Visiting Puebla

This last weekend, Mike had to go to Puebla for a few meetings and to visit one of the congregations there.

We decided the kids and I would come along. Between the travel, time together as a family, and chance to see members in Puebla, the weekend was a special time for both Mike and me, and I know we'll look back on it for years to come with fond memories.

The highlight of the weekend was Sunday, when Mike preached at Cristo Glorificado (Glorified Christ):



After the service, our little pastor-in-training visited with the people:

And the girls enjoyed playing with some of the children of the congregation.


Every time I visit Puebla, I am reminded of how pretty the city is. I'm also always taken aback at the hospitality of the people there. The congregation is holding a women's convention in a couple of months, and it was neat to see so many members working on getting everything together for it.

Thanks for a wonderful visit, Puebla, and we look forward to seeing you again for the convention!

Visiting Mahahual

Earlier this month, Mike headed out to Mahahual, where he attended a technology conference. While there, he also took some time to meet with Pastor Jorge Briones, who serves the area. Pastor Briones currently heads up two preaching stations: pictured above*, you'll see the one in the town of Mahahual.

Members and visitors currently meet in a restaurant that opens its doors for church on Sundays -

Several stayed after for games after church on the Sunday Mike was there -

Here is a church service at the other preaching station Pastor Briones oversees, located in the town of Pulticub, located just outside of Mahahual -

Pastor Briones read the Gospel lesson the day Mike visited -

His wife Kerry helped out with music -

Mike preached -

and here's a room with a fire they used to stay warm when it started raining after the service - some Sundays, they also use the room to cook food after the service -

Mike returned home, excited about the work and progress he had seen in Mahahual. His enthusiasm is contagious - now I'm hoping that someday, in the not too distant future, the kids and I will get to come along with him to visit Mahahual!

* special thanks to WELS Chief Tecnology Officer Martin Spriggs for the awesome photos :)

Technology Conference

On February 13 and 14, in the town of Mahahual, Mexico, pastors and lay leaders from both Mexico and the United States gathered together for a technology conference.

Those in attendance (pictured above*) included four Mexican pastors and three Mexican lay leaders, as well as WELS lay leader Pat McGuire and Missionary Michael Hartman.

WELS Chief Technology Officer Martin Spriggs led the conference.


In recent years, technology has been used at an increasing rate for ongoing mission efforts in Mexico. Here are a few of the ways the Mexican Lutheran Church has been coordinating technology and ministry:

- Two congregations are beginning to record their pastors' sermons and put them online.

- The Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) congregation uses Twitter to keep members in the loop on upcoming church events, and also as a way to invite others to services.

- A Mexican evangelist uses Skype to teach confirmation classes.

At the conference, Martin Spriggs introduced the group to more technology options to boost their ministries (quick example: join.me, a website that lets you hold online meetings for free). He talked about do's and don'ts when it comes to setting up and running a website, and tips for making the most of facebook and twitter. He also offered advice to help make improvements on the Mexican Lutheran Church's website.

Pastors and lay leaders headed home, eager to implement the new strategies and tips they had learned.

"We're so thankful to Martin Spriggs for taking the time to come to Mexico and lead the conference," says Mike. "The workshop sessions provided encouragement and direction for the pastors and church workers. It also gave them valuable training and tips they can use in their ministries."

From all of us, thanks again Martin Spriggs! We look forward to seeing technology get a boost in Mexico's outreach and congregational efforts.

*special thanks to WELS Chief Technology Officer Martin Spriggs for the wonderful photos :)

Happy Valentine's Day

Here's how Valentine's Day started for me...



Making taquitos de frijol (little refried bean tacos) -


---

A couple of days ago, one of our volunteers, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday, asked me how Valentine's Day in the United States compared to Valentine's Day in Mexico. Hmmm...I didn't know how to answer. You see, I haven't been in the U.S. for Valentine's Day in 11 years; I'm not even sure what they do up there anymore for it. Oh, I've seen pictures on the Internet and ecards, of course, but I don't think that necessarily gives a true picture of what it's like.

I do know, however, that in Mexico, a lot of emphasis is placed on friends for Valentine's Day. Around this time of the year, you'll see stores and street stands selling balloons, candy, treats, and gifts geared toward celebrating amistad (friendship).

