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ALuaas!THE BILL HOFF FAMILYAPARTADO POSTAL NO. 57QUERETARO/ QRO. MEXICO

NEWS OFThe CHmiEIIGi

THE NORM DUNGAN FAMILYAPARTADO POSTAL NO. /ZjlQUERETARO/ QRO. MEXICO

OF CHRIST IN CENTRAL MEXICOPRINTED IN MEXICO VOL 12, NO.^ WINTER 1981

The Way We Were; 1980During 1980, BILL AND MARGE HOFF

were involved in the followingmission-related activities:Bill;T! ^Leading the English worship services (8 families actively participating.)2. Teaching 2 classes at the BibleInstitute (6 hours per week).3. Calling in Queretaro (1 day aweek).4. Calling in other towns (1 day aweek).5. Serving as camp treasurer for1980-81.6. Sharing in the Spanish congregation leadership activities.7. Assisting local and visitingmissionaries and families with theirmechanical and electronics problems.8. Transporting people to the weeklyBible studies held at the Bible Institute (there is no bus serviceavailable at that hour).9. Working with the radio ministry(Jan. - Aug.)10.Working on a committee to developadult Bible School literature forMexican churches.Marge;1. Helping with Bible Correspondencecourse grading and mailing.2. Teaching a Bible school class inthe English-speaking work.

NORM AND MARY DUNGAN were active inthe following mission-related work;NORM;T. Preaching for the Spanish-speaking congregation (2 servicesweekly).2. Sponsoring the youth work.3. Directing the Bible Correspondence course ministryletter writingand course development.4. Managing the Queretaro centerof the Mexicen non-profit organization (an A.C.), and representingthe corporation before the government .5. Handling Social Security book-work for che 12 Mexican evangelistscurrently represented by our A.C.6. Serving on the cemp committee.7. Teaching 2 courses at the BibleInstitute (6 hours per week).8. Acting as Academic Dean of theInstitute.9. Overseeing the weekend internships of 4 Bible Institute students.10.Working on a committee to developadult Bible School literature forMexican churches.11. Calling 1 night per week inQueretaro.Mary:1. Helping with Bible Correspondencegrading and mailing.2. Teaching; English-speaking work.

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THE MISSION WAS INVOLVED FINANCIALLY AND PERSONALLY1. Printing of a new chorus book.2. Establishment of a Building andLoan fund.3. Purchase of a bus, in partnershipwith the Christian orphanage in town.

4. Distribution of nearly 1000 NewTestaments and 20,000 tracts.5. Youth rallies, camps, men's meetings, national meetings.6. Evangelist assistance. #ND

What is actually being done in ourrrinistry today? Presently Bill isdevoting time to the English congregation which is currently meeting inthe John F. Kennedy school. Theattendance runs about 18-20. Normdirects the Spanish-speaking congregation which meets in his home. Itsattendance runs about 30-45. He isalso helping them in their searchfor a Mexican evangelist who willdevote full-time to Queretaro, as heis now a full-time English teacher.

Both Norm and Bill are teaching atthe National Bible Institute. Billteaches 5 hours a week: a class inMessianic Prophecy and one in shopwhich is designed to help the youngmen earn a living and be able topreach in an area where there is nochurch to support them. Norm teaches6 hours a week: a class in Corinthians and one in Revelation. Healso serves as the academic dean.Both Bill and Norm believe that thismultiplies their ministry and makesa strorg church possible. There arc28 students in the institute and onany weekend at least 20 of them areserving in churches throughout theBajio.

Bill also works with leaders ofthe churches in Viborillas (100miles), San Juan (18), La Palma (25)and several in the state of Mexico.The visitation and leading in thecongregation is hopefully both uplifting and encouraging to sounddoctrine.

