The Best Gift Ever Received-Dec 2012

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 What was the greatest gift you ever received? The lights were twinkling in the Christmas tree, excitement danced in the eyes of my sister and brother. It was Christmas Eve and we were about to open one gift! I had anticipated this day for such a long time. Hurriedly I tore the Christmas wrap off the gift addressed to me. WOW! There before me was the most wonderful gift I ever laid my eyes on. I embraced my new found friend. I do not remember how old I was, but I do remember I could hardly believe that in my hands was the most beautiful Barbie doll I had ever seen, and she was mine. I am sure there are many of us that can retell similar stories of a gift that enriched our lives and left us with fond memories. Engagement rings, toys, trips, books and other treasures will be shared with loved ones this Christmas season. Some gifts will have more meaning than others. Some gifts will last longer than others. There is one gift that will outlast them all. The greatest gift ever given was when God sent his son Jesus to earth. A fetus planted in the womb of a virgin who gave birth to the son of God in a manger. Jesus left his place in heaven to be with us and teach us the way to the Father. This Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, take time to reflect on the real reason for the season. Remember to share the most incredible gift ever given with others around you. This gift will cost you nothing but will reward you with joy, peace and eternal life with the Father.

By the time you get this letter, Rod will have graduated from Bible College, our Prison Ministry team will have joined other groups in hosting a grand fiesta for all the female prisoners complete with a personal gift bag for each of the 80 female inmates and we ourselves will have taken part in many joy filled festivities. We pray your Christmas will be exciting and fulfilling as you gather together with family and friends. FELIZ NAVIDAD! Rod & I will return to Canada in February and would love to share what God is doing in Mexico. Feel free to contact us on our toll free number 780-628-2415 if you would like to host a desert night at your church or small group meeting.

Who can serve in Mexico? Nov 2012

Most of us come unskilled, untrained, uneducated but totally dependent on God to use us where ever He sees fit. Many come to YUGO with only a few small talents. God takes the few small talents we have to be part of a team, working together in furthering His Kingdom. We invite you to do the same. Come join us for a week of ministry. You don’t have to be skilled, trained or educated. Our Prison Ministry team just finished compiling and assembling a Prison Ministry Training Manual in English and Spanish. The manual is filled with great truths such as, “Prisoners need regeneration not rehabilitation--and Jesus has commissioned His followers to reach beyond the barbed wire fences and steel bars to touch the lives of men and women bound by the shackles of sin.” The manual provides instruction for every level of involvement in Prison Ministry.

Marina, Karla, Barb and Esther gathered to create the Prison Ministry Manual Many of “Our Girls” come to the Celebrate Recovery in despair. In their past lives some buried their pain in self destruction others through self accomplishments. Each comes to us with serious issues. Just last week Yamel wept in brokenness as she openly shared the nightmares that tormented her from the vial deeds she committed in her past. She can’t comprehend why God would love her and forgive her. God extended his hand of mercy to Yamel. Society says, "Lock them up and throw away the key." Yet, God chose to pick Yamel up, dust her off, and wrap her in His arms and whisper in her ear how valuable she is to Him.

Recently the prison officials asked our Prison Ministry team to join them in serving the male seniors. We entered the prison with gifts bags (filled with manly items) and cakes. What an honor to serve the inmates and be part of the Seniors Day celebration. Each inmate was given a certificate from the prison officials honoring their special day along with gift bags we provided. Our team was surprised to be acknowledged for serving alongside the prison officials. It was a very special day for all involved. I am blessed to have the most amazing Prison Ministry team to work alongside. Good job team!

Barb, Ester and Karla are great team members to serve alongside. We are so thankful to each of you, our partners in this ministry. Together we are making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us.

