Pastor Gustavo and his Wife Marta

Pastor, prophet, apostle and church planter–all that resides in the job description of Gustavo Villanueva. He and his wife Marta and their extended family reside in Mexico City, Mexico.

Kari and I caught them breaking a fast following the recent prophetic conference which he and his church hosted.

Column of Fire is the English translation of their church’s name in Spanish: Columna de Fuego. Pastor Gustavo is a fiery evangel with a passion for God.

For my wife and me, it was an experience to see this man in action. A dynamic preacher with a keen word of knowledge, we saw first hand as he preached the Word and led someone to Christ. We witnessed many healings following his messages, and we saw how God uses him in prophecy.

Perhaps most significant of all, Pastor Gustavo aptly trains numbers of young men and women for ministry. At least four churches are currently growing up under steady leadership from Gustavo and Marta.

Mexican Hospitality–a Lesson for the World

I once remarked to Rocio (the wife of Pastor Waldo) that Americans are noted for independence and efficiency. I then asked, “What in your opinion is the forte’ of the Mexican church?” Without a second thought, she replied, “Hospitality!” So right she is.

Each excursion we enjoy into Mexico, the saints outdo each other with genuine love and hospitality. Churches the world over could come to Mexico to learn first hand what Biblical hospitality looks like. The saying Mi casa es su casa exemplifies the heart to serve and put others first.

Araceli and her husband Ray are a delightful couple. (Sorry I don’t have a picture of you, Ray senior.) They opened their home to us even though they had not fully moved into their new house. Each drove us around Mexico City for hours on end. They interpreted so capably for us. What wonderful examples of Christian service and hospitality. Thank you, Ray and Araceli and family!

Kari with Another of Our Hostesses, Laura

God used Kari in Mexico. One of our purposes was to challenge capable Christians to hear and obey the call to missions. Kari is an “object lesson” for all to see when it comes to hearing God and following Him.

When God spoke to Kari to go to Murang’a County in Kenya, she prayed and went. She obeyed to go to Mongolia. In each of those nations Kari was able to encourage pastors. She is now in the process of equipping pastors with the Jesus film in their native tongue complete with solar powered projectors, screens and backpacks.

Local Churches in Mexico are Empowered by the Spirit

La Pescadora (the Fisherman’s Church) pastored by Waldo Ceron and his wife Rocio) are a joy to visit. We had so much fun there and the people are so responsive.

Marco (and his wife Melissa) Mendoza lead El Pastor de Amor (The Shepherd of Love) church in Mexico City. This large church is built on the Rock of Jesus Christ. Strong and stable, it serves as a Lighthouse beyond it’s walls in the city.

The church in Mexico is strong and growing. Prayer, fasting, and preaching the Word are pillars of the ministry. Genuine love, as for churches everywhere, is central to the message. Every church we visited begins with a time of ministering to God through talking in tongues.

May God be glorified in Mexico!

We are all united in Christ. What a joy awaits us when we will gather together in heaven to worship our Savior.