Member Care Training-February 2008

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31,32

Peering through the bus windows, snow covered trees could be seen in every direction due to the snow storms that had passed through recently. The snow chains on the bus tires made an unfamiliar sound as we headed up the mountain. Our final destination, Hume Lake looked like a winter wonderland with fresh snow twinkling on the ground around us. The grandeur scenery brought back memories of driving through the Rocky Mountains in Canada to visit our daughter Jessica and her family during the winter months.

Our purpose for being in this beautiful setting was to attend a conference called, “Building Skills for Member Care with Excellence”. The definition of Member Care is simply equipping and supporting those around us. Our time at Hume Lake mingling with other missionaries from all over the world was an incredible experience. As we came together and shared about our own experiences while taking part in ministry in Mexico, excitement arouse within us. Others that had the same experiences were hearing the speakers confirming some of the stresses we and other missionaries around us had encountered while living and serving in a third world country.

As parents of an MK(missionary kid) you cannot imagine how our interest was captured when information was shared about the very changes we watched Rebekah go through while living in Mexico. The cross cultural lifestyle of youth causes them to look the same on the outside but process things differently on the inside. We can see how Rebekah has grown and changed with the times of transition in her own life. She has a heart for those around her and a sincere love for God.

Being in ministry does not guarantee you will have a good marriage. Rod and I were grateful for marriage tips that were shared on how to keep your marriage healthy while in ministry. Taking time to continually work on these skills in the midst of the busyness is on the top of our list for the New Year. We have a couple from Canada coming to visit in April. We have invited Don & Judy Kropp to share with our staff their expertise on marriage matters. Both Don & Judy are marriage mentors using the materials from Love & Respect. We are looking forward to them sharing with YUGO staff how they too can keep their marriages vibrant while serving in ministry.

The days continue to be busy as those interested in serving with missions join us in El Faro. Networking and connecting with YUGO missionaries and other ministries have brought many opportunities to leave life changing experiences with the guests of El Faro.

Special Guests for Christmas-January 2008

Traveling down the bumpy roads, scarcely moving forward due to the crowds of people in the market could have brought frustration. But we were on a mission, a mission to deliver 250 Christmas gifts to be handed out by ten individuals from St. Simons church in Georgia to a Mexican church called Casa de Oracion (House of Prayer).

This building did not look like any other that people normally gather in for a church service. In years past, music could be heard through out the streets as people searching for the purpose of life filled the dance floor. Today this building has been transformed into a place where the Good News is shared.

The team shared the Christmas story through a play, a play sharing the Good News of how God came to reveal himself, and how He did so through a human body. A human body, born in a humble setting, that felt cold, hurt and disappointment. The birth of Christ was clearly displayed as a gift, the greatest gift ever given.

The time came for gifts to be handed out to the children. Little faces beamed as children unwrapped and played with their gifts. We soon left knowing we had done our small part in facilitating the Georgia group in sharing the gifts they brought with the children and the truth about Our Heavenly Father and the gift He sent for each of us.

Many Mexican children received gifts this Christmas. Thank you in part to Daryl & Marita from Salmon Arm, B.C., the Robinson family from Red Deer and my parents John & Gerry Szott for getting involved with YUGO staff to give to those in need.

Having my mom and dad, John & Gerry Szott join us in ministry was one of the highlights of our first Christmas spent together in Mexico. They brought with them gifts bags and quilts to be given out at a needy orphanage nearby. Mom and Dad, thanks for your part in reaching out to the children on Mexico.
The year of 2007 came with many great memories. We don’t even know where to begin. We are thankful for the staff we have worked with. Each one carries a very special place in our hearts for their friendship, hard work and dedication in serving.

“Lord my God, you have done many miracles. Your plans for us are many. If I tried to tell them all, there would be too many to count.” Psalm 40:5 I read this scripture and knew this applied to those we have had the privilege to work with. A book could be written about all the wonderful opportunities there have been to reach out to the people around us and how God has used many to fulfill His plan.

It is not easy to live in Mexico. Yet, our comrades in ministry have chosen to give up the easy life which includes leaving behind safety, comforts, family and friends to come and serve the Mexican people. It is an honor to work with each of you.

And our families, the ones we left behind. Thank you for supporting us and allowing us to continue to fulfill God’s calling for our lives. When we visit orphanages and see children the ages of our own grand children, there is a tug at our hearts. We walk in gratitude, knowing that our grand children are well cared for and loved. We are also thankful for the many that have come to visit, join us in ministry and spur us on. We could not serve here in Mexico with out each one of you standing behind us. Thank you!

Many Gifts To Share-Dec 2007

“Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10,11

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season and share gifts with one another. Let me share how others have recently shared gifts with those in need in Mexico.

Medical clinics are held in the colonias. You can only imagine the amount of people that come for help. It is an honor to be able to work with YUGO missionaries Barb & Al Goldsworty and other YUGO staff. Every person that receives medical attention also receives prayer. Medical attention and prayer are great gifts to those in great need.


