“Moving Christians from the pew to the harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38
Congreso, 2019 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. January 24-26.
Our friends in Hermosillo took a step up this year. They exercised their faith to have the conference at the Hotel Araiza Convention Center. In addition, they invited Faith Christian Fellowship leaders Fred and Cookie Brothers and Pastor Jon Coats to come, along with me and Pastor Randy Winkles. It was quite a production! Attendance ran around 100 in the morning sessions and about twice that at night. The meetings flowed smoothly, the food and fellowship were wonderful, and many new relationships were formed. It blessed me to see so many of our Bible school grads and students taking part in the services, either preaching, serving, or on the worship teams. I was particularly impressed with the high quality of the worship. Good job, folks!
The theme of the conference was “The Power of the Word.” The morning sessions are directed to pastors and church leaders. I taught each morning on the importance of keeping the Word of God central to our pastoral ministries. Using the ministry of Jesus, Paul, and James, we looked at how pastors can disciple others and feed the flock in an effective way. We provided extensive outlines to all the pastors and leaders so they can take the material home and into their own pulpits. You make that possible, and it is a huge benefit to these ministers.
Pastor Randy ministered on Thursday evening, the Lord using him to speak prophetically over many in the service. He exhorted the churches to give place to the supernatural power of the Spirit. On Friday night, Pastor Jon Coats spoke on generational synergy and the importance of tapping into the gifts of all age groups to find and build leaders. He prayed for many young people with a call to ministry. Saturday night, Pastor Fred Brothers, speaking from Joshua, urged us to take a bold step toward what God has spoken to us, even if it’s new and a little frightening, “crossing over” our personal Jordan into the promise of God.
It is now twenty years of working in Mexico, and we see much fruit. That all can only happen because of your prayers and support. Thank you.
What a Cool Wedding!!!
On Sunday, January 27, the night after Congreso, I was privileged to officiate at the wedding of Eduardo and Rosa Andrade. Eduardo is my primary interpreter in Hermosillo. He began working with us in September of 2017 shortly after his release from federal prison in the U. S. and deportation to Mexico. He has been a great blessing to me and is taking classes in our Bible school while honing his interpreting skills. He and Rosa also serve as youth ministers at the local mission church where the wedding took place. This man has a distinct call of God on his life, and if he stays steady will be a great blessing to many. It was gratifying to see the local people who came to honor this couple. Please keep them in your prayers.
Speaking of Interpreters: Panama in May!
Eduardo will be joining me on a trip to Panama May 14-20. He will serve as my interpreter, doing a class on Divorce and Recovery from Divorce for Vida Ministries in the Darien province. On the same trip, we will be visiting Elixandri Álvarez in Meteti, Darien. He is establishing a recovery home for addicts and alcoholics in this most remote of villages. The incidence of addiction problems among the indigenous population is huge, and we want to be a support to him in his effort. We are providing discipleship materials specific to addiction, as well as digital IEMFe classes.
Please pray for this trip. The potential to touch lives is huge. Many years ago, I told another pastor that I felt like the king of out of the way places. He told me I should quit saying such negative things. I don’t see it as negative. Jesus crossed the sea at night in a storm to reach one demon-possessed man. Humans are valuable wherever they are, and the Word works for them if someone will just teach it to them. We will.
New IEMFe Classes Begin in February.
After a little break for the holidays and Congreso, the Instituto de Entrenamiento Ministerial de Fe team is back in business February 14-16. We will be in Hermosillo at Orabes Church beginning the “Holy Spirit” course. This class helps churches get clear on what they believe about the Holy Spirit, and especially helps them to get others filled with the Spirit. We have over 50 students who are doing homework in the courses, and attendance generally runs around 80. God is building foundations that will last! Pray for us as we prep and travel.
Blogsite and Facebook Page
Please stop by my ministry blog page at www.pastorvirgil.com to keep up to speed on the current teaching thrusts. I also have a Facebook page for the ministry. Search on Facebook for @contendforthesupernatural or go to Pastorvirgil.com. While you’re there, hit SHARE. I need you to help spread the wealth.
Upcoming events:
February 14-15. IEMFe classes, “The Holy Spirit.” In Hermosillo.
February 16. Pastors Breakfast in Hermosillo.
February thru November 2019, monthly IEMFe classes in Hermosillo.
May 14-20. Darien, Panama. Classes and visit recovery facility.
June 1-10. Ministering in churches in New York. Itinerary to follow.
June 25-28 FCF Family Conference in Tulsa
July. Our vacation
Now Scheduling: August thru December, scheduling now. Email, text or call if you want me to come see you.
Gratitude.
Your prayers and contributions make all this possible. I am filled with a vigor I haven’t enjoyed in many days. There is much to do.
We continue to be part of Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson. Financial support can be sent there or given online at www.fcftucson.org.
Yours in His service,
Virgil and Judy Stokes
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson AZ, 85745
520-792-3238
pastorvirgil.com 