This is a note about why it has taken me soooo long to do this a second time. My computer is very sick and the doctor is not sure it is going to get well. So I have been learning to work Billy's as well as this blog thing and have had a few other set backs as well. Just for your information... for all of you bloggers who have upgraded to the beta version and now can't upload you photos from Picasa or your computer there is hope. Drop me a line and I well tell you about it and save you from hours of torment, frustation and anxiety.
Blessings to all. "Vive La Vision"
Vive La Visión
Mexico City Mission Project
Billy and Belinda Moore Newsletter
September 12, 2006
Life in the City
I n the last year I have become aware of a icon that I had never noticed before. It is the Santa Muerte or Saint of Death who calls upon her followers to venerate death. In recent years the movement has rapidly begun to expand from the mountain villages to major cities in Mexico. The followers of this cult range from drug traffickers, thieves, police, actors, entrepreneurs and people from the darker side of life.
On the thirteenth evening of every month her followers gather at the altars to leave offerings and pay their respect to the icon. The worshippers have faith in her believing that she walks with them and does favors for them.
This movement is not new. For decades this religion has been underground. As Mexico has moved into democracy and the freedom of expression people have come out into the open.
The leader of this movement says there are at least one million members of this cult. He states that the reason for this explosion in growth is that people are disillusioned with the Catholic Church. One catholic priest from the barrio of Tepito says the same thing, “People are looking for comfort, but sometimes we don’t have the time or interest to go out and attend to these people…now death is being converted into another god. Our barrio does not believe in the government. People do not believe in the church. Here, people believe in death.”
Blessings to all. "Vive La Vision"
Vive La Visión
Mexico City Mission Project
Billy and Belinda Moore Newsletter
September 12, 2006
Life in the City
I n the last year I have become aware of a icon that I had never noticed before. It is the Santa Muerte or Saint of Death who calls upon her followers to venerate death. In recent years the movement has rapidly begun to expand from the mountain villages to major cities in Mexico. The followers of this cult range from drug traffickers, thieves, police, actors, entrepreneurs and people from the darker side of life.
On the thirteenth evening of every month her followers gather at the altars to leave offerings and pay their respect to the icon. The worshippers have faith in her believing that she walks with them and does favors for them.
This movement is not new. For decades this religion has been underground. As Mexico has moved into democracy and the freedom of expression people have come out into the open.
The leader of this movement says there are at least one million members of this cult. He states that the reason for this explosion in growth is that people are disillusioned with the Catholic Church. One catholic priest from the barrio of Tepito says the same thing, “People are looking for comfort, but sometimes we don’t have the time or interest to go out and attend to these people…now death is being converted into another god. Our barrio does not believe in the government. People do not believe in the church. Here, people believe in death.”
The Answer to the Problem
Jesus is the answer to the sickness, and to be able to reach all of these people we need more full-time workers. People are looking for comfort; people are disillusioned, and people are abandoned. So I ardently ask you to pray for more workers for this city. We were in a part of the city yesterday that we have never been to before, and our hearts were made heavy. There are so many people and we are so few.
There is a couple coming from Tyler, Texas the 9th of this month for a week. The purpose of this trip is to check out the possibility of coming and participating in an internship with us. Also Allen and Jamie Lane are still looking for a sponsor and support to do the same with us next year.
Visitors from the day in the Park
Remember the Carnival that we had in the park during the month of June (see last months report)? We had an evangelistic event here in the Pink House in July and invited those folks who registered at the Carnival. We divided the names among the members at Benito Juarez, and they did all of the calling and inviting. It was really cool. Fourteen adults and thirteen children plus our people were entertained by a really great clown, 100 hot dogs were eaten, and a piñata broken. We shared with them a short video about whom we are and why we are here. The day ended with singing and a prayer. It is our hope that some day in the near future we will be able to send someone to the area where they live and open new groups.
Leadership Forum
The first of July we began a series of meetings with the purpose of developing a system for training leaders. Billy sent out a questionnaire several months earlier asking specific questions as to what is needed to multiply our leaders into the 3rd and 4th generation and beyond. We have been greatly encouraged by the response that has come from our brothers and sisters in the congregations. The 2nd of September will be the second meeting. This group of 25 people is taking seriously this responsibility of providing the leadership necessary to see that the Vision is carried on into the future.
The Intricate Workings of God
God is so amazing in how he brings people together. Darin Martin who is a member of the singing group “Free Indeed’ and also a member of our sponsoring congregation was in Louisiana recently. He stayed with a family that lost everything in the Katrina Hurricane, and the dad has family in Mexico City. The dad’s name is Jose, and he has been trying to study with his parents over the phone. During Darin’s stay with him they found out about us and the work here in Mexico City. Darin wrote and asked if it would be okay if he gave them our telephone number. Great! No problem! So two weeks ago the son from Louisiana called and gave us the information. We went to see the family and take them Bibles. It was a pleasant time, and they are interested in knowing more about Jesus. As with all new opportunities we have had recently, they live very far from any of our members and congregations. Please pray that God gives wisdom as to how best to work with this family.
New Sisters and Brother
God has blessed one of the groups that Pedro Marin works with fruit. Esther, Anayeli and Victor are family, and all recently gave their lives to Jesus. The first photo is the mom, Esther and the second is Pedro and Filadelfo about to pray with Anayeli and Victor after their baptism.
God is so amazing in how he brings people together. Darin Martin who is a member of the singing group “Free Indeed’ and also a member of our sponsoring congregation was in Louisiana recently. He stayed with a family that lost everything in the Katrina Hurricane, and the dad has family in Mexico City. The dad’s name is Jose, and he has been trying to study with his parents over the phone. During Darin’s stay with him they found out about us and the work here in Mexico City. Darin wrote and asked if it would be okay if he gave them our telephone number. Great! No problem! So two weeks ago the son from Louisiana called and gave us the information. We went to see the family and take them Bibles. It was a pleasant time, and they are interested in knowing more about Jesus. As with all new opportunities we have had recently, they live very far from any of our members and congregations. Please pray that God gives wisdom as to how best to work with this family.
New Sisters and Brother
God has blessed one of the groups that Pedro Marin works with fruit. Esther, Anayeli and Victor are family, and all recently gave their lives to Jesus. The first photo is the mom, Esther and the second is Pedro and Filadelfo about to pray with Anayeli and Victor after their baptism.
Our Family
The Moore Clan continues to be blessed. I am including several pictures of our kids and their families. Brian, Amberlee, Madison, and Landon live in Lubbock.
Madison is seven, and Landon turned one this summer. He just started walking and moves like a bulldozer. Andrew, Jessica and little Billy are doing great. They also live in Lubbock. He continues his studies and working. Jessica keeps Landon for Brian and Amberlee. She now has her green card. Jacob Amanda and Adah are also doing very well except for the fact that they need more support.
God bless you all. Billy and Belinda Moore
