Restoration House in Rosamorada

This is a report from late-summer of 2023 about Pastor Amado and the work he and his team are doing in Rosamorada, Nayarit. 

His church's name is La Iglesia Hermosa Casa de Oración (Beautiful Church House of Prayer) and they have activities Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and main service on Sunday. 

His Restoration House is called Lighthouse of Hope. This is a drug rehabilitation center that focuses on restoring the individual along with their family for a whole year. He expresses a need here for room and board scholarships for the young people who want to get off drugs. Most of the time, the family is unable to help and pay for this. It only costs about $200 us dollars a month for them to stay. It is a one year program, but because of the nature of a voluntary stay, most do not make it past 6 months. Join with us to help save someone's life out of the darkness of drugs. If you feel led, please indicate your contribution for "Cofradia United: Restoration House" and follow the instructions here.

Prayer for Maty

Mati is Pastor Goyo's wife. He is the Lead Pastor of Centro Cristiano Cofradia and works along side me as the head of La Cofradia United. Mati has been leading the Cofradia Kitchen for a few years now and has taken some time off because of her health. She has had pain in her abdomen for a while and the doctors removed her appendix which later they realized that was the wrong diagnosis. After searching deeper with better machines, they found a tumor hidden behind her intestines. The tumor was removed a week ago and they will be renting an apartment in Tepic for a couple weeks. She is doing much better and never likes to be the center of attention. She has not wanted any of us to say anything. But, please pray for a complete healing in her body, quick recovery, and if you feel led to help out financially with their doctor bills, please indicate that in making a donation specifically for "Pastor Goyo" here.

Investment in the Kingdom: Flee in the Name of Jesus!

Growing up, my mom taught me that when temptation comes or if I'm feeling attacked, I can tell Satan to flee in Jesus Name, and he will flee. It works. It works because Satan is defeated. Jesus defeated him. He is just a powerless being with a big mouth. His specialty is lying, mainly through deception. We see this all over! Here in Mexico AND in the states.

A few days ago, a young man came by the house and told me that he was having trouble sleeping at night. He said he could feel a presence enter his room. Sometimes, he says it grabs hold of his arms and he can't move them. Other times it covers his mouth so he can't speak. He said this happened the other night, and he was able to get out the words, "Flee in the Name of Jesus!". As soon as he said that, the presence left the room and he was free.

This reminds me of an encounter I had in the late 1990s when I first arrived in Cofradia. I had been here for a little over a year when a brother in the Lord (Joel) asked me to go with him to pray for a girl who was having some problems sleeping at night. Joel was from San Diego (a nearby village) and had recently given his life to the Lord. His testimony was amazing! I used to go out to his house each week for a home group bible study as well as another Indian village called Agua Aceda, about 7 miles up into the mountains. Joel has since passed away.

Joel and I hiked out to where the 12 year old girl lived with her mother between the two villages. When we arrived at the house, her and her mother were there to greet us. I think I remember a couple little kids, too. This girl told me that she couldn't sleep because she was afraid. She said something scary that looked like a purple pig with really long fingernails appeared at the end of her bed trying to grab her at night.

I looked at her and said, "I cannot help you, only Jesus can." After explaining to her who Jesus is, she decided to make Jesus Lord of her life and accepted him into her heart. I told her that because she had Jesus inside her, all she needs to do is tell whatever that scary looking thing is to "flee in the name of Jesus!"

A few years went by without seeing them or hearing from them. One day, while visiting San Diego where Joel lived, I saw the mother of the girl, her name is Julia. She remembered me and I asked her how things continued with her daughter. She said after we prayed for her and left, she never saw that creature again! Praise the Lord!

Thank you so much for your Investment in the Kingdom. Your prayers for our ministry, the people we come in contact with, and our own lives are so appreciated! It is because of your partnership that we can reach these people.

Investment in the Kingdom: Guadalupe Gets Baptized

Guadalupe (Lupe) lives in a town nearby Cofradia called Paso Real. She is originally from Cofradía. Recently she gave her life to Jesus and decided to publicly confess her faith and get baptized. Praise the Lord for what He is doing and how people are opening their hearts to Him.

Thank you for your Investment in the Kingdom. Some of you have contributed to Pastor Goyo and the church in Cofradia, Centro Cristiano. This is your investment.

Investment in the Kingdom: A Family Reunited

A young man came to our house the other day who has confided in us for nearly two decades. This young man knows Jesus and is learning how to trust in Him.

