More Canadians Serving In Mexico-August 2006

”You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last.” John 15:16

The sun was shining and being able to sit and watch the boats on the harbor made for a beautiful spot on the shore to have a picnic. Mixed emotions filled the air. Today was the day our summer staff and volunteers would be returning home to their families. Each were delivered to the airport or picked up by family members with lasting memories and lives that will be forever changed.


Jessica, Kiely, Elizabeth, Angela, Alex, Mat

We thank God for blessing us so richly with the many fellow comrades that faithfully served at the Tijuana Outreach Center this summer. Their hard work, many prayers and devotion to serving were a part in ushering 561 Mexican people into the gates of eternity. Great job fellow missionaries!

Many of the youth from the groups that joined us had life changing experiences. Let me share some of them with you.

Amy writes:

When Brad (speaker) spoke about giving everything up to God, it really convicted me. I heard God clearly speaking to my heart. In our quiet time, I just broke down crying, and I still don’t know exactly why. I think I was just overwhelmed with God’s love for me. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, but I never understood that until now. I rededicated my life to Christ, and this time I made sure He knew He got all of me. And now my life will never be the same because it’s not mine, but it’s God’s.

Urryn writes:

God works in AMAZING ways! I was able to share the gospel with over 60 kids through my lesson. My heart was completely turned around. A girl named Cari touched my heart this week. I was blessed to share the simple Gospel message with her and she accepted Christ! I have always wanted to be a missionary to China and this week it was confirmed. I gave all my hopes and dreams to God and am heading to China when I am prepared.

It is exciting to see what God is doing in the lives of our youth as they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Soon other ministries that have been set aside for the summer will resume.
Part of this will be facilitating other Canadian missionaries coming on the field. One of our summer interns, Trevor from Red Deer is filling in his application. He is gifted in many areas including computers. August 31 the Mc Donald family from Loon Lake Saskatchewan will arrive as church planters. September 6 the Liebrecths from Calgary Alberta arrive at the Tijuana Outreach Center with servant hearts willing to help wherever needed.







Rebekah will enter into an all Spanish high school soon. Rod and I are excited about her opportunity to be in a setting where she can master Spanish as a second language. Who knows what the future holds.

Walking Through The Waters Of Baptism-July 2006

“Look around you! Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest.” John 4:35b

Hola,The day had finally arrived. I looked around and admired the design of the church. I had to be at least a couple hundred years old. The glass windows were intriguing and captured your attention. The regal columns and tall ceilings gave the church a sense of awe. This was a perfect church setting to celebrate such a joyous occassion.

Today, Edwardo would walk through the waters of baptism declaring to the world his faith and commitment to following Jesus Christ. It was not that many months ago that many prayers went up for Edwardo. His life of sin left behind a path of destruction in each life he touched.


Lupita (Edwardo's commonlaw wife) and I attended a bible study together at my neighbors. Lupita shed many tears as she shared openly about this man that dabbled in witchcraft, spent hard earned money on drugs that robbed their family from having food on the table and most painful of all left his family emotionally and physically damaged.

I remember well the first time meeting Edwardo and looking into his eyes. I did not see a man that was evil. In those gentle brown eyes was a man pleading for help.

Help came! When Edwardo was offered the healing power of having a relationship with Jesus Christ, he accepted it. Daily as he submits his life to walking a path of surrendering his life to the teachings of Jesus, he changes.

Today he walks a new path, one that senses the love of Jesus that continues to heal him from his past. Family and friends are forgiving him for past hurts. He asked for myself and others to keep him in our prayers that he would continue to stay strong in this new path.

Edwardo is just one of the many people that will receive this second chance this summer. Weekly many more Mexican people will recognize their need for a relationship with Jesus, the healer of our souls, as Canadians and Americans continue to join us in partaking of the Great Commission. We cherish your prayers as there are many more like Edwardo waiting for the opportunity to know Jesus in a personal way.

We know it is your prayers and support that keep our eyes focused on the purpose of our being here in Mexico. We are always grateful for those that come and join us in ministry during the busy summer months. Just lately Melissa from our home town of Legal came to work side by side with us. Thank you Melissa.

Serving In Two Different Countries

“I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Acts 2: 24 NLT

Anticipation filled every part of me as Rod and I drove to visit a friend I had not seen for quite some time. You see, my friend Marilyn lives in Canada, I live in Mexico and we met for coffee in the United States.

You may ask, “What is so special about this friend.” Nearly 24 years ago I sat at a small table in a lunch room at the place we worked. I had only known the Lord for a short time. Across from me was Marilyn openly sharing with me her present pain and struggles.

