March 2004
For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11 NKJ
Mexico
This month we would like to continue sharing with you about our last trip to the mountains. We love working in this part of Mexico. There is much greater poverty and a greater need for the Gospel in these poor villages. We saw many children that were not in school, especially girls. We spoke with one little girl who is 13 years old. She was selling necklaces on the street. I asked her why she was not in school and she told me that she and her younger sister had to sell things on the street to help support the family. The boys in her family were in school but the girls did not need an education. They do the work at home and sell on the streets. They will grow up, have babies and continue to work. There is no hope for these little girls to have a better life on this earth. We see the need to evangelize and bring the hope of heaven to this area.
Little girls accompany their mothers to beg on the streets from the time they are born. First they are carried on the mothers back in a blanket. When they are old enough to walk they are used to evoke sympathy in order to receive more coins from people going by. The beggar mentality is placed in them from a very early age and only Jesus will set them free from this poverty mind set. I must admit it is very difficult to turn down a little one that is so cute and obviously in need. Jesus said to give to all who ask. It is important that they eat. Yet if we give them coins and not the word of God they will spend a miserable existence on this earth and in the end they will get to go to hell because no one cared enough to take them Jesus.
The only way an area like this can be changed is for the people to learn to walk in righteousness. Then they must begin to help the poor in any way they can instead of seeing themselves as always in need of charity.
We are so glad that the Hanson's could come and be a part of the ministry in this needy area. They loved our children in Chihuahua and our children love to be loved.
Philippines
Last month we told you about the fish farm project. This will provide supplemental income for four of the Pastors in a very poor area. The baby fish have been purchased and the Pastors are looking forward to a harvest in May. They all help in feeding and taking care of the fish. The pond needs to be guarded all the time so the fish will not be stolen.
God is so good to us. We received the money needed for books for the Bible School and the computer and printer. What a great blessing that is.
Now all we need is about $3,000.00 to feed the Pastors at the two seminars we will be conducting in May, plus the $2,000.00 we need for Ron's transportation. That may sound like a lot but it is not. The need for the Gospel and the need for the Pastors to be encouraged and fed in this area is GREAT. Remember this is an area where very few Westerners visit and minister to the people. War is still going on and this is a dangerous place. That will not keep us from doing what God wants us to do. These Pastors are precious brothers and sisters and some of them will probably be called to give their lives for the Gospel. They need all the help and encouragement they can receive. They have been called to a poverty stricken and dangerous field. It would be easy for them to move to Manilla or some other safe place but that is not what God has called them to. God has not called us to be comfortable or safe but to advance His Kingdom. Sometimes that involves great sacrifice and putting ourselves in danger. We who live in America have been blessed to have been born in a safe and prosperous nation. We have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters who have been called to a more dangerous work area.
We are closer to Mexico so you hear more about that but the need is very great in the Philippines. We can not imagine what it is like to know that this day may be your last day on this earth.
In May we will be opening the Bible School. It will open in the building that houses our Christian School. This year attendance is down in the school because of the fear of violence. Although this is one of the best schools in the area many parents are afraid to send their children because it is Christian and could be a target for Muslim violence.
The children bring presents to the teachers on special occasions. Our children are cute and very smart. This school is dedicated to education and to the furthering of the Gospel. In the Philippines they do not outlaw the Gospel in the schools. In fact many schools rent their facilities to churches on Sundays. Teachers in the public schools welcome evangelists and Pastors to come and share the Gospel with their students.
Please make this upcoming Pastors conferences a matter of prayer. Please pray for anointing at each session to encourage and give new vision to the Pastors. Also for safety for the Pastors and leaders attending, as they will be traveling some for long distances. Also for safety for Ron and the team.
Ron and Bernadette Gartner
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Africa - Philippines - Mexico
