A letter from Susie Frerichs in Mexico
january 2011
Yancuic Camanali/News from the Presbytery of Huastecas
Update by Mission Co-Worker Susanne Frerichs
Celebrating Christ’s Birth in the Presbytery of Huastecas
Because missionary pastors could not be in every church for Christmas, a roll was drawn years ago and the tradition of participation in each other’s celebrations was born. Although today we don’t walk nearly as far to attend services, a small contingent from each church generally is present in worship with the congregation celebrating each evening. Services are held somewhere each night from December 20th to the 28th, interestingly enough with exception of the 25th. This year I participated (either leading worship and/or leading a part of the women’s choir) in worship in six churches. However, my focus this year was El Frijolillo, directing both the children’s musical program and the Nahuatl women’s choir. A highlight this year was the addition of choruses in English for both choirs!
Literacy Courses Set to Begin
I will begin teaching literacy classes sometime during the month of February with the assistance of two women from the education ministry of the Presbyterian Women organization in El Frijolillo. Classes will be held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with one class for elderly women from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and a second class for younger women from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. So far I have six women signed up for each class. Please pray that the Lord would use these classes, not only to teach the women vital reading and writing skills but also to improve their self-esteem, broaden their vision for God’s purposes for their lives, and help me improve my Nahuatl skills!
Sunday School Classrooms Complete
Classroom construction at the Most Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church of El Frijolillo begun in 2006 was completed in early December, thanks to the hard work of brothers and sisters from both El Frijolillo and Austin, Texas, and contributions from supporters across the Huastecas and the US.
A Special Christmas Feast
Upon returning home from a Christmas service in Huitzitzilingo on December 24th, I came across a five pound armadillo which I managed to run over, collect off the road, and prepare for Christmas breakfast with a lot of help from friends. Absolutely delicious!
In Memory
Those of you who have followed my news during the months of November and December know that in addition to my studies for completion of my master’s degree, I spent much of my time ministering to a family that has become dear to me over these past four years. Brother Rosalino Hernandez, a regular companion of mine when I visited congregations throughout the presbytery, found rest on December 12th from his relatively short but intense fight against melanoma. Please keep his wife Catarina and family in your continued prayers, including his daughters Saret Hernandez, the missionary who attends to the church in Taxicho, and Amalia, a friend of mine of whom you have heard much about.
Please pray for:
- The presbytery meeting in Octlamecayo, Jan. 20th-23rd, that the Lord would guide presbytery leadership through challenging issues.
- The church of Tezapotla’s evangelistic outreach in the community of Acoyotla, where new believers are being harassed.
- Sister Rosita of Chapulhuacanito who fell, broke her shoulder, and is now recuperating from surgery.
- Brother Tomás of Chapulhuacanito who continues under treatment for his heart condition.
- Pastor Abel Manuel of El Frijolillo who appears to be suffering a damaged ligament around one knee.
- Literacy courses being held in Huitzitzilingo, Chancuetlan, and El Frijolillo, that they bring true, holistic transformation to the lives of those studying.
- Rain in the Huastecas.
- Spiritual endurance for lay leaders tending to new congregations in Acoyotla, Xicotla, Tianguis Picula, and Tilapis.
How to Support Us
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, any contributions for the ministry here in the Presbytery of Huastecas should no longer be sent to Presbyterian Border Ministry in San Antonio, Texas, but to a new account opened for the presbytery within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Contributions for the Presbytery of Huastecas can now be sent to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700 and earmarked for ECO#052111. Your gifts will be collected and forwarded to the presbytery via the General Assembly of the Mexican Church. Thank you so much for your patience with us during this transition.
Gifts for my support can continue to be sent to the same address, but earmarked for ECO#074044.
My updates, photos, as well as online giving opportunities are available at: www.gmac.pcusa.org/ministries/missionconnections/frerichs.susanne.
His grace be upon you all. With love and gratitude,
Susie
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 283
