Find your purpose-Make a diference-April 2016

Thousands passed through the doors of Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton to be challenged and educated about global missions. How exhilarating to see people intently visiting exhibitor’s booths, worshiping, listening to key note speakers, catching the vision for global missions and reconnecting with friends with a heart for missions. It was inspiring to hear Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth with a Mission, relay his passion to see the lost come to know Jesus as he shared about the mighty move of God worldwide and how millions are being reached with the gospel. He learned at an early age that earthly possessions and accomplishments are meaningless compared to serving God.

Unsworth Family at Mission Fest Edmonton

Our time in Canada is always well spent representing YUGO Ministries and reconnecting with family and friends. Seeing our grandchildren sprout up and mature is always amazing to us. We are so grateful for the many family and friends that hosted us and kept us well fed. There is nothing quite like Canadian hospitality.

Saying so-long to the Szott Clan.

Saying so-long to the Hoople Clan.

And a special THANK YOU to our Recovery Ministry team for picking up the baton and running with it in our absence. Celebrate Recovery Step Studies are in full swing in Calvary Chapel Rosarito, the Ensenada Prison and at Calvary Chapel Tijuana. Rod and his training coach Alfredo met with the pastors in East Tijuana to present the CR program. Our greatest hurdle at present is the cost of Celebrate Recovery Participant Guides for those in great need. One set of participant guides cost $20.00 US which is equivalent to a week’s worth of groceries for many in the families in the Colonias of East Tijuana area. Please keep the Recovery Ministry in prayer as we expand. We need to raise more monthly prayer and financial partners for the ministry. If this is a project you may be interested in becoming our partners with, please contact us.

“People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress." Francis Chan.

The news inspires fear and hopelessness as it focuses on Mexico’s corruption and violence. As things get desperate, there are many more opportunities to share the gospel. Bringing the Celebrate Recovery program to destitute areas of Mexico gives us the opportunity to reach the lost and broken and bring them the Good News. YUGO Ministries believes that God desires to bring hope to the people of Mexico. He sees the depth of their suffering, and He has not turned a deaf ear to their cries to be released from the cycles of violence, abuse, depression, victimization, neglect, poverty and hopelessness. We would love to have you join our YUGO family in short term or long term missions. Getting involved in global missions is a great way to find your purpose and make a difference.

Craft Event Prison Ministry Team

Back:Fanny,Karla,Jeri,Cheryl

Front:Jenna,Lorena,Linda

We are grateful for those that cast their fears aside and joined us in serving “Our Girls” on the inside for a craft event. Jerri brought a powerful message and craft challenging each of us to follow the Ten Commandments, Fanny shared her testimony and the rest of us served where needed. We had a beautiful time worshiping, partaking in communion together and sharing a luncheon. Thanks for being our partners in ministry, your prayers and generosity are making a difference in the lives of the Mexican people for eternity. In His Service, Rod & Cheryl

New Beginnings-February 2016

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

The Greatest Gift in History-Dec 2015

“I bring you Good News that will bring joy to all people. The Savior, yes the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the City of David.” Luke 2:9,10

What an amazing announcement! The world had just received the greatest gift in history. The best news about Jesus coming to earth is, no matter what stature, rich or poor, black or white, young or old, the Good News of the birth of Jesus Christ is for all of us.

Whoever you are, whatever you have done, He extends his hand to you to have Him in your life. AND, He accepts you just the way you are.

The effects of sin in people’s lives often keep them from seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ. “Our Girls” on the inside and those that join us in Celebrate Recovery on the “Outside” don’t let feelings of guilt and condemnation keep them from their only means of restoration.

Through their childhoods, some knew God, others turned their back on Him when times got tough and then there are others who have never heard about this Jesus that came to earth nearly 2,000 years ago.

Some have waited many years to find this compassionate Jesus that loves them unconditionally. He patiently awaits His children to turn to him and find peace, joy and recovery for their lives.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior this Christmas, we are thankful for the many that have surrendered their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

To some the greatest gift they will receive this Christmas season will be the relationship they developed with Jesus that has brought healing and peace into their lives through the Celebrate Recovery program.

