Canadian Board in Prison-June 2013

Canadian Board Members go to Prison

The man they call Jesus came to break the chains of bondage and set people free. "Our Girls" show consistent growth in their faith in Jesus. Regardless of the reason for their suffering, Jesus helps them deal with the difficulties. People are being healed and lives are being changed. Week after week the female inmates openly share how Jesus has changed their lives. Some are persecuted for their faith and others are rejected by family members and friends. In the end, no one can take away their eternal life with Jesus.

YUGO missionary Sharlene encourages "Our Girls"

"1,2,3...8 locked doors and 2 sets of well guarded gates!" Agnes (wife of a Canadian board member) had counted locked doors as we stood outside the last locked door before arriving in the dirt court yard where we were to hold the movie event with "Our Girls". This particular day was extra special! Both Men and Women's Prison Ministry Teams had joined together to host events for the male and female inmates. Men with the men and women with the women. The men and women inmates heard powerful messages inspiring them to stand firm in their relationships with Jesus. The men feasted on tortas while the women munched on Cheetos and candy while watching a powerful movie that tugged at the heartstrings of every women. The day will be remembered by all.

Preparing tortas for the male prisoners

The prison ministry events were just some of the many ministry opportunities our Canadian board members and their wives took part in while visiting Mexico. Their visit began with board meetings and attending our annual YUGO Camp Out. What fun it was to join together with our YUGO family to enjoy some sweet fellowship and great teachings. The rest of the time in Mexico with the Canadian board was spent taking part in a Vision Trip observing and serving alongside many of our YUGO staff in various ministry sites. Each person will return to Canada with great memories seeing God's faithfulness in reaching the lost with the gospel and a new way to pray for our YUGO missionaries and the ministries they are involved in.

Tacos after the Prison Ministry Events

Thank you for your partnership with Rod and I in ministry. Your prayers strengthen us spiritually and it is through your sacrificial giving that God provides for our needs. We could not do this ministry without you.

Prayer with our Canadian guests

PRAYER NEEDS: Summer is just beginning. Please pray for the teams that will join our YUGO staff at all ministry sites this summer that they will be lights in dark places and bring many to know Jesus. Pray for our summer interns and volunteers as they come together with our YUGO staff to support us in various areas of ministry. Pray that God's name will be glorified in all that we do and say as we serve Him in Mexico.

We love family!-May 2013

It has been an extra special month for Rod and I. The whole Hoople clan gathered in the USA, just hours away from where we live in Mexico to celebrate Shelly’s (Rod’s youngest sister) 50th birthday. It was great to catch up with family and celebrate together.

Mick, Kerry, Shelly, Mom, Janna, Jocelyn,Cory & Rod

We were barely unpacked from seeing Rod’s family for a couple days before having to turn around and head back across the border to lead a team of 10 from Sturgeon Alliance Church from Gibbons, Alberta to the Rosarito Outreach Center. Why am I so excited about this team you ask? Norm and Jackie (my cousin) are leading the team in building a house for an underprivileged family. How exhilarating to have family join us in ministry. Later on this month our daughter Rebekah will come and visit us and meet up with a friend that just had a baby. This month couldn’t get any better!!!!

Sturgeon Alliance from Gibbons Alberta

Day two of a five day house build

As you can see it has been an action packed month. Recently I read this quote, “Difficulties and struggles can devastate people or they can stimulate growth and maturity”. There are great trials in the lives of “Our Girls” in the prison recently. Week after week we see stricter rules enforced. Recently the prison officials have begun prohibiting groups from greeting with hugs and pecks on the cheeks (customary for women greeting each other in Mexico). Join us in prayer that the inmates will press in to Jesus in the difficult times and grow spiritually.

I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Giggles and laughter filled the air as we celebrated Mothers Day with 100+ female inmates. Our Prison Ministry team joined together with the prison leadership and other church groups to serve at this special event. The male inmates put on a circus act for the women. What a fun time seeing the circus acts and lions (men in costumes)!!! The rest of the event consisted of worship, a message about Motherhood, a luncheon, cake and ice cream. The day ended with each woman returning to their cells with a crepe flower.

