It has been an extra special month for Rod and I. The whole Hoople clan gathered in the USA, just hours away from where we live in Mexico to celebrate Shelly’s (Rod’s youngest sister) 50th birthday. It was great to catch up with family and celebrate together.
Mick, Kerry, Shelly, Mom, Janna, Jocelyn,Cory & Rod
We were barely unpacked from seeing Rod’s family for a couple days before having to turn around and head back across the border to lead a team of 10 from Sturgeon Alliance Church from Gibbons, Alberta to the Rosarito Outreach Center. Why am I so excited about this team you ask? Norm and Jackie (my cousin) are leading the team in building a house for an underprivileged family. How exhilarating to have family join us in ministry. Later on this month our daughter Rebekah will come and visit us and meet up with a friend that just had a baby. This month couldn’t get any better!!!!
Sturgeon Alliance from Gibbons Alberta
Day two of a five day house build
As you can see it has been an action packed month. Recently I read this quote, “Difficulties and struggles can devastate people or they can stimulate growth and maturity”. There are great trials in the lives of “Our Girls” in the prison recently. Week after week we see stricter rules enforced. Recently the prison officials have begun prohibiting groups from greeting with hugs and pecks on the cheeks (customary for women greeting each other in Mexico). Join us in prayer that the inmates will press in to Jesus in the difficult times and grow spiritually.
I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Giggles and laughter filled the air as we celebrated Mothers Day with 100+ female inmates. Our Prison Ministry team joined together with the prison leadership and other church groups to serve at this special event. The male inmates put on a circus act for the women. What a fun time seeing the circus acts and lions (men in costumes)!!! The rest of the event consisted of worship, a message about Motherhood, a luncheon, cake and ice cream. The day ended with each woman returning to their cells with a crepe flower.
The Best Circus Act Yet!
In the past few years the prison officials have doubled the amount of women coming to the Celebrate Recovery Program. God is doing a great work in the lives of these women. Please join us in prayer that God would send us monthly partners to cover the costs involved in continuing to reach these women with the gospel. More great news!! Karla Villas is a Mexican National that has been working alongside me for the past year. I have invited Karla to come of staff with YUGO Ministries. Please join me in prayer that I can raise funds for Karla as she will be giving up her full time position as a teacher to become a YUGO missionary.
Karla is coming on full time with YUGO Ministries
