A New Man in My Life-Oct 2011

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because He trusted me and gave me this work of serving Him.” I Timothy 2:12

Laughter consumed us as we revisited the past! You see, Pat and I had worked together over 30 years ago. She recounted how I came to work one day and shared with her I had found a new man in my life. Her curiosity got the best of her as she anxiously asked, “Who is this new man in your life that brought you such joy?” I personally do not remember the conversation, but obviously it left an impression on Pat when my response to her was, “I met Jesus.”

Pam & Pat prepared personal item gift bags for the female inmates and are ready to give them out

What an honor to have had Pat and her good friend Pam join me on a week of ministry. Straight off the plane we headed to the local stores to pick up supplies for the ministry opportunities Pat & Pam would take part in. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner catching up on old news together before making gift bags for the women in the prison and toy/candy bags for the children.

Pam & Pat preparing lunch for the feeding program

Pat and Pam raised funds in Canada and were able to touch the lives of many in Mexico through the generosity of others. “Our Girls” in the Ensenada Prison received personal item gift bags after being taught a craft, over 30 children took part in enjoying a hardy meal and left the feeding program of Vista de Valle church with a gift bag filled with candy and toys. These are just a few of the activities Pat and Pam took part in during their Vision Trip to El Faro. Some are called to pray, others are called to give and some like Pat and Pam were called to go. Thank you Pat and Pam! You have touched the lives of many with your generosity and servant hearts.

Thank you Pat & Pam from the children of the Vista de Valle Church feeding program

C R Forges Forward-Sept 2011

“God can give you more blessing than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything-enough to give to every good work.” II Corinthians 9:8

My heart was bursting with pride as we handed out diplomas to the 19 women that graduated from our second year of the Celebrate Recovery program. It was a beautiful day filled with a time of worship, cake, ice-cream, a drama, special guest speakers and gifts for all. This year we had 35% of the women from within the prison attending the CR program. Next year we are praying we will have 50% of the women attending.

Some of the CR graduates

CR leaders inside and our Prison Ministry Team

The CR graduation was just 1 out of 3 events we had in an 8 day period. The prison asked us to prepare and serve cakes, drinks and gift bags for the seniors that were being honored for Seniors Day. The whole event was very touching as one man looked much like my own grandpa Szott (with a great tan, mind you).

For the last event we were given a “special invitation” by the government of Mexico to take part in celebrating the graduation of the inmates that completed educational courses. Our girls were smiling from ear to ear as they proudly waved their diplomas.

THE STORE HOUSE IS FULL!!!
While Rod is back in Bible School, the days are filled with different activities. One task that has been very rewarding, is having completed bringing across all the Prison Ministry donations that were stored in the cargo trailer in San Diego. Prison Ministry team member Barb (YUGO missionary) has been a blessing gathering and sorting with me. The supplies have all been stored and are ready for making gift bags for the female prisoners. You helped fill that cargo trailer with the gifts that were received by the women. The women asked me to say THANK YOU to each of you on their behalf.

Barb & Cheryl unpacking Prison Ministry donations

Your ongoing support and prayers allow us to be here in Mexico doing what God has called us to do. THANK YOU!!!

Wedding in Canada-Aug 2011

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us.” And I said, “Here I am, send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Rod and I made a quick trip back to Canada. in August to celebrate a very special day. On August 20, 2011 our youngest daughter Rebekah married Eric Le Clair. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony. As I write the newly weds are off on their honey moon!!! Thanks to the many that helped make Eric and Rebekah’s wedding day special.

The happy couple!

Summer came and summer went! Kimberly from Westlock Gospel Chapel(15 minutes from where we lived in Canada) stated, “I learned that you can still have a relationship with someone even though there is a language barrier. YUGO has helped me understand that a Christian has a job to do. They are not supposed to sit around, read their bibles and go to church. They are supposed to go out and tell the gospel to all people. Whether it be around the world or at the grocery store. I also learned that we aren’t supposed to be scared of dying,in fact we are to look forward to and dwell on it. YUGO has helped me grow in my Christian walk with Jesus a lot more.” Kinberly and many other youth joined YUGO staff in sharing about the love of Jesus with the Mexican people. It was a great summer!

