This week we were writing letters to thank those of you who have been supporting us financially. How we wish we could sit down and write a personal thank you to everyone who is supporting us. We know that you are involved in our work in so many ways. Your prayers mean so much to us as do your letters and emails. Sadly time permits us from being able to write personally and tell you that.
While writing the letters I was reminded of just how special we were made to feel as we visited so many different churches on deputation. As Katherine and Caroline have been here it has been such an encouragement to us to fellowship with friends from home. This week as I have driven around I have felt 'at home' here in Mexico and know that this is where we are supposed to be for now but it would be lovely just to skip home, enjoy the pampering and the fellowship and be reminded of just what a team effort this is.
We feel privileged and honoured to be on this team. Thank you so much for your support. We trust you feel blessed and encouraged as you see and hear what God is doing here.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Pray for Zoel and his family
This is Zoel. He goes to the La Loma church, is studying at the seminary and works with ECC (Every Community for Christ) evangelising and planting churches in the area. It is always an inspiration to talk with him. He has such a heart for evangelism. His desire for the breakfast club is to see parents come along and find Christ too. Recently he has started to visit people nearby who live in disused railway carriages on disused railway lines. He says that the poverty there is horrendous. we are now entering the rainy season here and as the rain poured out of the heavens he explained that this is a particularly hard time of year for them. The plastic sheeting which forms the roofs of their 'houses' doesn't hold the water out. He also said that just like the street kids these people are drugging up as he talks with them.
We gave him the last of the creme egg chicks which the Washbasin team had left behind so that Zoel could give them to the kids there. He also took down clothes and said that the people were delighted and so grateful. By showing them love in a practical way the door is opened for Zoel to share Christ and His amazing love with these needy people. We really hope that we will be able to accompany Zoel some time as he goes to the railway tracks. We're also hoping that he will be able to bring some of them to the breakfast club when it starts in the church.
Zoel also told me about one of the church houses that is being established in the area. It takes place in the home of an elderly couple who are 91 years old. This dear old couple are very poor and still have to work to make ends meet. They tie up cardboard and sell it very inexpensively. The man has been ill recently and so hasn't been able to work. I expressed my horror that folks of 91 should still have to work and asked about their kids. He said that their kids have disowned them. We're not sure whether that is because of their decision to follow Christ or not. How sad, and yet, this wonderful couple have a reward waiting for them in heaven as they do what they can to see their neighbourhood won for Christ.
There is so much need here. We could spend millions of pounds and of course, our heart is heavy for each work that we hear of. Please keep praying for wisdom to know when to act and how.
The rest of Saturday and into Sunday
After the breakfast club we went back to the church for the ladies meeting and also to help with the cleaning. It was our first full Saturday in the church. We finished off in the music rehearsal and got home by 7.15pm. Another long day.
This morning we helped with the music. I played the keyboard and Andrew sang. I learned another great lesson. As I was playing I couldn't hear a thing. There were no foldback speakers. I knew that I was pressing the notes and that out in the congregation they would be hearing me perfectly well...and I knew that people were really worshiping God from the expressions on their faces and the volume of the singing...but I had no idea what I was playing. In front of me I just had the words of the songs with the chords. Some of the songs we had rehearsed, others we hadn't and some I didn't know. Those of you who are musical will be thinking, "What a nightmare!"
So what's the lesson? I thought about how easy it is to give out in ministry. We work so hard, we press the notes and people out there are hearing and responding to what we do but sometimes we don't get the input ie. we aren't listening to God's direction in our lives. I felt restricted in my playing. I didn't want to play wrong notes. Had I been hearing from the foldback speaker I would have known how I sounded, I would have heard my mistakes and have been able to correct them. Knowing that I would hear that would have given me much more freedom to play and to potentially lead the congregation even closer to God in their worship of Him. I need to hear from God daily so that I know my failings and mistakes and with God's help see them forgiven and so that I might be more effective in my service.
This morning in our Sunday School Class we were talking with the kids about perseverance. We talked about finishing life well and about the steps we need to take today to ensure that we do. It was a challenge to our own hearts to be daily abiding in Christ and fulfilling God's purpose for every day. This week I was encouraged and challenged as I thought about Jesus when He said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work". It seems simple, yet at times in reality it isn't so. May we always be concerned just to do His will and to accomplish the plan He has for our lives.
Here are some of the kids in our Sunday School Class in competition with others learning perseverance and struggling with desperation as they try to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers (recognise this exercise any of you who have done OMS cross training?)
This morning we helped with the music. I played the keyboard and Andrew sang. I learned another great lesson. As I was playing I couldn't hear a thing. There were no foldback speakers. I knew that I was pressing the notes and that out in the congregation they would be hearing me perfectly well...and I knew that people were really worshiping God from the expressions on their faces and the volume of the singing...but I had no idea what I was playing. In front of me I just had the words of the songs with the chords. Some of the songs we had rehearsed, others we hadn't and some I didn't know. Those of you who are musical will be thinking, "What a nightmare!"