Almost a year ago, this man found himself in such a grave situation that made him so desperate he pretty much lost his mind. He became dangerously suicidal and threatened to take his wife's life. What was going on left us all astonished; we had no clue of problems in their marriage. Things escalated to the point that he ended up in jail for a few months. After being released, he sought psychological help and is doing much better. Soon, the truth of what sparked the consuming fire in this relationship came out and he found himself needing to forgive his wife for her unfaithfulness. By this time, she had taken her children and left to live in the city with the person she thought would solve her problems. Her situation became so miserable that she fell into depression and her kids were suffering terribly. When offering her to come back home, she accepted and they mutually forgave each other. She has still not made Jesus Lord of her life, but they have taken a step forward to a better situation. Our prayer is that she gives her life to Jesus and he is able to peacefully trust in the Lord and be the man of God he is called to be. They are far from being restored, but for now are A Family Reunited.

Thank you for your prayers for the believers in Centro Cristiano Cofradia. Your Investment in the Kingdom is helping to restore families.

Investment in the Kingdom: Useless Garbage to Perfect Blessing

(these are not the original sandals in the story)

At the Tuesday night meeting in Cofradia, one of the ladies who attends lives with her in-laws. One day her father-in-law was throwing out a pair of sandals that no longer fit her mother-in-law. She saw them and thought, "someone could use those!". Her father-in-law even told her, "those are useless, what are you doing digging them out of the garbage?" She responded, "These are still good, someone can use them". She left it up to the Lord to show her who the sandals could bless. Hours later, another lady who was in great need was passing by the house and she noticed her need for sandals. She went back in the house to get the sandals the were deemed "useless" and gave them to the lady; they fit perfectly! These sandals went from Useless Garbage to Perfect Blessing! And, the sister used the skills she's learned of listening to the still small voice in her Spirit on how to be a blessing to someone.

Thank you for Investing in the Kingdom of God and partnering with us! Some of you have given and contributed to Pastor Goyo and the church in Cofradia, Centro Cristiano. This is part of your investment.

Investment in the Kingdom: Grateful for God's Provision

On Tuesday nights, Pastor Goyo holds a Discipleship class with a few faithful believers who are eager to learn and grow. As we finished and shared prayer requests and praises, one of the ladies started to share about how thankful she is for God's Provision in her life lately. She recently gave her life to Jesus and made Him Lord of her life. There was a time she was so worried because they didn't have any money at all. Someone gave her $50 pesos (about 3 US dollars) and she hesitantly accepted because she didn't want to be a burden on anyone. With that, she was able to buy some supplies to make tortillas for her and her family. She began to put her faith in the Lord and the next day her husband received a payment from work worth about $150 US dollars. Then, days later some support money appeared in their bank account of nearly $300 US dollars. This strengthened her faith and made her Grateful for God's Provision. She continues to take steps forward in her walk with the Lord.

Thank you for your Investment in the Kingdom of God and partnering with us! Some of you have given and contributed to Pastor Goyo and the church in Cofradia, Centro Cristiano. This is part of your investment.

Investment in the Kingdom: Opening Up

Near the end of the meeting we had with Pastor Rodrigo and his midweek group, a visitor whom one of the members had invited, started to share what was going on in their life. They had grown up in the traditional Mexican church, but realized that there was no relationship with God. She went on and shared some issues that she had been dealing with in her life which caused her to search for Truth. When she was exposed to a Christian church, she realized that there was something more; the differences were night and day..."very different"...from what she was used to. She had been to a couple Christian churches, but either got lost in the crowd or was disappointed that the promised follow-up had not occurred. She was disillusioned and became discouraged. After listening to her share her heart, we had a time of prayer with her and she felt like she found a place where she could learn about God, the Truth, and how to walk out her Christian Faith. She was able to open up because the church was ready to listen.

Thank you for Investing in the Kingdom of God and partnering with us! Some of you have given and contributed to Pastor Rodrigo and his church Cordero y Leon in Culiacán. This is part of your investment.

Investment in the Kingdom: Forgiveness is Freeing

On our way back to Cofradía, we stopped by our friends' church in Culiacán, Cordero Y Leon. They adjusted one of their meetings in order for us to be able to participate in their service. About a dozen people came to the late evening service and we just sat around a table and talked together. This church had just finished the 13 week Discipleship Course called Freedom In Christ; one of our staples in our ministry. I asked those who had participated what their experience was and how the Lord impacted their life. Each one mentioned just like most others who take the course, that the section on forgiveness spoke to them the most. More than one said, "I didn't realize that I had not forgiven (either someone in their life or themselves)". Forgiveness is Freeing!

