October - November 2025 True Heroes Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. Proverbs 24:11

Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. Proverbs 24:11 

The children of IBBM–Tepic are learning about heroic and faithful men and women of the Bible, “of whom the world was not worthy.” We’ve learned that God’s definition of a true hero is someone who believes, loves, and acts with courage and sacrifice. Last week’s hero was Paul, born Saul of Tarsus, a Jew, a Roman citizen, well-educated, professionally accomplished, a Pharisee, and a member of the Sanhedrin, yet severely blind to the Truth. While Saul relentlessly hated, chased, and persecuted followers of the Messiah, God, in His sovereignty, took away Saul’s physical eyesight and transformed him with daring spiritual vision for chasing the call of the Savior. These valiant heroes we’re studying remind me of quite a few right in our own backyard, and some who are learning from their example! 

This past week prompted a Thanksgiving pop-up memory, from 16 years ago, of a bountiful table full of heroes just getting started on the process of translating the Old Testament into the Huichol language. The entire team had not even been assembled yet, but there were plenty of them who believed, loved, and were eager to act valiantly and very sacrificially for the cause. Joe, the original New Testament translation consultant (he’ll be 97 years old this next week and is still working with his son, Chuck, polishing the Huichol dictionary!), and his wife, Barbara (now in Heaven), John, the programmer of Our Word, the software the translators mastered for the task, and José, Hilario, Manuel, Román, Emilia, and Joaquín…all heroes! 

The Old Testament job, as well as the revision of the original New Testament, is done, but that was only the beginning. Now that they have the printed treasure in hand, they’re systematically going about sharing its truth and discipling new believers throughout the Sierra Madre. We are so grateful that during the entire Bible translation project, UIM bush pilots have been heroic co-workers, and until recently, mountain airlifts to remote landing strips have saved countless hours and spared them from real dangers on mountain paths. As usual, the enemy thrives on persecution. This past month, local tribal authorities issued orders that Christian pilots and passengers can no longer land on most of the remote mountain airstrips. The bottom line is that discipleship trips now require much more time, effort, and expense. But that’s not enough to stop the heroes from fulfilling Jesus’ mandate. 

Two teams of determined volunteers from the Zapote de Picachos and La Bendición churches made plans to head to the mountain villages, regardless of hardship, to be faithful to their call to share the Truth with “the whole world” and to train new believers. They prepared to go a week without work, temporarily leave their families back home, travel by boat as far as they could, then continue on foot for hours, sleep wherever they landed, and share their prepared lessons from the Good News with those who are in undeniable need of spiritual nourishment. Afterward, they hiked back to the river to await the boat that carried them in return toward their own village homes…days of travel instead of the previous half-hour flights. 

When they got back home, the church at Zapote celebrated its 21st anniversary at their “new” location after having been wickedly kicked out of the village where they had valiantly sacrificed to build their former beautiful church building in its very center. This year, the Zapote team sent WhatsApp invitations throughout the mountains inviting friends and family to join in the 3-day celebration/conference on the Battles of the Christian Life. As hard as the persecution was that forced them to relocate, Pastor Manuel was right: “They meant it for harm; God has used it for good!” 

Not all of God’s chosen heroes are ancients; some of them sit at our own tables, pray with us, and serve beside us. Watching them in action makes me think of spontaneous combustion—no one has to remind them to do this job. They read their Bibles, believe, and obey. They’re heroes on fire! Despite constant obstacles, these brothers and sisters remain unstoppable. And the next generation of heroes is watching. Little Nora (a UIM bush pilot’s daughter) and Giana (the IBBM worship team leader’s daughter) made the wise choice to follow the example of the greatest Hero ever, who believed, loved, and acted valiantly and sacrificially that they might have their sins forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life. 

God provides for all this without us ever having to ask. Thank you for your heroic part that makes this possible. Real heroism isn’t found in applause or recognition, but in steady obedience, wholehearted offering, and a willingness to see what God sees…as He rescues our stumbling world. 

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/debbiemellberg/collections/72157724445259344/

August/September 2025. He who goes forth and weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6

He who goes forth and weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 

I don’t have much time for gardening, but living in the Tropics it’s phenomenal! Everything grows! Kirt used to say that with my “green thumb” I could plant a cement post in the ground one day, and the next day it would be flowering! That’s slightly exaggerated, but along with sufficient light, nutrients, and lots of water, plants do flourish. 

