FIRST KNOCK: The knock on the door was a surprise, considering the lateness of the hour. I opened to find the smiling face of a woman in her mid-forties. I invited her in. She identified herself as a believer and asked if we were born-again. When we answered affirmatively, she, Maria Eugenia, began to rejoice, telling us that she had been born and raised in Atotonilco, moving with her family to Guadalajara when she was in high school. Years later, she and her husband came to Christ. Since that time they have been praying for this city.

Bursting with enthusiasm and ideas, she told us about contacts she has here, people to whom she has witnessed, opportunities for ministry she has found. Though still living in Guadalajara, she had visited Atotonilco on a number of occasions, each time praying she would make contact with some congregation or believers here. We prayed with her that night and have continued in contact with her in the weeks that have followed. She and her husband are hungrily desirous of helping advance the Good News here.

SECOND KNOCK: It was mid-morning and I was in the middle of preparing some Bible study material when we heard the knock. A man was at the door, wanting to know if we were believers. We said yes and asked him to come in. Juan explained that he is from this town, but came to Christ a year ago in Guadalajara. He had moved back here only a few weeks previous and was looking for a congregation of believers with whom to meet.

We discussed his conversion, the situation in Atotonilco and the church here. We explained where and when we meet. He has been coming to the meetings since that time.

THIRD KNOCK: Such a timid knock brushed the door that I almost missed it. "I saw the sign above your door with the Bible verse. It says, "Welcome", so I decided to take a chance. I'm sorry to be bringing my problems to you, but…" Suddenly, she began to cry. Linda moved close and the young girl began to open her heart. I moved to my office where, closing the door, I could pray.

INTERCEDE: For the first woman mentioned above, Maria Eugenia. Only a month after she and her husband enthusiastically brainstormed about how they can bless this city and the church here, he was diagnosed with a tumor on the spinal column and prostrate problems. This appears to us to be an attack from the Enemy, who is grieved that there is someone that is seeking the welfare of the people of Atotonilco (Neh. 2:10).

INTERCEDE: For Juan, the second knock. He has not been "tied in" to the congregation, but has come to some meetings. His wife is unsaved and they are living with her parents, who are staunchly Catholic and oppose the Gospel.

INTERCEDE: For Irma, the third knock on the door. As a child, her aunt, a believer, took her to Christian meetings. She has made a decision for Christ, but an unsaved boyfriend was an attraction that pulled her away from the Lord, the Word and God's people. She is now a single mother. At her last employment, the boss continually told her she didn't have to be working so hard. In the red-light district, only blocks away, she could make good money, and he assured her he would be a regular visitor. She finally quit her job, but faced the anger of her mother who, even after hearing her reason, scolded her for leaving such a good job.

INTERCEDE: For the fourth knock: The Lord Jesus is knocking on "The Door to the Jalisco Highlands", Atotonilco El Alto. Pray that this door would be opened wide. "Knock and it shall…"