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| Dad in the center, Silvestre Quintero to Dad's right |
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| 1958 ish |
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding”…(Prov.3:5).
As we look back on the last few years of our labors among the Indians in the State of Puebla we have realized again His infinite understanding of His work.
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| Future church site, bought from Dona Emilia's orchard |
For two years in succession the Indians in our area suffered the worst drought in many years.
The rains came too late for a successful growing season. The vetch, which is grown for fodder for the animals, would dry up before it had a chance to grow, and the corn and bean plantings which must be in by June did not materialize.
Our Indians were in dire circumstances, making it necessary for the men to leave their families and find agriculture work in other parts.
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| For occupancy but not completed church |
In the meantime, God had wondrously blessed His work. Scores of people were coming from the surrounding villages to Cuautempan to inquire and hear of the Lord Jesus.
The believers had purchased a piece of property, and built the walls and the roof of the church. Now because of the suffering from the drought, the poor unbelieving Indians in their superstition and ignorance began to seek a reason for their plight.
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| Becky & Emily Ruth |
They came to the conclusion, it was because of the presence of the missionary and the Gospel. A delegation of Indians from some of the most pagan and fanatical villages in our municipality came to the town hall pleading that a stop be put to the spreading of the Gospel.
The new municipal president and secretary, who never had looked with favor upon our work, took the opportunity to create more tension by telling the delegation that they would look into the matter, and for them to come back in another week. This went on for some time, but without a word to us from the authorities.darkened-hearts click here
Plans were made by the village priest to make extensive repairs to their church, the Catholic church which had been in decay and disuse for many years.
Our believers were told to give free work days, in the face of threats and violence, but they refused to do so.
Our brethren remained firm in their convictions even though the local authorities backed the priest in these demands.
Finally, I was led to have a conference with the president. He was put in an embarrassing situation, in wanting to please the fanaticals, and, at the same time, knowing that Mexican law provides for freedom from the Federal government to use the church building.
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| Silvestre & Carmela with first daughter, Dimna, standing in front of unfinished church building | First full time pastor after many visiting pastors |
Mexican law required the public meetings of any denomination or religion be held in Federally-owned buildings, or churches. We had made sure that we were complying with this law by holding private services in the different sections of the village, and using the church building for private services on Sunday, at the same time using it as a dormitory for our Boys Home for Indian boys.
The believers were sacrificing tremendously in getting their building to the stage where it could be used but it would be a long time before they would have funds to properly finish it and transfer the titles (over one hundred dollars) to the government. All this seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, and the believers had all-day prayer meeting to seek God’s leading.
In speaking for the congregation, I told the president that I believed the congregation was willing to secure the necessary federalization of their property. The church board had a meeting and it was decided that in faith believing they would seek to federalize their building even though the structure was far from completed. I was delegated to go to Mexico City to see the Evangelical Defense Committee, a group of Christian lawyers and business men delegated to look after and secure justice for persecuted Protestants.
These men were authorities on Mexican law and make contact with friendly officials. I left the titles, along with $200 pesos, (initial fee which the church had in its treasury), and was told that they would file applications for us the next day. However, they gave no promise of how long it would take. Some church buildings under the MIM have remained closed after twenty-five years because the applications were never answered.
For the next three months the believers were “praying without ceasing”. On Saturday, Sept. 7 (one account gives this day as last day of August), the day preceding the “DAY OF THE BIBLE”, most of the Christians were at the church property making preparations for the Christian Festival.
The men had just finished dressing a sheep and the women were busy over the open fire. (One account said that my mother was busy preparing chicken and "mole poblano".)
At that moment an army officer, sent by the Governor from the state
BELOW THE COMPLETED BUILDING
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| Girls filing into church |
How surprised we were! We knew nothing beforehand of his arrival, but God was leading.
The army officer took back his report to the Governor and in three weeks a communication arrived announcing the opening of our church for public worship. The faith of these humble Indian believers was rewarded.
God, since then, has given them some good crops, and , best of all, souls have found peace with God.
The evangelistic team formed soon after is being used to help in services in three nearby communities.
FROM MY FATHERS' FOLDER-Myserious Ways CLICK HERE
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Johnny A., Eddie, Emily Ruth, Dad during church service |
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