Dear Friends and Co-Laborers,
Greetings from Mexico. WOW! This last month has been a real roller coaster ride for Teresia and I. I reported on the last prayer letter that I am now out of heart failure, PTL! A week or so before Teresia’s mom passed away. She was ready and her celebration of life and eternal life was wonderful and yet we will miss her greatly. She traveled with us many times, as often as possible. She was strong and capable and was always loved by many on both sides of the border.
Teresia then had an attack of Diverticulitis. Our doctor was not in town and so suggested we go to a walk-in clinic. The Doctor there was very attentive. He saw that she might need a CT scan to properly diagnose and prescribe, but his ability to do so quickly was almost zero. He called a Gastro- Enterologist and immediately we were given an appointment in 20 minutes. The doctor there immediately called the hospital, and we were scheduled immediately. All within 3 hours we were able to do what normally takes 2 to 3 weeks. PTL! She was given her prescription. Healing has been slow, but she is feeling much better.
On March 31st Teresia and I flew back to Aguascalientes. The flight was smooth and uneventful. We knew that our Mexican vehicle had lost its transmission six hours away, in the mountains of Monterrey. This was 3 hours into the nine-hour trip, when Matt was bringing it back from the border. He put it in a small transmission shop there where it stayed for a month. When we got back to the house, we received a call from the mechanic that informed us that it was ready at 100%. Matthew and I took a bus all night on Friday the 4th and arrived to get the van at about 8 am. We were told the battery was weak, but everything was 100% on the transmission. We started the drive back. When we got to the first stop, a gas station, to fill up, the car would not crank. A mechanic at the station helped us to tighten the cables and jumped us off. We did not shut down the engine the rest of the day. About 90 miles from home the transmission stopped changing gears automatically. It was driving in about 3rd of the seven shifts it uses. At home my neighbor (mechanic) checked it out and found 2 bolts that connected the transmission to the motor were loose. Three others were not even there. Also, the lock that connects the gear shift to the transmission was broken and there was no transmission fluid on the stick. We were able to get those fixed, and it is running fine now. We then had to buy a new battery. It was dead.
At the house the pressure system had rusted through the tank and spilled water onto the roof. It then filtered through to the ceiling and caused damage to the ceiling.
Good news, we found a plumber that can help us with the pressure system. The new system requires new pipes and a new tinaco (1100 liter water tank). It will be wonderful to have more than a drizzle for a shower. Things get rather smelly with a drizzle of water.
Better news, Pastor Pepe Valadez invited me to speak at the Family Retreat on April 18th. I will have two sessions on Good Friday. This is a retreat that he holds every year and has a very good attendance. I have spoken there many times.
NOT COMPLAINING just OVERWHELMED
Psalm 61: 1-4
2. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
NEEDS and PRAYER REQUESTS:
1. That the van will continue to work properly.
2. That the need of 2,137.00 car repair will be supplied. We only keep 1000.00 in our general emergency fund.
3. Water pressure system. Possibly $1,000. The plumber is coming tomorrow to do the work.
4. Health remains good and stable managing all these new pressures.
5. New vlog on Building Blocks of Christian Character.
6. Books. The Pastoral Epistles and Church Planting
Thank you all so much for your faithful support in finance and prayer. I could not do this work without you. Please continue in prayer for us.
In His Service
Tim and Teresia Hendricks