So what's the lesson? I thought about how easy it is to give out in ministry. We work so hard, we press the notes and people out there are hearing and responding to what we do but sometimes we don't get the input ie. we aren't listening to God's direction in our lives. I felt restricted in my playing. I didn't want to play wrong notes. Had I been hearing from the foldback speaker I would have known how I sounded, I would have heard my mistakes and have been able to correct them. Knowing that I would hear that would have given me much more freedom to play and to potentially lead the congregation even closer to God in their worship of Him. I need to hear from God daily so that I know my failings and mistakes and with God's help see them forgiven and so that I might be more effective in my service.
This morning in our Sunday School Class we were talking with the kids about perseverance. We talked about finishing life well and about the steps we need to take today to ensure that we do. It was a challenge to our own hearts to be daily abiding in Christ and fulfilling God's purpose for every day. This week I was encouraged and challenged as I thought about Jesus when He said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work". It seems simple, yet at times in reality it isn't so. May we always be concerned just to do His will and to accomplish the plan He has for our lives.
Here are some of the kids in our Sunday School Class in competition with others learning perseverance and struggling with desperation as they try to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers (recognise this exercise any of you who have done OMS cross training?)
Breakfast Club No. 2
We were excited and encouraged after the club last week. This week we were a little more apprehensive. The club took place outside the home of one of the ladies from the church (Paty). It was an experiment and the first time we have done something like that. We will have the club in four different areas around the church and each time we are inviting them to come to the main event which will start in the church in 3 weeks time. The main purpose of the first four week sis just to get alongside the kids and give them such a memorable time that they will be excited and eager to come to the church.
Last week Paty was so excited that we were going to have the club at her house. We made all the flyers and she got to work handing them out and inviting people to come. When we arrived at her house there were a few people waiting at the top of her streets with their kids. There weren't many. There were however 4 adults that she had invited to come. They were people from a local charity who wanted to meet us and see what we were doing. I (Carol) had a chance to talk with them (Andrew was leaving Katherine and Caroline to the airport) and they offered to help us in any way they could. I was amazed to find out that there are almost as many people in the area we are working as there are inhabitants of Northern Ireland! I explained who we are, what we were doing, what our objective is and a little about MEFI as well. Later when the people were introduced to those who had come to the club it was interesting to hear the guy in charge give his support to what we are doing and though he isn't a Christian he stated his belief that if more people in the area would worship God there would be less problems.
Anyway, it wasn't long before Paty's Patio :) started to fill up. By the end we had 45 kids and about 20 mums. When we announced the last game some of the kids groaned. When we asked who would be coming to the church there was a loud cheer. The mums seemed keen too. Pray that this enthusiasm will last. Praise God for Paty, a woman dedicated to seeing her neighbours won for Christ. I congratulated her afterwards, saying that the turnout was testimony to her example in the neighbourhood and hoping that it would open up further opportunities for her to share the gospel. She responded that it already had! 45 kids is far more than I ever expected. In 2 weeks we have met 105 kids. This morning in church Miguel shared that the vision is the have the club in the main church area and have 300 kids attending. The congregation responded with a cheer and a round of applause. What an encouragement to have the whole church behind us. Another great couple came and offered to get involved afterwards.
Another encouragement is that after the club one of the mums came up to a ladies meeting in the church. She came back to the service this morning and was still there chatting to one of the ladies by the time we were leaving! Pray, pray, pray for this work. It is so exciting and is so full of potential. Who knows how we will be able to fund it but as the saying goes God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.
Last week Paty was so excited that we were going to have the club at her house. We made all the flyers and she got to work handing them out and inviting people to come. When we arrived at her house there were a few people waiting at the top of her streets with their kids. There weren't many. There were however 4 adults that she had invited to come. They were people from a local charity who wanted to meet us and see what we were doing. I (Carol) had a chance to talk with them (Andrew was leaving Katherine and Caroline to the airport) and they offered to help us in any way they could. I was amazed to find out that there are almost as many people in the area we are working as there are inhabitants of Northern Ireland! I explained who we are, what we were doing, what our objective is and a little about MEFI as well. Later when the people were introduced to those who had come to the club it was interesting to hear the guy in charge give his support to what we are doing and though he isn't a Christian he stated his belief that if more people in the area would worship God there would be less problems.
