The Santiagos

Dear all,

Sitting down to write an update after a few months is always an exercise in perspective, and at times uncomfortable. Essentially the exercise consists in trying to discern how God is ‘working all things together for good’, which is especially hard when we have to report disappointments or bad news. Our human eye tends to measure everything in terms of numbers and fixed goals, interpreting negatively that which the Lord intends for our good. We need to train ourselves in spoting what is really going on by asking: How do these experiences or events serve to further the values, virtues and purposes of God’s kingdom? Invariably we learn and grow more from the ‘negative’ experiences than we can appreciate at the time, but having the faith and the patience required to ‘see’ what is truly happening is the stuff of the Christian life, and does not come naturally!

Mexico

It is very hard to look at what is happening in Mexico and feel upbeat. Just last week Mexican congress —dominated by the ruling party through a dubious ‘super majority’ of 73%— passed a law that allows future elections to be anulled if ‘foreign interference’ can be established. In the same session they voted to allow re-election of the magistrates who will decide if interference has ocurred (the authoritarian measure + the bribe for those who enact it all rolled into one). Last week also, the governor of the state of Chihuahua —of the opposition party— came under pressure from the prosecutor general’s office (FGR) for allowing a handful of CIA agents to be present during an operation by state security forces to dismantle a narcotics lab back in April. Meanwhile, a request for the extradition of the governor of Sinaloa —a known associate of the cartels and a member of the ruling party— is being ignored by the government. So officials fighting the cartels are persecuted while those brazenly colluding with organised crime are protected. In the midst of all of this Mexico is hosting the World Cup, even as whole communities are being displaced by cartel violence in the state of Guerrero, to name but one example.

It is disheartening to watch all this unfold, but we have found consolation recently in our study of Isaiah, remembering that the Lord is active in history, judging justly, sovereign over geo-political events that serve his purposes and his prerogative of punishing evil. In the meantime, his offer of redemption and restored relationship through Christ is still available to all who will turn to Him. This is wonderful news for humankind, in Mexico and all over the world, and also the reason for the work we do as Christian communities in every country.  

Family

However, it is still hard for us as parents to consider our children’s future within this context of violence, corruption and disintegrating institutions. Timoteo especially has had a disappointing time recently as it became apparent that some of his teachers hold their posts through contacts and influence and not due to training or vocation. His school is supposed to be the best public high school in Puebla, but this is just a façade. We’ve had to redouble our efforts —back to homeschooling in a way— to make up for the shortcomings of his French and Art teachers in particular. The hope originally was that a good grade in the International Baccalaureate would allow him access to scholarships in respected universities, but this seems increasingly difficult as things stand. Here our exercise in perspective reveals a character-building challenge for Moti: he must set his own goals and work towards them individually trusting that the Lord will provide him with opportunities later on to match his abilities and efforts.

In part as a result of Moti’s experience, we’ve decided that Agus will study high school in a small Christian school originally set up for missionary kids. He is excited about the prospect, as he will study in English (his Spanish is still a bit shaky). It seems likely that Rebeca will teach some English Arts classes in exchange, as there is the need for a teacher at the school and her work would offset the cost of fees. We pray things will work out for the best.

We are happy to report that Laila (who has just turned nineteen) has been studying for her highschool diploma part-time at a local school and doing well. She is busy and still pursuing her music studies, though it is unclear if she’ll be able to finish them next academic year. We are grateful for progress, and happy that she is happy.

Fabian and Rebeca are well, all things considered, though ageing fast as our children grow! Looking after our health a bit better —particularly in Rebeca’s case— must be a priority for the next few months.

We are truly grateful for the Lord’s provision following our last Zoom Prayer Update (if you missed it you can watch it here). We are glad to report that we were able to clear our credit card debt and buy some things we needed, including new matresses for ‘the children’s’ beds (they sleep-in even longer now!). We still struggle to make it to the end of the month as expenses have increased and regular support decreased, but we are trying our best not to incur debt as before. Do have a look at our budget here and pray that our finances will improve in a way that is sustainable and that honours the Lord. He certainly teaches us a great deal about perspective as we depend on him in this area.

Ekklesia

As we explained during the Zoom Prayer Update, our hopes that the church would be able to rent the property next door this year were dashed again when the landlord changed his mind after having initially agreed to let us rent it. His current tennants wanted to remain in the property and he did not want to demand it back from them. This was a big disappointment for us, especially as we had told the congregation about the plans after we met with don Ricardo in December when everything appeared settled. Anyway, for the moment we continue where we are as we pray for the Lord’s provision for, and guidance to, the right space. The exercise in perspective fails me here. I don’t know if we are being stubborn in our desire to stay where we are or if our commitment to serve the student population in this area is being tested for some purpose we don’t yet see. There are a number of properties for sale very close by, but we can only afford to rent. There is also an old school close-by that may have a hall or classroom we can rent just for the Sunday meetings, we hope. We’ll keep you posted.

