Church Family in Mexico-Oct 2017

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