Mexico needs prayer! As we post on the blog week by week it is such an encouragement to us to hear that you are checking in and even more so to see God answer your prayers in very real ways.
Of course, what we are doing here is just part of the ministry that is going on here in Mexico. You may have checked in on the links at the right hand side of the page and seen what some of our fellow missionaries are doing.
On the field we have a person (Margaret Neff) who is dedicated to prayer ministry. She meets up weekly with the church planting teams encouraging them, praying with them and mentoring some of the ladies. Margaret also collects prayer requests from the teams and from all of the missionaries. If you are interested in seeing more of the picture of what is happening here in Mexico not just in Social Ministries but also through English ministries, the seminary, church planting etc. then please click on the new link that we have added this week (OMS Mexico Prayer Blog). As ever we appreciate your prayers for us here.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Drop-In Centre
Another week of work at the Drop-In Centre. It's amazing to see the changes. Here Gary and one of the Mexican workers begin the difficult job of knocking in the roof at the back of the building. It is to become a patio area.
Eventually after lots of hard work the roof comes down...
...another mess to be cleared up!
Look at the light that is getting in. Juana (Fidel's wife) in particular is excited about this area of the building. She absolutely loves plants and can't wait until the work is finished and she can go down to Xochimilco (where the plants are incredibly cheap!) to buy some to finish the area off.
And here is the said patio area all cleaned up...
...and from above.
A much cleaner looking Centre. Here we are looking towards the front of the building and the guys marking out the bathroom area. They have already begun laying the piping.
With all the work happening in the Drop-In Centre it hasn't been open to kids who are still on the streets. The team have been using some of the time to assess the past and plan for the future. The plan is that for the next while they will do more work on the streets as the work continues. Pray for their safety and for good contacts on the streets.
Eventually after lots of hard work the roof comes down...
...another mess to be cleared up!
Look at the light that is getting in. Juana (Fidel's wife) in particular is excited about this area of the building. She absolutely loves plants and can't wait until the work is finished and she can go down to Xochimilco (where the plants are incredibly cheap!) to buy some to finish the area off.
And here is the said patio area all cleaned up...
...and from above.
A much cleaner looking Centre. Here we are looking towards the front of the building and the guys marking out the bathroom area. They have already begun laying the piping.
With all the work happening in the Drop-In Centre it hasn't been open to kids who are still on the streets. The team have been using some of the time to assess the past and plan for the future. The plan is that for the next while they will do more work on the streets as the work continues. Pray for their safety and for good contacts on the streets.
Mex-i-Kids
Yesterday Andrew and I went in two different directions to the breakfast clubs in the morning. I went as usual to La Loma with Tabitha and Andrew went to the newer club in the south. It took him 3 hours to get back because of heavy traffic in the city!
As you can see their new sign is very attractive and many people have stopped to have a look.
This is the street outside where the games are played. Falling is not something that you want to happen to you but these kids just get up, dust themselves off and get on with the game! As you can see the road is not paved so it is very dusty but fun nevertheless.
About 40 kids gathered. The church hasn't started to advertise properly yet. They want to be sure they have found their feet first as they expect numbers to rise once word gets out properly.
It seems the kids are understanding the question! This is Andrew introducing a new song. He went armed with 2 new songs (they have been singing the same two songs he taught last time every week!) and a DVD with the actions for a few more to keep them going.
Not much room for doing actions in the gazebo!
The Pastor's wife gave the bible lesson. She is very gifted. She and her husband asked us to be sure and thank everyone who is helping to make the club possible. They are so excited at what is happening and also at the potential for the future. This little church has 20 members and they currently have between 40 and 50 kids on a Saturday morning. Cesar, the pastor, visits the Drop-In Centre every week. As we are about to start a 6 week English course at La Loma we have given 'The Lamb' books to this group so that they have teaching materials for the next few weeks as well. The Lamb is an excellent children's resource published by Goodseed International. The artwork is incredible as it takes the children from creation through to the resurrection. Pray that it will be used to bring many of these kids to Christ.
No breakfast club is complete without breakfast! Here the kids are treated to Tamales - a favourite for many.
All aboard Andrew's people carrier!
Thanks to so many of you who are praying for these breakfast clubs and the ones in planning. As I mentioned we are starting a 6 week English course at La Loma next week. We are hoping that it will attract many new kids in the area. English seems to attract many people here and as we look around our churches it is amazing to see how many have been contacted through English ministries. Robin MacKinnon and Julie Pollock will be giving the course.
