Happy New Year!

Thank you for your support and fellowship with us throughout the course of this year.  
May it continue through out the course of the coming year.

The Action Bible

This evening, Christmas came early to the children of Iglesia Palabra Viva. Older children received "The Action Bible" in either English or Spanish. Younger children received a version of "The Beginner's Bible". Later this week, Spanish "Action Bibles" will be given to children who attend a church in Nuevo Laredo Mexico.  All of these Bibles were ordered through B.R.I.D.G.E. Ministries of Laredo.

Live Christmas Music ... with Joel Garza

 

Christmas CD is now available for sale at B.R.I.D.G.E.!

Niños felices!

Thank you to everyone who contributed towards the "Graphic Bible" campaign or gave a warm coat.  You've helped to make this a special Christmas for many children and brought joy and hope to a land where hope is often hard to find.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." 1 Peter 1:3

Time Is Running Out!

Up-Coming Time Changes:

Dec. 23 ------- Closed

Dec. 24 ------- OPEN -- (12 to 5:30 pm)
 
Dec. 25 - 26 -- Closed

Dec. 27 - 29 -- OPEN -- (Regular Hours)
 
Dec. 30 - 31 -- Closed

One hundred sixty-three Graphic Bibles delivered...

and on the way to children in Nuevo Laredo.  Thank you to all who helped us purchase "La Biblia Grafica", your generosity will bless many children in the name of Jesus.

The December Sale Continues ...

Buy ONE book ... 
and get a SECOND book ... FREE* ! ! !

Come by and look through our Christmas themed collection.
  
Be sure to pick-up a little something for the "reader" on your shopping list.

Hope to see you soon!

BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo
6019 McPherson Rd., Suite 8

Laredo, TX 78041

(Just one block north of the intersection of McPherson Rd. and Calle Del Norte; right side)

Hours:

Tues. - Fri. 10 am to 6 pm; 

Sat. 10 am to 4 pm

956-568-7646





 


*(Certain Restrictions Apply: Sale is only applicable to in-stock collection. Second book must be of equal or lesser value. Sale is non-applicable to Bibles, homeschool/ educational books, or Special orders.)

Blessed to be a blessing...

Keena and Roberto each share how BRIDGE Ministries has been able to assist them in their ministry.

Jesus Loves The Children of Mexico

"Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

This Christmas, embrace the opportunity to share Christ Jesus with children in Mexico!  You can do that by giving the simple gift of "La Biblia Grafica" -- (The Graphic Bible).

This Christmas, B.R.I.D.G.E. wants to give these Bibles to children at outreach events in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; along with a tract which explains the Gospel. You can help through a gift of $10 for a Bible.

If you would like to help B.R.I.D.G.E. in fulfilling their goal, please make your gift by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30.

You can make your donation through:

• Our website by using the PayPal "Donate" button;

• Mailing a check to:

         BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo

          P.O. Box 451307 

         Laredo, TX 78045

• Stopping by our place at: 

          6019 McPherson Rd., Suite 8

Rich Blessings To You

Please note that BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo is a 501(c)(3) organization; your donations are tax deductible.

Book Sale through December!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?:  Book sale at BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo

WHEN:  November and December 2012

DETAILS:  Buy 1 book and get a 2nd book of equal or lesser value... FREE!  This sale applies to all in stock Christian books (not special orders) except Bibles and homeschool/educational resources.

BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo

6019 McPherson Rd., Suite 8

Laredo, TX 78041

Hours:  Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 6 pm/Saturday 10 am to 4 pm

956-568-7646

BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo

Thank You Friends of B.R.I.D.G.E. Ministries

... "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; 
therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."  Luke 10:2

A special thanks is in order to all of the friends of B.R.I.D.G.E. Ministries who have supported us throughout the course of this month. A special thanks is also in order to all the local volunteers who supported us through their dedication of both time and service.

Thank You Very Much!

