Arriaga, Chiapas
Arriaga, Chiapas Mexico
Situated along the Pacific Coast of Chiapas is a town called Arriaga. As you get closer to the water there are many small communities lining the coast line. Many are poor fishing villages, others work for local ranchers, but they all seem to have one thing in common, a need for clean drinking water. In the fall of 2008, God lead us to this area and it has been a continual stream of requests ever since. The water is shallow (around 100 ft deep) and some wells are even artesian, with the water just bubbling up above the ground. The problem is that most of them don't have the money or resources to have a sealed well dug for themselves. Spiritually, there are multiple churches in every community, but there is a very heavy spirit of religion among them which causes division among the brothers as well as a host of other problems.
God has given us grace with the people and we are welcomed into each community; some even anxiously waiting for 6 months or more for us to come to their village. Granted we are giving them a well for free, a much needed commodity, but what an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with them in a real tangible way. For each community we work in, we show evangelistic movies in the plaza, share the gospel with them, give Bibles to the churches, minister to the kids, and teach health and hygiene to improve their standard of living. Sometimes just sitting and talking one on one is the most effective way to share Jesus.
All of our work is in the small villages outside the town of Arriaga, but we work from there because it is where all the hotels and places to eat are. Right now we have over 30 requests for water wells, so there is a lot of work to be done in this area. Our prayer is that with every person we meet there will be seeds sown into their lives for the Kingdom of God.
January/February 2010 Trip:
Gabe and Vic just returned from a trip to Arriaga. Unfortunately, as soon as they arrived our truck broke down and wouldn't crank. Despite the stresses of being in a small town, not having mechanics that know much about this truck, and the fact that it was the 3rd time this truck has broken down in Chiapas; God made a way for the work to get done. They were able to borrow a truck and finish 8 wells. They supplied fresh, clean water to 2 clinics, 1 school, and 5 churches. When they showed a movie about God's plan of salvation there were several hundred people in attendance.
We are planning a return trip soon to pick up the (hopefully) now repaired truck. When we go we hope to drill another 6-8 wells, as well as have kid's ministry, some evangelistic outreaches, and hygiene training. We will let you know when the dates are planned. Your prayer support is invaluable on these trips. Below are some of the pictures from the trip.
On a personal note; we are settled into the house in McAllen, TX. The kids are happily enjoying going to a Christian school and we parents are enjoying the conveniences of American life. While our focus is still on the ministry in Mexico (and wherever else God leads), the move has been what we needed as a family. Thank you for your friendship and continued support throughout these changes. We miss our family and friends in Southeast Texas and hope to get to see you all more often now that we are a little closer. We love you and God bless you.
Gabe, Jessica, Payden & Audrey
Posted by MRI at 2/11/2010 1:19 PM 
Categories: Chiapas
Tags: arriaga chiapas water well drilling ministry missions resource international
Categories: Chiapas
Tags: arriaga chiapas water well drilling ministry missions resource international
Gabe, I am very impressed with what you are doing to bless the lives of or neighbors down south and to bless the lives of your own family. I teach Spanish now in Jasper where we grew up and when I saw what you have accomplished with your life it warmed my heart. God bless you brother.
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