“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
john 16:33
Oti Hernandez, our partner at La Cosecha, quoted this verse as he thought back on the last 18 months of the pandemic. “Yes, it has been a very difficult time with much worry,” he said, “But the Word of God strengthens and encourages us to continue with joy in the path before us, keeping our eyes fixed on God.”
La Cosecha, “The Harvest” is a part of TRC Ministries in Oaxaca, Mexico. La Cosecha is a home which focuses on helping people recover from addictions. Oti and his wife Gabriela run three locations where they share the great news of Jesus Christ.
They’ve been able to continue Sunday church meetings, Saturday discipleship classes, and have even started a time specifically for prayer on Wednesdays.
“In the past few months God has been telling us to keep ourselves firm and constant, growing in faith as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.”
oti
In addition to encouraging others to become radical Christians who do God’s will and love Him with passion, Oti and Gaby have been teaching this to their children.
On August 22nd, La Cosecha received a special visitor.
Hector Ruiz is a young man who was rehabilitated in La Cosecha six years ago. He has been a missionary since then, traveling to various towns in Mexico as well as other countries such as Brazil and Cuba, sharing the gospel. However, due to health concerns with Covid, the missionary organization Hector is a part of sent him home. He and a group of eight men visited La Cosecha for three days, during which they shared the Word with the men in residence at Etla and spent some time participating in activities with the children.
Carolina and Gaby care for the four children of a La Cosecha resident.
Carolina is a young woman who grew up in an orphanage in Puebla where Gaby served for 9 years. After Carolina finished her training as a hairstylist, she decided to come and serve with Oti and Gaby in La Cosecha. Currently she is caring for the children of a man called Meno. Meno struggles with alcoholism and had previously been a part of La Cosecha, but had decided to leave. After much prayer and persistence in trying to make contact, Meno finally came back to La Cosecha in March, 2020. The children arrived in good health, but were physically uncared for beyond what the oldest, Deborah, had managed. Now the children are very happy in the care of Carolina and Gaby. They have food and clean clothes, and are taking classes and making great progress.
Two Opportunities for Praise
Oti recently received a 1997 Chrysler van from a fellow believer. This vehicle will allow them to transport the men to church safely, rather than in the back of a pickup. With the money sent to them, they were able to make a few repairs and renew the license plates and title. So far they haven’t paid anything to the previous owner, who graciously gave them the opportunity to fix it up and pay him as they are able.
Oti is also thankful for their safety. “Last week a person whom we don’t know beat on the door in an inappropriate manner trying to get in by force. Carolina and the children were frightened. We think it was a drunk trying to get in.” They were able to purchase a camera to put on the door of the church and hope that this will deter any further break-in attempts, and give them the ability to monitor the street outside.
“Finally, we wish to thank all of you, brothers, for being part of La Cosecha. Thank you for your prayers and your continued financial support. God bless you very much.”
oti
La Cosecha is a recovery house in Oaxaca, Mexico, which focuses on helping people overcome their addictions through the power of the Holy Spirit. Click here to learn more about La Cosecha.