Efrain's BLOG

2011-11-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends Family and supporters.

We have an urgent need in our ministry that you may be able to help with. We are currently in need of mP3 players. A large part of our ministry revolves around training pastors from indigenous communities in Oaxaca. For the majority of our pastors, Spanish is their second language, and reading in Spanish is a challenge. We’ve found that providing an mP3 recording that allows them to listen and follow along in their manual, to be an invaluable tool in strengthening literacy, and increasing comprehension.

If you have an old mp3 player you no longer use it would be a great blessing to our students. If you are able to help, please send us an mP3 player (and/or headphones) to the following address:

Keyfinders Inc.
PO Box 6266
La Quinta, CA 92248

2011-09-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Last month we had the privilege of hosting a pastor’s retreat. This turned out to be a wonderful event the Lord did more then what we can have imagined. During this event our Superintendent Dr. Navarettte, WM director Silvia Carrizo and Pastor Gustavo Arce ministered in a powerful way to all the attending pastors. We are also grateful for the participation of veteran Missionary Lloyd Marsh who conducted a special ministry called “School of the Holy Spirit.” Approximately 70 people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your prayer and financial support that makes this possible.

Prayer Request

2011-07-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

We are currently preparing for one of the largest events so far. From August 17 – 27 we will be conducting, free of charge, two pastoral retreats here in Oaxaca. The pastors attending this retreat work in some of the poorest settings in Mexico. As with most pastors, they are very dedicated, hard-working people. As I traveled throughout Oaxaca on our first term, I met many of these pastors, many of whom were overworked and at the point of burnout. This is when the Lord put on our hearts to do the first pastoral retreat in 2009. The event went well. We ministered to over 70 pastoral families who returned refreshed to continue their ministerial work. The doors have opened to do this event once again.

We praise God for a list of wonderful speakers that will be joining us for this event. Our special speakers include our superintendent, Dr. Sergio Navarrete, and our DWM, Rev. Silvia Carrizo. We are also very pleased that Veteran Missionary Lloyd Marsh, and Dr. Joseph Castleberry, president of Northwest University will be joining us as well.

In order to conduct these retreats we desperately need your help. We are asking all our supporters to please set aside two hours of prayer for these events. We want to bathe these two retreats with prayer. Second, if you are in a position to send an extra offering to help us with the costs of these events, then please click on the link bellow. These two retreats will cost approximately three thousand dollars. Any extra offerings you can send would be a great blessing to these pastors. We are expecting a great move of God for the pastors during these retreats. Thank once again for your support and prayers

Nos estamos preparando para uno de los eventos mas grande que hemos hecho hasta este momento. En los días de Agosto 17 – 27 vamos a coordinar dos retiros pastorales gratis para los ministros de Oaxaca. Estos pastores trabajan en los lugares mas pobre de México. Como muchos pastores ellos trabajan duro y son muy dedicados. Mientras viajaba por Oaxaca, conocí a muchos pastores que estaban sobre trabajados. En estos momentos Dios puso en nuestro corazón de hacer el primer retiro pastoral en el 2009. Este evento fue de mucha bendición. Ministramos a más de 70 familias pastorales que regresaron renovados para continuar en sus ministerios. Las puertas se han abierto para hacer esto de nuevo.

Le damos gracias a Dios por una lista de predicadores que nos van a acompañar. Nuestros invitados especial incluye nuestro Superintendente Dr. Sergio Navarrete, y nuestra DMF Rev. Silvia Carrizo. También estamos alegres que el misionero veterano Lloyd Marsh y Dr. Joseph Castleberry, presidente del la Universidad Northwest nos van a acompañar.

Para llevar acabo este evento necesitamos su ayuda. Le estamos pidiendo a todos nuestros apoyadores es que aparten dos horas de oración por este evento. Deseamos cubrir este evento con toda la oración posible. Segundo, si usted nos puede ayudar con una ofrenda extra este mes entonces seleccione el link que esta abajo. Estos dos retiros nos van a costar aproximadamente tres mil dólares. Cualquier cantidad que usted pueda mandar va ser de gran bendición a estos pastores. Estamos esperando un gran movimiento de Dios durante estos retiros. Gracias de nuevo por su apoyo y oraciones.

Dios le bendiga.

Online Giving / Ofrendas

2011-06-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

We just finished two weeks of a very full schedule. Two weeks ago we had the privilege of hosting a team from Church of the Redeemer in Baldwin Park, CA. This team did a wonderful job of conducting a medical outreach among the Zapotecos. Due to their hard work the over 40 prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their savior. We also treated over 100 people with dental problems and gave out over 200 pairs of reading glasses. The visit of this team was very meaningful to us as Church of the Redeemer was our home church during our last itineration. Thank you, Pastor Paul for sending such a great team.