This beautiful flower from my yard (they’re called maracas) reminds me of God’s important promise to provide the harvest in His perfect time, if we will sow the seed. I brought a little cutting back with me ten years ago from the opposite side of Mexico, when a group of IBBM-Tepic OANSA graduates—leaders in training preparing to become full-fledged leaders—traveled more than 1,000 km from Tepic to Veracruz on a mission trip. Our purpose was to “plant seeds” and provide training by example through an OANSA-style week-long VBS for another church group that was eager to join the ranks of seed-sowers and harvesters of children learning to hide God’s Word in their hearts and live out its truth for the Kingdom. Not only did our young leaders-in-training teach others by their example, but they also learned from the experience themselves. 

Today, those same young leaders form an active part of the very heart of IBBM-Tepic—as teachers, OANSA commanders, elders, musicians, and more—a rich return from seeds planted years ago. It’s been a long wait (ten years!), but even the maracas plant has finally produced a stunning flower of its own, just in time for Mexico’s Independence Day celebration! 

 

The IBBM-Tepic OANSA is back in action after a two-month summer break! The kids could hardly wait to return, and the leaders were eager to start planting again. Most of the red and white-shirted-leaders once sat in the OANSA kids’ seats themselves, so they know firsthand what it means to be passionately loved, nurtured, watered by the Word, and harvested for the Kingdom. 

OANSA in Tepic is not the only team around for raising strong disciples of Jesus and leaders in His family. Gregorio and Braulio shared activities from their club in the village of Zapote de Picachos. With buckets full of water carried from their precious community tank, the ladies scrubbed their amazing OANSA court sheltered by its treasured massive overhead structure. That court, its sturdy covering, the water tank, and the colorful OANSA uniforms and handbooks have all been donated by friends of this divine plantation to a hard-working, much-deserving body of believers who can’t seem to thank God enough for His overflowing provision. Most of the Zapote church OANSA leaders are men who take seriously their God-ordained responsibility to teach their children.  They are diligent sowers and waterers, and we can expect an excellent harvest from their labor.

In the village of La Bendición, believers recently celebrated 13 years since God provided for the completion of their beautiful church building. They see it as a “storehouse” for teaching, training, and preparing sowers to head into the fields. Over the years, church members have made countless mission treks through the rugged Sierra Madre, faithfully carrying the seeds of Truth to their Huichol brothers and sisters, some hearing for the first time, and others who have believed and now need fresh water and nourishment. To say they take orders from the Lord of the Harvest seriously, would be an understatement. 

Most recently, the congregation completed a multipurpose room that now serves as classrooms for the children (including their own OANSA club) as well as a temporary shelter for mountain travelers eager to learn more about the one true Kakaɨyari and His plan of salvation. Its thick cement roof doubles as an extended surface for frequent outdoor gatherings at the church. It was quite an engineering feat and a laborious challenge, but very practical. They joyfully dedicated their new space to their Master and His service. Let us not become weary. God dependably promises a harvest if we don’t give up just before the garden is about to bloom. 

Check out some August/September 2025 Tepic activities here. 

June/July 2025  One generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4

Psalm 145 resonates King David’s trust in the might, majesty, mercy, and faithfulness of his holy and loving God, a trust that naturally leads to praising Him from one generation to the next. Sadly, David failed to pass on that faith to his own family. May we learn from His costly error. Martin Luther once emphasized that God builds His church anew in every generation. Truly, Christian faith in a family, church, or nation is always just one generation from fading away. 

The past two months in Tepic have shown remarkable evidence of this generational handoff: God’s mighty acts, His faithful provision, and His perfect ordering of events have allowed, through our joint efforts, the birth, growth, and maturity of those He has chosen to reach and adopt into His family. 

IBBM-Tepic celebrated the 30th anniversary of our OANSA children’s club the first week of June. For three decades children have been hiding God’s Word in their hearts, applying His principles in their lives, and reproducing the effort that was invested in them with children of the next generation. A significant majority of IBBM teachers and OANSA leaders are themselves OANSA grads - Approved Workers who Are Not Ashamed. We wrapped up this year's club with a super fun fair, a highlight the kids look forward to every year.   

This year, Pastor Martín, who gave his life to Jesus as a boy, had the joy of introducing his very first grandchild, Ana Raquel, to the event. She’ll be a Cubbie before we know it. One generation to the next… 

The Sunday after the fair, three very special praisers of His faithfulness were baptized: 

Liz has been in OANSA since she was four. She has memorized Bible verses like a machine, even all the Extra Credit verses, and just graduated from the final rank, joining the Teachers-in-Training group. She’s studied violin for five years at the School of Music preparing to serve with the worship team. Before she celebrated being a quinceañera, Liz chose to follow Jesus’ example in baptism. Her life hasn’t been easy, and it won’t be. Her mother, Noemí, has terminal colon cancer and will soon be with the Lord. Liz is blessed that one generation has declared God’s mighty acts to her while we have had the opportunity.

