Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS

      I ask your forgiveness for not getting my regular update out about two weeks ago. Some friends and family depend on our update to know that we are alive. Fortunately, we have been busy as well as being without Internet three different times. Our country here hates being listed with Third World countries because they say they are as fully developed as are other countries. If you lived here a month, you would see the great differences that makes them be included. If the power goes out because of wind or rain, it is usually because the circuit breakers on the lines have opened. It requires a man to come by and close a blade type breaker overhead. It may take two to four days for him to do that!

     Last week we lost power as did the whole village across the highway. No electricity means nothing in the house works, the Internet was out as well as our phone. No power means we have no water. Ann’s cell phone was without funds. Our landlord suggested we call them, and then I realized, HOW? Smoke signals seemed to be the most reliable.

     We passed through two weeks of freezing or slightly below. Cheyenne helped us find a nice heater but it will only heat one fair sized room. With block walls and no heat, our inside temperatures hovered around 54 degrees. Try that sometime. Out of the blue yesterday, we had an 80 degree day, for which we praise the Lord. We spent part of the day finding excuses to stay out in the sunshine to warm the insides of our bones.

     Sunday was our Christmas fiesta, but our numbers were extremely low. Pastor Armando has been in Monterrey caring for his father, so “the mice play.” We had a good service but only our most faithful were present. We were hoping for a few unsaved, but we ended up with regulars.

     God continues to bless the work as we “stay by the stuff.” A family originally from Mexico City was living in Ciudad Juarez where Roberto Palma has his deaf church. The family decided to move due to the violence and they came here. Roberto had given them our address, praise the Lord. They are a good Christian family with a Bible background. We need more like them. He is severely disfigured with birth defects, something rare among our deaf, but he does most things without help. His right hand is only partly affected, but his left arm is only a small unformed arm. His ears did not form properly, neither inwardly nor outwardly. But his attitude is of any normal person and has a beautiful family.

     The doctors in Monterrey were NOT able to reconnect Armando’s father’s intestinal system. He is recuperating at home. I am sure he would appreciate your continued prayers.

     Mr. Kilpatrick returned to his doctor today after having problems again with his cancer treatment. We are praying for good news.

     A dear single missionary friend had her car stolen nearly two months ago. After incredible delays by the government, we went back home to get another car. Strangers arrived at her house with way too much information and scared her roommate. That same night, her roommate flew out to the US because they both were threatened and scared. They are now praying about what they can do to continue in the lord’s service. Please pray for these two precious servants of the Lord. He knows their names.

     We want to take a moment and wish you a very wonderful Christmas and pray that God will greatly bless you this special time of the year. We so appreciate your faithfulness in praying for us and for supporting the ministry. It is YOUR ministry. Thank you for caring.

Gary & Ann