Pressing On

So I went last Monday, a week ago, to pick up the van that was given to us for the church here in Mexico.  I waited on the paperwork to be finished (it was supposed to be finished by the time I got there) until Thursday and finally left.

Before I got home (I had taken the bus to the border, crossed in a taxi, and stayed in a cheap hotel all week) I called Erika to pack a suitcase and be ready to go by 9:30pm.  I had bought several things while waiting, and I had to leave them in the van that was given to us.  Being that the stuff was in the van, and the lying office that was doing the work had the keys, I didn't feel comfortable leaving it there until I came back to pick up the van again.  Also, the papers on our own van and trailer were about to expire in 2 weeks, so I figured we'd get it all done in one quick trip.

That was all pretty uneventful, other than getting stopped 2x by different unlawful police officers looking for bribes. Of course, I argued and fought and finally they let me go.  Also, an apparent drug runner and definitely loser tried to stop us on our return from the border at 4:30am.  I didn't slow down, though, and on the contrary I sped up to make him realize I wasn't going to stop and he would die if he tried.  It worked, praise The Lord!  The problem is that if you slow down or come close to stopping, it's over and they already have you.  Sounds tough but that's what it takes to stay alive and protect your family.

So anyway, we left late on Thursday night and drove to the border, turned in all of our van and trailer paperwork, got all new paperwork for everything including my visa, and then went to the company that is legalizing the church van to pick up all of the stuff.  Thankfully, it was still intact and we had no problems.

We tried to get some rest on Friday once back at home but there was too much to do.  Saturday we spent most of the day soul-winning, visiting, and preparing for Sunday.  It was a great day.

Sunday was weird, to be honest.  Attendance was a bit low but there was an awful spirit and I had no liberty in the service what-so-ever.  As a family we've decided to double our prayer efforts and studies to be better prepared, and especially pray specifically for The Spirit of God to be in control.

Today a man came by while I was studying asking for work.  He has a different history which I'll share in the future if he starts coming to church and then to work for us on some projects.

PROJECTS:  New roof on the church building!!  New outside wall!!

The wall is a new project that we've really got to do for security sake.  It's only 3 feet high with a metal rail fence on top, which makes it see through to the inside of the property.  People can easily see whether I am there or not, based on whether the van is or not.  If I'm gone and Erika and the kids are there alone, anyone call easily jump/climb the low wall and get in.  These are rough and tough times in Mexico and I really need to protect them.  Along with building up the wall, I need to install solid metal swing doors so people can't see them either.

It's just that while I was gone last week someone tried to break in and assault Erika, also demanding money and food.  God protected her, praise The Lord!

Mucho trabajo!  Lot's of work!  Prayer and supplication, then by hand we'll build the work that God has called us to.

I got word today from a church that will begin supporting us.  We're so thankful.  We're at 96% and rising!

Keep in touch! cclanier@gmail.com