Road Trip...

I apologize for not writing a blog post for over 2 weeks.  Time has flown by and I’d love to give you a little update about whats been going on lately. Jackie, Antu and I were actually gone, for 13 days on a road trip, traveling through El Paso, New Mexico, Colorado...making our way to Utah.  An organization in Utah had donated 65 chairs to the orphanage a few months back, and it was time to go pick them up.  Though the orphanage is not open yet, we have been running out of chairs at the church on Sunday’s, so they were much needed.  God also orchestrated a number of different meetings regarding the ministry in Mexico as well as opportunities for me to lead worship at a few different churches.

We spent 3 days in El Paso, getting supplies, fixing up our truck and then attending Horizon Christian Fellowship on Sunday.  Pastor Clift Barnes and his church have been a tremendous blessing and support to our family since moving to Mexico.  Its always wonderful being with this fellowship and it was especially nice, getting to lead worship in english again!

We left on Monday April 29th and started driving the 858 miles to American Fork Utah.  We split the drive into 2 days, mainly because of Antu, who I will say did a fantastic job, sitting in that little carseat for 9 hours a day.  I drove the entire time, Jackie slept the entire time (HA) and Antu basically talked the entire time.  She has entered a new phase of life where she is constantly asking us, “..mommy, daddy, you tell me a funny story?”  After about 2 hours of telling stories about growing up, I had nothing left.  I was hoping that she would fall asleep, however, the question, “daddy, you tell me a funny story?” kept coming out.  I figured I might start telling her bible stories, and probably won’t run out of them.  So, I started sharing, beginning in Genesis chapter 1.  About this time, we were driving through the breathtaking, unbelievable city of Moab.  I loved the timing, driving through this incredible place, with amazing rocks, canyons and arches, and sharing with her about God creating the heavens and earth!

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

We arrived safely in Utah on late Tuesday afternoon and spent  6 wonderful days, hanging out with family, having meetings about the ministry in Mexico and leading worship at Calvary Chapel Mountain View.  One of those meetings, was with 2 wonderful ladies, Kathy and Debbie, who work for an organization called Children’s House International (CHI).  CHI is an adoption agency which is currently applying for licensing, to adopt from Mexico.  Unfortunately, Mexico is one of the hardest countries to adopt from.  Kathy actually helped Jackie and I with our adoption of Ayantu.  We got to know her well over lots of phone calls and emails and feel so blessed to have finally met her in person, 3 years later.

Anyways, long story short, we got reconnected and Kathy happens to live in Utah.  They heard that we had moved to Mexico to start an orphanage, and wanted to connect with us.  Debbie, who is the executive director of CHI happened to be in Utah as well and we spent 2 wonderful hours with them.  As we talked, I was amazed at how the Lord orchestrated things.  Here are two organizations, wanting to make a difference in the country to Mexico, now being reconnected.  CHI wants to be an avenue for adoptions from Mexico and Casa de Bendicion is a soon to be opened orphanage in Mexico.  How exciting is that?...oh the possibilities! I don’t know what this means in the future, but I know we serve a big God who wants to do amazing things!

We were thankful for this opportunity to travel, be refreshed, encouraged and spend time with family and friends.  Thank you so for your prayers for us, especially during this trip!

The way we roll...and lunch in the middle of nowhere...

Spending time with her new "cuzzie" (cousin) Violet and hanging out with grandma...

Thank you for these chairs Lord.  Please fill them with people who need to hear your word at church and orphans who need to be cared and loved on...

Pancho Update...

"...and behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.  But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, 'woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.'  And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight and glorified God" (Luke 13:11-13). Every time I read a passage like this, where Jesus heals or "looses" people from their infirmities, I'm greatly encouraged.  It gives you hope and comfort when loved ones, friends or family members are experiencing infirmities, that they too might be healed.  And so we pray, intercede, cry out to God that they might be made well.