Beyond these duties Norm devoteslong hours to preparing the legallyrequired forms and reports for thenon-profit corporation which givesus legal grounds for publishinggospel literature and Bill works onelectronic and mechanical equipmentfor other missionaries to help further their ministry. He has repaired tape recorders, movie projectors, cars, tractors, among otherthings. #BH

StoneWhat might 1981 hold in store for

the work of Bajio Christian Mission,Of course, only the Lord knows thatanswer. However, we are laying thefollowing concerns before Him:*In August, the Dungan family willhave completed 12 years in Mexicoand will begin a 10-month furloughat Johnson Bible College.Before that time comes, we herewould hope to see the Celaya churchin its new building;*We could hope to be back on theradiobut we would hope that ournewspaper ads would bring good results. We would hope to have placedat least 3 separate ads in 7 Bajionewspapers by July;*We woL'ld like to see an Easter weekcampaign in the city of Leon, in thehopes of beginning a new and strongwork there;

*We would hope that the Queretarocongregation would have a full-timeMexican evangelist working with it,and that plans would be well alongfor building;*We would pray thc.t the first lessons of the new adult Bible Schoolmaterial might be ready for printingand lesson-plan addition and that wemight be able to contribute something to the lesson planning.

After the Dungans leave, the Hoffswill be concerned about:

continuing teaching at the BibleInstitute, in the English-speakingwork, and at 2 mission points;

attempting to find land on which tobuild a house;

opening some totally new fields inthe Bajio, through films, tracts,and personal visitation;

taking over the administration ofthe A. C. in the Dungans' absence;

sharing in the camping program;helping other congregations whichmight wish to make use of the Building fund. #ND

FAMILY AFFAIRSI am happy to 6ay that thCng6 oaq. dzi-

AjnlteJiy looking up A-tnce my Habakkuk paJva.-phAa&z 0^ thz la6t weiui^etteA. The fiooiha& bzzn fizpaln.zd, we ho\)Z Zyu>taed a newcomp-teAiOA. Zn th(. ^fuzzzoji, and (w-6t/i tkzheJip o wo/tt/i thz zUontand thct HzatheA. ^ gzttcng thz best education possZblz.

Spzakaia oq HzathzA, we contlnuz to bzpfLoud 0(J hzA. Shz 16 assuming moAz az-sponstbthty Zn thz ^amlty and continuzsto bz on the. HonoA Roll zach gAodlngpzAlod.

Natltah continuzs to dzlight: and. cha/unus alt uUth his antics. Hz lovzs to pne.-tznd and thz othzn. day "dAovz" Into mykitckzn In his tAudi and said, "Hzlto. HomaAz you today?" I Az&pondzd, "Well, I'milnz, Ma, Vungan. Hou) aAz you?" Hz announced Indignantly, "I'm not Sh. Vungan.I'm Ak. Hoj$(5." And so bzgan anotkzn. gamz.

As you can szz, we o^e all busy, buthappy. Nathan's newz&t mesaoAy vzasz isouA pAzsznt thexnz, "Alsaays bz iu^ o^ joyIn tkz LoAd. I say it againAzjalzzV'

PERSONAL GLIMPSESEuama', ThC& is thz my we havz ielt

hzAz {iOA ovzA a month. Just thz lastcouplz 0(5 days havz we begun to thaw out.Wz oAz IzaAntng not to iafee i^ie sun ^oAgAontzd. God's cAzation is mrdzA^ul.

We had a vzAy busy but blesszd ChAistmasszason. Re.bzcca soon caught on thct opzn-ing gl^ts ms a lot oi ^un Izvzn li pizyvizAen't heAt>). MoAk thoAoughCy enjoyedthz day aJUo. Thz weefe ioZZouiing ChAistmas was spent AzcupeAating and settlingback into a Aoutinz ^olCouiing ouA boAdzAtAip lohich wa6 made just bz^oAZ thz 25th.Kill had vcAcous vooAk-Azlate.d activitizsto kezp him busy.

On Wew Vzoa's eve we zntzAtainzd thzijoung pzoplz in.om thz Spanish-spzaJungcongAzgation. EvzAyonz se.emzd to havz agood ti.mz as thzy atz sandwCchzi, chipsand dips, candy and soda pop. Vahtzzz wasa neio game, that many enjoyzd.

