Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Classes are underway!

Marc is giving the opening address to the students of our Mexico Bible Methodist Institute - Spring 2010 Classes.


Pastor Dolores, teaching a computer class.



Our visiting professors, Daniel Stetler and Paul Alexander, are doing a tremendous job teaching in the Institute. Each of them is addressing their topics with passion and excellence and a heart for our students. Thank you so much, Bros. Stetler and Alexander, for taking time to come and be with us and for investing in the lives of our pastors and students.


Enjoying delicious meals in the dining hall at our Saltillo church. Pastors' wife, Sylvia is in charge of meals and accommodations for this week and is doing an awesome job.


Yesterday we had our first ladies session. I am always amazed at the creativity of our ladies and their joy at learning new things. Thank you to SO many of you who have sent scrapbook supplies for our ladies to use - they are loving them!


Today is another full day of classes as is tomorrow and Friday...continue to pray for us as God brings it to your mind.
Thank you!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Spring 2010 Mexico Bible Institute Classes

Announcing our Spring 2010 Mexico Bible Methodist Institute Classes, beginning this coming Monday afternoon!

This flier has been translated into English, so that you, our supporters and friends, are able to see the details of what's happening here in Saltillo next week! Please pray for our pastors and people, as well as visiting professors Dan Stetler and Paul Alexander.





Pastors/Missionary Presidents, etc...please print a copy of this flier and post it in your church. We would so much appreciate your prayers when your congregation meets this Sunday - prayers that God will bless and strengthen your Mexican brothers and sisters as they study and become better equipped to spread the Gospel among their own people.

Thank you and God bless!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Final Level 3 English class and party at our house

We just finished up our Level 3 English class module and I'm giving the oral exam to the students during the last class. I would read the sentences and they have to write what they hear using correct spelling - very hard to do in English!!

Gabriel Trujillo, a man from the community, taking his English test - holding his little daughter, sound asleep. Is English that boring? :-)

my little sweetheart, Kenya, "taking" her English test.

part of the food for the party afterwards at our house.


We made Cincinnati Style Coneys and Marc had given a demonstration of how to "build" your coney - they had never heard of them. Here's Bro. Jose Correa, building his coney.


Marc handing out certificates to the students in the Level 3 English class.


We so much enjoy teaching English here and are beginning to see results from this ministry....Gabriel (in the orange) has invited us to his house this Friday night to study the Bible. He says his family is hungry to know about God. That's what this is all about. Thank you, Lord, for this open door!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Cameron has had braces for a month!


Cameron's first adjustment for his braces was today. The orthodontist was very pleased with the progress he has made so far. He chose red and blue rubber bands today. Never seen a kid so happy to go to the dentist...just can't wait to get in the chair!
My first adjustment is coming next Friday.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

From everlasting to everlasting....


Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Psalm 90:2
(beautiful mountains around Monterrey, N.L., Mexico)

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Bible Methodist Day of Prayer - in Mexico

This past Sunday was the Bible Methodist Day of Prayer; in the United States as well as our mission fields: South Africa, The Philippines and Mexico. We were happy to participate at our Rio Bravo Church in the afternoon prayer service.

It was wonderful to pray together, and bring our needs to the One who knows no language barrier nor international boundary lines.





One little tired missionary boy...


Afterwards we had a time of singing and praising the Lord together, then Marc preached.


Our Pastor in Rio Bravo; Pastor Santiago and his family.


Jordan and his great friend, Ervin Balderas. They are 4 months apart in age - Ervin will be 15 in July. They always enjoy getting to be together.


After the service, we enjoyed an awesome meal and fellowship at the home of Eli and Isela Balderas, our Bible Institute President and family.


The boys enjoyed making some music...


Jordan's bday

We enjoyed celebrating Jordan's 15th birthday with him on the border - glad it worked out that we could.


He got to choose his favorite restaurant for lunch - Olive Garden in McAllen, TX. There is no Olive Garden in Saltillo, Mexico! :-)



The OG gang sang to him..he was kinda embarrassed but kinda liked it too I think. :-)

His birthday treat - a Venti Java Chip Frappe from Starbucks!


Talking to Uncle Nathan on the phone....

Monday, March 15, 2010

Jordan is 15!

We are wishing our son, Jordan, a very happy 15th birthday today!

Son, 15 years ago today, you made us parents. We had no idea what we were doing, but we were so insanely happy with you. We learned everything on you as it is with all first-borns and you held up under it well. :-)

We are so excited to see what God is doing in your life and for your decision to serve and follow Him.

We love you and hope your 15th birthday is the best ever.

~ Mom and Dad


Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Our February 2010 Newsletter

Our recently-posted February 2010 Mexico Newsletter including news, pictures and information about the upcoming Institute Classes here in Saltillo.

If you'd like to receive this monthly newsletter by email, let me know at melodiesankey@yahoo.com

~ Melodie




Monday, March 8, 2010

Marc and Logan's weekend

Marc and Logan visited 2 of our border churches this past weekend: La Florida and Santa Apolonia.

They were able to give out lots of clothing, shoes, Bibles and other items sent from many of you in the States - thank you! You can see the smiles on their faces and that's its own reward. :-)

Our Pastor and family in La Florida; Pastor Bernardo, Arely and little Estrella

Pastor Jose Cruz and people in Santa Apolonia


Thank the Lord for His protection on my husband and son this weekend!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Happy 40th Birthday, Marc!

My husband is turning 40 today and, as my friend Angie Davis said about her husband turning 40, "it suits him". He has beaten incredible odds and with the help of God, has fought his way back to health from his terrible accident of 4 months ago. I have never known a man with more integrity and inner strength, a man more committed to his family and God's calling on his life. I am proud to be your wife, Marc and am so thankful God gave you back to me.

I love you more than ever and wish you a very happy 40th birthday!

~ Melodie

Monday, March 1, 2010

Sunday afternoon service in La Boca

Yesterday, our family drove out to the village of La Boca to attend the afternoon service at our Bible Methodist Church there. Along the road outside Saltillo, we saw this pretty cool sight...only there were lots more horses and riders - must have been close to 100.


The dirt road leading out to the village of La Boca.


"Boy, there's nothing I'd rather do on a Sunday afternoon than just lay here in the sun".....

Bro. Alfonso and his wife sang a special song in the service.


Pastor Pablo preached a good message.


Pastor Pablo and his wife Ofelia. They are doing a wonderful work here in La Boca. They started with 5 people a few months ago and yesterday afternoon we had 30 in the service. Several new families are coming and Sis. Ofelia told me she had 20 children in her Sunday School class that morning!


What a beautiful sunset we saw on the way home...