Thank you for Investing in the Kingdom of God and partnering with us! Some of you have given and contributed to Pastor Rodrigo and his church Cordero y Leon in Culiacán. This is part of your investment.

Cofradia Kitchen Kids 2023-09

The Cofradia Kitchen is back in service after summer break. Mati has done a great job training helpers which was very needed as she spent most of the month in the hospital. She is doing well and back at home. Please continue to pray for her health. Here are a couple of pics she took at the beginning of the month. Thank you all for your contributions to keep the kids fed in the mornings. They are hearing the Word which will NOT return void. Blessings!!

Missions Opportunities

MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

COFRADIA UNITED MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

On the field needs in Nayarit, Mexico:

Here is a list of different ministry opportunities we have in COFRADIA UNITED. Some "positions" can be overlapped, but these are the ones that are most needed and are in no particular order.

Our heart is to Raise Up Leaders in Rural Mexico. That means that we, as missionaries, are discipling believers to be followers of Christ and willing to lead and take ownership of the ministry.

VISION: 

The unified body of Christ working together (Romans 15:5-7) “…be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus…with one mind and one mouth glorify God…receive one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

MISSION: 

Raising up Leaders in Rural Mexico (2 Timothy 2:2) “And the things you have heard (me teach) among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

All "positions" require:

-A genuine love for God and people

-A consistent, growing relationship with the Heavenly Father

-Grasping the vision and mission of the ministry

-Working under the supervision of the Mission Base Director

-Using and continually developing leadership skills

-Financially supported through a donor support team for personal fundraising (no paid positions)

-Consistent communication (monthly) with that donor support team

Please contact Steve here for more information.

______________________________________

Mission Base Director Assistant

-Shadow the Mission Base Director

-Be willing to offer general counseling, teaching, conference speaking, and mentoring.

-Be available to local Lead Pastors, who form part of this ministry, for pastoral care and mentorship 

-Over-all Ministry Oversight and Supervision in Director’s Absence

-Spanish Speaking Required

Property Manager

-Live on Mission Base

-Keep grounds clean and looking good

-Keep buildings clean and looking good

-Oversee vehicle maintenance and usage

-Oversee/Fulfill maintenance responsibilities (water, gas, electricity, etc.)

-Oversee properties in other locations alongside locals

-Teach/train others to do what you do on the mission base

-Spanish Speaking Highly Recommended

Short-Term Missions Host

-Ability to communicate well with and in front of people

-Recruit and prepare stateside teams for a 7 or 10 day mission trip

-Work along side the Short-Term Mission Coordinator for stateside preparations

-Come along side the vision of the local church on the field

-Be responsible for hosting and leading short-term missions teams on the field

-Make hotel/travel arrangements on the field for the teams

-Spanish Speaking Required

-Stipend Available

Projects Manager

-Ability to work along side locals teaching them skills and learning from theirs

-Ability to prepare accurate project budgets

-Ability to communicate project proposals with current and potential partners

-Ability to coordinate and fulfill the steps to complete a construction project

-Facilitate and delegate responsibilities among locals and guests

-Be responsible with Mission Base tools

-Construction skills necessary

-Spanish Speaking Required

Sound Technician

-Oversee the local Church’s sound system’s maintenance and usage

-Teach others to run sound and maintain system

-Coordinate the use of the sound system for outreaches

-Spanish Speaking Required

Videographer

-Oversee the local Church’s Livestream services

-Oversee the local Church’s in-house projections

-Make video productions for promotional use and reports

-Teach others to make videos

-Fundraising skills highly recommended

-Spanish Speaking Required

Student Ministry Volunteer

-Serve the Student Ministry Pastor

-Coordinate events alongside Pastor

-Lead bible studies, games, conversations

-Fundraising skills highly recommended

-Spanish Speaking Required

Children’s Ministry Volunteer

-Serve the Children’s Ministry Pastor

-Coordinate events alongside Pastor

-Ability to lead bible stories, games, crafts

-Fundraising skills highly recommended

-Spanish Speaking Required

Rehabilitation Center Assistant (Rosamorada, Nayarit)

-Single Male

-Live at the Restoration House

-Serve the Director of the Restoration House for drug and alcohol addicts with humility and transparency

-Grasp the vision of the Restoration House

-Have a love and calling to Drug and Alcohol addicts

-Be willing to adapt and follow the in-house rules, showing an example

-Respect the schedule and work towards completing the goals

-Spanish Speaking Required