Many of you have been doing that for our brother Pancho, in his battle with cancer.  Its been a long, hard fought battle, and it was seeming like victory was in his grasp.  However, things have taken a tough turn.  We found out, after taking Pancho to his last appointment in Chihuahua, that the cancer is back and starting to spread, towards his brain and major artery in his throat.  Because of the way the cancer is spreading, there will be no more surgeries, for fear of doing more damage.  This was VERY difficult news to hear, as we were all hopeful that Pancho would be "loosed" from this infirmity.

Over the past 2 years of battling cancer, Pancho has had 38 rounds of radiation.  The doctors said he has reached his max and will now only continue with chemo.  For the next 3 months, he will travel to Chihuahua for 6 hours of chemo, once a week.  He is in a lot of pain and loosing a lot of weight because he is unable to eat through his mouth.  The only food he gets is through a tube in his stomach, which the doctors want to remove soon.  I asked him why they would do that if he can't eat any other way, and Pancho was not sure what they were thinking.

The other day Jackie, Antu and I were leaving the park and we ran into Pancho and Sabrina, walking home from the bus stop.  We were able to talk with them, take them to the store for some juice and then home.  I tried to get as much info as possible, without pressing the sensitive subject.  I was amazed at Pancho's response as he said, "I don't know what's going to happen...but I just hold out my hand and say take it Lord, You lead me."  As I looked at this frail, skinny, hurting man, stretching out his arm, sharing about his trust in the Lord...my heart was incredibly encouraged.

Why isn't God answering our prayers and healing this man.  Why are things getting worse then they are better?  We read about all those who Jesus healed....that He might be glorified.  Why not heal Pancho?  And to that, I don't know.  I don't understand how God works, why He chooses to heal one person and not the other.  It can be easy to get mad, frustrated and angry with God.  However that usually makes things worse.  So, what do we do?  We cling to the scriptures and renew our faith and trust in the Lord that He IS GOD, He is in control and He knows EXACTLY what He is doing.  And regardless of the outcome, He WILL be glorified.  We can also join Paul in the same conclusion he came to, regarding is own infirmity...

"Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 2:8-10).

We will continue to pray, care for and love on this brother and his family.  It has been one of the biggest blessings to walk alongside them in this process.  On behalf of Pancho and his family, thank you for all your prayers as well as money that some of you have donated.  Those funds will continue to go towards transportation to Chihuahua, medical bills and food for the family.  One thing that is very hard to get and very expensive down here is morphine, which is something Pancho will need.  if you would like to donate financially to Pancho and his family, please let me know and we will see that the money gets used accordingly.  Thank you for walking through this process with this family as well, through your prayers and support.  We know that God will have His perfect and beautiful way!

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13).

A Successful Missions Trip...

We had another wonderful, successful and blessed missions trip.  A team of 8, from Bellingham WA, came down for a week to serve and minister in Bachiniva.  Their objective was to paint the inside of the orphanage, but also, be open to anything else the Lord had in store.  God definitely had some other things in store, especially for me.  As we were heading up to pick up the team, I got word that my grandmother had passed away.  After lots of prayer and seeking the Lord, it was clear that I was to go to Vegas, to be with my siblings and mom for the memorial service.  That of course meant, me being away from the team, which was a first for me.  It was strange in the beginning, however over the next few days, it became apparent that this is exactly what the Lord had in store. This was a very special team.  It was evident that they had spent many months, praying, planning and seeking the Lord, before leaving.  They were not only physically and emotionally prepared for the trip, however, more importantly, spiritually.  As a team, they spent a lot of time studying through the book of Philippians, sharing testimonies, praying and worshipping together.  I must admit as excited as I was to get updates about how the trip was going, I wanted to be there and was very anxious to get back to Bachiniva and join them.

