Tecate, Mexico

For over 20 years Ben and Rose Rivera have served as missionaries in Tecate, Mexico, where they have been ministering to the poor and raising up disciples to spread the Kingdom of God. As loving pastors of Vina Emmanuel Church, they provide food, clothing and shelter to the needy; preach and teach; and lay on hands of healing.

Ben and Rose have been friends of Fountain of Life Church for over 17 years. Years ago Fountain of Life Church built a four-bedroom home there, which has provided physical and spiritual shelter to the many lost who find their way to the Riveras.

In spring 2001, FOLC helped build a parsonage for Ben and Rose who were grateful to have some privacy to counsel and disciple those they lead to the Lord. Until then Ben and Rose either slept in the original Fuente de Vida (FOL) group house with the various poor and needy people they took in, or they headed to the trailer/camper out back.

The Riveras have planted two more churches in rural towns, and have seeded several home groups. They discipled and trained up a young couple, Thomas and Monica, to lead services at the church in Las Palmas and assist them in spreading the Kingdom of God. In early 2003 Pastor Ben Essenburg drove a new van out to the Riveras, and also ordained Thomas who now pastors the Las Palmas Church. Locals built a parsonage for the couple and their two, young children.

The poor and needy continue to arrive on the doorstep of Ben and Rose Rivera who lovingly minister God's Word into them. Prayers for the Lord to send godly men and women to raise up are being answered, although more help is needed. Please pray for blessings on Ben and Rose, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on 12/3/04. They ask for prayers for wisdom in ministering to the lost and in raising up leaders to spread the Kingdom of God.

FOLC took a team to Tecate in spring 2002 to put up a classroom building for Sunday School and family activities. The Christian fellowship there strengthens the community. The Wednesday night prayer service brings people on foot from all around Vina Emmanuel Church.

Prayer Needs: The poor and needy continue to arrive on the doorstep of Ben and Rose Rivera who lovingly minister God's Word into them. Prayers for the Lord to send godly men and women to raise up are being answered, although more help is needed. Please pray for blessings on Ben and Rose, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on 12/3/04. They ask for prayers for wisdom in ministering to the lost and in raising up leaders to spread the Kingdom of God.