This past month MoAk has been quttzsick. His tempzAotuAZ nangzd ^Aom 101 to103 dzgAzzs ioA zlght dc.ys. Even a(^teAvisits to two dliizAznt doctons, thz ccaszcould not bz detznminzd. We oAz thankfulthat hz is much bettzA and gnouUngstAongzA uUth all thz vitamins ajid iAonthat hz Is taking. MzanwluXz I havz hadmy shoAz o^ tlmz sitting in a denttst'sckalA.. I havz had six visits on one toothand stlU.. it isn't ^Inishzd.

following mny months o^ pAzpanatlon,thz dl.zszi snglnz is cuAAzntly bzing In-stallzd In ouA tAuck. As I wAitz this,un^oASzen pAoblems havz oc.cuAAzd but wepAay that It uiiZt oil mAk out and thzW'OAk iuitd wll.l be savzd gasollnz expense.

dJittiln thz next couplz o^ months weshoi'Jid bz ablz to Azpoht that wz havz puA-dhxLSzd a plzcz OjJ land on whi.ch to buildOUA housz. HopziulZy by thz summeA OjJ1982 wz will be. ablz to movz Into a paAti-alJiy constAuctzd housz.

God Is good to us In spitz o^ ccld, sickness, etc. Let's pnalsz His namz.

li\

Pn.G4fe^ And"First of all, then, I urge that

entreaties and prayers, petitionsand thanksgiving, be made on behalfof all men...this is good and acceptable in the sight of God ourSavior. I Timothy 2.

When youmember:

petition Him please re-

Gelacio and Vicente, young men,who have let themselves become separated from the church and the Lordby the cares of this present age.

The family of Rodolfo Moreno. Brother Moreno died last month leavinghis wife, a fine Christian, and hisfamily who largely do not know ourLord. Pray that his death mighthelp them see their need for theLord Jesus. He was instrumental 1ndistribution of thousands of gospel

from:BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSIONC/0 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH221 E. 26TH PLACEYUMA, ARIZONA 8536ifADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

tracts on buses and in jailsthroughout central Mexico; so alsopray that the Lord will raise upworkers to replace him.

Phyllis Obregon who Is having severe problems with her eyes, andmay lose the sight in one. Praythat the physician will be guided intreating her.

When you praise Him give thanksfor:

The churches in Irapuato and SanFelipe which are beginning plans fortheir constructions.

Marcelino, an Indian young man,who was baptized on Christmas eve.He is now eager to learn the Scriptures and teach his neighbors.

The arrival of Gordon Cliffordfrom Western Mexican Christian Mission who is engineering Bill's engine installation.

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

YUMA AZ 8536^+PERMIT NO. 86NON-PFT. ORG.

smxcss

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MAR 2 6 198^

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ALuaas! JUL 3 0 1981THE milLjmP FAMILYAPARTASb-POSTAL NO. 57QUERETARO/ QRO. MEXICO

THE LYN^^DUMfiAN^FAMIAPARTADO POSTAL NO. 7i\lQUERETARO, QRO. MEXICO

NEWS OFThe IHRllEnCE OF CHRIST IN CENTRAL MEXICOPublished Quarterly VoL 12. No. 3 Summer 1981

CHURCH LIFE

Our "mission" work takes many forms andinvolves several kinds of activites. But it allshould revolve around one central focus; theestablishment and nurture of congregations.Without this kind of growth, all the otheractivities lose much of their importance andjustification. Missions cannot just be a matterof "doing things;" there must be some reason,some goal. And, over the years, there should beevidence that tiie goal is being, at least to someextent, reached. So let's talk about churchgrowth in the Bajio.There are now seventeen active congregationsof Christians Only in the Bajio, and tlhere isadditional contact with two o^er congregations that had a denominational beginning butthat have sought out fellowship with andteaching from some of us. Of the seventeencongregations, all have weekly services(minimum). Six have student preachers, twohave missionary leadership, six have full-timeMexican preachers, and three have their ownlocal leadership.

But, specifically, what is currently happeningamong the congregations? In September wespoke of beginning a Loan Fund to assistcongregations in their building programs. As Iwrite this, two congregations have receivedloans totalling $70,000 pesos (almost $3000dollars). One l^ilding is now up to theroofline,and the other has everything but a floor, doorand window. In both cases, the Christiansare doing the construction, so money goes intomaterials alone. In both cases, additionalmoney will be necessary for the ^nishing of thebuilding, but it has been decided to wait andsee how faithful the loan repayment is going to

be before additional funds are lent.