The idea is that breakfast clubs will start in the church and house church where Jonny and Julie work and we were also speaking to another Mexican pastor about the possibility of starting a club in his church which also has a very poor area on its doorstep. We were just reflecting that between the 2 clubs yesterday 70 kids were reached with the gospel. With another 3 clubs and with numbers growing the potential is huge. Pray that God will continue to work and open the doors for evangelism and ministry.
As you can see their new sign is very attractive and many people have stopped to have a look.
This is the street outside where the games are played. Falling is not something that you want to happen to you but these kids just get up, dust themselves off and get on with the game! As you can see the road is not paved so it is very dusty but fun nevertheless.
About 40 kids gathered. The church hasn't started to advertise properly yet. They want to be sure they have found their feet first as they expect numbers to rise once word gets out properly.
It seems the kids are understanding the question! This is Andrew introducing a new song. He went armed with 2 new songs (they have been singing the same two songs he taught last time every week!) and a DVD with the actions for a few more to keep them going.
Not much room for doing actions in the gazebo!
The Pastor's wife gave the bible lesson. She is very gifted. She and her husband asked us to be sure and thank everyone who is helping to make the club possible. They are so excited at what is happening and also at the potential for the future. This little church has 20 members and they currently have between 40 and 50 kids on a Saturday morning. Cesar, the pastor, visits the Drop-In Centre every week. As we are about to start a 6 week English course at La Loma we have given 'The Lamb' books to this group so that they have teaching materials for the next few weeks as well. The Lamb is an excellent children's resource published by Goodseed International. The artwork is incredible as it takes the children from creation through to the resurrection. Pray that it will be used to bring many of these kids to Christ.
No breakfast club is complete without breakfast! Here the kids are treated to Tamales - a favourite for many.
All aboard Andrew's people carrier!
Thanks to so many of you who are praying for these breakfast clubs and the ones in planning. As I mentioned we are starting a 6 week English course at La Loma next week. We are hoping that it will attract many new kids in the area. English seems to attract many people here and as we look around our churches it is amazing to see how many have been contacted through English ministries. Robin MacKinnon and Julie Pollock will be giving the course.The idea is that breakfast clubs will start in the church and house church where Jonny and Julie work and we were also speaking to another Mexican pastor about the possibility of starting a club in his church which also has a very poor area on its doorstep. We were just reflecting that between the 2 clubs yesterday 70 kids were reached with the gospel. With another 3 clubs and with numbers growing the potential is huge. Pray that God will continue to work and open the doors for evangelism and ministry.
Thank you!
It's such a shame the timing of the postal service here is so unreliable. Our address here is a PO Box which is emptied once a week before our missionary meeting. It was particularly exciting this week to come home with lots of letters and cards. We had a lovely evening reading your greetings and news. Some of the cards were sent long before Christmas. The parcel was sent mid-November! Still, it's always good to hear from home and it's exciting to see post in our pigeon hole before meeting. Thank you to those who were thinking of us over Christmas time. We value every single person who is praying for us here.
Coincidence?
We mentioned that some of the people on the team last week had been here before working on the Drop-In Centre. On one of the previous occasions a street kid had worked really hard alongside the team. Afterwards he went into rehab but like so many he left and we hadn't seen him since. On the last team's first day of work this kid turned up at the door. He had no idea the team would be there, much less some of the people to whom he had endeared himself. Along with Andrew they were able to talk to him and be firm about the bad choice he was making to stay on the streets. Andrew felt that the kid wasn't really ready even yet to leave the streets. He was listening but from his responses it seemed that he had already lost the battle in his head.
During this past week he turned up at the Centre again. This time the director of a rehab centre with whom we have been establishing a good relationship was visiting. Again this kid was confronted with the decision between life and death and given a lot to think about. Please pray for him. God is obviously chasing him. We'll call him Marcos.
Interestingly when the group were here they visited a couple of street groups. One of the groups close to the Drop-In Centre was depleted in numbers. When Andrew asked where the others were they said that Proyecto MEFI had taken half their group off to rehab. They are at the centre of the guy who we have established links with! What a great reason to have less kids!
During this past week he turned up at the Centre again. This time the director of a rehab centre with whom we have been establishing a good relationship was visiting. Again this kid was confronted with the decision between life and death and given a lot to think about. Please pray for him. God is obviously chasing him. We'll call him Marcos.