Don & Judy came from Canada and while here purchased many items that will be used to fill Project Joy Christmas shoe boxes and bags for the Mexican children. Judy also sewed many beautiful bags that will be used to be filled with personal items for the female prisoners. Don & Judy have hearts to serve and are seeking where God would have them serve as they draw near to retirement. It was a blessing spending time with them.



Karen & Jim, also from Canada came with many talents. The greatest gift they left behind was a roof on a house for a family where the husband Samuel is a paraplegic. They also brought with them finances to purchase tarps that will help many squatter families living in areas of need as the rains come. The roof on Samuel’s house was finished just before it began to rain. What a blessing! I am sure this is one gift that Samuel and his family will never forget.


Rob, Michelle, baby Emma,Lynette, Mike and their children Salem and Ezra from Canada have come to Mexico to seek where God would have them serve. Both families raised finances to help finish a building project they started a few years ago in the Mexicali valley. Stuccoing the building was just the beginning of their Mexican adventures of using their gifts to give to those in need. They also joined a couple teams in Ensenada building a home and worked with another team with a building project at an orphanage in Tijuana. Both couples come to us with many gifts and talents and have freely given to those in need.

This Christmas as you seek for that perfect gift, remember that serving your fellowman may be more rewarding than a material gift. Always remember the greatest gift of all is the gift that God gave to us, his son Jesus Christ. God bless you with peace and joy as you celebrate the birth of our Savior with family and friends this Christmas season.

The Rainy Season Is Here-Nov 2007

“Pray to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that He will send more workers to gather his harvest.” Matthew 9:38

The freshness of the air due to the first winter rain fall felt great. We live in a dusty, dry country and look forward to a bit of rain to green things up. As we drove down the road, people could be seen in the back of pickups going to work. This is a very common site in Mexico. Reality set in as I saw these men soaking wet from the rain. My mind wondered to how cold these men would be when they arrived at their job sites.

Nagging thoughts of past winters came to mind and pictures I had taken of those living in shanties made of pieces of wood and cardboard covered with tarps were at the forefront of my thoughts. Many do not have proper protection from the elements and get sick.



I also remember some of you getting involved in ministry through your giving warm clothes, food, tarps, blankets and more. Please continue to come and give as the winter months have only just begun. Contact us to find out how you can get involved.

Many have heeded to this call. Our calendar is busy these next couple months with people like your selves that want to get involved. Some come for only a few days, others for a week or two and others for longer time periods.

Recently we moved to a YUGO facility that opened up for occupancy due to one of our missionaries leaving the field. Stacy built this incredible home to house women that came out of prison. Women that wanted a new life, a life of freedom from addictions and past hurts to follow this Jesus that Stacy freely shared with them.

Let me share with you Stacy’s own words. “As you all know, I dedicated the last three years of my life to this ministry. The final result is that I burned out. Meanwhile, I had been communicating with YUGO missionaries, Rod & Cheryl Hoople. I was aware that since the Hooples came on staff in 2004, they desired to start a missionary care center, a place where new missionaries could transition to the field and missionaries leaving the field could transition back to their home country. It will also be a place where needs would be met for field missionaries.”

Stacy has communicated well the ministry God has place upon our hearts for the past few years. It is our specific desire to use the gifts, passions and experience we have to work with YUGO leadership to help our missionaries not only survive but also thrive while serving with YUGO Ministries. Stacy, you will be greatly missed by all of us.

You, our partners in ministry, are a big part of this ministry. Your prayers are being answered on our behalf. Not only do we have the good sized facility that can house extra people we are also registered for our first Member Care training in January 2008. Remember, our doors are always open. Please feel free to contact us and come join us and other YUGO missionaries in ministry.

Medical Missions in Mexico-Oct 2007

“God, you are my God. I search for you, I thirst for you like someone in a dry, empty land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

Reclining in the comfortable chair in the airplane, while heading back to Canada, brought back many memories of a busy summer. Eyes closed and mind on shut down created an atmosphere to rest and relax before a new busyness would begin when landing in Canada. There were grand babies, family and friends to visit as well as a flurry of other activities.

Jessica, Ryan, Caleb and Aly were awaiting my visit. Aly, now 15 months old has developed a wonderful personality that could capture any heart. I was so proud of Caleb, he has adapted well to being the protective big brother. The days slipped by very quickly. Berry picking with Jessica, Caleb and Aly was a highlight of the visit. Imagine the combination of fresh berry pie and grand baby hugs.

Sharlene (Canadian YUGO missionary from Mexico) joined me with family activities before we headed to Calgary for her surgery. She was even able to attend a Hebert family reunion (my mom's side of the family). We had a blast. Thanks for your many prayers for Sharlene as she successfully went through hip surgery and has returned to Mexico. Thanks Al and Evelyn for driving and helping set up accommodations before and after surgery.

While in Canada I had the opportunity to attend a YUGO Canada board meeting. Much business was accomplished as our board members went to the table. What a blessing to have these godly people stand behind us in prayer and make decisions that will enhance the ministry of YUGO Canada.

