Fresh Start-April 2023

Greetings from Mexico,

How do we show love to the individuals and families around us? We have a beautiful team of servant leaders, serving alongside Francisco and I, using their God given gifts and talents to reach out to our church body, our community and the female inmates of the Ensenada prison. It is an honor to serve with these dear friends.

Prolonged grief (separation from family) and punishment bring hopelessness and despair. Being in prison reminds the inmates that life’s struggles are too hard to handle on their own. When “Our Girls” on the inside are caught in their criminal acts and found guilty, they are placed behind bars. We have seen firsthand how being behind bars is a place that is free from distractions, a place where the Celebrate Recovery materials are used to reach deep into the hearts of many and to give them hope for the future.

We see the importance of Prison Ministry! Prison is a prime spot to share God’s unconditional love. Some are not ready to respond to the gospel, but our God is faithful and merciful, He continues to hold his arms out to all who are willing to come to Him.

Cheryl, Ana & Karla reparing for a Valentines Event for "Our Girls" on

the inside It is beautiful to see how God uses negative experiences to have his people turn to Him. No matter how terrible the crime may be, God reveals his unconditional love to the broken and promises a fresh start, and eternity with Him. God graciously accepts each inmate, forgives them and draws them into a deeper relationship with Himself.

When the COVID restrictions were removed, our Prison Ministry team were able to return to the prison’s chapel rather than conduct ministry from a courtyard surrounded by women inmates in their cells. It was God’s perfect timing as the inmates participating in Celebrate Recovery program had been preparing themselves to work on their inventories, which entails bearing their souls and sharing very painful experiences. Having privacy in the chapel provided a safe place to write and share openly. Every page written and every story shared brought many tears, tears of healing.

In January we relaunched all areas of Celebrate Recovery in Calvary Rosarito. So many around us are struggling with depression, discouragement and searching for answers. We have already heard many testimonies of how God is healing adults, youth and children from their hurts, habits and hang-ups. Having programs for the whole family has brought forth many victories, and the year has just begun!

We are so thankful for our Celebrate Recovery Servant Leaders

Many of our servant leaders feel as though they are unlikely candidates for God’s service in leading the lost and broken on the Road to Recovery, but they continue to walk in obedience to the call placed upon their hearts. We know God has a plan and are honored to be a small part of it. Thank you for being out partners in the Mexico Recovery Ministry. Your words of encouragement, prayers and financial gifts are important to us.

NOTE: We have changed our mailing address Cheryl Hoople Ahumada C/O Lupe Quezada 2420 Palm Ave. Space 56 San Diego, CA, 92154

Blessings, Cheryl & Francisco

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Jacobo's Story-Feb 2023

Greetings from Mexico,

As 2022 came to an end, it was easy to reflect and see how faithful God had been last year and years gone by. Sometimes it feels like our influence here in Mexico is futile, but we continue to walk forward, trusting God’s Word to bring spiritual work into the lives of those who struggle around us with hurts, habits and hang-ups as we continue to offer Celebrate Recovery.

In December we hosted our annual Celebrate Recovery Christmas gathering at Calvary Rosarito. Sixteen “first time” Celebrate Recovery participants received certificates of recognition, congratulating them on their faithful attendance and hard work on the Road to Recovery. We worshipped together as we celebrated the birth of our Savior, shared a delicious traditional Christmas meal, and heard a powerful testimony from Jacobo.

Jacob receiving his CR certificate of recognition

Jacobo’s Story:

My parents separated when I was very young. My sister, a mere child herself, cared for myself and my three younger siblings while my mom went to work to supply for our needs. After a time, we were reported to the Mexican authorities. Myself and my four siblings were placed in an orphanage.

I was only 7 years old when we were placed in that orphanage. I blamed my mom for our circumstance. I was always getting in trouble and was continually being punished, sometimes more severely than others. I remember being given the punishment of cleaning the dormitory for a whole year while the other children went out to play. That was painful.

It was through this Christian run orphanage that I accepted Jesus into my heart and was later baptized. I left the orphanage at 12 years old with a mountain of blame and resentment stored up inside of me. I stopped going to church and started walking in the ways of the world.

I was celebrating my birthday with some of my friends one day, when one friend started talking to me about Jesus. I knew this Jesus that my friend spoke of. It was then that I came to my senses and realized I had chosen the wrong path. I then made the choice to start attending church again.