I had no solution for her other than how I had found comfort in my own life. I shared with her about my friend Jesus and how He had helped me through my difficult times. I then asked if she wanted Jesus to help her also.

After a short prayer, Marilyn committed her life to this Jesus I spoke of. Today Marilyn is also a missionary. Her Jewish heritage has given her a passion to reach out to her own people. Two people in two different countries, serving the same King.

Ready! Set! Go! These are the words we remember well when running a race. Yes, the summer has begun and the race is before us.

We began our summer with a great bunch of staff. Summer interns, returning staff from previous years and volunteers have joined us here at the Tijuana Outreach Center to serve wholeheartedly this summer.

After just one week of summer outreaches under our belts, we see great things taking place within our local Mexican churches. Last week alone we had 151 conferees join us for the summer outreaches and 173 Mexican people recognized their need for the love of Christ in their lives. WOW, and summer has just begun.

Rod, Rebekah and I want to thank you for your many prayers. After much searching we have found a school for Rebekah. She will attend the high school affiliated with the junior high school she now attends. After a brief visit with the principal today, Rod and I both breathed a sign of relief knowing she would be well taken care of. This school will be there to help her every step of the way with her education as well as improving her Spanish.

Rebekah’s grade 9 graduation ceremony and luncheon was a time of celebration by all. Rebekah had a GPA of 9.3 and received a pin for her efforts. Next year will be all Spanish hopefully she can continue to do as well.

We and all the staff here at YUGO continue to cherish your many prayers as we continue on this summer. It is your prayers that give each of us the strength to continue the race set before us.

An Addition To The Family-June 2006

“Your love for one another will prove that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 NLT

Twelve hours on the road, exhausted by the drive, the trip from Stony Plain, Alberta (where my parents live) to Burns Lake, British Columbia (where my daughter Jessica lives) was coming to an end. All the feelings of tiredness disappeared as I looked up and saw my four year old grandson Caleb standing at the window waving at us.


This was the beginning of five fun filled days with my grandbabies. We are no longer the grandparents of one, but two. Alyssa Jo Ann came into the world at 9 lbs 5 oz, May 1, 2006. Spending time with my Mom, Jessica, Ryan, Caleb and Alyssa was a wonderful way to end my one month stay in Canada.

It is always good to return to Canada to renew old friendships, get spoiled by family and get rested up for the upcoming busy summer months. Rod and I traveled back to Canada separately this year due to Rebekah’s schooling. Hopefully next year we will be traveling together as a family again.

This past weekend we took part in MISSIONS FEST Southern California. We were blessed and challenged as we learned more about other countries, cultures and people around the world. I am sure that many were motivated to answer God’s call to reach the lost.


Missions Fest California-Michelle, Andi, Jarad & Rebekah manning the booth
Scott Wesley Brown brought us into a place of worship that captured our souls. Plenary and seminar speakers shared about the countries torn by war, drug cartels, children at risk and Christians being persecuted for their beliefs. But despite these challenges the Christian church continues to grow.

YUGO provides a great opportunity for youth to experience short term, front line missions. Our prayer is that many will be motivated to serve God in missions and challenged to grow spiritually so they can impact the world for Christ.

Rod, Rebekah, I and the rest of the YUGO staff covet your prayers as we enter into another summer of evangelistic outreaches. It will not be easy as different people from different walks of life, with different ideas come together. In love for one another we will set aside our differences to aid in sharing the love of Jesus in Mexico.

Passion Brings Eternal Results-May 2006

"The Lord lives!Blessed be my rock! May God, the rock of my salvation be
exalted!" II Sam 22 4:7

Day by day changes were taking place. What began as a room that collected donations and junk was transformed into a warm inviting place to meet together, laugh together and enjoy the warm decor. Al & Evelyn have been busy renovating, painting and gardening. They came with servant hearts and well be missed by all at the Tijuana outreach center.


While Al & Evelyn were with us, their home church from Gospel Chapel,
Sylvan Lake came to join us in ministry in Mexico. Now this is what you call an energetic bunch. Six adults (eight including Al & Evelyn) and five children took part in several different ministries in three different churches. This included four medical clinics. Way to go Gospel Chapel!

This year the Canadian and US spring breaks fell at different times.This brought about the need to have yet another outreach to facilitate the Canadian teams. Youth and leaders from Center Street Church in Calgary, and Crossroads church in Red Deer plus a cell group from Indiana joined us in Mexicali to evangelize the local churches. Many Mexican will have eternal effects from these that were so passionate to serve.