At our girls' school, each class celebrated the day with a friendship meal. Kids were assigned a dish or drink to bring (thus the early morning taco making session for Trin's class; Noelle took a jug of mango juice, which I let her pick out at the store). They also took a lollipop along for a lollipop exchange, and a gift for their teachers.



The girls were pretty excited about it this morning. Here's the haul before we got in the car:


The girls came home with pictures they colored of Valentine's Day. They also had a lollipop from the exchange, candy from their teacher, and some other treats from classmates.

Between school and a few other gifts they received for the day, I thought it went pretty well. My hunch was confirmed as I heard Trinity's prayer tonight: "Dear God, thank you for a wonderful Valentine's Day, and please let it come again soon."

From our hearts to yours, Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it was wonderful, whether you celebrated it with taquitos or chocolate, or better yet, both :).

Felicidades, Congratulations, and More

Come summer, wedding bells will ring in Monterrey.

Pastor Israel Rodriguez is getting married!

Pastor Rodriguez, who graduated from the seminary in 2005, has served the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) congregation since 2007. While serving there, he met Janeth Martinez (pictured above with Pastor Rodriguez), a longtime member of the congregation.

The two knew each other for some time, notes Pastor Rodriguez, but didn't become anything more than friends until about two years ago. This winter, the couple got engaged and is now planning a June 2012 wedding.

There's something about weddings - especially when it involves two strong Christians tying the knot - that brings me much happiness. I know part of this is tied to wishing them the very best, blessed marriage. There's another part, however, that always makes me thankful for my own gift of a loving, Christian husband (hi Mike!).

Mike will be preaching at the wedding. The kids and I will probably be there only in spirit. But we will be thinking of them on their day and praying that this summer marks the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Congratulations, Israel and Janeth, and may God shower you with his love during this time.

Invitation to Lutheran Women's Convention in Puebla

photo credit

Ah, Puebla. Think vibrant colors, colonial buildings, and some of the best Mexican food you'll find.

It's also the place the Lutheran women in Mexico have chosen for their second convention (you may recall the first convention, which took place in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2010 and was a huge hit. I remember writing back then that the next one was planned for Puebla in 2012 - it's hard to believe that's already here!).

Anyway, the women are excited about it, and understandably so. They're have extended an invitation for all women within our fellowship to attend: no borders, language, or cultural requirements!

Click here to see the official invite in English;

or click here to see it in Spanish (haz click aqui para ver la invitacion a la convencion para damas luteranas).

I know I thoroughly enjoyed the last one, and am looking forward to going to this year's. I'll also be bringing my little "damas luteranas" (Lutheran women) - the three-year-old and five-year-old :).

Estimadas hermanas luteranas:

La Sociedad Nacional Mexicana de Damas Luteranas se complace en invitar a usted a nuestra segunda convención, que se llevara a cabo en la ciudad de Puebla, Puebla Mexico del 12 al 15 de abril 2012.

Nuestro objetivo es el crecimiento espiritual enfocado en la palabra de Dios y la alabanza, escuchar, aprender y compartir lo que Dios está haciendo en nuestras iglesias de Estados Unidos y América Latina para llevar su mensaje de salvación.

Le compartimos un resumen de la agenda de esta convención.

Jueves, 12 de abril: Llegada, instalación y registración

Viernes y sábado, 13 y 14 de abril La convención de damas

Noche Mexicana el sábado

Domingo, 15 de abril Servicio de clausura

Además de su viaje, el costo de la convención será de $1,400 pesos por persona (aproximadamente $110 dólares). Esto incluye 3 noches de hospedaje en el Hotel La Alhondiga en el centro histórico y los desayunos y comidas.

Favor de confirmar su asistencia mas tardar el día 27 de febrero por email al correo de la presidenta, Rosa Elena Flores (refotango@hotmail.com) o al correo del Pastor Mike Hartman (marmhartman@gmail.com).

Agradecemos confirmar su asistencia. Jehova es mi Pastor, nada me faltara. Salmo 23:1 Rosa Elena Flores Ontiveros Ma. de los Angeles Luna Moran Presidenta Sociedad Damas Secretaria Sociedad Damas Luteranas Mexico Luteranas México