I arrived at Calvary Rosarito and was invited to attend Celebrate Recovery. I knew I needed help, as I was carrying around lots of baggage. At Celebrate Recovery I found a place where I could share openly and not be judged. I asked God to help me forgive those who harmed me and eventually was able to forgive myself.

God has done a great work in me through the Celebrate Recovery program. This scripture speaks deeply to me as I continue my healing process. “I am certain that God, who began the great work in me will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day Jesus Christ returns.” Philippians 1 :6 Thanks for letting me share.

It is though stories like Jacobo’s we can see firsthand how God is using the Celebrate Recovery program to bring healing into the lives of his people in ways we never dreamed or imagined possible. We continue to pray, trust and move forward knowing that our Heavenly Father knows how to reach out to those who are struggling and lead them to Himself.

Francisco helping prepare for "Our Girls" on the inside

My Prison Ministry team and I brought in toiletry and candy bags, chocolate bars and blankets to the Ensenada Prison. Thank you for your generosity so we could bring a bit of Christmas warmth and joy to "Our Girls" on the inside.

In January we relaunched Celebrate Recovery Step Studies in Calvary Rosarito and had 60 people join us on the Road to Recovery. We look forward to hearing many more stories similar to Jacobo’s in the future. Thank you for continuing to partner with us on this amazing adventure. Together we are seeing people’s lives changed as they draw closer to Jesus.

Blessings, Cheryl & Francisco

If you would like to join us financially in ministry, click on the side of the blog page that says:

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Hope for tomorrow-Dec 2022

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Once upon a time, the brightest star anyone had ever seen, an unusual phenomenon, stood over a stable in the little town of Bethlehem. Below a frail infant was asleep in the hay. Little did his parents know, that one day, their son Jesus would bring great change into the world. Jesus entered the world in a manger, a very humble setting, and began his journey through life, a life filled with mercy, love and forgiveness.

Many years have passed since that spectacular night. Jesus yesterday, today and tomorrow is in the line of work of taking broken lives and transforming them into something beautiful. This year I had the privilege of leading an English Women’s Celebrate Recovery Step Study by ZOOM. Alma was one of my prized participants. She was faithful to attend and faithfully did her homework seeking healing and wholeness from her past. Meet my friend Alma, she now has hope for tomorrow.

Alma is a dear friend and daughter of the King

Alma’s Story: I was lost, broken, without purpose and without an identity. I was hateful and revengeful as I came from a background of sexual abuse. I felt like I was trapped in a maze with no way out. At the age of seven, my school secretary began to reach out to me and invited me to her home. There was something different about her. She taught me how to pray. At the age of twelve I received Jesus into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior and walked through the waters of baptism.

I was still damaged, feeling defeated and lonely! I searched for love in all the wrong places. I married a man and together we brought our children into the world. I was trapped in this loveless relationship and was miserable. Eventually I left the marriage and found another man to help me bring up my children. Nothing had changed, I was still unhappy and frustrated with my choices in men.

I was introduced to Celebrate Recovery. In Celebrate Recovery I learned to open up and expose the pain deeply hidden in my heart. I grew spiritually as I continued on the Road to Recovery. I found healing through the acceptance and love I found in my Celebrate Recovery Step Study group. Today I have hope for tomorrow. Thanks for letting me share.

That’s the reason Jesus came to earth! He takes the broken, heals them from the inside out, creates something beautiful and gives them the greatest gift of all, eternal life with Him. In January we will offer another set of Celebrate Recovery Step Studies. Pray God send us many more participants to find healing and a deeper walk with Jesus.

This Christmas we are especially thankful for God, and His sending His son Jesus to us so we can offer His eternal life and love to broken people like Alma. Thank you for your love, prayers and generosity in helping us reach the lost and broken in Mexico.

Feliz Navidad, Cheryl & Francisco

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3 Daughters, 3 Provinces and 3 Churches-Oct 2022

Hello Family & Friends,

July brought another trip to Canada. This trip was geared towards raising awareness of the Mexico Recovery Ministry which allowed me (Cheryl) to visit three daughters in three provinces, nine grandkids, lots of family, lots of friends as well as give ministry updates in churches. Distance didn’t stop us from gathering, catching up on hugs and sharing stories from the last few years.

My youngest daughter Rebekah and her family purchased a farm in Big River Saskatchewan December 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit getting a taste of farm life and spending time having fun, fun, fun with my daughter and grandkids. Tea parties were a favorite activitiy!