April 11,2006 Leaders Meeting
Easter/Spring Outreach
26 people made commitments to follow Christ during the first day of ministry

I journaled this information the first week of our second set of outreaches. The week just got better and better. Let me share with you the response from one of our volunteers after I asked him how his day went. Joe told me his day was awesome today five gave their hearts to the Lord in the Sports Ministry he was involved in the park. He shard that after playing games with the youth they then entered into a bible study. One man walked up to them with crutches. He stopped and listened then asked, "What do I have to do to become a Christian"

The park Joe was situated in is a hang out for two gangs. The little brother of a gang leader saw his need to have Jesus as part of his life but his older brother was not ready to give up his life style. Joe shares that they met other Christians that watched the team this past week and want to continue on when the teams return to Canada and the US. May they be filled with boldness and wisdom as they share their faith.

Rebekah has been such a blessing with the teams. She often goes out with then teams and interprets for them. With each team many friends are made. How many youth do you know that e-mail people all over the US and Canada?

Rod and Rebekah will man the fort in Tijuana while I go back to Canada. I will leave Easter morning with my parents. Our daughter Jessica and son in law Ryan are expecting our second grandchild any day now. How I look forward to spending time just being a grandma for a time and catching up with family and friends.

Language Is Not A Barrier For Love-March 2006

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” I Corinthians 13:7

The phone rang! My neighbor, in her broken English shared this prayer request. Pray for Margarita. She just received a call. Either she hand over a large sum of money or her two daughters will be kidnapped. Margarita is a Mexican woman with great wealth.

You can only imagine the fear that is penetrating the heart of this distraught women and her family members. Margarita is a fairly new Christian. She has just recently exchanged a life style of idol worship for a relationship with Christ Jesus. This situation will stretch her faith as she sees the hand of God move on her behalf.

This is only one of the many prayer requests that the women of our Tuesday night bible study bring to the table. In faith each week, we come together and grow together as we study God’s word and pray.

It was February 14, Valentines day, when I shared openly with the ladies that I received so much more from them than I could ever give. They have opened their hearts to a stranger from a foreign land. Language is not a barrier for love.

Week after week I watch these women diligently come to learn more about this Jesus that has set them free from the bondages of idolatry, incest, physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse and the list goes on.

They come from a small village steeped in poverty. Poverty according to your standards and mine, but not theirs. They may live in tiny houses, but they have a bed to sleep in. They have barely enough money to put tortillas on the table, but never go hungry.


Does this rob them from their joy? No, as long as they are fed, have a roof over their heads and have one another they are satisfied. I can learn much from these precious women.

Their infectious smiles and contagious laughter would cause anyone to question where their joy comes from. They would be the first to tell you that their joy comes from knowing and serving the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Rod will soon return to us and the work God has called us to in Mexico. We were separated 4 ½ weeks. While in Canada attending Missions Fests, visiting churches and groups Rod shared with many God’s heart for the lost. Many have responded to the call.

My days were filled with contacting groups, tweeking plans and preparing for those that are coming to share the love of Christ with the Mexican people. Gospel Chapel from Sylvan Lake Alberta, Center Street Church from Calgary Alberta, Emmanuel CRC from Langley British Columbia and Cross Roads Church from Red Deer Alberta are just a few that will be the hands and feet of Christ to the Mexican people in the month of March.

It is you, our partners in ministry that give us the strength to continue to do what God has called us to do. Your prayers, words encouragement and faithful giving are the backbone of this ministry.

An Early Christmas-January 2006

“But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” Acts 2: 24 NLT


A little face looked up at me beaming from ear to ear as he clutched his Project Joy shoe box. The days were full handing out over 1,000 gifts at different events. Many groups and individuals from all over Canada and the US joined together in a common purpose of finding just the right toys that brought about great joy for the needy children of Mexico. For some this may be the only gift they will receive.

Christmas came early for the Hoople family! A group of 25 from Santa Anna, California came to Mexico with hearts set on serving. They tackled many projects that needed attending to here at the ranch. One of them was to build a shed to house Rod’s tools. Thank you Calvary Church, you did a great job.

The building of the shed is the first step in cleaning out the common room just outside our apartment to prepare to transform the room into a staff lounge and meeting room. Do you know of a group wanting to be involved in a project? Let us know! The needs here in Mexico are always plentiful.

As Rod, Rebekah and I reflect back to 2005, we can see God’s hand in our lives. We have much to be thankful for in the time we have been here in Mexico serving with YUGO Ministries. We continue to have a passion to share what God is doing in Mexico through ordinary folks such as yourself. Many have come and left challenged to go deeper in their faith and service for Christ.

