Nagging thoughts, sprinkled with prayers raced through my mind as we inched our way to the front of the Otay border crossing into Mexico. “Would we be able to bring the trailer full of Prison Ministry donations across the Mexican border?” The US border guards had pretty well patted us on the backs and saluted us for bringing the donations in the trailer to Mexico. “Too many items.” Was the report we got from the Mexican border guards as we turned the van and trailer around and headed back into the US. You know what that means? God blessed us abundantly, so much so, that it was too much to bring across in one trip. How awesome for the women of the Ensenada Prison.
Rod just barely got a chance to embrace the idea of being home when he had to repack and head to Ensenada for his second semester of biblical studies. He was not able to attend last fall due to having heart surgery. This year he is excited to be back in school and is working hard on earning his Certificate of Theology!! He spends the weekdays in Ensenada trying to keep up with those that are a few years younger than him (OK maybe more than just a few) and heads back to be with me in Rosarito on the weekends.
Rod was on his way out the door the same time Joyce and Jenti Friesen came to visit. They came with a bundle of energy, rolled up their sleeves and got to work sorting out donations. They also put together personal gift bags for the women enrolled in the Celebrate Recovery program in the Ensenada Prison for an upcoming event. Joyce and Jenti, thank you for all your help and for your willing hearts.
Jenti and Joyce working on seperating donations
Silvia & Elvia bagging donated sweat suits for the prison
The personal gifts bags were presented to the women in the prison on September 20 as we celebrated the hard work of the women who attend the C R program week after week. We had intended to have a grand fiesta celebrating Mexico Independence Day, but all such activities were banned as a form of discipline due to prisoners rioting in some of the prisons. We thank God we were able to worship, serve the women and guards a delicious meal followed by laughter and fun while playing our own form of bible trivia. Each gratefully received a gift bag filled with personal items. It was a fantastic, fun filled day!!
This has truly been a month of many blessings, fun and fellowship. One of Grace Children’s Home (YUGO’s orphanage) interns from a few years back fell madly in love with one of our Mexican national workers. It was fun to host a wedding shower for Jenny at El Faro before her and Heriberto were married September 11. Congratulations Jenny and Heriberto!
Andi (sister of the bride) Jenny & Heriberto
In a recent prayer letter we made mention of our newest missionaries Ron & Kristy Struska. They have been hard at work building houses for those in great need. What a blessing that some of the 100+ gallons of paint we brought from Canada have already been put to good use. If you do (or do not) have building skills and would like to come build a house for a family in great need. Feel free to check out the Tijuana Construction Ministry - YUGO
web site. The needs are great and the workers few!
