All Things Work Out...

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). I've been meditating a lot on this verse the past few days, as I contemplate and process my phone conversation on Friday with Ray Wilson.  It was such a blessing to be able to connect with him and hear what the Lord did, during his trip down to Creel Mexico.  So many things took place on his trip, I will do my best to sum up the hour and a half phone conversation in this post.

As most of you are aware, Ray went down to Mexico for a two reasons. First of all, to meet with lawyers, officials, Indian affairs workers, etc to work on some legal things and get some advice and direction.  And then, of course, to meet with Lino, Lupe and the Mennonites regarding the future for the children's home in Creel.  On Monday, Ray met with a new lawyer, whom the Lord totally brought across his path...a little un-expectantly.  He spoke english and was a tremendous help.  He offered his services to continue to help Ray and their ministry with legal matters.  By the end of the 2 hour meeting, Ray figured it was going to cost a small fortune to pay.  However, all that was asked of him was to put a little donation (in a small box) that goes towards helping those who are sick and in need.

From there, Ray met with the Tarahumara Indian affairs.  He shared with them their desire to move the children to a new facility for better care.  The director and others that were in the meeting were very supportive.  They did share some things we would need to do beforehand, regarding the children, however, there are no problems in moving them.  They informed Ray that he and the organization (Black Buffalo) would have the full weight and support of the Tarahumara Indian Affairs office during this transition...and would like to help in any way they can.  Thanks you Jesus!

Tuesday came and it was time to head up to Creel for the next meeting.  Ray described the way in which the Mennonites came onto the property as, "looked like the mafia had arrived". They pulled up in Suburbans and 10 men came out looking very serious.  However, they were just mere men, brothers in Christ, looking for a way to best minister and care for these kids.  I think the "mafia" type feeling for Ray faded away very quickly.  The meeting consisted of the Mennonite brothers, Leno, Lupe, Ray and 2 translators (John and Jeff). Lupe led the meeting off in prayer and then asked Ray if he would share with the Mennonites the history of this children's home and why they have come to the place they are at now. Ray began to share, explain and convey their desire for the future of the children here. Bradley, who was representing the Mennonites, asked Ray to explain what options he has considered, for the children and home.  Ray summed things up with these 5 options below...

1. Close the orphanage (something he has zero desire to do)
2. Relocate the children to Bachiniva to be cared for at the "Casa de Bendicion"
3. Drastically reduce the number of kids in the Creel home and budget...so that they can facilitate on a smaller scale (another option Ray was not excited about)
4. Sell the property and have another organization completely take over
5. Have someone buy the property and then continue to partner with Ray and Black Buffalo Ministries!

After hearing these options, the Mennonites began to discuss among themselves (in German) for about 20 minutes.  Afterwards, they shared with Ray they would like to consider option 4 or 5...buying the property and caring for the kids.  However, this was something that they needed time to think on, pray about, talk to their group of churches to see if this would be a fit for their ministry.  They asked Ray if he would hold off from taking any further steps until they got back to him after Christmas, in which Ray agreed.

There were a number of other small meetings/conversations that took place and one of those was between Bradley and Ray.  He had asked Ray reasons, concerns, apprehensions he had about the situation, Lino and Lupe, the home, etc.  Ray shared some of those things which were a help to Bradley...AND...cleared up a lot of things. You see, prior to this meeting, all that the Mennonites had heard initially was coming from Leno and Lupe.  What was conveyed to them was not the truth regarding Ray, Pastor Luis, or our trip to Creel, etc. So, this meeting was a huge help and blessing to the Mennonites...so much so, that Bradley apologized for his initial response months ago, because he didn't have all the facts.  The meetings that took place that day and the focus was all about the kids, their care and future.  It wasn't about Lino and Lupe.  There was not indication that the Mennonites were coming to the rescue of them, rather, we want to help minister and care for these kids...IF...there is a need for that.  Bradley also answered a few of Rays questions, regarding the Mennonite reason and desire to be involved in Creel.  Bradley shared a few of the following things...

1. They have always wanted to start a work up in Creel over the years, but have run into legal difficulties and not finding a place to build.  Which has led them to be involved in the current children's home.
2. The more the merrier....they desire not that this home would be closed, but that there would be 10 more homes all over because of the need!
3. We want what the LORD wants...and do NOT want to get in the way of that

SO...the conclusion of the whole matter is this.  There are two organizations, the Mennonites and Casa de Bendicion, that are praying, seeking the Lord to see what He would have for the future of the kids.  I have a greater peace then ever before about the situation.  If the Lord has the home in Creel to stay open and the Mennonites to begin loving on them...I'm so grateful for that.  They are well advanced and experienced in orphanages.  They have a very strong community and connection of people and I believe that would do a wonderful job.  What a blessing to have to healthy, running, Christ-centered orphanages (in Creel and Bachiniva).  Whatever ends up happening in the end, I know now more then ever before, it's because of the way God orchestrated things.  When we step back, surrender all and submit to His leading, we can't go wrong!