Interestingly when the group were here they visited a couple of street groups. One of the groups close to the Drop-In Centre was depleted in numbers. When Andrew asked where the others were they said that Proyecto MEFI had taken half their group off to rehab. They are at the centre of the guy who we have established links with! What a great reason to have less kids!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Mex-i-Kids restarts and responsibilities handed over
We had a great restart to the breakfast club yesterday. The church members really made a big effort to invite and bring kids along. We were particularly encouraged by the energy the leaders had during the singing and by the new kids who came along. Andrew was still the main games leader and I was co-ordinating timing and movement between different activities but everything else was well handled by the team. We almost reached the target of 40 kids and they seemed to have a great time.
About 6 people from the church up north came to observe and ask questions as they plan to start their own Mex-i-Kids on the 12th February. It's a blessing to see people so eager to ask questions and to learn. Of course, we want them to develop their own style and to add to the effectiveness of all the clubs by sharing ideas that work.
Here as the Club starts the games area is a hive of activity.
Into the lesson and singing time. The room looks quite full.
It's difficult to get 100% attention but the lady giving the lesson does a great job.
Pizza - a solid favourite worldwide!
Having been told on Monday that our baby could come at any time we are beginning to reduce our activity a little. We will continue to go to the breakfast club and help out but we are no longer assigned as the leaders in charge of specific activities. We are not as heavily involved in the music at church though I play keyboard in a couple of the part of the service. I have also started giving basic classes to the girl who is currently playing the keyboard. She is coming to the house while Tabitha is asleep which makes it easier. Theory was never a strong point for me but hopefully she'll benefit and as we get to know each other better I'm hoping that I'll be able to encourage her spiritually as well. Just today we led our last Sunday School class and handed over the materials to another girl who will take the class. We're glad that as a New year starts many of the church members have responded to appeals made on Sundays calling for dedication and commitment in our lives. Many are interested in serving in various ministries in the church and we are more than happy to allow others to share that blessing. Our job here as missionaries is not to be indispensable but rather to facilitate and train others. Please pray for those with more responsibilities in the areas where we have been heavily involved and pray that God would work through them and bless them as they serve Him.
And so the arrival of baby 2 gets closer day by day. The bags are pretty much packed, the missionary ladies have helped to stock the freezer, the babysitters for Tabitha are lined up... There are a few little details to sort still (we're still officially 3 weeks away!). We appreciate your prayers for us as a family and are praying for you too.
About 6 people from the church up north came to observe and ask questions as they plan to start their own Mex-i-Kids on the 12th February. It's a blessing to see people so eager to ask questions and to learn. Of course, we want them to develop their own style and to add to the effectiveness of all the clubs by sharing ideas that work.
Here as the Club starts the games area is a hive of activity.
Into the lesson and singing time. The room looks quite full.
It's difficult to get 100% attention but the lady giving the lesson does a great job.
Pizza - a solid favourite worldwide!
Having been told on Monday that our baby could come at any time we are beginning to reduce our activity a little. We will continue to go to the breakfast club and help out but we are no longer assigned as the leaders in charge of specific activities. We are not as heavily involved in the music at church though I play keyboard in a couple of the part of the service. I have also started giving basic classes to the girl who is currently playing the keyboard. She is coming to the house while Tabitha is asleep which makes it easier. Theory was never a strong point for me but hopefully she'll benefit and as we get to know each other better I'm hoping that I'll be able to encourage her spiritually as well. Just today we led our last Sunday School class and handed over the materials to another girl who will take the class. We're glad that as a New year starts many of the church members have responded to appeals made on Sundays calling for dedication and commitment in our lives. Many are interested in serving in various ministries in the church and we are more than happy to allow others to share that blessing. Our job here as missionaries is not to be indispensable but rather to facilitate and train others. Please pray for those with more responsibilities in the areas where we have been heavily involved and pray that God would work through them and bless them as they serve Him.And so the arrival of baby 2 gets closer day by day. The bags are pretty much packed, the missionary ladies have helped to stock the freezer, the babysitters for Tabitha are lined up... There are a few little details to sort still (we're still officially 3 weeks away!). We appreciate your prayers for us as a family and are praying for you too.
A Busy Week!
What a week this has been! I think of all the work teams so far this latest team from Ardmore, OK has certainly been the most destructive. I can only imagine that it was therapeutic and that if any came down stressed they have managed to leave a lot of it in the rubble at the Drop-In Centre! I had planned to go down with Tabitha but when I saw the photos I decided against it. You'll understand why as you see for yourself!
