July - September, 2026
Dear Fellow Laborers in the Lord,
“This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23
It is that time again when we have the privilege of sitting down and sharing with you what the Lord has done here in Mexico! As we reflect on these past three months, God has done so much that it is sometimes difficult to put into words. We have seen His supernatural hand intervene in so many ways, and it is humbling to see how He continues to work.
So much has changed since our last update, and I cannot help but praise the Lord that we serve a living God! Living in Mexico, my heart is saddened by the idolatry surrounding us. So many people bow their knees and place their faith in images made of clay, wood, and paper that cannot hear or answer their prayers. Yet we serve a God who hears and answers! What a privilege that He has opened the door for us to preach the Gospel and establish a church for His honor and glory, to be as a house set upon a hill, a light that cannot be hid! (Matthew 5:14)
Over the past few months, I had the privilege of helping a sister church with a one-day Vacation Bible School. We rejoiced as several children came to know Christ as their Savior, and I personally had the opportunity to lead two of them to the Lord! What a blessing to labor alongside fellow believers and see souls saved!
Our church has also been working through a six-week course that we extended to ten weeks, called Covenant Membership. We have been studying our doctrines, the biblical structure of the local church, and the responsibilities of church membership. It has been encouraging to see our people understand not only what we believe, but why we believe it and what the Lord expects of His church.
In August, we joined the same sister church for a special family-focused day. The national pastor preached on the family, and I had the privilege of closing the service with a message from Joshua 4. I challenged the families to share what God has done for us with the next generation, just as God instructed Joshua to set up twelve stones so their children would know what the Lord had done. What a blessing to see families praying and seeking God's direction for their homes!
That same day, we had the privilege of baptizing three from our church, while the sister church also baptized several of their members. What a wonderful day of rejoicing together!
The following week marked one of the most exciting milestones since arriving in Mexico. We officially signed our church constitution, establishing Iglesia Bautista Roca Fuerte (Solid Rock Baptist Church) as a local independent Baptist church! We celebrated this special occasion with our church family and thanked the Lord for what He has accomplished. For years, we have heard how difficult it can be to establish a church in this area, yet here we are, witnessing a church's birth! This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!
In the middle of August, I had an accident while working on our house and cut my finger on a table saw. Although certainly not planned, the Lord used this accident to open an unexpected door for the Gospel!
At the hospital, I met Dr. Jesus Cervantes, who began asking me several questions about being a pastor and why I came to Mexico. He reminded me somewhat of Nicodemus, a man with many questions! I later learned that he is a devoted Catholic who studies Catholic apologetics. Over several follow-up appointments, the Lord allowed me to share Scripture and bear witness to him.
What made this especially encouraging was that he eventually invited me to sit down and have coffee with him outside of my medical appointments! In the area where we minister, crossing social and economic barriers can sometimes be difficult. Yet the Lord used an accident to open a door I could never have arranged myself. Please pray for Dr. Jesus Cervantes and his salvation as I continue to stay in contact with him.
September brought another wonderful opportunity as we celebrated Mexico's Independence Day. During the festivities, we went out into the community and distributed nearly 1,100 Gospel tracts in just an hour and a half! What an encouragement to see our people excited and willing to share the Gospel with others!
We were also blessed to have a pastor from Tennessee visit during this time. It was a wonderful opportunity for him to see firsthand what the Lord is doing here in Mexico. His visit encouraged our church and our family, and I believe he left encouraged as well!
A Special Prayer Request: As our church continues to grow, we really need a passenger van, preferably a Ford Transit, for its room and accessibility for older members or those who have difficulty getting in and out of vehicles. We hope to begin running a church route to help bring people to services who otherwise may not be able to attend. If any supporting church has a van in good condition that they are looking to replace, or would like to help us purchase one, we would be incredibly grateful. Please pray that the Lord will provide for this need!
As I reflect on these months, I am amazed at what the Lord has accomplished in such a short time. We have been on the field for just over a year, and we have already witnessed souls saved, believers baptized, families growing in their faith, and a local church established! One of my greatest encouragements is seeing our people serve the Lord, not simply because it is required, but because they genuinely desire to reach others with the Gospel.
We are so grateful for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and financial support. You are a part of what the Lord is accomplishing here, and we never want to take that partnership for granted. Please continue to pray for our family and the work here in Monterrey.
As I always try to encourage you, please, my brothers and sisters in Christ, stay faithful until the Lord comes back!
Your Partner in the Lord,
Gavino Hernandez
Isa. 6:8
