Times And Seasons...

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Thank you so much for all of your prayers during our move and transition down to Mexico. We couldn’t have asked for a smoother, better, more blessed transition then what the Lord gave to us.  God was mindful of every little detail...whether it was loading up the moving truck, packing up our house, driving 1900 miles down to El Paso, getting vehicles permitted or crossing the border with 3 vehicles full our stuff without any problems...God was faithful in EVERY aspect.  We are still amazed at how wonderful He is.

I had a wonderful time driving down with my dad in the u-haul.  We spent 4 days talking, laughing, telling stories and moments of silence, just enjoying each others company.  It was one of those moments in life that you will never forget and a wonderful reminder of how much I love and appreciate my dad.

God has wonderfully blessed us with a beautiful red truck...for FREE.  We were able to register and permit it without any difficulties.  So, on Saturday, with 2 trucks and a 15 passenger van packed full with our stuff, we picked up 3 brothers, Chris, Bill and Tim, from Calvary Mountain View in Utah and headed to the border.  We were anticipating spending a long time there however, God had another plan.  When it was all said and down, we were there for maybe an hour, getting visas and paying our border taxes on our stuff.  The border can be very particular and meticulous with what they allow or don’t allow you to bring.  No problems for us.  It was wonderful to have 2 english speaking border workers who were excited to hear about the orphanage and a bit perplexed that we actually WANTED to move to mexico!  We arrived safely to our new home Saturday night and I must say it felt as if we hadn’t left at all.  Ayantu didn’t waste anytime finding her toys, running around and talking about how she love’s Mexico!

Church on Sunday was a blessing...so great to be back worshipping and studying the word with Calvary Chapel Bachiniva.  I was on usher duty and so I sat in the back with my wife Jackie. During the message, I looked over at my wife and noticed she was crying...I asked if she was okay and she said to me “it’s good to be home.”  I almost lost it as well, as we both just settled in to realizing, this IS our new home, and it feels so wonderful to be here!

Jackie and Antu have been busying unpacking our stuff and making our little place fell all the more like a cozy home.  I have been busy at the orphanage site as well as running errands for the work crew.  I can’t believe how BEAUTIFUL the orphanage looks.  As I walked through the halls, rooms, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms, it was incredibly emotional.  All that God has done and all that He continues to WANT to do in our midst.  I can’t wrap my mind around Him allowing me to be a part of this!

Chris, Bill and Tim are finishing up the septic tank system, and man, they are working fast.  God blessed us once again with a backhoe to dig the trenches...however, this time it was for free, from one of the Mennonite pastor's...who is letting us use if for the week.  It is extremely cold down here as a cold front is blowing through and yet work is still getting done and we are having a blast!

The internet is running very slow so I will post some pictures tomorrow morning.  I want to leave you all with a verse that we read last night.  The team is studying through the book of Philippians together....

“being confident of this very thing, that he who HAS begun a good work in you WILL complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:9).

Saints, the God who HAS...is the God who WILL...He is not done with you yet!

Highways And Byways...

Thank you for your prayers this past weekend.  Our trip down to Oregon was wonderful.  It was nice to get away, just Jackie and I, as well as have the opportunity to share at Calvary Chapel Cottage Grove.  Prior to a few months ago, I'd never heard about Cottage Grove, nor the church down there...but I am so thankful the Lord opened the door. It's actually a neat story that started while we were still living down in Mexico.  We were shopping one day, preparing for the missions construction team to come and I got a phone call.  I hesitated to answer it because we were right in the middle of loading the van...but I'm glad I did.  It was a brother named Jeff, from Cottage Grove, who wanted to know more about the orphanage.  He had heard about it from the NW Pastors conference and ended up getting in touch with me.  I shared with him, for about 20 mins or so, the vision, plan, ministry etc...AND THEN...at the end he prayed with me.  That was so encouraging to have, especially near the end of our 3 months in Mexico.  It truly was a God ordained phone call and prayer!

So, this past Sunday I was able to teach and share with their fellowship about the orphanage and ministry in Bachiniva.  After the services we had an info meeting for those interested in knowing more or maybe coming on a summer trip and over 25 people stayed.  We had another great time and it apprears that they will be venturing down to Bachiniva to serve with us, the beginning of August.

The other exciting part about our trip was that we were able to meet with Ray Wilson and his wife Gail.  We spent 3 hours at Starbucks, Monday morning...and truly it was a blessed time.  Among a number of things we talked about, Ray gave an update regarding the children's home in Creel and the Mennonites.  As you know, the Mennonites were praying and discussing among their leaders and churches about the possibility of purchasing the home and helping care for the kids.  They contacted Ray after Christmas, and it looks as if the Lord is indeed leading in that direction.  They feel like this is a great opportunity for them to minister in Creel, as they have been wanting to for many years now, as well as partner with Ray and Black Buffalo Ministries.  They have loved and appreciated what Ray and the team has done over the years and they would love to continue to see that.  So, if everything continues in this direction, the Mennonites will purchase the land and then continue working with Ray and Black Buffalo, to care for the children.  The Mennonites will be able to provide years of experience (having had multiple orphanages all over Mexico) and continue caring for the kids.  From everything that Ray shared...I really appreciate their heart, seriousness and desire for caring for those children.  I know that they will be in wonderful hands.

