SALUDOS!fromCENTRAL MEXICO&BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSIONBILL HOFF
and FAMILYAPARTADO POSTAL 57QUERETARO, QRO. 76000 MEXICOPublished
QuarterlyVolume 22, Number 1Spring 1991Growing A
ChurchWhentheJardinesdela Haciendachurchbeganitsbuildingprogram. It
anticipated constructing the Christian education building in three
phases. Themajor jobofconstructingtheauditorium would comelater.
Now thefinishingtouchesare being put onthesecondphaseoftheproject.
A couple of months ago, theyouth of thechurchspent adayworking
onthenew section. Theybroughtindozensof wheelbarrowloadsof earth,
thenleveled and packed it so that the concrete sub-floor
couldbepoured. Bill thenchiseled groovesin thered brickwalls and
installed the electrical conduits and boxes.After all this, the
building wasstuccoed insideand out.Church members have contributed
their labor, and as2=:^ 1Youth leueUng floor.Paul says, "they gave
. . . evenbeyondtheir ability" tofinancethe project. Nowthe only
things lacking arebathroomfixtures, electrical wiring, andthe
marbleflooring.The churchwill be using the completedclassrooms
InMarch.Bill and Margy arenaturally joyful aboutthe
church'sbuilding. However, theyrecognizethat spiritual
growthandnumerical growthare evenmore important totheirgoal of
seeing the church solidly established. In somerespects,
thecongregationisflourishing; for example, Inthepower of
intercessaryprayerandwitnessing. A fewpeoplewhoused toattend
havefallenaway, but newfacesare more thanfillingthe gap.Youth
bringing in dirtSunday morning services are led by men of the
congregation with Alberto Gonzalez preaching. Adiel, a Biblecollege
student, handles theadult Bible school class.Margy holds a class
for the small children during the worship hour.Margy also organizes
ameetingeachmonthfor theyouth from ages 9 to 13from the area
churches. Thesemeetings are held in the Hoffs house.Bill is
currently teaching a series of lessonsfromthecorrespondence school
on Sunday evenings. The seriesis designedto createa
closercommunionbetweenthebeliever and Christ. On
Thursdayevenings.Bill Is teaching from the book of Revelation. This
class requires a lotof preparation, but because of the
unstableworld conditions, several requests for such a study have
beenmade.2nd phase nearly cx)mpieted.More Blessed To Give Than To
ReceiveIt trulyismoreblessed togivethantoreceive. TheChristians
inQueretarodemonstratedthis various timesduring themonth
ofDecember.Decorated bags filled with toiletry items were
giventoeachstudent at theNational Bible Institute. Theladiesfromthe
Jardines delaHaciendachurchdeliveredthesebags alongwith some
fooditems. Theysharedwith thestudents andfaculty insingingChristmas
choruses, listening to adevotionprepared by theboys' dean and
thenhaving atime of prayer and thanksgiving.Almost everyyear
theChristmas trip tothe moun-ChiistlansIn mountainsAnother
highlight of the seasonis the joint churchcelebrationoftheLord's
birth. As usual, theevent washeld at the camp's chapel building.
All of the areachurchesparticipated. Every yeartheyhavedifferent
responsibilities. This year the Jardines de la Haciendachurchwas
responsible for thecommunion service,fillingthe pinatas provided
byanother congregation, and forobtainingthetamalesforthe meal. Bill
purchasedthepinatafillingsandfruit for theprogram atthesame
timeashepurchasedthecandy, oranges, andsugar cane fordistributionin
themountains.It Is customary for the churches topresent
dramasattheprogram; this year therewere twooutstandingexamples. The
youthfromthe Jardines de la Haciendachurch worked hard on their
staging of a productionabout a Jewishgirl inCaesar's household. The
SantaHoffsfilling bags for Chrlstn\as
program.tainsofQueretaroissharedbysomeonewhohasnevergone before.
Thisyear Bill's parents, along with SteveKeim, and his daughter,
Stephanie (missionaries nearQueretaro), were first-timevisitors.