It was hard not to be there though. It was so exciting to hear what was going on and to see this incredibly energetic team have so much fun. It may look disastrous but we are delighted that most of what has been done by previous teams has been conserved. We are now working to the architect's plan and what happens from here on in will be permanent. Some of what was constructed up to this point was temporary but it enabled the Drop-In Centre to be functional and we praise God that through it kids have been won for him and are seeing Him turn their lives around.
Here the second drainage line goes in and leaves little space for moving through the building.
The kitchen does not appear to be the most hygienic place for preparing food right now!
Some of the guys get started on the wall demolition.
More stress relief as another wall comes tumbling down.
Wait a minute - we should make sure that we mess this building well and truly - right to the back wall!
No, no, no - there is absolutely no more space for more materials or for a truck for that matter!
The ladies are up working on the roof. At least the air is a little clearer up there (only the City pollution to deal with!)
A human chain for unloading 400 bricks off the lorry and onto the roof. That's on top of the other load that had already been unloaded in a similar fashion inside the Centre.
The ladies carry them two by two...
Well, having left their mark on most of the rest of the building the now set to work on the outside frontage. Plaster is chipped back and the bricks are washed down...
Back at ground level the ladies now turn their hands to mixing plaster and getting it where it should be.
Smiles all round for a welcome break and some fresh bread.
An almost daily event - the police check that paperwork is in order. No bribes to pay here - it's all above board and paperwork intact!
Some Union people come around to see if there's anything in it for them but once again with a quick phonecall it is established that everything is in order. They did get a payment but that's the way it works here - it costs less to pay them for the necessary permit when they come round than before the work starts. Another opportunity for cultural learning!
Juana finds a clean spot to show Vicky her craft skill...
...but word spreads and the clean area begins to fill up!
Now that's not so bad. A face lift for the front of the building ready for a lick of paint.
A new counselling room inside built by the team and ready for the final touches. Just think - in this very room many kids could find Christ! 
What was accomplished this week was amazing and we are so excited to see everything move forward. We first stood in this building in April 2005. Never did we think so many people would put in so much work to see it become the place that God is using to turn kids lives around. We are humbled and encouraged once again to be part of such an amazing team of pray-ers, workers and givers. We feel so blessed to know so many wonderful people all over the place that we would never know were it not for what God has called us to do here.
We mentioned a while back that Andrew had gone to see land and was excited (with much faith) about the potential to have a rehab centre there. It was good to have Steve here on the team who went to see the land with Andrew. What a blessing to have an expert opinion - Steve's thought was that the land would be suitable for pasture, but not for growing crops as is the idea we have. He also thought it was over-priced. It was not a wasted journey as Steve was able to point out to Andrew and Gary the type of things they needed to be looking out for. Keep praying as we trust God to make such a facility available in His time and according to His will. We have recently been developing links with a Christian guy who has a very low key rehab facility and has come to Proyecto MEFI for ideas and support. Some of the kids we know are living at the rehab centre and are doing well. The guy went to the streets on Thursday with the team and miraculously two kids decided to leave the streets. Sadly one only got so far and then turned back (a kid we first met in 2001!) but the other one made it all the way. Now starts the hard work for him and our prayer is that God will give him the strength and stamina he needs and that he will know the transforming power of the Holy Spirit changing him from the inside.
It was hard not to be there though. It was so exciting to hear what was going on and to see this incredibly energetic team have so much fun. It may look disastrous but we are delighted that most of what has been done by previous teams has been conserved. We are now working to the architect's plan and what happens from here on in will be permanent. Some of what was constructed up to this point was temporary but it enabled the Drop-In Centre to be functional and we praise God that through it kids have been won for him and are seeing Him turn their lives around.
Here the second drainage line goes in and leaves little space for moving through the building.
The kitchen does not appear to be the most hygienic place for preparing food right now!
Some of the guys get started on the wall demolition.
More stress relief as another wall comes tumbling down.
Wait a minute - we should make sure that we mess this building well and truly - right to the back wall!
No, no, no - there is absolutely no more space for more materials or for a truck for that matter!
The ladies are up working on the roof. At least the air is a little clearer up there (only the City pollution to deal with!)
A human chain for unloading 400 bricks off the lorry and onto the roof. That's on top of the other load that had already been unloaded in a similar fashion inside the Centre.
The ladies carry them two by two...
Well, having left their mark on most of the rest of the building the now set to work on the outside frontage. Plaster is chipped back and the bricks are washed down...
Back at ground level the ladies now turn their hands to mixing plaster and getting it where it should be.