May God continue to bless you richly for all that you have done.  

SPECIAL HOURS

B.R.I.D.G.E. Ministries of Laredo

Oct. 23-27, 2012. (Tues. - Sat.)

SPECIAL HOURS
12 - 6 p.m.

Homeschool Classes and Story-Time

will be suspended until Nov. 2

Joel Garza is here...

Joel Garza from Houston is here today and tomorrow playing some impromptu praise songs - stop in and say "Hi"!

Upcoming Laredo Events...

Laredo Life Pregnancy Center Annual Banquet

When: Friday October 19, 2012 - seating at 6:30 and complimentary dinner/program 7 - 8:30 PM
Where: Embassy Suites 110 Calle Del Norte
RSVP to Sandy Nava 956-285-2536

An opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended.  Come experience God's blessing through this ministry & learn how you can get involved. 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Stand for Religious Freedom Prayer Rally

When: Saturday October 20, 2012 at 5 PM
Where: Civic Center Gazebo 

Our hope is that Christians across the nation would come together in one mind & accord to learn about the issues that are threatening our religious freedom.  May we unite with reverent & repentant hearts, humbly asking our Father for mercy in His righteous judgement & draw us back to Himself and restore this nation for His glory. 

We pray that those who speak, would have grace filled speech, speaking as if our Lord Himself would address the hearers.  We pray that we, along with all the hearers would receive what is said in faith & be moved to humbly seek God,  turn from all things that are not pleasing to Him & instead choose to live our lives to please Him to Whom belongs the kingdom, all the power,  glory, honor & praise.

La Biblia de Las Americas ... in Mexico

Not too long ago, B.R.I.D.G.E Ministries of Laredo donated 50 Bibles (La Biblia de Las Americas translation)  to Templo Companerismo Victoria A.R.  This temple is serving the community of Nuevo Laredo, Tamulipas through Bible training at their local chapter Leadership Academy.  Its student enrollment is composed of  both men and women who are in full-time ministry.

This donation was only possible through support from friends of B.R.I.D.G.E Ministries.

Please pray that the Lord would continue to lead people to support this ministry and its ability to distribute Bibles to Nuevo Laredo, Tamulipas.

 

Please continue to pray over these men and women who are out on the front-lines winning souls through Christ Jesus.

Select Books are Half-Price

This month B.R.I.D.G.E. Ministries is emphasizing books on missions and the life of Christians in other countries. Come and see what God has done and continues to do in other countries.

SALE -- The following titles are Half-Price:

A Life God Rewards, Teaching For a Change, Secrets of the Vine, A Faith Worth Sharing, The Faith Once Delivered, The Prayer of Jabez, Faithful Finances 101, The Prayer of Jabez for Teens, Assured by God, and Black Beauty.

Thank you to all who came to see John today...

We had a great time of fellowship!

Book Signing of "Young of the Faith" by John Barba

This coming Saturday, Sept. 29. from 12 to 3 p.m.


Come meet John and pick up a copy of his thought-provoking and inspiring book!


Refreshments and snacks will be provided by: Chick-fil-a !

Ministering to Soldiers

 In a world where people are hard pressed to find political and economic means to reform the country of Mexico for the better, there is a man who is actively listening to God and striving to obey Him in ministering to the people of Mexico.  Yes, even their armed military personnel. 

Previously, this brother in Christ, had spoken over the air, through a Christian radio program.  Through this program he had encouraged people to call-in to receive a Bible.  Yet, on a particular day, no one had called-in and he was a bit disappointed as well as puzzled.  Hence, on his next visit into Mexico, something different occured.

As he approached the entry check-point station of Mexico, he was given a green light (indicating to proceed; no inspection was necessary).  Yet, a sense of boldness arose within him, and he pulled into the inspection station.  The armed military men were puzzled and approached his car.  They proceeded to ask him if he had a problem that they could address. He boldly told them that God impressed upon his heart to share God's Word with them.  Additionally, he offered them a Bible.   They were a bit shocked at his statement, yet they spoke with him for a while.

