Where The Action Is...

John Wesley, an Anglican cleric and Christian theologian during the 18th century, once said, "prayer is where the action is!"   There is definitely a lot of "action" going on right now as we finish our final preparations, packing and everything else, before moving in 5 days.  What a wonderful quote to come across...reminding me about the imminent importance of prayer.  We would love to physically take all of you on this journey with us down to Mexico.  However, we know that's not possible...BUT...each of you can still be "...where the action is."  And as John Wesley, so wonderfully put it, that action comes as a result of prayer.

Friends and family, we could use your prayers more then ever before, especially in these final days.  I'm reminded of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi...in which he speaks of one of my favorite verses about prayer...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your REQUESTS be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

We'd like to share some specific prayer requests that we would love for you to join us as we pray and seek the Lord regarding them.  We know He loves listening to our prayers as well as responding to them!

• HEALTH...Jackie and Ayantu have been sick now for a few weeks.  Its that cold/cough thing that is going around and we are praying they'll be healed up before flying out next Thursday.
• PACKING...We are frantically trying to get everything packed and ready to be loading into the moving truck on Saturday!
• STRESS...Things have been a little stressful in the Sanchez home and we desperately want the "peace of God" which surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts and minds.
• SAYING GOODBYES...We know that we will see you all again, but its still difficult saying final goodbyes to friends and especially family!
• SAFE TRAVELS...My dad and I will leaving early Monday morning to begin the uhaul drive.  We will drive to Redding, CA on Monday, Ontario, CA on Tuesday, Phoenix AZ on Wednesday and then arrive in El Paso on Thursday.  Jackie and Ayantu will fly out Thursday to meet us in El Paso.
• BORDER CROSSING...We will be using two trucks and a 15 passenger van, next Saturday, to take the first load of our stuff into Mexico.  We are praying we find favor at the border and checkpoints and everything gets through.
• MISSIONS TEAM...Next Saturday we will also be bringing down a missions team from Calvary Mt View, in Utah.  3 brothers will be joining us and finishing the septic system and water hookup.  They will be with us for a week.

Thank you so much...Jason, Jackie and Ayantu!

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!