Smiles all round for a welcome break and some fresh bread.
An almost daily event - the police check that paperwork is in order. No bribes to pay here - it's all above board and paperwork intact!
Some Union people come around to see if there's anything in it for them but once again with a quick phonecall it is established that everything is in order. They did get a payment but that's the way it works here - it costs less to pay them for the necessary permit when they come round than before the work starts. Another opportunity for cultural learning!
Juana finds a clean spot to show Vicky her craft skill...
...but word spreads and the clean area begins to fill up!
Now that's not so bad. A face lift for the front of the building ready for a lick of paint.
A new counselling room inside built by the team and ready for the final touches. Just think - in this very room many kids could find Christ! 
What was accomplished this week was amazing and we are so excited to see everything move forward. We first stood in this building in April 2005. Never did we think so many people would put in so much work to see it become the place that God is using to turn kids lives around. We are humbled and encouraged once again to be part of such an amazing team of pray-ers, workers and givers. We feel so blessed to know so many wonderful people all over the place that we would never know were it not for what God has called us to do here.We mentioned a while back that Andrew had gone to see land and was excited (with much faith) about the potential to have a rehab centre there. It was good to have Steve here on the team who went to see the land with Andrew. What a blessing to have an expert opinion - Steve's thought was that the land would be suitable for pasture, but not for growing crops as is the idea we have. He also thought it was over-priced. It was not a wasted journey as Steve was able to point out to Andrew and Gary the type of things they needed to be looking out for. Keep praying as we trust God to make such a facility available in His time and according to His will. We have recently been developing links with a Christian guy who has a very low key rehab facility and has come to Proyecto MEFI for ideas and support. Some of the kids we know are living at the rehab centre and are doing well. The guy went to the streets on Thursday with the team and miraculously two kids decided to leave the streets. Sadly one only got so far and then turned back (a kid we first met in 2001!) but the other one made it all the way. Now starts the hard work for him and our prayer is that God will give him the strength and stamina he needs and that he will know the transforming power of the Holy Spirit changing him from the inside.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
A Surprise!
What a lovely surprise was organised at church today. After the service there is usually something to eat. Today it was tacos of all different sorts which were prepared by ladies in the church. It was slightly different though in that there were baby decorations on the walls and a table of presents. It was slightly overwhelming. We are always blown over by how much the people here appreciate our presence and demonstrate their love.
Of course I had to open all of the presents and as I did I had to guess who had given each one. If I got it right I got to draw a freckle or moustache on that person's face but if I got it wrong the giver was allowed to mark my face. I got the most marks!
It was overwhelming because many of the people who go to our church live on very little. Some of the presents were wrapped in Christmas paper! It's so humbling to experience people give so sacrificially.
And so the birth of our second baby draws ever closer. This week we have stepped up the preparations. Clothes and blankets have been washed, some meals have been prepared for the freezer (and I am so grateful to the missionary ladies who are helping with that too!), we have been investigating the paperwork and other bits and pieces. I have another doctor's appointment this week and hopefully by next week we will pretty much be ready. We're so grateful to the MacKinnons who were careful to document their experience of having baby Amelia here and are able to keep us right. We have been trying to get in contact with a lady who helped them get Amelia's Mexican birth certificate. It seems that that could be the complicated part but that once we have that getting the Mexican passport and then registering the birth with the British Embassy and getting the British passport should be fairly straightforward. Please keep praying that that proves to be the case and that we will be able to get in touch with this lady (or someone else who can help).
Of course I had to open all of the presents and as I did I had to guess who had given each one. If I got it right I got to draw a freckle or moustache on that person's face but if I got it wrong the giver was allowed to mark my face. I got the most marks!
It was overwhelming because many of the people who go to our church live on very little. Some of the presents were wrapped in Christmas paper! It's so humbling to experience people give so sacrificially.
And so the birth of our second baby draws ever closer. This week we have stepped up the preparations. Clothes and blankets have been washed, some meals have been prepared for the freezer (and I am so grateful to the missionary ladies who are helping with that too!), we have been investigating the paperwork and other bits and pieces. I have another doctor's appointment this week and hopefully by next week we will pretty much be ready. We're so grateful to the MacKinnons who were careful to document their experience of having baby Amelia here and are able to keep us right. We have been trying to get in contact with a lady who helped them get Amelia's Mexican birth certificate. It seems that that could be the complicated part but that once we have that getting the Mexican passport and then registering the birth with the British Embassy and getting the British passport should be fairly straightforward. Please keep praying that that proves to be the case and that we will be able to get in touch with this lady (or someone else who can help).
