Surprise Visit From DIF...

Thank you so much for your overwhelming response to our last blog post.  Indeed we do serve a God who does wonderful and amazing things in our midst.  Your encouraging words as well as your prayers have been such a blessing to Jackie, myself and our team down here. A lot has taken place over the past few weeks, one of those, being our trip to the mountains. However, 2 more significant things have taken place that I’d love to share with you all.

Work projects continue to go well, as we are rapidly trying to finish the facility.  Our room is finished being tiled, as well as the kitchen.  Our plan to move into the children’s home last week was altered, by our trip to the mountains, a missions team passing through and a surprise visit from the DIF (very exciting).

Ray Wilson, who is the director of Black Buffalo Ministries, and helps oversee the children's home in Creel, stopped by for a few hours.  He is leading a team of five, as they head up to the mountains of Creel to pass out food, presents and the love of Jesus!  Although there stop was only for a few hours, it was a wonderful time and a tremendous blessing to us.  They were able to bless us with a beautiful, 9 foot long industrial restaurant sink.  Not only that, but they also gave us food, clothes, towels and toys.  Things are definitely coming together as we prepare to receive more children.  What a blessing to see the Lord “…supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

The missions team and our new supplies...

Jeff Jinnett, president of Marble Brewery...

Preparing to receive children, is why the DIF made a surprise visit to the House of Blessing.  A few weeks ago, we met with the DIF in Cuahtemoc, to start the registration process.  During that meeting, Guillermo (the director) shared that there was a tremendous need for children’s homes.  There is an influx of kids, that need places to go, and unfortunately, homes are shutting down, due to abuse, facilities not being up to code and care-takers who are mishandling funds, children, etc.  Guillermo was very glad we were starting the registration process and immediately called his superiors in Chihuahua, to see if we might be able to take in children now!

There is another children’s home, about 2 hours away, in a town called La Junta, that will be closing soon.  The Mennonite board of directors, feels like they need to shut it down to reevaluate, reorganize, restructure and seek the Lord for its future.  There have been many problems with the home, mainly due to the caretakers.  The Mennonites actually contacted us a few months ago to share and ask about the possibility of helping take in some of the children.

There are some 40-50 children staying there, 15-20 which were brought in by the DIF.  The other children, have come from the mountains, or wherever else the care-takers recruit them from.  Yes, I said recruit.  Unfortunately, care-takers of children’s home, can view this as a lucrative business.  The more children you have, the more donations and handouts you can get.  And unfortunately, most of those never reach the children that are to be cared for.

We have been having some great meetings and conversations with the Mennonites, who oversee this children’s home.  They agree with the DIF, that it needs to be shut down, temporarily, the care-takers removed, and the children relocated.

Before DIF is allowed to move children to our facility, they need to come and evaluate the home, the workers, etc.  Guillermo told us it would be anywhere from 6 weeks to a few months, for the state DIF officials, from Chihuahua, to come and check things out.  That estimate was in man’s timing…but, in the Lord’s timing, it only took 5 days.

Last Wednesday, the 15th, Jackie, Ayantu, my cousin Becky and I were in Rubio, getting supplies when I got a call from Nieves.  He said I needed to come right away, because 4 personnel from the state DIF were there to review our home.  What?  I thought it was suppose to be weeks to months?  Remember, this is Mexico where things usually don’t happen fast.

When we arrived, we were greeted by four individuals, Sergio (the Lawyer), Paty (the Psychologist), Lupita (the Social Worker) and Jose (from the Health Dept).  They came out to do a full review, evaluation, interview, etc, because they want to move those 15-20 children, from the other home, as soon as possible.  They gave me a ton of paperwork and documents…as well as asked lots of questions.  Each one of our workers was interviewed by Paty, and then I spent quite a lot of time with all four of them.  Once again, I felt like my head was going to explode from information.  As I listened to pros, cons, expectations, requirements, challenges, blessings, everything that has to do with children’s homes, I became very excited.  I too held nothing back either, and shared my heart, rather, the Lord’s heart, for the House of Blessing, packed full of verses from the bible.