Nahum was born to teenage, unmarried parents. But someone shared the Gospel with them, discipled them, and helped them pass on God's works and mighty acts to their son. Now 15 and about to graduate from OANSA, "little" Nahum has served as a teen volunteer on the Huichol camp staff, dedicated nine years to excellence in piano study, and made the wise decision to follow Jesus' example in baptism. Another generation… 

Doctor Rosita is from Cuba and currently in Tepic through a Mexican public health work grant. Her home country’s situation is so dire that she left everything behind to legally work in Mexico for minimal pay. Her story is filled with hardship, sadness, and pain, but God used this move for good. Here in Tepic, she met Jesus, asked for His forgiveness, found peace, and couldn’t wait to publicly declare that she belongs to Him. 

And finally, Phases 1 and 2 (the second story!) of Project Classrooms are complete, dedicated, and in use. From *the beginning of construction in 2020 (right at the onset of COVID), God has provided in remarkable ways. The dream has become a reality and now serves as a powerful tool for equipping the next generation of IBBM children for the Master’s mission. 

Teens now meet in Gýmnazé, where they’re training to become unencumbered, godly servants. Grade schoolers gather in Doulos, where they’re being taught to serve the Master willingly. These final two upstairs classrooms are fully committed to fulfilling the call to praise His works and declare His mighty acts to the coming generation. 

 *Linked Project Classrooms Documentary compliments of Jonatán García.

April/May 2025 Not despising small beginnings and rejoicing in our great God: Before. After. And all that is yet to come. Zechariah 4:10

For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. Zechariah 4:10 

Zechariah, the prophet, saw a vision of the future when God’s temple, and later, His people, would be filled with God himself, even though the present crushing task of rebuilding that temple from utter ruins made that prophecy seem impossible. His inspired proclamation reminds us that God takes joy in the very first faithful steps as well as in His finished work. Along with those friends from two and a half millennia ago, what once seemed small, fragile, and even uncertain has now become a monumental testimony to His provision and power. We rejoice in His faithfulness as we look back on empty plots, adverse circumstances, and whispered prayers - BEFORE; and we look forward to raised walls, transformed hearts, and Spirit-filled leaders - AFTER. 

The story of the Huichol church in Zapote de Picachos, Mexico, is a living testimony to this powerful verse from Zechariah. What began as a modest effort to share the Gospel with a remote indigenous community has blossomed into a thriving center of faith, transformation, and outreach. In January 2005, Kirt and I shared sad news about the Huichol village church of Zapote de Picachos. More than 20 years earlier, Fernando had founded the village nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains. José López carried the Gospel to the village, and before long, the thriving church had more than 60 believers. In 2001, we all pooled our resources, yours and ours, to help build a small church building there. The congregation became a model of growth, faith, and Gospel-sharing with their “neighbors.” 

In November 2004, government officials demanded that they leave their homes and their beautiful little church, relocating to a barren site nine kilometers down the mountain. We were devastated. 

Despite hardship and disappointment, the church remained strong. In meetings that Kirt had with Pastor Manuel and church leaders, they assured Kirt that they were “OK” with the change. They would dismantle the removable parts of the church building, carry them piece-by-piece down the mountain, and wait for God to provide a new building. Pastor Manuel echoed Joseph's words, “They meant it for evil, but God will use it for good.” By the first week of March 2005, that dream still felt out of reach. None of us knew that meeting would be the last time Kirt would be in the village, and that two activity-filled weeks later, our “construction contractor” and spiritual leader would be promoted to Heaven. 

Zapote de Picachos 5/05.    Before

Even in grief, the church pressed on. God generously provided materials, labor, and unity. By November 2005, we congregated in their brand new, larger church building. Pastor Manuel emphasized that this service was a dedication of the people, not the building, to continue reaching those still waiting to hear the Good News. 

