April - May 2009 Prayer Letter

April-May 2009

Dear Praying  Friends,

Flu viruses, earthquakes, face masks, cancelled church services and scary newscasts seem to be the order of the day in Mexico City right now, but even in all that the Lord is in control.  I’m currently on furlough but have been in contact with my team and fellow missionaries. Sunday services had to be suspended temporarily by request of the Mexican government.  I am pleased to report that no one in our ministry has been affected by the fu.  Please keep Mexico City in your prayers, things are beginning to return to normal.

Prior to leaving on furlough I had the privilege of doing teacher training.  Of the group Maribel has been teaching for 2 years, but is always open to learning all she can to be a more effective teacher.  The other four ladies are new to teaching and are anxious but excited to be able to teach as well.  One of the blessings of our time together doing teacher training was the fellowship and growing closer as a church family.  We learned a lot together but we also grew closer in the Lord.  Please pray for these ladies as they step out of their comfort zones to become teachers.

I would ask for your prayers for the church at Lindavista where I served for the past year in helping to reestablish their children’s ministry.  They are still going through the process of finding a pastor.  Please pray for wisdom as our team decides the best time to exit.  Much has been done in laying a healthy foundation once again and teaching Godly principles of leadership to help them in their search for a pastor.  I left the children’s ministry just prior to leaving on furlough with what was needed to continue.  Pray for those that have been left in leadership that they will seek to continue to honor the Lord and reach and grow children in their relationship with the Lord.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit a few churches and also speak to several classes in a Christian school.  It’s always such a privilege to speak to young people and challenge them to choose His plan for their lives.  I still have some weekends available while on furlough, if you have room in your church calendar, I’d love to share what the Lord is doing in Mexico City, my contact info is above.

Some of the things I’m doing on furlough include doctors visits, visiting family and car shopping.  My left knee has been a problem for some time so I’m taking care of that.  As far as family, I have had so much fun reconnecting with my nieces and nephews...wow do they grow up fast, some of them are teens now, they weren’t when I returned from furlough last time!!!  


And finally the car thing, I’d ask that you help me pray as I go car shopping in July or August.  My car has been so great...I’ve done deputation in it as well, as two terms and two furloughs, but the time has come to retire it.  I’m looking primarily at SUV’s due to the roads in Mexico City (those of you who have visited know exactly what I’m talking about), and more specifically a Nissan Xterra due to its suspension and truck chassis.  Yes, I never thought I’d car about either thing over color and cuteness, but a vehicle is a vital tool to ministry.  I’d ask that you please help me pray for wisdom and direction and above all a really great deal!!  Many have been praying with me about this so I’m excited to see how the Lord answers.  If you’ll join me in praying about this drop me an email and I’ll be sure to let you know how the Lord answers.

With every letter I always say thank you for your part and yet that always seems so inadequate, but it’s the best phrase we have in our vocabulary so THANK YOU!!

Cynthia Castillo

Mexico City