Greetings in Jesus’ Name.  This is Cliff, Bob Bell’s son. I apologize for the delay in posting this, but I have had some difficulty with the website.

As you are probably aware, several years ago Dad was diagnosed with stage four cancer already metastasized into his bones.  At that time the doctors told him he had between three to six months to live, and he moved in with my sister Sheryl and her family in Seymour, Texas. But God! 

After arriving in Seymour, Dad was accepted into a study with an experimental cancer treatment which proved effective, and the Lord graciously gave us several more years.  Throughout that time, despite his physical limitations, Dad continued to minister as he was able: teaching a Bible class at First Methodist Church in Seymour, counseling pastors from Mexico who would call on him, providing Bibles for ministries in Mexico, and praying daily for a long list of people.

Towards the end of 2021 and entering 2022, the treatment began to lose its effectiveness, and in the last months of 2022 Dad’s health began to quickly decline. In November 2022, my sister Kathy (KB) took leave from her job to provide the constant care he needed.  By mid-December the reluctant decision was made to request hospice care.  I was with my sisters and Dad for his final days.

Early in the morning of December 31^st, while the song “Because He Lives” was playing softly in the background Dad made his entrance into God’s Presence, and was reunited with the love of his life, Madeline.  I led a celebration of life service for Dad, on January 6^th, 2023 in Seymour, Texas.  We were honored to have special guests, David and Debi Kerr representing Globe International and also Dr. Sam Richardson, a dear family friend to share that time with us.

Towards the start of his ministry in Mexico, God told Dad not to start a new church, but to strengthen those which were already there. Dad did precisely that by offering evangelistic campaigns using films of the life of Christ, Bible school training on video, Bibles and Christian literature to churches that needed it; arranging and supervising roof construction projects for churches through Christ For the Nations roofing program; offering a listening ear and godly wisdom to pastors who needed encouragement or counsel, and so much more. While you won’t find a church network that calls Bob Bell their founder, many existing churches and networks are stronger and more effective today because of Dad’s obedience.

If you asked Dad what was his five-fold ministry (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher according to Ephesians 4:11), he would reply, “I have the gift of service.” Dad would see a need, begin a ministry to fulfill that need, then raise up someone else to take it over before starting something new.

When Dad’s health no longer allowed him to travel into Mexico, he started serving as a chaplain in the hospital and the federal prison. Dad wrote the following in his journal in May 2016 after he was allowed to minister to cell block H-5, where the most violent or severe offenders were held:

May 23, 2016  “Today was my first day in H-5. There was in this place an absence of any joy – the feeling there must be a small taste of the hopelessness and despair of hell itself.  May God grant me the wisdom and discernment to tear down the fortress of hell. I am in this place for a reason, and God does not call anyone to fail. ”

I remember Dad telling me of how God’s love broke through the hate and fears of these hardened criminals. One man in particular, a “matón” (cartel assassin), would fly into a curse-word-laden tirade when Dad came by to visit. Dad would simply answer that God loved him. But after several visits, something changed, as the man realized that Dad would not write him off, the hardened shell broke off. A conversation ensued, the man received Christ as his Savior.

Dad left a legacy of faith, service, and integrity.  I personally know many churches which were strengthened through his ministry. Yet those are but a small fraction of the full impact.  Dad didn’t spend much time talking about what he had done; he just kept serving. One day we’ll get to hear the full story!  

Dad fought the good fight and finished well.  There must have been quite a celebration as Dad entered Glory!  I can only imagine!

For those who desire to do something to honor Dad’s life…

Before he left us, Dad expressed a desire that, rather than flowers, people could send a donation in his honor to one of two orphanages run by ministries with whom he worked, knew, and trusted implicitly in northern Mexico.  Both orphanages are doing a wonderful work.  We know anything sent to them will be wisely and well spent to help the children in need.  In fact, it was Dad’s hope that some people might feel led to give to one of these ministries on a regular basis.  Here is information on both.

He Cares Ministries, founded by Dr. Elio and Darea Rivera, operates multiple outreaches including an orphanage in Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.  Their “casa hogar” works with the Mexican social services (DIF) and care for anywhere between one to two dozen children coming out of crisis situations until they are re-located.  Whether the children spend just weeks, months or longer at the casa hogar, while they are there, they experience safety, healing, delicious food, clothes, education, and the precious seed of the Gospel planted in their hearts.