Kelsey, my middle daughter, lives in Forst Saskatchewan, Alberta. Alberta was the gathering place for many. The Hoople and Szott families hosted big family BBQ’s so we could all be together eating decadent Canadian food and making treasured memories.

My eldest daughter Jessica and her family live in Burns Lake BC. They took me to their cabin that has a majestic view of Ootsa Lake with mountains in the background. It was a little taste of heaven spending time playing board games and enjoying the great outdoors together.

I am thankful for the opportunities to give updates about the Mexico Recovery Ministry in three churches and host a Picnic in the Park for friends in the Edmonton area. We had a great turnout. Francisco and I are so thankful for the many that partner with us in ministry.

Returning to Mexico always brings opportunities to gather and enjoy the folks around us. September 18 our Celebrate Recovery forever family set their homework aside and gathered to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. I tried my hand at making carnitas (a Mexican dish), and it was a hit! Fun was had by all as we had great weather, an outstanding ocean view and a huge turnout.

On October 22 our Celebrate Recovery hosted our 7th Annual Networking Event in Calvary Rosarito. We hosted Celebrate Recovery leaders and participants from various parts of Mexico and the USA. It was our honor to have Richard & Dora Cobb, the International Directors of Celebrate Recovery as our key-note speakers to encourage us and update us on how God is touching the lives of His people through the Celebrate Recovery materials worldwide.

In case you couldn't join us, we broadcasted this event live at: https://www.facebook.com/calvaryrosarito Francisco and I thank you for your ongoing prayers and support as we serve hand in hand leading the Mexico Recovery Ministry.

Blessings, Cheryl & Francisco

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Ensenada Prison-Aug 2022

Ensenada Prison!

Isn’t God amazing!! He sees who we were in our past and who we will become in the future. I love how He sees us and every one of “Our Girls” on the inside of the Ensenada Prison.

"Our Girls" on the Inside

June marked our 13^th anniversary of bringing Celebrate Recovery into the Ensenada Prison. In the early years we had Comandante (warden) Alicia overseeing the women’s area of the prison. She was a hard woman that was feared by many. Week after week Comandante Alicia would supervise our group and hear the gospel message. She began to soften. We developed a beautiful relationship. I remember bargaining with her to give us more women. I started high asking for 50, she countered with 35, again I went to bat and asked for 45 she settled on 35. Until recently, that was our maximum number of inmates that could join us weekly for Celebrate Recovery.

Warden Alicia & Cheryl

God parted the Red Sea!!! Due to continued COVID restrictions our Prison Ministry team are now able to share the gospel to the entire female population of the Ensenada Prison. How did this happen? For sanitary reasons, our team is placed in the middle of a patio surrounded by the cells of all the female inmates. 115 female inmates are hearing the gospel shared through the Celebrate Recovery materials. This is a dream come true for our Prison Ministry team! COVID has not stopped ministry but has increased the opportunity to reach more people.

Let me share with you Victoria’s story (name changed to protect her identity)

"My name is Victoria and I am a faithful believer in Jesus Christ. My struggles are with my mind, old habits and other character defects.  My life prior to starting the Celebrate Recovery program was miserable.  I was in denial. I refused to recognize shameful sins that I was committing.  I was rebellious, rude and very disrespectful. I could not relate to people in a healthy way. Others were wrong and I was always right. Before coming to prison, the lowest point in my life was when I started prostituting myself, drinking and using drugs. I was disobedient and very hurtful. Through Celebrate Recovery, God opened my eyes and my heart. He gave me the opportunity to know Him. I NEEDED to be incarcerated in prison to find Him. I came to prison wounded and defeated, but here in prison is where I found the hope I needed for my life, and my heart. My life has changed greatly because of the growing relationship I have with Jesus, my way of thinking and speaking has changed. Thanks to the Celebrate Recovery program I have learned to put God’s Word into practice in my life.  I know with certainty that God loves me, cares for me, and has forgiven me.  Today I can say that I love God with all of my heart, I trust Him and I delight in worshipping Him.  My desire is to be with Him and to do His will.  Celebrate Recovery has taught me how to confess my sins. I am very aware of the presence of God in my life and I am excited to share this good news in my group, in my cell and wherever and whenever I can."

