So Long-Never Goodbye-April 2017

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives." John 12:24

Dear Friends and supporters,

I’m sad to report that Cheryl recently lost her best friend and ministry partner. On March 14th Rod passed into the loving arms of Jesus. Rod had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and his life ended just a few short days later. We praise God that in the moments immediately following Rod’s untimely death, at least 4 lives were saved through his unselfish decision to be an organ donor. Doesn’t that really sum up Rod’s life, that people found life even in his death?

Rod died doing what he loved, and that was doing what he was called to do, finding tangible ways to share the love and freedom that can only come through Jesus Christ. He considered his life worth nothing unless he was spending it sharing the good news of the Gospel.

Although myself, the family, and the ministry are in mourning, we are confident of two things. 1. Rod knew his Savior and we know we’ll be reunited in heaven one day, and 2. Rod would want nothing more than for Cheryl to press forward in the mission lest his death be in vain. With that said, she will remain resolute in the commitment she made to helping people find freedom from the chains of addiction and helping them find hope in Jesus Christ.

Cheryl needs your love and support like never before in this season. She needs your love and support both prayerfully and financially. In order for the Celebrate Recovery Ministry to thrive here in Mexico we need people just like you to be our advocates both to the Father, as well as standing in the gap and fighting the good fight with us.

Please know that Cheryl loves you all, that she’s praying for you all, and that your calls, e-mails, and even visits mean so much to her. Wont you stand with Cheryl as we band together to take on sin and death and Hell and proclaim Abundant Life (John 10:10) into the lives of the beautiful people of Mexico?

God bless you,

Nathan Alpert
President, YUGO Ministries

Glorious Victories in 2016-Feb 2017

Christmas was busy, busy, busy, but incredibly fun as we hosted special events for “Our Girls” on the inside and our Celebrate Recovery participants in Calvary Chapel Rosarito. This time of year always leaves us tired but happy on the inside. Rod and I were given a large financial gift that we used to travel back to Canada to celebrate Christmas with family.  Bringing in the New Year with family was touching. We made some beautiful memories that we will carry with us forever. We came back to Mexico refreshed and ready to continue the good work placed before us.

Josephina, Sandra & Nena prepping gift bags for the Recovery Ministry Christmas events

Celebrating Christmas with the Hoople Clan is always lots of fun

Bringing in the New Year with the Szott Clan was a blast

                                          
Only in God is there hope for orphans, widows, prisoners and all other lonely, broken people. Some of our greatest victories in 2016 were seeing how God is changing lives as the Recovery Ministry expands. Pastors and church leadership have been trained up in local churches in East Tijuana and Ensenada to facilitate Celebrate Recovery Step Studies groups. These individuals are presently going through the CR Step Studies themselves. The Celebrate Recovery materials are filled with scriptures pointing to a loving God waiting for the lost to come to Him. We look forward to hearing how God will use these pastors and church leadership to increase His Kingdom and bring healing to His people.

Sandra celebrates Yarida's victory of drug addiction

Sandra, one of our Prison Ministry team members is bringing the CR program into a young girls rehabilitation center. As our team meets together weekly for prayer and planning, Sandra shares about the youth crying out to God to intervene in their lives. Many of the cycles of abuse and dysfunction started early in childhood. By allowing God to become their Father figure He tenderly heals them from their broken pasts.

Yarida's friends at the rehabilitation center

Recently Sandra invited our Prison Ministry team, plus my cousin Sonja to attend the graduation ceremony of her daughter Yarida. We loved hearing the powerful testimonies of how God is working in the lives of the youth.  We ended the day by giving out gift bags and cupcakes to each of the girls.  Congratulations Yarida on finding your recovery through Jesus.  Thank you Sonja for serving alongside us as we celebrated this special event.

Sonja and Lorena decorating cupcakes for the Yarida's graduation event

Soon Rod and I will return to Canad to represent YUGO Ministries at Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton for the LAST time. Over the past 14 years we have met many beautiful missions minded people at Mission Fests. After much prayers Rod and I feel led to pour more our energy into the Recovery Ministry.  The needs all around us are great. Please keep us in prayer as we raise up more leaders to continue expanding the ministry.

