our friends in Mercedes, TX who switched Presbyterian denominations

http://updates.dunellenpres.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/HistoricHispanicChurchesLeavePCUSA.pdf


I just talked on the phone with my friend Carmen Reynosa. She and I became friends because together we translated a Women's Bible study into Spanish. The women's ministry of PFR put us together and we found we had much in common. Her husband, Hector, is a pastor. We visited their church in Mercedes, TX on some of our trips to Casa MAMi. Mercedes is between Harlingen and McAllen. We found the church, El Principe de Paz, to be very friendly and alive with God's Love and Spirit. Today, they are not allowed to use their church building because the congregation voted to be dismissed from the PCUSA to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Carmen says that the trouble is not over but they are happily worshiping Sundays at noon in the annex of the Lutheran Church of Mercedes. They will have a three church sponsored (see the article link) VBS beginning tomorrow for one week. The EPC church of San Antonio is coming down to do a "mission trip" with them. The high school students will help at the VBS in the mornings and do service for church members in the afternoons and evenings. Praise the Lord that God is showing the churches His kindness and faithfulness during the hard times (persecution) they have experienced because of a decision to change denominations.

Two churches that are very involved with Casa MAMi, Advent Presbyterian of Cordova, TN and First Presbyterian Church of Opelika, AL both made the same denomination change of affiliation. They were able to leave the PCUSA and go to the EPC with their buildings. The laws in different states make this kind of a move more complicated in some places.

I talked with her about Casa MAMi. She was able to give me the name of a bilingual plumber who can help us with the pure water system upgrade we are planning. But, she said, "I don't think he will be willing to cross the border." Almost no one is.

Please pray for these churches and for a friendship to grow with Casa MAMi.