The first week of August my
sending church, St. Albert Alliance, sent out 32 people to serve the people of
Mexico is a variety of ways. Most of the team labored in East Tijuana in a
community called Las Delicias pouring cement for a church building. This team was filled with ongoing energy and
joy. They ended their week of ministry by hosting a special sports and games
event in a local park and I might say, they attracted quite a crowd. I am
honored to be a part of this church family.
St. Albert Alliance team members Melissa,
Arlene, Cindy and Sherry joined our Prison Ministry team in hosting a craft
event with “Our Girls” on the inside of the Ensenada Prison. Melissa shared a
beautiful message about the Father’s Love Letter, Sherry shared her powerful
testimony and Arlene and Cindy used their special abilities to serve wherever
needed.
Sherry, Arlene, Cindy and Melissa
St. Albert Alliance Church Missions Team
One of “Our Girls” from the
inside Lulu gifted us with her story of redemption. She had been involved with
the cartel and now she is serving 26 years due to her involvement in homicide.
She was a Santa Muerte worshipper that did not know God. Lulu was bored so decided to attend Celebrate
Recovery to get out of her cell. It
didn’t take long for her to make the decision to give her heart to Jesus. Today she boldly professes her faith in Jesus
and is grateful for finding healing from her hurts, habits and hang-ups. It was
an encouragement for all of us to hear her story about God’s redeeming love in
her life. After the event each inmate returned to their cells with a beautiful
craft, gift bags full of toiletries, tummies full of delicious food and hearts
filled with encouragement.
Sandra translated Lulu's story of redemption
God is so patient. When I am feeling down or discouraged, He
speaks! Let me share with you a quote from my Life Application Bible that spoke
volumes in my life. “Endurance is not a common quality. Many people lack the long term commitment,
caring and willingness that are vital to sticking with the task against all
odds.” God will use whatever possible to speak to us, to guide and lead us in
a direction where we can use our gifts
and talents for His glory. His love for us is so amazing. I am thankful for the many family and friends
that continue to pray for me and the Recovery Ministry. Pray for each of us in
the areas of commitment, wisdom and endurance as we continue to serve the
broken around us.
In October our Recovery Ministry team hosted out 3rd annual Celebrate Recovery Information Seminar at Calvary Chapel Rosarito. The event was well attended as our Mexico State Representative Cesar Cervantes shared about the DNA of Celebrate Recovery so other church bodies can start this Christ centered program in their own church bodies. His beautiful wife Olga shared her story of how Celebrate recovery changed her life. We are thankful for the many that helped this event a huge success.
Olga and Cesar
Thank you one and all for your
ongoing prayers and financial support of the Recovery Ministry. This year twelve of our Celebrate Recovery
leaders went to the Celebrate Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church. Where did
the funding come from you might ask? From the many that sent in a financial
donation rather than flowers for Rod’s Celebrate of Life. Thank you for helping train our Celebrate
Recovery leaders. Each of you is a treasure, an important asset to our Recovery
Ministry team.
Nick, Lana, Grace, Joy, Lolita, Cheryl & Martha
In His Grip,
Cheryl Hoople
