Dear Christian Friends,
Well, as incredible as it may seem, 2020 is almost history and what a history it is! Where did it go? It was spent mostly in the “basement”. We don’t have a basement, but you get the picture.
We continue with social distancing, masks, no hugging or handshaking but…our small congregation got hit anyway. A couple who attended did not realize they had COVID. They went the next day for the test, and it was positive. We quarantined for 10 days since we were all exposed. Francisca, an elderly lady who got it, is critical as I write this newsletter. Please pray for her recovery.
We are still negotiating the church property we hope to purchase. Actually, purchasing it is not the problem. We have come across other problems that have to do with the paperwork. Abdiel is looking into this with us. He had a similar problem regarding the Villa Gonzalez Church. It seems like nothing goes smoothly without hang-ups, but we will work it out.
I really appreciate the financial help we are receiving for this project. Although we are a small congregation, our people have responded in giving what they can. They are greatly encouraged to see that other brothers and sisters are interested in giving a helping hand. I will give updates each month as things progress. Thank you.
Every year Keri Duncan, President of SOAR, and her team make the 20-hour drive with two vehicles pulling trailers to the border of Eagle Pass, TX. The vehicles and trailers are packed with Angel Bags for children, large bags of smaller gifts for the moms, and ten boxes filled with Sunday School supplies for ten churches.
They usually come at Thanksgiving, then go through a hassle with border patrols. Sometimes it takes two or three days when finally the patrols settle on a cost, check all of the bags, and then they are allowed to pass. Once they get across the border, they go to Colegio Biblico to unload everything. They stay at the college to rest for the night and are on the road the next morning by 7:00 am.
Then, it is our responsibility to make the 11-hour drive to the college with our trailer and van. We load up and return to Estancia the next day. Two days later, we make the same trip again.
We now have all the Angel Bags in Estancia after two trips to the border and have been separating them to take to the churches, hospitals, and children’s homes.
BETHSHEAN CLINIC UPDATE…DR. FREDDY AND CAROL...
Time seems to pass quickly. I find confirmation of this in the fact that Christmas is just 15 days away, and then in another week, 2020 will be completed. Growing up I remember adults telling me that time would pass faster as I got older. Now I understand what they meant. Just the other day my kids were little and into everything. Most everything is constantly changing. However, this truth does not
change – God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is still in control of our lives, still loves us, and still forgives us. In our changing world, we can cling to these truths.
On last Thursday, our son Ben’s finance, Kgao, was able to have her final interview with the US Consulate in South Africa. She was granted approval for her VISA to come to the States. Ben and Kgao are planning to fly to the States in mid-January. Their plan is to marry soon after they arrive due to VISA requirements. Carol and I are excited for them, along with looking forward to seeing them again. Our last time together was December 2019. They have been patiently waiting since just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns which postponed everything for them.
Our family is expanding with Ben and Kgao getting married. Additionally, Josh appears to be heading in the same direction with his girlfriend, Elizabeth; their wedding possibly soon to follow. Since Josh returned from New Zealand, he has been searching for a job in the Birmingham area as a mechanical engineer. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated his search. Elizabeth will be working with Campus Outreach’s main office in Birmingham around the first of January.
Rachel has about finished her medical training and is half-way through her Geriatrics Fellowship at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, NC. She is starting the process of looking at job opportunities for when the Fellowship ends. Once she gets settled in her new job, I hope she will have some time to come to Mexico to work with us from time to time. She is a great teacher and has a servant’s heart.
As you can see, our plans to move to Mexico around the end of 2020 or first of 2021 have been rearranged due to upcoming family events. We are still working towards the move just with a different schedule than previously planned. Furthermore, we are building our support team for our ministry time in Mexico. Would you please continue to pray for us during our transition to working full-time in Mexico? Be in prayer for the process of getting the clinic stocked, staffed, and functioning. May the work through the clinic be an
evangelistic outreach for the area that would glorify God in all that is achieved? We still need some funding for the clinic to be able to purchase some equipment and supplies that are needed to open. If you have any questions regarding the clinic project, feel free to contact me: email:
famartin@charter.net or cell: (423) 797-0653.
In closing, I want to thank you for your continued prayer support and financial support for Bethshean Mexico Mission. Praise be to God for His Blessings on the ministry!
In His Service,
Freddy and Carol
ABDIEL, SHANNON, AND FAMILY...
Christmas is almost here! The time has come to share the birth of the Savior of the world with our family, the church, and others.
Without a doubt these times are not the same as in the past, with different situations we are all facing even as they affect us all in different ways.
However, our hope is still intact, faithful and firm, as we wait upon the promises of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our work is not finished...regardless of the times, the command of God is still the same.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 He came and was born, He lived, He died, and He rose again! It was His will that we be sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10 At this time of year we wish you a Merry Christmas and remind you to please continue to pray for us. “Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:11
P.S. The surgery was a success. Praise God, my (Abdiel) health is improving every day! Thank you for interceding on my behalf!!!
May the Grace of God be with you all. Amén.
Abdiel, Shannon, Shan Mical, Annabel, Alexa and Eva
CRIS...
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!! We are encouraged by
your prayers. Thank you all for helping financially and your words of encouragement during the year. May God protect you and keep each one safe.
With love and appreciation,
~ Cris