Please continue to pray for Ray and his ministry.  As soon as he hears back from the Mennonites as to what they may want to do, he will then bring that to his board and begin to pray on what decision to make.  Either way, God will be glorified, kids will be loved on and lives will be changed.  I just feel so blessed to be a part of that work!

"But as for me, I would seek God and to God I would commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number" (Job 5:8-9).

The Spirit Of The Lord...

"It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places" (Psalm 18:32-34). Here is another update I received from my cousin down in Bachiniva...

"Thinking back on the last four months of construction I am reminded of these verses.

Everything we do is only done becuase of the Strength that we find in the Lord! It does not come from us, for we are nothing, even in our prime we are nothing but vapor! It is clear that this orphanage is being built by the strength of the Lord. Thousands of blocks were laid in three weeks. 7000 sq. ft. of cement was pured in a few weeks, the tin and windows installed in a week and now over 200 hundred sheets of sheet rocks will be up by the end of the week! Is this because we are super hard and fast workers? Or is it because we are putting something special in the bean burritos? Is it because of the American and Menonite Teams that have come down? NO it is because the Lord is with us! Jesus arms us with strength to work and makes the work perfect according to His will. He makes swift and fast like the feet of deer. He teaches our hands to make war so that we can bend that bow of bronze. HE is our strength, our might, wisdom, desire, perserverance, diligence, motivation and above all Jesus is our LOVE our GREAT and BEAUTIFUL LOVE!!!!!!! All that has been acomplished and everything that will be acomlished is because Jesus lives in us and lives through us so that His awesome and mighty name can be glorified so that more people can come to Salvation through His Preciouse Love!"

I love the timing of the Lord...I was just reading and meditating on Zechariah 4:6 "...not by might, nor by power, but by my SPIRIT says the Lord of hosts!"

200 pieces of sheet rock...!

Thank you so much for your prayers regarding Ray's trip down to Mexico.  I haven't heard the full details of how everything went...but from the few texts I got from him, seems like things went well.  We will definitely keep you posted as soon as we hear more.  We would appreciate your continual prayers as we enter into this busy month and various speaking engagements.  We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to teach/share/lead worship at various churches.  Here is our updated schedule...

• Thursday, December 6th - 24seven (high-school group of South Hill Calvary Chapel)
• Sunday, December 9th - Calvary Chapel Redmond (Redmond WA)
• Sunday, December 30th - Calvary Chapel Northwest (Bellingham WA)
• Sunday, January 6th - Calvary Chapel Cottage Grove ( Eugene OR)
• Sunday, January 13th - Calvary Chapel Monroe (Monroe WA)

Thank you so much for those prayers...we covet them and hope that we will be used by the Lord as vessels to declare His wondrous works!

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).

Special Prayer Request...

"But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak" (Matt 10:19) From Moses, to Jeremiah, to Peter and John...God was always faithful to give them the words when they felt there were none.  What do we have to offer, what can we say, etc...and the Lord reminded them, as He does with us today...don't worry, I'll help you, I'll tell you what to say!

This has been and is currently my prayer for my friend and brother in christ, Ray Wilson, director of Black Buffalo Ministries.  He is on his way right now down to Chihuahua Mexico.  During his 4 days down there, he will be involved in a number of important meetings.  As he goes before lawyers, notary officials, the Indian affairs director, Mennonites and Lino and Lupe, I am praying that the Lord will give him what he needs to speak in the hour that he is to speak it.  Saints, I ask that you please pray for him as well...I know it would be a huge blessing to Ray.  I texted him today and asked if it would be okay to share his schedule and meetings with you all to be praying for him, and he responded, "PLEASE DO...I can use the prayer!"

It is so encouraging to know that Ray, along with his board of directors, ministry, and family, as well as all of us, want the Lord's will to be done in all of this.  No matter what that may look like...God is still awesome, still the same yesterday, today and forever, still seated on the throne and STILL wanting to and WILL do wondrous things in our lives.  Here is his schedule for you to be praying over!

• Sunday - arrives in Chiuahua (please pray for safe flight)
• Monday - meetings with Department of Indian affairs, notary and lawyer
• Tuesday - meetings with Mennonites and Lino and Lupe

Thanks again...!