Andres Galaviz
Agua Caliente, Mexico
Sovereign Grace
Baptist Church
Email Address:
andresgalaviz@yahoo.com.mx
Home Church:
Community Baptist Church
5697 Labus Road #1
Elmendorf, TX 78112
Pastor:
Kyle White
Email:
cbcelder@juno.com
Web site:
www.cbcweb.net
2008 May Update Report
(The following letter is from John Systma who is working with Andres Galaviz in Mexico while he is recovering from his recent heart surgery.)Dear Brethren,
Since our return from India things have not gone quite as planned. We had expected to stay focused mostly on business matters in San Antonio and then return quickly to India but God has interesting ways of reorganizing our schedules. With Andres's heart problems we were burdened to come here to be a support to him and his family as well as do what we could to seek the advancement of the ministry here in Mexico. During our first trip here, Andres's heart condition was diagnosed as being very serious. He is reminded by the doctors that if they had not installed the pacemaker when they did, humanly speaking he would not be alive. A week ago we came for the second time realizing that his recovery has been very slow. We had a good time together and with the church in the mountains. Our hearts are particularly challenged with the shortness of time and the uncertainty of life. We have an increased burden that God would raise up more laborers and faithful men that can be trained to carry on the work.
In addition to all this, Judy has been suffering with a cough for many weeks now, which started while we were still in India. Knowing that we were often around people with Tuberculosis, we thought it would be good to have her checked out here, where we have connections with doctors and things can be done at a much lower cost. Well, after x-rays, sonogram, blood tests and phlegm tests it was determined that she has a very bad lung infection which is being treated with intravenous injections of antibiotic. No sign of TB was detected in the blood or phlegm tests but because we know that we have been exposed to TB in India and that TB is known to produce such lung infections they are continuing to do other tests to be sure. On Monday we will meet with the specialist to evaluate things again. Judy seems to be gradually improving. Please pray for God?s blessing in all things.
God?s providence is very interesting. While at the hospital with Andres four weeks ago, we met a 29 year old Menonite man who was visiting an injured relative. His name is Juanito (Johnny) Martens. He was explaining that God had saved him while he was in the USA for 6 yrs and that now he has such a burden to reach the Mennonites in Mexico who are blinded in there tradition without truth, like he once was. He is holding bible studies with some who are disillusioned with their religious tradition, which has left them in uncertainty and without a real hope. He came to visit Andres once just after he returned from the hospital and then came again this last Tuesday. He says he so appreciates the interaction because he really has no one else to talk with regarding the biblical truths of salvation, church, etc. On Wed evening I went to one of his bible studies in a camp about one hour from Cuauhtémoc. Five or six couples were gathered who were part of a church that was disbanded a few weeks ago. They are searching for options. Oh, how it reminded me of the religious group I was part of when I was young but how God was so gracious to open my eyes to see the glorious preciousness of Jesus Christ. I was able to share this with them. Juanito said there are many such people who are disillusioned and confused. Brethren please pray that God would raise up more laborers. Could it be that Juanito may be just one such laborer.
Please pray for God?s continued blessing while we are here. We hope to go with Anrdes to the church in Agua Caliente again tomorrow. The doctors say he must not exert himself in preaching, so I will get another opportunity to challenge and encourage the brethren there. Pray particularly for Ramon who is the man in charge while Andres is not there. It was good to talk with him about the uncertainty of Andres always being there and that he earnestly consider what God may be doing in his life; what really is God's will for his life. How we need God's leading in these things. We do not want to push people to do things they are not called for but if Andres is not permitted to preach for a while, what an opportunity for God to work through this man, if it be God's will, so that it might be evident to all, Andres included, that God is in it. Oh Brethren, we have not guarantees for the future. Lord help us leave in place others that will carry on the work when our time is over.
Thank you again for your continued concern and prayers for us and advancement of His kingdom.
Wishing you God richest blessings,John and Judy Sytsma
2007 Fourth Quarter Report
Psalm 64
"Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory."
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This past year, 2007, the Lord marvelously worked special things in our lives personally. God supplied in an extraordinary way some of our personal needs as only He can do. He also permitted us to have some special events in our family such as our sons wedding and now our very first granddaughter (We are now in the happy league of grandparents.). We also had the death of my mother in law. But in all of and through all of these things I can, we can truly say God has been so very good to us.
