On our very first mission trip to northern Mexico we became close friends with Pastor Eraclio Conde. For so long Eraclio had lived among such great despair. His friends were disillusioned by many of their faith leaders and had embraced the false hope of material success that has become so prevalent in northern Mexico. Over nine years ago, Eraclio decided he would offer his neighbors real hope – the hope found not in man nor in institutions, but in Jesus Christ.
But Eraclio had a problem. There was no one who could teach him how to reach his community with this precious message of grace. Finally, he connected with a National Presbyterian partnership through Mission to the World (MTW). Together they helped Eraclio and his daughter, Tanya, start a Bible study for kids. Today, Eraclio is a church planter with a congregation of over 80 people. And even his church members are reaching out to others through medical brigades, Vacation Bible School, a men’s fishing ministry and a women’s crafts ministry. Because one man, Eraclio, answered God’s call and got equipped, now dozens of God’s people are changing their corner of Mexico. What an inspiration!
Yet the struggle to raise up and equip godly Christian leaders in northern Mexico persists. Its predominantly Roman Catholic culture offers little, if any, scriptural training. Superficiality reigns and ambition overrides morals for many in Monterrey, the industrial center of Mexico. To be the hands and feet of Christ, Eraclio and other church planters like him need sound reformed and covenantal training, teachers and mentors who will equip them. Seminaries and teachers are in such short supply in northern Mexico.
We’ve been invited to help educate and train Eraclio and others like him as members of Team Northern Mexico for Mission to the World – and we’ve said “yes” to that call from God.
At MTW’s Theological Institute of Ministry, we’ll walk alongside new church leaders, equipping them with sound biblical training, practical aspects of pastoring, and essential church planting skills. We’re committed to mentoring them every step of the way, even after they’ve started churches and ministries to those in need. There are close to six million people in the city of Monterrey alone. Few know Jesus Christ personally. Someone needs to equip the Eraclios in northern Mexico to reach them. We’re willing, but we can’t go without partners who will pray for us and provide financial support. Will you consider how God may be calling you to be a partner with Him through our work?
We hope you’ll take a moment right now to find our prayer card and partnership information in this web site, and then respond by investing in the Kingdom as God leads you. May God bless you and continue to make you a blessing to others, as you are to us.
In His grace,
Michael and Tricia Lee