We are thankful for each of you, our partners in ministry, for your prayers, words of encouragement and financial support for ourselves and the ministry. Together we are seeing broken lives being healed and set free.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Changing one broken person at a time-Oct 2015

Many of “Our Girls” on the inside are murderers, kidnappers, prostitutes, drug-addicts and much more. They have lived on the edge of society, always one step away from rejection. Jesus gladly associated with sinners because He loved them and He knew they needed to hear what He had to say. By bringing the Good News, through the Celebrate Recovery program, to “Our Girls” on the inside, we see God changing lives one broken person at a time, healing them emotionally, physically and mentally.

Many have turned to Jesus and asked Him to forgive their sins so they can become Christ-like filled with love, humility, truth and service. Not only does the CR program lead people to a relationship with Jesus Christ, it also instructs them how to clean up their behaviors.

After returning to Mexico in July, International gospel singer Nancy Unsworth, her family, my cousin Rae-Ann and her son Aiden joined us for ten exciting days of ministry. Each of our guests came to Mexico believing God had something special in store for them.

On July 27th seven of “Our Girls” on the inside found the strength to take the next step in their walk with Jesus by being baptized. The baptism event was spectacular.

Haydee steps through the waters of baptism

Nancy shared her powerful story of God's mercy in her life and sang during the baptism event

Rae-Ann helped in many ways including handing out personal gift bags to each of "Our girls" before they returned to their cells

God uses people with simple faith to accomplish his great purposes, no matter what kind of past they come from. Rae-Ann and Nancy did not allow their broken pasts to keep them from the new roles God had assigned them. Both shared their powerful stories of God’s redemptive love in their lives at various ministry sites. Ten incredible days of ministry and so many lives were touched.

Thank you Unsworth and Zygadlo families for helping serve at our first ever Celebrate Recovery wedding.

International gospel Singer Nancy Unsworth and her worship team sang in several areas of ministry during their 10 days stay in Mexico

We need your prayers. Churches and Correctional Institutes are seeking the Celebrate Recovery program. Pray God send us more facilitators and leaders to carry the program across Mexico. We have VISION beyond our resources. Would you pray about becoming a financial partner with the Recovery Ministry? Pray for more monthly supporters for the Recovery Ministry (at present we are at 40% of our monthly budget).

Rod and I are so grateful for each of you, our ministry partners. None of the ministry we take part in could happen without your help. Your prayers, words of encouragement and financial gifts have kept us on the field doing what God has called us to do. Your job is as important as ours. He may have called us to go, but He has called you to be our senders.

Home Sweet Home-Aug 2015

Moses took his marching orders from God and led the Israelites through the desert for 40 years. Rod and I took our marching orders to remain in Canada and help my mom while taking chemo treatments to battle lung cancer. We too made it to the Promised Land. Mom has completed her chemo treatments; the tumor has shrunk over 50%. Next will be radiation treatments, much less evasive than chemo therapy. Rod and I have been given the green light to return to full time ministry in Mexico. We and I are so thankful for having had the opportunity stand besides my mom in her greatest time of need.

When God gave us the assignment to be mom’s primary care givers, we knew there would be difficult and challenging situations. We also know we serve a mighty God that would give us the strength needed to complete the task set before us. We are so grateful the tumor has shrunk, so grateful to have the opportunity to honour and care for my mom in her time of need, so grateful for our Recovery Team carrying the ministry in our absence, and so grateful for your constant prayers and emotional support. Daily we are reminded that we made a covenant of faith and obedience in serving Our Savior. It is time to return to the ministry where we are most productive and receive the greatest joy in serving. Our Recovery Minsitry team await our arrival.

Duet 1:11 “I pray that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, will give you a thousand times more people and will do all the wonderful thing s He promised.” We in the Recovery Ministry pray God give us a thousand times more people to go through the Celebrate Recovery program in Mexico to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and others will be set free from their hurts, habits and hang-ups.

