Still in Canada! April-2015

Our first months of being in Canada on Home Assignment were spent reconnecting with family, friends and supporters of the ministry. Celebrating Christmas and bringing in the New Year with family was AMAZING!!!

Christmas morning with 6 of our 7 grand-kids

Rod ventured out and represented YUGO Ministries at Mission Fest Vancouver and Winnipeg on his own this year. We manned the booth at Mission Fest Edmonton together. I am always reminded of the very first time we attended our first Mission Fest in 1999. How extraordinarily, wonderful it was to see mission organizations from across the world joining together, in one accord, to share the Good News to mankind. I will never forget the impact that day had on us as we signed up for our first mission trip with YUGO Ministries. I am always excited to see others, like ourselves, who have caught the vision and stepped forth to follow the dreams God has planted deep within their hearts to serve Him worldwide. If you have never been to a Mission Fest, I would encourage you to do so. It will be life changing for you.

Rod representing YUGO at Missions Fest Vancouver

After serving in Mexico for the past 10 ½ years, we have the amazing privilege of being on an extended Home Assignment. Mid January after finding out my mom has advanced lung cancer, it was apparent Rod and I needed to pray and seek direction. Our YUGO leadership has extended our Home Assignment by 6 months to remain in Canada to help my mom and family members during this time. Being next to my mom during her cancer treatments are memories I will treasure for eternity. Please continue to pray for healing for my mom and strength for my dad and family.

Our daughters Rebekah & Jessica surround mom with love and flowers on her journey. Our grand daughter Aly is the cute little face peaking through

Rod and I will continue to orchestrate the Recovery Ministry from Canada though e-mails, telephone calls and Skype meetings. Isn’t modern technology wonderful? God has sent us the most proficient leaders to keep the ministry thriving in our absence. Rod and I will take short trips to Mexico to fulfill some commitments and spur on our Recovery Team during our extended stay in Canada.

Our Recovery Team has been busy! March 9 our Prison Ministry team arranged and hosted a graduation ceremony for “Our Girls” on the inside. I can’t tell you how pleased I was to hear how well everything went. Our guest speaker was Dororthy Greatrex, director of New Beginnings women’s discipleship home opened her arms and home to “Our Girls” coming out of prison. Everyone was encouraged by a great message, fine fellowship, a tasty luncheon and worship music, and personal gift bag filled with toiletries. THANK YOU for your generosity that allows us to meet these basic needs.

Sandra, Lorena & Karla-bringing the Celebrate Recovery program into the Ensenada Prison

Rod and I can’t begin to express to you how grateful we are for your support and prayers in these past few months. Your words of encouragement and many prayers keep our eyes focused on Jesus rather than the circumstances. THANK YOU!

HOPE for the New Year-Feb 2015

” Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Rom 12:12 The first Sunday of the New Year we heard a message on HOPE. 2014 was a year focused on giving HOPE to the least of these. I love how God asks us to do difficult tasks, but He doesn’t ask us to them alone. This past year He offered us his help and HOPE as we followed his plans for the Recovery Ministry. 2014 (highlights at a glance) -Rod joined the Recovery Team full time. We are thankful for his leadership and passion to serve. -Birthed Celebrate Recovery in Calvary Chapel Rosarito starting with the movie Home Run and a kick-off BBQ. It has been a great year seeing God’s people come into a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ and allowing Him to heal them. Just recently we celebrated our one year anniversary complete with a Movie Night with popcorn and cake.

Cheryl, Rolando and Esperanza preparing popcorn

-Trained leaders to facilitate the Recovery Ministry in Calvary Chapel, Rosarito and for the Ensenada Prison. We have witnessed God send committed, caring people to venture out of their comfort zones and use their gifts and talents to bring HOPE to those they serve.

Rod trains up new Recovery Ministry Leaders

-Our Recovery Team hosted several evangelical events in the prison and in our local church. Women inmates were baptized, others graduated from the Celebrate Recovery Program, and many heard the Good News and were offered HOPE. -Jody joined our Recovery Ministry Team filling the position of Office/Financial Assistant. We are excited to see the Recovery Ministry continue to expand and how God continues to send the help we need at just the right time. In September we sent out our first “Road to Recovery” quarterly newsletter filled with testimonies of what God is doing in and through the Recovery Ministry. We are thankful for Jody’s enthusiasm, and her writing and office skills.

Jody helping decorate cakes for wedding in the prison

-We partnered with New Beginnings Mexico a women’s discipleship home for “Our Girls” on the inside to learn a new life once they are released from prison. It is a wonderful partnership and an answer to many years of prayer.

Dorothy and her assistant Maria from New Beginnings"

God doesn’t need much from us to accomplish his plans. All we need to do is keep our focus on Him to continue the work He has set in front of us to help see His people in Mexico be delivered from their hurts, habits and hang-ups. We want to thank you for partnering with us in 2014. It has been a fruitful year for the Recovery Ministry. It is our HOPE that God has great things store for the future. Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement and financial support as we enter into 2015. Rod and I have been on furlough since October. I was to return to Mexico mid January while Rod remained in Canada to represent YUGO at Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Early January my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer. I remained in Canada to support my family during this time of crises. All that I have learned over my years of knowing God is now being tested. Where is my faith and HOPE in this circumstance? Thank you to the many that have lifted out hands in prayer during this time. In His Service, Rod & Cheryl