I assured them that those difficulties they experience with other homes and workers would NEVER happen in the House of Blessing.  Not because we are immortal or extra special or something, but because we serve the One true and Living God.

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

I also clearly explained to them, what Joshua said…

“…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

This children’s home, will be a home that FEARS the Lord and SERVES the Lord.  I, as the director, am accountable, not to South Hill Calvary, a board of advisors, or even the DIF…I am accountable to the LORD…whom I’ve committed my life too.  I’m not sure where they are at, in regards to Jesus and the gospel messages, but they greatly appreciated our heart, vision and passion for the House of Blessing.

Our time ended together with the DIF proposing a plan.  They have found temporary living situations for the children, for the next 2-3 weeks, while we finish the facility.  At that point, give them the go ahead, they will begin working the paperwork to process and move the children.

One of my biggest prayers and desires, has been far beyond just caring for children.  I’ve been praying that we would be a light in a dark place…

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

I want to have such an impact in this community and everyone we come in contact with, for one reason, and one reason ALONE…that they might “…glorify our Father in heaven.” Earlier this week, Jackie and I got 2 new face-book friend requests…one from Lupita (the social worker) and Paty (the psychologist).  They also messaged me with the following…

Hi Jason, I loved the children's home project, and hopefully it will soon be open. Congratulations!!. I'm Lupita - Social worker of DIF.

Hi Jason,  it was a pleasure speaking with you the other day. I wanted to tell you...my husband and I are very interesting in the project.  I would like to invite you all, to our house for dinner when you are in Chihuahua. (Paty)

Yesterday, we came to Chihuahua to get some paperwork done as well as shop for some supplies.  Last night, we met up with Paty, her husband and there beautiful son Emilio.  We had a wonderful time getting to  know them, eating pizza, and watching Emilio and Antu become friends.  Paty immediately asked if there were any updates about our home.  We shared about Erasmo and how well he is doing.  She asked me if I had received a call from the DIF yet about taking in another little boy.  I told her now, but realized I left my Mexican cell phone back in Bachiniva.  She said not to worry, they would be calling back soon, to see if we could take this child in to care for.  AMAZING!

Saints…we continue to covet your prayers, especially over the next few weeks as we finish things up.

• Please pray that the Lord will continue to provide money and resources for bunk-beds, mattresses, and the security wall that needs to be installed around the facility.
• Please pray for me, as I have a lot on my plate and try to meet all the legal and paperwork demands of the DIF.
• Please pray for our team of workers, who are working very hard to finish the facility.
• Please pray for my cousin, Becky, who has been translating our blog, website and other materials into spanish.
• Please pray for Erasmo, as well as the other children that are preparing to come into our care!

Muchas Gracias

“And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you’” (Joshua 3:5).

Sergio, Ayantu, myself, Jackie, Pay and Lupita...

Behold The Days Are Coming...

We had another wonderful, life changing trip up to the mountains of Corareyvo.  All of your prayers were not only felt, but the Lord responded to them.  It was incredibly encouraging making the 7 hour trek into the beautiful mountains, with hundreds people praying for our team.  For those of you that joined us last Tuesday, for our prayer night, thank you as well.  It was a wonderful time together, even in the midst of difficulties. Pastor Luis’ brother, Jose, is incredibly sick and in ICU in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Pastor Luis and Kim left after our prayer meeting, to be with his brother and family.  Please pray for Luis, Kim, and especially Jose, for the Lord’s will to be accomplished.

Even with this bump in the road, the Lord still paved the way for our team of 12 to bring supplies and the gospel message into the mountains.  We made the trip safe and sound, in record time.  They are building a new road and we were able to enjoy all of the ten foot section that they had finished thus far.  It was short and it was very sweet.  Upon or arrival, we headed up to Nena’s parents house, to see the family and begin loving on the children.  It was nice being back in the mountains, drinking instant coffee and taking in the beautiful scenery.

