The Mission Diaries

Hundreds of Christians from all over Central America converged last week in San Salvador for the 2008 Central American Missions Conference. The host church, although only about 120 members strong, put together an excellently organized program that included speeches, classes, a talent show and a futbol (soccer) tournment.

The theme was “Heroes”. Speakers and class teachers took our hearts to the stories and lives of the Bible’s heroes of faith. I had the privilege of teaching a class to the married adults about two of my favorite heroes in the Bible: Aquila and Priscilla. We talked about remembering that our ultimate purpose as a family is to glorify God and bring others to Christ.

Speaking of family, I am amazed at the growth of our families in Central America. When my wife and I went to the 2001 Conference in Panama, there were only a handful of children around. This year, it was common to see many of the church leaders and members with strollers and diaper bags and babies in arms (see photos below). What a family!

Besides the classes and meetings, there was plenty of time for fellowship and fun. The San Pedro Sula church won the Central America Soccer Cup, defeating Tegucigalpa on a tie-breaker. The sanpedranos also won the Talent Show with an impressive folkloric dance number.

When you go to a Central American Conference, it is not only the spirit that receives good food. There was plenty of other good food around. The Naomis Ministry (third-age sisters, widows, and sisters married to non-members) put together a major spread of local delicacies (above) to raise funds for this year’s special missions contribution.

There were additional guests from other places outside of Central America: disciples of Christ from Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Australia and the U.S. Several members of the L.A. Church came to the Conference. Among them were Jonathan and Karla Perkins and Chris and Viviana Boyer (below). Karla and Viviana are sisters who grew up in El Salvador.

Brothers and sisters returned safely to their home churches, to put into practice the lessons learned at the Conference and continue evangelizing their neighborhoods. Next year’s Conference will be hosted by the Managua (Nicaragua) Church of Christ!

J De Anda

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We’re back! After a too long inter-mission, we’re back to sharing good news from Mexico and Central America. Among the various “interruptions” that caused this hiatus, one deserves special mention. On May 20 our son and daughter-in-law gave us our first grand-daughter! It was a total thrill to be at the hospital all day to await the arrival of little Isabella. I was especially proud of my wife who - in spite of her chronic health problems - was able to be there and assist with the delivery.

We have many great news to share, but not sure where to begin.

Our brother Alberto Machuca who, with his wife Tania, leads the church in Aguascalientes, Mexico, has written a book called Heroes. Alberto’s main point is that, in a world that leans toward mediocrity and apathy, our families and our church need men and women who are willing to fight for what is right and worthy. Our world needs Heroes.

For a video presentation of the book (in Spanish) please click here.

If you are interested in obtaining copies please contact Alberto Machuca directly.

Until next time,

J De Anda

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We are still here! We haven’t stopped working! However, my other work responsibilites have kept me away from the Mission Diaries. The good news is that we have a lot of good news and ideas and pictures to share, so keep praying for us and coming back to our blog.

J De Anda

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I hope you enjoy reading about what God is doing in Mexico and Central America. Our brothers and sisters are glad to share their victory stories with you. They are also grateful for your contributions. As a non-profit organization, MCA Missions relies on donations to carry out its work. We are now in our yearly fundraising drive, which is sustained mainly by disciples of Christ in the Los Angeles Church of Christ. However, everyone can help. Here are some opportunities for you to contribute to the work of MCA Missions.

1. If you shop at Ralphs grocery stores, you can register your Ralph’s Member number, and Ralph’s Community Contributions program will donate back to us an equivalent of 1-4% percent of your purchases. To enroll, please follow these steps:

a. Go to http://www.ralphs.com/, click on Community Contributions and then click on Participants.
b. Follow the easy online directions to register your Ralphs Member number. If you do not have your Ralph’s card with you, follow the directions to obtain your number.
The NPO number for MCA Missions is: 83579
c. Each time you shop at Ralphs, make sure your member card is swiped. Just remember that entering your telephone number won’t make your shopping count toward this program; you must have the card swiped.
That’s it! Enjoy your shopping, and know that a percentage of your purchases is going to MCA Missions’ programs!
SPECIAL REMINDER FOR ALL OUR CONTRIBUTORS: All members who were enrolled in the Ralphs Community Contribution Program need to register for the new term at www.ralphs.com that became effective on September 1, 2007

2. Your contributions to MCA Missions are tax-deductible. If you would like to make a direct donation, you may send a check payable to:

      Mexico and Central America Missions
      96 Wildwood
      Irvine, CA 92604      

Please include your return address so we may forward a receipt

3. MCA Missions partners with several International Churches of Christ and with HOPE worldwide programs to organize short mission tours to Mexico and Central America. Please check the Mission Diaries for updates and opportunities to serve in the mission field.

J De Anda

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