During these past three months God has worked also in the lives of the Church here in Agua Caliente. He has blessed us with visitors and has maintained firm a young man from El Terrero, a village close to AguaCaliente. Please remember to pray for Eusebio Ramos. Oh that the Lord would be pleased to save him. This would be a testimony for the glory of God to so many others. We have so many that come to services regularly, faithfully and we plead that the Lord would move in our midst to save them as He has done so many times before in the past.
The last two Sundays of 2007 we held special services and in each one we had guests invited by members of the church. Some of them were family members but others were neighbors or others from villages close by as was the case of Rosa and two of her children. They were among us on Dec. 23rd. She lives with her husband and two more children in a remote area in the mountains. They are seen very rarely and have no fellowship with other people. So it was good to see them and have them visit the church. We pray that God will keep us firm and faithful being light in the midst of darkness.
I have been able also by God's grace to continue with the work in Guerrero. There are four faithful families who continue attending. We were also able to have the two special services in Guerrero although it was very cold. We are still renting a room in a house that is under construction. We were able to put in a wood burning heater and this has helped along with the improvements the owner has made to make it more comfortable for services. The Lord has blessed us with visitors also in Guerrero.
In December I also met two pastors from San Juanito. This is a town in the mountains close to a place called Creel. The Lord gave me an opportunity to share with them tracts and a box of Bibles. They were planning special services but didn't have any materials to hand out. I pray that God will allow me to visit them soon as they have asked if I can get them more Bibles. I believe they are Methodist pastors, but God has placed them in my way and I believe they don't have material to use in their churches and community. My wife continues with the women's Bible study in Cuauhtemoc. It has had lately some ups and downs but the Lord continues to allow them to meet.
We have also had opportunities to minister to some people in Cuauhtemoc who moved there from the village. They have had special health issues and have asked for household help using another young woman from the village. The mother's name is Lucha and the young woman she used is Adelina. Lucha's little baby boy had convulsions because of a mistreated respiratory condition. He was hospitalized but was released after two days even though he was nonresponsive to exterior stimuli. We asked for people to pray for him last week. Again we can say the Lord is so good. Today we contacted them and the baby is much more responsive. This has been a testimony to Adelina who is a Christian. But sadly Lucha's heart seems to just get harder. Adelina has asked what to do. We have counseled her to pray with us and wait patiently for what God will do in time. But to never give up hope and show Lucha God's unfailing love. We don't know what our Lord will do. But He continues to permit us small spaces in Lucha's troubled life. She has two older daughters who we sometimes see but Adelina many times has had to embrace into her own home. Please pray for them and us.
In AguaCaliente and El Terrero we have also been able to be useful helping those who have been ill. The 2 month old baby with the severe staph infection is now doing so much better. Rhonda still checks his liver and spleen to make sure he will have no consequences. His movements and joy have returned. He did have a slight cold last week but the Lord has been so good to restore his health. Others have had respiratory illnesses but are now doing better. Thank you for all your help and prayers.
We have been praying that the Lord will detain the wave of evil that has now reached into the villages of Arisiachic, Santa Rosa, Cieniguita and now entering into AguaCaliente. The federal government has been pushing these groups hard and causing them damage. We pray that they will be effective in ruining their business in our area. Until now the Lord had protected our church members and us. We continue to plead with God that these delinquents will withdraw from the villages. They have come from other states, etc., and have begun to settle little by little over the past few years into our area with their evil activities. Please pray that God will protect and guide us as to what we are to do, how to do it and if so when to do it as Psalm 64 states that He would preserve us from fearing the enemy. We continue to preach the whole truth of God as we believe this is what is needed. We praise God for His care over His people. We thank you for your prayers and love. May the Lord continue to bless all of you with His love and peace and with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In His Service always,Andres Galaviz and family
2007 Third Quarter Report
Dear Brethren,Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am very sorry to not have written before this but so many things have interposed themselves in our lives. But the most recent one has been my desire to finish the new septic system for the bathroom. I really needed to finish digging the hole and lateral lines before the ground froze completely. Plus, I am pushed to find firewood to heat the house in AguaCaliente and in Cuauhtemoc. The temperatures here have oscillating between low daytime to sub-zero at night. Last year it was difficult to find good firewood but this year it seems so far to be harder yet. Now that the cold has arrived sickness among the Brethren and villagers has appeared also. We are doing what we can to help those who come to us for aide. The government does try a little harder now to help sometimes, but many times the people don't have the funds to buy the medicine. If we have it we help them. Right now our store of medicines is at an all-time low. Please pray about this with us. I would like to thank the Lord that He permitted us to travel to Wisconsin at the end of August to attend the family camp that Northwoods Baptist Church organizes. We are also able to visit with several churches during this time, sharing with them the Word of God and also what the Lord is doing here through us and in us.
