Abiding Life Ministries International » Mission Blog

Getty ready to depart and move on to Honduras!

Mike Wells — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:25:28 +0000

Yesterday Raimundo and I went to an indigenous church of 1,200. It was wonderful with the people and pastor being receptive to our message of Jesus and asking us to return. Benjamin continues to serve us and the ALMI support team gave funds to support Bibles and coloring books for a secular grade school. There are no photos of the indigenous church (I will try to find some). There is a picture of the ancient aqueduct and Raimundo and I at an early morning radio interview.

More from Guatemala

Mike Wells — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:20:37 +0000

Here are a few passing photos from Guatemala. It has been wonderful here. We have had the help of Benjamin, with the International Bible Society, plus Woody, Dennis, and his wife Cindy, all from Vine Int’l. Not to mention Ignacio that got us into the prisons. Included are pictures of Woody, Dennis, the kids in the prison and teaching staff and congregations. Last night, we were able to preach to 1,200 Indians. What a blessing. Those of you that are on our support team were able to send funds for Bibles to a grade school.

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Antigua, the oldest Capital in the Americas

Mike Wells — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:38:31 +0000

Woody treated us to a day in Antigua, the oldest capital in Central America. Because of an earthquake and the flooding of the capital in the 1700s, the Capital was then moved to Guatemala City. It is interesting place; the streets are basically walls with doors. Yet behind each door is a rich courtyard and many surprises. The very large Catholic monastery has been partially rebuilt into a classical-looking hotel. We walked the city, visited their most famous chocolate house, and Betty and Hilda got a ride on a horse-drawn cart, since it was raining. Overall it was a great day out. Traffic is what is to be expected in the whole world these days.

Guatemala

Mike Wells — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:26:10 +0000

All of Central and South America have been open to the message of “Christ in you the hope of glory.” We have been really blessed by some very key people that are supporting our efforts. Our longtime friend, Woody Woodson, with Vine International, has been working here for 25 years providing medical supplies to over 130 different outposts. Ignacio is colorful, to say the least. He is dynamite. He grew up in the U.S. and spent from age 11 in prisons for 14 years and then was deported. He started a prison ministry here, and it is really something. We were able to speak to children as young as 11 that have committed murder for payment as little as $15. The Warden loves the work that Ignacio and the Bible society have done. In fact, the government questioned his reports, because for 18 months there have been no drugs, weapons, or cell phones (used for extortion) found in the prison. The Warden simply replied, “We have given them Bibles.” Benjamin from the International Bible societies has taken us from place to place to share the message of Christ, to radio interviews and more. He is 72 and going strong. We will be back in July for two pastors’ seminars with around 500 in each. I have enclosed pictures of Guatemala city at night, Woody, Dennis, and Cindy of Vine International, Ignacio, the praise team, and Raimundo sharing.

A Little More from Mexico

Mike Wells — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:10:38 +0000

Mexico is much more dangerous than I ever thought. The hotel staff will not let us take a taxi as nearly everyone we meet has a horror story. One pastor tells of once being lost and asking the police for directions. They told him to stay there for a minute and went out to find a gang that nearly choked him to death. He woke up 30 minutes later and had been stripped of everything of value. If a taxi does take you, you must ask to be dropped off at a different corner and then walk to your home so the driver does not know where you live. Behind the Holiday Inn is a warehouse that receives stolen cars and strips them down for the parts to be sold. It is harsh for everyone here and the believers suffer alike. Here are photos of the Seminary, Church services, Mike and Raimundo, and a picture of Mexico City from the air.

Church Meetings in or near Mexico City

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:08:59 +0000

Hola! Raimundo and I are staying busy speaking at a
variety of meetings in a variety of places around Mexico City.

The people are so kind, welcoming, open to the messages,
and eager to listen. It is a joy to be here!
Two helpers at our Saturday morning meeting.
Raimundo and I preparing to address the Sat. a.m. meeting.
Please note in many of the photos all the lovely red,
green, and white decor. We were here for Independence Day!
Raimundo addresses the group; I am in the background
signing my books and some certificates.
Sunday morning church services.

More Marvels in Mexico

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:07:59 +0000

Again, it is a great trip. I just thought I would send a few more photos.
I am lying in bed coughing. It seems that it is nearly impossible to
get on a plane these days and not get sick. However, the sickness
is worth it when I see the response of the people.
Thanks for your prayers. Again, prayer is an invitation, by God,
to participate in what He has determined to do.
I don’t have a high enough IQ to direct God.
We want His will and nothing less.
Also, I apologize again for not getting to email but I can’t.
It is often 2:00 a.m. when I finish writing the trip report for our team.
I will try but it is hard. Thanks for understanding.
Your friend, Mike

Photo of monument to the Holy Spirit on a busy
street in Mexico.
I am with Pastor David and wife outside Mexico City.
Break time at Friday evening’s meeting.

Mexico

Mike Wells — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:48:29 +0000

Mexico has been a blessing. One would be hard pressed to find a warmer heart than the Mexican heart. Betty and I are sick but getting better. It was amazing, I dragged myself out of bed for the Sunday service and met up with Raimundo. I told him that I almost called yesterday and asked him to take the meeting. He said that he had prepared for the meeting and was waiting for the call! Amen, he went to the Church and I went to bed! Enclosed are pictures of the prison ministry. It is much different than an American, Indian, Fijian, African, or Asian prison. The pastor of the inmates is serving 30 years for kidnapping. Yet murders and rapist serve 5 years. Last year 30 men were killed in the prison. The guards disappeared and the rival gang appeared with 40 machine guns. They told me the look on the face of the killers was demonic. Then 120 people walked out the front door as the guards disappeared. Honestly, you don’t have a choice as a guard or judge. The drug lords think nothing of killing your whole family. In four years over 50,000 gang members have been killed in this city (the same number of Americans killed in the Vietnam war). Last night 7 were killed. A drug king pin is in the seminar and wants to leave the gang but he can’t. The fear in his wife is overwhelming. I have enclosed a picture from the prison, a vase an inmate made for me out of cup cake wrappers and a beautiful sunset. Thanks heaps for your prayers. Well, for some added joy our latest addition Corbin, Hannah and Eric Morrel’s son.

Mike’s got a new look!

Betty — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:46:06 +0000

Prison ministry shots of the prison courtyard where Mike & Raimundo spoke for several hours Monday.

The arm stamp needed for Mike & Raimundo to enter the prison.

Always more in Mazatlan

Betty — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:41:43 +0000

Mike, Betty, Hilda, & Raimundo after lunch after church Sunday.

Pastors’ breakfast and meeting on Saturday.