In May Rod and I returned to Mexico for two weeks to fulfill ministry obligations while our daughters Jessica and Rebekah took our places and cared for my mom. Chad and Melissa Baker joined us in an exciting week of ministry. Their one week stay with us was action packed. Let me share with you one of the many highlights of the week. Our first night back with our Celebrate Recovery family in Mexico, Andy (leader from Liberty Ranch Men’s Restoration Ministry) walked on to the stage during our Celebrate Recovery Large Group worship time and sang a love song to Esperanza (our CR Child Care Administrator). He then invited her to join him on the stage. He bent down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. No, this is not a fairy tale; this is the work of an AWESOME God who brought healing into lives of two of His people so they can begin their next chapter of Life 101 in wholeness. It was awesome to have Chad and Melissa with us to take part in this special event at Celebrate Recovery.

We love how God chooses unexceptional people to do his work. He invited Chad (fireman) and Melissa (Pastors Assistant) to join us in Mexico to build His Kingdom. Chad and Melissa love God above all else and are committed to obeying Him. By doing so they were able to accomplish more than they could imagine. It was an honor to serve with you Melissa and Chad.

Rod and I are thankful for the many friends and family members we were able to visit on our extended Home Assignment. Our time in Canada was fruitful in making connections in ministry, sharing special memories with so many loved ones and friends. Thank you for being our partners in ministry.

NOTE

New address and phone number:

YUGO Canada, P.O. Box 68, Legal, AB, T0G 1L0, 780-961-7625

Celebrate Recovery in Canada-June 2015

Anyone interested in serving at a prison ministry event in Mexico? Sherry’s hand was just one of the few that shot up when Pastor Matt extended the invitation. July 2014 Sherry and 45 others from St. Albert Alliance church traveled to Rosarito, Mexico to build three homes for underprivileged families. Some of the team joined our Prison Ministry Recovery team in serving at a graduation ceremony for “Our Girls” who completed the Celebrate Recovery program in the Ensenada Prison.

St. Albert Alliance Church Team

Sherry stood before our graduating class boldly sharing her story of how she was rescued from a broken past by surrendering her life into the loving arms of Jesus Christ. During the prison ministry event Sherry observed that “Our Girls” on the inside had also found healing in their lives through the CR program. A stirring began in Sherry’s heart. She returned to Canada with a passion to serve female inmates in Canada. After much prayer God led Sherry to others that were like minded. In the spring of 2015 Sherry and three other women began hosting the Celebrate Recovery program in Edmonton’s minimum security facility for women.

Sherry is helping paint the house her team built in Mexico last summer.

During a recent coffee date, Sherry shared with Rod and I stories similar to those we experience in Mexico. “Our Girls” on the inside openly share how God is working in their lives. As the inmates experience God’s transforming power and change before our eyes, we are inspired to believe God for further healing in the lives of others in the CR program. Sherry obeyed a calling from God and was placed in the middle of His will for her life. In serving the inmates she found great purpose and fulfillment. We are thanking God for those being set free from their hurts, habits and hang ups through the Celebrate Recovery program in Mexico, Canada and worldwide.

Rod spent five weeks in Mexico this spring scheduling and organizing ministry in preparation for our extended Home Assignment while in Canada. I remained in Canada to be my mom’s primary caregiver while she goes through chemo treatments for lung cancer. While in Mexico Rod served alongside the Brownfield Baptist Church. Thirty-six youth, adults and children left their mark in Mexico by being the hands and feet of Jesus. Awesome job Brownfield Baptist Church, you have left your hand print in Mexico! Our daughter Rebekah and son-in-law Eric were married in this church, so this body of believers holds a special place in our hearts.

Brownfield Baptist Church

Rod and I had the privilege of attending a Mexican Fiesta fundraiser for Parkland Baptist Church. This had to be one of the most fun packed fund raiser events we ever attended. The night was filled with laughter, fine fellowship and a meal that reminded us of how much we love and miss Mexican food. The night was well attended and the team raised enough funds to build a second house for a family in Mexico. Thanks for the invite Parkland Baptist, we had a blast. Rod and I will spend two weeks in Mexico in May to fulfill some ministry commitments with hopes of being back on the field sometime this summer. This will all depend on how my mom does with radiation. His will be done.

If you have not had the opportunity to connect with us, this is the time to do so. Feel free to call us so we can meet over coffee at 780-628-2415.

