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!

Blessings From Giving...

"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).  It seems a little strange that this is the final orphanage post in 2012.  This year has flown by, especially the past 7 months.  As I take time to reflect on the past year, as I'm sure many of you are doing, I am truly "...utterly astounded..." at the work the Lord has down in my days (Habakkuk 1:5).  So much so, its hard to grasp at times.  I feel more blessed then ever before with what He is allowing me to be a part of...and not just ME, but each of you as well.  God has brought this wonderful group of believers, churches, family and friends, together to watch Him do a work in Bachiniva Mexico.  There have been many blessings, challenges, open doors, closed doors and the unknown that causes you to trust in Him all the more.  Yet, God has been faithful to show Himself strong...and lead and guide and provide for our every step and need!

It seems like this verse in Acts, that speaks of more blessings flowing from those that give rather then receive, has come radically to life.  Often times we think of one thing when we read that verse..."it must be speaking of money".  That is definitely a part of that verse, and I have seen and witnessed the blessings flowing from all those who have given financially.

We have seen people give financially...over $30,000 has been donated from people and churches all over the states, excited to be a part of God's work. I received a check in the mail from a Christian school in El Paso TX...that took up a "Great Giving" offering for the orphanage in the amount of $340.00.  They also informed me that the school has decided to to collect an offering every month and donate it to the orphanage. The other night, as we were celebrating Christmas with my mom and family, my heart was truly blessed.  We have this game we play every Christmas which always has cash prizes.  By the end of the night, as it was coming time to head home, two of my nieces and one of my nephews came up to me and gave me the money they had won..."we want this to go to buy things for the orphanage".  I told them they didn't have to do that, that was there money to spend on whatever they wanted.  They simply replied, " Uncle Jason, we want to give this to the orphanage, please!"

As wonderful as its been watching the Lord provide financially...it has been just as big a blessing, if not more, watching how people give in other ways.  You have given hours over to prayer...praying for my family, the ministry, the orphanage, orphans, safety, protection, wisdom, good health, etc, etc..!  We have seen those prayers answered every day and know now more then ever before that "..the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).

We have seen people give of their time, coming down on trips to build.  Not only just from the states, but locals in Bachiniva...that have given hours and hours of labor in building the orphanage.  And as a result, over a 4 month period, we have a 7200 square foot facility that is almost complete.

In all of this...all that has happened the past 4 months, it has been birthed from hearts that want to give...and NOT receive.  And yet, I imagine that those of you that have given, probably feel more blessed then we do.  That is all the more a confirmation of those words that Jesus spoke, "...it is more blessed to give then to receive"

So...preparing for the new year and all the new things that God is going to do, I have one prayer and desire...Lord, teach me how to GIVE MORE.  Not just financially, but prayerfully, through my time, my life, my deeds, my everything.  Help me to be spent for You...knowing that that is where I will find the biggest blessing of all!

Friends and family, I don't know what kinds of things the Lord has in store for you in 2013.  Maybe nothing but good things, or maybe some of the most difficult trials you will ever face.  However, we have hope, knowing that whatever lays ahead in the coming year, its all good...for His glory, for His honor, for His praise.  Nothing will take place that hasn't been thought through, planned, orchestrated or ordained for your life...to make you a better and stronger person...AND...to fall more in love with Jesus!

Looking forward to continuing this journey with each of you and pray that you all have a wonderful and blessed New Year!

With much love...Jason, Jackie and Ayantu

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).