We cannot begin to thank each of you, our partners in ministry, for your continued prayers and financial support.  You are the backbone of this ministry.  Together we are making a difference in Mexico, one person at a time.

Blessings,

Rod and Cheryl

The Gift of Love Dec 2016

The night air was crisp and the sky was crystal clear, every star in the universe was twinkling above.  It appeared to be just an ordinary night in the tiny village of Bethlehem. But, the tiny cries of a newborn child could be heard in the distance.  Wait, the only structure in the distance was a stable!  Could it be that a child was born in a stable?

Luke 2:8, 12 “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.  They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid”. He said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes the Messiah. The Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the City of David! And you will recognize him by this sign. You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth lying in a manager.”

The greatest event in history just happened.  The Messiah was born! That same Messiah that was born over 2,000 years ago is still at work in people’s lives today. We want to thank each one that has partnered with us in ministry these past many years.  Due to your prayers and generosity many have come to a deeper knowledge of the Messiah.

Penny, Rod, Shane, Mark, Cheryl, Kristi & Nadine at one of our favorite taco stands

Our most recent guests came to join us in ministry from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  We spent a week together being the hands and feet of Jesus by feeding orphans, handing out food in the Tijuana Dump, repairing roofs in poverty stricken East Tijuana, serving at a baptism event in the Ensenada Prison and so much more. Mark, Kristy, Nadine, Shane and Penny, thank you for coming and sharing your gift of love and touching the hearts of many during your short stay here in Mexico.

As you gather this Christmas season with friends and loved ones celebrating the birth of our Savior, remember his gift of love to us. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept him. He offers to us the greatest gift of love, new hearts that will last for eternity.

Feliz Navidad,

Rod & Cheryl

Summer Ends with Good Memories-Oct 2016

God stirs the hearts of his people here on earth to bring the Good News to a lost and broken world. Summer months brings adults, teens and children that have been chosen by God to represent Him in Mexico.  They have been CALLED to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ and bring others into His Kingdom. The Recovery Ministry is just a small part of how YUGO Ministries serves the people across Mexico.  Houses are built for the underprivileged, hungry children are fed, orphans are cared for, pastors and church leadership are taught how to share God’s Word effectively, prisoners are set free emotionally and spiritually and so much more,

St. Albert Alliance Church building a house for an underprivileged family

Our sending church St. Albert Alliance from Canada not only came to build a house for an underprivileged family, they also encouraged Rod and I greatly. Some joined our Prison Ministry team in serving at a Graduation Ceremony for “Our Girls” in the inside that completed their Step Studies.  It was an honor to be able to serve alongside each other.

CALLED to serve "Our Girls on the Inside 

 Back-Cheryl, Karla, Lorena, Sharon Front Maddi, Pastor Wendy, Melissa

Each of us has a place doing God’s work.  Even though our teams are uniquely different, God still uses us to accomplish His purposes. God has given our Recovery Ministry team a desire to rebuild the lives of the Mexican people. We believe that Celebrate Recovery is the key to help complete this work. This requires us to be united and trained to do this work set before us. In August Rod and I and six of our Recovery Ministry leaders attended the Celebrate Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church.  God gave us a fresh vision to see lives healed from hurts, habits and hang-ups.  With this renewed vision we are mobilizing others to join us in reaching the broken.

Alfredo, Karla, Sandra, Lorena, Jenna, Rod, Cheryl & Kristy

September 3 we celebrated my mom’s 80^th birthday.  I took a quick trip back to Canada for this special occasion. I was so grateful to be able to see our grand kids (who are growing so quickly), our daughters and many family and friends. The tumor in my mom's lung is growing. We covet your prayers in this situation.

Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support. We are a team and we couldn’t do what we do without you!

