July 5- Peering around the corner of the dirt floored courtyard, smiling faces were awaiting our arrival. “What you do today will affect generations to come” was the message delivered by Silvia Campillo (Prison Ministry team member) to 20 women that completed the Celebrate Recovery (CR) 12 step program. It was evident that each woman treasured the memory of being commended for their part in making positive changes within their lives as they received their diplomas for completing the 12 steps of the CR program. The celebration ended with a hotdogs and gifts (personal items).
July 12- Today 15 women were baptized in the beautiful chapel of the Ensenada Prison. Six of the women were from our CR group. Tears of joy ran down the faces of many of the women as they passed through the waters of baptism. By being baptized, each woman made a public declaration that they would no longer follow their old destructive ways and habits and openly displayed they were followers of Jesus Christ. I wish we could have taken pictures so you too could have seen the joy on their faces. It was a day to rejoice and celebrate!
July 19- Today 18 new women signed up to take the CR program in the prison as we offered it for the second time. What a beautiful site to see new faces desiring to be set free from their hurts, habits and hang ups. We are thankful for the 2 new leaders joining us in ministry from within the prison!!!! Both have completed their 12 steps and are ready to serve. But that’s not all! Today two of the women prisoners that came to join the new groups gave their hearts to Jesus. What an amazing way to kick off the new groups!
Rod and I were invited to the wedding of Heidi (intern from YUGO) & Justino in Sacramento. It was a beautiful wedding! We took advantage of the time to stop along the way and meet up with others that had served with YUGO Ministries in days gone by. Our time together was filled with great fellowship, fine food and reminiscing about old times. Thanks to the Ferguson’s and Pepito’s for opening their homes for us. We felt warmly welcomed!
Heidi & Justino
Stacy, Julie, Cheryl & Jenni-What a beautiful time we had reconnecting
Rod & Darin at the BBQ
God has been very faithful in sending us more women to join in the Prison Ministry. Each completed their leadership training and recently joined us leading the CR program in the Ensenada Prison. We are in awe as we watch this ministry blossom. Some of the men that have gone through CR training are now teaching in two different rehab centers. We are not sure where God is taking this. As Rick Warren says, “Start with a small group of people and watch it grow by word of mouth. You won’t be able to keep it a secret for long.” Rod and I had not planned to keep CR a secret, but never imagined it would grow as quickly as it has.
Elvia, Cheryl T, Pati, Lupita, Silvia, Cheryl H, Seve
Each of you holds a very important place within our hearts. Thank you to those that pray for us (your prayers are making a difference for eternity), those that encourage us and those that give sacrificially. Your partnering with us enables us to continue doing the work we have been called to do here in Mexico.
No comments:
Post a Comment