Acabamos de terminar dos semanas llenas de mucha actividad. Dos semanas atrás tuvimos el privilegio de recibir un equipo de la Iglesia del Redentor en Baldwin Park, CA. Este equipo realizó un trabajo maravilloso de alcance médico entre los Zapotecos. Debido a este gran trabajo más de 40 personas oraron para recibir a Jesucristo como su Salvador. También tratamos a más de 100 personas con problemas dentales y repartimos más de 200 pares de lentes para leer. La visita de este equipo fue muy significativa para nosotros porque la Iglesia del Redentor fue nuestra iglesia hogar durante nuestra última promoción misionera. Muchas gracias, Pastor Paul, por enviar un equipo tan bonito.

This last week we also conducted our second CAPE class. Students from five different indigenous groups returned for their second Bible Institute class. During this second class our students studied an introduction to the Bible course. It is truly a blessing to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of these students.

La semana pasada nosotros también realizamos nuestra segunda clase de CAPE. Los estudiantes de cinco grupos indígenas regresaron para su segunda clase del Instituto Bíblico. Durante esta segunda clase los estudiantes estudiaron el curso introducción a la Biblia. Es una bendición participar en lo que Dios esta haciendo en las vidas de estos estudiantes.

I want to take a moment to thank everybody who faithfully prays and supports our ministry none of this would be possible without you. If you haven’t had a chance to give please pray about send a one time offering by using the link bellow.

También quiero tomar un momento para dar gracias a todos los que fielmente oran y apoyan este ministerio. Nada de esto sería posible sin ustedes. Si usted no ha tenido la oportunidad de dar, por favor ore y considere enviar una ofrenda especial utilizando el link abajo.

ONLINE GIVING / DONATIVOS

CAPE (This is an excerpt from our last newsletter.)

2011-05-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend we began a new training program called CAPE, (Centro de Adiestramiento para Pastores a las Étnias), or Center for Indigenous Pastoral Training. Fifteen bilingual students from five different language groups came. From each of these language groups several pastors came who had been in ministry for several years, but had never been able to attend a Bible Institute.

Our hope for this program is that in the near future the students will able to take this training and start Bible Institutes in their own communities, in their own language and using their own customs. Due to the 150 variations of dialects spoken here it is impossible for us to work with each group in their language. However we can work with bilingual students who know Spanish and their indigenous language. It is an honor to work alongside of men and women whom God has called to reach their own people.

It is exciting for us to know that together with your help an impact is being made on five major indigenous communities. Please help us continue this work. The start of this program cost over $1500 dollars. This was a large step of faith for us. In the last three months 30 to 40% of our monthly support has not come in. We live by faith every month believing God that the necessary funds will come in to continue this work. Please help us by praying for us and by sending your monthly support. Any amount you send makes a great difference. You may use the link bellow to send support online. Thank you for being a part of what the Lord is doing in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Este fin de semana comenzamos un programa llamado CAPE, Centro de Adiestramiento para Pastores de las Etnias. Quince estudiantes de cinco etnias distintas llegaron para inscribirse. De estas diferentes etnias llegaron varios pastores que ya tenían muchos años de ministerio, pero nunca podían entrar al Instituto Bíblico.

Nuestra esperanza es que en el futuro cercano, los estudiantes podrán tomar este adiestramiento y aplicarlo en sus comunidades, en sus idiomas y usando sus propias costumbres. Debido a las 150 diferente variante de dialectos que se hablan aquí, es imposible trabajar con cada grupo y en su propio idioma. Pero si podemos trabajar con estudiantes bilingües que hablan español y sus propios idiomas. Es un honor trabajar con personas que Dios ha llamado para alcanzar sus comunidades.

Es un gran gozo saber que junto con ustedes, estamos impactando cinco diferentes comunidades indígenas. Por favor ayúdanos continuar este trabajo. El comienzo de este programa costó mas de $1500 dólares. Esto fue un gran paso de fe para nosotros. En los últimos meses de 30 ha 40% de nuestro apoyo mensual no ha entrado. Vivimos por fe cada mes que Dios nos va a dar los fondos necesarios para continuar este trabajo. Por favor, ayúdanos: oren por este ministerio y mande su apoyo mensual. Cualquier cantidad que usted mande va ser una gran bendición. Pueden usar el link abajo para mandar su ofrenda por Internet. Gracias por participar en lo que Dios esta haciendo en Oaxaca, México.

Online Giving DONATIVOS

2011-03-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

I’m happy to report that our church construction project among the Maztecos is almost completed. Recently, a team of welders and cement workers went to the site and completed the floors and the roof of the church. Next month we will be wrapping up the project by installing doors and windows. I want to thank again the wonderful team from The Freedom Center in Flint, Michigan for coming to Oaxaca and making this possible.