Anyway, it wasn't long before Paty's Patio :) started to fill up. By the end we had 45 kids and about 20 mums. When we announced the last game some of the kids groaned. When we asked who would be coming to the church there was a loud cheer. The mums seemed keen too. Pray that this enthusiasm will last. Praise God for Paty, a woman dedicated to seeing her neighbours won for Christ. I congratulated her afterwards, saying that the turnout was testimony to her example in the neighbourhood and hoping that it would open up further opportunities for her to share the gospel. She responded that it already had! 45 kids is far more than I ever expected. In 2 weeks we have met 105 kids. This morning in church Miguel shared that the vision is the have the club in the main church area and have 300 kids attending. The congregation responded with a cheer and a round of applause. What an encouragement to have the whole church behind us. Another great couple came and offered to get involved afterwards.
Another encouragement is that after the club one of the mums came up to a ladies meeting in the church. She came back to the service this morning and was still there chatting to one of the ladies by the time we were leaving! Pray, pray, pray for this work. It is so exciting and is so full of potential. Who knows how we will be able to fund it but as the saying goes God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.
Drop-In centre update
A team is coming next weekend to begin the rest of the remodelling work. We still don't have the plans passed by the government department. Andrew and Fidel were waiting for the Engineer to go to the Drop-In Centre on Thursday night so that he could tell them what could be done without permissions. He didn't turn up! So the MEFI team went around the Centre and made a list of all the things that the team could do. There is a long list which should hopefully keep them going. Pray though that we will be able to get a hold of the Engineer.
Andrew also phoned a lawyer that OMS uses this week to get some paperwork sorted out. It's always good to establish contact with folk like that!
Andrew also phoned a lawyer that OMS uses this week to get some paperwork sorted out. It's always good to establish contact with folk like that!
A team from Wesley College, Mississippi
We are blessed on the field to have anther team here this week. On Friday Andrew led them on a 'Street Day' with a difference. It took the form of a prayer walk. En route they visited various significant sites. Here the group are praying in an area that we used to visit every Saturday. So many kids from this group have died in the last couple of years (through suicide or drug use etc.) that those remaining joined forces with a nearby group. The area they live in is a notoriously dangerous one. This area is no longer home to street kids yet a couple of years ago there were about 30. This is group where Ricardo lived (who we talked about on deputation and in one of our prayer letters) and from where some of the kids came to church with us.
They also visited another site where the number of kids is greatly reduced. The reason is that Alex and Paty consistently visited the kids there 3 times a week in the year we were on deputation and many of the kids have left the streets to return home or rent their own accommodation. One of the ex-street kids from this group was on the tour with the team and he gave them his testimony.
The team were also able to visit the Drop-In Centre (Social Ministry Centre) and had the opportunity to buy some pictures that the kids had made. They finished the day eating tacos with us. It was Katherine and Caroline's last night as well so they got to finish off their trip eating another typical Mexican dish.
They also visited another site where the number of kids is greatly reduced. The reason is that Alex and Paty consistently visited the kids there 3 times a week in the year we were on deputation and many of the kids have left the streets to return home or rent their own accommodation. One of the ex-street kids from this group was on the tour with the team and he gave them his testimony.The team were also able to visit the Drop-In Centre (Social Ministry Centre) and had the opportunity to buy some pictures that the kids had made. They finished the day eating tacos with us. It was Katherine and Caroline's last night as well so they got to finish off their trip eating another typical Mexican dish.
Music
On Thursday I (Carol) met up with a lady here who co-ordinates the music for the kids' program in the Santa Monica church. How wonderful it is to be able to share resources. She was able to give me lots of discs that they use with the kids. I am hoping to be able to learn some of the songs so that we can use them in La Loma in the Breakfast Club, the Sunday School and the Holiday Bible Club (VBS).
Hepzibah gets discs in English and Spanish. The English is translated into Spanish and she fits the words to the music. If anyone knows how we can get a hold of good soundtracks for English praise and worship music then please let us know. We sing along karaoke style.
This week we will meet again to share further ideas. Andrew and I were involved in kids' work for a few years before coming to Mexico and have lots of ideas and resources (in English) which Hepizibah wants to tap into. It's so great that we can help each other and together we will see the work advance in both churches. The kids group in Santa Monica is growing week by week which is so exciting.
Hepzibah gets discs in English and Spanish. The English is translated into Spanish and she fits the words to the music. If anyone knows how we can get a hold of good soundtracks for English praise and worship music then please let us know. We sing along karaoke style.
This week we will meet again to share further ideas. Andrew and I were involved in kids' work for a few years before coming to Mexico and have lots of ideas and resources (in English) which Hepizibah wants to tap into. It's so great that we can help each other and together we will see the work advance in both churches. The kids group in Santa Monica is growing week by week which is so exciting.
A long day
On Monday morning our alarm clock went off at 3.45am. Andrew took a fellow missionary out to the airport. We worked all day and got to bed at 11pm. There are days that are long. Pray for our stamina and for ability to rest in the time we do have off. We took Wednesday as our day off this week. With work mounting up it is hard to resist getting things done and just to rest. We had to spend Wednesday evening doing a little work but it was nice to have the day together. Our usual day off is Tuesday.
