Bill and Marcy Patterson: December 2024 Prayer Letter

Bill and Marcy Patterson – MABMI President, Church Planter, Bible Translator

The tired pilgrims walked or ran for hundreds of miles. Carrying torches, they led the way for the rest, including groups of buses and trucks that stretched for many miles. The recently-blessed statues of the so-called “Virgin of Guadalupe” towered over the oversized pick-up trucks in which they were secured. Night had fallen, but they continued forward.

Tradition dictates that the weary should be joined by the other villagers as they reach their pueblos, met with flowers, commemorative medals, and loud music. They walk the last steps together to reach the shrine, where food and drink will be offered to all. They are expected at about noon on December 12. Having finished their race, the weary pilgrims are content, believing that their prayers will be delivered to God by an unrefusable emissary.

The sad reality for those in the poor pueblos of Mexico is that idolatry has spell-bound them for generations. Only where the Gospel has made a change can the dark veil of paganism be lifted. As we passed tens of thousands only a few days ago, my heart yearned to see the day when God welcomes these precious souls into His loving family.

On December 11, as we handed out Christmas gifts to the children at the Bethesda Homes, Fernando got what he said he had always desired. He had made a special request for a Bible for Christmas. He was overjoyed to receive a beautiful leather Bible, his name engraved on the front. Sixty-two parents came for the celebration, and two accepted Christ.

Because of your prayers and financial support, we will continue forward with the message of freedom through Christ. This year has found us ten times in Mexico, and twice in Mongolia, for well over half the year. Six more weeks were spent teaching Bible translation in a college in Ohio. Many souls have been saved. Thank you for your part in this ministry!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!