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