In other areas of church life that we have eitherseen or had reported to us: *A new workin thecapital city of Guanajuato has been having anattendance of around 40 at its Sunday meetings. *The English-speaking work in Queretarohas been strengthened by the coming of twonew families to the services. The congregationmeets in the music room of a local school.*The church in Sn. Juan del Llanito has hadtwo more baptisms recently, and the congregation in Santa Rosa has had five additions.*Several of the congregations in the area had a"Fifth Sunday" rally in April, with an attendance of over 125. *The Spanish-speakingcongregation in Queretaro has had one baptismrecently; it raised $8000 pesos in 4 mon^s tobe used at the camp; it has been havingmonthly pitch-in dinners which have blessedand stren^ened the believers; and it extendeda call to a Mexican evangelist to come and workfull-time with the church and to lead in abuilding program. Lord allowing, he will bearriving in August. The church will be providingabout $100 dollars of his monthly salary at thebeginning. Regarding the building, the church'sproperty is now totally paid for, so the congregation can now turn to the building it^.Preliminary discussions have already b^n heldconcerning loan possibilities; I imagine that itwill take $10,000 dollars to build the kind ofbuilding that the congregation will need.

We praise God for each congregation He hasgiven and for the testimony they live beforeAeir community. We believe they are preciousin God's sight, and we know they are a sourceof joy and encouragement to us. ND

IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION

Those of you who have become acquainted with missionaries know that they are always preoccupied withtime and money. A closely related concern is transportation. On some fields the airplane saves time, but it isexpensive. In Central Mexico with its vast system ofhighways, the automobile is still the best compromisebetween time and money.

With the high price of fuel and lack of time, Bill andNorm have invested in some specialized vehicles. Oneis a 1970 Chevy school bus. It is a 40 passenger modelwith a 6-cylinder engine. The bus was offered to theChristian orphanage here, but they couldn't raise thefull purchase price. Norm, hearing about the bus,offered to pay one half, and the bus was purchased.

The orphanage uses the bus for outings and picnics,and the bus is used for church and youth group events.During the first year the school w^ch had sold us thebus was unable to find the title to it. Then one daythe police impoimded the bus. Why? It had beeninvolved in an accident two years earlier, and thedamages had never been paid.

So Norm, Bill, and Bob had a bus in jail and withoutan adequate title to remove it. For weeks they and theschool battled red tape to free the bus. The problemw^ to get the bus out before the National Men'sRetreat to ^x^ch it was sch^uied to go with 35 men.With much prayer and work the bus was released justbefore the deadline and the title is now clear. It did goto Saltillo (400 miles north) for the retreat, but it used25 quarts of oil on the trip or about 32 miles to thequart. Last month the engine was overhauled, so itshould perform better on its next trip.

The bus has proved to be a great benefit for youthmeetings because it promotes friendships and singing.The miles seem to disappear (for everyone but thedriver) as the youth sing.

Bill was suffering with a "gas hog" (a 1973 ChevySuburban) and driving 2 to 3 thousand miles a month.Sometimes he did not visit as often as he felt desire-able because of the gasoline. So as his engine got nearthe 170,000 miles mark, he decided to change powerplants. He chose a Perkins diesel because of the lowcost of diesel fuel (17 cents a gallon) and readilyavailable parts; and in February he pulled the oldengine and transmission and substituted an overhauledPerkins and a 5-speed transmission. The job would nothave been possible except for the able help of GordonClifford, who is a missionary to Baja California,Mexico. The results have been vei^. satisfactory. Thecost of operation runs 1 cent per n)He for fuel. Naturally the power isn't quite as good as it was but theeconomy is great. BH

A NEW TEAM FORMED

In previous issues.of Saludos we have spoken oftwo of our valued co-workers. Becky Ray hastaught our children for the past three years, andHumberto Ramirez has been involved in a printing ministry in the city for about two years.Now the teaching and printing ministries havebeen merged, as Becky and Humberto are nowMr. and Mrs. The Civil wedding in Queretarowas unique in Mexico, for it was performed bya Christian judge and held at the Christianorphanage. The religious service was held inIndiana on June 20. The couple will continueto work and serve in Queretaro, in their sameroles but now as one family. We rejoice withthem and look forward to sharing with them intheir new united life and ministry. ND

A FACE LIFT AT CAMP

What does Renault have to do with a Christiancamp in Mexico? Normally nothing, but thisspring the camp was able to buy six hugepacking crates from them. They contain lots oflumber and plywood. They were purchased touse the lumber for bunk beds for camp, but thebase pallet was so well made that it was decidedto make one into an outhouse. Holes were cutand plastic oil buckets, without top and bottom, were installed as "stools." A frame of 3x3inches from the same crates was erected andcovered with tar paper as was the roof. Presto,a Renault outhouse. It only lacked a trenchunder it. The tar paper lasts about two years.

