LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE SEMINAR

REPORT JUAREZ, MEXICO 2000

With God's help and direction we were able to provide Spanish LAB and conduct the LAB Seminar for over 350 church leaders. An additional 350 Bibles were made available for the national pastors we trained to present the seminar in remote areas to different people groups including 3 Indian tribes, the Pimas, the Chumiulas and the Tarahumara; to mission outposts in Chiappas; and to inner city ministries. Pastor Andy Paschall, our host, stated that the Life Application Bible and Seminar would help in building doctrinal integrity and balance for pastors who have not had the financial resources to attend Bible College. May the Lord add His blessing.

LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE SEMINAR

YUCATAN PENNINSULA REPORT AUGUST 2004

WELLS OF REMEMBRANCE ON THE MISSION FIELD

In August of 2004 we conducted a Life Application Bible Seminar in the village of Xcan on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The days were long and hot, with only fans to circulate the air, but the hunger of the people for God's Word was tremendous. Although they didn't have a lot of education, they continued to strive and ask questions so that they might learn the riches of the Life Application Bible. We used the Spanish text and sometimes when they didn't understand the words our translator reverted to their Mayan language.

As the days passed we fell more and more in love with the people. A rule in the seminar was that you had to be at least 17 years old to receive a bible and a notebook. We had a fifteen-year old young man who sat in the front; listened to every word we said, looked at a friend's bible and wrote notes on his arm. Seeing his great hunger we included him in the seminar and gave him his own Life Application Bible. He turned out to be one of our best and most responsive students. Because the seminar took place in late August the last day of the seminar coincided with the first day of school. Seven young people told us, "Our study of God's word is more important than going to the first day of school, so we choose to come here."

At the end of the seminar the Mayan pastor went up to the microphone to thank us for the Life Application Bibles and the training. After only a few words he started to weep. Some of the other Mayan Indians started to weep also. They came and hugged us. As we embraced, none of us could hold back the tears. There was spontaneous singing and praise of the Lord. Whenever I think again on these happenings, a Holy Spirit well of remembrance is opened up in me and my heart again overflows with joy.

Life Application Bible Seminar

Update Yucatan Peninsula Mexico

August 2004

To all those who have prayed, donated Life Application Bibles, packed and carried bibles in; to all those who labored long and hard to make the seminars possible we express the heartfelt thanks of the Mayan people in the village of Xcan, the interdenominational gathering of pastors and teachers in Valladolid and the Christian Churches on the Island of Cozumel.

During this outreach to the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico we were able to train over 300 pastors, teachers, youth group leaders and cell group leaders and gift them with the Spanish edition of the Life Application Bible. Some of these wonderful people traveled 2-3 hours a day to attend the seminars. Many had to walk; others rode bicycles or used public transportation. Their hunger for the Word of God was tremendous. The average participant took 10-20 pages of notes.

We received numerous invitations to conduct the seminar in others areas of Mexico. We also made plans to train local pastors and to conduct our seminar in their villages.

Please continue to pray for the people of the Yucatan and also for us that we may be able to respond to their desire for more of the Life Application Bible Seminars

LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE SEMINAR

YUCATAN PENINSULA REPORT AUGUST 2005

This trip to the Yucatan Peninsula was to a special group of people - the Mayans. They are a small group of people, in a small church, in a small village. They may mean little to the rest of the world but they are big in the eyes and heart of God. They hold a big place in our hearts and will tell many others about Jesus. Pastor Vincente Pech-Chi of the Temple Monte Horeb Church hosted the seminar. Pastor Mario was our first contact to these people; he shared with us how the Lord has a great plan for them all.

We, in the Household of God Community, give thanks to our Lord for His wonder-working Word in the Life Application Bible! Our gratitude extends to you for your wholehearted support. We are grateful that you are a part of this assembly of "Vineyard Workers". Double doors of opportunity are opening and we pray for guidance to go in His timing. We also pray for funds and workers in this ripe field of harvest, trusting Him to supply during these last days. AMEN!

Sharon Cattell - Veteran missionary and team leader for this trip. I'm so grateful to God for our experience in Coba, Mexico. We were greeted warmly and made to feel very welcome. To hear these people worshipping in their own language, I felt like I was in heaven and basking in God's smile at His own beautiful people. My soul was so filled with joy - that "glory feeling" that only comes from God.

I could see that God was raising up new pastors and teachers through the seminar. One young pastor spoke of being called to minister in remote villages. He asked if we could come back to help him in his work. Pastor Pech-Chi's 17-year old son shared about a vision the Lord had given him. He now feels equipped to take the gospel to many nations as God guides him. I thank the Lord for the Life Application Bible and seminar and for the privilege of allowing these beautiful people to impact my life.

Arlene Furman - This was her first overseas mission trip. Many times I prayed about going on a mission trip with the seminar team and finally the Lord made it possible. I was also a bit fearful about flying but the flight was much better than I expected. The welcome we received at the church in Coba was awesome! The trip from beginning to end was such a blessing.

Many people came from a great distance to attend the seminar. One man missed several day's pay because he wanted to attend. Another woman brought her baby every day because there was no one to baby-sit for her. Another ministered in the Northern part of Mexico and was excited that he now had a tool to help him share God's word with the lost in that area.

After the seminar ended, a young pastor told me he had prayed for the Lord to send someone to help him learn how to share God's word with the world. The Life Application Bible is the answer to a longtime prayer from his heart. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team and would love to go on another trip.

Carole Frawley - Seasoned missionary. The Mayans were amazed that Lord used a group of women to bring them the "Bible College In A Book." In church, the men and women sat on opposite sides from each other with the women exhibiting very low self-esteem. By the end of the seminar, there was defiantly a transition to one body in Jesus! The women's timid and withdrawn responses were lost in seas of smiles, tears of gratitude and a new-found liberty in Him! One woman testified through tears that the Lord was calling her to teach because she was equipped with her Life Application Bible and instruction on how to use it.

Added to our blessings, were the marvelous comrades the Lord gave us. Olivia Munteanu (from Cozumel) ministered to the women and children with love and encouragement that they could do all things in Christ. Pastor Mario was our interpreter, driver, guide and entertainer. His special brand of positive, unusual humor made every mile of road a blessing. I don't think I ever stopped laughing!

Mary Anne Schaffner - This was her third mission trip to Mexico. These Mayan believers were truly committed to attending the seminar and receiving their Bibles. Many young adults spoke of becoming missionaries to their people who are still lost and praying to ancient Mayan gods.

The poverty we witnessed was heartbreaking; but the love these people have for the Lord and His Word was touching to see. We expressed to the women that, equipped with God's Word and the Holy Spirit, they can be a powerful instrument for Him. We are examples of that. I told them about my prison ministry in which I read God's Word and pray with women prisoners. We shared that the possibilities are endless when you have the Lord's Word and wisdom guiding your life.

Once again, I was blessed to be on the team oversees. I am truly grateful to God for the opportunity to have this experience and make friends in far-away places who love the Lord and His Word.