AlthoughthetripIsalways longandtiring, the beautyofthe area
andthelove of the people thatreceive usmore than compensatefor the
inconveniences. A meal with delicious homemade tortillas
wasprepared for us. The familytherelivesin veryhumblecircumstances
andwasveryappreciativeoftheusedclothingandChristmas "goodies" that
weretakenfor them and their fellow Christians.Mountain scene.Rosa
churchdida novel presentationof 'The EveningNews, live
fromJerusalem"withsuchfeaturestories as"Caesar's decree causes
hotel room shortages," "Astrangeastronomical phenomena," and
advertisementsfrom A DonkeyRental Company for "when you'vegot
togetthere." Thedramas were precededbyalivelysongservice, special
music, and the Lord'sSupper andfollowedbyashort meditationonthe
meaningof Christmas.The non-Christians present were impressed by
thefunandfellowship Christians
canhaveandbythetotallackofalcoholicbeverages. Theydonot knowthat
weareto"rejoiceIn theLordalways." This year'scelebration brokeall
previousrecordswith 190 in attendance - agoodindication thatthe
area churches aregrowing.'smDrama: 'In Caesar's House' (Mark
atleft).Personal GlimpsesAs! write this article, Valentine's Day
has just passed.AsI think about love In the world today, I realize
there aresomanypeoplewithoutlovein their hearts. Must therebea war?
Why do peoplewant to rule overother people? I guess only God knows
the answerto all of this. AsChristians, wemust
demonstrateGod'slovedaily andtryto bring others tothe
savingknowledge of Him.Decemberwasasbusyas1 wroteit
wouldbeinthelast newsletter. On December first, we joined three
otherfamiliesin a garage sale. We thought our newspaper
advertisementswouldbringa bigcrowd. As Itturnedout,the newspaper
computer lost our classified adfor thatday, sovery fewpeople came.
Wetried againthe followingSaturday with greater
success.December8th, thesamedayasthesecondgaragesale, Marktookthe
examfor hisblackbelt inKarate, itwas averycold dayasBill
accompaniedhimtoa largeunheatedauditoriumdowntown.
Thetesttooksixhoursfor all to finish and, during that time, Mark
had tositbarefoot either oncement bleachers oronthe woodenfloor
while everyone performed. It truly was an endurance test andthe 120
participants had no food orwaterduringthat time. Thelatterpart
ofJanuaryMarkknew that he hadpassed. Heis supposed to
officiallyreceivehis blackbeltIna special ceremonyduringMarch.Hehas
a newuniformwith a blackcollar whichhe willwear when he receiveshis
blackbelt.A couple ofhours aftertheKarateexam. Bill left
fortheairportin MexicoCitywherehis parentsarrivedat 1a.m.on
Sundaymorning. Duringtheir stay of twoandahalfweeks, we all hada
verybusy, but enjoyable time.Badcolds, whichwepassed around
tooneanother, keptusout ofthenight air duringthefirst part oftheir
visit,but otherwiseour activities proceededas planned.
Rebeccamisseda coupledays of school becauseshewassosick.
Fortunately, sherecovered just intimetotakepart in her school play.
She had practiced for manyweeks, so wewere all pleased that she
wasable toparticipate.Both of Bill's parents have birthdays in
December.Wehad asurprise party for each of them. A corsage
wasmadefor Bill's mother whichshewasabletowearonacoupleofspecial
occasions. Theysaidtheyhadn'tcelebratedtheir birthdays inmanyyears.
Wealsoenjoyedoneeveningat the StateFair. Bill'sfatherusedtobe
anagricultureInspector, soheenjoyedall theanimals. Weattended
various parties and special events related toChristmas.It was
abigsurprise for usadults tocome downstairsChristmas
morninganddiscoverthat wehadstockingshungin the livingroom witheach
of our names on them.Rebeccahad made them In her Sunday School
class andsheand Markhadfilledthestockingat 1:30a.m.
Christmasmorning. Consequently, theywerenot upasearlyas usualtoopen
their gifts.We thank each one of youforyourprayers,financialgifts,
andp>ersonal gifts during this past year.iRebecca and Mark
welcoming grandmother.Bill's mother's birthday party.Rebecca tn
school drama.A UtUeglri and lamb at Scout program.Stockings for
each member of the Hoff family.SEEYOUATTHENORTH AMERICANCHRISTIAN
CONVENTIONINDENVERJULY9-12, 1991IMPORTANT DATA:Postagerates
toMexicofromthe U.S.are now 35C forV2 oz. and 45C for1oz.The
Hoffs*telephone number has beenchanged. The area
codeIs(42)andthenumber If 16-41-27.Published by theRossville
Christian Church411Spruce POB187Rossville, KS 66533ADDRESS
CORRECTION REQUESTEDPrayer 'n' PraisePRAISE:for anewfamilyinthe
congregation. Their last nameisBellozo. The mother is a Christian
and the father andteenage son are very interested andfaithful in
attendance.thatMark passed hisblackbelt examin Karate andwill
receive his newbelt themiddle of March.that churchconstructionis
continuing. Theteachers areanxiously awaiting the use of their
newclassrooms.that Margy's nephew, Roy Baker of Springfield,
Oregon, isrecuperating from an arm that was badly broken in an
accident just before Christmas. He will not have full strengthIn it
for about a year, butit is out of a cast.that Bill's parents were
able to visit the Hoffs in December.that there wasarecord
attendanceofabout 190 at the annual Christmas program of the
combined churches.that a churchbuildingIs currently being
constructed in Sal-vatierra, a townalmost two hours tothewest. A
work crewof ninefromnorthernMexicodonatedtheirtimethisweekto
help.that Margy'sfather, who had both
kneesreplacedduringNovember,Isnowwalking verywell andisnolonger
Inpain.PRAY:for the churchinCelaya. Thiscongregationislocatedabout
30miles west of Queretaro. Theyoungminister andthe elders of the
church have had some real problemscommunicating and figuring out
their job descriptions.for increased attendance Inthe Jardlnes de
la Haciendachurch in Queretaro.for the GaryMartinfamily. Garyis the
president of BajioChristianMission. HeIs In theAir ForceReserves.