Tabitha
Just before we left for church on Sunday it was obvious from the aroma in the atmosphere that Tabitha needed a bum change (why does she always do that when we're in a rush to get out the door?). Handily enough the hospital need a poo sample within 1 hour of delivery and the hospital was en route to the church. So we filled the flask (and had to change all of Tabitha's clothes) and set off to the hospital.
On Wednesday we discovered that Tabitha has E. coli. We took the results from the hospital to the doctor and he kindly saw us there and then and prescribed the necessary medication. Things are slowly returning to normal. Last Saturday she decided that it was finally time to walk. She took her first steps weeks ago but wasn't interested in making walking a habit. We're so thankful she's turned the corner. Probably the reason she got E. coli is because she picked it up on her hands while crawling and then put her fingers in her mouth.
We are amazed by the little words she is using. She says lots of things in English very clearly but she also says things in Spanish and uses hand signals to indicate that she knows what she is saying. When we hear a new word we have to try and figure out if it is English or Spanish. On Tuesday night a Mexican pastor and friend was over and as we conversed Tabitha was desperately trying to get his attention (it doesn't do for her not to be at the centre of it all!). She started to use very strange sounds that we have only ever heard her use when we are speaking Spanish. They didn't make sense to us (or the Mexican) but they got her the attention and I guess she knew what she was trying to say! Her blond hair and blue eyes continue to ensure that she gets lots of attention and admiring comments wherever we go. People always want to lift her and our little Miss Independent is just not up for that at all!
Tabitha with her medication and some of the milks we tried while attempting to get to the root of her problem
On Wednesday we discovered that Tabitha has E. coli. We took the results from the hospital to the doctor and he kindly saw us there and then and prescribed the necessary medication. Things are slowly returning to normal. Last Saturday she decided that it was finally time to walk. She took her first steps weeks ago but wasn't interested in making walking a habit. We're so thankful she's turned the corner. Probably the reason she got E. coli is because she picked it up on her hands while crawling and then put her fingers in her mouth.
We are amazed by the little words she is using. She says lots of things in English very clearly but she also says things in Spanish and uses hand signals to indicate that she knows what she is saying. When we hear a new word we have to try and figure out if it is English or Spanish. On Tuesday night a Mexican pastor and friend was over and as we conversed Tabitha was desperately trying to get his attention (it doesn't do for her not to be at the centre of it all!). She started to use very strange sounds that we have only ever heard her use when we are speaking Spanish. They didn't make sense to us (or the Mexican) but they got her the attention and I guess she knew what she was trying to say! Her blond hair and blue eyes continue to ensure that she gets lots of attention and admiring comments wherever we go. People always want to lift her and our little Miss Independent is just not up for that at all!
Tabitha with her medication and some of the milks we tried while attempting to get to the root of her problemHas it been a full week?
I can't believe it has been so long since we posted. This has been a long and busy week. We're tired but God is so good. There is loads happening. I'll try and give you the highlights.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Encouragement and...
Victor and Julia are now out of rehab. Julia needs lots of prayer. She keeps talking about going back to the streets. These are not empty threats - the battle is still raging for her.
Victor on the other hand is doing really well. He asked to borrow 100 pesos last week (about £5 or $10US). We decided to give him the chance as it wasn't too much to ask. He spent the money on sweets (candies) and sold them on buses. The great thing about buses here is that they stop where people need to get on and off and sellers can jump on and off quickly for free.
Victor made 300 pesos. He kept 100, gave 100 to Alex to set aside for his rent and gave back the original 100 that he had borrowed! Please continue to pray for his continued integration and for Alex and Paty as they disciple him. He is living with 2 of the other guys who recently left the streets and close to Alex and Paty's house.
Victor on the other hand is doing really well. He asked to borrow 100 pesos last week (about £5 or $10US). We decided to give him the chance as it wasn't too much to ask. He spent the money on sweets (candies) and sold them on buses. The great thing about buses here is that they stop where people need to get on and off and sellers can jump on and off quickly for free.
Victor made 300 pesos. He kept 100, gave 100 to Alex to set aside for his rent and gave back the original 100 that he had borrowed! Please continue to pray for his continued integration and for Alex and Paty as they disciple him. He is living with 2 of the other guys who recently left the streets and close to Alex and Paty's house.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
A trip to the hospital
Yesterday I (Carol) took Esther Lawson to the hospital. Last week she had her gall bladder removed and yesterday was her follow up check. We left at 11am and didn't get back until 4.30pm - we got lost on the way home! It's rather typical here that things outside of the home can take a lot longer than you expect. Still it gave us time to chat and we saw lots of new parts of Mexico City. Thankfully Tabitha behaved like an angel though I was a little concerned by her bowel movements! She's had diarrhoea on and off for a few weeks and we've tried various things at the doctor's recommendation. This time he advised that we go down to a nearby hospital to have some tests done.