Thank you for being our partners in ministry. Together we are bringing the Good News to the lost and broken. Maybe you have no idea what Celebrate Recovery is all about, check out the movie “Home Run” on Netflix. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 

Blessings,

Cheryl & Francisco.

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Surprise Trip to Canada-Jun 2022

 

God opened the doors to return to Canada! My dad had been hospitalized due to COVID and I was able to pull off a surprise visit to be with him during his time of recovery. Not only did I see my dad, I saw many family members and friends. I was able to visit my sending church St. Albert Alliance and give an update about what God is doing in Mexico. I returned to Mexico filled to overflowing with joy!!!

                                                          "My dad John is feeling better"

Did you know God is the ultimate networker! I have fond memories of being at my sending church a few years back and while speaking with some dear friends they asked if I could use some Spanish bibles. At just that very moment Wayne Flaska was passing by and overheard my response, “Yes, I can always use Spanish bibles for ministry.” Wayne, just so happens to be part of the Gideons Society in Canada that give out bibles and evangelistic tools to increase the Kingdom of God. Since that unexpected engagement, many, many bibles and evangelical magazines have been shipped to us. Thank you, Wayne, for your faithfulness in partnering with us in ministry.

                                "Francisco is ready to hand out materials to the Church Planters"

Calvary Rosarito, our home church in Mexico has a Church Planting program that has sent out 33 church planters since opening their doors in 2002. Pastors and servant leaders have been sent out all over Mexico and other areas. What a huge blessing to pass on the bibles and evangelical tools from the Gideons to the new church planters.

                                                   " Pastor Victor and his wide Griselda"

Our dear friend Pastor Victor was recently sent out to plant a church through Calvary Rosarito. Let me share with you his story:

“During my time in Celebrate Recovery I found my treasured friends Rod & Cheryl Hoople and a new path in life. I was inspired by the program and served in CR as a translator, accountability partner, mentor and eventually taught the lessons at Large Group meetings. CR is a powerful program that can change your life, as it did mine. During my time in CR I had the opportunity to grow in many ways. Even though, in the beginning, I was sure I didn’t need the program, I went to the CR meetings because I knew I needed changes in my life. Today I write these words as an ordained pastor of Calvary Los Pampanos and a strong supporter of Celebrate Recovery.”

Pastor Victors wife Grizelda also went through Celebrate Recovery and here is her story:

“Celebrate Recovery? Me? Nah, I don’t need it!  I was sure that CR was meant for other people, not me. I wasn’t the one with a problem. I laugh now as I look back at how wrong I was. In CR, not only did I find the most loving hugs I’ve ever had, I found out how broken I am. I went through the program a few times and was blessed to serve by leading English speaking Step Study groups. It has been a privilege to evolve alongside my sisters in Christ in a safe and loving environment and acquire a better place on my spiritual path.”

You know the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It also takes a village to reach the lost and broken. You are part of that village as you pray and give to the Mexico Recovery Ministry. Your prayers have brought healing, wholeness and purpose to the lives of those around us. Thank you for being our partners in ministry.

Blessings,

Cheryl & Francisco

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Serving in Oaxaca-Apr 2022

Francisco and I had the opportunity to travel and visit friends in Oaxaca. Fellow missionaries Jon and Allison followed the calling placed upon their hearts to plant a church in the city of Oaxaca. It was a huge blessing to encourage them, serve alongside them and take part in a mini vacation with twenty plus people from their church family. It was fun, fun, fun!

Oaxaca holds a special place in our hearts. Allison served with Francisco in the Greeters Ministry at Calvary Rosarito. As Jon and Allison prepared to follow the call to serve in Oaxaca, Francisco started to pray about joining them on their new adventure of church planting. Francisco’s prayer was answered when we started dating. God had another plan! Francisco’s place in ministry is here at Calvary Rosarito as the Pastor of Celebrate Recovery. God knew Francisco had a history with Celebrate Recovery and a heart for the lost. Now we serve hand in hand reaching the lost and broken together. 

We have so many committed Celebrate Recovery leaders, facilitators and co-facilitators. Let me share with you about one lady that has become a huge asset to the ministry.

                    Ana and her husband Miguel "Rey Mysterio" Mexico's own legendary wrestler 

Ana joined us in the Prison Ministry a few years back. She came with energy, charisma and many gifts and talents. Ana serves in many areas of the Mexico Recovery Ministry which includes Prison Ministry. She is an Encourager Coach on our Celebrate Recovery TEAM, a Facilitator of a CR Spanish Women’s Step Studies group in our local church and in the Ensenada Prison and much, much more. We are so grateful for Ana and her dedication to the Mexico Recovery Ministry. 