His father hasParkinson'sdiseaseandhis mother passedawayon the19th
of February.forthePersian Gulf war andall the leadersthatmust
makeimportant decisions.for Margy's sister's mother-in-law. She
lives In SouthernCaliforniaandis dying of cancer.
Sheandherhusbandhavebeen long-time friends of Bill and
Margy.NON-PROFITORQ.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDROSSVILLE, KSPERMITNO.
6SALUDOS!fromCENTRAL MEXICO&BAJIOCHRISTIAN MISSION3 5^5BILL
HOFF and FAMILYAPARTADO POSTAL 57QUERETARO, QRO.
MEXICOtelephone(42)-16-41-27Published Quarterly Vol. 22, Number
2Summer 1991SPECIAL CONVENTION ISSUEA Brief HistoryBill
andMargyHofF willbegintwentyyearsof missionary service in August
1991. Theyhave lived in Queretaro, Mexico (120 milesnorthof
MexicoCity), duringthis timeworkingwith the people of "the Bajio"
(high plateau)that includes a 200 milearea of whichQueretarois at
the far east.Bill was first attracted to Queretaro becauseof a
radio programthat was being produced by another missionary. With
his electronicskills. Bill felt that hecould upgradetheprogram.
Thus, Bill andMargycameto workwith Normand Mary Dungan in 1971.
Newequipment was addedso that at theheight ofproduction,
twentystations aired the program"Dulces Momentos"(SweetMoments)
fivedaysa week. Through this programthousands
ofcontactsweremadeandmanywroteinforthefree Bibles courses that were
offered. MaryDungan and Margy kept the files and mailedout the
courses. Bill and Normvisited andbaptizedmanystudents.However, in
1981 religious broadcastingwas taken off the air by the
Mexicangovernment. Bythis timeBill was involved Inmany other areas
of service: church work.campprograms, teachingat the
BibleInstitute, visitation, etc.The Bible-by-correspondence school
continued by means ofnewspaper advertisements, tracts and contacts
throughfriends.In 1983 the DungansreturnedtotheU.S.towork at
JohnsonBible College. Normhasbeena teacher
(withemphasisonmissions)since that time. Maryhasbeen
thefacultysecretary. TheLordcontinuestobless themthere asHe
didhereinMexico. Twoyearslatertheywere influential
insendingTomandToni Schneller toQueretaro. For four years
theSchnellersco-labored with the Hoffsandworked excellently with
the youthof thechurch. They nowlive inSan PedroSula,
Honduras,wheretheyareworkingwithachurchandhelpinginthecor>-structionoftheir
building.Bill, Margy. Mark and RebeccaIn1965Bajio
ChristianMissionbecameincorporatedas anon-profit organization inthe
state of Nevada. Federal nonprofit status followed, although it
wasnot easily obtained.In1988 Bill gaveupteaching at
theBibleInstitutein ordertodevotemore time to the workof the
church. AlongwiththisBill andMargycooperateand provideservices for
other missionaries andevangelists in thearea.Mark Gabriel
Hoffissixteenyearsold and plans to enterJohnsonBibleCollegeIn
Knoxville, TNin thefallof 1992. Heis activein the church
youthgroupandreceivedhis blackbeltinKarate this past April. Rebecca
Marie Istwelveyears old.She graduatedfromthe sixthgrade ofa
bi-lingual school inJune. Shetakes swimminglessons two days a
weekandIsactiveinClrl Scouts.Buildings are ImportantRear viewof
ChristianEducationbuilding (looking acrossfuture audltorlunx
site).TheChristianChurchofQueretarohas beenin existencefor thepast
22 years, but it hasnever grown asonemight haveexpected. Infact,
statistical analysis shows that ithas neverexceededabout
eightyandusuallyhaslimpedalongat abouthalfof that. Billbelievesthat
themost important reasonforthis has been the lackofabuilding.The
congregation has always met in less-than-suitablerented facilities.
