"....I will build my church."

If we could imagine hearing this: "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out" 

The Church is here. He is building his church, or as the message reads "put together." If you are not excited to hear this may be because church planting is not your gift. But for me recently this has been a renewing of vision, plans, and even devotion to Jesus. We have seen many churches start, and when we take time to analyze things only the Lord could have done it. We praise him constantly, although we are not always walking through pink  beautiful times, we know he is able to carry his church in love.

This Novemeber is a marker that we can set as the time to see Leon Sur be blessed with elders, and also the new start of La Libertad church here in Leon. God has taken people in a journey of spirituality. Apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelist, givers, mercy givers, and more together working to reach those who need Jesus. Many times we forget how blessed we are in being able to partake in his mission on earth. The year 2011 has had its ups and downs. Expectations come from all directions, with many flavors, desires and frustrations. And that is not all. We have seen joy, partnership, understanding, fellowship, salvation, etc happen too.

Jesus never promised only green pastures.
Recently the churches in Tequila and Silao had to be placed on hold. And I am sure that in many places the church has not moved forward. But we praise God for what is happening in places like Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Morelia, D.F., and Juventino Rosas. Our limited vision of the church shapes what we can do next year. As you plan for the future in the end of the year with thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Keep God's mission in your sight. We need partners to continue to shape with us what could be done in Mexico.

Please pray for a non-profit foundation that might be formed, new ministries in the community with children and recovery programs, our continual work with the children's home, the search for the preacher for Leon sur, a building for La Libertad church, a new opening for church plant, ministry work without Aimers, the christian newspaper, and many other things we are continuing in Leon. 

On a personal note, please continue to pray for us to work here in Leon with the church and to find more partners to be able to keep doing that.  With elections coming up in both Mexico and the U.S. we pray for stability and continual work in both churches in Mexico and the U.S. 

Many of us would leave the conversation with Jesus, just like Peter did, with doubt.  But, we hope that one day we may be bold enough to be filled with the spirit as Peter was in order to build Jesus' church. 

This article is from reprinted Omar and Tana Palafox. Please see original for comments.