Also, during our traveling time in the U.S. the Lord permitted us to see once again and for the last time my wife's mother. She had fallen ill in June the night of my son's wedding. On September 4-6 we were able to be with her and the Lord permitted Rhonda to speak with her one last time about dying well in the Lord. She passed on to be with our Lord on September 9th. He was so merciful to us permitting us to be within driving range so we could make it back to Indiana for the funeral. Please pray for Rhonda and her siblings as this hasn't been easy, especially for my wife.
We really thank the Lord that the long trip is over and we are able to be back in AguaCaliente. As we were driving into the village we were stopped by one of the sisters in the church. Her aunt had died and they wanted me to preach the funeral services. The aunt was a professing Christian from another group in another village and her pastor had left to buy things in town. So as soon as I made it to the village I was privileged to have the opportunity to preach His Word to those families and the village people who were present.
We have been praying for several months about the need of a new vehicle to travel with. We can now report that the Lord has so abundantly supplied the need. Through the Lord's wonderful providence we were able to buy in September a Nissan X-Trail. We would like to thank from the depths of our hearts all of you who prayed with us about this need and gave so freely and generously to us so we could buy it.
Please pray for Eusebio Ramos. He is a young man who has begun to visit us again during Sunday services. He has begun to show interest in reading the Bible and attending to the preaching of the Word. He is from El Terrero, which is over the mountain from AguaCaliente. Some of the families from Guerrero City, where Bro. Ramon and I go every Sunday afternoon, have also visited with us for Sunday morning services. You might recall that every Sunday afternoon we drive to Guerrero for Sunday afternoon services where 4 families congregate in a room we rent for that purpose. These families have been demonstrating more interest and growth lately. They continue regularly to invite other family members and friends to services. Some come regularly and others occasionally. It is my prayer that God will be pleased to establish a church there. Please pray also that if the Lord will deem it to be so, that it will be a firm and faithful church that will proclaim the whole Word of God by their private and public testimonies. Please continue to pray with us that the Lord will send faithful workers into the harvest. We need called men to serve in the churches that have been established as well as missionaries to help in other areas that are opening.
My wife continues teaching every Tuesday in Cuauhtemoc at ladies Bible study. The women who attend have been demonstrating growth and increasing spiritual maturity in spite of overwhelming difficulties and personal needs. They faithfully continue attending the study and congregate at Bethel Baptist Church in Cuauhtemoc. They have also been sharing with friends, some of whom are Catholic. May the Lord prosper the efforts of these women to reach others with the Truth.
Please pray for Bro. Ramon and me as we will, Lord willing, be trying to make another trip to Uruachi where we made contact with several people on the last trip. Some of these are people who profess Christianity but lack understanding. They have invited us to return. So, Lord willing, we are planning on going next week. The "road" in the mountains is very difficult and takes 5 hours to reach this village from AguaCaliente. Pray with us that the Lord will prosper this trip and permit us to travel to and from there safely. May the Lord open doors for the preaching of His Word and may there be hearts opened for the receiving of the Word.
We again ask you to pray for us knowing that what the Lord permits us to do in the work for Him here is not in vain and will not return unto Him void.
May the Lord bless each and every one of you with every spiritual blessing from on high.
Our Lord's servant always,Andres Galaviz
2007 First Quarter Report
Beloved Brethren in Christ,I greet you with joy and a thankful heart to God for His goodness and mercy to us. We have had a long cold winter but we cannot complain because it has been good for the proximate planting season in the villages. We are still having nighttime temperatures of around 20 degrees F. I praise God that He controls the world's climate.
I would like to share with you what God is doing in this region of Mexico where He has placed us to be light in the midst of darkness. Spiritually speaking, God has been good to us, and He has given us the privilege of preaching His word. Here in AguaCaliente we have continued to meet regularly, having visitors in some of the services. We continue to preach the whole counsel of God and pray that He will give understanding and salvation to the lost. We also pray that we, with God's help, will be able to continue edifying those who believe that they may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please pray for Maria Ramos. She lives in El Terrero and has been visiting for a long time. God blessed her with a baby girl a couple of weeks ago. The day after her daughter was delivered, her mother died, in the same hospital. These past few days have been difficult. Pray for peace but overall pray for her soul. She has defended the gospel even when her mother opposed her coming to services, yet, Maria isn't a Christian.
