Dear Friends,
We are so thankful for each & every one of you who give, pray & encourage us in order that the Lord’s work may be accomplished here in Mexico. Allow us to share with you some of the results of that faithfulness…
Navidad
With Christmas (Navidad) behind us & the New Year now fully upon us, we’ve had a chance to catch our breath & cast our thoughts back over the last year. In doing so, we are awed with our Lord’s faithfulness to us.
One of the greatest blessings the Lord bestowed on us last year was the privilege of having our entire family together one more time at Christmas. The reason this was so special to us is that our oldest daughter & her family, Autumn, Justin & Heath Bartron, are scheduled to leave for Indonesia in April to begin their first 4-year term as New Tribe missionaries there. If you’d like to know more about their ministry, visit their website here.
Our oldest son & his family, Cameron, Katy & Gracia Pryor, were with us, too. Cameron is working on his Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) rating in preparation to be involved with aviation missions. To follow their ministry, visit their website here.
During their visit, our granddaughter Gracia met some Tarahumara kids who came to our door. Knowing no strangers, she gave them tracts & Christmas goodies.
Neighbors
The Holidays were also a blessing in that we were able to spend time with the neighbors with whom we’re having a Bible study. Hector & Magdalena (on the right) reciprocated by having us over for a New Year’s get together at their house. What a great glimpse into the culture of northern Mexico!
New Believers
The Christmas Cantata at our church was yet another blessing the Lord showered on our collective families. After the service the young people enjoyed some games together. For instance, it’s a Mexican tradition to have a star-shaped piñata at Christmas to represent the Star of Bethlehem. Matthew had to bend over to be blindfolded for his turn, & we weren’t sure they’d be able to hold it high enough to be just out of his reach since he’s the tallest in the youth group at 6’2” (& he’s only 15!).
At the end of the Cantata the pastor gave an invitation & a number of people expressed an interest in getting saved. Needing women to deal with women, Sherri had the privilege of taking two women aside & sharing with them from the Word. Both of them placed their trust in Christ as their Savior! What a special blessing for Sherri to be involved in the birth of two new believers, especially at this time of year when we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Nahautl
Recently, David’s ministry led him to the mountains of Durango State on a visit to one of our tribal teams working among the Nahautl (pronounced, Nah-what), descendants of the Aztecs. After a 3 hour flight from Chihuahua City in a small plane, David travelled 6 more hours in a four-wheel drive vehicle climbing 6,000 feet in elevation to reach his destination.
With the ever-shifting security situation in Mexico, it’s vital for David & the rest of his team to make such evaluation trips. The reality of the situation is that 6 of the 7 states in which NTM works are among the 10 most violent states in Mexico. Without first-hand knowledge of the situations our missionaries face, it’s difficult to give wise counsel on how to wisely carry out their ministries.
New Year
As we move forward into this second decade of the 21st century, we look forward to seeing what our Lord will do in our lives & in the lives of those whom we are trying to reach with His Gospel. We are so thankful for each & every one of you who partner with us through your prayers & finances. Our faithful ministry partners are indispensable to the work & we can’t carry on without them.
Because time is short,
David & Sherri
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)
Praise Reports:
- For those who encouraged us through extra gifts given during December.
- Time spent with our entire family over the Holidays.
- For Sherri having the privilege of leading 2 ladies to the Lord.
- For protection & safety while serving in Mexico.
- Faithfulness of our financial & prayer partners in the ministry.
Prayer Requests:
- Wisdom as parents in raising Bethany & Matthew.
- Perseverance for Bethany as she finishes out her senior year of high school & prepares to go to New Tribes Bible Institute.
- Safety for David & his fellow team members as they travel to our various tribal works.
- Wisdom for David & his fellow team members as they offer counsel to our missionaries concerning how to safely & wisely carry out their ministries here.
- Grace for Sherri as she continues to assist in the language training of the new missionaries coming to Mexico.
- Additional financial support. We’re at 52% of what’s recommended for Mexico.
- Grace & wisdom as we continue the Bible studies with our neighbors.
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