Teaser

It has been an incredibly busy week as we have worked towards the big event today. We know there are some who desperately want to know how the grand opening went so here are some photos. It was an excellent service. An emotional day for the team and in particular Fidel, who has anticipated this day for many years. Here is Fidel praying with the congregation of about 120 people. Some have supported Fidel for up to 20 years!
Andrew gives thanks to the many foreign churches and individuals who have been involved and have supported the work. Maybe we'll be able to get a clip of this part for the blog...
Cutting the ribbon. Fidel and Juana, Alex and Paty, Gloria (visiting us from NI who has supported Fidel and now MEFI for many years through the work of the charity shop and represents the faithful team there), Miguel (the president of UNIFAM, our pastor and the supervisory pastor of the MEFI team), Mark and Alisa (have been here several times and been involved in the ministry for several years) and José who has led many teams here to work on the remodelling.
A meal afterwards cooked by the team and enjoyed by all.
One of the highlights was to see a few of the kids who have been impacted by the ministry and are now doing well and living off the streets. Our prayer as ever is that there would soon be many more stories of lives transformed by the power of God and for His glory. I'll write a little more at the weekend. Thank you for your prayers.

The financial Crisis

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19+20

We hear so frequently of the financial difficulties people are facing back at home. We know that many mission agencies and individual missionaries are struggling as a result. We hate to think of money and ministry together but every so often it becomes an issue.

We are so grateful to God and to you for your continuing support. Thank you especially if you are finding yourself having to 'pull in the reins' a little. Thankfully our support account is still in the black and so we are able to continue to minister and bless the church here through gifts that you make possible.

We assure you that we do all we can to ensure that your support is being administered as wisely as possible and pray that as you continue to 'lay up treasures in heaven' you will know God's richest blessing spiritually and financially.

It's the season

That's what we keep hearing when anyone gets sick. The cold mornings and nights and warm days seem to be a recipe for sickness. Thankfully it is now heating up a little so we should be able to shake these things off.

Oscar continues to have a fragile stomach so we are keeping him on the medicine for a while. He has eaten quite well today which is encouraging. Tabitha had a few sniffles this week but her spirits are high. She enjoyed a sleep over with the MacKinnon kids this week (see our family blog for more details) and is still talking about it.

I wasn't so well this week. I had a fever with a 'funny' tummy and sore throat. Not sure what it was but mummies can't get sick so I got some medicine which seems to be clearing it up. Andrew also has a 'funny' tummy at the moment. More annoying than anything else. It sounds gloomy but really we are ok. We are constantly aware of the need for God's protection and care and especially when we are physically week.

The great news is that my mum and dad arrive tomorrow for 2 weeks. They will be here for the Drop-In Centre opening of course and then next week we hope to be able to take a few days off together. It seems we are in need of a little rest!

They are also here for Tabitha and Oscar's birthday party which is on Saturday. It is another link with our neighbours for which we would appreciate prayer.

This is the week!

We are so excited! We first heard about Mexico through Helen Cosslett (nee Wintle) back in 2000. Even at that time she and Fidel were planning for a Drop-In Centre for the street kids. It has been many years (to a young person like me!) and there have been changes in the planning, personnel and support but looking back we can see how God was moving.

Even finding the building itself was a miracle. We walked many miles through the city around various metro/underground stations looking for rental or sale signs. In April 2005 we finally came on what is now known as UNIFAM La Raza. Standing in the dingy building we had no idea of the work it would take to make it what it is today.

We have been through many highs and lows as we have persisted with Mexican timing and beaurocracy, met many fantastic people who have come on teams to help freely, seen results from our work with the kids even in the unfinished building, been frustrated as they make unwise decisions etc. etc.

BUT this week is monumental. We have a work team here to finish off some electrical work, painting and staining the concrete floor. On Friday afternoon we have the official opening of the Drop-In Centre/UNIFAM La Raza. There are about 150 invited people including Mexicans and foreigners. It will be a time of thanksgiving for all that is past and looking to God for the salvation of many souls in the future.

Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. Lamentations 2:19

We can't wait to post next week so you can see and hopefully hear how the service goes.

Oscar is one!

