August 2015 – AMO MÉXICO

After the apprenticeship in Puebla, we went to the state of Michoacán. News from Michoacán is most often about the serious problems posed by drug cartels impacting many lives and destroying so many others. However, there are parents and church leaders there working to transform their communities.

Alejandro teaching

Two churches in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, now have AMO Programs for children. Our work began at Casa de Gloria Church in 2013 when Alejandro and Veronica Magno, church pastors, attended an AMO Apprenticeship. With help from members of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church of Austin, Texas, they continue to serve meals and lessons to thirty-five children from some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. They are praying for a move to a more central location in the city and to expand the children’s ministry. In 2014 we took the AMO Apprenticeship to Pátzcuaro to add support to their ministry. This led to a second program in the city at El Divino Redentor Church downtown. This is a small church with vision and passion that is growing and we look forward to working with them.

Bible reading for reasoning

When Alejandro and Veronica first began AMO two years ago, chaos ruled the classes. Now, there is a complete turn-around. The children are orderly, enjoy learning, and respect each others participation. While there is still room for improvement in how the children behave outside of class, parents comment that they see a change and many children have been helped.

To help parents affirm, at home, the biblical principles taught through AMO, we held a workshop for the them. Alejandro and Francelia took turns encouraging and teaching the parents scripture relating to Christian self-government, God’s individuality, Christian character, and more. For most, the concepts were completely new. Several have become very excited about taking the AMO Apprenticeship when it next becomes available. We’re making plans to return in 2016. Until then, we’ll continue walking with the leaders giving them encouragement to further implement God’s principles for education and discipleship.

Learning to think like Christ

Please, pray for these families and programs for continued success and expanding influence in their communities. Pray for Alejandro and Veronica as they discern the next move for the ministry. Pray for Isis Olivares and Margarita Reyes who are heading up the program in central Patzcuaro.

Thank you and blessings to each of you.

Chris and Francelia McReynolds