Just last week, they hosted the annual pastors’ conference, attended by 54 pastors and leaders from Huichol churches throughout the Sierra Madre. The brothers and sisters from Zapote worked tirelessly, sacrificed generously, and served their guests with joy. Some arrived on foot, others via rural transport as far as it would go, a dozen received a UIMA airlift to Tepic from their “nearby” landing strips, and still others came by boat up or down river. All came eager to teach, learn, praise, and fellowship. This year’s theme was The Pastor and His Family. Eighty-year-old José López was one of the week’s featured speakers. The village pastors hung on the words he shared from his Huichol Bible as if they were his last. 

Though the enemy has attacked them in ways we never dreamed possible, too many to recount, God has blessed this little church like no other I’ve ever seen. They have torn down their original church walls twice to make room for growth. God has provided them with a concrete OANSA multipurpose court and a magnificent new covering. He’s blessed them with over 80 OANSA kids who never miss a meeting, leaders with “plumb lines” in hand who wouldn’t dream of missing either, and some 40 teens who attended youth camp last month. They are determined that their next generation will know and believe the Truth. Braulio's uploaded 15-minute video of their prep work and the conference is here. 

As we rejoice in God’s faithfulness to this little church, we are reminded of His continuing provision of pastors and leaders across the Sierra. The Huichol leaders do not take this process lightly. A powerful moment during the conference was the ordination of three new pastors, each having passed the tests of time, discipline, and faithfulness to God’s Word. José Lopez and José Carrillo (now in Heaven) were ordained by Román and Kirt in 1979. Pastors Manuel and Joaquín (Zapote) were ordained by José López and Martín in 2022. Refugio (La Bendición), Moisés (Codorniz), and Raul (El Chalate) were ordained by José, Martín, Manuel, and Joaquín on May 22, 2025. We were surprised to remember that Martín and Nacho, Mexican pastors from IBBM-Tepic, were ordained on May 22, 1994—exactly 31 years earlier, to the day! 

This is not about our great faith. It is about not despising small beginnings and rejoicing in our great God: Before. After. And all that is yet to come. 

April/May 2025 Tepic activities, including youth camp pictures, here and here.

February/March 2025. Redemption from the power of darkness. Colossians 1:13-14

February – March 2025 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 

God’s eternal plan of redemption is powerfully revealed in the lives of believers who, having been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into Christ’s kingdom, now witness the same transformative grace at work in their children. 

So, I wish there were time for an entire book about this redemption story: Modesto and Santa are an amazing, God-loving, hard-working couple from the village of Zapote de Picachos. A few years ago, they were excitedly awaiting the arrival of their precious gift from our Father, their first baby. She came very early and severely malformed; she died before delivery. Her parents were devastated, but they trusted that God’s plan always is best. Years have passed, and no new babies. They work hard to receive meager income from a local fishing co-op and harvests from fields all around our state, and though income is limited, they generously share their time and resources with their church family. They are faithful leaders in the Zapote OANSA children’s club helping every child but their own to hide God’s Word in their hearts, while their own hearts are aching. Pastor Martín and Erén have taken them to see a doctor friend who has not charged them for her services, and we have helped with the cost of nutrition, fertility studies, and medications, but still no baby. 

A couple of months ago, a very young Huichol girl with a severe intellectual disability began wandering into the Zapote church compound. Her family, living amid despair, has rejected the Gospel, and struggles to care for her. It became obvious that someone in her dominion of darkness had abused her; she was expecting a baby. It’s a horrible situation, and it’s heart-breaking to think of her profound suffering. 

There are too many details to relay, but the rest of this story is one of radical redemption. Santa’s mother ended up being the midwife at the birth, and Santa was there to receive the newborn baby girl into her open arms and heart. The young girl, the baby’s biological mother, never even wanted to see the baby; she honestly doesn’t realize her role in the relationship and could never care for her. Modesto and Santa and some of the other Christians have taken her for medical treatment at their own expense, and she has returned to her family. That beautiful newborn baby was given to Modesto and Santa with her first breath, just as she came into the world, hopeless, helpless, with absolutely nothing but the love of a Creator Who arranged for Modesto and Santa to adopt a beautiful, perfectly formed, naked baby, in need of everything. 