Through their time of discussion, the brother learned that these armed military men knew about God earlier in life, but through the course of their military training, they had lost touch of the things of God.  So the brother both ministered to and told them that now that they had their Bibles, they needed to get right with God.  Additionally, they now had to share the things of God with other military men, and women as well.  They agreed to do so.  They took a Bible for themselves and went on to speak to some other people as well.  The Bibles that this brother used at this check-point were purchased through Bridge Ministries.

Please continue to pray for the people of Mexico and both the bold and courageous people who are ministering to them.  Furthermore, continue to seek God over continual provisions for Bridge Ministries and its work in making more Bibles available to the people of both the Texas and Mexico border.

Home school classes...

kicked off today at BRIDGE Ministries with an emphasis on America's Christian heritage.  Roberto taught the high-school students and Josh taught the elementary students (Leigh Ann was fulfilling her civic duty and answering the call to jury duty today).

Education Friday at Bridge Ministries

Homeschool classes are back in session at Bridge Ministries.  

9 - 10 a.m. --  Emphasis on American History

10:30 a.m. -- Story Time continues, this week, the letter "B"

Equiping a Transformed Life

It is amazing to see how God transforms the lives of people.  This afternoon a young man walked into Bridge Ministries in search of two particular bibles.  In the process of doing so, he found two other Bibles that he believed could help him even better than that for which he was searching for.  After careful examination, he chose a nice study Bible that would help him grow more in the Lord.  Bridge Ministries was glad for its availability in having in stock a study Bible for this young man, yes, one who is enrolled in a local church-based Bible institute. 

Yet, there was more to this young man.  He shared that he had a shady past of being involved with drugs (selling and using) as well as the lifestyle that went with them.  Eventually, this life came to an end when he was caught by law enforcement officers and sentenced to six years in jail.  Even while in jail, he had persuaded himself, that imprisonment would not break him. 

Through out his jail sentence, he held his stance.  On the home front, some immediate family members and their friends, were praying for him.  Through time, he began to meet prisoners who were Christians, as well as some ministers.  Some of them were persistent in sharing God's love with him.  This went on for a while, until a minister offered him a Bible.  Thinking that he would no longer be bothered by the minister if he accepted it, he took it.

Through the course of time, God began his work with this young man.  God used His Word to break his heart, and lead him towards receiving Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  He also joined other prisoners in their meetings with the ministers.  On the home front, the people who prayed for him, shared the horror that his previous life had left on his kids.  They were now living a similar life as his.  He sought God through prayer, and along with the support of the family and brethren, one by one, his family got saved.  Additionally, his term in prison was reduced to two and a half years.

Now, he works at a humble job.  He shares God's Word, passes out both Bibles and tracts to people.  He is attending a Bible believing church as well as enrolled in a church-based Bible institute.  His wife has one year of completion in the program, and he will soon complete his first year.  Although he only has about three years of accepting Christ Jesus as his Savior, his heart is on fire for God and for learning His Word.  His heart is also set aflame for the Eastern World of India; perhaps doing missions work in that part of the world after the completion of his Bible institute training.

English Classes by Bridge Ministries

This morning Brother Steve commenced a meeting for his first taught English class in Laredo.  His class will be composed of about 10 students.  The classes will be facilitated at Loma Alta Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Jose Nava.
 
For the time being, enrollment is now closed in order to provide the best one-on-one learning experience to all of the enrolled students.  This is a ground breaking service of Bridge Ministries of Laredo and it hopes to be able to conduct another class session soon.  

God's Provisions Continue

God continues to provide.  Last year we shared with you how God had sent us Roberto.  For a year now, Roberto has been both volunteering and working for Bridge Ministries on a part-time basis.  His specialty has been in organizing books, but he has also been an asset by working with the Spanish speaking population, as well as maintaining the literature collection.

