Mark and Abby: Time Marches On

29...30...another month gone. I'm not great at time management, a new month begins and the next time I check the months end is rapidly approaching, or in the case of September come and gone. Many great things happened this past month. The best of course is when people trust their lives to Jesus and we were again privileged to see this in September. We spent a good amount of time this month trying to develop some connections with Christian students, students who could help us on campus by being at our bible studies, inviting friends, and help us connect with other students. We've found some solid new partners as we reach out to the many university students here in Tuxtla. We've also been disappointed that the Christian lifestyle in Chiapas, Mexico at times seems to hinder Kingdom work more than help it. The very demanding schedule of church activities and a lack of understanding about how to reach and relate to non-Christians have been major roadblocks as we attempt to build a team focused on reaching the lost not through church buildings and functions but through relationships and relevancy.

God has provided us with some great partners here and there are some great established ministries in Tuxtla. We have been able to work alongside our Christian friends to begin a Bible study on the UNACH campus that has now met three times. We also have begun a study on the campus of Tec Regional which has gone very well so far and we've been meeting on Sundays with our core group to talk about church and worship or Lord and Savior together! The difficulties we've faced lately in the work combined with some things I've been reading for my church planting class have really got me pumped up about continuing to reach new people for Christ through direct personal evangelism and follow-up discipleship! I'm convinced that focusing on those students who do not yet know Christ personally but are being drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit is one of the best jobs anyone could have.

One of the highlights of this month was celebrating Mexico's Independence day, which contrary to popular belief is NOT Cinco de Mayo but September 15. It is celebrated in much the same way as the 4th of July with the addition of a midnight grita (yell). All in all I feel the work is progressing here, we are meeting more students, having more bible studies, and seeing more people step up to serve and lead. I'm finding that amid all the pressure and responsibility this task can bring with it there is always reason to rejoice in the Lord, have fun, laugh, and appreciate the amazing opportunity we have to serve God in Mexico.