The End Of A Great Summer-September 2004

“These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:7

The summer outreaches left lasting impressions. Rod and I daily helped prepare picnic lunches for teams as they spent their afternoons and evenings working with the local churches. Our rewards for our small part in preparing for those that went out on the field was the opportunity to hear team members testimonies on their return in the evenings.

Daily we heard stories of men, women, youth, and children that were meeting Jesus on a personal level. This summer alone there were 1296 that responded to the gospel.

One day Rod and I went to visit a team from Westlock, Alberta, Canada. (Just one half hour from where we used to live in Canada.) We watched as the Canadian women taught the Mexican women how to do crafts as well as teach them lessons from the bible.

Not far away we could hear laughter and singing as others reached out in love to the children. More of the team joined the youth at the local beach of Rosarito playing soccer. Plus they also had a construction team that worked every day on building the womens rehabilitation home (El Faro).

As I watched these Canadians that had driven so far to give so much, I was filled with joy. I knew many of these lives would be changed.The Mexicans, because they have been presented the opportunity to come into a deep relationship with Jesus and see first hand the love of Christ through others. The Canadians because they have witnessed, possibly for the first time ever, bringing others into eternity.

Now summer has come to an end and life has slowed down. We have found new routines. Rod daily joins Tom and George (YUGO Missionaries) to work on the orphanage. I study Spanish and work with Rebekah on her schooling. Some of this includes learning to boogie board at the near by beach. Great way to get in those hours for Physical Education, wouldn’t you say?

Patti (YUGO Missionary) and I will be cooking meals for the Bible School as well as groups that come on weekends to do ministry in the nearby villages.

Just this past weekend a group came to Tijuana from Santa Cruz, California. They built one home, finished another that they had begun earlier in the year and worked on the orphanage.

Rebekah has joined Michelle Miller (YUGO Missionary) with teaching English in a nearby local church. Rebekah is like a sponge. She easily learns Spanish. It is Rod and I that need prayer in this area.

We have joined a local church, one that translates the services. The pastor gave each of us a Spanish/English bible and a worship CD. I ache to join in when I hear the worship music being sung in Spanish. This is good incentive to continue on and learn the language.

We have had many struggles with this adjustment period. Imagine having little red worms coming out of your waters taps. YUCK! How about three flat tires within twelve hours. OOPS! The roads are really rough. I could go on and on. But on the other hand we sense a peace as we know we are where we are supposed to be.

We are grateful for your many prayers. Your incoming e-mails and letters have been of great encouragement to us.