Ana’s story: My name is Ana Luisa. I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ. I have survived cancer twice and am celebrating my recovery over unforgiveness. I still struggle with codependency, anxiety and negative thoughts. When I started Celebrate Recovery, I had a relationship with Jesus but discovered through the program that my heart was still attached to my hurts, hang-ups and habits. In CR I recognized that I was in DENIAL and POWERLESS, that I was wearing a mask pretending that "Everything was ok." My marriage and my family were in crisis. I carried so much resentment, frustration, anger, and sadness. I was exhausted! CR has been a great blessing in my life. I found a place where I can share my deepest secrets and not be judged. I’m still in recovery learning to trust more in my Higher Power, Jesus Christ. I can now offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for the damage that I have caused others. Today I no longer have to wear a mask. My favorite verse is Philippians 1:6 “And I am certain that God, who began a good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns”. Thanks for letting me share.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership in the Mexico Recovery Ministry. We have over 100 participants in CR Step Studies in our local church and by ZOOM this round. This is the fruit from your constant prayers and generous giving. Please pray for our Celebrate Recovery leadership TEAM for wisdom as the Mexico Recovery Ministry continues to expand. 

Blessings,  

Cheryl & Francisco

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CR Mexico is growing-Feb 2022

God has captured the hearts of people across Mexico to start Celebrate Recovery programs in their local churches. Nearly 100 people traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico to attend the 1st ever Annual Mexico Celebrate Recovery retreat for CR leadership. It was beautiful to learn from the powerful teachings and hear the amazing stories of how God has set CR leaders free from their hurts, habits and hang-ups. In turn people have a great desire to reach others with the healing power of Jesus using the CR materials.

                                            100+ Mexican Celebrate Recovery Leaders

Celebrate Recovery Mexico's 1st Annual Retreat showed our Calvary Rosarito CR TEAM the need to open our monthly Advanced Leadership Training by ZOOM to other CR leadership. January,15, 2022 our ALT training by ZOOM included 47 CR leaders from all across Mexico equipping themselves with practical tools to help their Celebrate Recovery programs in their local churches grow and thrive. Wow, God is amazing! 

 Many years ago, my deceased husband Rod had a dream to train and prepare church leadership on how to bring Celebrate Recovery into their local churches. Rod followed the calling that had been placed upon his heart and offered mobile training. He would hop in his truck with training materials and his trusty translator Alfredo and head out to local church’s that had expressed an interest in Celebrate Recovery. I can only imagine how excited he would be if he could see how modern technology has helped reach and train church leadership all across Mexico.

 

                                                                       Rod and Alfredo

Emilio Jose Salgado was in the last set of CR Step Studies offered at Calvary Rosarito. Let me share his story with you. "One Thursday night, along came a a man full of alcohol, in need of some clean clothing, and obviously hungry as he was seeking a bag of food from the church. Emilio ended up in our Celebrate Recovery information night and stayed through the whole meeting. He was personally invited to join the upcoming Celebrate Recovery Step Studies and given a participany guide."

Emilio receives his Celebrate Recovery certificate

To our surprise, Emilio faithfully accepted the invitation and showed up for the the Men’s Spanish CR Step Studies week after week with a smile on his face. Emilio found a forever family that has helped him grow in his relationship with Jesus and find freedom from alcohol and other dysfunctional behaviors that left him in bondage and pain for many years. He completed his 12 steps and rewarded with a certificate. Emilio is just one of the many who has found freedom, fellowship and a deeper walk with Jesus through Celebrate Recovery. 

Francisco and I count it an honor to have the opportunity to witness first hand the changes in the lives of the participants who join us on the Road to Recovery. God has been incredibly faithful in leading us in this direction in joining CR Mexico bringing healing and wholeness to the nation. There have been many changes in the Mexico Recovery Ministry these past couple years. It is when we stop and look back that we see God is up to something much bigger than we ever dreamed or imagined. We are so grateful for you, our partners in ministry. Thank you for your continued prayers, sacrificial giving and friendship.