Onceit waseven locatedin abuilding where astreetmarket
washeldonSundays. As a result, thebelievershadto step over
thevegetable vendors on thefront step. Eachtimethe church changed
buildings, a loss ofattendance resulted. Whenthe churchtried
tomeetin the homesof thebelievers, attendancefell greatly.In 1984
Bill and the believers determined to take theirsavings andpurchasea
property for thechurch. This camefromthe realization that the
"house church" concept is notculturallyapplicableinMexico. However,
thechurch's hopeswere dashedasit turned out that theseller of
thepropertyhaddefraudedthem.Finally in 1989 Bill and Alberto
Gonzalez, the minister,found another lot. Thecost strained Bajio
Christian Mission(the prime contributor this time), but the
property was purchased and as soon aspossible constructionbegan. In
Julyof1990 the churchheld the firstservice in its ownbuilding.
Sincethen, thefloor spacehasdoubledtoalmost
1000squarefeet.Thenewclassroomsaregreatlyappreciated by
theteachersandstudents. Bill hasjust finished theelectrical wiring,
andAlberto is inthe process of puttinginthe bathrooms.
That,andtheinstallationof doors, will justabout completetheprocess.
Agroupfromthe(J.S. will be doing the painting
thissummer.Thingsarechangingasthebelievers
begintoseetheimprovements, mostlyfinancedbytheirownofferings.
Theyaretakingprideintheworkandprayingfor numerical growthsothat
thepresent sectionwill befilled andtheauditoriumconstruction
canbebegun.ExtraordinaryThe Queretaro church Is blessed with an
extraordinaryyouthgroup. Theyoftenplanandexecutedifficult
projects.Oneexamplewouldbetheirhostingtheareawideyouthrallywithan
attendance of more than 70. They planned and
FinanceditfromAtoT(activitiesto tacos). Another
exampledemonstrating the special nature of this group is that
forMother'sDay fifteen of themwent out all night toserenade
themothers of the church andpresent eachwith arose.Mexico's
societyis protective of its youth. How could theyget permission
tobeoutallnight? Theanswer Is in thecomposition of the youth group
itself. Its members range fromthirteentothirtyyears
ofage(tobeayouthyou needonlybeunmarried). Theolder youthdomost
ofthe planninganddirection of the group. They are, infact, both
members andsponsors. Thisblend givestheparents confidence.
ThegroupYouthdoing dishes following areawlde rally.isalsovery
special becausethemajorityof thechurch's newmembers have come
through their witness. ContactsIn schooland workpermit themtoshare
their faith.While thepreviouslymentioned
groupismadeupofteensandolder youth,thereisalsoapre-teen group that
meets oncea monthin theHoffs' home. Attendanceis fromJardines
delaHacienda and two sister congregations. The meeting combines
Biblelessons, sports, crafts andsnacks. InApril
therewasarecordattendance of fourteen. For manythisis thefirsttime
theyhave heardBible stories.In both casesit isagreat joytosee the
churchofthe21stcentury emerge to takeits rightfulplacein leadership
andspiritual power. Continue to pray for the future of the
Lord'schurch.April youth meeting In Hops' home.Christian
CampingWhen the Hoffs arrived InCentra! Mexico in August of1972,
there wasalreadyan activeChristiancampingprogram.Their first year
in camp proved unforgettable as the walls of theold hacienda, on an
island near San Miguel de Allende (40miles northwest of Queretaro),
began to fall during thenight. Itbecame
obvioustothemandtoNormandMaryDungan, withwhomtheywere working, that
adifferent arrangementwouldhave tobe made.The following year the
camp was heldina half-finishedhouse on the orphanage propertyjust
outside of Queretaro.That year theorphanagegaveabout sevenacres
tothecampso that apermanent facility couldbeconstructed.The first
buildingconstructedwas a 175foot by20footbuilding which housed two
dormitoriesandakitchen. It was arustic block building with a
tarpaper roof. Outhouses wereused for sanitaryfacilities. There
werenosidewalks, somudbecame an omnipresent reality. (Camp is held
during therainyseason). But,as the yearsadvancedthere
werecontinuedimprovements.The last ofthe tarpaper roof was
replacedthisyear withgalvanizedroofing. Over theyearsthemost
important of theimprovements that have beenmade include:
theadditionof achapel which can seat over200people, themaking of
benchesfor thechapel, theerectionof asmall storebuilding,
thepouringofcement sidewalks anda basketball court, and last butnot
least, theinstallationofindoorplumbing.But muchmore important than
thephysical improvementsarethechangesthat camphas madein thelives
of theyouthwhohave attended. Throughclasses, drama, music
andtheexamples of counselors and teachers, many young peopleBill
teaching In camp.have beguntheir Christian walk or
committedthemselves toChristian service. Bill is
frequentlyaskedbyanadultin oneofthe churches if he remembers
whentheyattended camporwhen they were baptized in camp.Another
great change is thatinstead of the camp being
ledandsubsidizedbymissionaries,
thecampisnowaneffectiveMexicanorganizationthat operatesonfunds
fromchurchdonations and inscription fees (this year about ten
dollars aweek). A boardof representatives fromthechurches that
usethe camp operates thefacility.Thissummer at least
twohundredandthirtycampersareexpectedinthethreeweeks of camp.