Celebrating the Journey-Aug 2016

Lives are being transformed! Celebrate Recovery participants are admitting their sins, confessing them to God and accepting the healing they need most in their lives. Not only are the people of Mexico finding healing from their hurts, habits and hang-ups, some are finding the gift of eternal salvation, the greatest gift ever offered to us by God. During our Thursday night Celebrate Recovery Large Group meeting, Rod offered the free gift of salvation and two newcomers raised their hands. Week after week the program is used as a tool to teach God’s Word to those who struggle with self loathing, loneliness, low self esteem, depression, guilt and shame. The Word of God gives us hope. Celebrate Recovery participants are learning to forgive themselves and others. Yesterday during Prison Ministry Fanny and Lulu met with us as leadership of CR. Both women come from similar back grounds of being involved in homicides and have long term sentences. Lulu repented of her misdemeanor and asked her friend for forgiveness. Fanny forgave her. Now Lulu’s greatest struggle is forgiving herself. With tears in her eyes, Lulu stated “I am not the same person since I started the CR program. In the past I did not care if I had hurt someone. I see the changes in my life.” Pray for our CR leadership team as we reach out to the broken and the lost.

Vianey receiving her Achievement Certificate for completing Celebrate Recovery Step Studies

We have just completed our 3rd set of CR Step Studies at Calvary Chapel Rosarito and will commence again August 16. Vianey is just one of those that completed her 24 weeks of Step Studies and is now celebrating victories on her journey to recovery. Recently she told us that her husband encourages her to go to Celebrate Recovery and church as he sees great changes in her life. Vianey will be co-leading Step Studies as we commence Step Studies in August. Rod and Alfredo have brought the training for CR Step Studies to the East Colonias of Tijuana and Ensenada. This program requires courageous, committed people to find healing and wholeness. Please join us in praying that God will use these pastors and church leaders to bring change into the lives of their congregations so they in turn can use their gifts and abilities to their greatest potential to increase His Kingdom.

The trailer of donations made it back to Mexico

The trailer of donations is in Mexico! Thanks for your prayers! We are on an amazing journey in ministry. We can see God’s hand moving in the hearts of the Mexican people. Thanks for being our partners in ministry! Together we are out to change the world one broken person at a time.

Ashes to Victory-June 2016

A childhood of brokenness, an alcoholic father and a life of poverty left Adrian desperate for help. As a teen he triumphed and succeeded in sports, always taking first place. No matter how hard he performed, feelings of insecurity haunted him.

At the age of 15 Adrian turned to drugs to bury his pain. “I thought I was in control of the drugs, alcohol, unhealthy relationships and dysfunctional behaviors,” Adrian stated. It wasn’t until he came to Celebrate Recovery and applied Step1 to his life that he started to experience true freedom. STEP 1: We admit we have no power over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives are unmanageable.” Adrian recognized that only through Jesus Christ could he find the strength to overcome his addictions.

He started to attend Celebrate Recovery with his wife Lola. But the couple didn’t stop there. They have been trained and now facilitate Celebrate Recovery Step Studies at Calvary Chapel Rosarito. Getting involved in CR has impacted Adrian’s life, which included reshaping his career life, deepening his faith in God, saving his marriage and finding guidance for keeping him clean and sober. Out of the ASHES of sin God has brought VICTORY into Adrian’s life.

Adrian & his wife Lola

This month has been filled with great opportunities to reach out to “Our Girls” on the inside at the Ensenada Prison. Our team had a great time hosting a Movie Event and serving at a Mothers Day event. We are thankful for the opportunity to hand out personal gift bags at both events. Thank you to the many that give generously so we in turn could give to those in great need.

"Our Girls" on the inside-Mothers Day Event

Recently our daughter Rebekah and 17 month old grandson Sawyer spent a week with us. Sawyer experienced a lot of firsts while visiting. First time on an airplane, first time playing in the ocean, and so much more. We love having family and friends visit.

Rebekah & Sawyer in Mexico

We want to thank you for your financial support. None of the changes in people lives could happen without your help. Blessings, Rod & Cheryl

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