Westlock Gospel Chapel

“The Father Heart of God” was the theme of our first annual Prison Ministry Retreat in the Ensenada Prison. Women’s lives were touched as they heard the truth about our Heavenly Father. You can only imagine the distorted view many of these women have of fathers. Many were abandoned as young children, others did not grow up with fathers, some were severely abused, forsaken, ignored and the list goes on and on. The truth unfolded, Our Heavenly Father loves each one of us unconditionally. Women began to weep and experience healing as they stepped forward forgiving those that caused great pain in their lives. We entered the prison with a special luncheon and gifts containing personal items for each of the women. It was a day that will be remembered by many!!!.

Nine Baptised-July 2011

“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.” Matthew 13:13

After passing through our final set of locked doors, Comandante Alicia (head prison official) escorted us to a cell where Eva was lying on her side. Despair and anguish were written all over Eva’s face. Weeks earlier Eva’s family came to visit. Separation and loss from family drew Eva into a deep depression. It had been three weeks since Eva had eaten anything and the guards were concerned. This incident gave our Prison Ministry team the opportunity to pray and see God answer prayer on Eva’s behalf. The following week Eva came back to the Celebrate Recovery group. There was great joy as we embraced her and welcomed her back.

Our open door policy of inviting new inmates to join us in the CR program allows new comers to hear the message of love and hope with the opportunity to come to know this Jesus that brings healing to body, soul and mind. Women grasp the new relationship with Him and soon recognize the next step is to be baptized as a public declaration that they have turned from their old ways and are now walking with Jesus. Songs of joy and dancing filled the chapel of the prison June 20, 2011. 9 women walked through the waters of baptism.

Baptised in the prison


God continues to send teams, staff and the volunteers needed to do the work He sets before us. The evangelism and construction teams have been busy. Two houses have been erected and the local communities are hearing the message “God loves you!” YUGO staff led an outreach at the Cristo Rey Church in Rosarito. Rod enjoyed setting aside leadership responsibilities to take part in the staff outreach. Many thanks to our friend Donna from Canada for joining us in ministry this summer doing whatever task is placed before her.

House #2 @ the Rosarito Outreach Center

NOTE- If you have been collecting Prison Ministry supplies for us to bring back to Mexico, please contact Gerry Moore (780-907-4735) so you can plan a drop off time with him at St. Alberta Alliance Church. All items must be at the church before August 12 so the trailer can be filled. Here is the list of needs one more time:

-Toothpaste and toothbrushes
-deodorant (no roll on or spray)
-Rolls of toilet paper
-heavy grey sweatpants or sweatshirts
-Shampoo (NO conditioner)
-sanitary napkins (not tampons)
-White socks
-white t-shirts (no color whatsoever)
-Blankets
-Spanish study bibles

The Freedom of Forgiveness-June 2011

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Dear Family and Friends,

Nayeli looked into Silvia’s eyes and tears began to trickle down her face as she asked Silvia to forgive her. Both women embraced! You see, outside the prison walls these two women detested each other. Each bore children from the same man. This day Silvia and Nayeli found freedom as we completed Lesson 19 in the Celebrate Recovery Program on “Forgiveness”. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. It was beautiful to be in this particular Celebrate Recovery group witnessing God’s healing power in the lives of these two women. They got it!!!!

It never ceases to amaze me how God has placed a love in the hearts of our Prison Ministry Team for the women within the Ensenada Prison. Our PMT openly shares about a God that loves each of us, no matter how appalling our pasts may be. It is not our place to dwell on the criminal acts the women in the prison have committed. It is our place to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ loving and caring for the inmates while leading them towards freedom as they walk the road of recovery.

Many of the women openly share their pasts which allows us to see why they were driven to take part in the actions that eventually led them into prison. The ability to rise above the circumstances around them has been buried deeply, deeper than you and I can imagine. But, not so deep that God can not reach down and draw them to Himself. You and I may see some of these women as unreachable, but God sees value in the most wicked and corrupt person. We continue to patiently cheer them on into greater levels of maturity so they can withstand the upcoming challenges that will surround them. One day these women will walk through the locked doors of the prison into the arms of the world.


