June 2008 Email Update

Angie Velasco

 

It has been exciting to see the many doors of ministry opportunities the Lord has opened up for me as I go on my 4th year of service here in Cuernavaca, Morelos, MEXICO.

 

On Tuesday evenings, I host a Bible study for 10 ladies.  The leader is my neighbor, who does not have a place for her group to meet.  Praise the Lord my living room is big enough to put up a folding table and set up 10 plastic chairs that I got from garage sales around here in my neighborhood.  Every other Tuesday I sit in this Bible study and listen to the questions of the ladies. I am amazed at how privileged I am to have gone to Christian school during my elementary years, met The Navigators when I was in High School and College, and while working as a nurse in Chicago was given the opportunity to go to Bible School.  Many of these ladies know nothing about the Bible.

 

On Thursday evenings I lead a Bible Study on the Book of Philippians with 10 ladies attending.  This is the highlight of my week.  I love these ladies!  We have been studying Philippians since September, and we come out of these studies more alive and encouraged by the life of Paul and his example to the church in Philippi.  As I reflect on the situation each one of us lives daily, many of our difficult circumstances have not changed but we certainly have changed.  Two women have health problems, four have economic problems, two women have been hurt with unfaithful husbands, four women have a close family member that has psychiatric disorders, one woman’s husband is in jail --- daily we battle with these circumstances.  Yet looking at the life of Paul in jail and still rejoicing in the Lord has been a daily encouragement to all of us.

 

On Saturday evenings, I have the privilege to lead what I call the Starbuck´s Coffee ministry.  I love seeing the Starbuck’s Coffee signs in Cuernavaca (we have 3 Starbuck’s here).  It reminds me so much of WA State.  My sending church, Crossroads Community Church is in Vancouver, WA.  I remember my first few weeks in Vancouver in 2002… I cannot help but count all the Starbuck´s Coffee shops in town.  Anyway, on Saturday evenings at a local Starbuck´s Coffee shop I lead a study on the book of Mark to professional career ladies who do not have time to be in a Bible study during the week, as they often get off work at 8 pm.  Most of our Women Bible study groups meet during the mornings or early evenings during the week.  It is exciting to see how this group is developing.  I have a meteorologist in this group, a dental assistant, and an office manager. 

 

I am halfway through the year and very grateful to the Lord for opening up many teaching opportunities here.  With all these opportunities come many challenges.  There are always many cultural things that still baffle me, some of which I may never understand. Relating to difficult people is true whatever culture you are in or whatever language you speak.  My battle with headaches continues and to date they found out I have three cervical bones that are not aligned and a left mandible out of place causing this problem.  I need your prayers to finish this year with my eyes fixed on Jesus. Thank you for your partnership.

 

Angelina Velasco