Although it was a short and quick trip to Vegas, it was both a blessed as well as fun time.  It was the first time the five of us kids had been together and with our mom in over 4 years.  Although it was only for 18 hours in total, we had an incredible time.  The Lord did a lot of amazing things that trip and I'm glad He led me there.  One thing that stood out, was during the memorial service as my grandma's brother, Chuck, shared.  He spoke of a phone conversation he had with grandma a few years ago.  Grandma had grown up a very devote Catholic, however, towards the end of her life, she understood the importance of "relationship" and not "religion".  That was why she called Chuck...just to remind him that Jesus is right here, and we can talk with Him whenever we want.  He is always there for us and we don't need anyone else to go before us to meet with Jesus.  What an encouragement and wonderful reminder to hear.  First of all, confirming that my grandma is spending a lot of time with Jesus right now, in Heaven, and also that we, on this earth, have incredible access to the King of Kings...

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

My flight arrive at midnight on Tuesday the 9th and I was on the road, early Wednesday morning.  Everything was going smooth, and I was making great time to meet up with the team and see my family.  That of course was until I had a blowout of not ONE but TWO of my truck tires.  Fortunately, there was an area on the side of the road for me to pull over.  I don't know what I hit, but my back right tire was completely shredded.  My back left one had a bulging tumor the size of a grapefruit.  It looked like it would explode anytime.  Great, here I was, in the middle of Mexico, 12 miles away from the nearest town, with 2 jacked up tires and only 1 spare.  I was angry and frustrated, and then that quickly turned into laughing by myself on the side of the road, truly thinking, "only in Mexico."  I'm not sure why the Lord allowed this to happen, but, I know that His hand was with me and watching out for me.  I was able to use the spare for the shredded on and safely and slowly drive the 12 miles to the next town, to get the other tire replaced.  So, 2 hours and 800 pesos later, I was back on the road.  The Lord has yet to reveal to me why that happened, but, I must trust and believe in this verse...

"And we know that all things work together for good to who who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

I was amazed to see all that was accomplished when I arrived Wednesday afternoon.  Only after a day and a half of working the orphanage was nearly finished painting.  What we thought would take the week, took only a few days.  It was so beautiful to see and brought so much more warmth and life to the orphanage.

Boys bedrooms...

Kitchen area...

Foyer and dining hall...

Girls bedrooms...

Nursery and playrooms...

Because the team worked so fast and hard, it allowed us to get a few other things accomplished as well.  One brother on the team, Tony, was able to work on one of the murals in the dining hall area....

"...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

We are praying that the Lord might lead Tony down here again to do some more murals, he's definitely gifted in this area.

The team was also able to pour a slab of concrete floor, in Nieves' house, as well as visit families in need, passing out food baskets and firewood, to heat homes and cook with.  That seemed to be everyones favorite time.  Being invited into homes, seeing how people live, how little they have, yet still full of  joy, and how much a $10 food basket or a load of wood can bless someone.

The guys chopping it up...

While delivering one basket, a little girl Rosa, had a nasty cut on her finger.  So, one of the team members Brad, who has been a nurse for 20 years, was able to patch her up.  It was both a team effort on Dan AND Ayantu's part.  Antu has a little obsession with band aids, and wanted to make sure Rosa had one of her Dora bandaids, to help her feel better!

The trip went by fast, like always, but what an incredible time it was.  This is probably my 20th missions trip I've been a part of and they NEVER get old.  Seeing peoples lives changed for Jesus, is just as powerful and beautiful as it was thousands of years ago when Jesus was ministering to people and then when Paul, Peter and company, traveled the globe to minister the love and compassion of Jesus!

There is still a lot of work to accomplish and people to love on down here in Bachiniva.  If the Lord stirs on your heart and you would like to be involved in one of our summer missions trips, or, one we are planning for the fall, please let me know.  It would be a blessing to have you.  We are also starting a Summer Service program, for those who are interested and able to come down for 1-3 months and serve.  I am working on the final details of that, and would love to hear from those of you who might be interested in that.

May the Lord bless and encourage you today.  May He reveal more of Himself to you as you desire to decrease, so He might increase!