Children in the church

On Sunday morning we went to Centro Christiano in Nualcapan, to the west of Mexico City. Nualcapan is a city of contrasts, and many hard working people can't find time or opportunity to go to church. Almost one-third of those in the service were children. They doubled and trebled the energy as we sang and clapped and worshipped God. These three little girls spontaneously formed a circle and danced to the music.

The children sang a welcome song for those of us who were visiting and then every one of them, tweny or more, gave a hug to every visitor. The pastor asked Walter to bring greetings to the church and asked me to speak to the children and to give them a word of blessing. Our translator was Roberto. Walter's greetings always include a reference to the leadership of the local church, and to the leadership of Daniel Ambriz. Before my prayer of blessing, I told them that their presence enhanced the joy of the church service and said that, while we delighted in their enthusiasm, our greatest hope was that they would receive Christ and become strong in character and life.

This little church is reaching into people's homes through the lives of their children. A daily after-school program with 4 leaders has 40 children attending, doing their homework and singing songs. One Saturday per month, the church holds a children's fiesta and 75 children attend on average. The pastor and family, pictured above, hold a weekly Wednesday evening outreach for children on the neighboring hillside.

The city is densely crowded, yet people walk up and down the mountain streets for up to 40 minutes to come to this church. Their joy is contagious and their devotion to God is genuine and inspiring.