The Best Circus Act Yet!

In the past few years the prison officials have doubled the amount of women coming to the Celebrate Recovery Program. God is doing a great work in the lives of these women. Please join us in prayer that God would send us monthly partners to cover the costs involved in continuing to reach these women with the gospel. More great news!! Karla Villas is a Mexican National that has been working alongside me for the past year. I have invited Karla to come of staff with YUGO Ministries. Please join me in prayer that I can raise funds for Karla as she will be giving up her full time position as a teacher to become a YUGO missionary.

Karla is coming on full time with YUGO Ministries

Missionaries on the Inside-Apr 2013

Raising up missionaries on the inside! God is answering your prayers! Sinai has been praying for God to use her for His Kingdom work! One of her talents is making jewelry. Her jewelry pieces have been discovered by a woman in her home town in Southern Mexico. One woman has been selling her creations and would like Sinai to come and work for her. Sinai is so elated knowing she will have a job when she gets out of prison and is busy raising funds to pay her jail bond so she can be released and set free. She is obsessed with reading missionary biographies and growing in her faith in Jesus as she feels God is calling her to be a missionary. Sinai recognizes how much Jesus loves her and that He has a plan for her life.

Missionaries from Ensenada and Rosarito

One of the highlights of celebrating Easter with “Our Girls” was networking with other missionaries from Ensenada and hosting an event in the prison. Stacy shared a powerful message of how God the Father loves us unconditionally. Monica then shared her testimony about how God tenderly revealed himself to her and how her life was transformed from a place of severe brokenness to wholeness when she came into a relationship with Him. Many were touched and came away from the event encouraged and filled with hope as they recognized they also had the opportunity to be changed from sinners to saints through knowing Jesus.

Rod is ready to serve alongside you. Come on down!

(Rod here) Just a quick update on what is happening in my part of ministry. I am now the Facilities Coordinator at the Rosarito Outreach Center (ROC). You ask, what does this mean? This means that I have am preparing the ROC property to help equip the Saints coming to Mexico to be better prepared for the ministry they will take part in.

Granville Chapel

As we were gearing up for a busy summer we had our test run during Easter Break. Granville Chapel from Vancouver B.C. built a house for a needy family and reached out to the neighborhood children by doing a bible based children's program. Also, Cascade Church from Idaho and New Hope Church from California spent a week evangelizing alongside local pastors. The team members were filled with enthusiasm and brought many into an everlasting relationship with the Lord. As part of a teaching team at the ROC, daily we poured into the campers and encouraged and equipped them for their tasks at hand. Every camper returned home changed and stretched after their week of service.

How can you be involved in ministry?

Possibly you are wondering how you too can be involved in ministry. The ROC is located on seven acres of land and I could use your help. Can you paint? Do you enjoy gardening? Are you a trade’s person? You do not have to be a great evangelist to do things for God! Possibly you can get a group of people together and build a house for a needy family, or you can serve shoulder to shoulder next to me preparing the grounds for those that will serve in the local communities. If you feel that you would like to join Cheryl & I serving in Mexico feel free to contact us and we can discuss the details. rod@yugo.org or call CDN (780)-625-2415 or US (619)-884-5632

Identity Crises-Mar 2013

Imagine not growing up in your own family!

I read the story of Moses and marvel. God had a plan for his life. Remember the story of how baby Moses was floating down the Nile in a basket, was found by Pharaohs daughter and grew up in the home of Pharaoh. Moses had some terrible struggles finding his identity, got in some deep trouble and returned to his own people. I love this story as it reminds me of my own foster brother J.J when I was growing up. At the tender age of three, J.J. entered my family’s home and left when he was sixteen. J.J. knew nothing of his future or the plans for his life. At times he felt disillusioned and buried his pain in drugs and alcohol. His years of searching for his identity led him into a relationship with God and eventually reuniting with his natural family.