Besidesthedrierroof,theywill probablyenjoytherefurbished basketball
goals, andthefact that rat poisonhas beenset out earlysoas
toreducethe pitter-patter of little feetin the night.The Future
ChurchELICIDflOEBBible Institute students.FourteenyearsagoBill
attendedthegraduationof a newBibleInstituteinSanLuis Potosi. At
thattimetheschool'sdirector explained that thepurposeof theNational
BibleInstitutewas to have a preacher training school supported by
thenational churches. That concept was suchanimprovement
overtheexistingmethodofsending students tothe UnitedStates
tostudyandhavingthemneverreturnto Mexico, that Bill
soonfoundhimself participating.Each Tuesday morning at 4:30 Bill
boarded a bus inQueretaroinordertoarriveinSanLuis Potosi for his 8
a.m.class (120 miles north). Hetaught Old Testament Prophetsand
ChurchHistory.Three yearslater, theschool movedto a village Just
westofQueretaro totake advantage of apoolof volunteer teachers.The
newlocation was in a rented house in ColoniaZapata.Bill began to
teach more hours and added an auto-electricshop.In 1982, following
the death of his wife and son, theschool'sdirector left. Thefaculty
tookover administrationofthe school
duringthesixmonthperiodbeforeanother directorcould be found. In
thisperiodBill assistedinmanycapacities.The first priority of the
new director was to organize
aBoardofDirectorsandtopurchasepropertyonwhichtobuildacampus.
Thepurchasingof landandthebuildingofacampusbecame areality, but the
country'seconomyworsenedsothenational churchescouldnolongersupport
theschool. Atthat timeBajio ChristianMission begansupporting
theInstitute(asit does tothepresent).Bill continuedto enjoy
teaching, but threeyears agohehadtomakea decision. He felt that if
theQueretaro congregation was to growstrong enough to stand on its
own, hewouldhaveto put morehours into
boththeevangelisticandbuilding programs. So he asked not to be
included in thefacultyfor the followingyear. It was not
aneasydecisionafterhavingput so many years in theschool, but
thelocal churchisGod's priority. Ontheother hand, theschool has
never hadmorepeoplewhoarewillingtoteach, sohis absencehasnotbeen as
critical asit might havebeenpreviously.Bill haswatchedalmost
sixtyyoungpeoplegraduateduring the past fourteen years. Some have
become effectiveChristian leaders while others have found that the
Lord hascalledthemtoother forms of service, and, sadly, a
fewhaveshipwreckedIn theirfaith. But it is agreat source of
joytohave been a part of the formation of the church of the
future.Personal GlimpsesMark trying on Ms black belt.During March
our family onceagainenjoyedthe annualMexicanMissionaryReunion. It
was heldinMetepec, Puebia,about a fivehourdrive south of Queretaro.
Thechildren's andyouth'ssessionswere excellent.
AsMarkandRebeccarelatedthediscussions, I
realizedthatGodtrulyhadsent theseyoungleaders toinspire our
youthhere in Mexico. I amsure that theyoung people have grown inthe
faith because of their timespentthere.
TheadultswereenrichedbytheBiblestudiesonthe book of I John
presented by Carl Anderson, academicdeanof Boise BibleCollege.One
day following the reunion, our family left to
visitJohnsonBibleCollege inKnoxville, TfS. The tripwaslong,
butwewere blessedbythevisitswemade alongthe way. We
worshippedwiththeDickGringfamily inPearsall, TXonSunday.After
enjoyingdinner withthem, wetravelled ontovisitBarneyandEvelyn Fero
in Buda, TX. They wereonce residents ofQueretaroandwhile
heretheyopenedtheir homeeachSundayfor anEnglish-speakingservice. !t
is always fun relivingpast events with them. Two days later we were
inthe newhome of Dick andCarolyn Applein Memphis, TM. This coupleis
veryinterestedinmissions and supports our work. Wetooka walk
togethertoseethe cherry blossoms in bloom. Theyinvited George
Bartlett, Jr. and his wife for dinner. GeorgeBartlett, Sr.