Matt, Anamda, Laura, Brianna & Nate

YUGO staff has been busy preparing for the upcoming summer Evangelistic Outreaches at the ROC (Rosarito Outreach Center). Rod and I crossed into the US to pick up our Summer Staffing Team (SST) of three from the airport. Amanda and Matt have committed to mentoring our SST’s and summer intern volunteers, who will serve as support staff experiencing and learning more about missions. Our SST’s, summer volunteers and YUGO staff are in place and all are ready for a great summer!


We had the privilege of having Rebekah visit us for her last trip to Mexico as a single woman. It was awesome to take part in shopping trips seeking out wedding supplies for her and Eric’s big day. We even had a bridal shower for her where her friends from Mexico could gather together and congratulate her and reconnect. Rod was able to join in on the special celebration as he was our chef grilling the carne asada (thin steak Mexican style).

In August Rod and I will return to Canada once again with the cargo trailer. Our desire is that the cargo trailer will be filled to overflowing with personal items for the female inmates (there is still room for you or your Church to get involved). Right after Rebekah and Eric’s wedding in August, we will return to Mexico so Rod can continue his studies in the Ensenada Bible College. Looks like a busy summer on the horizon!

Reuniting Families-May 2011

“But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.” Galatians 3:22

Men and women could be seen searching every face, anxiously awaiting the arrival of loved ones. Children, grandchildren, moms, dads, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles were overjoyed to be able to see family members. “Dia de los Niño’s” (Day of the Children) was a big event held at the Ensenada Prison. Families of inmates joined together to celebrate the day packed with exciting activities including jump houses, food and fine fellowship. It was a day to remember! One man’s eyes welled with tears when he saw his young daughter. How long had it been since they had seen each other? For some inmates it is weeks, others it is months and then there are others that do not see their family members for years.

Dias de los Niño’s was one of many events held in the Ensenada Prison this past month. Each event carries a message of God’s love. Each person is given the opportunity to get to know God personally. How beautiful to see people recognize their need for our Heavenly Father. A father that reaches out, encouraging his children to walk a path that will lead them to peace in the midst of their surroundings. I can’t imagine how some withstand the conditions in a third world prison with out His love and support.


Lorianne, Silvia, Cheryl, Jose Luis, Barb and Liz kneeling-Ensenada Prison

We are thankful to those that continue to join us on Vision Trips. Liz, Ruth and Lorianne spent an adventurous week with us in El Faro. The week consisted of two Prison Ministry events (10 people came to know Jesus personally during these events), a Cultural Day in downtown Ensenada, serving lunch at a breakfast feeding program in East Tijuana and spending time with children at two different orphanages. I am sure the women returned to Canada exhausted, but I assure you they left a piece of their hearts behind in Mexico. Great job ladies!!!!


Liz, Ruth and Lorianne after a busy week of ministry

During one of the many Prison Ministry events this past month, a prison guard shared the story of one of the inmates in our program. All the guards know her story and agree she does not belong in the prison. Jasso is in prison due to false accusations. In the bible there is a story similar to Jasso’s story. A man named Paul goes to prison because he is a believer in Jesus Christ and becomes a great encouragement to the other inmates around him. Jasso is the most incredible women I have ever met! Her heart to serve and mentor the women inmates never ceases to amaze me. She is a true example of a servant and follower of Jesus. She is the prison chaplain, shepherd and care giver to those around her.

We are thankful for Jessica (college student and summer intern for YUGO) for setting up a shoe drive at the Point Loma College in San Diego and collecting tennis shoes for the male inmates. The Director of the prison continues to share with us the desperate need for new or slightly used sneakers for the male inmates. Colleges, schools and running clubs are great places to gather sneakers. If you can help in collecting sneakers for the male inmates, feel free to contact us!



On top of an adventurous month of ministry, we are pleased to share that the twins have arrived! Jessica delivered Gabriel and Isabelle on May 7. Mom and babies were released for the hospital Mothers Day. The twins are wonderful addition to the family. We can’t wait to meet them when we return to Canada in August.

Rebekah walked down the aisle with her cap and gown after four semesters with the LPN course. Rod and I a grateful my parents John and Gerry were able to attend the celebration.One more semester and Rebekah will complete her LPN training and go through her Pinning Ceremony. We intend to be there to cheer her on.


