Celebrating on the Inside-May 2012

“…all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord!” Philippians 3:8 With summer just around the corner the staff at the ROC(Rosarito Outreach Center)have been busy preparing for folks like you to join in on the summer ministry. Summer is a prime time of the year when many join our YUGO staff during their summer vacations seeking to serve the Mexican people. We are excited to see what God has up his sleeve for this coming summer. Come and join us so you too can make a difference in the lives of the Mexican people for eternity. Sponge Bob was enjoyed by all. Mexico celebrates Day of the Children as well as Mothers Day and Fathers Day. Our Prison Ministry team had the pleasure of serving and celebrating as children and parents were reunited. “Our Girls” (female inmates) created special character costumes that were a real hit! Sponge Bob was high on the favorite list. Wendy (volunteer) helped make and decorate cakes for Mother Day! Fun was had by all as the female inmates were honored on their special day complete with drama, music, worship, a luncheon and fine fellowship. Every event is sprinkled with God’s love and a message of everlasting hope. Moses was asked to deliver God’s people and tell them God loved them. David was asked to reign over the people and tell them God loved them. Rod and I were asked to go to Mexico and let the Mexican people that God loves them. What an incredible opportunity.

Back in the Prison-Apr 2012

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Excitement stirred deep within me as we worshipped and prayed driving down the coastline to the Ensenada Prison. Today was my first day back in ministry with our Prison Ministry Team! I longed to see the smiling faces and exchange embraces with “Our Girls”. We had just walked through the last set of locked doors when Commandante Margarita approached us. She asked me to speak with one of the new prisoners. To my surprise a blond haired, blue eyed women stood beyond the prison bars. As I spoke she began to cry stating, “You speak English.” As the day progressed I was able to introduce Branzley to my dearest friend Jesus, as only Jesus can give us hope in times of hopelessness.

God has a plan for our lives. He created each of us with talents and abilities. He uses these gifts to guide and direct us to fulfill His purposes. I assure you He has a plan for Branzley’s life. What was meant for bad, He used for good so Branzley could hear about a God that loves her. I can only imagine what plans God has in store for Branzley in the years to come.

God continues to send us those that are willing to use their gifts and talents to advance His Kingdom. In March we had three women from Lamont Alliance Church and our new Rosarito Outreach Center staff join us on a Vision Trip (a taste of missions). Each served with passion at a medical clinic and a feeding program reaching out to those with physical needs, praying for the sick, feeding the hungry. Each person encouraged every life they touched! We are thankful for those that come and allow Jesus to use them to be His hands and feet reaching out to the Mexican people.

Diane, Michelle, Nic, Justin, Caitlin, Fraser and Jane
Heading to Ensenada for a Cultural Day

Diane and Justin serving at the Breakfast Feeding Program at Vista de Valle church in East Tijuana

Marina (translator), Mexican National seeking medical help, Jane (Lamont)
Jane was one of the two nurses who came from Canada to hold medical clinic in East Tijuana

We are grateful each one of you being a part of our family partnering with us in ministry as we serve in Mexico!

The Cry of God's Heart-Feb 2012

What in the world is God doing? How to get involved in World Missions! Go…receiving God’s heart for the world! Answering the cry of God’s heart! These are just a few of the seminars you might have attended at Missions Fest Vancouver, Winnipeg or Edmonton. Those that attended are taking what they have learned and are going out into the world to take part in bringing God’s love to the lost. What a blessing it was for us to work alongside other missions organizations, opening the doors so ordinary people like you and I can have the opportunity to do things they never thought they could do or go places they never expected to visit.

Our time in Canada has gone by very quickly. Before we know it we will be back in Mexico entering back into frontline ministry. I look forward to reuniting with my Prison Ministry team. Rod on the other hand is especially excited about this upcoming summer as he works with a team preparing to host youth groups that will walk along with local pastors bringing a message of God’s love to the people of Mexico. Staff will be taught to trust God as they raise their own support, learn to walk in unity as a team and serve those around them. God has placed a call upon the hearts of our staff and volunteers. They are willing to follow God, no matter what the cost.

Serving God through global missions is a life changing experience. As we and the YUGO staff prepare to do the background work so teams, families and individuals can be involved in world missions we ask for your prayers that this summer will make a difference for eternity. How about you? Do you have any plans for this summer? We would love to have you come join our staff in a short term mission trip. You won’t regret it and will leave Mexico forever changed!