andhiswife, Mary, weremissionariesinMexicoforseveral years. It
wasgoodto meet theirsonanddaughter-in-law.Fivedays fromthe time we
left Queretaro, we arrivedatthe homeof Normand Mary Dungan on the
Johnson BibleCollege campus. What awelcomewereceivedfromthemandall
our other friendsthere! It wastrulyatimeofgreatrejoicingtovisit
withthesepeople. Wealsohada warmwelcomeat theSeymour churchonEaster
Sunday. Thisis where wehadworshippedduringour lastfurlough. Our
family wasgivenaspecial tourof thecollegecampusbecauseMark plansto
enrollthere forthe1992-93 school year. It is
abeautifulplace.Becauseof the missionary reunion, Mark
hadmissedtheofficial ceremonyto receivehis blackbelt. OnApril
11thourfamily went totheKaratestudiowhere his teacher
presentedtheblackbelt tohim. Healsoreceivedfour certificates.
Wewere all very proud of Mark. He is spendingthesummer
inOregontryingtoearnsomemoneyforcollege. Rebeccagraduatedfromthe
sixth gradeat ColegioCharles Dickens (a bilingual
school)onJune14th. Next year she will beattending aprivate
Christian school.We lookforward to seeingmanyof youduringthesummer.
Thank you for remaining faithful inyour prayers andsupport.Prayer
'n' PraisePRAYER:for continuedrecovery of Chon Avalos' grandsons.
Onewasseverelyburnedwhenapot of boiling water fell onhim.
Theothersufferedminor faceburns. Chonisanevangelistin
Salvatierra(atownlocatedtwohourswestof Queretaro).for
increasedattendancein the Queretaro church,forthosewhograduatedlast
Mayfromthe threeSpan-ish-speaking Bible Colleges with which we are
acquainted.for the directors andworkers of the summer
camps.fortheHoffs duringtheir travels this summer.for
theMarcelinoJoseCruz family. Their elevenyearPublished
bytheRossvilleChristian Church411SpruceROB187Rossville, KS
66533ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTEDold son recently passed away
followinga dentist visit.Theyalsohavea threeyear old who is unable
to walk ortalk.... for thecontinuing witness of thechurch
youthPRAISE:... for the continued construction of the Queretaro
church.. . . for Mark's decisionto attendJohnsonBibleCollege
in1992.... for the Mexican family that is coming to help
intheQueretaro church.. . . fortheyouthof the churchwhoareactivein
witnessing,planningspecial programs, parties, etc.NON-PROFIT
ORQ.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDROSSVILLE, KSPERMITNO. 6Published
QuarterlySALUDOS!fromCENTRAL MEXICO&BAJIO CHRISTIAN MISSIONBILL
HOFF and FAMILYAPARTADOPOSTAL 57QOERETARO, QRO.
MEXICOtelephone(42)-16-41-27Vol. 22, Number 33 ss5Fall
1991MOMENTOaS EVENTSThe Hoffs are back in Queretaroafter a long
summer trip. They greatly enjoyed the North American Christian
Conventionin Denver. Unfortunately they were unable to attend as
many of the workshops as they would have liked. There were so
manyworthwhileseminars thatit was impossible to attend themall.
Themain worship sessions were great and thepreaching
wasinspiring.Besides having abooth attheconvention, theHoffs
visited a number of churches ontheir trip. In all, thedisplay
wasassembled eleven times. Bill preachedthree times and
showedslidesabout the worknine times. The triptook the family
throughninestates and atotal of slightly more than ten thousand
miles.After two months in the GSA, the Hoffs were concerned about
how Hilario Rosas, who had just come to serve as co-ministerwith
Alberto Gonzalez, would work out. They found that Hilario's
servant-like attitude quickly endeared him to the congregation.
Another concern was to see a calling program put into effect inthe
church. Hilarioand Bill have begun a program of callingdoor-to-door
in the area around the church building. So far a number of people
have shown interest, and nearly every Sundaya visitor attends
church. Hilario is developing a program to help theyouth reach
their friends for theLord. This is particularlyimportant because
more than half of the congregation areyoung people.The congregation
inJardines de la Hacienda has just receivednotificationthat it is
being required to nationalizeits building.(Mexico's constitution
requires that all buildingsused for publicworshipbe donated to the
government whichin turn gives thechurch permission to use the
facility.) The churchhad hopedto delay that stepuntil themain
auditorium was completed,because it is easier to get permission to
make any necessary modifications in buildingpermits from the city
than from the federalgovernment. Normally,the government takes no
interest innationalizing a church untilthe building is finished.
