Lloyd and Joyce Heiney, missionaries to Mexico, report:

"We recently received word from our pastor saying Nuevo Progreso is now isolated from the rest of Mexico by flooding. No food or other necessities can reach the city except from the United States. Hurricane Alex, and the second tropical storm, brought historic flooding to both sides of the Rio Grande River along the Texas border. Lives have been lost in the floods in cities west of Nuevo Progreso, and the flood waters are traveling downriver toward the Gulf of Mexico. 

The government of Mexico sent food to assist the city. There are fears the rising river will cause the closing of the one bridge that provides access to Nuevo Progreso from the United States. This access is the only way for them to receive food. Trucks from Mexico have been allowed to travel on the U.S. side to take assistance to them.

This is an emergency situation, and we are asking for your prayers for these people. We thank God that Pastor Gerardo and his wife Miriam have been given great opportunities to minister the Word of God during this time."

World Missions Hosts Banquet At General Assembly

World Missions kicked of the 73rd International General Assembly activities with a missions banquet on Monday, July 26, 2010.

The theme for this event was “Heritage and Horizons, 100 Years of World Missions Advance.” Stories from the past and dreams of the future were highlighted.The special speakers for the evening were James Beaty, former missionary for 64 years; W. Harold McLeod, retiring field director to Asia Pacific; Otoniel Collins, missionary to Honduras; and Alex Abiola, missionary to Ireland. Each “Hero of Faith” shared of the excitement and challenges of their work on the mission field. Dr. Collins shared, “God makes the impossible, possible. He will open doors where there are no doors.”

Another meaningful aspect of the banquet was the recognition of retiring Missions personnel. Four missionaries have retired this year. Gerhard and Eva Becker, missionaries to Germany are retiring after 33 years of ministry; Field Director to Europe: Central/Easter/CIS, Dieter and Hildegard Knospe are retiring after 36 years of ministry; Bryan and Diane Hersey retire with 28 years of ministry in South America; and after 30 years of ministry, Asia/Pacific Field Director, Harold and Tina McCleod are retiring.

Bryan and Diane Hersey

 Harold and Tina McLeod