To donate to this ministry, make out your check to “He Cares Ministries” being sure to write “orphanage” in the memo portion of your check, and mail to:

He Cares Ministries
315 Meandering Way
Del Rio, TX 78840

Hands and Feet ministry runs an orphanage in Piedras Negras, Coahuila and also does an outstanding job. Dad has worked with Pastor Miguel de León for many years.  This orphanage called “House of Mercy” works with children of all ages.  To donate to this ministry, make any checks out to “Hands and Feet AC, Inc.” and mail to:

Hands and Feet AC, Inc
PO BOX 1168
Eagle Pass, TX 78853

Thank you and may God bless you abundantly,

Cliff Bell

cliff@cimexico.org

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 (ESV)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalms 103:2-5 (ESV)

Dear Friends,

I am greatly encouraged and amazed. The lovingkindness of God is truly awesome! Last July I was brought to Seymour, Texas after ten days in the Shannon Medical Center located in San Angelo. In the natural my prognosis was not good. BUT GOD!!

By the grace of God, since arriving here, His healing and saving power has been remodeling and repairing this old clay house of mine. While there is still some work to do, for the first time since being here I have both energy and desire to minister. This last weekend I got acquainted with the folks at Templo Sinaí here in town. I’m looking forward to working with them and other places!

This month I was able to facilitate sending money for bibles to a pastor in Nepal. His name is Obed. Pray for him as God puts him on your heart. He had an accident on his motorcycle and was badly burned on his leg.

As my health continues to improve, pray for effectual open doors of ministry. There is much need in both the English and Spanish churches. I need wisdom, discernment and Holy Ghost ideas. Seeing a need and helping fill it is something I have always tried to do. God Alone must order when and how.

I wish to thank you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, first of all for faith-filled prayer on my behalf. In the devotion of John Donne (1624), he said,

“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.”

If I understand the metaphor, we need each other. None of us can overcome the adversities of life without God and each other.

I am greatly blessed and humbled by your generous and steadfast support. Thank you. I am very grateful.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2nd Corinthians 13:14 (ESV)

Bob Bell

Dear Friends,

Things have been moving so quickly, Easter has caught me unawares. May this Resurrection Day be filled with the joy of the Lord!

My granddaughter, Lauren, is getting married to a fine Christian young man, Will Mason, on the 31st. Everyone is scurrying around at breakneck speed. I pray all will come together at the right time.

Ministry wise, 312 Spanish Bibles were put into the hands of Methodist pastors in Piedras Negras and Allende, Coahuila, Mexico, plus at the Casa de Misericordia Orphanage.

Below are some pictures of people receiving Bibles at Jehova Sama Church in Piedras Negras.

My prayer list is in a continual state of growth. As I become acquainted with more people here, it adds to the list.

My own state of health is interesting. Some doctors tell me, “Mr. Bell, you are doing fine.” Another looked at my records and said, “I do not know why you are not dead.” The answer to both is “But God”! If feelings count for anything, I feel fine.

I wish to extend very grateful thanks to all who pray and have a part in this ministry. You are a tremendous blessing. May God continue to bless you and keep you.

“The Lord will keep you from all evil;
He will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:7-8

In the Savior’s Name,

Bob Bell

Dear Family in Christ,

As a small boy living on a ranch in West Texas in the early 1940s it was a great treat to go into town on Saturday. If my parents had it to spare I would be given a whole two bits (that is 25 cents if you don’t know)! With that I could buy the ten cent ticket to see that week’s double movie feature, a Coca Cola, a bag of popcorn and a Sugar Daddy big enough to last.

In addition to the two movies, during those years they showed a serial episode that left you in suspense (so you would want to come back next week), a cartoon, and there was always a ten minute Newsreel called “The March of Time”. It always ended with stirring music and a booming “TIME MARCHES ON”.

It is true. Time will not wait for any one. The years pass by with alarming rapidity. The things we put off till tomorrow never get done because when tomorrow arrives it is today, and we will surely do it tomorrow.

There is a story in the Bible about a Roman governor named Felix. In Acts 24:24-27 we read….

“24 But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.’

26 At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.”

In two whole years of talking with the Apostle Paul time was elusive and could not be found. Felix’s love of money hid time.

Marcus Antonius Felix and his wife Drusilla died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the 79 AD on the 24th of August. For Felix, time and hope ceased as it will for all unless time is found to call on “the Name of the Lord”

Romans 10:12-13 “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

If anyone reading this has not found time to call on His Name, be born from Above, and becoming that new creation in Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:17) you cannot do it any younger, and no one has a guarantee of tomorrow or even a next breath.

God sets before all of us LIFE and DEATH. He even tells you in Deuteronomy 30:19b to choose LIFE because you have value in His sight.

I started out to write something different but I got carried away.

As far as what is happening to me, I am doing well, God it seems is not through with me. There is still work to do. I minister on a limited scale, distribute Bibles, read the Word, pray and enjoy family. I can truly say I am a blessed man and can testify that God is a good God!

