Mike Patterson: December 2013 Prayer Letter

mike and becky patterson

Dear ones:

 

Becky and I wish you a very merry Christmas.

As we enter our 40th year of missionary service we are so thankful for the opportunity He has given us to serve.  We could not have had a ministry without folks like you. You are in our prayers and on our hearts in this joyous season.

Fireside prayer meeting in progress.

Fireside prayer meeting in progress.

Mexican law requires that all of our staff receive double salaries for the month of December.

This is a much deserved blessing to our staff and a year-end strain on our already over-stretched budget.  Taxes, both in Mexico and in the United States are due on our properties.  This has been complicated by several churches discontinuing our support. Our God will provide!

Our Christian school is setting the standard high for a future generation of young champions in Tlapa.

Our Christian school is setting the standard high for a future generation of young champions in Tlapa.

Mexico needs our prayer.

Violence by drug cartels, rampant kidnappings and political unrest are crippling many parts of Mexico.  Cuernavaca is a hotspot.  During Mexico’s tragic flooding we sent truckloads of provisions to suffering Christians.  We are now helping national pastors as they rebuild their church buildings and homes.  Pray that our faith will be increased.  Though weak, my faith is in an omnipotent God.

Tepeyac Church and pastor’s home to be rebuilt

Tepeyac Church and pastor’s home to be rebuilt

Many have been reached through these tragedies

A graduate of the homes in Tlapa began reaching out by faith to the suffering with emergency feeding programs.  Along with a hot meal hundreds heard the Gospel each day. Many have come to Christ.

Rebecca was saved in the homes.  Inoperable brain cancer will soon take her to Jesus.

Rebecca was saved in the homes. Inoperable brain cancer will soon take her to Jesus.

Cuernavaca has been ravaged by violence and kidnapping

Still, the church we started in our home has seen a special moving of the Holy Spirit. Sixty or more were saved in the twenty-ninth anniversary celebration of the church.  Now over 100 couples have been sent out as church planters all over the world.  Praise the Lord!

 

In His love,
Mike Patterson

 

P.S.  Our hearts are in Mexico and as soon as our January conference is over and my doctors give permission we will go to be with our people.  Their suffering has made my light affliction easy to forget.

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