Rod and Rebekah stayed busy while I was away in Canada. Rebekah turned into quite a cook for her dad in my absence. Rod joined other YUGO staff in a medical clinic that was held at Calvary Chapel Rosarito. Many from the church and near by neighborhood took advantage of the free medical help and prayer. If you know of a doctor or a nurse that would like to get involved in reaching out to those that are in need of medical or dental attention feel free to contact us and we will connect you with our YUGO missionaries, Al & Barb that head up the medical clinics. To the left is a picture of the inside or part of the mobile medical clinic. Barb and Doctor Martin have had many patients.


I barely got home from Canada when Beryl and Fred from Alberta, Canada joined us in Mexico to see what ministry opportunities could be found through YUGO Ministries. We gave them a whirlwind tour of some of the ministries that our missionaries are involved in. We even had a potluck dinner so they could talk to other missionaries in different areas of ministry. It was great to see everyone after being away in Canada. The picture above is Fred & Beryl standing next to Al & Barb in front of the mobile medical clinic called Jehovah Rafa (God the healer).

Well Done Good & Faithful Servants-Sept 2007

“So let us run the race that is before us and never give up.” Heb 12:1

Prayers penetrated the doors of heaven as we prayed, “Lord, help us finish strong!” And finish strong, we did!!! This summer, many youth and adults joined us in Tijuana and other YUGO ministry sites in Mexico sharing the love of Jesus. Over 1,000
Mexican people recognized their need to know Jesus in a personal way.

There are no unimportant positions in the kingdom of God. Our point of service may change with the seasons of our life, but we are always on duty for Him. He uses whatever skills and gifts we have and provides the strength we need to be salt and light. We have an awesome privilege to be part of the divine labor taking place on earth. God doesn’t need our help, but He wants to incorporate our small contribution into His master plan. When we are obedient in serving, He honors us with the title, “good and faithful servant.” Charles Stanley

Many of our summer staff and volunteers have left Mexico, but not without leaving behind a legacy of hard work and a deeper knowledge of God’s heart for the world. Each volunteer and staff member brought skills and gifts that allowed us to work together in unity to see God’s hand move in a mighty way. Each will carry the title, “good and faithful servant.”

This was the first year ever to bring KIDS GAMES – a worldwide sports/vacation bible school program to Mexico. North Coast Calvary Chapel brought a team of adults to work with YUGO Missionary Cindy Reid. 70 kids including many orphans, children from


poor neighborhoods and pastor’s kids had a blast. The volunteer staff and translators worked really hard. 18 kids asked Jesus into their hearts and all learned songs, scripture verses and saw LOVE in action! Rebekah rallied together with friends, Bryce, Melissa and Avanti to take part in translating and having fun while working with the kids.

God was faithful in sending in help to finish the summer strong. Randy & Lorraine and Tony, Monica, Jordon & Niki from St. Albert, Alberta joined us at the Tijuana Outreach Center. These families chose to take a vacation with a purpose. Each brought with them special gifts and hearts to serve. Many thanks to the Oudenaarden’s and Simms for being the hands and feet of Christ, serving those around them. Rebekah even had the privilege of joining them on their family vacation at Universal Studios when the summer evangelistic outreaches ended.

The Lord's Army-Aug 2007

“The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 (NCV)

With the Evangelistic Outreaches in full swing, a variety of tasks need to be accomplished to prepare those that will go into the nearby villages. Each village is like a battlefield where hearts will be captured and will surrender to a Master that will bring hope and healing to a lost world.

Attending a dynamic church service followed by picking up some last minute groceries for the upcoming week has become a pattern for Sundays during the summer months at the Tijuana Outreach Center. As Trevor (YUGO missionary) and I approached our local fruit market, four men in military attire armed with machine guns caught our attention. Young men in Mexico give up one year of their lives to serve their country. They attempt to bring peace and justice into a corrupt society. These men caught a vision and stepped forward to do their part in bringing about change.


These men are similar to those that have obeyed the call to go and be part of the Lord’s army. This summer many youth and adults have obeyed the call. They are not armed with machine guns but with holy weapons. Their weapons consist of prayer and a boldness to go forth and share the love of Jesus Christ to those that do not know Him.

Youth and adults that join us in ministry for the summer months spend hours in pre-field training so they can have some knowledge of the culture, language and are equipped with tools in how to reach those around them with the Good News. Even with the training they receive, it is never enough to prepare them for what they will encounter in the ministry they will be involved in while serving in Mexico.

In the village of Obrera, a group from Olympic Bible Church from Squim, Washington were faced with a situation training could not have prepared them for. God knows the beginning and the end and He knew what was going to happen next. During the evening church service, chaos reared its ugly head as gang members began to rumble outside the church. God had prepared the path for this team as Ivan (YUGO translator) had once been a gang member. Ivan intervened and was able to defuse the situation even before the police arrived. Gang members hid from the local police as they mingled with the church members during the service giving them an opportunity to hear a message of hope.

“If you want to increase your significance, focus your energies on significant activities: those which will remain for eternity.” Neil Anderson

Our staff have focused their energies in many areas. The have tried their hands in construction, doing the background work so others can go out on the field and reach the lost. They also reached out to the children of the Torre Fuerte church in Rosarito through their own children’s Evangelistic Outreach. Relationships were built and 17 lives were changed for eternity by sharing the love of Jesus through children’s ministry activities.