Let me share with you our dream and how God brought it about. Nearly 22 years ago I saw my first missionary in a church service. I was awed by the work she was a part of. I thought I would love the opportunity to do the same someday.
Nearly two years later I heard God “calling” me. In the scriptures He says, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation.” (Mark 16:15) But who was I, a single mom with a three-year-old child. He continued to nudge me and encourage me and I went.
I received training with Youth With a Mission in New Jersey. This training brought about the privilege of going on three short-term missions trips. These trips to Guatemala, El Salvador and Jamaica were life changing for me. I saw many come to know Jesus Christ in a personal way. When it was time to leave I knew that I had left a piece of my heart behind with the Latino people.
After returning back to Canada, the passion to go was placed on the back burner with the need to continue on in everyday life. As a single parent I poured my life into my daughter, family, friends and my church.
After a time I met and married Rod. Five years ago we went on our first short term frontline missions trip. Together through YUGO Ministries U.S., we went to Mexicali, Mexico. Now we both saw many come to know Christ in a personal way. These people were so hungry for the gospel.
What was once my dream became our dream. We know this dream lies beyond our comfort zone. It means leaving what feels comfortable to achieve the dream. We are just normal folks. Who are we to be called missionaries?
As we continue to walk the calling God has placed upon our hearts, we will run into many obstacles. One will be finances. To raise your own support as a faith based missionary is VERY humbling. But as we continue on in faith and watch our Father bring forth the finances needed, He will be honored.
YUGO Ministries Canada wants us to have 100% of our support raised or pledged before they will allow us to go to the missions field (in Mexico). We are at 65%. If you feel led to join us as partners in ministry but have not responded, now is the time! Our goal is to leave Canada by July 23rd. God bless you as you continue to give and see the kingdom of God expand.
The need in the mission’s field is great. Children daily go without food, clothing or shelter. The greatest need of all is to be loved and cared for. “I want you to share your food with the hungry and welcome the poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” Isaiah 58:7
Next month, YUGO’s first children’s home (orphanage) will be finished. Soon it will be filled to the brim with needy children. The Palaus are normal folks like Rod and I that have heard the call to go, and they will be the house parents for these children. George and Stacey will be the hands and feet of Jesus that that will feed, cloth, love and care for these children.
God uses all kinds of average people just like you and Rod and I. Recently we read the testimony of a young high school girl from Airdrie. She wrote, “I think after being here I am definitely more likely to be involved in missions. I have never been on a mission’s trip before and have never realy never really been involved in ministering the gospel. If God calls me to go to a different country or anywhere for that matter. I want to be willing and able to go.”
You ask, how can a normal person like me be a part of God’s plan in meeting the needs of the Mexican people? There are many ways! You can join us for a week of ministry. You too can feed, clothe, care for and love the children.
Can you swing a hammer? A team from Santa Cruz, California built a house for a Mexican family in three days. Have some extra cash? Send it! YUGO has many places that could use your finances for eternal value. You too can come back changed!
Rod and I sincerely hope you will come visit us in Mexico. Come for Christmas or your summer vacation. The temperature will be +15, and we can have a barbeque or go to the beach, or join together in ministry. Just hearing from you will be great encouragement to us.
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