Dear friends of Mexico Ministries:
“What do you do when you’re not building churches in Mexico?” That is a question I am often asked, and my answer is, I visit the shepherds and the sheep. Just building corrals is not enough.
My first commitment is to see that the needs of the pastors and their families are met. By the way, did you know that “pastor” literally means shepherd, and is the Spanish word for it? Jesus is, “el buen pastor” - “the good shepherd.” From my experience I know that good shepherds put the needs of their flocks above their own - the sheep must have food, water, and shelter, and a good shepherd sacrifices his own comfort to care for them. In the same way, I am called to make sure the shepherds are cared for.
The Apostle Paul spent his life visiting and revisiting the sheep and raising up and tending to the needs of the shepherds. He would go into an area, share the Gospel, raise up leaders, and then on a return trip he would “confirm” or “strengthen” them (Acts 15.41), and this is our same commitment today.
The Apostle Peter saw himself as a shepherd caring for fellow shepherds, all called to imitate our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ:
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder...shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5.1-4)
Thank each and every one of you who have stood alongside Mexico Ministries for over 40 years, making sure the shepherds and the sheep in Mexico are loved, guided, and cared for.
God bless you,
Larry