Gearing up for Independence Day

Mexican Independence Day is right around the corner, and the Rio de Vida church is preparing to celebrate with what we call a "convivio." This is kind of like a family barbeque or any kind of large get together where people hang out and eat lots and lots of food! We typically host four convivios a year as an evangelism tool. It is an opportunity for church members to invite their friends and family to get to know the church a little better in a fun, non-threatening environment. This particular one will be on September 17th, the day after Independence Day (that's right Cinco de May is NOT Independence Day!), and will be carnival or state-fair style with ring toss games, raffles, and lots of pozole (hominy and shredded pork soup) and taquitos!

Last Saturday, we all gathered at the office for a work day to put together the games. One of the church families, the Betanzos, have had experience in putting together fair games before, so they have been particularly helpful in designing the booths and planning the food. Adriana and José Luís, Miguel and Morelia, Rosita and Esmerandi, Phyllis, and the kids all pitched in with the work. We painted a Clown's head to throw balls through, made rings to toss onto empty coke bottles, a toro (bull) for the kids to use in a dance typcial to Mexico, posters for taking photos, and a dart game to pop balloons. I watched (and tried unsuccessfully!) as people made beautiful paper flowers to cover the bull in red, white and green tissue paper. We ended the workday with pizza- the pepperoni was good, but I'm not sure if I can consider chorizo sausage, frijoles, and corn true pizza toppings! (Sidenote: the Americans and Mexicans are constantly laughing at one another for what we consider appropiate toppings and dipping sauces on pizza. For the Americans, of course, it's parmesan cheese, marinara sauce or maybe ranch dressings. For the Mexicans it's catsup, worchestire sauce, thousand island dressing and mayo.)

We have rented a salon de fiestas (an events hall) that has beautiful outdoor space and enough roof, just in case it rains. Rainy season won't end for another month here. The church is praying for over 100 people to come, so please join with us in prayer as we continue to reach out to the community of Morelia. Pray that they can know, not just physical independence, but complete spiritual independence and freedom in Jesus Christ.

In other news for this week, we began a new cell group in an area of town called Prados Verdes (Green Pastures) that is completely lead by Mexican members of the church. Rosa is so excited to open her home every Thursday night to reach her friends and neighbors for Jesus. Adriana and José Luís, who have been with us since we started the very first cell group, are leading the group. They have a lot of family in this area, and really have hearts and giftings in evangelism. Praise God for this new opportunity to grow and multiply his Kingdom. Also, Larisa, who had to go to Mexico City for a complicated back surgery about three weeks ago, returned home to Morelia last night. The surgery was very successful, and the doctors say she will regain 70 percent of her motion. Praise God that she is back here with her two daughters and church family, and pray that the Lord will astound the doctors and restore her not only 70 percent, but 100 percent!