Mex-i-Kids
Yesterday we had a planning meeting for Mex-i-Kids in La Loma. We were really encouraged. There was a good turnout of about 15 people. Some were new and some were people who haven't come for a while but seem eager to be committed again.
We asked people to share the things they wanted to give thanks for so far. We were amazed to hear how many had family members who are now coming to the church or have gone to find a church where they live as a result of being touched by the club. One of the teenagers shared that she herself wasn't excited about coming to church but that has changed for her thanks to Mex-i-Kids. Personally we are grateful for her because she is by far Tabitha's favourite person at church!
We're decided for now to keep the Club in the church (by majority vote). We will have a couple of weeks and then we hope to start a simple English course. English is a huge attraction and should generate a lot of interest especially as unlike many kids the ones around the church aren't offered it at school. The course will last about 6 weeks with certificates and a special service on the Sunday after it finishes. It has been given with great success by the Millers (see blog links) further south in the City and Robin MacKinnon and Julie Pollock will be giving it. We hope that the course will help to really boost the numbers of kids and parents who come along and that after trialing it at La Loma it can tehn be used in other breakfast clubs.
The pastor from the church in the south that started their breakfast club last week phoned and was once again excited by what happened last week. About 50 kids showed up but some just happened to turn up thinking that it wouldn't be on and that last weeks event had just been a special one-off. What's also exciting is that other churches in the area (of different denominations) are interested in what the church is doing and would like to run their own version. Praise God! There are plenty of people to be reached and the breakfast Club is an effective method.
Further north in Tultitlan another UNIFAM church is putting together teams and making final preparations for starting their own breakfast club. The Pollocks will be helping out there and it will be run by one of the church members. There are still further meetings needed but again there is great potential for reaching many for Christ whether the Club happens in the main church or in it's daughter church which is the other option.
We were encouraged to receive accounts this week of those from home who responded to the OMS appeal for funding for the breakfast clubs and 'bought' a specific number of breakfasts. If you are one of those people you should hear from us in due course but please be encouraged as you read how God is using you along with these events and His people here in Mexico to make a difference in individual lives and communities.
We asked people to share the things they wanted to give thanks for so far. We were amazed to hear how many had family members who are now coming to the church or have gone to find a church where they live as a result of being touched by the club. One of the teenagers shared that she herself wasn't excited about coming to church but that has changed for her thanks to Mex-i-Kids. Personally we are grateful for her because she is by far Tabitha's favourite person at church!
We're decided for now to keep the Club in the church (by majority vote). We will have a couple of weeks and then we hope to start a simple English course. English is a huge attraction and should generate a lot of interest especially as unlike many kids the ones around the church aren't offered it at school. The course will last about 6 weeks with certificates and a special service on the Sunday after it finishes. It has been given with great success by the Millers (see blog links) further south in the City and Robin MacKinnon and Julie Pollock will be giving it. We hope that the course will help to really boost the numbers of kids and parents who come along and that after trialing it at La Loma it can tehn be used in other breakfast clubs.
The pastor from the church in the south that started their breakfast club last week phoned and was once again excited by what happened last week. About 50 kids showed up but some just happened to turn up thinking that it wouldn't be on and that last weeks event had just been a special one-off. What's also exciting is that other churches in the area (of different denominations) are interested in what the church is doing and would like to run their own version. Praise God! There are plenty of people to be reached and the breakfast Club is an effective method.
Further north in Tultitlan another UNIFAM church is putting together teams and making final preparations for starting their own breakfast club. The Pollocks will be helping out there and it will be run by one of the church members. There are still further meetings needed but again there is great potential for reaching many for Christ whether the Club happens in the main church or in it's daughter church which is the other option.
We were encouraged to receive accounts this week of those from home who responded to the OMS appeal for funding for the breakfast clubs and 'bought' a specific number of breakfasts. If you are one of those people you should hear from us in due course but please be encouraged as you read how God is using you along with these events and His people here in Mexico to make a difference in individual lives and communities.
It's a Boy!
José and Viki (not their real names) had a little baby boy. Everything seems to be fine though we have little contact with Viki as she is with her family. That is a real blessing for her but they haven't let José see his son yet which is difficult and frustrating for him. We will continue to update you as we hear more.
Drop-In Centre Update
We're glad to report that the work was finally started on the Drop-In Centre this week. It was not a dramatic start - one guy turned up on Wednesday with a pick-axe, a shovel, a mallet and a chisel! On Thursday he was accompanied by another worker and more came on Friday.