Gerry (gramma), Rebekah, Eric & John (grampa)

Back in Mexico-Apr 2011

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!” Matthew 28:5,6
It is hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner! It seems like only yesterday Rod was directing the 2010 outreaches in Mexicali when the 7.2 earthquake destroyed the homes of many. Rod and a team of staff and volunteers are in Mexicali this week. A team from Maryland brought construction workers to rebuild a home for a family that lost their home during the earthquake and another team to share the Good News about Jesus in a local village. They are bringing along an extra crew to build a home for a family that lost their home in last year's earthquake.


Luthern Church of the Redeemer team bulding a house

I returned to Mexico in the middle of Rod leading Loree and Jaxon (mother and son team) on a Vision trip to collect film clips of YUGO’s ministry sites. Jaxon will be producing a DVD to promote YUGO Ministries. Thank you Loree and Jaxon! During this same period Jody (YUGO missionary candidate) also stayed with us in El Faro and was collecting Grant Writing information from YUGO’s Ministry Directors and staff. Thank you Jody for gathering information to begin raising funding for the ministry sites of YUGO. Our prayer is that ministries will continue to flourish in the midst of a recession.


Loree & Jaxon producing a Promo DVD for YUGO


Jody, ready to do her Grant Writing

What an incredible joy to return to the Ensenada Prison. I was warmly welcomed by the women and reassured that many had prayed for my daughter Jessica during my stay with her and our granddaughters while in Canada. As I looked around, it was evident there were women that were no longer in our Celebrate Recovery groups. Women had been released and had found the freedom they had longed for. Our goal as a Prison Ministry Team is to model and share with the inmates the treasures and freedom that come from knowing Jesus in a personal way. It is imperative that each woman learn to seek the face of our Heavenly Father in their struggles so they will not fall back into their old habits.

Extended Stay in Canada-Mar 2011

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Corinthians 13:4,7

Tick tock tick tock!! The clock seems to be in slow motion. After several weeks of busyness, life has slowed down. Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton have come and gone. Rod and I ended our journey of representing YUGO in Canada at Morinville Alliance Church where Rod was able to share how the Lord is using missionaries to do their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. Morinville is just 15 minutes from the little town of Legal where we spent 12 years of our lives bringing up our children and enjoying deep friendships before leaving for Mexico. Thank you to the many friends that again showed their love and support by attending the potluck that followed the church service. What a blessing to be able to reconnect with so many of you.

Rod returned to Mexico and I remain in Canada to be with our daughter Jessica (expecting twins) and two of our grand daughters in the Stony Plain area. Recently in the hustle and bustle of ministry, I remember reminiscing about the days of being an at home mom. Little did I know I would have the opportunity to have an extended stay with my daughter and grand daughters! My favorite parts of the days are the mornings when the girls snuggle on my lap for hugs and kisses and bedtimes when I tell them stories. Lots of snuggles, unconditional loving and keeping up with my office work from the lap top on a big easy chair appeals to me greatly.


Maddy and Aly being princesses with their new outfits


Jessica at seven months pregnant with the twins

We each have areas in our lives where we fall short of love, some more than others. Imagine this; Jesus came to serve not to be served. He never gave up hope in us even when we turned our backs and gave up on Him. We are living in a world with people that are searching for this unconditional love. This love is sought in relationships, money, material gain, power... Recently I have been challenged, how can I love those around me like my grandchildren love me? Or love others like Jesus loves me?

Prison Ministry is doing well. I mentioned in previous prayer letters that some of the male prisoners in the Ensenada Prison could not leave their cells due to not having sneakers. YUGO Ministries were sent a shipment of donated shoes. Barb (YUGO missionary) went through the donated shoes and was able to bring 24 pairs of sneakers into the prison. The prison leadership was ecstatic as they had 23 prisoners without shoes. The need for shoes is still great as more prisoners enter the prison daily.

Rod and I will be returning to Canada in August with a cargo trailer seeking churches that are willing to partner with us in filling up the trailer with personal items to be brought into Mexico for the prisoners. If you know of a church body that may want to get involved in collecting these personal items, please contact us. I have attached a Prisons Ministry Wish List!! Thank you to the many that partner with us in so many areas. Our greatest needs right now is Spanish Bibles.

