Did you know that the greatest way to show that you love God is by loving people?
Jesus said that the Greatest commandment is to love God first, and then He said this:
And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
On a date with my wife at a the Japanese Friendship garden in San Diego.
As missionaries in a border city in Mexico, we have enormous challenges as well as big opportunities to meet and help people! Since we are part of the biggest church in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California we have constant opportunities to meet people all the time. Our staff goal for 2025 is to make at least 25 friends! Of course, that means spending time and sitting down and talking with folks every week.
…with my Friends Jose Luis and Silvia. I met Jose Luis in the rehab clinic I taught at for almost 2 years!
People visit church constantly typically because they have problems in their lives! I see the same thing in the ministry of Jesus. He constantly spent time listening to people and healing their illnesses. I’m not Jesus, but I can listen to people’s problems and pray for them! I have a friend that says, “people feel loved when you listen to them!” I like that!
We hope you enjoy this month’s blog! Hope you like the pictures! Enjoy Poiema’s update! Don’t forget to send us a greeting by email or whatsapp! Or how about subscribing? https://www.youtube.com/@CalvaryRosarito
Poiema in Peru and Brazil!
by Poiema Joanne Boubion
Poiema is presently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ministering in the favelas April 7 – 14th.
Hello everyone! I just wanted to thank you all for your kind prayers and for taking the time to read this part of the blog. God has been so faithful and kind to me these past few months and I want to quickly share about it!
Firstly, by God’s grace I was able to return for my fourth and final semester here in CBI Peru. He gave me such a peace about returning, on top of completely providing for the semester when I had zero funds. He has been so faithful to guide my steps as I’ve sought Him and His will for my life. I think it’s been about a month and a half that I’ve been here and this time has just been filled with lessons and incredible opportunities.
A big tragedy occurred suddenly in our big shopping mall. The roof collapsed and many people died, were missing or injured! It was national news! Many of us shop there and friends work there! So the next day, we immediately went to help.
We were able to bring aid to workers that were rescuing people from the wreckage. We had the blessing of providing water, food, and prayer for the workers as well as those waiting outside for any information on their loved ones. It was incredibly humbling to even have the opportunity to serve the community in such a way. I will never forget it.
Images from our aid efforts.
The roof over the food court had collapsed.
Above are photos of time at the Institute and some of the ways I get to serve: helping lead worship, sharing for morning devotionals (Bible),
Me and my friend Meche after evangelism and finally, finishing our church history class with Pastor Cory
God is teaching me to walk by faith without doubting! He’s always teaching us this lesson, but recently I’ve had a big opportunity to put it into practice! God has opened the door for me to go on a week-long mission trip to Río de Janeiro, Brazil. I’ve always wanted to go to Brazil, however this time I was kind of reluctant when I first heard about it. God really worked on my heart, and He has confirmed to me that this is where He would have me go for our semester’s mission trip. I trust that this is where He would have me go to serve and I’m not going to doubt that. The Lord is my good Father, and He will protect me and guide me by opening doors or closing them. During our time in Río de Janeiro, we will be going to help with a Bible study that was started inside of the favela (slum) of Rio. We will be serving with the students from CBI Brazil and Pastor Alexandre from a Calvary there in Rio. We will be helping with construction, children and youth outreaches, and just serving in whatever is needed.
So in April, I will be boarding a plane to go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! God continues to surprise me with the opportunities and doors He opens to me. My prayer is that I would go without expectations, but to be simply ready and available to serve in whatever way He opens to me.
Please pray for me and the trip!
POIEMA’s PRAYER REQUESTS:
For traveling mercies as we leave and enter Peru
Brazil trip to minister in the Favelas of Rio! (April 7-14)
That I would be able to just transmit the love of God and the Gospel to those that we are serving
For unity amongst the whole team that we would be one in our purpose to serve God and the people
We are going to a very sensitive situation, so for safety and wisdom for the leaders
And just in general that the Lord would guide me into my next steps after I finish up at CBI Peru!
Celebrating Birthdays
My idea of the perfect birthday meal at my favorite taqueria: Tacos El Paisa 2!Our son Ben’s 25th!
Claudia has had great opportunities to teach and travel!
In the last couple months, Claudia and I got to share our thoughts on our church’s podcast on spotify “Después del sermón” ( After the Sermon) . The interview and discussion is in Spanish in case you are interested!
Claudia recently took a couple of ladies from the Bilingual Women’s study on Thursdays to Morelia and Patzcuaro, Michoacan to teach at a women’s conference.
Here is one of the most popular teachings on the Youtube channel if you would like to learn how to develop your personal time with Jesus through Bible reading and prayer.
Paul’s Favorite things!
It is a great blessing being able to communicate with my friends and Christian brothers in their native language! I get to meet with men every week and communicate daily with men through the popular WhatsApp messaging app! I get to do a lot of translating into English as well. I will be translating the main church Bible study April 9th and will be teaching the main Bible from the Book of Acts on Wednesday night, April 23. That message will be posted on our Calvary Rosarito youtube channel in case your curious about what a bilingual sermon looks and sounds like!
Teaching the guys who hiked up Cerro Coronel on March 22. We also had a great time feaasting on carne asada !I had the privilege teaching on Friday APril 4th, on the topic of Parenting at our mini conference on relationships! Riding a couple times a week with friends from church is my weekly exercise!ONe of my favorite things is a Taco de Suadero (slow cooked beef) from my friend Rony’s Taqueria – El Pasia 2.
Praise Reports and Prayer:
PRAISES:
Successful first 10 weeks of Claudia’s bilingual womens study!
Poiema’s excellent experience and growth at CBI Peru!
Our sons’ studies are going well!
Imroved health – diet and exercise imoproving!
Discipling and counseling men and married couples!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
MDVP new semester and greater social media impact!
For the priorities of making God first and family second, ministry 3rd!
Wisdom in accepting opportunities and invitations to teach
Married couples in counseling
Unmarried couples to repent, do premarital counseling and get married legally!
For Paul to develop online counseling resources in Spanish – Youtube / Spotify
