December was a busy time for our Recovery Ministry Team with the hustle and bustle of festive activities:
-We hosted a graduation ceremony for ten of “Our Girls” on the inside of the Ensenada Prison. We thank God for the many that helped make this event memorable.
-Our Prison Ministry team joined Ensenada Ministries in hosting a Christmas Celebration for all of the female inmates. Live entertainment (complete with clowns), a delicious meal complete with handing out personal gift bags to each of the inmates made for one fun filled fiesta.
-Hosting a surprise Christmas party for all the Celebrate Recovery participants of Calvary Chapel Rosarito complete with pozole (traditional Mexican soup), gift bags complete with home made cookies (thanks to Joyce and Cindy), entertainment and fine fellowship brought great joy to all involved.
And these are just a few of the joy filled activities we were able to participate in during the Christmas season. Rod won second place as we dressed him up as a vacationing snowman. So much fun.
January brought new Celebrate Recovery Step Studies and travel opportunities for Rod and I as we represent YUGO at Missions Fest Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton. January also brought with it a great loss.
My brother Jack came to an end of a 22 year battle with cancer. He was always full of laughter and shenanigans and will be missed by all. In John 14:2 Jesus states, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” Just two weeks before Jack’s passing, he spoke to me on the phone about being together in heaven some day, catching up where we left off. You see, Jack knew God had prepared a place for him in heaven. We will miss you Jack but know you are in a better place.
As we entered into 2016, we recognized we had much to be thankful for. We are thankful for the many family and friends who joined us in the Celebration of Jack’s Life. We are thankful for good health and the ability to be able to serve in the Recovery Ministry. We are thankful for the many that have found healing through the Celebrate Recovery program. Together we are making a difference in Mexico.
In so many instances we can see God’s hand moving in the lives of the broken people all around us. Some just need to be acknowledged, hugged and shown the love of God. We feel honored to have the opportunity to serve in Mexico.
Our Recovery Ministry Leadership Team
Please keep us in prayer as the Recovery Ministry expands. We have churches and prisons seeking the Celebrate Recovery program. The harvest field is ripe and the workers are few. Pray for my family as we grieve the loss of my brother Jack. Pray for Rod and I as we represent YUGO Ministries at Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton that we will impart vision for missions to those that come to the booth.
In His Service,
Rod & Cheryl
