Archbishop Gregory Holley

The Lighthouse at Weslaco

  On Texas Highway 1015 between Weslaco and the Mexican border town of Progresso is a wonderful church. Pastor Juan and his wife have a way station for the traveller where souls are saved, fed and delivered. It has become, over the years, a launching point into Northern Mexico for those of us headed into VeraCruz and beyond. This blessed place is certainly one of those layovers that you look forward to getting to. Pastor Juan's demeanor is much like you would expect of a man with a Jesus lifestyle.

The purpose of our visit to the Lighthouse parking lot was to meet Missionary Ernesto and Abby Estrada. This once builder of Comfort Inn Hotels and other commercial ventures now is a builder of churches and orphanages. Introduced to us by variety of friends long ago they consistently and invariably produce good works. In the early days he closed his business, bought a small motor home and entered Mexico searching for the will of the Lord.  Abby, the ever faithful wife, had been the purser of the Wal Mart stores in the Texas valley but her roots were as a Mexican national and since being saved she longed to go and spread the good news of Jesus Christ!

Their latest mission is another orphanage!  Billy and Wileta Boren have carved out a piece of their waterfront property at Flores Magon, VeraCruz.  This breath taking beach front site is now the home of 7 and will be the home of 40 children when completed.  Many nights have been spent at this property by the Queen and me while visiting and ministering in the area.  Ernesto is the greatest teacher and I am sure the Bible School will not be far away!

Already the traffic is great at the Boren's.  Wycliffe translators stop by on the way to remote places for rest and relaxation.  Pew building teams gather last minute supplies. Supporters and ministers come for encouragement. It is the perfect place to raise children in the glory of the Lord.  And did I mention the green, clear water of the ocean the miles of open beach?

After strategizing for the future and settling some immediate problems we began the transfer. Yes, the goods sent by the folks at home. You see, Ernesto had called Tuesday and said, "O, by the way could you bring me a computer for the kids to learn on?"  He knew what he was doing.  We would strip a office in the main offices to get those kids what they need! 

It was not necessary!  On Wednesday night, at our annual Thanksgiving Communion, I mentioned to the wonderful crowd the need. After service not one but two computers were given!  One very fast computer and one, brand new in the box!  Then as always one of our Elders and his wife brought specially packed boxes for the orphanage!

 

                                  

 

The Missionaries

Missionaries come and go around the world every day fulfilling the cause of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To be called to go and be the witness of Christ is possibly the greatest calling on the face of the earth. Our direct emphasis of ministry has been with missionaries for the span of our ministerial life. Each day I speak to a missionary, one who calls, telling of the wondrous works of the Lord.

Today Missionary Daniels called just home from Laos and the Golden Triangle. He told me of a conference where men and women gathered from Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. While he ministered, a man and a woman sat stone faced in the front row of the meeting.  All of the attendees were national ministers.

The Holy Spirit spoke to Missionary Daniels that there was a need for salvation in the audience.  But, these were ministers!  He yielded to the Holy Spirit and asked if there was anyone there who did not know Jesus.  There was some discussion as he encouraged them to talk about Jesus to each other.

The couple were found to be Buddhist and unfamiliar with the meeting. They had traveled to Laos on the bus with the other ministers and had decided to come to the meeting. When asked if they knew Jesus they responded that they had not heard of this name.  And then it happened! They were led to the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit!  The harvest of the missionary!

Missionary Billy and Wileta Boren came by this week to start moving 6000 toys to give to our brothers and sisters in Mexico. These faithful soldiers of the cross are keeping the roads hot with blessings going up and down the border. He tells me that during the last Hurricane Dean the properties only suffered minor window and tree damage. Praise the Lord!

We have traveled much with this wonderful missionary couple and always find them ready with a tract and a toy for all. These little fish toys wind up and swim along a puddle or in a bucket of water. They delight boys and girls alike. 

Pray for your missionary friends.  Support your missionary friends. If you would like to send an offering to the Daniels or Borens please click on the support button and we will forward your gift to their ministry. Christmas is just around the corner and every toy will help!

Oasis De Fe and Nueva Vida, San Marcos

A few years back an offer was made to purchase a building in San Marcos, Durango, Mexico. This proved to be one of those God ideas. As usual there was little or no available money and we stretched out our hand to assist.  Money came, trips were made, titles were delivered and after many hectic hours in Mexican court houses the property became Nueva Vida, San Marcos.  Pastor Ernesto and Abby sent a young pastor and his wife to live there and we were off to the stabilization of another work.

Some days have come and gone with the little town church growing strong.  Time came and the young pastor moved away. While praying and consulting with Bishop Herrin it was decided to ask Apostle Rapha and Tina, who live about two hours away in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico to oversee this work.  They began immediately sending ministers to preach and going once a month to preach themselves. New Life in La Porte took on the support of these trips and the rest is history!

The great folks at San Marcos were so happy and are responding to the nurturing as well as the fellowship of the great folks from Apostle Raffa's home church in Torreon, Oasis De Fe.  The roads are bad but the result is terrific!  I look forward to going again in God's good time.

Apostle Raffa had a van that was good but was low to the ground. The trips to San Marcos were demanding on the van and it was decided to change vehicles. In Mexico this is a definite struggle as it is very expensive to import late model cars and license them.  A Ford Expedition was found and with a little trading around it was purchased.  I agreed to help Apostle Raffa with the shortage of $1000 US Dollars.  We have sent him $200 on it with another $200 on the way. 

I am sharing this because so many of you have helped me when I found a way to help those who are helping themselves.  Last quarter's tithe in San Marcos was around $525.00 which was enough to pay their lights, water, gas and expenses for the three months.  I would like for you to help me pay Apostle Raffa's new vehicle off.  You can click on the Donate button and use your credit card to make the appropriate offering the Lord is laying on your heart.  Send me an email telling me what you have done and I will see that it is applied to the payoff.  Today I salute Apostle Raffa and Tina Rios for their wonderful work!  You can find out more about their fascinating work at  www.oasisdefe.org  or his blog http://blog.oasisdefe.net