(Andrew talks with the architect)
(One trench down...)
The work team from Ardmore arrived safely yesterday and though their work plan had to be changed there is still plenty for them to do - moving doors, partitions, fixing up the front of the building, increasing security by building up a wall at the back, building a new counselling room...
Some of the team members have been on previous work teams at the Drop-In Centre which is an encouragement to us. It's great to see familiar faces and to have the continuity. Work for them commences early tomorrow morning. Please pray for their safety and that they will accomplish what God has brought them here to do. Pray too for the Mexican workers who will work alongside them and that they will be impacted for Christ in spite of the language barrier.
This week then will see the Proyecto MEFI team and other missionaries doing frequent trips to the DIY store to keep the team supplied with what they need and helping out with the work the team are doing.
Last week the team had lots of meetings to assess what's been happening in the Centre to this point and plan for the future. Praise God for the openness and unity in the team. Some of the principle ideas are a reward scheme, modified rules, contracts for kids leaving the streets, plans to share out responsibilities rather than have the assigned person always do their thing, specific discipleship relationships between kids leaving the streets and Proyecto MEFI team members. Pray that through all of the planning God will continue to be glorified in the ministry and that the things decided will further help to see kids won for Christ, growing in their faith and integrating into society.
(Andrew talks with the architect)
(One trench down...)The work team from Ardmore arrived safely yesterday and though their work plan had to be changed there is still plenty for them to do - moving doors, partitions, fixing up the front of the building, increasing security by building up a wall at the back, building a new counselling room...
Some of the team members have been on previous work teams at the Drop-In Centre which is an encouragement to us. It's great to see familiar faces and to have the continuity. Work for them commences early tomorrow morning. Please pray for their safety and that they will accomplish what God has brought them here to do. Pray too for the Mexican workers who will work alongside them and that they will be impacted for Christ in spite of the language barrier.
This week then will see the Proyecto MEFI team and other missionaries doing frequent trips to the DIY store to keep the team supplied with what they need and helping out with the work the team are doing.
Last week the team had lots of meetings to assess what's been happening in the Centre to this point and plan for the future. Praise God for the openness and unity in the team. Some of the principle ideas are a reward scheme, modified rules, contracts for kids leaving the streets, plans to share out responsibilities rather than have the assigned person always do their thing, specific discipleship relationships between kids leaving the streets and Proyecto MEFI team members. Pray that through all of the planning God will continue to be glorified in the ministry and that the things decided will further help to see kids won for Christ, growing in their faith and integrating into society.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
A new breakfast club
Yesterday Andrew and I had both planned to go to the opening of the newest breakfast club. Unfortunately though Tabitha came down with her daddy's latest cold so the girls stayed at home while he took the 2 hour journey south himself. During the week we were able to get tables, chairs, prizes and a stereo to take down to the little church which has so few resources. This is the road close to the area where it takes place.
This photo was taken just outside the little church on the other side of the road.
And this is the entrance.
Basically it is a gazebo in a patio around which people live in very basic conditions. About 20 people go to the church (about 50 people go to another UNIFAM church not so far away from it).
The church members were so encouraged as about 65 kids came along. Many parents stayed to watch as well. The kids seemed to have a great time and the pastor's wife who gave the lesson is an excellent childrens communicator. These kids seemed to be a lot less streetwise than the kids we are used to. We hope to be able to visit once a month or so. There are 2 teams of leaders who will take turns to do the program. Andrew was able to teach them some songs and did the games. Please pray for this outreach effort. Pray that the momentum will continue and that through the breakfast club many will be added to the church. Pray that kids and theor parents alike will find Christ.
We have called a leaders meeting for Mex-i-Kids La Loma this Saturday to discuss the way forward. Pray for guidance there and for vision and passion among the leaders. The sermon this morning included a challenge about offering our tithe, including our talents and abilities, and the pastor challenged us all to attend the church programs and be involved. New leaders were invited. Pray that people will come and get involved.
Our baby due date is only 5 weeks away now and we really need to be able to hand over the leadership of the Club to someone who is passionate and capable. Pray that God will provide and show us His will.
We were excited to hear that my mum has booked her ticket to come out for 3 weeks before we leave for deputation. She will travel back with us which will be a huge help! Praise God for His provision.
This photo was taken just outside the little church on the other side of the road.
And this is the entrance.
