“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know…His calling.”

Ephesians 1:18

**Session I for Class of 2027, Covenant History, began this past May taught by Professor Stephen Rannells, our IBI Padrino.**

**A gift to serve with each other!**

Missionaries Russell & Charlotte, Professor Stephen, Barbara and IBI President Pastor Carlos Tovilla, Directors Mauri & Pastor Cesar, Interpreters Berenice & Luis Pinto.

Opening prayer.

A great group of new students!

More from Class of 2025 Tuxtepec

Esli, our beautiful, bilingual valedictorian.

IBI CHENALHÓ CLASS 0F 2026

**Many thanks to Professor Steve for also teaching in Chenalhó, Session 5, Christ Kingdom in the Family. Interpreter Berenice.**

**Teacher appreciation day in Chenalho.**

Church of the Rock School of Ministry

**COTR - Texarkana has its own training school. Many of those students were in Tuxtepec for the church dedication in nearby community built with COTR funds.**

**A packed house for the dedication service!**

**Team leader, Pastor Travis, during ribbon cutting.**

OPEN MY EYES LORD

During this past summer, it became obvious that the Lord was speaking to us. One of our team mates came to MX with a song in her heart. At a prayer meeting where she was working the day before her trip, she over heard a group of prisoners singing “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” in Spanish. Russell was not aware of the story and started our first weekly worship gathering with this song in English. The following night, Dr. Jim led our devotional time with a Scripture reference that included Ephesians 1:18, …”the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling…”. But by the end of the week, we could not contain the emotion, nor the tears when Rebeca began to sing during the dedication of her new house.

Throughout the past years of working in MX, teams have often constructed houses for widows or single moms. This particular week, the focus was on a medical campaign, VBS for the children of Chenalhó, and a house for Rebeca. She is a single mom, but in addition to that, she has been blind since birth. Her parents will live with her to provide help in raising her young daughter and whatever else is needed. The dedication gathering for these homes are always very moving. The widows or single moms are so thankful, and they express their gratitude to our teams during this time. On this particular day, Pastor Carlos Tovilla and Pastor Alejandro, (Above Right Photo) along with the rest of our team prayed for Rebeca, her family, and her new home. There were many tears of thankfulness and joy! We are often told by the recipients of these new homes that they never dreamed of having something so wonderful to call their own. These houses consist of 3 rooms - a living area and two bedrooms. There are doors, windows to secure the house, and electricity, which means a light bulb hanging from the ceiling in each room. It is a “dream house” for these ladies.

Rebeca is a delightful soul, who loves the Lord with all her heart and loves to sing. Often she goes to the radio station in San Cristobal and sings live on air. Needless to say, she is a pretty remarkable young lady. With our theme all week being focused on praying, “Open our eyes Lord,” we were once again overwhelmed with emotion as Rebeca began to sing “Here I Am To Worship.” Verse 1 starts, “Light of the world You stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes let me see.” There wasn’t a dry eye in her house that day!

Blessings!

Russell

HOMESCHOOL

VBS

**Over 200 children gathered in Chenalhó for the annual VBS. Many thanks to all who made this a great success.**

SHOE DRIVE

**Over 200 pairs of shoes were distributed in July.**

**The Hernandez sisters are great organizers. Hilda with one of the many classes.**

**Closing prayer with Pastor Alejandro, the US and local Chenalhó teams.**

OUR SAVIOR’S CHURCH

**Team photo with Kitty Doiron, second from left on first row. Two weeks after this photo, Kitty passed away from a sudden heart attack. Our condolences to her family and friends.**

Well Done!

OSC of New Iberia, LA constructed a new building in San Filipe de Leon.

MEDICAL, VBS & CONSTRUCTION TEAM TEXARKANA

Thank you!

Many thanks to our incredible medical & dental team!

**Medical team lead by Dr. Jim Nichols and Dr Lulu.**

**Dr. Jim supervising soon to be Dr. David.**

**Thankful to have grandsons, Blake and Brody, join us this summer.**

OAXACA MINISTRY

**Foundations Church of Lafayette, LA with Pastora Bertha & family. Team installed new roof on older part of her house. Funded by Malones.**

**Pastor Steven Bowen preaching in Tuxtepec. Interpreter Esli.**

**Team funded & installed drop ceiling in church building for Pastora Irene.**

MAYA LA SELVA MINISTRY

**Family Life Sugarland, TX team constructed church building for historic community of Lacandon people in Metzabok.**

**Beautifully decorated church for dedication service.**

**Agua Vida Lacandon church received new adjacent roof. Funded by M & M Malones.**

**Ribbon cutting ceremony for Montebello, Pastor Nicolas.Funded by Pastor Travis, COTR TX.**

Beautiful Metzabok area with Lacandon guide

YOUTH IMPACT

During the past months, MXO had a real emphasis of ministry not only to the youth, but also by the youth. Savior’s Church impressive youth group along with Tuxtepec leaders.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

Each day, team members ministered in various locations. Russell with Mimi, who returned after her first trip to MX when she was 2 yrs old. OSC Youth at Tuxtepec orphanage.