It's been 4 years now...

"We're almost done!", it was hard to believe, as we stuffed the mattress into the last top inches of the van. Relief and anxiety mixed in mi mind. We had finished our goal of getting all our things out of the apartment.. I rejoiced at the sight, and yet we sure were running late... and Jonah was up to lead worship AND preach!!

We hurried off to church, and showed up with enough time to get things in order. The band had done a good job of practicing, and a good thing they did.

After enjoying the presence of God and His people, we were encountered by a series of hugs, and words of love, by soo many precious people that we love.

It was our last sunday in Acapulco.

And now I sit writting you this email from Petatlan.

Excited, hopefull, and a little anxious.

Jonah and I have been praying and considering this day for several months... well a little more than a year, and we are now ready to make the leap! We will be returning to Elim Bible (www.elim.edu) for this spring semester, where Jonah will be finishing his studies in two years. We will be working and attending Word of Life CF in Henrietta.

It's been 4 years now, since I started on this journey of coming back to Mexico as a missionary. And now we've been married 6 months. How much we have learned! We want to thank God for this opportunity, and we thank you for your support.

We will be in touch, as we work and learn in New York. We hope to return to Mexico after our further preparation, as the Lord leads. Please pray for our travel, as we hope to leave tomorrow early, starting our drive to NY!

Thanking you for all your support. May our Father richly bless you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Jonah & Bet

(In Mexico City after Jonah was granted his Visa :)

See you next class!

"Does anyone have a question? Cause this is the time to ask them if you have them" I said to the group of piano students that nodded their heads in front of me.
They were just moments away from playing in a band for the first time, and they had worked hard at it.

As the drummer took his seat, the bass player his strings, the guitar and piano were grasped by their apprehensive players. From our vantage point, we could see how excitement and fear took over. The band started playing... and what a joy to see they're faces! It didn't sound like the best band I've heard, but they weren't too shabby either!

"Allright, then we got it?! See you next class!"

Glad and encouraged we walked away that day, and we're now in our last couple of classes, but it has been a good run with about 40 to 45 students.
This has most probably been the best group of students that we have had in years. Our class on music and worship leading started in August and will end the last week of November. Our class includes traveling 4 hours every other weekend between Acapulco (where we live) and Petatlan.
We have had a blast and a lot of work since getting married four months ago. June 25th was such a special day for us, with our family and friends from near and far. We thank those we love for all their support and care.

Jonas and I have enjoyed being able to serve God and the church together. We're involved in Agua Viva and Centro Cristiano Guerrero. Both of us leading worship, teaching music class, some preaching, discipleship and the usual odds and ends of ministry. We thank our family and churches for standing with us in this transition time.

As you pray, we ask:
-Protection in these dangerous times in Mexico
-Safe travels

A special thank you to our support group.
Serving Jesus in Mexico

Jonah & Bet
Cortes