Update from Pastor Virgil 11/30/23

Moving Christians from the pew to the harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38

November 30, 2023

The Word Works!

I trust you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was very quiet. We needed it. I preached on November 19 at His Presence Church here in Tucson. As always, it was a joy to be with Pastors Randy and Lori Winkles and all the family there. They have been our good friends and coworkers for many years. That said, I was very glad to get home and kick my shoes off. It was the final scheduled event for a few weeks, and I need the break. We have been on the go, seemingly non-stop since the end of June.

In the midst of the busy-ness, I experienced something new: writer’s block. For the first time in many moons, I sat and stared at my computer screen with no idea what to say. Sometimes I would just rearrange words, reassess punctuation, then delete the whole thing. It didn’t seem to affect the preaching ministry. The Word and Spirit still showed up in the pulpit, but written production came to a halt.

I’m happy to report that a few days rest seem to have re-primed the pump, and I am back to cranking out syllables.

Mexico is moving forward.

Joshua Taylor has been making trips to this area for more than a decade. He has seen the growth and process. He is an ordained minister with FCF, and a graduate of FMTI.

“There are several things that I notice whenever I go on a trip to Mexico. First of all the gatherings always have more of a familial atmosphere. Even though there are typically 7 different churches involved. It’s hard enough to have that in one church let alone when you have several involved. No competition, just family.

[16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians4:16 NLT

Secondly the majority of their lifestyles in which they live happily and content. Would be a state of devastation for the average church goer in the US. The art of contentment.

[12] I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians4:12 NLT

Thirdly there is a genuine heart to serve. Not just us, but each other and the community at large. They possess a consistent sincerity that is very hard to come by. I believe this is attained because of the healthy reverence that I observe. Fear God, love people.

[23] Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. [24] Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians3:23-24 NLT

Most of all, I would say it is a gift of desperation. There is a strong appetite and hunger for the move of God and the word of God. It makes it easy to bring whatever gift you personally have and add it to the already existing atmosphere of expectation. Stay hungry.

[6] God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Matthew5:6NLT”

Joshua Taylor.

Gabe Rascón has a unique perspective. He comes from a minister’s family, and has several family members who live in Hermosillo. He is active in men’s ministry as well as being part of a Christian music group. He is currently a student in FMTI. He has been part of our Mexico team for a little over a year.

“Here are some of my thoughts and observations.

It is clear that there is a special bond that has been developed with the churches in Hermosillo. The love can be seen deeply on their faces and in their eyes. I dare to say unlike I have ever seen. The respect and value they have for what is being shared is very tangible.

What I really see is the hunger for the word and for truth. I look around the room during teachings or sermons and I see the anticipation of what revelation is coming next. It’s like it’s opening a new level of understanding for the people and the churches. I’m not sure that there are many places in the region where the gospel has been made available in this way. I was raised in this environment and I know that in my spirit there is a move of God going on unlike they have ever had.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I hope to be part of it for many years to come. God bless you Pastor and the work that continues.

P.S. I see growth in the leaders in the short time I’ve been there,”

Gabe Rascon

Preparations are now underway for the annual Congreso in Hermosillo January 25-27. The theme is “Living in the Last Days.” It will be a grand time in the Lord. Please pray for this event and all the necessary preparations.

New York: The last time I wrote you, I was in New York in the midst of a three-week tour. Thank you for your prayers and support. I believe we made a difference. In particular, the Effective Leadership Workshop seemed to be both well-received and effective. Believers Church at Glenville hosted, and did a great job. Leaders from 4 churches attended. The content was aimed at building teams, having effective meetings, and making doable plans. The participation was excellent, and most went home with some applicable ideas.

Thank you for your prayers and support. You make it possible for us to continue building people of substance for works of power. When each of us does a little, we can all do a lot. You are definitely making a difference.

Financial support can be sent to Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson at the address below or given online at www.fcftucson.org. Make checks payable to FCFT and designate missions or pastorvirgil and it will get where it needs to go.

Here are some doable things for your consideration:

Have a glorious December!

Virgil and Judy Stokes

3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.

Tucson AZ, 85745

520-792-3238

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