Marcos and Marta Velasco and Steve Castersen began the outreach in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico in the 1980's. Marcos is a contractor and was able to build a large house for the meeting there, with the financial backing of Geftakys Assembly brethren in the USA and construction help from several as well. The house was intended as a retreat for George Geftakys, as well as a meeting place. The property was purchased in Marta Velasco's name, as Americans may not own property in Mexico.
The group stopped meeting in 2003. Marcos and Martha Velasco are in the USA for an extended period. Steve and Margaret saw them on several occasions and chatted about Casa de Sion. The local pastor who was renting the eleven bedroom house with meeting space that Marcos built has moved out. His church has found a property that will accommodate a school. There are no plans at present for the use of the big house. A Christian man who is a carpenter is renting the smaller house on the property.
Marcos is hoping within a few years to build up his contracting business here in Southern California to the point where it can support him and Marta so they can move back to Cuernavaca and have a ministry from the house. They are asking churches and individuals to pray to that end. Marcos has spoken with those in the Assembly who contributed most to the work there, and feels the consensus is to let the property continue to be used for the Lord's work. But if it were to be sold, the funds would be dispersed to the donors.
Brent T. emailed us a response to this information, as did Steve C. We encouraged Brent to correspond directly with Marcos about his view on the situation before posting his comments publicly. Marcos received Brent's letter, but did not reply. Here is Brent's letter to Marcos and the surrounding correspondence.
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