I would also like to ask for prayer for our next team that will be coming in June. We are extremely happy to host a construction and evangelism team from Church of the Redeemer in Baldwin Park, CA. This team will be working among one of the largest indigenous groups in Oaxaca the “Zapotecos.” I would like to thank Pastor Paul Flores and Pastor Mike Duran for sending this team and for all their faithful support of our work here in Oaxaca.

Estoy contento de reportar que nuestro proyecto de construcción entre los Mazatecos esta casi terminado. La semana pasada un equipo de soldadores y albañiles fueron para completar el piso y el techo. En este próximo mes, vamos a completar este proyecto instilando puertas y ventanas. Quiero dar gracias de nuevo al equipo que vino de la iglesia “The Freedom Center” en Flint, MI por venir a Oaxaca y hizo todo esto posible.

También quiero pedir que oren por el próximo equipo que viene en Junio. Estamos muy alegres de poder recibir a un equipo de construcción y evangelismo de la “Iglesia del Redentor” en Baldwin Park, CA. Este equipo va estar trabajando entre el grupo étnico mas grande de Oaxaca los Zapotecos. Quiero darle gracias al Rev. Paul Flores y Pastor Mike Duran por enviar este equipo y por su fiel apoyo de nuestro trabajo en Oaxaca.

Church Construction

2011-03-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

This last week was wonderful and challenging. I spent some time in the Mazateco region of Oaxaca with a construction team from “The Freedom Center” in Flint, Michigan. I would like to thank Pastor Jim and the church for sending a wonderful team of 10 men to help build a church in this underserved region of Mexico. We joyfully endured a week of alternately hot, rainy, and windy weather. Despite all the climate issues, the team did a wonderful job on this church construction. Together with the Mazateco church members, the team accomplished in one week what would have taken years to do. By the week’s end, we had felt God move in a powerful way in all of our lives. I praise God for this great advancement of his kingdom among Mazatecos.

Esta última semana fue maravilloso y desafiante. Pasé un poco de tiempo en la región Mazateca de Oaxaca con un equipo de construcción de la iglesia “The Freedom Center” en Flint, Michigan. Me gustaría darle gracias al pastor Jim y su iglesia por mandarnos un equipo muy bueno para ayudar construir una iglesia entre los Mazatecos. Con gozo pasamos una semana que incluyo temperaturas calientes, fuertes vientos y lluvias. A pesar de las temperaturas el equipo hizo un trabajo maravilloso en la construcción de esta iglesia. Juntos con los hermanos Mazatecos este equipo cumplió en una semana el trabajo que hubiera tomado años. Al fin de la semana Dios se había movido poderosamente en la vida de todos. Le doy gracias a Dios por este gran avance de su reino entre los Mazatecos.

Training Indigenous Pastors

2011-02-22T18:21:00.001-08:00

The main aspect of our work on the field is among the indigenous groups of Oaxaca. Oaxaca has the highest concentration of indigenous people groups in all of Mexico. This is a place where 150 different variations of dialects are spoken. Church planting in such a diverse place is very challenging. In this last six months we have been talking with other missionaries and church leadership as to how we can best help train indigenous pastors. The result of these conversations resulted in the creation of a national pilot program that will be conducted here in Oaxaca. The program will focus on the special needs faced by indigenous pastors who often do not receiving pastoral training. This lack of preparation among many indigenous pastors has hindered the process of discipleship and evangelism in many indigenous communities.

It is indeed an honor and a blessing to be involved in a project that will affect the training of over 350 indigenous pastors through out all of Mexico. Because of the potential of this nationally approved pilot program, I’m asking all our supporters to please pray. Pray, that the Lord would give us guidance and wisdom as we work along side the Assemblies of God of Mexico in this national effort. Also pray for the indigenous pastors that the Lord will bring to his program. Above all please pray for revival among the many indigenous people groups of Oaxaca. Thank you once again for your prayers and financial support which makes this all possible.

Ministry Photos

2010-12-07T07:44:00.001-08:00

October 2010

This church has been under construction for eight years with your support we were able to help them put up a much need roof.

Traveling to different are as affected by the floods during September and October. We were able to join Convoy of Hope to survey affected areas and deliver food.

October 2010.

Catherine and I enjoyed teaching a Bible institute class on the book of Hebrews.

October 2010.

It was a blessing to preach during a missions services at this church in Oaxaca City.

Throughout this year Catherine will be teaching an English class at a new Christian school among the Mixtecos.

Preaching at a new church in Oaxaca City.

October 2010.

Evangelism crusade with CAMAD missionary students in a Mixteco Village

Family Pictures

2010-06-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Family Picture December 2010

Efrain, David, Jonathan and Olivia

Catherine, David, Jonathan and Olivia

Olivia

Olivia and Catherine

Olivia

Jonathan

David