So much to be thankful for! Oct 2012

Singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. Psalm 26:7 As we enter into this time of Thanks Giving I am led to reflect on how thankful I am for all the blessing in our lives. Rod and I are thankful for God’s provision, good health, our precious family and friends that love and cherish us, and for being part of a ministry that is making a difference in the lives of people for eternity. We are thankful for our sending church St. Albert Alliance and the amazing team of 6 women that joined us on a Vision Trip reaching out to the Mexican people with love and a message of hope. These 6 women brought with them enthusiasm and joy as they served the Mexican people. At the end of our week when asked, “What area of ministry left the greatest impact in your life?” All the answers varied. Some recalled the 14 women that were baptized in the prison; others remembered playing with the children in an impoverished area at Tijuana while serving at a feeding program, others were intrigued by other areas of ministry that God used to touch their hearts during their visit. Thank you for each of you that poured out their lives in serving the Mexican people.

Cheryl and Pastor Wendy baptizing Marta, one of the 13 women that were baptized in the Ensenada Prison

Kelsey, Pastor Wendy & Aleesha preparing cakes for the baptism event in the prison and for the children that were fed at a feeding program in East Tijuana during their Vision Trip.

\ Kara, Madison & Katy leaving their hand prints at Grace Children's Home As summer turned to fall I had the opportunity to return to Canada for a couple weeks and spend time with family members. How I loved being able to walk with my grand children and gather colored leaves while enjoying the chilly autumn air. How wonderful to have taken part in a family reunion, helping Rebekah paint their new home, playing a game of scrabble or visiting favorite spots filled with recollections of the years when growing up. The memories spent with family will be etched in my memory for many years to come. We are so thankful for our families!

Jessica (daughter), Aly, Isabelle & Gabriel (our grand children) enjoying the Harvest Fair displays. Rod and I are so thankful for each of you, our faithful partners in ministry for your many prayers, words of encouragement, giving hearts. It is you, our precious friends and partners in ministry that give us the courage and strength to continue running this race set before us.

Our YUGO Family is Growing-Sept 2012

Young families bring with them more children. These children are the next generation of missionaries. This is very evident with our newest YUGO missionaries the Brouwer family. What a marvelous blessing to have Nic & Michelle and their children Lauren, Hannah & Carson serving alongside the YUGO staff and volunteers at the Rosartio Outreach Center making a difference in the lives of the Mexican people. Rod especially enjoyed Nic’s humor and energy as they worked side by side serving the teams and checking out the local taco stands.

This summer interns and volunteers came from all over North America to join the YUGO staff in reaching the Mexican people with the gospel. Houses were built for those less fortunate and many came to know Jesus personally. It takes a team working in harmony to make a difference for eternity. We are thankful for our staff, summer interns and volunteers.

Summer Interns 2012-Laura, Lindsay, Ethan, Rossy and Claudia

We are so thankful for our entire YUGO staff at the ROC. Now that summer has come to an end and fall is just around the corner, Rod is heading back to Ensenada to begin his last semester of Bible College. I will hold up the fort (El Faro) in Rod’s absence and continue to serve with our Prison Ministry team in the Ensenada Prison. It never ceases to amaze me how many continue to choose a path of destruction, beaten down by the circumstances of life, when they could be protected by God’s umbrella of love and care. Weekly we see the faces of desperate women that come to a point of desperation that exceeds their pride so they are willing to surrender their lives to Jesus and find freedom from their hurts, habits and hang-ups.

Recently YUGO missionary Barb Jackson and I attended the Celebrate Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church. It was inspirational to join together with 3,500 others involved in the same program and hear the stories of those that learned about God’s love and healing touch in their lives through the Celebrate Recovery. It was evident that He loves each one of us so much that when we surrender our lives to Him he will not leave us struggling with our brokenness.

Adversity brings Victory-Aug 2012

“But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer. For He gets their attention through adversity.” Job 36:15 NLT Being a disciple of Christ requires humility, commitment and servant hood. I love how God calls common people like you and I, ones with personal weaknesses, numerous responsibilities, daily routines, but hearts to serve. God called and appointed Keith & Jayne from our home church, St. Albert Alliance in Canada to join us in ministry.

