HOSTING THE ANNUAL CONVENTION ~ March 24, 1969

CUAUTEMPAN HOSTS ANNUAL CONVENTION   ~ by Loren and Betty Ediger

Much prayer and planning had been made for the success of the UNION OF MEXICAN EVANGELICAL CHURCES,  When Monday afternoon of March 24th arrived,  all those in charge had eyes glued to the road down the valley to catch first arrivals.

A Street in Tetela ~Dad said one of those buildings was the post office (this slide I scanned could have been reversed so Dad is not recognizing it.  This scene was at the corner of the main intersection that took us straight through town to get us on the road into Cuau  (slide scan)

Some of the delegates, workers, and missionaries arrived in a truck previously chartered by the committee.  Some brave enough came in their own vehicles.  Those who felt more comfortable left their car in Tetela (to some the road from Tetela is known as a "rabbit trail".  Tetela being the end of the gravel and previously traveled, paved highway from the outside.)
The Land Rover made several trips also.

UIEM Convention in Cuauatempan ~March 1969  Dad & Mother next to back right row.  Tommy in first standing row with light hair.  And yes Dad said they all crammed into that church.

From several directions around Cuautempan believers came on foot as well as those who came later in the week.  Some had walked all day through dust and heat to attend the opening service.  Most didn't have the slightest thought that shortly they would be walking through rain and mud.

TETELA ~ Coming in or going out street~ The Land Rover far down the street. (slide scan)

The usual welcomes were given by the local Pastor and the Municipal President, after which missionary Don Harris gave a stirring evangelistic message.

TETELA

Rooms and straw mats were assigned to the visitors, as a dense fog and cold spell settled in on the valley.  Apparently the Lord did not see fit to grant us good weather as the sun refused to shine after that first Monday.  Those who came from hot country were particularly uncomfortable.  The local believers brought out the charcoal warmers to warm cold hands and feet. (many were barefoot).  Every available cotton or serape and blanket were lent by the believers.
In spite of the gloomy weather the Lord blessed the Convention in a very special way.  Brethren, Don Harris, Gilberto Hernandez, and Laurence Engleman gave daily Bible lessons and discussions on the theme "THE CHURCH".

Meals were served under the plastic canopy.  One of the sessions held out side. (slide scan) If you look closely you will find a chicken strutting around hoping to avoid detection.  She might be on the next menu.

Various choral groups brought special numbers which enhanced the services.  Although there were no open professions of faith during the evangelistic meetings, many unbelievers were present for the first time and we feel the seed of God's Word will bear fruit.

FELLOWSHIP TIME  (slide scan)

The climax of Christian fellowship and unity was felt on Sunday when we gathered around the Lord's table.  A quiet, reverent spirit of expectancy was felt as the congregation waited upon the Lord.  This seemed to be a time of preparation for the business sessions.
We praise Him for His guidance during that time and the anticipation it held for all of us in the Lord's work....

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The spiritual highlight of the year among the churches was the annual convention, when delegates, Christian workers, and missionaries from the Mexican Indian Mission from the various posts meet together for a week of Bible conferences, prayer, discussion, encouragement, and fellowship.
It was considered a precious time and is always met with anticipation.  Cottage prayer meetings were held for several months prior.
It took much planning, under Dad's supervision to prepare for a convention in our village, with no community facilities.  Homes were prepared to make room for the 150 invited guests.
Expanding on the theme of THE CHURCH, the daily considerations of the significance of the church in the following categories,  The Character of the Church, The Ministry of the Church, The Resources of the Chruch, and The Future of the Church.
As in our generations today,  they also had the same concerns, troubled times, the experiencing of materialism and self-seeking positions, with resultant factions and divisions, and spiritual lethargy.  ~ Edited  and added to by Becky with gleanings from the MIM bulletin and conversations with Dad, especially to add captions to the photos in more detail.

(It has just dawned on me that this event of major importance in Dad and Mothers life occurred after some of us siblings went to the US to begin J.H. and H.S .  I have alluded to it one of my previous blogs.)