“We have an awesome privilege to be part of the devine labor taking place on earth. God doesn’t need our help, but He wants to incorporate our small contribution into His Master plan.” Author Unknown

Rebekah is doing very well in school. She is an honor student surrounded by lots of good friends. Due to her schooling Rod will return to Canada for the month of February on his own. He will represent YUGO Ministries in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton Missions Fests as well as share in churches and small groups. I will remain in Mexico to man the fort and be sure Rebekah is able to get to and from school daily.

The Greatest Gift Ever Given-December 2005

“I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:10,11

The sun seemed to be smiling as I drove down the highway. Glancing at the waves on the beach always brings a feeling of peace and a yearning for more time to enjoy this marvelous creation.

As I entered the store, the sight of Christmas trees and festive décor caught my eye. Memories of past Christmases flooded my thoughts. Candlelight services on Christmas Eve with my family, Christmas morning gift opening after reading the Christmas story with our girls and sharing dinner with the whole Hoople clan on Christmas day. So many rich memories spent with family and friends.



We spent Christmas in Arizona with my (Cheryl) parents John and Gerry

Then the revelation of the greatest gift ever given came to mind. God sent His son into this world as a gift for all of us! Wow, what a reason to celebrate!

This past year serving the Mexican people has given us great purpose and joy. Daily we recognize we are where we are called to be. Rod, Rebekah and I pray that each of you will be filled with blessings of peace and joy this Christmas season.

Mexico Is Home-November 2005

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and He will repay you!” Proverbs 19:7

Today is Sunday. We had not been to church for a couple weeks due to other commitments. As we arrived we were warmly greeted by our Mexican friends. Soon the sound of worship music filled the air. We were embraced with the feelings of being at home. Yes, Rod, Rebekah and I had just recently shared with each other that Mexico is home.

The message on this particular Sunday morning encouraged us to trust God in our trials. Pastor Mike asked us to remember back one year ago to the trials we were in during that period of our lives. He shared that by walking through the trials and persevering we would be strengthened. It was at this part in the service that Rebekah whispered in my ear and reminded me of the many tears shed when we first moved to Mexico just over a year ago.

The service ended as it did every week with an alter call inviting those that do not know Jesus to come and be prayed for. A young man stood up and walked bravely to the front of the church to pray a prayer of faith asking Jesus to come into his life. This is a regular occurrence on Sunday mornings. Soon this young man and many others that have bravely walked up to the front of the church to be prayed for will be baptized in the ocean followed by a fiesta on the beach.

It is witnessing this hunger in the Mexican people to know Jesus and having the opportunity to be a small part helping them acknowledge their need for a personal relationship with Jesus that excites us about being missionaries in Mexico. And having people like you join us in ministry through taking part in being the hands and feet of Christ with the Mexican people is such a blessing to us.

Part of what we do between outreaches is to stay in contact with U.S. and Canadian churches guiding them into ministries that would best fit with their church body. Some choose construction projects while others want to evangelize or take part in Mercy Ministries.


Keith and Jayne Fenton organized the collection of back packs from St. Albert Alliance Church

St. Alberta Alliance Church from Alberta Canada collected over 400 pounds of school supplies and backpacks. My parents John and Gerry graciously offered to bring the school supplies, back packs and many other boxes of various items to a meeting place in Yuma Arizona. From here we will take them back to Mexico and distribute them to the many needy children in Tijuana and Mexicali.


The Janet Pomeroy Center in San Francisco just donated vans to YUGO. People’s church from Fresno California got wind of a thirft store that was going out of business. Their church body loaded up a semi trailer of clothes that were donated and delivered to YUGO. And the list goes on.

You may ask how you can reach out to the Mexican children. Project Joy is a unique Christmas ministry that invites individuals of all ages to give gift-filled shoeboxes to poor children in Mexico. For more information, or to request a starter kit, please email us at projectjoy@yugomail.org. You may also visit us on our website at www.yugo.org/projectjoy.htm.

With Christmas just around the corner, the excitement of giving is already filling the air. Rod, Rebekah and I want to thank you for your continued support, words of encouragement and many prayers

Give Thanks to The Lord-October 2005

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what
He has done.” Psalm 105:1

October is a time to give thanks to the Lord for the harvest. In the last year we at YUGO Ministries have had 2084 participants come to Mexico (Tijuana, Mexicali and Acuna) to evangelize. As a result 1632 Mexican people made decisions to become Christians. Wow, what a year!

This summer began with a flurry of activities all around us. Staff could be heard talking and laughing. A young lady ventured on to the property and introduced herself to us as Barb. She is fifteen years of age and lives just down the road. Barb speaks perfect English and after a short conversation it was evident that she loves the Lord.

