April 2008 Update From Ixtlan

I was shocked recently during a Bible study with a mother and her two daughters. I asked the question, “Where is our greatest problem, inside of us or outside of us?” I really didn’t expect an answer. Especially not from the youngest member of the family, nine-year old Jasmine. She replied, “Inside us.” Wow! I had to ask her, “Why inside of us?” Without hesitation, she answered, “Because of sin.” I couldn’t hide my amazement! I told her, “Jasmine, do you know how you know that? God the Father helped you understand that.” I was refueled by this little experience that let me know that God is working, even when I get impatient.

In some of our evangelistic Bible studies we’ve been teaching chronologically through the Bible, starting in Genesis. At times I want to rush ahead to the New Testament, but we’re laying critical foundations. We’re trying to teach God’s whole story, the story about the rebel human race who desperately need a Savior. The story of idolaters who can’t save themselves. The story of God’s grace towards those who don’t deserve it but trust in him. And I can’t wait to get to the part where the Savior comes and sets us free by his death and resurrection on the cross!

Ruth Cervantes (from Tecati, MX) arrived this month to take the job of Administrator for our new school. We are still looking and praying for a director and for teachers. “Crunch time” began with planning and trying to get ready for classes starting in August. Our first school board meeting is this week. Meanwhile, construction on the school is wrapping up.

Sis. Ceci was diagnosed with Tuberculosis after a period of mysterious health problems, and has begun treatment. Her attitude is positive that God has a purpose in all this. Her testimony in enduring suffering (her father died this past year) as a young believer is inspiring and makes Christ look precious. Her prognosis for a complete recovery looks good.

Bro. Seth Gerber (Magdalena) came to visit for two weeks for a time of mutual learning. He asked us lots of questions. We tried to answer them but I think we all realized how much we don’t know about missionary work, church planting, and life in general! Praise God that He is all wise! It was a great time of fellowship.

Seeing Alejandro grow has been a huge encouragement (see picture, far left). He started repenting back in late summer 2006. He turned 25 last week, his first birthday as a Christian! We celebrated with cake and by soaking him with water (that’s an Ixtlan tradition). God has radically changed his life. His old friends and people in the community have been startled by his conversion. God’s been opening many doors for him to share the gospel of Christ with others.

Some of Ixtlan young group, friends, and few visitors
This Sunday we announced two converts for baptism in Ixtlan: Marcela Sauceda (middle row, 3rd from right) and Lupita Sibaja Leon (middle row, below yellow shirt). Testimonies/baptisms are planned for June 14-15, Lord willing.

In Barra Vieja, some of the converts are nearing baptism. They are always grateful for brethren who come to visit for a week or two to teach the Word among them. Several months ago I sent out a prayer request for a man named Cirilo who is dying of cancer. Since then, a handful of people have had opportunity to talk with him very openly about his need for salvation. Though he seems to have an intellectual understanding of the gospel, he still hasn’t repented and surrendered to Christ.

Please continue to lift us up in prayer (see separate prayer sheet), praying for God’s kingdom to continue advancing in hearts and His will to be done (not my kingdom and my will, which I spend far too much time seeking).

Your fellow slave of Christ, and happy to be so privileged,

Matt Gerber

April '08 Ixtlan Prayer Requests

1.Praise that God has brought Ruth Cervantes to be the administrator. Continue to pray for godly director and teachers.

2.Humble wisdom, clarity of vision, and timely planning for the new school over the next few months as we prepare for opening classes this fall.

3.For parents in the community to be interested and receptive to this new outreach.

4.Praise that the Holy Spirit has been opening doors, and praying He would continue to do so in our relationships with boys and men to “incarnate” Christ in our lives, words, and actions towards them.

5.That God would continue to move our young group in the right direction with unity and purity, causing us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and reaching out toward unbelievers, to the end He may establish our hearts unblamable in holiness (1 Ts. 3:11-12).

6.More effective discipleship that helps converts and new believers grow and change at heart level, learning to live their lives to the glory of Christ.


For past prayer requests view the "blog archives" at the bottom of the sidebar to the left.