So we got back in the car and were off to the hospital again. We should find out the results of the tests within the next week. It will be good to know what is causing the problem though through it all Tabitha has continued to be her usual happy self. We have been amazed to listen to her language developing. She is not only starting to use English words, she has been using some Spanish ones too and appropriately. It won't be long before she's teaching us and telling us that's she's embarrassed to hear how bad our grammar is!
So we got back in the car and were off to the hospital again. We should find out the results of the tests within the next week. It will be good to know what is causing the problem though through it all Tabitha has continued to be her usual happy self. We have been amazed to listen to her language developing. She is not only starting to use English words, she has been using some Spanish ones too and appropriately. It won't be long before she's teaching us and telling us that's she's embarrassed to hear how bad our grammar is!
At work
Here are Caroline and Katherine at work on the streets. Now that we've exhausted them they're going to take a few days off for a proper holiday in Acapulco. They leave early tomorrow morning on a 5 hour bus ride! 
MEFI workers meeting
This week the MEFI team got together in the drop-in centre. Alex, Paty, Fidel, Juana and Andrew were all there (I was at my final dentist appointment - of 7!). The subject was 'Interpersonal Relationships' and it was really positive.
There hasn't been as much working together as we had hoped for over the last year and some differences in opinion had arisen. After the meeting there were lots of positive interactions taking place and we are confident that God is hearing and answering prayers for team unity. The most important thing is that there is a real desire to work together and we are encouraged. We have a fantastic team who are obviously called to and gifted for this work. Please continue to pray against enemy attack on this work at a foundational stage.
We have been doing a lot of planning and talking and we believe good foundations are being laid. Things seem to be moving ahead nicely at the moment. Please continue to pray for wisdom in all our decisions and for God to be honoured and glorified through everything that is being done.
There hasn't been as much working together as we had hoped for over the last year and some differences in opinion had arisen. After the meeting there were lots of positive interactions taking place and we are confident that God is hearing and answering prayers for team unity. The most important thing is that there is a real desire to work together and we are encouraged. We have a fantastic team who are obviously called to and gifted for this work. Please continue to pray against enemy attack on this work at a foundational stage.
We have been doing a lot of planning and talking and we believe good foundations are being laid. Things seem to be moving ahead nicely at the moment. Please continue to pray for wisdom in all our decisions and for God to be honoured and glorified through everything that is being done.
Prayer Meeting
The MEFI prayer meeting last week took the form of a testimony time. A few of the kids who have recently left the streets are attending now. It was an emotional event as kids expressed their heartfelt gratitude to God and also the Alex and Paty for the changes they are seeing in their lives. What an encouragement to the team and a reminder of the work God is doing here through them.
Just got back!
If you read the last post in time then thanks for your prayers. We had a great time. About 12 people from the church came to help and seemed to have a great time. Some arrived at the church at 8.30am to prepare food. We walked down the steep hills and kids came down one by one until we had about 55 kids. We carried down plastic chairs, juice, food (hot dogs), games equipment, music and amplification equipment etc.
The only thing that didn't go as planned is that the speaker overheated in the sun and stopped working! The kids had a great time. The games were fun, the singing brought smiles to their faces and we did plenty of reminding them about the event in 4 weeks in the church and that we would be back before it with flyers. It will be interesting to see how many come from there in 4 weeks. Pray that the good fun they had today will remain with them and that they will be excited to hear from us again.
The only thing that didn't go as planned is that the speaker overheated in the sun and stopped working! The kids had a great time. The games were fun, the singing brought smiles to their faces and we did plenty of reminding them about the event in 4 weeks in the church and that we would be back before it with flyers. It will be interesting to see how many come from there in 4 weeks. Pray that the good fun they had today will remain with them and that they will be excited to hear from us again.
If you happen to read this...
Today is Saturday (currently 7.45am our time). If you happen to read this post today then please pray for the re-start of the breakfast club. We leave in just under an hour. The first four weeks will be relationship building and invitation events in for different locations around the church. Then we will do a flyer drop in each of those areas before starting the main event in the church which is where the breakfast clubs will be held. If we don't have 60 or more kids at the church on the first week we will go around the four areas again to invite again.
Pray for all involved. Pray for energy and enthusiasm in the team. Please pray that kids and their parents would be attracted to Christ and motivated to come to the club through what is said and done today.
This morning we start in San Miguel - the shanty town where the breakfast club was originally held. The advantage of going to other places is that we can reach more kids around the area and by going to their area they will feel it is as much 'theirs' as it is for anyone else. It is also good to have it in the church as that will hopefully encourage families to come on Sundays as well.