I also continue to preach every Sunday around 5 pm in Guerrero. The Brethren there continue to attend. We praise God that they are faithful to attend to the preaching of God's Word.
Also, I would ask you to pray for Brother Esteben and me. We want to visit a village farther into the mountains called Uruachic where Silvestre Rubio lives. He is about 47 years old, and he met Esteben while both were here in Cuauhtemoc receiving treatment. Silvestre had had an accident ending up almost paralyzed. They were both in the same room so Esteben began speaking to him about the Lord. It seems that Silvestre has been in contact with a group of Christians and knows something about the Lord. It is interesting how God works providentially putting them both in the same room. Silvestre was feeling depressed because they gave him very little hope of being as he was before. He saw how Esteben was in a wheelchair so he asked him who looked after him etc... Esteben told him how he lived and that no one attended to him. Since I had taken him to the hospital Silvestre was wondering then who I was. Esteben told him that I was a missionary/pastor and that he is a member of the church in AguaCaliente. When I returned to see how things were, Esteben introduced us. That gave me the opportunity to talk to Silvestre. It has now been a while since we have heard anything about Silvestre. God has placed on Esteben's heart to visit Silvestre's village to try and contact him. Please remember us as we try to go to this village to speak again to Silvestre and in Esteben's condition that isn't always the easiest thing to do.
In Cuauhtemoc where we visit at the beginning of each week my wife continues having Bible Studies. We would ask you to pray for one of the women. Her name is Yolanda. She has tremendous interest in the Studies but now her husband has forbidden her to attend them and the church she has been visiting. She understands that she must attend but knows also that she is going to have many hardships at home. Yolanda hasn't said publicly that she is a Christian. She battles with several issues yet she persists in attending because she desires to know. She knows that she needs to know.
I have been given what could be an opportunity to be in contact with some brethren who visit the local prison in Cuauhtemoc. They are sharing the gospel with 30 inmates but don't have any Biblical materials. I shared with them 20 Bibles and some tracts that will help them with spiritual truths. I have known for many years two of the men involved in this ministry and it hasn't been until now that God has given me the opportunity to collaborate with them. Please forgive me for not sending these few lines to you before now. Work and the daily demands have kept me very busy. But on top of all of this we had to find and move to another rented house in Cuauhtemoc by the beginning of this month. I have also been traveling between here and my home town of Torreón because one of my sisters was hospitalized a month ago with pancreatitis and has been in a delicate condition. She was just transferred this past week from ICU to another floor. She is now being given water and Jell-O to see if her pancreas will function normally. Please pray for her health. Her name is Maria de los Angeles . I would like to thank God and a church that so generously gave us a love offering that has helped us take care of certain personal needs and other ministry needs here in the mountains of Chihuahua.
We are making preparations to receive a group of Brethren and young people from Community Baptist Church. They will be visiting us here and also helping us to roof the house again. The roof began to leak this past winter from the snowfalls. We are also preparing to put in a new septic system for the bathroom inside the house. We have to find workmen and materials in Cuauhtemoc or the Mennonite Camps. I finally found a Mennonite man that builds septic systems and took him to the village so he could evaluate the terrain and see what could be done. He has decided on a system that should be adequate for our needs. We will have to dig the hole and lateral lines by hand because it will be difficult to get heavy machinery up the mountain. But the Mennonite gentleman will bring in the tank, etc?.and finish the job. When finished it will be a blessing to us and those that visit the work here in the village. Please continue to pray for us and pray that the Lord will supply a co-worker so we can continue preaching the Word of God in this part of Mexico and extend into other regions. Thank you for your love, support and prayers.
In our Lord's service always,Andres Galaviz and family
2006 Fourth Quarter Report
Beloved Brethren,I send you greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Also, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in AguaCaliente sends their love and greetings. I know that this letter is late and I thank you for your patience. It was not possible to send it before. I pray that you will continue to pray for all of us here. Please let me share with you now what God has done in this part of Mexico during these past few months.