Canadian/Mexican Comedians at the Parkland Baptist Fund Raiser Event

For those who have joined us in praying for mom, THANK YOU!!! We got word from the oncologist that the chemo treatments has shrunk the tumor by 25%. Still waiting to see what God has up his sleeve in this journey. Thanks for your words of encouragement and financial support. Where would we be with you, our partners in ministry.

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

Christmas in Canada-Dec 2014

It was my last day to be with “Our Girls” on the inside before leaving Mexico to return to Canada. After many hugs and promises to keep Rod and I in prayer our Prison Ministry Recovery Team said our goodbyes and headed to a local Chinese restaurant to celebrate our annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange. The Christmas lights and decor were nowhere to be seen, but the fine fellowship and laughter was enjoyed by all as we celebrated and enjoyed a delicious meal.

Sandra, Karla, Cheryl & Lorena

Rod and I spent our last night with our Celebrate Recovery family at Calvary Chapel Rosarito before heading back to Canada with mixed emotions. We love these folks!! We have found great joy and community with the friends God has placed in our lives while serving here in Mexico. Our greatest friendships have been formed with those we have the honor to serve next to.

After a much needed two week vacation we headed to Canada to visit friends and loved ones and share what God is doing in Mexico. Our first visit after entering Canada was to see our daughter Rebekah and her husband Eric. The night we arrived Rebekah went into labor and the next day our grand-baby Sawyer entered into the world. What a joy to be here in Canada for such an event as this.

Papa is enjoying holding newborn Sawyer

Rebekah & Sawyer (one month old)

As we enter into this Christmas season we are reminded of the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born of a woman, a human being that came to earth so he could walk where we walk and fully understand our experiences and struggles. Because He is the Son of God, he has the ability to help us when we reach out to Him in our times of need.

By placing our faith in Christ’s healing power, addictions are broken, marriages are healed, relationships are restored and so much more. What a privilege to be able to serve folks that are committed to seeing their lives be set free from brokenness. I am sure this Christmas will be better than others past for most of our Celebrate Recovery participants who have slugged through the program and found healing and wholeness.

Rod and I want to thank each of you for loving us and standing beside us in the Recovery Ministry. We want you to know how valuable you are to us. We have enjoyed being able to meet for coffee and times of fellowship with some of you since being back to Canada. Hope you have a peace filled Christmas!

Feliz Navidad our precious family and friends,

Rod & Cheryl

PRAYER REQUESTS-

The store house is empty. Please join us in prayer that many will give generously through YUGO’s Women’s Prison Ministry Amazon Wish List. Did you know that Mexican prisons do not supply toiletries to the inmates? See HOOPLE'S RECOMMENDED LINKS to find out how you can be involved in purchasing toiletries for "Our Girls" on the inside. All items will be shipped to our YUGO USA office and we will pick them up and deliver them to the inmates.

Pray for Rod and I as we travel around Canada and share about the Recovery Ministry that God will rise up prayer and financial partners for the ministry.

YUGO Ministries Canada has a new phone number. 780-961-7625

Due to the high cost of mailing, we feel led to be good stewards of the finances the Lord has supplied to us. We will no longer be sending out bi-monthly prayer letters through the postal service. Rather, we will be sending out prayer letters by e-mail. If you do not receive our prayer letters by e-mail, feel free to contact rod@yugo.org or cheryl@yugo.org to sign up for bi-monthly e-mail updates. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

25 Years With the Same Passion-Oct 2014

“I was a drug addict living on the streets, eating from the trash cans.” Stories like these are no longer shocking to us as Celebrate Recovery participants open their hearts and share where God has rescued them from.

In October Rod and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We began our adventure together serving the homeless with our church body in Canada. It was not the hardy soup we served on Friday nights that nourished their souls; it was the message of God’s unconditional love that satisfied the destitute. Today is no different. We have the opportunity to see God’s hand at work in the lives of those around us as we utilize the Celebrate Recovery Program as a catalyst to bring the Gospel to a lost and broken people.

25 years later still in love and ready to serve

It takes a committed team working in unison to reach the needs of those that attend the CR program. And a committed team we have! We are thankful for those God has handpicked to serve alongside us. We even have "Prayer Warriors" praying for our weekly prayer requests. Thank you for investing your energy into the lives of those acknowledging their hurts, habits and hang-ups. If you are interested in praying for the “Recovery Ministry” please contact us. We would love to have you as part of our team.

