“Buenos Dias”, “Gracias” and “Ole” were commonly spoken words around Morningside during our celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Morningside was transformed into a festive atmosphere with bright decorations and special events for three days. May 4th, 5th, and 6th on Grace Street was reminiscent of Old Mexico. An air of excitement and expectancy was sensed by everyone attending.
This was the first time that Morningside held a Cinco de Mayo festival. The event was designed as an outreach to the surrounding spanish communities as well as a fundraiser for a local Branson church, El Tabernaculo de David. Many vendors came with specialty items, collectibles, delicious desserts, authentic Mexican treats, etc.
Beautiful decorations, colorful flowers, singers and dancers with bright dresses, jewelry and delicious food were present everyday on Grace Street. The colorful and energetic dance troupes entertained the crowds as they ate the wonderful variety of food served buffet style. The meals were served on a donation basis. Guacamole, tacos, rice, beans, tostadas, burritos and quesadillas were just a few of the items on the menu. There was an abundance of yummy food and many returned to the buffet line several times. New acquaintances were made, ministry to individuals took place and prayer partners were available to pray throughout the event.
Entertainment included several dance troupes, a mariachi band, Kevin Shorey singing a variety of songs, a concert by Elaiana Mustafa, the Amigos, and the Twice Adopted Children’s Group.
Altogether, Morningside was able to raise almost $10,000 for El Tabernaculo de David toward the payment of their church mortgage! We praise the Lord for this great response. This outreach touched many hearts and many visited Morningside who had never been here before. The jam-packed schedule included praise and worship, special speakers, food, shopping and lots of fellowship.
Cinco de Mayo became popular in the U.S. in the 1950’s and 1960’s by Chicano activists who saw it as a way to build Mexican-American pride. This event commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla when Mexican forces drove back the French army, who was there to collect an unsettled debt. At the time, Mexico was essentially bankrupt, due to a costly civil war known as the Reform War. When President Benito Juarez took office in 1861, he inherited a large debt from his predecessor but had no way to pay it.
Hoping to buy some time, Juarez suspended repayment to France, Spain and England for two years. Juarez was able to arrange an agreement with Spain and England for more time to repay the debt. However, France, under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, did not want to wait any longer for repayment so they decided to invade Mexico.
On May 5, 1862, 8,000 French forces descended on Puebla, just 100 miles from Mexico City. The French army consisted of twice as many soldiers as Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza had. The Mexican army consisted of only of 4,000 soldiers. Many of them were farmers, equipped with old rifles and machetes. Still, the ragtag army managed to push the French all the way back to the coast. Only a year later, France invaded Mexico again, and this time won. Mexico’s President Juarez was forced into exile and European forces occupied the country until 1867.
So how did that small Mexican army, half the size of the French defeat the opposition ? This accomplishment was explained in a sermon given by Mondo DeLaVega in the Sunday morning church service. Mondo preached a hard hitting message of staying united and the importance of not giving up. He emphasized that we win our battles by not quitting.
Mondo shared that we are to stay strong and courageous – Joshua 1:6. The battle is in our mind. No matter what we are experiencing it is imperative that we are convinced of God’s promises. We have to focus on maintaining a victory mindset and eventually victory will come and the battle is won! The reason the Mexicans won the battle at Puebla is because they had already made up their mind that they would win. They were in unity. They stood together even though they were small.
Each sermon was spoken in Spanish and translated by the speaker into English. Sunday night the evening service was with Pastor Nestor Rivera from Primera Iglesia Bautista Latino Americana from Green Forrest, Arkansas. He emphasized the importance of family relationships and nurturing the younger generations. The younger generation is the future. They need our attention, prayers and close relationships. Pastor Rivera encouraged everyone to stay true to who they are and not to let anyone try to change who God created you to be.
The second night Morningside visitors were serenaded by the original Amigos singers. For Pastor Jim this brought back many memories because the Amigos had been with him at Heritage on the PTL Club show years ago. It was a great time of reminiscing as well as getting caught up with what the Amigos are currently doing.
Cinco de Mayo concluded with Mondo again sharing a word from his heart. Basically, he encouraged us all to live a life full of purpose. What is the reason we get up in the morning? Do we really know that our life is to count for God? Having purpose makes all the difference in our daily outlook. When we have purpose it motivates us to continue and not give up. Let God minister to you and discover your purpose.
Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for this event next year! You won’t want to miss it!
