OCC

October 2007 – Puebla, Tlaxcala, Pachuca
Dear Friends of OCC

I know too much time has passed since my return from the last OCC Prayer journey, but I really “hit the ground running” this time! I can’t believe it’s December!

Pastor Hope Cummins from New Wilmington, PA, Phyllis Bennetti from LeRoy, N.Y. & Rev. Bill & Judy Beck from New Bedford, PA accompanied me to 3 capital cities located southeast of Mexico City, each only a few hours from each other; Puebla, capital of Puebla, Tlaxcala, capital of Tlaxcala, and Pachuca, capital of Hidalgo. Pastor Tony Garcia, Project Director OCC- Mexico, along with Pastor Joel Valdes, Pastor Alejandro Briones, and Pastor Dario Escobedo met us in Huejotzingo (a suburb of Puebla). This group traveled by car from Saltillo, Coahuila, a fourteen hour drive. Actually they arrived on Monday, part of our team arrived on Tuesday of that week, and Sister Phyllis and I(due to circumstances beyond our control- namely, Continental Airlines) arrived on Wednesday.

Pastor Mario Vasquez and all of his family received us and took care of us as if we were royalty! The team prayed at the five pressure points in Puebla on Monday & Tuesday. On Wednesday, the team finally was complete. We settled in during the afternoon hours and then attended the Wednesday P.M. service at Pastor Mario’s Church.

On Thursday we traveled to Tlaxcala. What an experience! We knew no one there, but we prayed at the key points. Interestingly their annual celebration was in progress. There was a major protest demonstration in the Central Park with a huge armed riot unit at attention ready for action. Teachers were demanding change in the government’s role on education. Also— a unique opportunity—Tlaxcala is the only city in Mexico where there is a “running of the bulls” event as is so famous in Spain. We stood with our noses right up to the fence— taking in the sights (and smells!) of this hint of old Spanish culture. Who says you have to be in a closet to pray!

As the week progressed, the ministry grew more intense. We entered Pachuca, Hidalgo on Friday afternoon. Pastor Tony Garcia, Project Director OCC- Mexico, had communicated with two pastors prior to our arrival. These pastors met us in the park where we shared the vision of
OCC and the purpose of our visit. One of these pastors was Onésimo Román Torres, the President of the Tlaxcala Pastors Alliance, who promised to contact other pastors and join us that evening to pray at the five pressure points with us. Several did return and we shared hours of intense prayer throughout this beautiful city.

Pastor Tony was adamant about inviting these alliance members to a breakfast the next morning— along with as many pastors as they were able to gather on such short notice. Gulping down a little “concern” about money and “who would come at that late date,” I agreed, and we made breakfast reservations for 20 people. I believe there were 9 of us and twelve or thirteen of them. Praise the Lord! The vision was shared— the response was great. They committed, individually and as a group to continue praying there and also to consider traveling to other capital cities to help complete the OCC assignment.

One last note- Pastor Tony also shared the vision of Harvest Preparation International Ministries (HPIM) and the potential blessing that would result from a HPIM Pastor’s seminar in Hidalgo. They were eager to learn more about HPIM. Upon returning home, this information, along with names and email addresses was submitted to the HPIM office.

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support as I continue to serve God in the best way I know— thru obedience to the vision, and perseverance— till all know Him.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Carol Missik