The Bartell and Penner families are our most recent Canadian missionary candidates. Both families joined our YUGO staff on a short term mission trips and God got a hold of their hearts. They are now raising support so they too can join our YUGO family in serving the Mexican people.

Thanks Len and Sarah for your love and dedication for the Mexican people and joining us in representing YUGO at Mission Fest Vancouver.

Thanks to the Penner family for house-sitting for us in our absence and serving alongside our YUGO staff in Mexico.

Another Amazing Year in Mexico! Jan-2012

“Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are the joy and the crown I receive for my work.” Philippians 4:1

What an amazing start to another awesome year! We brought the New Year in with family and grand children. It was a memory that will live deep within our hearts for many years to come!

Since our return to Canada, so much has happened in such a short time. Rebekah completed from her LPN course and the Pinning Ceremony was wonderful.

Shortly after these joyous events we have also had great opportunities to reconnect with many of you, catching up over coffee, hearing what is happening within your lives and sharing what God is doing in our lives as we continue to serve in Mexico.

Bernie & Helen (dear friends and mentors), Cheryl & Rod

2011 was full of exciting quests. In the prison alone I can look back and see how God’s hand was at work in the lives of “Our Girls”. Rod completed his 3rd semester of Bible School and is anticipating his final semester next fall. He is part of a team that are already preparing for this summer’s ministry opportunities.

Our Prison Ministry team participated in two events in December. December 19 was declared a Fun Day complete with the movie Evan Almighty, popcorn (with salsa), candy and drinks. Laughter could be heard across the prison as “Our Girls” enjoyed themselves immensely. The second event was the prison’s annual Christmas Fiesta on December 22. The story of the birth of Jesus was a portrayed in a drama that touched the hearts of many. Food, fun and fellowship followed a captivating Christmas message about the birth of our Savior Jesus. Our Prison Ministry team handed out 105 personal care item gifts to all the female inmates. Thank you for your generosity! Many of you have donated items and financial gifts so we can continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the lives of these precious women.

Lupita (I call her Beautiful) grasped unto the Lord and allowed Him to change her from the inside out. Through the Celebrate Recover Program she learned to forgive those that hurt her and found forgiveness for herself for the harm she did to others. Lupita became one of our Celebrate Recovery leaders on the inside after completing the course. She was a mentor to many around her with her devotion and love for God. Recently the prison did some shuffling around of prisoners and Lupita and 7 others from our CR group have been moved to other prisons. Some of the inmates have been together for many years. They became a family unit. Our prayer is that Lupita and others will use the information they have learned in CR and continue to reach out to the women around them in new surroundings. My friend “Beautiful”

Rod and I continue to meet with churches, groups and individuals and are looking forward to the new found friends we will meet at Mission Fests as we share about YUGO Ministries. If you have not had a chance to meet with us and would like us to share with you what God is doing in Mexico, feel free to call us at 780-628-2415 or e-mail us hoopleshideaway@gmail.com.

Our Greatest Gift-Dec 2011

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! And she will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel which means ‘God is with us’.
Merry Christmas,

Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to be at his Father’s side one moment and wrapped in rags in a manger the next! The King of the universe placed His son in the care of a peasant girl and a carpenter. No frills, no ornate decor, just a straw filled manger in an old barn complete with some barn animals. Jesus was born over 2,000 years ago and the celebration of his birth has continued strong across the world today. God loves each of us so much that He sent us the greatest gift we could ever imagine, His Son Jesus Christ.

Rod and I are delighted we were able to celebrate this special occasion with family members this Christmas Season in Canada. It had been 5 years since we celebrated Christmas with our grandchildren.

Each volunteer, donor, visitor and prayer warrior have brought gifts into the ministry. Look what we have accomplished by sharing our gifts with others! Women in prison receive personal item gifts regularly and are being set free from destructive behaviors, turkeys were donated and distributed to orphans and those in need so they could enjoy a beautiful Christmas dinner and many have received the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ sent to earth to bring us hope and eternal life. I could go on and on sharing what others have done to reach out to our friends in Mexico. Your support does make a difference. Thank you! We pray that your time celebrating the birth of Jesus with your family and friends will be filled with peace and joy!

