We had another good trip to the coastal area of Chiapas in January.  Vic Spillman and Felix Cedillo went with me on this trip and we were able to complete 5 wells.  Three of the wells were for three different schools all from the same community, Villa del Mar.  We were able to share with the kids about Jesus by giving them each a Christian coloring book and a box of colors.  Our last well in the community of Villa del Mar was in the central park area.  After working all week with the people of this community we were able to have a community wide outreach one night in the "parque".  We showed a Christian movie named “La Esperanza” (The Hope), which gives a really good overview of the Bible from Genesis through the life of Christ and why we need a savior.  It never ceases to amaze me how many people we encounter that have absolutely no knowledge of the Bible.  It is always one of our main goals to try to give everyone a Bible and emphasize to them the importance of reading and studying God’s word for themselves.  Felix and I both shared a message after the movie and we gave out Bibles and tracts to everyone who came.  Our final well was drilled for a church in a small community named Rancheria Berlin about 30 minutes outside of Arriaga.  There they so lovingly served us a lunch of some very questionable chicken parts. HA!  And we wonder why we always have so much stomach trouble.   
     One day we made a quick trip up to Nachig (about 3 hours away) to visit with our friends the Sanchez family.  As many of you know through our newsletters and web site that they have been experiencing a lot of persecution lately.  Well, the community leaders (tradicionalistas) were at it again and had cut their electricity and water supply to their home and welding business, as well as banned them from having church services in homes or church buildings.  We contacted our attorney (Arturo Farela with Confraternice) in Mexico City and he started the ball rolling to try to get this situation resolved. Fortunately the electricity and water were reconnected after only about a week.  We wanted to go and visit with them for a little while and offer them some encouragement.  I think that is kind of funny because they are usually the ones who encourage us because of their continued faith through all of the trials and daily persecution they face just for following Christ.

     Each trip we receive more requests for wells and right now we have close to 20 more to drill in this particular area.  We look at it as a huge opportunity to share the hope of Jesus Christ with the people of this area.  They are so excited about the hope of receiving a water well... but we know that Jesus said, "If you drink of this (physical) water you will thirst again".  How wonderful to be able to share with them the Living Water who will quench their spiritual thirst forever!
     Also, the last week of February we have been invited to go to another part of Chiapas (Palenque) to help with hygiene training and also investigate the possibilities of drilling in the surrounding area.  Please keep us in your prayers as we are traveling so much.  Thank you!  We really appreciate and value your friendship and support.