Health wise I do the chemo thing once a month and see other physicians now and then. The cancer is not spreading. By the grace of God enhancing the treatment I am stronger and more active though I need to use a quad cane or walker.

My most grateful thanks to all my family in Christ, your expressions of Christian love, genuine concern, prayer and unsparing help encourage and lift me up.

God bless you all,

Bob Bell

Texas Theater picture source: https://ballinger-tx.com/forms/about/historic-photographs

Dear Family,

Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, Nor will My covenant of peace be shaken,” Says the LORD who has compassion on you.” (AMP)

It has been my privilege and joy to walk in the lovingkindness, peace and compassion of my Lord through many trials. I can testify that they are infinite and unfailing.

Last July when my daughter, Sheryl, took me from Del Rio and had me admitted into the Shannon Clinic in San Angel
o, Texas I was very close to joining the celestial choir.

Shannon is a large and well equipped hospital complex. I went through many procedures and treatments during the ten days I was there. They found several problems. The most pressing was metastasized stage four prostate cancer.

After release from the hospital I relocated to Seymour, Texas and am living with my daughter and family. By the grace of God the illness is responding to the treatments I receive at Texas Oncology in Wichita Falls. As I regain strength it has been possible to begin to do the work of the ministry, though on a limited scale for the time being.

Since the end of August God has allowed me to place several hundred Bibles in Mexican churches, a migrant camp outreach in Cd Acuña and a church on this side of the Rio Grande.

As of this writing Bibles are on their way to two community centers in Cd. Acuña run by the Comunidad Cristiana Mana Church. One in the red light area. They minister to all who come, giving out the Word of God, Bibles as well as blankets, coats, school supplies, and other practical needs as the Lord provides. On the weekends they offer hot meals and a ride to church. Later on this year they will go on a missions outreach to Zacualtipan de Angeles, Hidalgo with more of the Bibles.

My most grateful and profound thanks to all of you for your prayers and generous help. God in his grace blesses me through you. Thank you.

May you continue to walk in the fullness of God’s manifold blessings.

In The Savior’s Name

Bob Bell

Dear Brethren,

Grace and Peace to all in Christ Jesus.

Please receive my grateful and profound thanks and appreciation for your prayers and help past, present and future.

I am late in communicating because of physical challenges. I read somewhere that one of the leading causes of medical problems is prescription medications correctly prescribed and properly taken. I am convinced that this is a true and accurate statement!

PRAYER REQUEST

I have had not just one but two episodes since the last of February. I am still overcoming the last one caused by an allergic reaction to an eye drop that has resulted in blurry vision. I would appreciate your prayers to overcome this quickly so I can drive safely.

James 5:17b “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

There is not any problem we face to difficult for our Heavenly Father, the King of the Universe. He answers all prayer without favoritism.

Romans 2:11 “For there is no partiality with God.”

Years ago a preacher said his favorite Bible verse was the one that said “and it came to pass.” He finished by adding “Praise the Lord, trouble did not come to stay; it came to pass!” This too will pass.

Thank you again for your faithful prayer and help.

Blessings,

Bob Bell

Blessings in Jesus’ Name!

This month I have been dividing my time mostly between the Detention Center and therapy.

The jail is at full capacity just under 1500 men. I continue ministering in three pods of Ad-Seg. About 139 men. It is an ever-changing international population of career criminals, cartel, members, murderers, etc. They come from all over the Spanish speaking world, Europe, Canada, a few now and then from the Mideast and of course the USA. I witness to each one and keep those who desire supplied with Bibles and Bible studies.

Thanks to God the therapy is helping greatly. My shoulder is about 90% of normal. I am looking forward to full recovery.

The Holiday Season was a little different this last Christmas. It all started with a phone call from Sacramento informing me that my only brother had three days to live. It required a few minutes to recover my senses. I needed to get to California. My youngest daughter and her husband fly a lot and they arranged to use points to get me a ticket. When I arrived two of my grandnieces had things well in hand, and my brother was out of danger.

God is a God who knows our frame, He answers prayer, and heals our infirmities. So instead of a sad time we had a good week together reliving past things. I had not seen him for over four years. Being able to spend Christmas with him was a great blessing for me. I flew back to Texas on the 26th and had a late Christmas with my daughter and her family. I arrived back in Del Rio on December 30th.

My profound thanks to all.   Being able to share God’s Word is an incredible privilege. I am extremely grateful for your prayer and support.

I pray that in this year 2017 that God’s Grace may abound in your lives more and more each day fulfilling the Godly desires of your heart.

Bob Bell

Luke 19:10  “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 

1 Timothy 1:17  “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 

 

PS. This post from January 25th needed to be re-published because somehow it was hacked and messed up.