We came up with a few names for the club but the ones that the Mexican's chose is 'Mex-i-Kids' Club. There is something cool about using English in the title of a club here which is interesting!
Obviously there has been more that has happened in the week. When I get the chance I'll fill in the details. Praise God, He is alive and working here through your partnership with us. God bless you today and give you a wonderful weekend.
Pray for all involved. Pray for energy and enthusiasm in the team. Please pray that kids and their parents would be attracted to Christ and motivated to come to the club through what is said and done today.
This morning we start in San Miguel - the shanty town where the breakfast club was originally held. The advantage of going to other places is that we can reach more kids around the area and by going to their area they will feel it is as much 'theirs' as it is for anyone else. It is also good to have it in the church as that will hopefully encourage families to come on Sundays as well.
We came up with a few names for the club but the ones that the Mexican's chose is 'Mex-i-Kids' Club. There is something cool about using English in the title of a club here which is interesting!
Obviously there has been more that has happened in the week. When I get the chance I'll fill in the details. Praise God, He is alive and working here through your partnership with us. God bless you today and give you a wonderful weekend.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
A meeting
Katherine and Caroline have been going through our Child Protection Policy and Andrew decided to phone the government department (DIF) that works with Street Kids. He found a very warm reception and will have a meeting with the lady who is in charge of all that the government do with Street Kids in the city. He will take Fidel to that meeting and they will be able to find out what the current guidelines are, what services are available, protocols we should follow etc.
Please pray that this meeting will be profitable and that a good relationship will be established. the DIF do some great work with the kids and we will be able to learn some valuable lessons.
Please pray that this meeting will be profitable and that a good relationship will be established. the DIF do some great work with the kids and we will be able to learn some valuable lessons.
Training
Yesterday we spent the day in training for the Holiday Bible Club (VBS) in the summer. It was good to support the team and to see how many people will be involved in such clubs over the summer. There was no lack of enthusiasm and ideas. Most of the UNIFAM churches had representatives and then each church will hold it's own training events.
The Club in La Loma will be in August and we will be helped by a team from Portadown (N. Ireland). This year the team are hoping for about 200 kids. There were about 100 last year but this year there are more church members and the breakfast clubs will be well underway by then. How exciting!
The Club in La Loma will be in August and we will be helped by a team from Portadown (N. Ireland). This year the team are hoping for about 200 kids. There were about 100 last year but this year there are more church members and the breakfast clubs will be well underway by then. How exciting!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Testimony
My name is Hector (not his real name). I am 21 years old and I want to tell you my story.
After one year of treatment in an institution which didn't help me, I arrived back on the streets. I intended to do drugs because since I was very little I have suffered the scorn of society because they saw me stretching out my hand or asking for a taco to eat from a local food stand. This made me think and I felt like my life was worth nothing.
I found myself in a terrible state and although I was aware of how I was nothing interested me. Often I thought about suicide and never to wake up again.
I wanted to find help in other groups but what I found was more evil. I tried rehab centres but they didn't help me either nor changed me. That's why I returned to the streets again. One day one of my fellow street kids invited me to go to the drop-in centre where I met Alex and Paty and where they offered me the opportunity to help and to hear about God.
After a short time my friend and I decided on a change of life and we talked with Alex and Paty to see if they could help us. Now we rent a room, we continue attending the church each Sunday. In spite of all the obstacles we continue to lift ourselves up with God's help and now I am so grateful to Him because He took me out of a big dark hole.
He reached out His hand to me and for that I give him thanks for rescuing me from where I found myself trapped.
After one year of treatment in an institution which didn't help me, I arrived back on the streets. I intended to do drugs because since I was very little I have suffered the scorn of society because they saw me stretching out my hand or asking for a taco to eat from a local food stand. This made me think and I felt like my life was worth nothing.
I found myself in a terrible state and although I was aware of how I was nothing interested me. Often I thought about suicide and never to wake up again.
I wanted to find help in other groups but what I found was more evil. I tried rehab centres but they didn't help me either nor changed me. That's why I returned to the streets again. One day one of my fellow street kids invited me to go to the drop-in centre where I met Alex and Paty and where they offered me the opportunity to help and to hear about God.
After a short time my friend and I decided on a change of life and we talked with Alex and Paty to see if they could help us. Now we rent a room, we continue attending the church each Sunday. In spite of all the obstacles we continue to lift ourselves up with God's help and now I am so grateful to Him because He took me out of a big dark hole.
He reached out His hand to me and for that I give him thanks for rescuing me from where I found myself trapped.
