Revival in Oaxaca

In Oaxaca, Mexico, Robert and Anne Thiessen , missionaries serving wth MB Mission, have been waiting for, hoping for, longing for, and working for growth within their small house church. Now God is answering their prayers right before their eyes! What comes next, they do not know. But they are certain that something has changed.

This "something” – always budding in the background – has bloomed visibly through the women. Teresa had been complaining that the women at the church were not close. They greeted one another and chatted casually on Sundays, but there was no real sharing. Robert, in his usual straight-forward way, strongly suggested that Teresa start a meeting to nurture what is lacking. God then gave Anne an urge to have the group of women meet for prayer on Sundays during the teaching time as a ministry to the church. The first time, it was just three ladies who picked up their chairs and huddled outside on the lawn while the teacher ministered. The next Sunday, it was four. Then seven. Joaqui now leads this established and beloved ministry, where they take turns praying for the entire congregation. Recently a visitor joined the prayer group, was ministered to by the women, and gave her life to Christ!

One Wednesday the prayer group decided to visit a woman who is usually unable to attend. Piling into two cars, they drove across town to visit Antonia. They stood in a circle and prayed for Antonia, and for the market lady she is reaching out to, but when they thought they were done, someone said, "While we are at it, could we pray for…?" And on it went – for two hours! They stood there praying for one another, for the people in their lives that need help, for their children, their jobs, and their friends. It was a God moment that didn't end. God was waking them up and bringing them together, and it was happening through prayer.

A new thing is taking place. These women are discovering their roles, their gifts, and their place in the church. In turn they are sparking a desire in others to find their place as well. Many of them have counseling ministries at their jobs during the week but never realized it. The congregation holds evangelists, pastors, givers, showers of mercy, counselors, prayers of faith, and prophets. All of which have simply not yet been released into ministry.

Instead of focusing on knowing more, this awakening house church in Oaxaca is focusing on applying what they know so well. It seems to include prayer, a commitment to working together, and the recognition of how God is already reaching out to others through the church. And it seems to include women. It's beautiful.

Pray for the congregation in Oaxaca and all the vulnerability that accompanies change and growth.

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. – 1 Corinthians 12:18