Additionally, Roberto has also administered customer service, worked at the cash register, assisted in making special orders, as well as made several builds for this ministry.  Most recently, he has begun to assist with the maintenance of our Blogger and Facebook postings.

Thanks Roberto

Bibles for Veracruz Mexico

There is a need for Bibles in Veracruz, Mexico, in particular, a town by the name of Naranjos.  Through a local Brother in the Lord, Bridge has come to learn of this need and fulfilled a portion of it as well.  

A 17 or 18 year old young lady's heart was moved to support her uncle's ministry with Bibles.  She made an inquiry for Bibles through a local Brother in the Lord.  This Brother's heart is on fire for sharing the Word of God and distribuiting Bibles throughout the Texas-Mexico border.  It so happened that on the day that we received a shipment of Bibles, he walked in requesting Bibles and sharing this need with Bridge.  

Bridge supplied him with the requested quantity of Bibles for his personal ministry as well as those that were needed for Veracruz.  He will pass the Bibles on to this young lady and unto Veracruz they will go.  Once in Veracruz, these Bibles will be distributed by her uncle to people within different mission churches that he oversees.  These people have already accepted Christ into their heart as well as are serving within their local mission/church.   

It is a privilege to have been able to have Bibles available to be sent out to Naranjos, Veracruz.  Perhaps in the future, Bridge will be able to make more Bibles available to them.

Joel Garza...

It was truly a blessing to have Joel here @ BRIDGE!  Through music and testimony his heart is to point people to Christ and the "abundant life" that we can have in Him.  Contact Joel at:  Joel Garza

Joel Garza @ BRIDGE next week!

Come hear this young, talented artist next Thursday & Friday afternoon starting at 1 PM (July 12 & 13).  Joel will be playing his guitar and will have his debut CD available for sale.  Check out Joel:  Joel Garza Music  

While Joel is at BRIDGE Ministries (6019 McPherson Rd, Ste. 8) he will be making his CD available at half price with the purchase of any book or the donation of a "gently" used Christian book or Bible.  Don't miss this opportunity to hear this skilled musician and pick up a book for summer reading!

More Bibles...

A lady came in yesterday to purchase some Bibles, in particular in English.  She shared that she works with two other ladies (Spanish speakers) and they reach out to troubled young ladies.  Recently, they went out to a facility and were informed that the young ladies that they would be ministering to were primarily English speakers.  They were therefore a little anxious, but prayed that God would help them.

When they met in the designated room, two young ladies approached them  and informed them that they were going to be their translators!  The ladies were full of joy and did their ministry.  During a time of prayer, the young ladies are usually prayed over.  On this occasion, the lady who bought the Bibles, expressed that the Holy Spirit directed her whom to pray for, in what order, and the words to pray; additionally, she also gave some words of knowledge to some of them.  The young ladies broke into tears as they were prayed over and also requested English Bibles at the closing of the meeting time.  The lady expressed that she had heard of such things, but never experienced them for herself before; she got "chills" from it, but acknowledged that it was the work of the Holy Spirit.  Praise God for His mighty work in this city through people who are open to work through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Go to BRIDGE...

We had a young woman in today who purchased materials for several members of her family who are facing various challenges in their lives.  She said she was directed in a dream to go to BRIDGE Ministries.  She did and was able to find the books that she needed to bless her family.  Wow...

Testimony

Here is a testimony from "Julie" of how God has used BRIDGE Ministries to impact her life:

For several years I had a deep desire to be discipled in God’s word, but I always felt inferior because I thought I needed to have a theological degree to study God’s Word.  Although I attended a Christian church, I wanted to learn how to study the Bible for myself.  When I found out about BRIDGE Ministries, I purchased some Bible study books and also received some free books.  Since I live outside of Rio Bravo, I do not come into Laredo often.  However, I now have a reason to make the trip because I want to continue my growth and transformation in Christ. 