Social Ministry Centre
Yesterday we all went down to the Drop-in Centre. Here are Alex and Paty. We had a good chance to chat with them. Please pray for this couple. There is no doubt that God has called them to this work and gifted them for it. The kids they are working with just love them and they are seeing permanent fruit for their labour. There are times when the work is tough and thankless. Paty shared yesterday through her tears that last year (when we were on deputation) was really hard though she recognises that God has really taught her so much. There are about 12 kids who are living close to their home and stop in whenever they like. This is tiring but they find it hard to say no, especially when these kids depend on their friendship and support. Last night after we had our meetings with Beto and Sandra they took us up to the places where the kids are renting. How amazing to see these kids doing what kids do - laughing, joking around etc. and the respect they have for Alex and Paty. They were so proud of their little homes. At one stop the boys were all playing on the concrete football pitch in the dark right in front of their little flat (2 rooms). The beds were just blankets on the concrete floor and as the game finished they all came in, splashing water over their heads from the barrel of water outside their door. On the wall were proudly hanging the bags they had made with the Washbasin team. It's not much but they feel like kings and queens and the happiness is obvious to all.Below is one of the kids working in the drop-in centre making pictures to sell. This will help him with rent payments and gives him self esteem. I will translate his testimony in a new post later tonight.
This is a work bench again where kids have been able to find a way to keep themselves off the streets.
This is the side of the Drop-in Centre that will hopefully be remodelled in the near future. Please continue to pray as the plans proceed.
Work in progress
Katherine and Caroline have now seen the street work and the drop-in centre and here they are helping to work on our child protection policy. It's not all holiday!
Small world
In this small neighbourhood of ours....
...the kitchen table is surrounded by fellow country-men from N. Ireland!
...the kitchen table is surrounded by fellow country-men from N. Ireland!
Sandra and Beto update
On Tuesday evening Sandra returned to Beto with her children. We met separately with both of them last night. The situation is calm at the moment and there is a desire for a fresh start.
Thanks once again for your prayers for wisdom in this situation. It was once again obvious - though we had chatted a little about the line we would take it was interesting when we came together afterwards and found that God had guided us to say similar things that we hadn't discussed.
One was to begin to help them see themselves as God sees them. I was touched as I asked Sandra to tell us something that she likes about her character. She couldn't think of anything so I asked her what reason she would give if someone asked her why she should be their friend. She listed a couple of things and then after talking about the things she liked about her physical appearance Paty and I told her things that we loved and appreciated about her. Her head dropped and as we continued she started to cry. I asked her why she was crying and she said that no-one had ever told her those things before. Having suffered abandonment and abuse since she was 2 years old we can't even imagine the hurt and low self-esteem she is carrying. Both Andrew and I encouraged Sandra and Beto to think about how God sees them and we have been and will continue to back this up with scripture.
Beto is aware that his physical abuse of the family is not acceptable or excusable. His deep desire is to see that aspect of his character changed. Pray that he will rely fully on God to see change effected in his life. He is back at work. Pray that he will stick with this job and provide for his family. Sandra has been working on getting her papers in order so that she can also get a better job.
Pray for their little 3 year old girl in all of this. There is no doubt that she is affected but we encouraged both parents to break the cycle and give these dear little children the loving family that they never had.
There is still a long hard road ahead for this family but they are aware of our love and support (with a touch of firmness) and faith that God can work these things together for good and that He can help them through the necessary process of change.
We are also thankful that Katherine and Caroline are here and have been able to listen and give their input as well.
Thanks once again for your prayers for wisdom in this situation. It was once again obvious - though we had chatted a little about the line we would take it was interesting when we came together afterwards and found that God had guided us to say similar things that we hadn't discussed.
One was to begin to help them see themselves as God sees them. I was touched as I asked Sandra to tell us something that she likes about her character. She couldn't think of anything so I asked her what reason she would give if someone asked her why she should be their friend. She listed a couple of things and then after talking about the things she liked about her physical appearance Paty and I told her things that we loved and appreciated about her. Her head dropped and as we continued she started to cry. I asked her why she was crying and she said that no-one had ever told her those things before. Having suffered abandonment and abuse since she was 2 years old we can't even imagine the hurt and low self-esteem she is carrying. Both Andrew and I encouraged Sandra and Beto to think about how God sees them and we have been and will continue to back this up with scripture.
Beto is aware that his physical abuse of the family is not acceptable or excusable. His deep desire is to see that aspect of his character changed. Pray that he will rely fully on God to see change effected in his life. He is back at work. Pray that he will stick with this job and provide for his family. Sandra has been working on getting her papers in order so that she can also get a better job.
Pray for their little 3 year old girl in all of this. There is no doubt that she is affected but we encouraged both parents to break the cycle and give these dear little children the loving family that they never had.
There is still a long hard road ahead for this family but they are aware of our love and support (with a touch of firmness) and faith that God can work these things together for good and that He can help them through the necessary process of change.
