Recently, I had the chance to visit the United States to share the message of SMM with congregations in California. It was a real blessing.

Specifically, I had the chance to visit the following churches: Central Christian Church, San Jose; Church of Christ, South Hayward; First Christian Church of Huntington Beach; Knott Ave. Christian Church, and Pathway Christian Church in Riverside. Each church is unique. And each is a valued partner of Southern Mexico Missions.

At Central Christian Church, I spent a week reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I preached at their Sunday morning service and did various presentations at their children’s and youth groups during the week. I appreciate Central’s commitment in making missions an important part of their ministry. This congregation has been a long-time supporter of SMM.

It was my first visit to the Church of Christ, South Hayward. And I’m encouraged by their excitement at supporting SMM. One day, since my visit, they made and sold cookies to raise funds for SMM; and on another occasion, they hosted a chili cook-off. We appreciate the big excitement that this little church exhibits in supporting missions.

First Christian Church of Huntington Beach is our signature partner in supporting our work. We just could not do all that we do without them. I had the chance to speak for a moment in their service. And it was a real pleasure to meet Mike Ferrulli and Tawny Skultety, both promote the missions outreach there.

The missions fair at Knott Avenue Christian Church is always a highlight for me. I appreciate this congregation’s emphasis on missions. And it’s amazing how much work they do during the nine days of their mission fair. This year, the emphasis was on their North American missions. I had the chance to speak at their Spanish-speaking worship service and English Wednesday night service. Both were well attended. While at Knott Avenue, I stayed with Bill Newman, an SMM Board member, and his wife Dawn.

At Pathway Christian Church, I spent the weekend with Kerry Decker, our Board Chairman, and his wife Janice. Pathway is close to my heart, and it always feels like my home away from home.

I love you all. We could not do what we do without you. You are truly the lifeblood of support to Southern Mexico Missions. And I look forward to not only visiting these churches again but also our other faithful supporters and friends throughout the United States.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37).

Mission Report

Flores Children. As many of you know, Severiano Flores, an SMM evangelist, was murdered a few months back, leaving behind seven children, including a son from his second marriage. Severiano had remarried following his wife’s murder a few years ago.

I’ve made a number of visits to check on the welfare of the older children and to bring them some gifts. SMM is committed to help these children through the difficult season of adjustment following the death of their parents. We provide monthly support to help with their education and living expenses.

One of Severiano’s daughters has married, while the other children continue on with schooling.

Aldo Santos. Perhaps you heard of the report of Aldo Santos contracting Bell’s Palsy. Aldo writes this on the Southern Mexico Missions Facebook page: “The reward of a good deed is doing it. Thanks to all the brethren who prayed for me. There is nothing like praying for some one to show them we love them. Thank God I am am better. blessing to all. Prayer can reach a lot more than what we can imagine, living with out prayer means living without God.” Follow us on Facebook at Southern Mexico Missions for all the latest posts and updates about our work.

Roldolfo Gonzalez. This brother works in the State of Puebla. He has recently started a cell group in the Colonia Clavejero. People are showing a lot of interest, and they’re having a great response in this ministry. Rudy has asked for you to pray for him and his family as he leads his children into adulthood. The ministry presents many challenges. And family welfare is always at the the top of the list.
Roldolfo Jiminez. Roldolfo ministers in the mountain regions throughout the State of Oaxaca. Both Roldolfo and another SMM evangelist, Eustacio “Tacho” José, have been visiting churches on the perimeter of the region where Severiano Flores used to minister. This is a very dangerous and volatile region. But these men want to continue to strengthen the believers there. Pray for their safety and the safety of the people who attend these congregations.

Gil Contreras. Gil is the founding missionary of SMM. He is 85 years old and still going strong in his service to the Lord. Currently, he is conducting a Bible Institute to prepare more leaders for ministry, specifically in the Otomi Indian region in the State of Mexico. This  field originally was opened by Brother Gil many years ago. It was a hostile region. And he served there at great risk to himself. Now, it is a stronghold for Christianity, boasting one of the largest church born from SMM efforts. About two thousand people attend one church, and there are other congregations sprinkled throughout the region.

Lula Sanchez. Lula is the wife of our National Director Adrian Sanchez. A few months ago, she began a women’s group for survivors of trauma and abuse. They use the Spanish curriculum “Sanidad para un corazón herido” (“Healing for the Wounded Heart”). This curriculum was written by our Board Chairman Kerry Decker to help women survivors. (You can receive a free PDF version of this resource in English or Spanish. Email us at  outreachsmm@yahoo.com.) A number of women have attended this group led by Lula. And now a second group has started. Continue to pray for our outreach efforts through this recovery ministry. Many of the attendees are women from the community.