I cannot contain my excitement about all that I am learning, and how God has transformed my heart.  My prayer now is to share with other women from the area and have a small group to teach them how they can grow in God through studying His Word.  Thank you for serving the Lord and impacting the community.

Here are some other testimonies from people who have been blessed by the ministry:   Testimonies

Pastor Pepe...

from Agape was in yesterday purchasing another 75 books on discipleship for his church in Nuevo Laredo.  Pastor Pepe is such an unassuming, dedicated servant of God, it's humbling just to be with him.  He used to own a "cantina" (bar) in Nuevo Laredo until he found true life in Jesus Christ.  Now his heart is to encourage and disciple his flock in the Lord so that they can go and encourage others.  Please pray that the Lord would continue to guide and provide for hermano Pepe.

200 Bibles hit the streets!

We are celebrating our one year anniversary today with a giveaway of 200 Bibles.  We had an announcement in the local paper this morning also about the Bible giveaway.  One gentleman came in who said God used the announcement to nudge him to start reading the Bible.  Nothing happens by chance… as God’s word goes out it shall accomplish all He desires.

Velociraptor, vegetables and Vivaldi...

Today in storytime Mrs. D talked about the letter "V"

New CDs & DVDs...

On Feb. 18, Hermano Gomez went to San Antonio with a Christian Friend. He had spoken to us previously about picking up some items on behalf of BRIDGE Ministries of Laredo. On his return, he presented to us his findings of: DVDs, CDs, and some cards for special occasions. All of these items are now up for sale at BRIDGE Ministries.

Testimonials...

1/31/12

Late Tuesday afternoon, sister Angelica stopped by the BRIDGE to look over our Spanish collection of books. She purchased some books and tracts, and also ordered some Spanish family study Bibles.

She also shared God’s work in her life. For a while she suffered from severe headaches. However, one day, He touched her and healed her from them. Additionally, she shared how God is moving her towards ministry. She began to slowly acquire material to do home Bible studies. However, she recently faced having to move from her rental house. She sought the Lord and other believers for prayer over this matter. It is resolved and she is now moving forward in inviting people for the Bible study.

Lastly, recently God moved her heart to reach out to more people - this time at a local apartment complex. He mother lives there, as well as some of her mother’s friends. She feels led to start a Bible study there as well. Before she left, we asked her if we could pray about all the things she shared with us. We prayed for her and blessed her with some paperback Bibles to assist her with the Bible studies she is starting.

2/1/12

Talked to Brent (he does the food ministry for the homeless and preaches in the park on Sunday), he said last Sunday he saw Barbara (one of the local homeless women) in front of Burger King reading one of the Bibles that we had given out free the last time we were there.

2/6/12

From Alex “I wanted to tell you what a blessing these materials have been. I read them and use them in teaching. I read them and pass them on to others. It is such a blessing having all these resources.”

2/9/12

Brother Alvaro was in today to purchase a box of 24 RV Spanish Bibles for his prison ministry.

2/11/12

Hermano Roger was in and shared how much of a blessing this ministry is to him and others who had to go to San Antonio or Houston for materials. He said that anything they could find in Laredo was very expensive, so it is such a blessing to have BRIDGE Ministries here now where they can find materials at affordable prices.

Juan Jose was in stocking up on books and Bibles in English and Spanish again this morning. He called me a few minutes later on his cell phone telling me that he had just given four Bibles to some boys playing basketball in a park near downtown Laredo. He asked them if they had a Bible and they said no and were eager to receive them.

From another sister in Christ, “You are such a blessing. You are the only Christian bookstore in Laredo that has many books in English. If we want materials in English we have to drive to San Antonio” (about 2.5 hours away).

Coats arrived!

Last week we got in the shipment of coats that we were expecting. Last Saturday hermano Rafael was in the plaza in Nuevo Laredo distributing them along with the puppet ministry that he has for children.