Espejo Church,

Villahermosa

In October 2002 his brother, Vernon, encouraged Clair Erickson to go to Mexico to be a lay evangelist for Global Evangelism in January. Clair decided to serve because a series of events convinced him that God wanted him to do so. It was -20^o when Clair Erickson left Park Rapids, Minn., USA,  to travel to Villahermosa.

Drawing on his experience as a local elder and lay pastor, he often involved his audience in each sermon message. To illustrate the significance of keeping the Sabbath holy, he chose seven women including the pastor's wife (Sabbath) to represent the days of the week. Then he asked the pastor to choose the one which was special to him. Of course, his wife was chosen.

While adults listened to each message, the children learned Bible stories in their own program.

By the end of the first week, 54 visitors were coming regularly and 10 of them had requested baptism.  Erickson said the most enjoyable part of the experience was to visit in the homes of the people and help them make their decisions for Christ. By the final weekend this large group of people were ready for baptism.

A key part of the evangelism series is the team of Espejo church members who served faithfully during the 16 evangelistic meetings in their church. Erickson said, "This won't be my last time to do this." As for results, he said, "There's no greater reward."