We celebrated Oscar's first birthday with him today. It is so hard to believe that is has been a year already. I took him to the clinic on Friday for routine vaccinations. He was born on a Friday but it seemed like it had just been a few short months earlier!

Oscar is such a happy little chap. He rarely cries unless he is hungry, sore or way too tired. He has a ready smile and loves a cuddle. We are so blessed to have this wonderful little boy in our family.

We are giving him medicine at the moment for diarrhoea that he has had for a while. This is something that we lived through for months with Tabitha but hopefully for Oscar it will not last as long. We would so appreciate your prayers for him as his little stomach copes with all he sends it's way!

Here he is on his first birthday enjoying one of his new toys.

Counselling

Some time ago we mentioned a couple that had come to us asking for marital counsel. Since our visit they have gone through a particularly difficult time. They have now come back to ask afresh for help. Please pray for this influential couple as we meet with them each week. Pray for supernatural healing for their marriage and that we will be able to guide them practically to see their marriage turned around for God's glory.

Drop-In Centre/La Raza opening

Plans are now made and invitations going out to people for the official opening of La Raza. The special service will take place on the afternoon of the 20th February. There are so many people who have been involved in this project and it is exciting to have reached this point. Praise God for His provision and faithfulness throughout. There will be plenty of photos and video of the event and all will be done with translation so we may be able to post some of it.

The team continue to make contact with street groups. Sometimes there is no-one around when they visit and other times they have a great time visiting with the kids. Continue to pray that God will make it obvious who it would be good to invite to the Centre in the mornings.

A new Church

Once a month Andrew goes down south to help Cesar and Irma. This week he took Dario, a great guy from La Loma who plays guitar. The church was meeting in a new building. It's not the most glamorous place in the world but it is has been donated free of charge. The sign reads, 'Christian Church UNIFAM - Paradise' Cool name for a church don't you think?
Here is the very first congregation - about 25 people were there in total. Please pray that this number will grow as people are contacted through evangelism programs and that this little church will see God do amazing things.

Spot the non-mexican!

A busy week

We made it through the week. Thank you for your prayers for all the meetings we had. The organisation of the kids' program for MOPS was a highlight for me. Two girls came along and through out lots of fantastic ideas. Both have worked with kids of that age before. This is God's provision in answer to your prayers.

Andrew had some good chat with Carlos and we look forward to continuing friendship with that little family.

The teenager I met with on Tuesday wasn't incredibly open. She did share a little of her heart but I feel there is a lot she didn't share. We found that we have a common interest in crafts and so the idea is that she will come over to do 'crafty' things. My prayer is that with more frequent contact she will be more open as there is a lot she needs to get off her chest. She is a great girl with lots of potential.

Paty

Paty also has diabetes. She should be able to control it by watching her diet. Thank you for your continued prayers for her.

Pablo

This is a picture of the guy we mentioned last week who backed out of rehab and returned to the streets. Pablo isn't his real name but just helps us to give you updates to call him something. When we first met Pablo in 2001 he was a young kid like any other; strong, cocky, fun... He did a video interview for us about life on the streets which we showed in a few churches.

Here is a very short video of him now. It shows the terrible devastation caused by a few short years of drug use and life on the streets. It reminds me of Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Even in this state Pablo prefers to live on the streets. This is and always will be an incredibly difficult and emotionally draining ministry. Lamentations 2:19 says: Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. Our point in posting this video is not to upset you. We want you to see the reality of the ministry and encourage you to keep praying earnestly for these dear kids. Pablo is not the only one and there are so many headed in the same direction as Pablo if the enemy has his way. Pray for the MEFI team who love these kids with God's love.

The team were back on the streets this week and already there are some kids who seem to be ideal for inviting to the Centre in the mornings. One kid when asked what he would like to do with his life said, "I'd like to do what you do and rescue kids from the streets." Later that day he asked to be taken to rehab but when asked if he would sign a contract (indicating the importance of the decision and his commitment to it) he backed out.

Sandra also came back to the Centre this week. She has left Beto who was physically abusing her and has her kids with her. She is asking for help but if you were following the story from before then you will agree that she needs to earn the trust of the team. She will receive help but not on a plate (e.g. she will wash her clothes by hand for a bit, as is normal here, rather than in the washing machine). We are delighted she has come back of course and she still has heaps of potential to reach other street kids. Please continue to pray for Sandra.

