Lance and Sarah Keeling
Teopisca, Mexico
Lance and Sarah Keeling understand it to be God’s call on their lives to
take His message of ‘the gospel of peace’ to every tribe, tongue and nation
of the world; particularly those in south Mexico. As is evident, the Lord
has placed a great love in their hearts for the Mexican people and their
culture, and thus they trust that Mexico is where the Lord would have them
for a lifelong work for the kingdom of God.
They live in the State of Chiapas, which is the most southern state in
Mexico. They call Teopisca home, which is about a two hours drive from the
capital city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. While this state is rich in culture, history
and tropical landscapes, it is also the poorest and most under-developed region
in all of Mexico. According to government statistics, about 30 percent of
Chiapas's 3.2 million residents cannot read or write, 40% of homes do not have
running water, and 30% of homes do not have electricity. Only about 20% of
children have access to middle or higher education. The average number of
children per family lies between 5 and 6, and the life expectancy of even those
able to receive general medical attention is below 65 years of age.
Although the Keeling’s did not have a definite plan for ministry when they
arrived in Teopisca in June of 2007, the Lord very quickly and graciously opened
many doors of ministry to them. Lance, who has a heart for the alcoholics in the
city of Teopisca, has had opportunities to share the gospel message with many
men who are under the bondage of the “strong drink” and desires to began a
weekly ministry in due time. The first “Bible Study Class” was held in the
Keeling’s home the last Sunday night in October and they have hopes that this
class will continue on a weekly basis as well. Another door that the Lord opened
caused Lance and Sarah to cross paths with the only orphanage in the city of
Teopisca; operated out of a family’s home. They currently care for the 7 orphans
2 days a week as the adoptive parents travel to a neighboring city to do other
ministry work. They have just commenced construction on an actual orphanage
facility just outside of town on about 6 acres of land where they hope to one
day house the orphans and incorporate a training facility for the children. This
training facility, including farming, gardening, bread making and a fish
hatchery, will enable the children to learn a trade before leaving the orphanage
in order that they may support a family of their own one day.
Please pray for the Keeling’s as they seek to discern and carry out the
Lord’s will for their lives.
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