The original purpose of the wood is also beingachieved. Fifteen bunk beds are being builtwhich will bring to 90 the number of availablebeds. The other 40 campers will have to sleepon the floor as before. Maybe next year.

The camp facility is not used just for camp; italso houses pro-literature meetings, men's retreats, special youth retreats, etc. The lastmen's retreat was devoted to four hours ofbible study a day, but the men wanted to workalso, so they dug a 4-foot trench for the outhouse, (tough work through solid rock), theyrepaired the basketball goals, made cementsteps, and performed several other jobs.

The camp is rustic but effective and useful. BH

FAMILY AFFAIRS

School is out! I'm sure that the students can'tbe any happier than I am. It's been a busy, busyyear. It ended beautifully, however, with alovely graduation banquet for our two graduates followed the next day by Becky'sMexican wedding. It was my first experience atbeing "the mother of the bride" and it was lotsof fun. The kids at school are practicing thissummer sajring '.'j^rs. Ramirez" instead of "MissRay" for next year. Becky will teach one moreyear before she settles down to being a full-timehomemaker.

I'm looking forward to having at least a litdefree time in between moves this summer. Wemoved the Hoffs into our house the middle ofJune, so now we are living in our house withtheir furniture until they get back from theStates the end of July. Then it will be "hello-goodbye" as we pack up for our move to Tennessee the first of August.

Heather vacilates in her feelings about themove. One minute she's excited about going toa "big" school with lots of kids-a school whereshe gets to "change classes." The next minuteshe is crying as she thinks of the friends she'llbe leaving behind. The one thing she won'thave to be concerned about, however, is herability to handle the work. We feel that theschool here has prepared her very well for heryear in the States.

Nathan, of course, doesn't have the foggiestnotion of what's going on. He can't figureout why the Hoffs' furniture is in our houseand our furniture is at Becky and Huberto's.He is enjoying two things about the move,however-"helping" Daddy pack and havingMark's toys in our house in addition to his own.

Nathan's Bible memory work seems to reallybe becoming a part of his life. Not long ago, infact, he brought me up short. After dinner oneday I served dessert to everyone but myself.He asked me why I wasn't having any and Itold him I was fuU. His response was "Are youfull of joy? " I lauded, but it really was a timefor soul-searching. "Lord, thank you for theteaching that comes to us from the mouthsof our children." /

aH

PERSONAL GLIMPSES

"May we come over to your house while weawait the decision of the doctors?" "Ofcourse," I answered to this request. A Mexicanevangelist, Hermilo Gasca, was speaking. He, hiswife, and their one-year-old son needed a placeto stay while their four-year-old son was in thehospital a few blocks from our house. He hada ruptured appendix but the doctors wanted tobe sure this was the problem. He was in theLord's hands and the parents were quite worried when they arrived. The visit turned into anine-day stay but we were grateful for thisministry of service.

On May 21st it was our privilege to sign thepapers that gave us possession of a 220 meterpiece of property in a nice residential section ofQueretaro. Lord willing, construction of ourown house will begin in September. Meanwhile,we are moving from our current location toreside in the Dungan's house for ten months.We are grateful for this opportunity.

"Mommy, are you going to get married again? "This was the question Mark asked after seeing awedding ceremony. His questions can sometimes be quite challenging and at times, veryamusing. He is a sweet boy and helps a lotaround the house. He is very good at entertaining his sister. First grade has now ended forhim and his grades were very good.

"Shoes, shoes." Rebecca loves to play withshoes. One of her sandals is taken off within ahalf hour after I put in on every morning. Thenshe begins trying on her brother's shoes. Thisoften keeps her occupied for an hour at a time.She is a real joy and your heart melts when shewaves and says "good-bye" and lies dovra tosleep.

I praise the Lord for our family. Please continue to pray for us physically and spiritually.Thank you for your love cis a family of God.

v

PRAYER AND PRAISE

PRAISE:

*for the renovated bus;*for the baptisms;*for the paying-off of the Queretarochurch

property;*for the success of the 2 newspaper ads that

have appeared in 7 area newspapers. Over 70new students are now enrolled and studyingthe Bible correspondence courses as a directresult of the ads;

*for the comingof a full-time Mexican evangelist to the Queretaro work;

*for the construction projectsof 2 congregations;

*for the recovery of Abdil Gasca, son of anevangelist, who had a ruptured appendix.

