Update On Erasmo...

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he shall not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). One of the most memorable things for me, growing up, was when my dad would come in and pray over me at night.  Almost every night, without fail, my dad would lay his hand on my forehead, and pray.  I remember parts of his nightly prayer, that I have been using, as I pray over my sweet little Ayantu Faith….“help her to wake up refreshed and renewed, ready for a good day tomorrow…”

As I was getting ready for bed the other night, it suddenly dawned on me…there is another young man in our home, that is in need of prayer, Erasmo. We have been praying at meals, before work with the team, and even before we all head to bed, however, I hadn’t prayed over him like I do with my daughter.  So, one night I went into his room, told him I wanted to begin praying over him, and have done so every night.  It’s one of the highlights of my day, as I get to lay my hand on his head or shoulder, and commit him into the hands and care of Jesus.  I am able to pray completely in spanish, with a few english words in there, when I get stuck…but I don’t think Erasmo minds.

What a blessing and joy it has been having Erasmo with us.  He is so full of life and is really starting to come out of his shell.  He has such a contagious laugh and smile and is discovering/learning new things every day…how to ride a bike, staring at the popcorn popper, trying to figure out the little black machine that prints out paper from my computer, mastering Chinese checkers and bocce ball, eating everything he sees in sight (especially croutons), helping with work projects, cleaning duties, etc!  He has become my little buddy, and I often find him walking into my office, sprawling out on the couch and just wanting to hang out.  One day, he was leaning over my shoulder, watching what I was doing, and then started dancing to the music that was playing.  We had a good laugh at that moment.

I think one of the biggest blessings to us, is watching Erasmo’s heart  being incredibly softened towards the Lord.  He loves going to church and youth group on Saturday nights, and even more so it seems, he absolutely LOVES reading the bible.  Not a day has gone by when I haven’t seen him, at some point, reading the word. He has been reading through the Psalms and discovering all kinds of things about a God who loves him.  Every night I go in to pray over him, there he is, with his head lamp on, reading the word with a smile on his face.  Please continue to pray as he learns more about our God, and Lord willing, places his full faith and trust in Jesus Christ!

Ayantu and Erasmo act like they are bother and sister.  Antu is constantly bossing Erasmo around (I think its because she’s turning 4 next month) and Erasmo is always watching out for her and helps her when she is in need.  Antu is constantly asking me when we are bringing more kids in to the home to care for.  I think both Jackie and her are itching for some more girls to come to the home.

First doctors appointment...clean bill of health!

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Speaking of other children, exciting things continue to happen down here.  I shared a little, in the last post, about our trip to Chihuahua, the end of January.  Well, we ended up making a stop at the DIF and I was able to meet with the director, Raquel.  She shared how excited she was about our home and had heard nothing but good things, from Paty, Sergio and Lupita (who came out and paid us a visit last month). She wanted to know a little bit more about Jackie and I, the children’s home, and why we were doing what we were doing.  This was obviously a great opportunity for me to continue to share the LORD’s heart in this…which is, of course, why we are down here in Bachiniva.  The Lord brought, Paul’s words, from Romans chapter 13, regarding authorities, that I was able to share with her as well!

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God" (Rom 13:1).

Towards the end of our meeting, I asked Raquel about the phone call I had missed, from the DIF.  She explained that they were calling to see if we could take in a 10 year old boy named Luis.  Luis has been in 4 or 5 different children’s homes, but only lasts 2 or 3 days.  The care-takers end up sending him back to the DIF, because he is to hard to handle (so they say).  I asked her why?  Is he dangerous, disobedient, abusive?…What would cause people to send him back?

Raquel showed me a picture of Luis and shared a little of his story.  Luis saw his parents killed right in front of him, most likely, they were shot.  He has no family and no one to care for him.  People are saying he is autistic and that is why he acts the way he does, however, the DIF and Raquel think otherwise.  This a traumatized child that has seen something horrendous, and is in great need of being loved and cared for.  It was a very powerful and incredibly emotional story to hear.  At one point, Raquel wrapped her arms around herself, saying all he needs is someone to hold him and love him, and they think we would be perfect for that.  I immediately said, yes, we will take him…how could we not?  The DIF believes that because we are a newer children’s home and don’t have a lot of kids yet, we will be able to give him the love and attention that he needs….which we are excited and ready to do!

We spoke with Raquel this past Friday, and she is contacting the towns where Luis is currently, as well as a few other girls, who might be coming next week.  We should be hearing back from the DIF this week regarding these children.

Last week we had the blessed opportunity to host some dear friends from Calvary Chapel Northwest, in Bellingham WA.  Isaac and Tara Heist have a burden for Mexico and their hearts have been stirred of late, regarding the missions field.  We invited them to come down, hangout and see what the Lord might have in store for them.  It was great having their company, fellowship, help around the orphanage and we are excited to see what doors the Lord might open up for their family and Mexico!

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One last thought...we have been praying through and working on our support program for the children.  This is a way that we can connect families and individuals in the states, with a child at Casa de Bendicion.  Our desire is not just to have people that will give financially each month to their child.  We would love to partner with those that would be committed to praying regularly for their child, send emails or notes of encouragement and even possibly visiting them sometime.  We will have all of the specific details and info for you by next week.  As we prepare to receive more children, I wanted to share this opportunity so you, your family or your church could be praying about this, if this might be something you'd like to be involved in!

Please also continue to pray for the final work projects, preparations, little Luis and the other children that will be coming, Erasmo and our team serving each day!

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His perfect peace today and this week!

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!