Summer, 2020

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and recognize and honor and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Hi everyone! I want to start off first by thanking you for your prayers for me as I serve the Lord in Tijuana, Mexico and for reading this update.

Wow! What a summer! I don’t even know where to begin! We have all been experiencing a different kind of lifestyle with these very different times that we are living in! It has been quite challenging, but my main focus is to “let my light shine before all.” I love the fact that the gospel is getting out to even more people via social media than ever before. Satan has his plans, but God has even bigger plans and always gets the glory in the end!

We started off our summer with first ever virtual V.B.S. It was a huge success and a blessing for the children in our community. The kids, ages 4-12, did all the projects at home, took pictures and “turned them in” and received prizes for their participation.

Orus with her craft

We hosted two virtual weddings this summer (only family and a few others in attendance). Both brides are sisters and lived next door to me. I’ve known them since they were toddlers. Sara married Jesus, they both work full time and are very involved in the church and have been most of their lives–worship band and youth ministry. Alex is a missionary here with us and married Sara’s sister, Miriam. They both have a heart for missions. Both couples love the Lord and we are excited to see how He will use them in the future!

Jesus and Sarah
Alex and Miriam

We continue to serve the children in our afterschool program by giving out food each month. In August, we also gave them school supplies. They are so thankful for the help they receive, and it is so great to see them, even if for only a few seconds.

making the food baskets
Jeremy and his mom

We are also continuing to minister to the kids through an application called “Class Dojo.” They see a different video each day of the week, and participate by doing the craft, answering questions about the Bible class, and memorizing the Bible verse of the week… just as if they were attending Sunday School, and then receive prizes for their participation. I also enjoy being with them on Facebook live every Friday at 1:00. Of course I continue reading Bible stories to them Tues. through Sat. on Facebook live. We take very seriously the spiritual growth of the children here at CC Pedregales.

showing their work on a facebook live session
virtual prize room. The kids can choose their prize from the shelves

We do not say goodbye, but see you soon to two dear brothers in Christ who went home to Jesus this past month due to complications with COVID. Obed, father of three, husband, and awesome singer/songwriter, and Emanuel, 20 years old. We will miss them, but we know that they are in heaven with Jesus! Emanuel was not able to speak due to his down syndrome, but now for sure must be chatting away with Jesus!

Obed and family
Emanuel with his youngest sister, Jennifer

Prayer requests:

  • for the families of Obed and Emanuel as they mourn the passing of their loved ones. For comfort and peace from our Lord Jesus.
  • salvation for the kids and parents of our afterschool program
  • for the kids to be able to attend school soon. (there are many obstacles here with online learning, as many can’t afford a phone or laptop, and wifi; it’s all costly). When the kids go back to school, we will be able to open our afterschool program and soup kitchen.
  • for my knees–both are in bad shape. I was approved for a knee replacement for my right knee and will be scheduling it soon.