But inthis case,the lawyerthat has defrauded the church
ofItslandworksinanother branch ofthe secretariat that is Incharge
of church buildings.Nowthat she is being accused of criminal fraud,
she has reported the church building, hoping to make things more
difficult.The church will naturally comply withthe law,and it
appears that the government is willing to accept the existing
building permitsand allow construction to continue.Planning for
Church Groiath.ASERVANT'S HEARTThe Hoffs have been blessed with
loving and caring co-workers in the past,soit isnotsurprisingthat
whentheyweresearchingfor aco-pastorfor theJardines de la Hacienda
church, the Lordled them tothe Rosas family.Hilario, Graciela, and
their fifteen year-old daughter, Nellie, are fromSalvatierra,
Guanajuato, which is about an hour and a half west of
Quer6taro.They have spent the last four years on the O.S. side of
the border in Eagle Pass,Texas, where Hilario attended Colegio
Biblico. They are all gifted in music; bothHilario andNellieplay
the guitar.The Rosas are allvery humble andtheir love of theLord is
seenin theirwillingness to serve, doing whatever is asked of them.
Hilario is active in thecalling program. Is the teacher of the
adult Bible class, preaches in the Sundayevening service, and holds
Bible studies for the weekly youth meetings.Graciela is active in
the ladles' meetings and supports her husband in all areasof
hiswork. She is also the camp secretary which involves taking
minutes atthe bi-monthly meetings andsendingout Informationto the
churches inMexico.We arethankful tohave the Rosas family aspart of
thechurch family inQueretaro.THANKSWhen the Hoffs arrived back
inQueretaro after their summer trip, theywere pleasantly surprised
to see thechurch building painted. A youth groupfrom the Elm Street
Christian Church inOlney, Illinois, came to help beautify
thebuilding. Thegroupconsisted ofeightyoung people and three
sponsors. AfterpaintingthebuildinginJardinesdelaHacienda, they
leveled the fill dirt wherethe church in Colonia Militar will build
anaddition, andpainted thechurchbuildingInSantaRosaJauregui.
Theynotonly came with a real willingness towork, but they also
brought funds to payfor all the materials used. The congregations
cannot adequately express theirappreciation.PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL
EXERCISE"May the youth come and wash cars at your house next
Saturday?"This was a request the youth director of the churchmadeof
Bill following the worship service one Sunday morning inSeptember.
Receiving an affirmative answer, Saturdayfoundthe youngpeople
arriving at 9 a.m. with their buckets, rags, soaps, signs,
andlunches.After putting up signs In the area announcing the car
wash, theyouth returned and waited for the first car. It did not
takelong beforebusiness was booming. While some were cleaningthe
insideof cars using vacuum cleaners, others werehosingoff the cars,
soaping them down, washing the windows or drying the cars. This
process continued until about 3 p.m. when everyone sat downin the
median of the street toeat their lunches. After this small break,
work continued.The purpose of the car wash was to raise money for a
weekend retreat at the camp facilities over the
MexicanIndependeneDay holiday. Deciding that they needed moremoney,
the youthwashed cars the followingSaturday, also.The retreat began
on Saturday afternoon, September 14th. Twoladies fromthe church
cooked for the young people, andHilario (the newco-pastor of the
church) held Bible studies. The hard rainon Saturday evening did
not dampen the spirits ofthe campers.On Sunday evening our regular
church service was cancelled so that all could go to camp andattend
a special program.Ayoung minister from the area preached and Bill
had a special communion service. Then everyone In attendance was
invitedto eat a Mexican meal. About 10:30 p.m. the group began
singing Mexican folkloric songs. At 11:00 tradition dictates that
someone must give the grito (a brief resume of the history of
Mexico's fight for independence which ends with "Viua Mexico"
longliveMexico). Alberto gave the grito and the young people yelled
"Viua" and waved their Mexican flags of green, white, and redand
cheered. It wasa very inspiringtime. Theyouthreturned home the
following daywith arenewed Christian spirit.FIFTH
ANNIVERSARYOctober 12th was the fifth anniversary of the
completionof the church building in San Felipe Pueblo Nuevo, a
MazahuaIndianvillageinthemountains of the state of Mexico.
