We thank our God for sustaining us with His grace at all times and for the blessing we have to serve Him. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us and for loving missions around the world. Despite the intense cold this winter and the illnesses that sometimes come, the Lord has protected us during the winter, and we thank the Lord for that. We hope that each of you is well too.
PRAY FOR MÉXICO – RITES, CUSTOMS, AND PAGAN TRADITIONS IN DURANGO
I want to share with you that in Durango, the end-of-year dates are filled with traditional events around our city, much like in many parts of México. It saddens me to see what our people do in the perdition of their minds and hearts, completely removed from the truth, setting up altars and offering tributes to the dead and worshiping the holy death, a symbol that many people revere in México. And what can be said about the processions and dances performed throughout December to venerate Mexico’s mother, the Virgin Mary?! It is very sad to see. In fact, all these caravans and processions of children, youth, and adults dressed as demons, animals, beasts, and devils pass right by our house and cross the city to reach the Catholic church. Durango is one of the states where Catholicism, pagan customs, and traditions predominate the most in all of Mexico. The need for the Gospel remains great, and we do not ignore that. These two months are when our hearts are most broken, seeing the perdition in which our people live. At the same time, it encourages us to continue preaching the Gospel, the truth that Jesus saves and that HE is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help us pray that we will continue to see souls coming to Jesus and that the veil will be removed from their eyes so they can see the truth. His Word says that ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. This is what every person needs. We rejoice for the people who have accepted Jesus as their Saviour during our personal visitations these past two months. However, the need to continue preaching the Gospel never ceases.
MUCH-NEEDED TIME WITH FAMILY
In these past weeks, the Lord allowed us to accomplish various tasks. During these two months, we were in Durango working on several things: winning souls for Christ, discipling new converts, working with the youth, and preaching His Word. We were also planning what we are going to do in the New Year 2025. We plan to visit some churches to continue working on our support. We need to increase our support this year, and we pray that the Lord will allow us to work on this and that He will guide us. At the same time, we have a responsibility that we cannot neglect in the ministry that God has given us. We pray to God to give us wisdom and continue guiding us according to His will month by month.
In November, we had the blessing of celebrating Thanksgiving in our home and with our family. It was a beautiful time to be together during these dates, enjoying eating together and their company, giving thanks to God for what He has allowed us to accomplish this year and praying together. For the month of December, we closed the year with a special Christmas service. We taught about the story of Jesus and the true reason for Christmas. We had a good time with our brothers and sisters, praising the Lord and eating together with joy. My wife and I traveled to her hometown to visit her entire family to spend the end of the year with them. We were able to see them and enjoy some days with them, closing the year and welcoming the new year. This month, we wanted to dedicate time to be with our respective families; we needed it, and it has recharged our batteries to continue ahead in what the Lord has for us in this coming year. Please continue praying for us, for wisdom, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
His servants,
Arturo & Ismerai Garza
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me,
him will my father honour.” (John 12:26)
