On July 27th through Aug 3rd, Mike Scarberry, Tom Timmonds, Bethany Williams, Aaron Timmonds, Bethany Bateman, Danya Bateman and Kyle Bateman embarked on “Mexico Mission 2007” sponsored by To Every Tribe Ministries (TETM) headquartered in Los Fresnos, Texas. The general mission area was the Mezquital region of Mexico located 80 miles south of Brownsville, Texas.  There are several villages surrounding the perimeter of the Laguna Madre and are home to thousands of people who make their living as fishermen.  Our specific ministry area was Las Higuerillas (known to the team as FishTown).  Our team partnered with the Philadelphia Baptist Church (PBC), Birmingham, AL.  Our ministry focused on two established churches consisting of Vacation Bible School, music, and marriage/family teachings.  

 

The TRCC team enjoyed magnificent support from the congregation through designated giving, helping at two member sponsored garage sales, and prayer.  They specifically prayed for us before and during the trip that God would (1) spiritually prepare us to minister, (2) God would use our efforts to help reach people for Jesus Christ as well as strengthen the believers of the two churches, and (3) physical strength and endurance

 

We departed for Columbus, OH airport at 3:15 a.m. traveling through Houston to Harlingen, TX.  There we met Chris and Bianca from TETM who ushered us to the meeting place for the nights rest, instructions, and assignments for the coming week.  We enjoyed a time of meeting and greeting folks from all over the U.S. and made friends that will be remember for a lifetime. 

 

After a fitful night of sleep (for me-Mike-my air mattress decided to deflate at 2:30 in the morning), we were up at 7 a.m. and eager to get started.  We proceeded to Brownsville, crossed the border and were driving through Matamoros, Mexico.  Several miles down the road, after stopping lunch, we turned off the main highway and were immediately met by the Mexican military but were waved through—Whew!  We drove for what seemed to be endless cacti filled miles. 

 

At last we arrived at Pastor Fausto’s church (still referred to this way although Pastor Fausto passed away last year) in Las Higuerillas.  We unloaded PBC gear and headed on to Pastor Jancito’s church where TRCC folks set up camp. 

 

This is our team from TRCC joined by Chris, our TETM leader, Bianca and Ivan, translators, Josh, John and Aaron.

 

We were greeted by Pastor Jacinto, and several kids.  The word soon spread and kids were soon filling the “compound”.  Hugging, laughing, pictures and soccer soon erupted everywhere.

 

After pitching our tents and settling for a short while, a youth service got under way.  A friendly Bible drill competition between “them” and “us” commenced. “They” won, then the Pastor delivered a message declaring Jesus as Savior and His righteousness as necessary for our deliverance from sin. 

We soon discovered that whether we were pitching tents or sitting in church, it was HOT!  And we had the good fortune of being there when the mosquitoes were the worst in over 30 years according to one villager.   But after dark, the temperature dropped to a moderate 90 degrees.  We all soon got used to the nightly ritual of entering our tents quickly, then proceeding to spend the next 15 to 20 minutes killing mosquitoes. 

 

Monday through Wednesday mornings found us involved in Vacation Bible School (VBS) in both churches.  TRCC led music at both locations while PBC folks led the VBS.  At Pastor Jacinto’s church a good crowd of children and one lady, reported to be over 100 years of age, came faithfully each day.  The theme was “God Always Wins” with Bible stories from Isaiah, I Chronicles, Exodus, Joshua, Judges and Daniel.  The kids had a great time with the singing and stories.  Although no decisions for Christ were noted, the Word of God was proclaimed and will “not return void.”

 

We were also privileged to share a three part series on the Biblical view of marriage & family beginning on Monday evening and continuing on Tuesday evening at Pastor Jacinto’s church with the third segment being taught on Wednesday afternoon at Pastor Fausto’s church.   The Wednesday occasion was a “cow roast” sponsored by PBC with the intent of sharing the gospel to the whole village.   Many people turned out for the meal and heard a message regarding responsibilities of parents toward their children and a presentation of the gospel from the book of Matthew. 

 

The week went by quickly.  We are grateful for the exposure to a culture different than ours but at the same time experiencing the Holy Spirit at work in Las Higuerillas uniting believers in Christ.  We made many new friends and gained an appreciation for the work our missionaries render to the Lord on a continual basis.  We also saw the same need for Christ there as is here—mankind is lost and in need of a Savior.

 

It was not easy to leave.  Each of us thanks the Lord for the opportunity and the TRCC family for supporting us through finances and most of all with your prayers.  May God richly bless the people of Las Higuerillas