Update

Well, things are going just wonderfully in Centenario! The Lord is good, and he is bringing people out of the woodwork!

The people were sooooo happy & excited when our team arrived! They had once again been anticipating our arrival. As I've mentioned before, there have been many close relationships formed, and much trust has been gained over the past 4 years. The Lord has truly opened the door for us to share with the people there.

Friday was spent setting up camp, and catching up with a few friends.

Saturday, a few of the men went to San Juan (about 45 min from Centenario), to conduct a pastor's conference. One of the other churches that is participating with our group this year, brought a nice collection of books to give to each pastor in attendance. (Aaron will update with a list of the books, and the name of the church, later, I'm sure.) The books were all in Spanish, and were happily received. What a wonderful gift!! After a day of preaching, teaching & worshiping, it was back to Centenario. They were invited to come back to the church in San Juan on Sunday.


Sunday morning, Rick led worship, and Aaron did some teaching. About 20 people from our group were able to attend. Also, I hope I'm not making this up, but I'm pretty sure that Aaron said some of the locals went with them. (This is what I get for not posting immediately after talking to Aaron!) Then in the afternoon, they were able to attend a soccer game with some of the young men from the village.

Last night, (Sunday), the teacher from the school approached Aaron. The young men that are graduating this week, asked the teacher if Aaron can go on their "Senior Trip" with them. It's just a little field trip to the capital of the state Taumalipas. It is called Ciudad Victoria. They will be visiting a little museum and walking around the city. I'm not sure what day this will be. Maybe today?? This is an even greater sign that the Lord has opened a door with these young men. Even with the teacher, as he must have a great deal of trust with Aaron to invite him to come along.

Many of you are well aware that we had to make the trip shorter than originally planned. The desire was to stay in Mexico for 10 days this time. That was not a possibility due to the increased travel expenses. Normally, we are able to fly round trip for about 210. This year, one way was more than that! Please pray that the Lord will use their time there greatly.

Many of you have asked about Carmen. She is the lady that had the death saint around her neck. Last year, she ripped it from her neck, gave it to Aaron, and asked him to destroy it. She had placed her trust in Christ, and wanted nothing to do with the wicked way that she had been following! We thank the Lord for this over and over. Carmen is doing well. She continues to profess Christ as her salvation. She has been helping with the cooking this week.

Please pray for Can Can (Ivar) & Rudy. That their eyes might be opened to Christ!

Please pray for safe travel to & from the different towns in the area.

Please pray for me (Rachel) as I try to handle all things Bates Creek while Aaron is away. And for little Olivia who is REALLY missing her daddy! The last two times he went to Mexico she was only 3 months & 7 months. I wasn't convinced that she really knew what was going on. Now that she's almost 1 (July 5), she is really missing him. And she ABSOLUTELY knows what is going on! Every time my phone rings she says "Daddy!" She's just waiting to hear his voice on the other line! I can't wait to see her reach for him when he gets home!!!!! It's weird to think that last year's summer trip had me a nervous wreck, wondering if Olivia would come while he was gone! My how time flies.

Love to you all!