Blessings,

Cheryl & Francisco

If you would like to join us financially in ministry, click on the side of the blog page that says:

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The Best Kind of Gifts-Dec 2021

Merry Christmas family and friends, It has been another amazing year. It is an incredible honor serving as missionaries in Mexico. We can’t begin to share with you how good God has been to us this year. We were showered with gifts, gifts that over whelmed us with God’s love. This Christmas we have so much to be thankful for. The gifts we received were not found under the Christmas tree, but they brought abundant joy!

-The gift of family-Francisco and I share children, grandchildren and our extended family. We are thankful for each one of them and the opportunities to see some in person and others by video chat. We are so thankful for modern technology! It helps us stay in touch! 

 

-The gift of friends-God has blessed us with many beautiful friends that walk beside us in ministry in many ways. Some encourage us, some support us financially and others pray for us and the Mexico Recovery Ministry. Thank you for being our partners in ministry. This year Francisco and I both celebrated our 65th birthdays. Thank you Ross and Val for a 7 day stay in Cancun in December. This will be a birthday we will never forget.

-The gift of service-Francisco went on his first mission trip to Guatemala. Many came to know Jesus personally. 36 years ago, I too went on my first mission’s trip to Guatemala, how cool is that? 

-There is one gift I forgot to mention. God gives us all Spiritual gifts. We have all been given a unique blend of gifts, skills and talents. It brings Francisco and I great joy in knowing God continues to allow us to use the gifts He gave us to serve hand in hand, as husband and wife, reaching the broken and lost in Mexico. We pray this Christmas you and your loved ones will find that gift that brings you great joy! Feliz Navidad, Cheryl & Francisco

Taxes! Each year many folks are looking to give end-of-year gifts as a possible way to help reduce their tax liability. If you are one of those folks, here are some things to keep in mind! Contributions mailed to CTEN must be postmarked no later than December 31st. Online credit card donations must be posted through the CTEN website no later than December 31st.

If you would like to join us financially in ministry, click on the side of the blog page that says:

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Freedom in Prison-Oct 2021

  Do people in prison deserve the misery they experience?

God loves all men and women no matter how far they have fallen. His plan is to use our brokenness to reach us with his great love and give us hope. Celebrate Recovery is filled with scriptures offering healing and forgiveness for those who have messed up lives.

By receiving God’s free gift of eternal life, inmates begin a new life of freedom, freedom from their past hurts, habits and hang-ups. Addictions are broken, memories are healed, and relationships are restored. God reaches out to all, including those who have rebelled against him.

Let me share with you a couple of heart felt stories: 

There is a young woman named Isabel (her name has been changed to protect her identity). She carried a lot of bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness as she replayed over in her mind the events that robbed her of her freedom and placed her behind bars.  Isabel showed absolutely no remorse for her actions! She mentioned she would do it all over again in order to protect her loved ones from being harmed.

Karla, Ana and I love serving "Our Girls" on the inside

Isabel joined our CRI (Celebrate Recovery Inside) group in the Ensenada Prison. She was one of the many who join us to get out of their cells. Isabel surrendered her heart to Jesus and made him the Lord of her life. She finally found a way to let go of the anger, deep seeded resentment and bitterness that stripped her of her peace and well-being.

Isabel has been in prison for almost two years and will soon be sentenced for her criminal act of violence. She rests knowing God has a plan and a purpose for her life. Isabel trusts, no matter the length of the sentence she is given, God is in control. She knows her time in prison will be used to instruct her on how to draw closer to Jesus.  Isabel will one day be released from this physical imprisonment, until then she has found spiritual and emotional freedom by placing her life in the hands of Jesus.

"I, Francisco, also made poor choices in my earlier years and paid the price by spending five months of confinement in jail. Being in captivity freed me from twenty years of heroin addiction and provided me the opportunity to invite Jesus into my life. That was 29 years ago and I have never looked back! God used the difficult circumstances in my life to bring me to the foot of the cross. My short time of imprisonment was life changing for me.  When I was released from jail I found Celebrate Recovery, a program that helped me grow in my new relationship with Jesus. Today I am the pastor of Celebrate Recovery in our local church. As a husband and wife team, Cheryl and I find it an honor to bring hope to the broken and lost."

The children and adults had a great time. Francisco was the black and red super hearo

                                         

Francisco recently returned from his 1st mission trip to Guatemala with Calvary Rosarito. Men, women and children came to know Jesus through street evangelism, Children's ministry, and other various modes of ministry. Francisco shared his beautiful adventures with me which reminded me of my 1st mission trip, which was also in Guatemala 36 years earlier. Isn't that cool!

