In Mexico about 435 deaths have occurred in earthquakes so far this month; first in Oaxaca and Chiapas, then in Mexico City, Morelos, Puebla, and Mexico State. Aftershocks continue, mostly centered around Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.

Our MeXed gathering in Oaxaca last week began as the earthquake hit the Mexico City region. Some participants en route to MeXed turned back midway to check on family and congregations.

We are thankful for all those who shared testimonies and teachings including pastors, seminary leaders, children’s ministry leaders, children and parents. Zurisadai, a primary school teacher and AMO teacher in a rural town in Veracruz, shared her testimony.

“One in five of my students have family members missing or directly affected by the Drug Cartel violence. One little girl, traumatized, could hardly speak at the beginning of the year” she explained. “As we read Charlotte’s Web and reflected on the biblical principles contained in the story, her heart began to heal. Her mother wrote me a letter at the end of the year expressing her gratitude” she continued in tears. Drug violence has claimed at least 10,000 lives each year in Mexico for the last 10 years.

God’s command to disciple the nations is a serious one. The gathering is an important time of prayer, networking, and building one another up in the Lord in current circumstances and for the long-term work in God’s transformation of the nation.

We are thankful for all of you who held us up in prayer and provided material support. The community involved is growing and coming together.

Please, continue to pray for the recovery and for God’s calming of the earthquakes. We also continue to pray for the many people suffering from the hurricanes and flooding.

Thank you and blessings to each of you,

Chris and Francelia McReynolds

MeXed Oaxaca 2017

Letter to Zurisadai from a mother expressing thanks for healing of her daughter’s heart by God’s Word present in a children’s story and in her teacher.