A New Man in My Life-Oct 2011

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because He trusted me and gave me this work of serving Him.” I Timothy 2:12

Laughter consumed us as we revisited the past! You see, Pat and I had worked together over 30 years ago. She recounted how I came to work one day and shared with her I had found a new man in my life. Her curiosity got the best of her as she anxiously asked, “Who is this new man in your life that brought you such joy?” I personally do not remember the conversation, but obviously it left an impression on Pat when my response to her was, “I met Jesus.”

Pam & Pat prepared personal item gift bags for the female inmates and are ready to give them out

What an honor to have had Pat and her good friend Pam join me on a week of ministry. Straight off the plane we headed to the local stores to pick up supplies for the ministry opportunities Pat & Pam would take part in. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner catching up on old news together before making gift bags for the women in the prison and toy/candy bags for the children.

Pam & Pat preparing lunch for the feeding program

Pat and Pam raised funds in Canada and were able to touch the lives of many in Mexico through the generosity of others. “Our Girls” in the Ensenada Prison received personal item gift bags after being taught a craft, over 30 children took part in enjoying a hardy meal and left the feeding program of Vista de Valle church with a gift bag filled with candy and toys. These are just a few of the activities Pat and Pam took part in during their Vision Trip to El Faro. Some are called to pray, others are called to give and some like Pat and Pam were called to go. Thank you Pat and Pam! You have touched the lives of many with your generosity and servant hearts.

Thank you Pat & Pam from the children of the Vista de Valle Church feeding program

C R Forges Forward-Sept 2011

“God can give you more blessing than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything-enough to give to every good work.” II Corinthians 9:8

My heart was bursting with pride as we handed out diplomas to the 19 women that graduated from our second year of the Celebrate Recovery program. It was a beautiful day filled with a time of worship, cake, ice-cream, a drama, special guest speakers and gifts for all. This year we had 35% of the women from within the prison attending the CR program. Next year we are praying we will have 50% of the women attending.

Some of the CR graduates

CR leaders inside and our Prison Ministry Team

The CR graduation was just 1 out of 3 events we had in an 8 day period. The prison asked us to prepare and serve cakes, drinks and gift bags for the seniors that were being honored for Seniors Day. The whole event was very touching as one man looked much like my own grandpa Szott (with a great tan, mind you).

For the last event we were given a “special invitation” by the government of Mexico to take part in celebrating the graduation of the inmates that completed educational courses. Our girls were smiling from ear to ear as they proudly waved their diplomas.

THE STORE HOUSE IS FULL!!!
While Rod is back in Bible School, the days are filled with different activities. One task that has been very rewarding, is having completed bringing across all the Prison Ministry donations that were stored in the cargo trailer in San Diego. Prison Ministry team member Barb (YUGO missionary) has been a blessing gathering and sorting with me. The supplies have all been stored and are ready for making gift bags for the female prisoners. You helped fill that cargo trailer with the gifts that were received by the women. The women asked me to say THANK YOU to each of you on their behalf.

Barb & Cheryl unpacking Prison Ministry donations

Your ongoing support and prayers allow us to be here in Mexico doing what God has called us to do. THANK YOU!!!

Wedding in Canada-Aug 2011

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us.” And I said, “Here I am, send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Rod and I made a quick trip back to Canada. in August to celebrate a very special day. On August 20, 2011 our youngest daughter Rebekah married Eric Le Clair. It was a beautiful wedding ceremony. As I write the newly weds are off on their honey moon!!! Thanks to the many that helped make Eric and Rebekah’s wedding day special.

The happy couple!

Summer came and summer went! Kimberly from Westlock Gospel Chapel(15 minutes from where we lived in Canada) stated, “I learned that you can still have a relationship with someone even though there is a language barrier. YUGO has helped me understand that a Christian has a job to do. They are not supposed to sit around, read their bibles and go to church. They are supposed to go out and tell the gospel to all people. Whether it be around the world or at the grocery store. I also learned that we aren’t supposed to be scared of dying,in fact we are to look forward to and dwell on it. YUGO has helped me grow in my Christian walk with Jesus a lot more.” Kinberly and many other youth joined YUGO staff in sharing about the love of Jesus with the Mexican people. It was a great summer!

