Dear Pastors, Churches, Friends & Family,

Greetings in Jesus’ Name!  I mentioned it in the last prayer letter but let me say again that at the end of this month, we will begin receiving our mail c/o V.I.B.M on the border at PO Box 908 Donna, TX 78537.  Of course, our financial support stills goes to and through our home church (First Baptist Church of Kenmore in Akron, Ohio).

A lot has happened since our last prayer letter.  On a personal note, our daughter, Hannah, was recently engaged to nice young Christian man – Mark Martinez, who just graduated from Heartland Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma City.  Amen!  Hannah will graduate from there, as well as get married, next May.  Mark plans to assistant pastor for a while in Colorado then church plant in Colorado.  We knew this was coming and we are very happy for them.  Also, we were finally able to replace our van.  Praise the Lord!  Thank you for all who prayed and gave.  Our replacement is new enough that we can drive it in Mexico City every day of the week (for a few years) and not be limited by emission laws, as well as we could nationalize it if we choose.  The mileage on this vehicle is much lower (our old van had over 250,000 miles) and mechanically, this newer vehicle should be very dependable.

By now you probably know a new Mexican president, Enrique Pena Nieto from the IRP party, was elected on July 1^st. Some think this change might help with some of the cartel violence in Mexico.  It will not stop the greatest source of the problem, however, and that is the huge demand for illegal drugs in the United States.  Sadly, a few days before the election, there was a shoot-out between “good” federal police and “bad” police with cartel ties inside the Mexico City airport.  I would not profess to know all of the answers to this great problem of sin in Mexico, United States and the world, but I do know the best solution – the proclamation and reception of the glorious life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.  Glory to God!  Realize I didn’t say religion was the solution as Mexico, and the rest of the world has plenty of that.  But the Bible says when a person gets saved (John 3:7), they become “… a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Such was the case with a 19-year-old named Ricardo that I witnessed to recently.  He was trying to find work and many in his condition get lured into “easy money” with the cartel, gangs, etc.  After talking with this young man for a while, sharing scripture and giving him the gospel, he repented of his sin and trusted Christ as Savior.  Hallelujah!  What a blessing also that some other missionaries I know in Mexico have seen some cartel born again!  Many people feel sorry for the situation in Mexico and rightfully so, but I am reminded of what John Wesley said – “Sympathy is no substitute for action.”  Christians must give & pray, missionaries/pastors must go & preach, and God will do what He always has – extend undue mercy on repentant sinners who respond to the truth of salvation according to the Bible!

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.”  (2 Thes. 3:1)  We pray for you, too.  We are your servants for Jesus’ sake (2 Cor. 4:5).

Bro. Mike Wallace & Family