The Mennonites will be voting on and making a final decision on January 16th.  After that a lot of the plans, details, etc, will begin to unfold...including what our involvement might look like.  Both Ray and I know that God brought our paths and ministries together for a reason and purpose...and know FULLY that He will continue to unfold whatever that might be,  in His timing.  If churches can unite and minister and serve alongside each other...why can't orphanages do the same?  The wonderful thing about this whole situation is now you have 3 ministries/groups, the Mennonites, Black Buffalo and Casa de Bendicion, that have a desire to love, nurture and care for orphans in Mexico.  And there are a lot of orphans in Mexico...way more then just the children in Creel...some 10 million more actually.

Over the past few weeks I've been doing research and have found that of the 150 million orphans in the world, 10 million of them are in Mexico.  Since the drug war intensified in 2006, some 17,000 children have been left abandoned by parents or family who have been involved in and killed by the drug war.  When I read those studies my heart leapt all the more..."Lord, open up the floodgates and bring these children."

He has also been speaking to me a specific verse in the gospel of Luke...

"Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled" (Luke 14:23).

I got VERY excited about going out to the highways, hedges, alleys, street corners, and wherever else in Mexico, to compel, invite, bring children to the 'House of Blessing'..that the orphanage might be filled.  We invite people to church all the time...."come experience Jesus...the one who can change your life forever"  SO...why not do the same for children.  Yes the Lord will bring the kids, but He may need us to go out there and bring them home!

Feliz Ano Nuevo...

2013 is FINALLY here...and the countdown has begun.  In 15 days, my dad and I will be driving a u-haul truck, 1,960 miles to begin our move to Mexico.  Jackie and Antu will fly down a few days later and meet us in El Paso.  Its hard to believe how quickly the months have gone by, and now our departure is at hand.  There are a number of different emotions, feelings, excitement and anxiety...however, Jackie and I know now more then ever before that THIS IS the next chapter for us and we are greatly looking forward to our new home.  As much of a blessing as it has been being back in the states for the past two months, spending holidays with friends and family and sharing a different churches...we are anxious to start our new life. The Lord has brought confirmation after confirmation regarding this next step for our family.  One of those has come again through our precious Ayantu Faith.  It has been such a blessing watching her grow over the years and especially the past 3 months.  This little girl is so full of life and joy...its amazing!  Not only have we seen her grow physically (getting very tall) but spiritually as well.  Ayantu loves going to church, learning about Jesus, singing songs and especially praying for other people.  Recently she has been praying a lot for the orphanage and constantly talks about how excited she is to hold the babies.  She takes in a lot of practice time with the 20 babies that she cares for in her room.

I have recently realized it can be a little daunting, trying to fully grasp the biblical calling God has for me as a husband and father.  Sometimes I think, “what in the world am I doing...packing up my family and moving them to Mexico.”  However, things that the Lord reveals to me through His Word, my wife and now, my daughter...quickly helps those doubts and worries fade away. It’s like the famous hymn we sing...

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth, will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Here are some things that have happened just this past week, that we'd love for you to rejoice with us in...

• I shared in my last post of 2012, that God has provided over $30,000 for the orphanage in 2012.  Since then, the Lord has provided over $8000 more!
• 6 of the 8 doors, as well as some toilets, sinks, heaters, etc. that were needed have been purchased through peoples donations.  If you would still like to give something specifically...please let me know and I can share the need!
• We had a blessed time sharing at CC Northwest in Bellingham this past weekend.  God also has provided more pillows, blankets and now hygiene and dental supplies for the orphanage.

We would love and appreciate your prayers, especially in these final two weeks here in the states.  Here are some specific things that you could be praying for...

• We will be sharing at 2 more churches before leaving...CC Cottage Grove in Oregon this weekend and then CC Monroe, the following weekend.  Please pray for me as I continue to teach and convey the vision and story of the orphanage.
• We will be meeting with Ray Wilson and his wife, on Monday at 10 AM, to talk more about the children’s home in Creel, and get an update regarding the Mennonites.
• Our families health...we all have been hit with the cold/flu thing that is going around.
• Packing, cleaning and getting our house ready for our renters.
• Please pray in advance, for the details, travel and border crossing, as we move.  We know that God will get our stuff and us safely across!

 "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and BREATHED into his nostrils the BREATH of life;  and man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7).

May the Lord continue to breathe in us...a new and fresh opportunity, a deeper love and passion for Him and the strength we need each and every day!