Our Celebrate Recovery Team are amazing

September 8th was an extra special day as nine of “Our Girls” on the inside were baptized. One week earlier Conchita responded to an alter call we gave in the prison. Her story is extra special as Conchita was a missionary for the Jehovah Witnesses for three years before she went to prison. It was beautiful to see her walk through the waters of baptism.

Cheryl, Lorena, Karla, Marina & Linda served "Our Girls" on the inside at the baptism event

After 4 years of prayer, God has opened a door for our Recovery Team to partner with New Beginnings. This women’s discipleship home will continue the good work our team began in loving "Our Girls" on the inside. Women (and their children) will be fed spiritually, provided food, clothing, and medical care, taught basic literacy, trained and equipped with life skills. We are excited for this wonderful opportunity to see "Our Girls" gain confidence and self sufficiency away from the cycles of abuse and addictions. It is an honor to partner with the staff of New Beginnings helping “Our Girls” fulfill their dreams for a healthy future.

Rod and I will return to Canada in November and look forward to seeing some of you! We are filling in our agenda and are open to share in churches, bible colleges, youth groups, cell groups and with individuals interested in hearing how they can be involved in fulfilling the Great Commission and share what God is doing in and through His people in Mexico. Contact us @ 780-628-2415 and we will plan a date so we can meet for coffee.

It is you, our partners in ministry that allow us to continue serving the Mexican people. Thank you!

Blessings,

Rod & Cheryl

Celebrating 10 Years-Aug 2014

10 Years in Mexico! July marks our 10th anniversary of packing up our belongings (what ever fit in the back of a truck and 21 foot RV trailer) and heading to Mexico. It is hard to comprehend that God has allowed us to serve in full time ministry for this length of time. Pouring our lives into those around us is a small price to pay for the mercy and grace God has extended to Rod and I with the work He has done in our own lives and the eternal life He has promised us in the future. Being immersed in Christ’s love has taught us to love others abundantly and serve with great joy.

Rebekah and Rod waiting to head to Mexico in 2004

Co-coordinating the Recovery Ministry has been a fruitful and rewarding ministry. We have the incredible opportunity to walk shoulder to shoulder with those struggling with brokenness; mentoring others on the “Road to Recovery” and training up new leaders as the ministry continues to grow. One life at a time people are coming to know Christ, marriages are being restored, addicts are being set free and shackles from generations of pain are being unlocked and cast aside. God is keeping his promise to continue the good work He has begun in all of us.

Albert, Gabi, Karla, Noemi, Elisa, Luis, Rod, Miguel & Lorena completed their Celebrate Recovery Training

Our thanks go out to each of you for bathing us and the ministry in prayer, for those that have given so our needs and the needs of the ministry are met, and for those that have joined us in serving on the front lines. Having you as our partners in ministry has made a difference in the lives of the Mexican people. July 13th our sending church, St. Albert Alliance traveled to the Rosarito Outreach Center to build three houses for those less fortunate. 46 dedicated folks left their comfort zones in Canada to join our YUGO family in serving the Mexican people.

St. Albert Alliance Church ready to build and serve

Day 2 of the house build, 2 more days to go!

July 14 Carissa, Janelle, Sherry and Melissa (from St. Alberta Alliance Church) joined our Prison Ministry team in celebrating with our 2014 Celebrate Recovery graduates in the Ensenada Prison. Melissa shared a powerful message that encouraged all of us. Sherry told her beautiful story of God’s healing power and redemption in her life. The rest of us filled in where ever needed to make the day extra special for “Our Girls” on the inside. What a blessing to be able to serve alongside my sisters in Christ from our sending church in Canada.

Back-Karla, Susy, Cheryl, Lorena, Carissa Front-Janelle, Melissa, Sherry

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Karla translated as Melissa shared a powerful message

Our prayer is that we may live our lives worthy of God and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in His knowledge, strengthened in His power so we may have endurance to continue running the race set before us.

NOTE: Due to the high cost of mailing, we feel led to be good stewards of the finances the Lord has supplied to us and send out our bi-monthly prayer letters by e-mail rather than snail mail. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.