While we digest this apparent impass with regards to meeting place, church life continues —also with its ups and downs, of course. Last Sunday 24 of May we held baptisms as we have done for the last few years on Pentecost Sunday. Though we had initially contemplated six people getting baptised, for various reasons only two took the plunge —Areli and Karen; the other four we hope will do so soon. We had a lovely day out at a nearby Christian retreat centre, and had the perfect occasion for a church photograph (though a handful of regulars couldn’t be there). See photos and videos of the special day here.

Our current Bible exposition series is on the book of Isaiah, but Fabian will take a break for 6 weeks in July-August to give others the opportunity of preaching on Sundays for a short summer series on the prophet Elisha. We will also be taking a break from the Wednesday meetings, but we hope to pick up where we left off in August, which will mark two years since we began this midweek service aimed at the local student population. The meeting feels more consolidated now even though attendance fluctuates depending on the university calendar. We expect at least five of our student regulars to return in August: André, Coral, Gustavo, Sheyla and Ulises.

The men’s meeting is still going strong; women’s Bible study not so much, but we will try out Saturday mornings to see if attendance improves. Prayer meetings continue to take place every Thursday at 8pm on Zoom and you can always look up Ekklesia’s weekly prayer list here.

We have been feeling the weight of pastoral work recently, especially the weeks previous to the baptisms. We miss Rebe O. who moved to another city because of problems with accommodation in Puebla, and also to support her dad whose health is weak. She continues to join us online for the women’s Bible study and for pastoral prayer meetings; and we hope she might yet be able to return to Puebla in the near future. We are grateful for Karla in her on-going service to the church, but long for a bigger leadership team that can share our work more fully. However, we must be patient and wait for the right people and for the necessary resources. Remaining constant and learning patience is always a desirable outcome of our exercise in perspective, so we soldier on. Other highlights since we last wrote include our special Christmas service in the carols-by-candlelight style, which drew a good number of people; the marriage preparation course which we imparted recently for 4 young couples (including Fabian’s nephew), and the baptism course and discipleship sessions (some of them still on-going). There is always plenty happening at Ekklesia and photos and videos are often shared on our Instagram account.

Other work

Fabian’s essay entitled ‘An Archaeology and Diagnosis of Violence in the Biblical Narrative’ written originally in Spanish, was finally translated into English (by Rebeca) and published in the Journal of Latin American Theology in April. If you are interested you can read the Pdf here. 

Over the summer Fabian will also be imparting some seminars on how to interact with the culture as Christians for Compa’s training events. These sessions are aimed at Bible study student leaders and will take place on 15 June online and on 16-18 July at Citlali, the IFES Mexico retreat centre in the State of Mexico.

Thank you!

Please continue to pray that we’ll be able to discern and submit to what the Lord is doing even when difficulties arise, and that we will be led by the Spirit in our decision-making both at home and at Ekklesia. We pray for you also, with all the particular challenges the church faces where you are, and give thanks for the body of Christ everywhere and the fellowship we have in Him. With love and thanks, 

Fabián & Rebeca

Prayer Points

Mexico

• For the authorities to change course and fight organised crime in the many spheres it operates.
• For areas oppressed by specific cartels in Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Guerrero, where churches are also being targeted.
• That somehow our democratic freedoms will be preserved despite the current government moving to concentrate power in the ruling party.

Family

• For Timoteo, that the Lord will help him with his goals and also provide the right opportunities for him.
• For Agus as he begins high school. That he will make friends and do well academically.
• For Laila, that she’ll persevere with her high school diploma studies and gradually discover her vocation for the future and develop the discipline she needs.
• For Rebeca as she contemplates taking on teaching work. Also that she’ll find the time to exercise and feel better physically.
• For our monthly provision, that we’ll have what we need and administer what we have in a God-honouring way.

Ekklesia

• We give thanks for Areli and Karen’s baptism. May the Lord guide them and help them grow in faith.
• We pray for Agus, Joseph, Manuel and Pao, who posponed their baptisms. May they grow ever closer to Jesus and be baptised soon.
• For our student friends André, Coral, Gustavo, Nao, Sheyla and Ulises during the summer. That they will have a refreshing time at home but remain focussed on the Lord.
• Give thanks for men’s group and pray that their faith will be strengthened and also their commitment to serve in the church.
• Pray for Max and Bere, our next door neighbours and Ekklesia members who have been facing a long drawn-out court case. May the Lord do them justice.
• We give thanks for Ale’s recovery after the stroke she had in November. May the Lord guide Julio and Ale regarding their decisions about going to  Paraguay to serve in student ministry.
• For more children and teenagers to join the church so the few we have can make friends and enjoy their time at Ekklesia more.
• We give thanks for the birth of Josué, our first church baby in some time. May the Lord bless his parents Irene and Joseph with wisdom and provision.
• For the reproductive health of four young Ekklesia couples, all wishing to start a family but finding it hard. May the Lord bless them with children according to his will.
• For the right space for the church in the Lord’s time and in the area that best serves His plans for our congregation.
• For those who will preach during our summer teaching series on the prophet Elisha.
• For other leaders willing to serve the church long-term to work alongside us.

Other

• Give thanks for the publication of Fabian’s essay in the JLAT.
• For Fabian as he prepares for his IFES seminars over the summer and for the cost of travel there and back.
• For Gloria, the older lady we help support. That the Lord will provide for her continued care as her health deteriorates.