Pilar, Karla, Jayne, Ester & Cheryl were eager and ready to enter the prison for the movie event. It was an honor to have Jayne join us in the prison for this special event. We invited ex-inmate Pilar to share her powerful testimony of how she came to know Jesus through the adversity of being sent to prison. She openly shared she would wake up in the wee hours of the morning and see Vicki (one of the other inmates) on her knees praying for Pilar. Seeing the two women reunite was beautiful. Pilar’s touching story of her struggles and victories in prison was followed by the movie “Road to Redemption”. I am sure laughter could be heard through out the prison as the women enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship, eating Cheetos and candy smothered in chili while enjoying the comedy of the movie laced with a message of finding peace in knowing Jesus. The day ended with an invitation for those that did not know Jesus personally to do so, and a time of prayer. Each woman was given a gift bag of personal items on their way back to their cells. It was a beautiful day!!

Keith & Jayne jumped right into ministry by helping prepare bags of Cheetos for the the inmates to enjoy during the movie. Keith is very talented int he area of construction. Keith was able to use his skills and joined Jeff, one of our YUGO summer volunteers in building a mobile sound shed. Keith and Jayne have headed back to Canada with the cargo trailer ready to be filled with Prison Ministry supplies. Another couple from Canada will be carting the trailer from church to church in Canada gathering Prison Ministry Wish List supplies before heading back to Mexico in October. We will be setting up a schedule in the next while. We will keep you posted of where the drop off locations will be so you too can partner with us in meeting the personal needs of “Our Girls”.

The new portable sound shed is a huge blessing to the Rosarito Outreach Center. Thanks for sharing your gifts with our YUGO staff Keith and Jayne. We are thankful for the many that come to serve and for each of you that make it possible for us to be here in Mexico.

Out of Her Comfort Zone-July 2012

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 Pam was in her glory, she always wanted to go on a mission trip. Last year Pat & Pam joined us on a Vision Trip (a taste of missions). It was an action packed week shopping for food for a feeding program, purchasing personal gift items for the inmates, seeking out toys and candy for the children, preparing food and serving children at the feeding program, teaching crafts to “Our Girls” in the prison, and still finding enough time to take pleasure in interacting with the Mexican people and partaking in their traditional cuisines.

Pat, Cheryl & Pam enjoyed stopping for a coconut near the ocean. You see, Pam was diagnosed with Polio at 9 years of age. This crippling disease may have been an excuse for many, but not for Pam. She came out of her comfort zone and walked alongside our missionaries in serving the Mexican people. She accomplished every task set before her. This past June, after a short battle with cancer, Pam left this earth to be with her Heavenly Father. Pam traded her cane and braces for a new body that allowed her to stroll down the streets of gold hand in hand with her Maker. I wouldn’t be surprised if Pam was greeted with these words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Pam & Pat were great shoppers finding food for the feeding program.

Britney, Lauren Rebekah & Caitlin devouring tacos downtown in Tijuana. What an honor and a privilege to be able to serve here in Mexico. There is no life like it! Mixed with the passion of serving in full time ministry are other great gifts. One of our favorite gifts is receiving visits from family and friends. Recently Rebekah spent 10 days with us in Mexico, our son in law Eric was not able to come as he had to work. What fun it was to make memories with Rebekah and hear how she is enjoying married life. Our doors are always open in case you too have time to visit this coming summer.

Celebrating on the Inside-May 2012

“…all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord!” Philippians 3:8 With summer just around the corner the staff at the ROC(Rosarito Outreach Center)have been busy preparing for folks like you to join in on the summer ministry. Summer is a prime time of the year when many join our YUGO staff during their summer vacations seeking to serve the Mexican people. We are excited to see what God has up his sleeve for this coming summer. Come and join us so you too can make a difference in the lives of the Mexican people for eternity. Sponge Bob was enjoyed by all. Mexico celebrates Day of the Children as well as Mothers Day and Fathers Day. Our Prison Ministry team had the pleasure of serving and celebrating as children and parents were reunited. “Our Girls” (female inmates) created special character costumes that were a real hit! Sponge Bob was high on the favorite list. Wendy (volunteer) helped make and decorate cakes for Mother Day! Fun was had by all as the female inmates were honored on their special day complete with drama, music, worship, a luncheon and fine fellowship. Every event is sprinkled with God’s love and a message of everlasting hope. Moses was asked to deliver God’s people and tell them God loved them. David was asked to reign over the people and tell them God loved them. Rod and I were asked to go to Mexico and let the Mexican people that God loves them. What an incredible opportunity.

