In Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico:

Today takes us to Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico. Up to this point, we’ve been sharing about Sonoran’s. We’ll soon return to Sonora where most of our co-laborers minister.

In 2002 we made an exploratory prayer journey accompanied by Juan and Maria de la Parra to Chihuahua, destination unknown. As we neared the state capital, Ciudad Chihuahua, Juan says, “Hey, I have a name and number of a Pastor I met at a meeting in Juarez. Let’s give him a call.” Later that morning as we waited at the entrance of a busy market here comes Carlos Rodriquez on his motorcycle.

Carlos pastors a local church and also has a lab where he designs and builds dentures, partials and such for the dental industry.  After traditional greetings, we find ourselves literally on our knees in the middle of the store entrance being prayerfully blessed by Pastor Carlos. We spent the night with his lovely family and by his encouragement made an appointment for the next day to meet his brother-in-law in Delicias about two hours south.

Talk about divine appointments, that’s where we met Jorge and Maricela Chow and their three teenage children. Within about sixty seconds of greeting Jorge, he was in the spirit prophesying over us. Jorge is a prophet, pastor, and pecan farmer, and one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet. We spent a very inspiring and encouraging night with their family.

That initial encounter has resulted in a beautiful and fruitful relationship with Jorge and his family. Over the years, so many times when we would be seeking a word of encouragement or direction from God, here comes a timely e-mail from Jorge.

Many of you know of our missionary journeys into deep canyon country of southern Chihuahua, namely Batopilas and surrounding pueblos. Being used as a prophet in our first introduction, Jorge was instrumental in priming our hearts for the Holy Spirit’s direction in making those journeys. He had been to Batopilas and filled in a lot of details in our planning.

Having spirit filled, spirit led ministers connecting with us in Mexico continues to be a highlight in our lives here at Faith Ministries.

In Ciudad Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico

Missionaries Luis and Micaela Maulas

Early 2002, we get a call from Mozambique, Africa. Our missionary friend Linda Stanley had been praying for us and the Holy Spirit had been persistently speaking the word Batopila during her prayers. She had strong conviction that we were to research this place and that we would minister there. In her spirit, she visualized a mountainous Mexican pueblo with a river running through it.

Our search revealed Batopilas in the deep canyon country of southern Chihuahua. The map shows it only about 100 miles (as the crow flies) east of where Bob and Miki were living in Navojoa. Unable to fly like crows, we later arrived at our destination by a treacherous 4x4 road, over the enormous Sierra Madre mountains range. A mere 28 hours of driving time from Navojoa. Since then we have found better routes from Douglas taking only about 17 hours.

When we first met the Maulas family, Luis, Micaela, Esmerelda, Flor, and Victoria, they were extremely bruised in every area of life, having been attacked by every form of disappointment and resistance. In their efforts to establish the first Protestant church in the area, they had been hindered by false religions, witchcraft, and the drug cartel, along with many other attacks physically and financially.

They had actually packed up and were waiting for a ride out, to return to their original home in Ciudad Chihuahua, Chihuahua. We spent a day and a night praying with them and ministering the Word. They were encouraged by our visit, unpacked and continued their assignment to build the church, both naturally and spiritually. They also built a church in the nearby pueblo of Satevo. About eight years later they completed their assignment and turned the church and work over to co-pastors Filipe and Lupita Buffason, a brother and sister pastoral team.

Luis and Micaela presently live in Ciudad Chihuahua, Chihuahua where Luis has a business of installing electrical systems and they work in part time ministry. Faith Ministries regularly supports their seasonal children’s ministries in VBS and Christmas outreaches into remote pueblos. Last year they reached 3,000 children.

Go to our Tarahumara page with photos of the Batopilas area and the Maulus Family.