One of the things that was extra special to me, was observing the children (about 15 of them), and adults, do and learn things for the very first time.  Before dinner on Friday night, we handed out little bags, full of peanuts, oranges, candy and bubbles.  After taking a few moments to figure out what in the world those little bottles and sticks were for, the next hour or so was pure enjoyment.  One little boy kept screaming, “look, look” in sheer enjoyment, as he blew bubbles He obviously was having a good time.  Even long after the bubbles had subsided, every once in a while, we’d hear the scream, “look, look.”  It was as if that kids bubble container was endless.

After dinner we gathered for a time of worship around the bonfire.  Once again, by the looks on faces, it was as if they had never experienced worship, guitars, a djiembe and clapping, before.  My cousin Becky and I, switched off leading songs, which a number of them included hand motions.  The crowd picked things up very quickly and soon we were singing loudly “Jesus Loves Me”  I paused from singing as I glanced over and watched one of the dads (probably in his late 30’s), do the hand motions.  He probably had no idea who Jesus is, or why He loves him so much.  But, I know, that Jesus does, and that the Holy Spirit was moving in that moment.

Our time that evening ended with a message of Jesus’ love and why we were there and then we prayed and walked people home.  The village is still without power, so by the guidance of the moon and stars, as well as a few flashlights, every child made it back home safely.

I woke up early, started a fire and began to pray and seek the Lord for wisdom and direction.  Obviously a big reason why we were up in the mountains was to see about the 5 children.  If you recall, we’ve been praying to see if the Lord might bring, Judith, Erasmo, Marianna, Carolina and Luis, into our care.  Unfortunately, Judith was not there.  She left sometime ago, with a group of young teens, to find work in the nearby state, Sinaloa.  This of course, broke my heart and part of me started blaming myself.  I thought back to our first trip, and how Judith wanted to come now with us then.  We weren’t ready at that time, and yet now I was incredibly regretting that.  I started asking myself,  “if only…”, or, “why didn’t we…” or “we should have…”  My cousin Nieves, must have seen me bummed, because he so wonderfully reminded me of one of his favorite verses…

“And we know that all things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28).

I felt it was time to talk with the grandparents, and aunt and uncle, to see if things had changed since our last visit.  We sent all of the children and neighbors with our team, to pass out the rest of the “buckets of joy” supplies.  Once again, we shared the vision of Casa de Bendicion, as well as our desire and willingness to care for any or all of the kids that wanted to come.  The aunt shared that they would like the 3 younger ones, Marianna, Carolina and Luis, to stay and finish school (which only goes up to 6th grade), but hoped that Erasmo would come with us now.   Erasmo was very quiet, and said nothing, understandably.  What a hard choice for a young 13 year old to make.  I was hoping that the grandparents would just make him come, but they wanted it to be his choice.

It was getting late, and we needed to start the drive back.  Regardless, we wanted Erasmo to get a bucket and supplies, as the other children did, so we all went back down to Nena’s house.  It was as if Erasmo was a kid in a candy store, grabbing toiletries, toys, socks, underwear, anything we would allow him too.  Once the supplies were depleted, it was time to make one last trek up to the children’s house, to drop off food and say our final goodbyes.  Erasmo was still not talking, so I told him we were leaving in 20 minutes.  We would wait for him, if he wanted to come, but would eventually need to leave.  As we loaded the van, and then waited for Nena and her daughter, to say goodbye to her family, 20 minutes turned into 30 and still no sign of Erasmo.

I was sad, anxious and praying like crazy.  Everything inside of me, wanted to see Erasmo come walking over those hills.   As I laid back on a rock, looking up to the hills, the Lord put Psalm 121 on my heart.  I started reciting it over and over again…

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth…” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Lord, I know your my help, and Your will is perfect...Thy will be done!