Go get some tissues...

Having teams here is such a blessing and with all the work that has been done in La Raza (the Drop-In Centre) we have had more than our fair share of good times. I think we counted about 50 people who have come from abroad to help with the remodelling work. Each one has worked sacrificially and blessed not only us but also the work here.

It is always lovely to hear from these new friends even though they aren't here in person. Rick sent us this phenomenal video this week and we were so blessed we want to share it with you too. Please take 5 mins to watch this video. It will stay with you for a long time to come. What would you put on your card?

http://www.rhchurch.org/pages/cardboard-testimonies/

MEFI update

MEFI is back on the streets again. We are armed with a lot of enthusiasm and the groups that we have visited are glad to see us again. One boy from a group that we visited many years ago wanted to leave the streets and when the team went the next day he came back to the centre, showered and ate and Alex took him to a new rehab place that we are experimenting with. Everything was looking so good for him. We were excited that so soon on the streets again we were already helping to make a difference. Then came the moment that he had to sign his contract to say that he would abide by their rules. That's when it all came undone. He backed out...all because he would have to get up at 7am everyday and not any time he felt like it. We know, something so trivial. It took almost a whole day for us to get him, help him clean up, eat and go for his interview...and no result in the end. It will certainly make us more careful before we go and help others. We'll get them to weigh the cost before we run around after them all day.

Paty Update

This week Paty was still in considerable pain (and off work of course). She had some more tests done and got the results but doesn't understand them. Tomorrow she will go to a clinic where they will be explained for her. We will post again when we hear more. When we spoke with her this evening it seemed as though she was feeling much better and had slept better the last couple of nights which has helped also. Please continue to pray for both Paty and Alex as they pass through this trial together.

Fields that are ripe

I think I have mentioned that we have recently had much more contact with our neighbours. This past week I was approached twice (on the same day) by teenage girls on our street who want help with their English. Please pray that I will be able to help with more than their English. One of the girls has already mentioned an interest in coming to our church.

In a few weeks we will be celebrating Tabitha and Oscar's birthdays with neighbours and others. Then in March we are planning a St. Patrick's Day party (at our neighbours' request!). We are hoping to take the opportunity to share our faith more formally at the second and would really appreciate prayers for prepared and open hearts. People are watching and we hope that what they see attracts them to Christ.

This week is filling up with appointments. Please pray for a meeting I will have on Tuesday with a teenage girl from La Loma. We have been building a relationship with her but she is going through a difficult spell. Pray that she will find it easy to open up, that I will have good understanding of what she is saying (it is difficult to understand people when they are crying and yet awkward to ask them to repeat what they are saying in those circumstances!) and that the Holy Spirit will guide me as to what to say.

We also have a meeting with the new leader of the La Loma Mex-i-Kids on Tuesday to talk about direction and planning for the future.

On Wednesday I will be meeting with the leader of the kids program at MOPS (MOPPETS) which is exciting as it is the last piece of the jigsaw in the planning of that ministry. We still have plenty to finalize befire we start but I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the girls and by their testimonies to how it is already impacting their lives.

We would also ask for prayer for a guy in church called Carlos. He came to both of us separately today to ask for help. Over this past year he has been drifting from God until a couple of weeks ago he told his wife he wanted nothing to do with church any more. That very day he fell down two flights of stairs outside his appartment and was lying unconscious at the bottom for quite a while. When he came around he couldn't open his eyes and with no one to help he thought he was going to die there. He called out to God for help. Now he is serious about getting back on track but has no idea where to start. Andrew hopes to meet him on Wednesday and then we want to spend some time with the family on Saturday. Carlos and his wife are incredible people with many talents. We warmed to them the first time we met them but have been concerned about their lack in consistency at church. Please pray that this little family (they have a little boy and a girl on the way) will be firmly established and that Carlos will be the spiritual leader and example he needs to be.

Andrew has been helping out with the youth group on Saturdays and we will meet on Thursday with the youth leader and his wife (who is on the MOPS leadership group). This is another incredibly talented couple and it will be fun to hang out as well as plan together with them.