J.J. has a heart for the lost

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 J.J. welcomed Jesus into his life and was reborn spiritually and changed from the inside out. God took J.J. and raised him up to be a man of God. Today J.J. brings a message of hope to those that are less fortunate and openly shares about this loving God that patiently waited for him to come into relationship with Him.

Former YUGO CEO joins us in sharing about YUGO Ministries at Missions Fest Vancouver

Stories like J.J.’s are just one of many we hear as we represent YUGO Ministries at Mission Fests in Canada year after year. Speakers boldly share the struggles they have gone through, yet were able to walk in victory through as they hung on to their faith in Jesus. At Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton it was evident God was revealing his purpose and plans for his people. God has given many specific tasks to fulfill the mission common to all believers to love, obey and serve Him in countries around the world. J.J.’s mission field just happens to be downtown Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

It was fun celebrating our annual UNBIRTHDAY with our grandchildren

We are thankful for the many that responded to the call to missions at Missions Fests across Canada. The harvest field continues to be ripe and the workers are few. We are thankful for being able to reconnect with family and friends during our time in Canada. Our grand children are growing up way too fast! We want to thank each of you for placing your trust, prayers and resources in us as we continue to serve here in Mexico.

Who Will Make It To Heaven-Feb 2013

“Who will make it to heaven?”

Many people we don’t expect to be in heaven will be there. The criminal, hanging on the cross next to Jesus, repented of his sins as he was dying. He will be there right next to you and I! How do we view the outcasts of society that have turned to Jesus for forgiveness and mercy? Brenda was convicted of robbery, thrown into prison and then given a second chance. She and her new born baby America are absolutely dependent upon the mercy of those around her. Today both mom and babe live in a woman’s discipleship home for ladies that have found Jesus and want positive changes in their lives. Our Prison Ministry Team had been praying for three years for such a home to open up for women coming out of prison. We are thrilled that Brenda and baby America were the first to enter the home and experience the love of Jesus!

Pastora Lupita and Pastor Carlos standing behind baby America's new crib donated by YUGO's Grace Babies Home in the new women's discipleship home.

Pastor Carlos, director of the women’s home, comes from a background of brokenness and has experienced God’s grace and mercy in his life. When God tapped him on the shoulder he responded to God’s call to reach out to others in similar circumstances. Now Pastor Carlos and his wife Pastora Lupita devote their lives to bringing restoration into the lives of men and women that are released from prison.

Our daughters Rebekah and Jessica helped prepare the meal for the Celebrate Recovery graduation ceremony

January 21 was a day of great celebration as eighteen of “Our Girls” completed the Celebrate Recovery Inside program. This particular day was extra special as our daughters Jessica and Rebekah (visiting from Canada) joined our Prison Ministry Team in serving at the graduation ceremony. We celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates with a grand fiesta including worship music, a traditional Mexican meal, stories testifying about God’s transforming power in the lives of the inmates as they applied themselves to the CRI program, a message affirming their decisions to walk hand in hand with Jesus, personal gift bags and fine fellowship. It is a day to be remembered by all involved.

Rebekah & Jessica were a great addition to our Prison Ministry team reaching out to "Our Girls" as servants of the King

As I write this letter, Rod and I are in Canada representing YUGO Ministries in Mission Fests Vancouver, Winnipeg and Edmonton. It is beautiful to see the hearts of many that are responding to the challenge to get involved in worldwide missions. Thank you to each one of you that are our partners in ministry. We could not go where God has called us to go without each of you, our senders standing behind us and encouraging us to continue on. "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master: nor is he who is, not greater than he who sent him." John 13:16

Mission Accomplished-Jan 2013

December 20 our Prison Ministry team helped serve at a Christmas event for all the female inmates. The inmates ate a traditional Christmas meal followed by a message of God’s love and how He sent his greatest gift, his Son Jesus to earth. We sang Christmas carols and handed out personal gift items to all the women. Our hearts were filled with joy at being able to spend quality time with the inmates and offer them hope and joy through Christmas season.