And then I saw people walking towards the van, some of the children and even Erasmo’s grandma, but no Erasmo.  That was it…we couldn’t wait any longer…it was time to leave.  I got up, still confused, yet trusting in the Lord, and loaded the last few things into the van. As we were getting ready to climb in, I looked to the hills, one last time.  And then….there he was, Erasmo walking towards us with his jacket on and nothing in hand, but his blue bucket full of supplies.  Tears rolled down my eyes as I looked at our first youth to care for in the ‘House of Blessing’

He didn’t say much.  I didn’t ask much, other then if he had anything else to bring.  Erasmo said, no.  “Don’t worry”, I told him, “we’ll get you some new clothes”, and as I looked down at his worn, tattered sandals, “…and some new shoes”.  He responded simply with a smile and “gracias.”

The drive home was one of the happiest moments of my life.  All the time, effort, sweat, money spent, work, etc, over the past year and a half had paid off.  We stopped for pizza on the way home, something Erasmo had never tasted before.  Jackie and I tried our hardest not to stare, but we were so excited, to have him with us.  When we arrived back in Bachiniva, it was after 10 PM and everyone was tired and exhausted.  After we got Erasmo situated, showed him the bathroom and toilet (which he’s never seen before) as well as explained he can take a hot shower in the morning (something he’s never had before), it was lights out.

Although I tossed and turned, and a new batch of things to do raced through my mind all night long, I slept great.  Why?  Because truly God fulfilled His promise, and that was enough to bring me rest!

“Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised…” (Jeremiah 33:14).

And so it begins……!

Learning how to "thresh" the corn...to make tortillas

 Ayantu couldn't wait to hand out her present to this little girl

Antu's new little friends

The best way to start a campfire...with a propane tank

2 little brothers...excited to take their bucket home

Nieves and Erasmo's Grandpa

Signing paperwork to come to the "Casa de Bendicion"

Saying final goodbyes to his family...

First time eating pizza...and a lot of it!

Bienvenidos 2014...

2014 is upon us and it seems to be flying by already.  It’s hard to imagine that this time last year, we were packing up our little house, preparing to move down to Bachiniva.  So much has taken place this past year, and I can honestly say though it was one of the most challenging, difficult years of my life, it was also the most fruitful and growing year.  As we prepare to move, once again, to the orphanage, next week, Jackie, Ayantu and I are ready to start doing what God has called us to do…care for children! As I take a moment to reflect on 2013, I think of the nation of Israel, crossing over the Jordan river.  In Joshua chapter 4, the Lord commanded Joshua to have 12 men, 1 from each tribe, take a stone out of the Jordan river and bring it to the other side.  What was the purpose of these 12 stones?  We read about that in the end of chapter 4…

“...when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over...that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever" (Joshua 4:21-22,24).

The purpose of these memorial stones, was for people to recognize “the hand of the Lord” and how amazing and incredible God is.  Doesn’t God still want us to do that today? Rather then making the famous “resolutions” of the New Year, maybe we should  instead, gather “memorial stones”.  These stones, would represent all the things that take place in our lives, so when people ask, they can see the hand of the Lord, His faithfulness and goodness to us!

Here is a look at some of our memorial stones, from 2013…

• January - Moved safe and sound down to Bachiniva
• February - Missions team from Utah finished installing the HOB septic tank system
• March - We celebrated Ayantu’s “3rd” birthday
• April - Missions team from Bellingham WA painted the orphanage.  I was able to celebrate the passing of my grandma, with my mom and 4 siblings.  Although it was difficult, Mary is worshipping Jesus!
• May - We were able to drive to Utah to pick up 60 chairs, donated to the orphanage.  Also finished signing the legal documents for the House Of Blessing
• June - Missions team from Puyallup WA came down for my cousins wedding, as well as work on small projects around the children’s home.  We celebrated my wife’s “29th” birthday.
• July - Missions team from El Paso came for a VBS and sports outreach.  I was able to travel to WA for our golf invitational, which raised $4500 for the children’s home.
• August - Missions team from WA and Oregon came down to build bunk-beds, frame windows, pour concrete and love on people.  Jackie and I celebrated our “8th” wedding anniversary.
• September - Electricity was finally installed and turned on at the children’s home
• October - My dear friend, Daniel Williams, pastor or Redemption church, came down to visit and encourage us as well as plan their 2014 missions trip.  Over 20 buckets, were purchased and assembled to take supplies (toys, school supplies, toiletries) up to the mountains, by supporters in Utah and WA.
• November - We were able to travel to Oregon, Utah, Florida and WA for our furlough / sharing about all that God is doing through the ministry!
• December - God provided a beautiful Honda mini van, which we were able to drive back down to Bachiniva.  The Lord took our dear friend Pancho, home, to be with Him.  We had a wonderful Christmas, our first, out of the states, but nevertheless, a huge blessing.  We were also able to participate in our Christmas service at CC Bachiniva, in which over 200 people came out for.  Had a wonderful New Years service, full of worship and prayer at the church!