God's Handiwork Amongst the Busyness-Feb 2011

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Today, as we maneuver across the snow covered highways and study God’s magnificent handiwork, we are in awe with the beauty of the mountains around us. We are headed to Burns Lake, B.C. to spend a few days with our grand babies. It has been 15 months since Rod has seen them. He is in for one big surprise! It simply amazes me how far technology has come that I can set up office and write this prayer letter from the car!

We landed in Canada late January and life continues to be one adventure after another. Missions Fests Vancouver and Winnipeg were filled with interesting inquiries. God is knocking upon the hearts of many. The yearning to get involved in the Great Commission was prevalent in many conversations. It was a tremendous blessing to have missionary candidates Angela Kingma & Jody Kornelius help man the YUGO Ministries booth in Vancouver. It was also a huge blessing to have the opportunity to present the ministries of YUGO at Heritage Alliance Church in Abbotford, B.C.


Angela, Cheryl & Jody (Missions Fest Vancouver)

While at Missions Fest Vancouver we got an exciting phone call from Rebekah letting us know she was engaged. A couple weeks later Rod and I had the privilege of sharing about ministries in Mexico at Prairie Bible Institute during chapel time. Rebekah’s whole class showed up! After classes Rebekah and Eric joined us in Stony Plain for an extended weekend. Engagement parties and family gatherings sprang up in all directions.

While Rod and I represent YUGO Ministries in Canada, ministry continues on through El Faro. YUGO’s newest missionary Barb Jackson graciously stepped up to the plate and is heading up the Prison Ministry in my absence. It has been great joy to have Barb join us on the Prison Ministry team. Recently 300 inmates from the Ensenada Prison graduated from post secondary courses that were offered through the prison system. Our Prison Ministry team was invited to take part in the graduation ceremony.


Silvia with some of the female graduates

It takes many to bring glory to the kingdom of God. Some are called to serve, some are called to pray, some are called to give. We all share in the end result! Thank you for your part in making the difference for eternity.

Reflections-Jan 2011

“I (we) thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me (us) strength to do his work. He considered me (us) trustworthy and appointed me (us) to serve Him.” I Timothy 1:12

2010 was a great year! Come join us as we look back at a few of the ministry highlights from last year.

-Some of our Canadian board members stayed with us before and after the 2010 annual YUGO retreat. We are enjoying their company again this year.
-In January Rod and I returned to Canada to represent YUGO Ministries. We set up a display at Prairie Bible Institute which allowed us to see Rebekah at her school.
-God brought an amazing team of staff to work along side Rod at the Easter/Spring outreaches. They persevered well through the Easter Sunday 7.2 earthquakes!
-We had a kickoff dinner to discuss starting up the men’s side of Prison/Rehab ministry. Today there are men sharing the Celebrate Recovery Program in a rehab center.
-20 women graduated from the Celebrate Recovery Program in the prison, another 15 were baptized and over 30 joined us for a new set of classes.
-Last summer we returned to Mexico from Canada with a cargo trailer filled with Prison Ministry supplies. Way to go fellow Canadians! Let’s do it again next summer!
-Rod completed his second semester of Bible College in December. Just two more semesters to go!

In the midst of the ministry opportunities were times to visit with family (grandbabies) and friends. There were so many other wonderful memories that come to mind from this past year, I could write a book. We expect the 2011 will be even better!

My parents caught the vision to do another turkey run so the orphans at Grace Children’s Home (YUGO’s orphanage) to supply turkeys for their annual Christmas turkey dinner. Other turkeys were passed out to needy families. Thanks mom and dad for finding the best deals possible!


John(dad) & Gerry (mom) loading up turkeys

Rebekah came back to Mexico for Christmas! We had a great time. The best surprise of all was Rebekah’s boyfriend Eric landing in San Diego rather than returning to Canada after his missions trip to Haiti so we could meet him. He’s a great guy!


Eric & Rebekah in Mexico

We have been blessed with many guests these past few months. We are thankful for Jay, Jill and Joe who came to stay in El Faro recently. Jay worked at Grace Babies Home while Jill sewed curtains for the Construction Ministry. It was an awesome time


Jill, Jay & Joe (baby) in El Faro
Feel free to contact us and find out how you too can come to Mexico and be part of the "Great Commission".