On November 17-19, GCI Mexico held its National Conference in the city of Guadalajara. The purpose of the conference was to equip pastors and other leaders serving GCI congregations in Mexico. Over 40 attended. Mission director Lorenzo Arroyo and pastor Heber Ticas gave seminars on biblical preaching, personal evangelism and Jesus’ missionary model.
Through conferences like this, GCI’s leaders in Mexico are being helped to understand the importance of intentionally multiplying disciples and planting new churches. Newly appointed Mexico City pastor Natanael Cruz will open on December 2 a new mission work in Zumpango-Tizayuca (near Mexico City). Alfredo Mercado, pastor of GCI’s Guadalajara church and Mexico’s national leader, is “preparing the soil” to plant a new church by 2014. Both pastors are working with potential church planters who currently are leaders within their existing churches.
On Saturday at the conference, there was a ceremony in which credentials were presented to the Mexican pastors who were appointed this year. Receiving credentials at the conference were Ruben Ramirez, Luis Alberto Soto, Humberto Perez, Arnoldo Trigg and Natanael Cruz (credentials were sent to Rigoberto Pantoja who was unable to attend the conference).
On Sunday, a special worship service was attended by over 130 members from the area. Church planter Heber Ticas, pastor of GCI churches in Sun Valley and Los Angeles, California, gave an inspiring sermon on Jesus not allowing Peter to be sifted as wheat but rather to be strengthened in faith.
On Monday, Rita Arroyo and Xochilt Ticas led workshops for pastor’s wives and other women. The workshops were on devotional journal writing and decision making with Martha and Mary. The women were elated to receive seminars related to their needs—there were tears and much joy in sharing with one another.
The Mexican youth are preparing to celebrate their second national camp to be held December 29-January 1. The camp, with the theme, “The call of the Master” will be held on the beach of Guayabitos (near Puerto Vallarta). GCI Generation Ministries secured scholarships for campers and invited Mexico’s national youth leader Samuel Mercado to attend the GenMin Converge summit in Southern California in February.
The next GCI Mexico National Conference will be in Guadalajara on March 29-31, 2013 (Easter weekend). Special guests will be Joseph and Tammy Tkach, and Gary and Cathy Deddo.