Now, back to July 16, 2007. Jonatán García, Pastor Martín and Erén’s 10-year-old, eldest son, celebrated a very significant date in the history of God’s work in the Tepic church. He was among seven redeemed believers, who, in the horse trough on the lot adjacent to the Tepic church, followed Jesus’ example in baptism. Jonatán was the very first person of the second generation of believers in Tepic to be baptized. As a young person, his father had received Christ’s forgiveness in our early years in Tepic, and he and his wife had the privilege of leading their own son to Jesus. Pastor Martín baptized his son under the banner which reads, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 

Now advance to 2025. Jonatán and his wife, Paulina, have been blessed with little Ana Raquel who recently made her very first mission trip to visit her adopted newborn “cousin.” Paulina praises God that Anita’s “Huichol aunts and uncles” love her little girl and that God has blessed her with more than enough to be able to share with Anita’s new little cousin. Not only did they share clothes to keep the new baby warm, but also, they delivered a supply of packages of Anita’s own mommy’s milk that God has abundantly provided, for the baby’s tummy to be filled, as well. 

The story of redemption for this beautiful, adopted baby is nothing short of miraculous! Our prayer for Anita (and her “cousin”) is that one day she will place her faith in Jesus as her Savior and follow His example, too. If God chooses to answer our request with a "yes," Anita could be the first of the third generation of the redeemed from the IBBM-Tepic church: following her grandfather, Martín, who baptized the first believer of the second generation, his own son, Jonatán (Anita’s father)! 

God’s plan for redemption rescues us from the dominion of darkness and by His grace, adopts us, naked and destitute, into the Kingdom of His Son… no longer slaves to sin but heirs of His eternal promise and citizens of His Kingdom. 

…Delivered from the power of darkness…Translated into the kingdom of his dear Son…Redeemed. 

December 2024 – January 2025 …that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith...

December 2024 – January 2025

…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine… Romans 1:12

Even this, our loving Father thought of to motivate His children. Paul’s inspired words remind us of the power of Christian fellowship, that we are not meant to travel this journey alone, but to uplift and strengthen one another in faith. The Tepic OANSA kids are learning about the life of Timothy: his identity, from Whom he obtained his power, and how he could live boldly staying true to God’s Word. The deep bond between Paul and Timothy was a relationship built on faith, mentorship, and mutual encouragement. Paul told the Philippians: I have no one else like him...you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. — not one-sided — Neither are the abundance of reassuring answers to prayer this past two months here in Mexico one-sided. God has used a faithful team for encouraging, building, and upholding His work. Thank you for your vital part in that. 

No sooner was the beautiful overhead structure at the OANSA court at Zapote de Picachos finished, than a team of the talented lesson writers made a trip to the village where all the Huichol youth camp teachers agreed to assemble for orientation. Of course, we chose to meet under that enormous, encouraging new blessing to review each Bible message that will be taught at this year’s camp: “No Turning Back.” Daniel and his friends, mutually encouraged by each other’s faith in their all-powerful God, did not turn back. There’s lots to pray about; David García designed a poster in English to remind us of some of the details. 

What could be more unimaginable than this? Jaime, the grandson of Nate Saint—the pilot who gave his life alongside Jim Elliot and three other dedicated missionaries in the jungles of Ecuador, a story that convinced a junior-high kid named Kirt Mellberg to someday invest his life in sharing the Gospel with the people of a foreign land—arrives in a Huichol village called La Bendición. His story and vision, representing the Indigenous People’s Technology and Education Center (ITEC), encourage both UIM pilots and Huichol villagers. Adding to the incredible connection, Jaime Saint’s words in English were translated by David, the son of Martín—Kirt’s spiritual Timothy. 

Think about it: Nate Saint’s grandson, Jaime, working alongside Kirt’s spiritual grandson, David, for the cause of the Kingdom, right here in La Bendición! You can’t make this stuff up! We don’t have to—it’s just another encouraging part of the Designer’s master plan. 

It's been nine years since the IBBM Christmas celebration, Come and See Him...the King of Heaven is my Savior! Nahúm, the adorable, little singing shepherd boy, was born to a 16-year-old single mom. His high school drop-out dad was disoriented and suicidal; hopeless. That Savior about Whom Nahúm sang, came to rescue his lost parents and him. Thank God for those children who came to see Him and accepted His wonderful gift. Now, this year, Nahúm was the protagonist in the IBBM Christmas celebration entitled: If Jesus Hadn't Come… Nahúm’s dad? He’s the lead singer of the IBBM worship team. Yes, what if Jesus hadn’t come? We’re weekly mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 

