February Update: Amanda in Mexico

Hello from Mexico! I hope you are doing well! Thank you so much for taking the time to read these newsletters. We have entered windy season and have these past few weeks ever lived up to their name! Hahaha. But, thankfully, the morning frost seems to have left us, too.

As I shared in my past newsletter, the mission team finished their 2 week outreach here, even coming into the mountains to do outreach! They continued on their way and we were left feeling so encouraged and refreshed! What a blessing to have people from all over the world seeing and loving the people we love so much! Here in the mountains, we had quite the opposition initially after they left. Yet, once again we saw God’s hand at work and so much stronger than the fear the devil tries to drive into the people!

After the group left, we continued visiting people of the community and it seems the outreach event somehow opened doors to build deeper friendships and share the gospel. I’d like to share a few of these beautiful, exciting stories with you.

One day, a lady from the neighboring village came to the ‘store’, where people trade in handmade crafts for groceries. Like always, we invited her in for coffee. Ana and her began a conversation in Tarahumara. I can’t understand much, but all of a sudden I heard the word “Onoruame” (God). So I began paying attention and observing. I saw Ana speaking passionately and this lady very attentive. She began asking questions and they had a long conversation. I later learnt Ana was sharing with her how Jesus had changed her life and this lady was sharing some deep, personal things about her own life that she had never had the courage to share with others.

The next day a young man showed up at the door, asking if we could pass him the Jesus Movie onto his phone, as his mom was asking to watch it… which led to a neat conversation about church a few days later!

The following week, the youth girls in Ana’s class asked when they could come over again, so she invited them the following Saturday. That day, only 1 showed up, as it was raining. That was also the day she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior!!! Praise God, as she is the first in her home to do so and I know many challenges await her! Please keep this young girl in your prayers.

The following Sunday, Ana and I went to church. Ana has been doing Sunday school for the children, while I take the youth. All of them did a beautiful job presenting the Good Samaritan skit. After, we had coffee and dessert to celebrate Valentine’s day. Ana pulled me aside, asking me to help her with 2 little girls who had said in class that they wanted to accept Jesus when Ana gave the invitation. One of the girls was Ana’s little girl! I’m not sure what brought me more joy: to see these beautiful girls invite Jesus into their hearts or to see Ana leading the first 2 little girls to Christ! I pray these 2 girls will be the first of many that will choose to follow Jesus because of Ana’s amazing example amongst her people!

Please continue to lift Ana and myself up in prayer, as I know the spiritual warfare will increase as hearts open to the gospel. Also, please keep my sister Amelia and our incredible interns in your prayers as they continue to invest in our beautiful youth back in Cuauhtemoc! On my Facebook page, Amanda Wiebe Missionary in Mexico, I uploaded a video of some wonderful singing from the youth in the ministry in Cuauhtemoc. I am so proud of them and I have no doubt God was smiling ear to ear listening to their praise!

A verse that has been on my heart these past few weeks is John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” I am reminded that, as brothers and sisters in Christ we don’t always have to see eye to eye, yet our love for one another, despite our differences, will point others to our Awesome God and Wonderful Savior!!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We sincerely appreciate them because knowing that we are not alone in this ministry gives us the courage and joy to continue. If you would ever like to visit, we would love to have you! You are always welcome! God bless. Amanda.