Before I go any farther I just want to say that God has been very good to us. He has blessed us much more abundantly than we could ever ask. He has sustained us in so many different ways. His hand has never been shortened; He continually gives us grace to continue. Even though we don't deserve all He does for us or through us, He demonstrates over and over again that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
I continue by God's grace to preach the Word in AguaCaliente, giving testimony of His faithfulness and love. The brethren from AguaCaliente and El Terrero continue to support the work with their presence and prayers. They also try to share with others the Gospel, inviting them to go with them to church to listen to the preaching of the Word. As a result we have had many visitors. Sometimes even the visitors bring visitors. Lately though we had a woman (Rosa) and two of her daughters visit us on Sunday, Dec. 24th. We hadn't seen Rosa for many years. We had a special time that day. We try to give to all, but especially the children, bags of candy with oranges and peanuts. This family, the visitors, lives in a remote part of the mountains. They purposely live isolated from others and we have heard that they have a child that was born deformed, but really no one sees. They do not like to have contact with other people. I believe that the children that Rosa brought with her can not read or write. We don't know what the outcome of these brief encounters will be. All we can do is be diligent in sowing the seed; God gives the increase in His time and in His way.
We also had a visitor on Sunday, December 31st. Jose, a member of a family from El Terrero that comes every Sunday, came to services. We hadn't seen him in church since he was a child; he is now 22 years old. As a child he had learned several Bible verses. Well, on this special Sunday, the last Sunday of the year, I asked everyone who desired to, to share the verses they had been memorizing all year long. Almost everyone had shared what they had memorized, and then Jose stood up and shared Romans 5:8. I praise God for this. He still remembers some of what he learned as a child. We pray that the Lord will apply it to his heart and save his soul. We pray for the saving of the lost and the edification of God's people. These are just a few reasons why we continue teaching and preaching the Word of God, with the understanding that it will not return unto God void. Also, thank you for prayers. I ask you to continue praying for us and for the people who hear the Word of God.
In the city of Guerrero, as I mentioned before, we have found a rented place to meet in. Guerrero is about an hour away from AguaCaliente. We meet every Sunday with the brethren and visitors while we wait for a permanent meeting location. Many of them are members in AguaCaliente but for various reasons have had to move to town. We are praying that the Lord will establish a church in Guerrero. We have been meeting there with Julio and his family, and Blanca and her family. Ofelia, Bro. Ramon's wife, also attends with their son. Finally we have Angelina and Chema who are related to Bro. Angel from AguaCaliente. Please pray with us about first, the Lord establishing a church in Guerrero and second, a permanent place to meet in. (I have pictures of the place we meet at but since they aren't digital I will have to find a way of sending them later.)
NOTE: perhaps the Lord would burden someone's heart to provide the Galaviz's with a basic digital camera so they could share picture images of the work with us. ktw
Also, close to AguaCaliente (about 30 minutes away) is the town of Tomochi. Some time ago we had contact with a few people there. They are Pentecostals and their pastor had left them. They had invited me to preach and though at that time they demonstrated some interest in being taught doctrinal biblical truth, we could never get very far with them. I lately had contact again with 2 families. I am asking our Lord for an open door to teach them so they can be edified upon a true doctrinal foundation. The heads of the households have been asking me questions when I see them yet their understanding is limited or influenced by error. But they seem to be demonstrating more interest right now. Only the Lord knows if this will be the time for them, which is why I am praying that it will now be an open door.
We have several opportunities to preach in this part of Mexico but we need more laborers. Please pray with me that the Lord will send more laborers prepared to work in His fields.
My wife continues to teach a women's Bible study in Cuauhtemoc once a week. She has asked me to ask you to pray for two other women. One is named Irene who is a Catholic and has questions. The Lord has given my wife opportunities to witness and deal with her also about difficulties in her home. Lord willing, she will continue communication with her. The second woman's name is Ana, Irene's sister-in-law. Due to various difficulties, we have not yet begun ministry to her directly. The effects of alcoholism and the occult in Ana's life are spreading to the next generation. Only the Lord can deliver Ana, free her from Satan and his torments. We really need the church to pray with us about this situation.
As I write this report it is snowing outside. The temperatures this year have been very cold. Since mid-December we have had five big snowfalls. Because of this there has been more illness. The government can't, won't, or hasn't the materials to deal with those of us who live in the mountains. We are doing all we can to help those in need in this area showing by this the love of God and His mercy. God has sent us as Christians unto all nations, tribes and tongues. It is an honor for me to be part of this ministry and co-laborers with you in the work God has given us. Please remember us along with all who live in these areas of the mountains, especially during this time of year.
