Hermosillo, Mexico

Family photo, December 2016, Isaac, Evelyn, Alison, Tiberio (son-in-law), Madeleine, Marcus, Samuel

It is hard to believe that it was over 21 years ago that we arrived in Mexico to serve in some small way in this part of the Lord's vast vineyard. It will be seven years in December that we moved from the State of Nayarit to Hermosillo to labour alongside Eleonor Mosquera and Timothy and Stephanie Woodford.

The Lord had another purpose in mind, and in December 2016, our daughter Madeleine married Tiberio, a young man from the assembly here. They have established their home not far from us. Our two sons are at university in Halifax, and we miss their participation in the assembly activities here. Evelyn, our youngest, is now in high school. We are thankful for evidence of the grace of God in the lives of our children.

The mission, or commission, that the Lord Jesus gave to His apostles before His ascension contains both precepts and a promise. We need to learn to rely more and more on His promise: "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (age)", Mt.28:20. At the moment, our focus in regards to His precept has more to do with "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you".

I am thankful for the freedom to travel to different parts of Mexico throughout the year to help in some of the newer works. This is not only with a view to helping in the meetings, but being able to spend time with the workers in the area. Somehow it seems they have all become younger than I over the years!

When home in Hermosillo, significant time is spent with some of the younger men in the assembly here. We are thankful for spiritual growth, for a deep interest in some to study the Scriptures in a consistent manner, and for gifts that God has given both in preaching the gospel and in teaching His Word.

A week of children's meetings was held in July in the hall with excellent attendance, and support from the Lord's people. Well over 100 children heard truths presented from God's Word, and we pray that it may bring forth fruit in His time and for His glory.

In June of this year, Abisai and Carmen Vieyra returned to Hermosillo, having been commended by the assembly to full-time service in March 2013. They have rented a hall in the north section of the city, Seed Sower texts and invitations were delivered in the area in August, followed by four weeks of gospel meetings. It has been encouraging to see not only the support from the believers in the assembly here, but also the constancy amongst many who have been attending the meetings with interest in spiritual truths. We do trust that the Lord will work in this area of the city.

We were encouraged in September when two young men were baptized, both of whose parents are in fellowship. One was brought up in the gospel, but the other was saved in 2016. His father saw the sign on the hall in March 2015, called the house with some questions, and the family began attending meetings right away. Both parents were saved in 2015, their son in 2016, and their daughter recently saved.

We are also responsible for an online resource in Spanish called the "Mensajero Mexicano", a monthly magazine. I am most thankful for the help of many in contributing articles and offering guidance. Eleonor works diligently to ensure that the final product is not only grammatically correct, but also presented in an attractive way.

In a world of conflict and strife, confusion and sin, believers have the only message that offers real hope to mankind. Please pray that the Lord will continue to work in the land of Mexico, preserving His people for His glory, and prospering the message of the gospel.

Autumn 2017

Written by Marcus and Alison Cain - Mexico

marcus.cain@gmail.com