Fiften years ago, after a fifty-hour drive from Chicago, Dave Hernandez and I arrived in Tenancingo just in time for a concert and outreach that our team had organized in the downtown plaza. I felt exhilarated to be finally living in mountainous Tenancingo.

We parked my Jeep Cherokee and walked through the city square. Enthusiastic street peddlers, adorned with Mexican sombreros, were selling purple and yellow inflatable toys for children. Shoe shiners called out at passers-by, offering to put a gloss on their boots. Taco vendors were frying pork steaks, Mexican sausages, and onions in oil and heating handmade tortillas on iron griddles. A Mexican ranchero ballad blasted from the street. I turned, expecting to see a young Mexican driving a new, polished Chevy truck, which would be typical in the streets of Waukegan, but I was happy to find a Tenancingo family in a seventies Ford 150. I was, now, really in Tenancingo.

Our purpose in Mexico was to start a church planting  movement, preaching the good news of the Gospel throughout the many unreached cities and towns. Our first priority was to plant a church in the city of Tenancingo. We envisioned the new Tenancingo church to be an "Antioch church," sending Mexican church planters into the region. Our strategy was to train a Mexican pastor from within the church and move into the region with Mexican church planters. 

 On Sunday, June 12, we will hand the pastoral "torch" to Richarte. He will become the senior pastor of the Christian Community Church of Tenancingo. Kathy and I will advance church planting in the forgotten cities and towns of our region with Mexican church planters we have been equiping.

  Since the birth of the Tenancingo church plant, Richarte began training for ministry with us. Six years ago he was ordained and has served as the "Co-Pastor."  During the last four years he has preached more and lead more of the ministries of the church. During this last year, Richarte has lead most of the local church programs, and I have focused on training and the transition.  

 Early one morning last week I sat in the Tenancingo Plaza and prayed. I thought of the God's faithfulness and of your faithfulness.  You have prayed, supported and encouraged Kathy and I throughout the years.  You are part of our church planting team and on June 12 we celebrate together.  A Mexican pastor, who is committed to a regional movement of church planting,  will lead the "mother" church in Tenancingo.   

  We thank you for being faithful partners with us.