Basically it is a gazebo in a patio around which people live in very basic conditions. About 20 people go to the church (about 50 people go to another UNIFAM church not so far away from it).
The church members were so encouraged as about 65 kids came along. Many parents stayed to watch as well. The kids seemed to have a great time and the pastor's wife who gave the lesson is an excellent childrens communicator. These kids seemed to be a lot less streetwise than the kids we are used to. We hope to be able to visit once a month or so. There are 2 teams of leaders who will take turns to do the program. Andrew was able to teach them some songs and did the games. Please pray for this outreach effort. Pray that the momentum will continue and that through the breakfast club many will be added to the church. Pray that kids and theor parents alike will find Christ.
We have called a leaders meeting for Mex-i-Kids La Loma this Saturday to discuss the way forward. Pray for guidance there and for vision and passion among the leaders. The sermon this morning included a challenge about offering our tithe, including our talents and abilities, and the pastor challenged us all to attend the church programs and be involved. New leaders were invited. Pray that people will come and get involved.Our baby due date is only 5 weeks away now and we really need to be able to hand over the leadership of the Club to someone who is passionate and capable. Pray that God will provide and show us His will.
We were excited to hear that my mum has booked her ticket to come out for 3 weeks before we leave for deputation. She will travel back with us which will be a huge help! Praise God for His provision.
Hector
We asked for prayer recently for Hector (not his real name). He was working in the Drop-In Centre, attending seminary classes on Saturdays, helping to show teams what street life is like and basically working on the Proyecto MEFI team. Recently he and another of the guys who had left the streets as well had to run from the City after some sort of incident with a Mafia type group in the area where they lived. We're not sure exactly what happened but we have good news.
Hector has returned to the City and is back working at the Drop-In Centre. It seems the group recognised that he wasn't responsible for whatever happened. He was beaten up but he's ok. Unfortunately the other guy hasn't been able to return yet.
Please continue to pray for these boys. Pray that through this Hector will make a real effort with God's help to grow in his faith and leave the old life behind completely.
Hector has returned to the City and is back working at the Drop-In Centre. It seems the group recognised that he wasn't responsible for whatever happened. He was beaten up but he's ok. Unfortunately the other guy hasn't been able to return yet.
Please continue to pray for these boys. Pray that through this Hector will make a real effort with God's help to grow in his faith and leave the old life behind completely.
Drop-In Centre Plans
It took a couple of days but finally Andrew managed to get in touch with the architect who sent out his plans. Unfortunately they were very different to what we had hoped for and as the next work team arrives on Saturday and urgent meeting was set up for 9pm the next evening. It went really well and already the changes have been made and have been forwarded to the engineer.
We are happy with the latest plans and so is the Proyecto MEFI team. The architect assures us that work can start on Tuesday and it will start in the bathroom area so that the team will have plenty to do when they come.
We are so grateful for teams who come. As well as being great fellowship and fun they accomplish so much in the lives of the kids and in the Drop-In Centre. Please pray this week for safe travel and that the work will be done in time.
In the meantime the team have decided not to open the Drop-In Centre to kids from the streets until the work is completed. There will be a lot going on and it would be impossible to cater to their needs effectively. The kids who have left the streets and depend on the Drop-In Centre for earning money to pay their rent are still going along.
Fairly recently we mentioned 2 of the kids who are expecting a baby. We called them José and his 1/2 sister. On Friday she went into hospital. Her parents came and took her to a clinic which is good but they will not let José be with her. We haven't heard any news but we'll hopefully find out soon. Please pray for both of these kids. Obviously this is a fairly complicated situation.
We are happy with the latest plans and so is the Proyecto MEFI team. The architect assures us that work can start on Tuesday and it will start in the bathroom area so that the team will have plenty to do when they come.
We are so grateful for teams who come. As well as being great fellowship and fun they accomplish so much in the lives of the kids and in the Drop-In Centre. Please pray this week for safe travel and that the work will be done in time.
In the meantime the team have decided not to open the Drop-In Centre to kids from the streets until the work is completed. There will be a lot going on and it would be impossible to cater to their needs effectively. The kids who have left the streets and depend on the Drop-In Centre for earning money to pay their rent are still going along.
Fairly recently we mentioned 2 of the kids who are expecting a baby. We called them José and his 1/2 sister. On Friday she went into hospital. Her parents came and took her to a clinic which is good but they will not let José be with her. We haven't heard any news but we'll hopefully find out soon. Please pray for both of these kids. Obviously this is a fairly complicated situation.
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