Pastor Phil McKeown from North Village Baptist Church retired this past month after 41 years of faithful service to his Lord and his beloved congregation. Though his ministry continues as he presses on toward the prize, he has passed the pastoral baton to Pastor Sean Myers. It is a joyous answer to prayer to witness this transition—one that honors the past, while today, embracing a renewed vision for reaching the lost within the church’s community and beyond. Pastor Sean, born the same year Pastor Phil began his ministry at NVBC, grew up in the neighborhood and experienced a very difficult childhood. Yet, through God’s miraculous intervention and guidance, he navigated a life of pain, suffering, and rejection, ultimately finding redemption, healing, and adoptive parents who helped nurture his faith. Now, divinely appointed for this role, he carries a deep personal understanding of the needs of the lost and underserved in the community. I am filled with expectation for what the Lord has in store for our sending church.               …that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith…

    

October/November 2024 - No Turning Back ~Ezekiel 46:9

October/November 2024

When the people of the land come before the Lord… he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate: no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead. ~Ezekiel 46:9

Transformed Paths. Transformed Lives. No turning back. We’re teaching the children of IBBM-Tepic about the Old Testament prophets. In Ezekiel’s vision, worshipers entered the presence of God by one gate, and they left by an opposing gate, resolute with renewed purpose, direction, and hope marked by His love, grace, and power. The past two months in Tepic have been filled with astonishing stories of God’s provision for what was once barren but now is filled with spiritual life and corresponding physical structures that are sanctuaries of hope and testimony to the powerful truth that has shaped and transformed futures marked by His love, purpose, and provision. 

Huichol pastor José López is not the young guy he was when he became a believer 45 years ago. His story of entering the gate and never turning back is nothing short of a miracle intricately planned in the portals of heaven in the ages prior to his birth and rebirth. You can read about some of that here.  Previously known for their antagonism, hatred for the Gospel message, and persecution of their believing neighbors, the now-transformed believers from the church at Guásima del Caiman celebrated their very first anniversary in October.

José, the Huichol equivalent of the Apostle Paul, who has trekked tirelessly and faithfully throughout the Sierra Madre sharing the Gospel in village after village, was afraid that his 78-year-old legs wouldn’t be able to make that arduous trip “back home” to his natal village for the momentous celebration with the family he led to Christ. The previously hostile believers from the newborn church, met him at the river’s edge with a mule to carry its precious cargo over the treacherous 4-hour climb. The Guásima family, at long last, has walked through the gate, and they’re not turning back. 

The church at Zapote de Picachos celebrated its 20th anniversary with joyful festivities including baptizing nine new believers. Life is difficult in the remote village, but the members of that exemplary church don’t seem to notice much. They have an OANSA children’s ministry with more than 80 kids who, like their devoted leaders, wouldn’t think of missing a meeting. The sun is brutal on their beautiful game court, and the leaders have been praying about the possibility of building a protective overhead structure. There were no tangible resources for such a lofty dream, but in faith, with help from brothers from Tepic, they dug corner footers and cemented in the rebar, waiting for God’s provision. 

A friend of our Father’s, and ours, though we don’t even know him, is dying of cancer. He chose wisely to lay up treasure in his “coming-soon” new residence, purchasing the materials necessary for completing this project. It was surprising, but not exactly unexpected. Our friends from Zapote probably never imagined that one day, after walking straight through that gate to follow their Master, others from the state of Durango, who had also walked in obedience through that gate, would be transporting an enormous Sky Jack cross-country for them to use.

They also offered their hard-working, skillful hands and time to help install a marvelous structure over the treasured OANSA court where the children whose shepherded hearts are weekly learning to hide God's Word and His precepts in their own hearts.  Straight through, and no turning back.

Forty-nine years ago, this month, a young missionary couple arrived in Mexico. After investing 15 years, they faced some very confusing and discouraging trials. They prayed for God’s guidance and began picking up pieces starting all over with the planting and harvest process. That led to the birth of IBBM-Tepic. Now, 33 years later, we’re adding a second story to the Sunday school building where many children and young people will continue to hear the Good News, hide God’s truth in their hearts, and become the next generation of leaders at IBBM-Tepic and beyond. 

The materials and labor for “pouring” the concrete roof portion of Phase 2 of the Classroom Project were offered by that same anonymous friend, along with help from others who love this work. In both, Zapote de Picachos and Tepic, these sanctuaries of hope and testimonies to faithful friends and God’s constant provision were completed precisely on time, on Thanksgiving Day. In the gate, and no turning back!  How appropriate that this year’s theme for the upcoming Spring 2025 Huichol youth camp is, “No Turning Back”. There are lots of logistics to pray about, but the scripts for the teaching sessions are written, and the campers are in for the opportunity of a lifetime! Enter the gate; don’t turn back!  

You won’t regret taking the time to check out these October/November 2024 Tepic activities here.