FROM:BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSIONC/0 GLENDALE CHRISTIAN CHURCHP.O. BOX ifl5GLENDALE, AZ 8 5311

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

PRAYER:

*that the concrete-block-maldng machinemaysoon be in operation and that we will quicklylearn how to make the Uocks;

*that the building loan fund willcontinue tofunction and be available for congregationswho need it;

*that the campmay continue to be an effectiveevangelizing and discipling tool;

*that the Dungans' furlou^ year may be wellused and that the Lord will strengthen theHoffs as they do double duty in the field;

*that Lorenza, our Christian aster inQueretaro,will be consoled in the death of her mother.

gmjrsAfEU.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #36Glendale AZ

I'lSoIOM SERVICESBJX 177

in 46C49 UBS

35^5"

ALuaas!1 12 iQnUI

THE BILL HOFF FAMILYAPARTADO POSTAL NO. 57QUERETARO/ QRO. MEXICO

NEWS OFfhe IHnilEnCE

THE NORM DUNGAN FAMILYAPARTADO POSTAL NO,QUERETARO, QRO. MEXICO

OF CHRIST IN CENTRAL HEXICOPublished Quarterly Vol. 13, No. 1 Fall 1981

MEJIA NEWThis year as the NationalBible Institute was giving areception for its graduates,the founder and presidentsubmitted his resignation.So the institute's teachersand alumni began a searchfor a man to fill the gap.There were two suggestionsand the man who seemedbest able to fulfill the jobwas Brother Modesto Mejia.Modesto, who was unknown to many of theteachers, came to Queretarofor an interview (which turned into two allday meetings) and accepted the job.

Modesto graduated from Colegio Biblico in1965 and spent three and one half yearsin Puebla, Mexico, which is several hourssouth of Mexico City. There he was activelyinvolved in evangelism and participated in theInstituto Biblica Mexicano in Mexico City.His students all applauded his ability andpreparation as a teacher.

PRESIDENTHis last ministry has been inReynosa, a city on the Mexican side of the U.S. border,about 15 miles south ofMcAUen, Texas. He has beenworking there for 10 years

\ and has built a congregationwhich has its own building.

Modesto and his wife, Joan,have three children ages 8,12 and 14. Presently, becauseof the children's education,they are continuing to livein Reynosa but will presum

ably join him when the school year ends.

The reaction on the part of the students tothe new president has been overwhelming.They like and respect Modesto and the faculty's reaction has been much the same. Werealize the strain it must be to live away fromhis family and can only pray that the Lordwill compensate for it. Please pray for himand the institute.

V/.I.P. in QueretaroFrancisco Ramirez is a V.I. P. here in Queretaro. No, he is not themayor or governor, but is none-the-iess important. He is a veryimportant person because he is in charge of the entire CulturalCommunications Center here. The center, referred to as CCC, is anon-profit organization which provides legal status for the printingand literature distribution portions of our ministry. Francisco gradescourses, keeps up the filing system and then mails out the newcourses. He also answers letters and visits students upon request,epecially those that have problems. Often students live three or fourhours away from Queretaro.Francisco's life has radically changed since he encountered Christ.He was once a runaway with no family ties. He was a busline employee who lived a wild life and traveled constantly. Now he has

re-established his family ties, and his family has largely accepted Christ through his ministry. His famUy livesseven hours northwest of here. A few weeks ago he received a call asking that hecometo baptize two friendsof his brother who had accepted theLord because ofhis brother's testimony. He and his wife left Friday nightat midnight in the Volkswagen. When they returned, they recounted with great joy that the family of one ofthe youngmen had heard and accepted the gospel so that instead of two baptisms there werefour.Francisco is unassuming and humble. He is willing to help in almost any way; for example, working on relocating the outhouses for camp (he has been the camp purchasing agent for the past three years). He watchesRebecca when Bill has to teachat the bible institute, and Margy is helping in Mark's school.Francisco is studying to be a teacher. His wife is already an accredited teacher and commutes one and one halfhours to a village school each day. They have a four-month-old son named Jonathan. Francisco teaches theyouth classat church each Sunday. This family is truly appreciated here in Queretaro.