So there is still a little bit of space this week... then on Sunday we are both involved in a very special service at La Loma. The church is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Some of you may have supported the ministry that long. We were at a leadership meeting on Saturday and there is a real sense of excitement and optimism for the future. The church is growing weekly it seems and it is exciting for us to be a part of a dynamic and growing ministry. Please pray that through everything we say and do this week God would be glorified. It is busy and we will be tired but we want to keep our priorities of our own devotional life, our family and our minstries in the right order.

Planning

Andrew has a regular weekly meeting in La Raza with Cesar, the pastor of the church in Escuadron. Recently they have been talking about the organisation of the church and about direction and vision for the future. Escuadron is the mother church of the church in Chalco where the breakfast club was held. This week it was lovely to have the whole family in our home.
As the children played upstairs we adults got to talking over the plans Cesar and his wife have been praying through. These people aren't thinking small. In 5 years they are looking at having their own property, seeing an increase in their congregation from 50 to 300, planting 50 house churches, having 3 daughter churches and a church in 5 states of Mexico!
Does this seem impossible? It seems fairly impossible to me...but that's why I'm not in charge! God is, and with Him nothing is impossible! Please pray for this amazing family. They are so incredibly humble and passionate. These are not plans that we gave them but ones they came up with themselves (through prayer). We are once again challenged to think big. The plans are small compared with the need here. Pray that Cesar will have committed and faithful workers to help him, pray that the congregation will be passionate about the plan and pray that God will be glorified in the conversion of many souls as this little church moves forward in faith.

MOPS

We had our first meeting of the year on Thursday. I was really encouraged as the girls had worked really hard and produced some great stuff. We have another meeting this week as we keep moving forward.

It is looking like we will start on the 5th March. We appreciate your prayers that we will be well prepared and that there will be good interest (there seems to be already) for prepared hearts.

Change

There are quite a lot of things happening in the Mex-i-Kids clubs.

The club in Acapulco has finally opened. They started last week with about 40 kids. The club there is in a huge housing development (19,181 apartments according to an internet source.)
Here is a picture of the area. Please pray that the interest generated would continue and grow and that Mex-i-Kids would serve to introduce and integrate many needy families into the church.

We have a meeting with Cesar and Irma tomorrow night to discuss the possibilities of a change in direction for them. The Chalco club is strong in terms of kids but very weak in terms of leadership. Recently there have been problems with the owners of the property they use for the club there. The most likely scenario is that the Chalco club will not re-start but instead a new club will open in the mother church at Escuadron. Our prayer is that more people from the church will be able to help shoulder the responsibility. Chalco is quite a distance from Escuadron when you have to take a bus and it's a big commitment to ask of people in terms of time and finance before even thinking of the ministry itself. We have visited the church in Escuadron several times (Andrew goes once a month) and there is need there too of course. It's a case of limited finances and limited personel. It's a difficult decision to make of course and we continue to hope and pray that the seed planted will go on to bear fruit and that perhaps one day we will be able to re-open in Chalco.

In La Loma the numbers seem to be settled around 20-30 kids weekly. That's after 2 years. What do you do when you're not reaching targets (we hoped for 300 kids there)? You start to ask questions - what are we doing that we shouldn't be doing? What are we not doing that we could be doing? what is keeping the kids coming that do attend? what is putting other kids off? The leadership has just changed again. The lady I handed over too has found herself overcomitted. She will still help, just not direct. Please pray for Lety, the new leader. We are now trialing a shorter club time with a hour of home visitation afterwards.

Now that we are into the New Year (where did the first half of the month go?) we will hopefully get into regular leadership meetings as we move forward with the Mex-i-Kids manual.

Paty Diagnosis

Thank you once again for your prayers... and your patience! Paty was put off at the hospital again yesterday and told to return today. She has been diagnosed with a severe case of gastritis. She is now home resting. The implications are a radical change in diet and medication. We are rejoicing with them that the diagnosis has been made and that she can now begin taking steps towards health and normality again. Please continue to pray that she will soon begin to feel like her normal self again. Praise God with us once again for His goodness.

Paty Update

We just heard that Paty's test has been put off until tomorrow. She went to the hospital today and was told to return tomorrow morning. It's frustrating but God is always in control. We know some may be praying at midweek services and so we'll post again as soon as we have news. Thank you again for your support in this.