Rebekah and Barbara quickly disappeared together. Could it be that this young lady had been here all along? How good God is to have a friend Rebekah’s age living so close by. We are blessed and have much to be thankful for.

Within days I brought Rebekah to visit Barbara and meet her family. Barb’s mom Sylvia shared with me how Barb too felt lonely and was excited for the girls to get to know each other. Then she shared her story with me how she came to know and love Jesus.

At four years of age Sylvia attended a feeding program that was founded by some local missionaries. The missionaries not only distributed food to the children they also shared the love of Jesus (much like the feeding program YUGO started in the local church here in Lomas San Antonio). It was here that Sylvia accepted Jesus into her heart.

Sylvia got into a church that encouraged her to read her bible daily and pray often so she could grow in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Today Sylvia has a great love for Jesus, her family and her people. She holds bible studies in her home and invites her neighbors to come and find out about this Jesus that means so much to her.


These are the ladies I will study the bible with. Indolisa,Cheryl,Lupita,Silvia

This winter I will join Sylvia at these bible studies reaching out to the neighbors. Learning more of the language and the culture is a goal for our family for this coming year.

Rebekah attends a school that has an English program just 20 minutes from here. I carpool with Sylvia as the girls attend schools just minutes apart from each other. God had a plan when He brought us to this location in Mexico.

Our time in Canada was great. When we arrived at the airport we were greeted by our daughter Jessica with the good news that our second grandchild will be born in April. This was such exciting news. We took part in a family reunion. It was good to reconnect with long lost cousins, Aunts, Uncles.

1,300 Came To Know Jesus-September 2005

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink-even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk-it’s all free! Why spend your money on for that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good. Listen, and I will tell you where to get food for the soul! Isaiah 55:1, 2 (NLT)


Rod & Brian planning their trip across the border.

Rod and Brian (YUGO missionary) jumped into a van to cross the border to pick up the speaker for the upcoming outreach at the San Diego airport. Unfortunately Rod did not have his passport with him. To his dismay, he was not allowed entry into the United States.

As I, Rod walked back into Mexico I thought about how all alone I was in a city of two million plus people. I did remember a taxi stand where we rode to the downtown area of Tijuana with our summer staff earlier in the year. So off I went. As I took a few wrong turns, I was fearful it would soon get dark. I began praying for Gods help. This man approached me and offered a woman (oops wrong area) I declined but accepted his directions as he told me the next street over was the one I wanted. I caught a cab and phoned Cheryl to pick me up at the bottom of the cement hill on the way to our house.

I, Cheryl went driving down the bumpy roads to rescue Rod from having to walk up the steep hill. I spotted him! Just behind him was a lady I recognized from our neighborhood church. I stopped and offered her a ride also. She spoke no English and we spoke some Spanish, enough to find out where she lived.

I tried not to stare as I noticed how her face had become so deformed since the first time I had seen her. She was now missing an eye as well as having open sores all over her face. “Could it be skin cancer?” I asked myself. “Could these open sores not be stopped? What kind of medical care was there for those that were so poor?” These were the questions that rolled around in my mind. “Eeks! Would she soon lose the other eye?”

I came back to reality when I heard her say, “Aqui.” meaning here in Spanish. We dropped her off at the humble structure she called home. She showed her gratitude by reaching out and hugging me whispering “Dios te bendiga” God bless you in Spanish, in my ear. And then to my surprise she kissed me on the cheek.

A part of me felt I should have been repulsed by the open sores that covered her face. Another part of me was in awe at the joy and gratitude this woman conveyed for picking her up and driving her home. “Would I have that much joy if I was that sick?”

Eva has a personal relationship with Jesus that gives her joy in the midst of many trials. This summer over 1,300 came to the knowledge of their need for a relationship with Jesus.

Morinville Alliance Church, Muir Lake Alliance Church, Devon Alliance Church from Alberta and Faith Baptist from Regina are Canadian churches and are just a few of the many churches that joined us in ministry this past 10 weeks of ministry. Morinville Alliance holds a special place in our hearts as this is the youth group that Rebekah attended when we lived in Canada.

Rebekah and her new friend Barb took on the challenge of translating for the Canadian team that went to our local church in Lomas San Antonio to reach out to the Mexican people. This is also Eva’s home church. I asked and found out she had not attended the woman’s ministry activities. Maybe she did not have the strength to walk the distance to the church.

Rod, Rebekah and I will go back to Canada for three weeks in September. We are excited about seeing family and friends. We will take part in a family reunion and many other gatherings that will bring us up to date on what’s happening in the lives of those we love and care for.