I want to again thank all of you for your support and love towards us in particular and for your love for God's people here. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal.6:9. I want all of you to know that we love you in the Lord and we pray for each of you asking God that He will bless you richly in each of your lives in particular, but especially each Church of our Lord.
In His Service Always,J. Andres Galaviz and family
2006 Third Quarter Report
Beloved Brethren in Christ,
We send greetings from my family as well as from the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Agua Caliente, Chihuahua. I pray that the Lord's blessings be with all of you. It is a blessing to be able to share with you what the Lord is doing in this part of Mexico. Also that all the work that we do in His name isn't in vain.
In the area of translation we have finished a series of Bible/Doctrinal Studies written by Bro. Pat H. We have started sharing this material with other missionaries here in Mexico and with those in the U.S. who have asked for it. We pray that the Lord will bless the use of this material for the good of His people and for His glory. If someone is interested in using this material in Spanish we will see how we can get a CD of it to you.
During the last few months we have been visiting the city of Guerrero, Chihuahua. We have there at least four families who have expressed openly their desire to meet together to learn and worship God. We have been visiting them in their homes, but now we have been offered a place to meet. Though it is still under construction, it is a place that we can all meet together on Sundays. One of the families is building a house and they have graciously let us use an unfinished room in it. There is no electricity or windows installed and it has a dirt floor. But if we meet early enough we won't need lights. We can put plastic over the window areas and install a wood heater for the winter months until the Lord provides someplace else. Please continue to pray for us and the work in this small city of Guerrero. We have several other contacts there because several families from the mountain villages and especially from Agua Caliente, Arisiachic and Santa Rosa have moved to Guerrero. They are there because of work or because their children need to continue their education. It takes us about 45 minutes to travel in good weather from Agua Caliente (where we live) to Guerrero.
In Agua Caliente we continue testifying of God's power by the establishing and existence of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. It is a light in the middle of darkness. All the visitors from El Terrero continue to come every Sunday along with a few others who come from the villages or even other places. Please pray for them along with us because some have been visiting for quite some time and as yet have not professed of any work in their hearts.
We have had several people come to us for help because of sickness. Some of the government programs have been suspended for lack of funds in their budgets. No one is sure if they will start again or not. That leaves the people without any medical help. So we continue here preaching the Word of God and helping in any way we can those who are in real need. We want to thank all of you for your help, economically and spiritually. Please continue praying for us, that God will continue to save the lost and strengthen His people in His everlasting faith.
The Bible Studies that my wife has on Tuesdays are going well. The women have been challenged to learn and seek God. It is a joy to see them grow in grace and walk more closely with God.
We praise God that wherever we are He uses us in one way or another. He has seen fit over these past months to put us in various situations, some not so pleasurable. A couple of months ago we took a widow and her children (who are from Torreon) to see a waterfall here. While there the river grew so much we couldn't get back across and had to stay the whole night. The Lord was so good to us. As we look back on what happened that day and night He permitted it so we would be there for the good of others. You could say it was an inconvenience and in a certain light it was...we didn't have any food or dry clothes, etc....but the Lord gave all a cheerful spirit. The children saw it as a great adventure! But there were others who were stranded also, not knowing what to do or how to take it. I was able the following day to help those whose vehicles were stuck crossing the river but couldn´t make it across get across without loss to themselves or the vehicle. We were able to calm those who were under much stress...one man from Florida asked us if we were Christians. The Lord permits us to have a testimony of His goodness and greatness in the middle of every situation. We praise His name. We have been in many situations like this and it is good to be there to help.
Again, we ask you to remember us in prayer. Please also pray for Gethsemane Church in Cuauhtemoc. The Lord will do His work in His way. Thank you so much.
In His Service always,Andrés Galaviz
2006 First Quarter Report
Dear Brethren in Christ,
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I pray that He has and will bestow upon you and the ministries He has given you His richest blessings. I thank God for your love, support, mercy and patience toward me. I also want to thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for us as we really need your intercessions on our behalf.
During the last two months of 2005 and the first two months of 2006 five people passed away in Agua Caliente and the surrounding villages. One of them was an older man from Agua Caliente who professed to believe in Christ. We had three services the day he was buried. A few days later several people who had been present commented on the differences between his burial and the others. Some actually said that they would like to be buried like a believer. Oh, that God will permit the testimony of the believers in life as in the day of their death to be such that it would serve in such a way to spark an interest...such an interest that many will come to Christ in repentance and faith.
