“We’re meeting for breakfast before our church service on Sunday. Would you like to join us?” These were the words of Pastor Ed from Island Gospel Fellowship in Burns Lake, British Columbia. “Would you like to ride in a combine and join us for a community potluck as part of a fund raiser for global hunger?” Asked our daughter Rebekah who resides in Brownfield, Alberta. As Rod and I traveled to and around Canada we found a common thread of genuine love and hospitality.
Rebekah & Eric taking part in raising funds to help with global hunger
Reconnecting with others interested in missions was invigorating. We exchanged stories, laughed hardily and dined together. Our 9+ years of serving with YUGO has allowed us to make many long lasting friendships. We enjoy hearing how God has stirred the hearts of many to take part in His Kingdom work. It is always inspiring to hear how those whom have left the field are being fulfilled through serving in local communities, whereas others are praying, planning and preparing for their next mission trip.
Stacy, Jenny (former YUGO missionaries) and Cheryl reconnecting and sharing stories
While in Canada there was plenty of time congregating with loved ones making special memories! God has created us to live in intimate, joyful relationship with Him and others around us. Seeing how much our grand children had grown and changed since our last visit was amazing. Rod and I have found sweet fellowship with the precious people He has placed in our lives. When we returned to Mexico we felt refreshed and ready to serve.
Papa gets some last minute time in with Gabe (grandson) before heading separate directions
RECOVERY MINISTRY UPDATES
Wendy (female inmate) sent a message for us to share with the Canadian churches we visited on how she has found God through the Celebrate Recovery Program. She thanked the churches and individuals that have given sacrificially to the Prison Ministry so others can come to know Jesus and be set free from past hurts, habits and hang-ups. We shared Wendy’s dream of someday reaching out and sharing God’s love with those who are desperate and down trodden as she was. Wendy’s new found love for Jesus is infectious!
Wendy is just one of the many that God has touched deeply through one of the ministries YUGO oversees. Please keep our YUGO family in your prayers as we represent Jesus and serve in the ministries He has set before us. Thank you to each and every person who collected Prison Ministry Wish List supplies and sent funds so “Our Girls” can receive personal gift bags regularly. Thank you to the many that have opened their homes and hearts to us during our time in Canada. Thank you for those that continue to pray for us and our YUGO family.
PRAISE
For the Prison Ministry Wish List donations brought back from Canada. For the churches and individuals that opened their doors so we could share about what God is doing in Mexico. For the time and new memories made with our grand kids, daughters, families and friends.
PRAYER
For a Women’s discipleship home for women coming out of prison. We need one that can take more than one or two women at a time. Pray for the upcoming retreat that women will come to experience the depth of God’s love in a new way and will find further healing in their lives.