Westlock Gospel Chapel

“The Father Heart of God” was the theme of our first annual Prison Ministry Retreat in the Ensenada Prison. Women’s lives were touched as they heard the truth about our Heavenly Father. You can only imagine the distorted view many of these women have of fathers. Many were abandoned as young children, others did not grow up with fathers, some were severely abused, forsaken, ignored and the list goes on and on. The truth unfolded, Our Heavenly Father loves each one of us unconditionally. Women began to weep and experience healing as they stepped forward forgiving those that caused great pain in their lives. We entered the prison with a special luncheon and gifts containing personal items for each of the women. It was a day that will be remembered by many!!!.

Nine Baptised-July 2011

“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.” Matthew 13:13

After passing through our final set of locked doors, Comandante Alicia (head prison official) escorted us to a cell where Eva was lying on her side. Despair and anguish were written all over Eva’s face. Weeks earlier Eva’s family came to visit. Separation and loss from family drew Eva into a deep depression. It had been three weeks since Eva had eaten anything and the guards were concerned. This incident gave our Prison Ministry team the opportunity to pray and see God answer prayer on Eva’s behalf. The following week Eva came back to the Celebrate Recovery group. There was great joy as we embraced her and welcomed her back.

Our open door policy of inviting new inmates to join us in the CR program allows new comers to hear the message of love and hope with the opportunity to come to know this Jesus that brings healing to body, soul and mind. Women grasp the new relationship with Him and soon recognize the next step is to be baptized as a public declaration that they have turned from their old ways and are now walking with Jesus. Songs of joy and dancing filled the chapel of the prison June 20, 2011. 9 women walked through the waters of baptism.

Baptised in the prison


God continues to send teams, staff and the volunteers needed to do the work He sets before us. The evangelism and construction teams have been busy. Two houses have been erected and the local communities are hearing the message “God loves you!” YUGO staff led an outreach at the Cristo Rey Church in Rosarito. Rod enjoyed setting aside leadership responsibilities to take part in the staff outreach. Many thanks to our friend Donna from Canada for joining us in ministry this summer doing whatever task is placed before her.

House #2 @ the Rosarito Outreach Center

NOTE- If you have been collecting Prison Ministry supplies for us to bring back to Mexico, please contact Gerry Moore (780-907-4735) so you can plan a drop off time with him at St. Alberta Alliance Church. All items must be at the church before August 12 so the trailer can be filled. Here is the list of needs one more time:

-Toothpaste and toothbrushes
-deodorant (no roll on or spray)
-Rolls of toilet paper
-heavy grey sweatpants or sweatshirts
-Shampoo (NO conditioner)
-sanitary napkins (not tampons)
-White socks
-white t-shirts (no color whatsoever)
-Blankets
-Spanish study bibles

The Freedom of Forgiveness-June 2011

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Dear Family and Friends,

Nayeli looked into Silvia’s eyes and tears began to trickle down her face as she asked Silvia to forgive her. Both women embraced! You see, outside the prison walls these two women detested each other. Each bore children from the same man. This day Silvia and Nayeli found freedom as we completed Lesson 19 in the Celebrate Recovery Program on “Forgiveness”. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others. It was beautiful to be in this particular Celebrate Recovery group witnessing God’s healing power in the lives of these two women. They got it!!!!

It never ceases to amaze me how God has placed a love in the hearts of our Prison Ministry Team for the women within the Ensenada Prison. Our PMT openly shares about a God that loves each of us, no matter how appalling our pasts may be. It is not our place to dwell on the criminal acts the women in the prison have committed. It is our place to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ loving and caring for the inmates while leading them towards freedom as they walk the road of recovery.

Many of the women openly share their pasts which allows us to see why they were driven to take part in the actions that eventually led them into prison. The ability to rise above the circumstances around them has been buried deeply, deeper than you and I can imagine. But, not so deep that God can not reach down and draw them to Himself. You and I may see some of these women as unreachable, but God sees value in the most wicked and corrupt person. We continue to patiently cheer them on into greater levels of maturity so they can withstand the upcoming challenges that will surround them. One day these women will walk through the locked doors of the prison into the arms of the world.


