Dear saints at Parkway,
Greetings once again from your brothers and sisters in El Paso. May God continue to bless all your efforts as you strive to serve him wholly and bring him glory to the Parkway neighborhood.
October was another busy month -- so busy, in fact, I simply cannot believe that it is already November! As I reported in last month's newsletter, we had a medical campaign in the middle of October. It seemed to go very well and many people were refreshed and assisted with the hard conditions they face there. We handed out glasses, gave hair cuts, taught the kids, and had two doctors examining patients over a three-day period. Here are a couple of pictures of this work:
Some pictures of the kids whose parents were seeking medical attention (no, that's not some strange religious symbol on the foreheads of the boys, just stickers!)
One of the most interesting things about this area is the large number of religious symbols and implications. Here is a picture of one of the mountains of Juárez:
The words on this mountain state: "La Biblia es la verdad: Léela" which means: "The Bible is the truth: Read it"
This picture is the view outside my office window! I can actually see the city of Juárez from my office. In fact, the river is about a football field away! I am constantly reminded of the million-plus souls who need a savior in that city. We haven't even really begun a concerted effort there yet!
I also reported to you last month that we may be moving to Kevin and Alicia's house for worship. It looks as if we may be able to stay in the current house, even though Paul and Gloria no longer live there. However, much of the details still need to be worked out, and it would require us to pay some kind of rent. Please pray for us on this issue, that God's work might not be hindered by lack of location. We know the Lord will provide, it's just a matter of his time!
The ladies' class is continuing to draw many souls. Currently they have four catholics, one mormon, a nazarene, and two new Christians attending. Romie and Alicia are creating outstanding lessons, and are really the driving force behind a lot of the contacts we make. Please keep this work in your prayers.
We are also participating in a joint effort with the Montwood church of Christ every third Thursday of each month in handing out food. The majority of those receiving help come from the Montana Vista area, so it is a great way for us to get to know the people of the neighborhood even better. Unfortunately, due to the schedule I am unable to help in this effort, but Paul and Kevin have been doing a great job in reaching out through this ministry.
Now to our specific prayer concerns:
1. Please continue to remember Mayela and her family. Her friend, Licha, and her family have also been deeply affected by these events, and need much prayer. Licha does not yet know the Lord, and we pray that through these trials she may come to put her trust in him. I cannot go into details as to the struggles, but know that they are grave.
2. My coworker Magda was in a very scary accident which overturned her vehicle. She and her family are fine, but going through many difficulties trying to get their life back in order. I have had much success in discussing the Bible with her, but it has been hindered by these events (she has no time to study). However, it has also opened new doors of conversation. Please pray that these things will somehow be used to glorify God in her life.
3. We still have not been able to reach out to Vero. The devil does a great job of putting worldly things in the way of God.
4. Bethany was recently stung by a scorpion while visiting Alicia's parents in Hobbs. She seems to be fine, but it was a scare for all of them.
It is so refreshing to have the support of an entire group of dedicated saints. I know you are keeping us in your prayers, and I trust that God is continuing to work through y'all for that community. I eagerly desire to see my Christian family again, and I cannot wait to go home with God and sing with all of you there! God bless, and keep in touch!
In Christian Love,
Lonnie Tapscott and family