Hope you can join us

Mark your calendars! Saturday October 23 from 9 am to 3:00 pm PST we will be hosting our annual bilingual Celebrate Recovery Networking Event livestreamed at Calvary Rosarito. Our keynote speaker, Mexico's Celebrate Recovery representative will be Cesar Villarreal Cervantes. You will receive tools and encouraging words on how to find peace in the midst of the storm and hear some powerful testimonies. If you are not able to join us in person click on this link

https://www.facebook.com/calvaryrosarito/

Thank you for partnering with us in the Mexico Recovery Ministry. There are plenty of others just like Francisco and Isabel that seek a second chance. It is an honor to partner with you in this ministry. Your prayers and gifts are making a difference in Mexico.

Blessings,

Cheryl & Francisco

If you would like to join us financially in ministry, click on the side of the blog page that says:

CLICK HERE to give online

A Day to Celebrate-Jun 2021

A special day in the history of the Mexico Recovery Ministry! Our Celebrate Recovery participants completed their Step Studies by ZOOM in April.  We had a dilemma.   What do we do next?  What COULD we do next?  May 13 marked the day that Mexico Recovery Ministry as we  launched a new set of step studies!

Our Celebrate Recovery Ministry servant leaders continue to bring Good News to people.  People need to know that forgiveness and healing are available. Forgiveness and healing are available from God for all when they place their trust in Jesus Christ.  ‘Lesson 1: Denial’ in the C R participants guide states, “We can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there.” Jeremiah 6:14 

People from various areas in Canada, USA, and Mexico want Step Studies by ZOOM.

People in our local church are asking when CR Step Studies Face to Face will start again.  They seem to want to forget the worldwide pandemic!  The fact that they are SO focused on wanting the CR Step Studies face to face is actually an incredible blessing.  God has them SO focused on growing in Christ that we should be able to work around ‘trivial’ pandemic challenges.  Unfortunately reality just does not agree!

That left our leadership TEAM with no choice but to recruit enough facilitators to pursue technology (ZOOM) and human interactions (Face to Face).  Obviously our primary focus has to be on using technology. We love how God is using COVID as a benefit to bring healing to his people.

Meet Stacy-facilitator of the English Women's Step Study by ZOOM

Stacy acknowledged her need to surrender her hurts, habits, and hang-ups to Jesus.  This year Stacey joined our Celebrate Recovery Step Studies in January.  She was able to join by ZOOM from Gilroy, California. Stacy was given freedom from bondage.  Being freed from bondage helped her draw closer to Jesus. Today, she has taken on the role of being a co-facilitator for the English Women’s Step Studies by ZOOM. Looking forward to serving with you Stacy.

Prison doors remain closed to religious groups!  While not to being able to visit “Our Girls” is frustrating, the fact that “our girls” are taking advantage of the opportunity to grow in their faith is priceless.

Shopping for toiletries for "Our Girls" on the inside

My Prison Ministry team may not be able to bring Celebrate Recovery to “Our Girls” on the inside to meet their spiritual needs, but we continue to travel to Ensenada to bring in donations to meet their physical needs. The prisons in Mexico do NOT supply toiletries for prisoners. If you are interested in joining us in donating funds to help provide toilet paper, laundry soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, feminine pads, shampoo, deodorant and bar soap we would love to partner with you in fulfilling these needs. Feel free to contact me or donate through CTEN’s website https://cten.org/missionary/cherylhoople/ 

COVID has been difficult for all of us. We can only imagine that “Our Girls” on the inside must feel abandoned by their family and friends.  COVID restrictions do have a tendency to play havoc with their minds.   Rest assured, we know Christ will not abandon them. We know Christ will comfort them.  Jesus Christ will comfort them in their pain, fear, and discouragement.  Jesus Christ will comfort them with the seeds of HOPE that were planted in their hearts before the pandemic hit.

On a personal note:

Francisco and I are doing great! With the borders closed, we are not able to visit family in Canada.  However we do very much treasure the visits we get from family that live closer.

 

Diego, Judy and Jerry preparing toiletries for "Our Girls" on the inside

    

Thanks for being our partners in ministry. Together we are reaching the broken and lost with the Good News.

Blessings,

Cheryl & Francisco

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