Matt, Anamda, Laura, Brianna & Nate

YUGO staff has been busy preparing for the upcoming summer Evangelistic Outreaches at the ROC (Rosarito Outreach Center). Rod and I crossed into the US to pick up our Summer Staffing Team (SST) of three from the airport. Amanda and Matt have committed to mentoring our SST’s and summer intern volunteers, who will serve as support staff experiencing and learning more about missions. Our SST’s, summer volunteers and YUGO staff are in place and all are ready for a great summer!


We had the privilege of having Rebekah visit us for her last trip to Mexico as a single woman. It was awesome to take part in shopping trips seeking out wedding supplies for her and Eric’s big day. We even had a bridal shower for her where her friends from Mexico could gather together and congratulate her and reconnect. Rod was able to join in on the special celebration as he was our chef grilling the carne asada (thin steak Mexican style).

In August Rod and I will return to Canada once again with the cargo trailer. Our desire is that the cargo trailer will be filled to overflowing with personal items for the female inmates (there is still room for you or your Church to get involved). Right after Rebekah and Eric’s wedding in August, we will return to Mexico so Rod can continue his studies in the Ensenada Bible College. Looks like a busy summer on the horizon!

Reuniting Families-May 2011

“But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.” Galatians 3:22

Men and women could be seen searching every face, anxiously awaiting the arrival of loved ones. Children, grandchildren, moms, dads, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles were overjoyed to be able to see family members. “Dia de los Niño’s” (Day of the Children) was a big event held at the Ensenada Prison. Families of inmates joined together to celebrate the day packed with exciting activities including jump houses, food and fine fellowship. It was a day to remember! One man’s eyes welled with tears when he saw his young daughter. How long had it been since they had seen each other? For some inmates it is weeks, others it is months and then there are others that do not see their family members for years.

Dias de los Niño’s was one of many events held in the Ensenada Prison this past month. Each event carries a message of God’s love. Each person is given the opportunity to get to know God personally. How beautiful to see people recognize their need for our Heavenly Father. A father that reaches out, encouraging his children to walk a path that will lead them to peace in the midst of their surroundings. I can’t imagine how some withstand the conditions in a third world prison with out His love and support.


Lorianne, Silvia, Cheryl, Jose Luis, Barb and Liz kneeling-Ensenada Prison

We are thankful to those that continue to join us on Vision Trips. Liz, Ruth and Lorianne spent an adventurous week with us in El Faro. The week consisted of two Prison Ministry events (10 people came to know Jesus personally during these events), a Cultural Day in downtown Ensenada, serving lunch at a breakfast feeding program in East Tijuana and spending time with children at two different orphanages. I am sure the women returned to Canada exhausted, but I assure you they left a piece of their hearts behind in Mexico. Great job ladies!!!!


Liz, Ruth and Lorianne after a busy week of ministry

During one of the many Prison Ministry events this past month, a prison guard shared the story of one of the inmates in our program. All the guards know her story and agree she does not belong in the prison. Jasso is in prison due to false accusations. In the bible there is a story similar to Jasso’s story. A man named Paul goes to prison because he is a believer in Jesus Christ and becomes a great encouragement to the other inmates around him. Jasso is the most incredible women I have ever met! Her heart to serve and mentor the women inmates never ceases to amaze me. She is a true example of a servant and follower of Jesus. She is the prison chaplain, shepherd and care giver to those around her.

We are thankful for Jessica (college student and summer intern for YUGO) for setting up a shoe drive at the Point Loma College in San Diego and collecting tennis shoes for the male inmates. The Director of the prison continues to share with us the desperate need for new or slightly used sneakers for the male inmates. Colleges, schools and running clubs are great places to gather sneakers. If you can help in collecting sneakers for the male inmates, feel free to contact us!



On top of an adventurous month of ministry, we are pleased to share that the twins have arrived! Jessica delivered Gabriel and Isabelle on May 7. Mom and babies were released for the hospital Mothers Day. The twins are wonderful addition to the family. We can’t wait to meet them when we return to Canada in August.

Rebekah walked down the aisle with her cap and gown after four semesters with the LPN course. Rod and I a grateful my parents John and Gerry were able to attend the celebration.One more semester and Rebekah will complete her LPN training and go through her Pinning Ceremony. We intend to be there to cheer her on.


Gerry (gramma), Rebekah, Eric & John (grampa)