Independence Day Celebration-August 2005

We all piled into the van to cross over to the other side. After many weeks in Mexico a trip to the United States feels like you are embarking on a real adventure. In tow was our new family: four interns and other YUGO staff that have joined us for the summer.

The date was July 3, 2005 and the stop of the day would be a church service at Shadow Mountian where Dr. David Jeremiah would share great biblical truths with us. The service included an Independence Day celebration.

Soldiers entered into the building dressed in civil war uniforms. The sound of the bugle captured our attention. Then not a sound could be heard in the whole building. Silence, complete silence followed by the sound of gunshots.

We witnessed a proud nation celebrating their democracy. As a Canadian it is an honor to work hand in hand with our neighboring country reaching the lost in Mexico.

Tears were shed by many as the national anthem played and memories of lost loved ones came to mind. Personally my heart ached for the loved ones we left behind in Canada.

I listened intently to words of this well known hymn, “Glory, Glory, Alleluia our Lord is marching on. There are so many lost, His message they must hear…” The words of this hymn penetrated my heart.

I looked to the left and then to the right and knew many others had left family and loved ones to fight the fight. Some carried guns while others carry the truth of God’s Word.

“Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:10

Teams from all over the US and Canada continue to come and join us in sharing the love of Christ. People are coming to experience the love of God daily through these youth that have given up chunks of their summers to come and reach out to the lost.

This year YUGO started a new work. 208 people stepped out of their comfort zones into the 114 degree weather in Acuña, Mexico to share their love with the Mexican people. 377 people came to know Jesus in a personal way.

Rod and I continue to be stretched with our new responsibilities. We know that the stretching with bring growth that we pray will be used to glorify our Master.


Rebekah is excited as we have taken a step of faith and registered her for school for the fall. It has been a year of growth for Rebekah. She has quickly grasped the language and never ceases to amaze Rod and I with how well she can carry on a conversation in Spanish.

As we celebrate our one year of service as full time missionaries with YUGO, we praise God for your continued support, words of encouragement and many prayers. We could not have done it with out you.