Mountain ministry is a joy
Surviving their first six months in the mountains of Mexico was an adjustment, but Chris and Rachel Thomas have fallen in love with the area and with the Northern Tepehuan people.
Chris and Rachel met in seminary and worked many years in youth and children’s ministries before becoming missionaries. Culture and language study took 2 ½ years. During that time they also searched for a ministry location. It was decided they would minister to the Northern Tepehuan people in an area where NTM missionaries have been working faithfully for many years.
Many of the Tepehuan people speak little or no Spanish. The Mexican church embraces these people, but the language barrier makes ministry challenging. Chris and Rachel feel warmly welcomed by the Tepehuans and are now living the reality of culture and language study in their daily routines.
Rachel bakes much-appreciated cakes and cookies for the ladies. Chris shares that they have an abundance of visitors daily in their home. Chris and Rachel have learned that their little town is full of widows and orphans. Chris adds, “Most are seeking food, clothes or medicines. The town is full of needs; the most vital being the need of Christ in their lives.”
Chris is actively seeking Northern Tepehuans who can help him learn their language. He writes that it is hard because many of the men either work or are extremely shy. This is a challenging barrier to language study for Chris.
Chris and Rachel are helping some of the youths earn money for attending a summer camp. They invite these young people to come to their house and bake desserts and cookies to take to town and sell. They also enjoy hosting a youth Bible study in their home for Mexican youths and for Tepehuan youths who understand Spanish.
Recently Chris was blessed to see God working in Northern Tepehuan believers’ hearts. He was sharing some struggles that he and his family had faced and how God was faithful in all times. The surprising response came back to him, “Oh—we thought Christians in the states didn’t suffer like we do here.” So God is using even their trials to build a foundation of love and ministry to the Tepehuan people.
Chris and Rachel thank God for strong support from their ministry partners. They are especially grateful for care packages. Chris shares, “It has been so overwhelmingly wonderful …. We have no doubt that this ministry is covered with prayer and we are so grateful for that knowledge.”
Pray for God’s continued blessing on Chris and Rachel Thomas’ mountain ministry to the Tepehuan people. Pray that He will raise up Tepehuan men to partner as language helpers for Chris. Pray for Chris and Rachel as they open their home in loving hospitality to embrace the Tepehuan people. Pray for God’s work in the lives of the youth who meet in their home for Bible study. Pray that God will continue to prepare the hearts of the Tepehuan people to receive the message of His love.