April Update

Dear Jesus People,

A frequently asked question of us is “Why do you do what you do in Mexico?”  We ask ourselves that same question and it always leads us to the central question of “What did Jesus do?” Which often leads to the next question, “What would Jesus do?” Great questions we frequently raise during devotions with the students. We talk a lot about the Word, action and example of Jesus. His teachings about salvation, forgiveness, love and grace, service to others, choices, and consequences, life and death. Then of course there are the miracles, He gives us a clear example of how to walk the talk.

So here are four kids beginning to walk with Jesus. We’ll share more stories as we go along.

-Joel (far left) always has a smile ready, even when he’s in trouble, which has happened a few times. He got in a fist fight with another student. Consequence, they both left for a refocus sabbatical. Joel, with some help from his single mom, decided that fighting, even though he’s pretty good at it, wasn’t WWJD. He came back with a desire to do good, participates frequently in leading devotions, and has become a kind and thoughtful example for the younger boys. Extra grace required with promising change, a new Jesus guy.

-Alma, the pensive younger sister of Joel, displays a quiet competence in the classroom and the kitchen. She is an academic star who loves God and mathematics and serving others. Though shy, she has no qualms when sharing the Word of our Lord during devotions.  With a servant’s heart, her dreams are leaning toward medicine or accounting, she makes solid loving choices that gently bless others. She loves Jesus and her walk shows it.

-Inocencio (innocent) lives up to his name (most of the time) as a highly energized straight arrow guy with adult level responsibilities as the student leader. He loves the Word and learning how to live as a Jesus person. His arm around little Fidencio speaks volumes about his character as God leads him toward a life of helping and shepherding others. Walking the talk with Jesus.

Fidencio is the youngest of four siblings living at the school, a devious, ornery, and sweet six-year-old boy whose work responsibility is picking up trash. His academics are presently suspect, as he prefers to wander in and out of class at will. He is a WWJD focus kid, he needs our help.  The big right now problem is that his teeth are all rotting and he desperately requires dental attention. Both he and his family will know a lot more about Jesus as we join in their aid. Miracle needed, we get to participate!

Why do we do …? Simple, Jesus showed us the way.  And for certain, we could not do what we do without you. Thanks for being here with us in Spirit, for your prayers, for being the church, for being Jesus People. May God richly bless you.

March Update

Hello friends,

We have had a great past few weeks here in Mexico.

  

   The beginning of March saw a couple of days of severe weather here in the mountains as well as other areas of Mexico.  Here at the school we had loads of rain with wind.  A few trees down, wet classrooms, as there are no windows, and the continual leaky roof of the kitchen and dining room area.  We fared well.

   The following week we had a “spiritual retreat” for the students in the neighboring village of Cangrejo.  Fifty kids hiked the “canyon of death” as we called it 14 years ago when we hiked it for the first and last time.  They made it in half the time it took us, about 3 hours.  We were so fortunate to have Jay Tenbrink and friends from Centro Cristiano church in Cofradia with us.  They provided daily lessons, music and drama workshops, and lots of good humor for our students and the children of Cangrejo as well.  This was a time of intentional teaching of the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ to the students to learn the ‘why’ of Holy Week.  Though we cannot fully know the understanding the kids have, many made professions of faith.  We had goosebumps listening to them sing several songs they had learned.  It was a very special and inspirational time for all.  We have a link to Jay’s blog on our website where he will soon have pictures and videos posted from the retreat.  Please check it out.

   We are so very thankful for the continued financial and prayer support from all of you. Please know your prayers make a difference.

   That said, we are asking for prayerful consideration for another need.  We are hoping to find a family in the US who would be willing to provide a home to a young lady who wants to attend high school in the US.  We believe she is an excellent candidate for many reasons.  She has US citizenship, so papers are not an issue.  She is a student with really good grades, participates in her church youth group, is the oldest of 3 kids, is used to cleaning house, taking care of younger siblings, and I might add, she considers herself a professional at making tortillas by hand.  She comes from a Christian family and her mom and dad are hard workers.  We took her with us to Phoenix when we went last Christmas, and were impressed by her thoughtfulness and manner.  Daniela will be ready to begin high school this coming fall.  If we find a family for her, we would like to bring her back to the US with us in June.  We hope to have a video of her and her family shortly on our web page.   Would you join with us in praying for a family for Daniela?  If anyone has an interest, please email us for more information.

   As we plan for our trip home for the summer, please know that we are willing to visit you or your local churches if there is an interest in learning more about our ministry here in the mountains of Mexico.  We do plan on returning next fall, but have not nailed down dates or time yet.  We would love to see as many of you as possible.

   Other prayer requests include receiving finalization for the school to have non-profit status in Mexico, which would mean they could receive substantially more financial support here and see the rebuilding of a large portion of the school as it is 50 years old and unhealthy for the kids.  We have promises of donations of materials, but still need to raise money for labor and classroom items such as desks and chairs.

   We are still praying for a young missionary couple to come and join the work here.  A love for working with kids, a willingness to help out as needed in the classrooms, gardens, kitchen, teaching English and Bible classes, playing soccer or volleyball, etc.  Please pass on this need to anyone you might know interested in serving.  The need is great.

As always, we thank you for your prayer and financial support.  Please keep it coming!