After the event, we asked if we could visit one of “Our Girls” that is pregnant and has been on complete bed rest for months in the prisons medical clinic. The prison officials granted us this special request. There before us was little Brenda consumed with fear for her unborn child. Babies born in the prison system are apprehended by social services of Mexico and sent to an orphanage until their parents complete their sentence. We found out for a mere $3,000.00 pesos ($250.00 US) Brenda could be released from prison. God placed this burden upon our hearts and we began to share Brenda’s story. Others felt a burden for Brenda and her situation and the funds for the jail bond came through with in days. God chose individuals to be involved in sharing His love in the life of this young woman and her unborn child. December 26th, 21 year old Brenda was released from prison and placed in a women’s discipleship home that will care for and nurture Brenda and her baby. I can not begin to share with you how God’s hand was upon this situation. Brenda has been given a second chance. January 15 baby America came into the world. She left the hospital in her mother’s arms not in the arms of a social worker. Our mission was accomplished! It was a blessing to walk out of the judicial office with Brenda's release papers in our hands.

After a two week break for the holidays we had a wonderful surprise. The prison officials allowed 53 of the 80 female inmates to join us in the Celebrate Recovery Inside program. Susy, one of our Prison Ministry team members felt led to offer the newcomers an opportunity to meet Jesus. Six of the women invited Jesus into their hearts after being led in a short prayer. What an amazing way to start the New Year.

While busying ourselves with the work of Our Farther, He chose to take home a very special friend Christmas Day. Evelyn Ridley and her husband Al first came to Mexico seven years ago to serve the Mexican people. Over the years they continued to come and serve wherever needed. They were our first SWAT team (Seniors With A Talent) to join us in ministry. Evelyn, you will be missed by many.

We are thankful for Gary & Valentine being here with us in Mexico bringing in the New Year using their gifts and talents. Valentine has been a great help preparing for our upcoming graduation event, sewing curtains and just being willing to serve in wherever area she is needed. Gary has been serving alongside Rod at the Rosarito Outreach Center. If you would like the opportunity to come and serve, please feel free to contact us and we will find a way for you to serve using your gifts and talents. Thank you for each of you, our precious partners in ministry. Your prayers are making a difference in the lives of the inmates and the Mexican people. We treasure your partnership in this ministry.

The Best Gift Ever Received-Dec 2012

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 What was the greatest gift you ever received? The lights were twinkling in the Christmas tree, excitement danced in the eyes of my sister and brother. It was Christmas Eve and we were about to open one gift! I had anticipated this day for such a long time. Hurriedly I tore the Christmas wrap off the gift addressed to me. WOW! There before me was the most wonderful gift I ever laid my eyes on. I embraced my new found friend. I do not remember how old I was, but I do remember I could hardly believe that in my hands was the most beautiful Barbie doll I had ever seen, and she was mine. I am sure there are many of us that can retell similar stories of a gift that enriched our lives and left us with fond memories. Engagement rings, toys, trips, books and other treasures will be shared with loved ones this Christmas season. Some gifts will have more meaning than others. Some gifts will last longer than others. There is one gift that will outlast them all. The greatest gift ever given was when God sent his son Jesus to earth. A fetus planted in the womb of a virgin who gave birth to the son of God in a manger. Jesus left his place in heaven to be with us and teach us the way to the Father. This Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, take time to reflect on the real reason for the season. Remember to share the most incredible gift ever given with others around you. This gift will cost you nothing but will reward you with joy, peace and eternal life with the Father.

By the time you get this letter, Rod will have graduated from Bible College, our Prison Ministry team will have joined other groups in hosting a grand fiesta for all the female prisoners complete with a personal gift bag for each of the 80 female inmates and we ourselves will have taken part in many joy filled festivities. We pray your Christmas will be exciting and fulfilling as you gather together with family and friends. FELIZ NAVIDAD! Rod & I will return to Canada in February and would love to share what God is doing in Mexico. Feel free to contact us on our toll free number 780-628-2415 if you would like to host a desert night at your church or small group meeting.