We are also thankful that Katherine and Caroline are here and have been able to listen and give their input as well.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Help has arrived
On Thursday evening we went with Tabitha to the airport to pick up two friends from our church in Edinburgh - Carrubbers Christian Centre. Katherine and Caroline are both Social Workers with families. They worked with us in our outreach to kids in the church and are now part of the leadership committee for that work.
We are blessed to have them here staying with us for a couple of weeks. Their visit has been labelled as a 'Social Ministry Consultation Visit' They will be seeing what we do, meeting some of the kids and helping us with child protection issues and guidelines etc.
Here they are enjoying some of our favourite Mexican food - Tacos al Pastor with Agua de Jamaica (a juice made with leaves of a flower which is very tasty)
We are blessed to have them here staying with us for a couple of weeks. Their visit has been labelled as a 'Social Ministry Consultation Visit' They will be seeing what we do, meeting some of the kids and helping us with child protection issues and guidelines etc.
Here they are enjoying some of our favourite Mexican food - Tacos al Pastor with Agua de Jamaica (a juice made with leaves of a flower which is very tasty)
Social Ministry Centre
Fidel and Andrew met a couple of weeks ago with an engineer and an architect at the drop-in centre. They have gone away with ideas and rough plans that the MEFI team had drawn up. They will take measurements and hopefully get back as soon as possible with plans which the team will check over.
Then we need to get government approval. So we really needs your prayers. Things can move slowly here and we have teams lined up to come from the US and help with the constructions. Such teams are a huge blessing. The reduce costs considerably and are also great fun to work with and can work alongside the street kids.
Please pray that everything would be in place before the teams come. We need things to move quickly - with the planners and the people who need to pass the plans at this stage. We are getting very excited as we take more steps to seeing this building completed and ready to be put to full use.
Then we need to get government approval. So we really needs your prayers. Things can move slowly here and we have teams lined up to come from the US and help with the constructions. Such teams are a huge blessing. The reduce costs considerably and are also great fun to work with and can work alongside the street kids.
Please pray that everything would be in place before the teams come. We need things to move quickly - with the planners and the people who need to pass the plans at this stage. We are getting very excited as we take more steps to seeing this building completed and ready to be put to full use.
Urgent Prayer
Sandra really needs your prayers. On Wednesday she came in typically tense and agitated and left a lot happier and relaxed. Beto had left work again and there were several other little things he was doing that caused us to worry (not in the wrong sense - God is in control!). She did interestingly ask what would happen to her if she left him - would she have to go to a street home? We told her she didn't need to worry but didn't offer anything tangible.
Yesterday Andrew had a meeting at Santa Monica with Alex and Paty. Sandra showed up and burst into floods of tears. We can't detail everything that happened but suffice to say that she has no option - she has to run from Beto. He has been hurting and humiliating her physically and emotionally. Yes, the bible studies would calm him down and Sandra admitted that but the next day he was awful to her.
Alex and Paty took her to a place to hide with her children (ages 3 amd 3 months) yesterday and we will be looking for accomodation for her on Monday. Please pray for all Sandra's needs - spiritual, physical and emotional at the moment. Pray that we will be able to find her a house and all of the friendship and support that she needs (outside of the Lord). Pray for her safety and of the kids. Pray that having taken this step she will now be able to move ahead in building up her own self esteem (which is very low) and learning to accept and forgive herself and others who hurt her in the past.
It's impossible not to love Sandra. She is such a caring person and loves to laugh. Sadly we've had to work a lot lately to see her laugh and on Wednesday her little 3 ear old girl was very sensitive and easily reduced to tears. We're ready to see this beautiful girl laugh freely and move into all the potential that God has placed into her life. Thank you for praying with us.
Yesterday Andrew had a meeting at Santa Monica with Alex and Paty. Sandra showed up and burst into floods of tears. We can't detail everything that happened but suffice to say that she has no option - she has to run from Beto. He has been hurting and humiliating her physically and emotionally. Yes, the bible studies would calm him down and Sandra admitted that but the next day he was awful to her.
Alex and Paty took her to a place to hide with her children (ages 3 amd 3 months) yesterday and we will be looking for accomodation for her on Monday. Please pray for all Sandra's needs - spiritual, physical and emotional at the moment. Pray that we will be able to find her a house and all of the friendship and support that she needs (outside of the Lord). Pray for her safety and of the kids. Pray that having taken this step she will now be able to move ahead in building up her own self esteem (which is very low) and learning to accept and forgive herself and others who hurt her in the past.
It's impossible not to love Sandra. She is such a caring person and loves to laugh. Sadly we've had to work a lot lately to see her laugh and on Wednesday her little 3 ear old girl was very sensitive and easily reduced to tears. We're ready to see this beautiful girl laugh freely and move into all the potential that God has placed into her life. Thank you for praying with us.
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