Over the years the Lord has chosen to guide us through hard situations. If I were asked to compare those times with all that has happened since the beginning of this year it would indeed be difficult. I am not wanting to complain about the Lord's providence because His ways are perfect and we have yet to see what He will do. But still it is hard to walk through these situations. This is why we need your prayers. You may not be informed when these things happen but God does know and I am convinced that He prompts His people to pray one for another.
As I mentioned before, 2006 began with death. People dying. This is natural. In February, I was called upon to participate in a situation that I hadn't witnessed before: the death of a church that had experienced difficulties similar to any church. I was asked by the membership to intercede with the Pastor. He refused to receive counsel from me and another Pastor who accompanied me. He then refused our phone calls. He locked the doors, disassembled the congregation and dispersed the sheep. As of now another church in Torreón has embraced them. May God have mercy on this Pastor.
In March, just a few weeks after the before mentioned situation, I was called again urgently to Torreón. (All of my family, except one sister, lives in Torreón.) My cousin, Antonio Gómez, who had pastored a church in the area for 20 years, died in an accident. Our families are very close. He hadn't been pastoring for the past 18 months and we were working with him helping him deal with certain issues. I share this with sadness because of the issues and because he was so young. Over 1,000 attended the funeral. It had to be moved from the church building to the public square. About 50 Pastors attended, all expressing their love and friendship. Ten of them took time to preach a message pertinent to the occasion. Many heard again of God's provision for man. May His will be done.
About ten days ago, my family and I revisited Torreón. While there we purposed to spend time with Antonio's family. It had been almost two months since his death. His wife and 4 children (the youngest is almost 3 yrs old) are slowly recuperating from the loss of Antonio and trying to survive. Few have helped them. My wife is in contact with Esther, Antonio's widow. Esther is working and is making enough to survive. We are making an effort to support her spiritually as well as materially. Her emotional state is still fragile. Please pray for her.
On the home ministry front, I am asking you also to pray that God will permit us to find a place to rent in Guerrero City. This is a small city near Agua Caliente. There are 4 families that live there who meet with us occasionally in Agua Caliente. I have been traveling there every Sunday afternoon to touch base with them.
Please pray with us about two people who need surgery. One of them professes to be a Christian, though I believe she may be confused. She has attended several churches and now lives in Agua Caliente. Even though she comes almost every Sunday and Wednesday she hasn't really understood what true Christianity is. Her name is Maricela. The other person is the step-father of a faithful member of the church in Agua Caliente, Bro. Esteban. Though a paraplegic himself, Bro. Esteban has taken over the care of his step-father, Roberto. Pray for the needed surgery of Roberto and for Bro. Esteban's ministry to his step-father.
Also, I have been called upon to involve myself with tensions that have arisen between Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cuauhtémoc and other brethren. Please pray for Gethsemane Baptist Church as I seek to help them understand the Biblical model that God has established for decision-making in a New Testament Church.
In May, we had a special time together after services. We celebrated Mother's Day and Children's Day inviting all the families from the villages that wished to come. A husband and wife who had never come before came to services, as well as 10 children. It was a good time of fellowship together.
We still continue translating tracts and Bible studies. Lord willing, we soon should have ready certain taped material to distribute among people who don?t know how to read or have difficulty reading.
My wife also continues with her Tuesday afternoon Bible Study with some women in Cuauhtémoc. It is exciting to see the changes God is working in their lives, how they are growing in grace and knowledge. In one case, coming to the understanding that she is in dire need of a Saviour.
We are in the midst of final preparations for the Spring Conference in Agua Caliente. The dates are June 7th -11th. The church in Agua Caliente, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, has invited Bro. Danny Roten and Bro. Tomás Olvera as guest speakers. Bro. Kyle White will also be attending. Please pray that the Lord will use them and open for them a door of utterance that those who attend who don't know Christ will see their need, and those who are brethren will grow in grace and knowledge.
I thank God for His presence in us and among us, personally, as well as a congregation. I also wish to thank you again for your spiritual and material support. You are in our prayers as in our hearts. Please receive our personal greetings, greetings from the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Agua Caliente, Chihuahua.
By His Grace Only and In His Service Always,
Andrés Galaviz