2013 was definitely a blessed year, and 2014 is looking to be no different.  How do I know that? Because God’s word says so.  Now, I don’t know exactly what things will look like, or how they will come about.  I hope I know, and we plan accordingly, but then we pray for HIS will to be done, and let the Lord direct our steps.  We can faithfully rest assure of the promises of His word…one of those, which is my favorite…found in the Psalms…

"Blessed be the Lord, who DAILY loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!" (Psalm 68:19).

One thing I look forward to in 2014 are those DAILY benefits, that the Lord will load upon us each and every day!

Speaking of promises, that reminds me of one more verse I came across, well, actually that the Lord gave me.  I’ve struggled in the past, reading through the book of Jeremiah due to it being long and at times, depressing.  Poor Jeremiah, a man who was called by God, for what seemed to be a fruitless 40 year ministry.  However, if you read through it, study through it and let the Lord to minister to you through it, you will be surprised.

As I was sipping my coffee early one morning, reading Jeremiah, my eyes lit up, when I came across this beautiful and profound verse…

“Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised to the house of Israel a and to the house of Judah” (Jeremiah 34:13).

I must have read that verse 100 times, in that moment.  WOW…the days are coming, says the Lord, that I WILL perform that GOOD THING which I have PROMISED…

This is my life verse, or year verse, for 2014.  2013 was a year of planning, prepping, stretching, growing, difficulties and getting ready.  Now, that 2014 has arrived, the Lord has told me, Jason, “…the days are coming…I’m going to perform that good thing which I promised you.  I’m going to bring children into the House of Blessing.

As we begin to move into the facility next week, open the doors to the children’s home, travel around to different towns and see what doors the Lord might open, I cannot wait, for the Lord to perform those good things that He has promised.

Please continue praying for us and the ministry down hear.  We especially covet your prayers next Friday and Saturday, as we make our trip back up to the village up in the mountains.  We made contact with the family and the children.  Although it is still up in the air as to whether they will be coming back down or not…we are definitely going back up.  And I can’t wait.  We have tons of supplies, toys, toiletries, food and lots of love to bring up there.  We are excited to reach out the community and see what comes as a result.  The 3 younger children, shared that they would like to finish the school year.  The 2 older children, Erasmo and Judith, are hesitant about coming down, and shared with their grandma that they are very discouraged.  Saints, this is why we need your prayers.  Not just so that they return to Bachiniva with us, but more so, that the love and joy they hear about, through Jesus Christ, will ENCOURAGE them!

Last night we had our first prayer meeting.  Our team, who will be traveling to the mountains, will gather again next Tuesday, to worship, pray and seek the Lord for direction.  We would love if you joined us through prayer, from 7:00-8:00 PM next Tuesday.

Our time last night was wonderful, especially because we had a surprise visit from a pastor and his family.  They too, are serving up in the mountains (different part) and the Lord is doing a mighty work up there. I love the timing of the Lord, bringing a family into town from the mountains as we are praying for our trip, to the mountains.  God is GOOD!

That’s why I know that 2014 is going to be an amazing year.  Because God is good, and He loves me very very much.  Praying you all understand and grasp the same glorious truth...that God is good and He loves each of you so incredibly much!

Happy New Year

Jason, Jackie and Ayantu Faith