Serving In Two Different Countries

“I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Acts 2: 24 NLT

Anticipation filled every part of me as Rod and I drove to visit a friend I had not seen for quite some time. You see, my friend Marilyn lives in Canada, I live in Mexico and we met for coffee in the United States.

You may ask, “What is so special about this friend.” Nearly 24 years ago I sat at a small table in a lunch room at the place we worked. I had only known the Lord for a short time. Across from me was Marilyn openly sharing with me her present pain and struggles.

I had no solution for her other than how I had found comfort in my own life. I shared with her about my friend Jesus and how He had helped me through my difficult times. I then asked if she wanted Jesus to help her also.

After a short prayer, Marilyn committed her life to this Jesus I spoke of. Today Marilyn is also a missionary. Her Jewish heritage has given her a passion to reach out to her own people. Two people in two different countries, serving the same King.

Ready! Set! Go! These are the words we remember well when running a race. Yes, the summer has begun and the race is before us.

We began our summer with a great bunch of staff. Summer interns, returning staff from previous years and volunteers have joined us here at the Tijuana Outreach Center to serve wholeheartedly this summer.

After just one week of summer outreaches under our belts, we see great things taking place within our local Mexican churches. Last week alone we had 151 conferees join us for the summer outreaches and 173 Mexican people recognized their need for the love of Christ in their lives. WOW, and summer has just begun.

Rod, Rebekah and I want to thank you for your many prayers. After much searching we have found a school for Rebekah. She will attend the high school affiliated with the junior high school she now attends. After a brief visit with the principal today, Rod and I both breathed a sign of relief knowing she would be well taken care of. This school will be there to help her every step of the way with her education as well as improving her Spanish.

Rebekah’s grade 9 graduation ceremony and luncheon was a time of celebration by all. Rebekah had a GPA of 9.3 and received a pin for her efforts. Next year will be all Spanish hopefully she can continue to do as well.

We and all the staff here at YUGO continue to cherish your many prayers as we continue on this summer. It is your prayers that give each of us the strength to continue the race set before us.