What if we were not here?

Here is an excerpt from Jann and Gary Allen's most recent newsletter:

Last night a group from our Tuesday Bible study group went to visit a
member who has been absent lately due to two eye surgeries. She has
been so confined for these months as she must not do anything to jar
the surgical results. We were welcomed into their lovely home to
share a short devotional time and a meal. Two other women were
invited also, and the hostess told us that they have met for their
own fellowship time since they have not been able to drive to the
regular weekly meetings.

That evening made us reflect on the many people the Free Methodist
Church has touched here in Mexico. Just within our small circle of
acquaintances we can think of widows, children, broken marriages,
persons with addictive habits, lonely people, the injured (both
physically and emotionally) who have found a friendly, loving
atmosphere within our walls. Then we think of the talented youth who
have been given an opportunity to share their music, to teach, or go
to Bible School.

People have come into our church who just noticed our sign as they
walked by, came to one of our outreach or service programs, or were
invited by friends.

Some of you know that our church has just opened a new work in Leon,
in the state of Quanajuato. It is a city of about three million
people. The economy there is strongly dependent on the sale of
leather products (shoes, wallets, purses and belts) on an
international level. Our church there came into being due to an e-
mail that was sent over five years ago to our mission district
director as some people there were looking to affiliate with our
church. Several months ago, they made contact again, and now there
are Bible studies, Sunday church services, and some social outreach
ministries that are happening as a result of this new work.

Who would have welcomed or helped those people if the Free Methodist
Church were not present here?