A Tale of Two ChurchesThere are several churches within a 35 mile radius of Queretaro. Two of those in which I am involved are tothe west; both are in small villages. The first is in San JuandelLlanito. This church is relatively young. It wasbegun because of the testimony ofMargarito Roque, a student of the correspondence school (see Feb. 1980).This church was growing rapidly when persecution broke out. Now growth is more difficult but the brethrenare not disanimated, but rather are pushing their testimony in the community. They are highly active withfour meetings a week. Tuesday night is prayer meeting, Thursday night is Bible study for which I have beeninvited to preach, and two Sunday services which are led by local leadership and students from the bibleinstitute. The church has a Timothy who is a graduate of theinstitute. He isGelacio Santiago who isactive inthe church and in the youth group of the Bajio.The church is about 40 strong and although that is a small percentage of the village, it represents a greatadvance in a town where 20 yearsagoa Christian wouldhave been run-out-of-town or possibly killed.Another nearby church is the one in La Palma. The church is an old one. It precedes our arrival in Mexico. Itis a prime example of a church growing in difficult circumstances. Thevillage is one where thereare no farmsor industries; most of the men live by working several months a year in the U.S.The town was very closed; but 12 years ago a tract thrown from an airplane was answered and an Americanmissionary preached the gospel. Now Sunday attendance is over 100 people and the church has a lovelytwenty by forty foot building with electric lights and plastered walls.Most of Ae people in the town had an opportunity to hear the gospel years ago so one is surprised by howmany visitors come to services. I am teaching there Tuesdays and my emphasis is toward making the church"missions conscious" so that they vrill propagate the gospel beyond their village into the neighboring ones,and perhaps think in terms of sending their youth for training in missions.

Personal GlimpsesPerhaps the most difficult part of being amissionary is living so far away from ourfamilies. The grandparents and other relatives are unable to see the children grow andmature. This past summer our fanilies had

the opportunity to enjoy Mark and Rebeccaas we spent several weeks in the States. It wasan enjoyable time for everyone.. Mark hadthe privilege of "shooting" fireworks.Rebecca finally learned that the statues,paintings, etc. were all horses at her grandparent's house. Mark and Rebecca enjoyedone more treat as we took a train ride to thebeautiful Topango Canyon in northernMexico on our way home, But it was nice toreturn to cool weather after being in the heatof the United State's southwest in July.

We are enjoying the spaciousness of theDungan's house this year. We praise the Lordfor the opportunity to spend this time here.Six days from now the "big shovel" willbe digging the hole for our house. I amexcited about this begiiming after havingwaited so long.

Mark had a nice 7th birthday party. He invited some American and some Mexicanfriends. The highlight of the party was thebreaking of the pinata. Mark is enrolled ina Christian school here. There are 19 studentsfrom grades 1 through 12 using Alpha Omegamaterials. He is receiving excellent gradesand enjoying school even though it is a lotof work. Yesterday Mark enjoyed a trip tothe museum and zoo in Mexico City. Allthose that were on the honor roll had thisprivilege. Due to the type of program used atthe school (correspondence) Becky, theteacher, needs two helpers each week. I takemy turn every third week. This keeps us allbusy as Bill watches Rebecca during this time.I am also kept busy entertaining the manyvisitors that we have, but we enjoy company.Rebecca is growing fast. She loves to write"Becca." Now when she doesn't know thename she will say, "I want something."She loves to eat and is as chubby as Mark isskinny. -

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Prayer n'PraisePRAISE THE LORD FOR:

* the new president of the bible institute, Modesto Mejia.* the 4 baptisms near Zacatecas, 7 hours north of Queretaro.* "the church building in Celaya. The concrete roof is now ready to be poured.* two new teachers at the bible institute.* the beginning construction of the Hoff's house.* Jovita (a poor Christian lady) and her husband who have now found permanent

housing and employment on a ranch 35 miles east of Queretaro.* three graduates of the bible institute last August.* the ten young people that were baptized at camp last summer.* the Christian school that Mark now attends.

the completed church building in Urireo, Guanajuato.

PRAY FOR:

* the continued improved health of Mary Gonzalez as they desire to return toQueretaro. They were missionaries here three years ago.

* the former president of the institute. May he be used of the Lord.* a new teacher for the Christian school next year.

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