limited, one of the most effective ways to teach them the Bible is by using the Betty Lukens felt board pictures. At the moment they only have one set of these that is shared between the three churches, and they need two more so that they don't have to haul them up and down the mountains each time they use them.
4. An offroad vehicle like a Jeep, 10 years or older. Marcus is working on expanding his ministries to more Nahuatl villages. Another vehicle is needed so that teams of people can split up and continue visiting these places more regularly. Also, a Jeep is designed for maneuvering strenuous conditions, which abound in the mountain work. To say we traverse bumpy roads is an understatement!
5. Prayer for the completion of the work on the new house, that we can all move in very soon. It is behind schedule at the moment.
A LITTLE SOMETHING FROM TODAY
We went to a Chinese restaurant and my fortune cookie read: “They have offered you the dream of your life.”
Yes, I would have to agree.