Back in the Prison-Apr 2012

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Excitement stirred deep within me as we worshipped and prayed driving down the coastline to the Ensenada Prison. Today was my first day back in ministry with our Prison Ministry Team! I longed to see the smiling faces and exchange embraces with “Our Girls”. We had just walked through the last set of locked doors when Commandante Margarita approached us. She asked me to speak with one of the new prisoners. To my surprise a blond haired, blue eyed women stood beyond the prison bars. As I spoke she began to cry stating, “You speak English.” As the day progressed I was able to introduce Branzley to my dearest friend Jesus, as only Jesus can give us hope in times of hopelessness.

God has a plan for our lives. He created each of us with talents and abilities. He uses these gifts to guide and direct us to fulfill His purposes. I assure you He has a plan for Branzley’s life. What was meant for bad, He used for good so Branzley could hear about a God that loves her. I can only imagine what plans God has in store for Branzley in the years to come.

God continues to send us those that are willing to use their gifts and talents to advance His Kingdom. In March we had three women from Lamont Alliance Church and our new Rosarito Outreach Center staff join us on a Vision Trip (a taste of missions). Each served with passion at a medical clinic and a feeding program reaching out to those with physical needs, praying for the sick, feeding the hungry. Each person encouraged every life they touched! We are thankful for those that come and allow Jesus to use them to be His hands and feet reaching out to the Mexican people.

Diane, Michelle, Nic, Justin, Caitlin, Fraser and Jane
Heading to Ensenada for a Cultural Day

Diane and Justin serving at the Breakfast Feeding Program at Vista de Valle church in East Tijuana

Marina (translator), Mexican National seeking medical help, Jane (Lamont)
Jane was one of the two nurses who came from Canada to hold medical clinic in East Tijuana

We are grateful each one of you being a part of our family partnering with us in ministry as we serve in Mexico!

The Cry of God's Heart-Feb 2012

What in the world is God doing? How to get involved in World Missions! Go…receiving God’s heart for the world! Answering the cry of God’s heart! These are just a few of the seminars you might have attended at Missions Fest Vancouver, Winnipeg or Edmonton. Those that attended are taking what they have learned and are going out into the world to take part in bringing God’s love to the lost. What a blessing it was for us to work alongside other missions organizations, opening the doors so ordinary people like you and I can have the opportunity to do things they never thought they could do or go places they never expected to visit.

Our time in Canada has gone by very quickly. Before we know it we will be back in Mexico entering back into frontline ministry. I look forward to reuniting with my Prison Ministry team. Rod on the other hand is especially excited about this upcoming summer as he works with a team preparing to host youth groups that will walk along with local pastors bringing a message of God’s love to the people of Mexico. Staff will be taught to trust God as they raise their own support, learn to walk in unity as a team and serve those around them. God has placed a call upon the hearts of our staff and volunteers. They are willing to follow God, no matter what the cost.

Serving God through global missions is a life changing experience. As we and the YUGO staff prepare to do the background work so teams, families and individuals can be involved in world missions we ask for your prayers that this summer will make a difference for eternity. How about you? Do you have any plans for this summer? We would love to have you come join our staff in a short term mission trip. You won’t regret it and will leave Mexico forever changed!

The Bartell and Penner families are our most recent Canadian missionary candidates. Both families joined our YUGO staff on a short term mission trips and God got a hold of their hearts. They are now raising support so they too can join our YUGO family in serving the Mexican people.