Who can serve in Mexico? Nov 2012

Most of us come unskilled, untrained, uneducated but totally dependent on God to use us where ever He sees fit. Many come to YUGO with only a few small talents. God takes the few small talents we have to be part of a team, working together in furthering His Kingdom. We invite you to do the same. Come join us for a week of ministry. You don’t have to be skilled, trained or educated. Our Prison Ministry team just finished compiling and assembling a Prison Ministry Training Manual in English and Spanish. The manual is filled with great truths such as, “Prisoners need regeneration not rehabilitation--and Jesus has commissioned His followers to reach beyond the barbed wire fences and steel bars to touch the lives of men and women bound by the shackles of sin.” The manual provides instruction for every level of involvement in Prison Ministry.

Marina, Karla, Barb and Esther gathered to create the Prison Ministry Manual Many of “Our Girls” come to the Celebrate Recovery in despair. In their past lives some buried their pain in self destruction others through self accomplishments. Each comes to us with serious issues. Just last week Yamel wept in brokenness as she openly shared the nightmares that tormented her from the vial deeds she committed in her past. She can’t comprehend why God would love her and forgive her. God extended his hand of mercy to Yamel. Society says, "Lock them up and throw away the key." Yet, God chose to pick Yamel up, dust her off, and wrap her in His arms and whisper in her ear how valuable she is to Him.

Recently the prison officials asked our Prison Ministry team to join them in serving the male seniors. We entered the prison with gifts bags (filled with manly items) and cakes. What an honor to serve the inmates and be part of the Seniors Day celebration. Each inmate was given a certificate from the prison officials honoring their special day along with gift bags we provided. Our team was surprised to be acknowledged for serving alongside the prison officials. It was a very special day for all involved. I am blessed to have the most amazing Prison Ministry team to work alongside. Good job team!

Barb, Ester and Karla are great team members to serve alongside. We are so thankful to each of you, our partners in this ministry. Together we are making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us.

So much to be thankful for! Oct 2012

Singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. Psalm 26:7 As we enter into this time of Thanks Giving I am led to reflect on how thankful I am for all the blessing in our lives. Rod and I are thankful for God’s provision, good health, our precious family and friends that love and cherish us, and for being part of a ministry that is making a difference in the lives of people for eternity. We are thankful for our sending church St. Albert Alliance and the amazing team of 6 women that joined us on a Vision Trip reaching out to the Mexican people with love and a message of hope. These 6 women brought with them enthusiasm and joy as they served the Mexican people. At the end of our week when asked, “What area of ministry left the greatest impact in your life?” All the answers varied. Some recalled the 14 women that were baptized in the prison; others remembered playing with the children in an impoverished area at Tijuana while serving at a feeding program, others were intrigued by other areas of ministry that God used to touch their hearts during their visit. Thank you for each of you that poured out their lives in serving the Mexican people.

Cheryl and Pastor Wendy baptizing Marta, one of the 13 women that were baptized in the Ensenada Prison

Kelsey, Pastor Wendy & Aleesha preparing cakes for the baptism event in the prison and for the children that were fed at a feeding program in East Tijuana during their Vision Trip.

\ Kara, Madison & Katy leaving their hand prints at Grace Children's Home As summer turned to fall I had the opportunity to return to Canada for a couple weeks and spend time with family members. How I loved being able to walk with my grand children and gather colored leaves while enjoying the chilly autumn air. How wonderful to have taken part in a family reunion, helping Rebekah paint their new home, playing a game of scrabble or visiting favorite spots filled with recollections of the years when growing up. The memories spent with family will be etched in my memory for many years to come. We are so thankful for our families!

Jessica (daughter), Aly, Isabelle & Gabriel (our grand children) enjoying the Harvest Fair displays. Rod and I are so thankful for each of you, our faithful partners in ministry for your many prayers, words of encouragement, giving hearts. It is you, our precious friends and partners in ministry that give us the courage and strength to continue running this race set before us.

