UPDATE FROM DAVE & SHERI DEBOLT - MEXICO

CHURCH JANITORS

My story began many, many years ago in a small town church in Indiana.  Two people in particular impressed me the most growing up in that church.  Who were they?  The church janitors.  Yes, the church janitors.  Their names were Lloyd and Mary.  The thing I remember the most about them was the joy they put into cleaning the church and preparing the communion each week.  Pure joy!  Pure dedication!  Pure servants!  You see, their story changed my story!  Lloyd invited my parents to church way back in the early 50's and the rest is history as they say!

Today nearly 62 years later I'm the janitor in a small inner city church in central Mexico, and I love what I do.  Simply cleaning God's house and preparing the communion.  July 16 was a special day for me as I was able to walk the neighborhood surrounding the Ontañon church.  Since our auto accident on July 4, it has been difficult to stand for long periods of time.  Today was a good day.  I talked to our French neighbor; talked to the parents of Max and Diego, who own the alarm shop; talked to the neighborhood carpenter and the small neighborhood store clerk just around the corner; and the lady at the bakery; and many others.  What was my conversation about with each one?  The church!

Conversation as Christians is and should always be about the church.  The opportunities it provides to others, the changes it can bring to your life and many others.  Our little mission church is the only Christian Church in San Luis Potosi that serves the inner city.  Our new preacher, Jose, a recent Bible College graduate, grew up living, eating, sleeping and surviving on the inner city streets of this town.  Who knows better than him the needs of our neighborhood?  Beginning on August 5, there will be new service times, new format, new look and much more.

Jose has such a story of how God protected him and rescued him.  His passion and his story will change lives.  On August 19, Jose has planned a "Back to School" service at the church for the inner city children.  His message for them, "be different than everyone else" as they return to classes on Monday, August 20.  There will be a sack lunch and an apple for their teachers.  Note books and other school supplies will be passed out to help each child as they begin a new school year.  On September 16, the church will provide activities and a meal for the neighborhood as they celebrate their Mexican Independence Day.  These are just a few of the opportunities Jose has planned for the neighborhood.

There will also be home Bible Studies, Wednesday Prayer Service, Music Classes (Guitar and Cajon) and Leadership Classes for those wanting to serve the church and its people.  Pray for Jose and the Ontañon Church of Christ as they share their story about His story!  Jose's first series of sermons will be about God's grace and the salvation it brings to our lives.  

Well, as for me, I'm happy to be the church janitor, after 27+ years as a missionary.  Doesn't sound too glamorous, but that's ok.  I learned from good people back at that small town church on how to be humble and serve.  Their story changed my story and I'm glad it did.  If you really want to serve your church, volunteer to be the janitor!  I guarantee you will love serving the Lord in this manner. I'll also lead the Wednesday night service and prepare the church for new mission opportunities throughout Mexico.    

Thank you for supporting our mission work and don't forget to check us out on our Facebook pages:

David and Sheri DeBolt
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EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION
IGLESIA  CRISTIANA EN ONTAÑON

Matthew 28:19  "Go and make disciples..."

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