Dear Pastors, Church Families, Friends and Family:

The Lord said in Luke 14:23, “…Go out into the highways, and hedges, and compel them to come in that my house may be filled.”  I understand and practice the context of this verse spiritually.  But in all of our travels, I am reminded of going ‘out into the highways’ physically.  In barely over a week this November, we found ourselves going up and down highways in 15 states – even some of the states were crossed twice as we came and went.  In November alone, we traveled over 5,000 miles for ministry purposes (not to mention personal errands).  I was amazed as I took the time to do the math.  Many miles equals to more opportunities to challenge churches, getting the gospel out, and raising more support.  Praise the Lord!

As I think conversely about the geography of Mexico City in comparison to our travels in the states, it is much different.  Yet, I still can’t get over the multitudes there as opposed to the United States and other places.  Mexico City’s population is larger than the country of Canada; twice as large as New York City; three times larger than Chicago; four times larger than Philadelphia, five times larger than Washington DC, and the comparison just goes on and on.  More shocking to me than the size of Mexico City is the relatively few laborers/missionaries that are there.  I am reminded, however, that “little is much when God is in it.”  Glory to God!  We can’t wait to get to the field and Lord willing, we will be there next year.

As I think of the opportunities in Mexico City, I am reminded of the darkness there.  Many consider Mexico City to be the kidnapping capital of the world. Just last month, a missionary (Alberto Gomez) had a family member (Nehemiah) kidnapped.  About a month prior, another missionary had a family member kidnapped in Mexico City.  Praise the Lord that both were released, one by ransom and the other by escape.  As I anticipate getting to Mexico City, I am reminded of the wise words that someone once said – “Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger men.  Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal to your tasks.”  Amen!  Please pray that God will give us the strength and power we need to bring much glory to Him as we endeavor to get the gospel out to the second largest city in the world.

One blessing to all of our deputation travels is to hear of God’s mighty work amongst His churches and people.  Not too long ago, I complimented a pastor on his nice church building.  I was awestruck as he explained the history.  The church had a hospital ministry, and the pastor won a dying man to the Lord.  The man, though still poor in health, actually recovered somewhat.  The man, grateful to the pastor and for his new salvation, asked how he might help the church.  The pastor asked him to pray for a new church building so they could move out of their overgrown storefront building.  Unbeknownst to the pastor, the man was a millionaire and built a new church building for the congregation.  Hallelujah!   This man was the first baptized in the new church (in a wheel chair) a few months before he passed away.  You would be amazed at how many surprising stories we hear about God’s provision and goodness.  We have heard so many that my wife is writing a new book called “Just Passing Through” to account of some of these wonderful stories.  As we obey and trust the Lord, we realize that the Lord “…is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Eph. 3:20).

I must close; so bye for now.  “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the world of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:1.  We pray for you, too.  We are your servants for Jesus’ sake (2 Cor. 4:5).

Bro. Mike Wallace & Family