Our YUGO Family is Growing-Sept 2012

Young families bring with them more children. These children are the next generation of missionaries. This is very evident with our newest YUGO missionaries the Brouwer family. What a marvelous blessing to have Nic & Michelle and their children Lauren, Hannah & Carson serving alongside the YUGO staff and volunteers at the Rosartio Outreach Center making a difference in the lives of the Mexican people. Rod especially enjoyed Nic’s humor and energy as they worked side by side serving the teams and checking out the local taco stands.

This summer interns and volunteers came from all over North America to join the YUGO staff in reaching the Mexican people with the gospel. Houses were built for those less fortunate and many came to know Jesus personally. It takes a team working in harmony to make a difference for eternity. We are thankful for our staff, summer interns and volunteers.

Summer Interns 2012-Laura, Lindsay, Ethan, Rossy and Claudia

We are so thankful for our entire YUGO staff at the ROC. Now that summer has come to an end and fall is just around the corner, Rod is heading back to Ensenada to begin his last semester of Bible College. I will hold up the fort (El Faro) in Rod’s absence and continue to serve with our Prison Ministry team in the Ensenada Prison. It never ceases to amaze me how many continue to choose a path of destruction, beaten down by the circumstances of life, when they could be protected by God’s umbrella of love and care. Weekly we see the faces of desperate women that come to a point of desperation that exceeds their pride so they are willing to surrender their lives to Jesus and find freedom from their hurts, habits and hang-ups.

Recently YUGO missionary Barb Jackson and I attended the Celebrate Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church. It was inspirational to join together with 3,500 others involved in the same program and hear the stories of those that learned about God’s love and healing touch in their lives through the Celebrate Recovery. It was evident that He loves each one of us so much that when we surrender our lives to Him he will not leave us struggling with our brokenness.

Adversity brings Victory-Aug 2012

“But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer. For He gets their attention through adversity.” Job 36:15 NLT Being a disciple of Christ requires humility, commitment and servant hood. I love how God calls common people like you and I, ones with personal weaknesses, numerous responsibilities, daily routines, but hearts to serve. God called and appointed Keith & Jayne from our home church, St. Albert Alliance in Canada to join us in ministry.

Pilar, Karla, Jayne, Ester & Cheryl were eager and ready to enter the prison for the movie event. It was an honor to have Jayne join us in the prison for this special event. We invited ex-inmate Pilar to share her powerful testimony of how she came to know Jesus through the adversity of being sent to prison. She openly shared she would wake up in the wee hours of the morning and see Vicki (one of the other inmates) on her knees praying for Pilar. Seeing the two women reunite was beautiful. Pilar’s touching story of her struggles and victories in prison was followed by the movie “Road to Redemption”. I am sure laughter could be heard through out the prison as the women enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship, eating Cheetos and candy smothered in chili while enjoying the comedy of the movie laced with a message of finding peace in knowing Jesus. The day ended with an invitation for those that did not know Jesus personally to do so, and a time of prayer. Each woman was given a gift bag of personal items on their way back to their cells. It was a beautiful day!!

Keith & Jayne jumped right into ministry by helping prepare bags of Cheetos for the the inmates to enjoy during the movie. Keith is very talented int he area of construction. Keith was able to use his skills and joined Jeff, one of our YUGO summer volunteers in building a mobile sound shed. Keith and Jayne have headed back to Canada with the cargo trailer ready to be filled with Prison Ministry supplies. Another couple from Canada will be carting the trailer from church to church in Canada gathering Prison Ministry Wish List supplies before heading back to Mexico in October. We will be setting up a schedule in the next while. We will keep you posted of where the drop off locations will be so you too can partner with us in meeting the personal needs of “Our Girls”.

The new portable sound shed is a huge blessing to the Rosarito Outreach Center. Thanks for sharing your gifts with our YUGO staff Keith and Jayne. We are thankful for the many that come to serve and for each of you that make it possible for us to be here in Mexico.