Thanks Len and Sarah for your love and dedication for the Mexican people and joining us in representing YUGO at Mission Fest Vancouver.

Thanks to the Penner family for house-sitting for us in our absence and serving alongside our YUGO staff in Mexico.

Another Amazing Year in Mexico! Jan-2012

“Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are the joy and the crown I receive for my work.” Philippians 4:1

What an amazing start to another awesome year! We brought the New Year in with family and grand children. It was a memory that will live deep within our hearts for many years to come!

Since our return to Canada, so much has happened in such a short time. Rebekah completed from her LPN course and the Pinning Ceremony was wonderful.

Shortly after these joyous events we have also had great opportunities to reconnect with many of you, catching up over coffee, hearing what is happening within your lives and sharing what God is doing in our lives as we continue to serve in Mexico.

Bernie & Helen (dear friends and mentors), Cheryl & Rod

2011 was full of exciting quests. In the prison alone I can look back and see how God’s hand was at work in the lives of “Our Girls”. Rod completed his 3rd semester of Bible School and is anticipating his final semester next fall. He is part of a team that are already preparing for this summer’s ministry opportunities.

Our Prison Ministry team participated in two events in December. December 19 was declared a Fun Day complete with the movie Evan Almighty, popcorn (with salsa), candy and drinks. Laughter could be heard across the prison as “Our Girls” enjoyed themselves immensely. The second event was the prison’s annual Christmas Fiesta on December 22. The story of the birth of Jesus was a portrayed in a drama that touched the hearts of many. Food, fun and fellowship followed a captivating Christmas message about the birth of our Savior Jesus. Our Prison Ministry team handed out 105 personal care item gifts to all the female inmates. Thank you for your generosity! Many of you have donated items and financial gifts so we can continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the lives of these precious women.

Lupita (I call her Beautiful) grasped unto the Lord and allowed Him to change her from the inside out. Through the Celebrate Recover Program she learned to forgive those that hurt her and found forgiveness for herself for the harm she did to others. Lupita became one of our Celebrate Recovery leaders on the inside after completing the course. She was a mentor to many around her with her devotion and love for God. Recently the prison did some shuffling around of prisoners and Lupita and 7 others from our CR group have been moved to other prisons. Some of the inmates have been together for many years. They became a family unit. Our prayer is that Lupita and others will use the information they have learned in CR and continue to reach out to the women around them in new surroundings. My friend “Beautiful”

Rod and I continue to meet with churches, groups and individuals and are looking forward to the new found friends we will meet at Mission Fests as we share about YUGO Ministries. If you have not had a chance to meet with us and would like us to share with you what God is doing in Mexico, feel free to call us at 780-628-2415 or e-mail us hoopleshideaway@gmail.com.

Our Greatest Gift-Dec 2011

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! And she will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel which means ‘God is with us’.
Merry Christmas,

Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to be at his Father’s side one moment and wrapped in rags in a manger the next! The King of the universe placed His son in the care of a peasant girl and a carpenter. No frills, no ornate decor, just a straw filled manger in an old barn complete with some barn animals. Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago and the celebration of his birth has continued strong across the world today. God loves each of us so much that He sent us the greatest gift we could ever imagine, His Son Jesus Christ.

Rod and I are delighted we were able to celebrate this special occasion with family members this Christmas Season in Canada. It had been 5 years since we celebrated Christmas with our grandchildren.

Each volunteer, donor, visitor and prayer warrior have brought gifts into the ministry. Look what we have accomplished by sharing our gifts with others! Women in prison receive personal item gifts regularly and are being set free from destructive behaviors, turkeys were donated and distributed to orphans and those in need so they could enjoy a beautiful Christmas dinner and many have received the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ sent to earth to bring us hope and eternal life. I could go on and on sharing what others have done to reach out to our friends in Mexico. Your support does make a difference. Thank you! We pray that your time celebrating the birth of Jesus with your family and friends will be filled with peace and joy!