Theminister, Antonio Eusebio Maxlmlliano, made a special pointof
inviting the Hoff family and the members of the Jardines dela
Hacienda church.Antonio was a student of Bill's at the National
BibleInstitute andgraduatedIn 1983. He hada great deal ofdifficulty
with his classes because he was not fluent in Spanish(Mazahua is
his native tongue), but he was determined to bringthe Gospel to his
people.;jLjUl OAntonio welcoming everyone.When he graduated he
returned home and began preaching themessageofsalvation. Thosewere
perilous times.There werepersecutions andstonings. One
timewhenBillwas there for baptisms, someone tried to burn down the
housewhere they were meeting withBill inside. Another time
theypunctured all the tires on a van and stoned Its occupants.
Butslowly Antonio began to winfamily members and others.One of
three baptisms.About eight years ago Antonio approachedBill about
abuilding. Bill agreedthat themissionwouldpayforall thecement and
reinforcing steel if they would provide sand,continued next
pagePERSONAL GLIMPSESThe time left is so short. In just a few
months Mark will beleaving home. We have had him under our care and
guidancefor seventeen years, and now in just afew months, he will
beonhis own. Bill has taught him how to drive, how to repairmany
parts on acar, and how to repair various items. I havetaught him
how towash dishes, how to sweep the floors anddomany thingsIn the
house.There are the little things to think about. Will Mark
brushhisteethoften? (Wehavespenthundredsof dollarsat anorthodontist
to make his teeth look good). Will he get his haircut when
needed?Will he get enough rest? The list could goon. But more
important is, will Mark read his Bible and praydaily? Will he, In
anew culture, stand up and be counted asa Christian when the devil
attacks him?Our family has tried to have Bible devotions daily, we
haveattended churchregulariy; wehave hostedmanypeople Inour home
and tried to be generous to those in need. We havetaught Mark the
Bible, and we all rejoiced the day he decidedto follow theLord In
baptism.Mark attended Roy's graduation.Thispast summer was agood
experience forMark. Helived withhis aunt and her family in Oregon
and worked part-time at a fast food restaurant. He did have some
adjustmentsto make. InAugust of 1992he will enter Johnson
BibleCollege in Knoxville, Tennessee. What greater choice could
ayoung person make? 1am proud of him. Won't you join meinpraying
forMark.The Hoff family.(Mark and his Uncle David not shown.)Fifth
Anniversarycontinued frompage 3gravel, and labor. Building was a
slow process, both in termsofpaperworkandconstruction.
Foundationswereduginvolcanic rock, concrete waspoured, and block
walls raised.But the nnost difficult part of the construction was
the roof. Themen cut shoringlumber on the local mountain and
hauleditback. Then they wovethe reinforcingbars and hand mixed
theconcrete and carried it to the roof. Bill arranged for one of
hisBible institute studentsto dotheelectrical wiring,
thenthevillage people installed the windows. Finally, they
celebratedtheir first worship service. They still remember the
dateandrejoice. Things have changed greatly. Bill can now visit
withno fear for his life, and the church is respected and
continuesto grow.The fifthanniversary service was a very special
event. Themainmessage was preached byJose ManuelCortez, aco-stdent
of Antonio's at the Bible Institute. Antonio officiated inthree
baptisms, and AlbertoGonzalezperformed a wedding.Thisall
tookplaceIn the same 4-hour service. By the end,there were as many
people outside the church as Inside. (Thechurch seats about 130
people.)After the service, the women of the church served a
greatmealof chicken in mole (a chill sauce), beans, tamales,
andtortillas. Everyone enjoyedtheunparalleled fellowshipandlove
that was demonstrated there.Published by theRossvllle Christian
Church411Spruce POB 187Rossvllle, KS 66533ADDRESS CORRECTION
REQUESTEDPRAYER 'N'PRAISEPlease PRAY for:. . . Areli Castaneda (who
was operated on for cancer threeyearsago), theyoungladywhohas
beenteachingRebecca in Bible school and who has directed the
youthforseveralyears. She hasrecentlymoved toPledrasNegras,
Coahuila, Mexico. The congregation will missher.. . . the
nationalization of the church building.... the visitation program
open hearts of those whoarereceivingthe invitations toattend
church.. . . the church property that is In litigation. An
auditoriumcanbebuiltwiththefunds receivedfromsellingtheproperty
after wewin the case.Please PRAISE the Lord for:...
thewillingnessof theyoungpeople of thechurchtowashcarsfor
twodaysinorder toattendaspiritualretreat. . . for Antonio Eusebio's
work with the Mazahua people inthe state of Mexico.... for the
young people from Illinois who came to Queretaroto paint the church
building here and help withtwo otherchurches.. . . the camps which
were held last summer and the youngpeople that made decisions.. . .
thesafetyofthe Hoffs duringtheir travels this pastsummer.. . . the
decisionof Mark to attend JohnsonBibleCollegenext fall.NOM-PROFiT
ORQ.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDROSSVILLE, KSPERMITMO. 6