Last week’s group came from all over the map. The United States map, that is. We had churches come to serve from Oregon, Montana, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s always joyful to see the way that groups get along with each other and work alongside each other so quickly. After all, we are members of the same family serving the same God. God continues to work in the ministry here. Thank you for your prayers.

Last week, God enabled our accumulation of servants to build two more homes. One home was built for a family of Pastor Faustino’s church. The home was a 12×16, smaller than the 20×20 homes that we’ve been building regularly this summer. It was build beside what they call a “birdhouse” here. The family was quiet. We tried to involve them in the project as much we could. The community that the home was built in is very humble. There is no electricity and not much around. There is a good view of the mountains, though- a great place to be in awe of God’s creation.

The other home was built for a family at Pastor Jamin’s church. This home was built in such a tight space that, in order to fit it on the concrete slab, we had to cut some of the roof off of the homes that were on both sides of it. It’s amazing how this frustrates us a little in the beginning of each week that this happens, but God always brings us through.

Later on in the week, the group paid a visit to the boys’ home, which is still in great need of prayer. On Friday, the group led clothes and food distributions on the hillside behind our missions center and in Pastor Francisco’s community. Thank you to the group for coming with those resources, willing to give them away. Thank you to God for providing.

God has blessed us, and the people of Ensenada/ Maneadero, mightily this summer. None of this would be without your prayers. Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Praise God

Blessings

We continue to thank you for your prayers. God is still providing for this ministry, and many blessings have been poured out in the past couple of weeks. Praise Him.

On August 7, Hope Chapel, of Pine Hill, New Jersey, came to serve. They built a home for a family of Pastor Francisco’s church and a home for a family of Pastor Ricardo’s church in. They also ran an exciting VBS for the children.

The home in Ricardo’s community, Durango, was built in a wide open space. The large yard next to the home made became a great setting for building a relationship with the family. There was room for them to help out and painting, and room for the youth from the group to run around and play with their little girl, Nyla. The man of the home, Victor, spoke English fairly well, which always aids in relationship building between the group and the family. They were cheerful all week long, hanging around to watch and lending a hand where they could. If Victor wasn’t outside joking and talking with the group, he was inside of his original home, playing guitar.

The home in Francisco’s community, on the other hand, was not built in a wide open space, or anything close to it. There was just enough room for the concrete slab to fit in between the existing home and the back retaining wall, and barely enough room to get the trim in the front overhang. This is not a reason to complain, but a reason to praise God for always coming through. The man of this home is 16 years old. Earlier in the summer, our prayer ministry visited this family. Two people came to know the Lord that day. It’s clear that God is doing amazing things in this family. Glory to Him.

The groups’ VBS consisted of games, prayer requests, and a “David and Goliath” skit. The group had the kids write down prayer requests and put them in a box so that they could continue to prayer for the kids when at home. They shared some of those prayer requests with us around the fire one night during debrief, and they blew our mind. One of the group members pointed out that, out of all of the prayer requests written down by the kids, only one kid’s prayer request was for their self. The requests read things like, “For God’s kingdom to come,” and “For my parents to know God.”

Thank you, Hope Chapel, for letting God use you in Ensenada. Thank you, again, for your prayers, and thank God for all that he does here. Praise God.

Blessings

Thank you, as always, for your prayers. We surely appreciate it, and God surely answers.

Last week we were blessed to have Fellowship Alliance Church, of southern New Jersey, come and serve in Ensenada. We also had a small group of four people come on their own from northern New Jersey. The two groups arrived on Saturday and united quickly, even participating in VBS together by Monday. Praise God for that.

Through willing servants, and the grace of God, we built a home for Julio, better known in Maneadero as “the Hot Dog Guerro.” Julio owns a hot dog stand down the road from the mission center. He has been a supporter and friend of the ministry here for about two years, and a member of Pastor Faustino’s church for about six months.

On the first day of building we had all the walls up with no sheetrock, and Julio began to write all over them, “Julio feliz.” He, along with his son and daughter, helped out wherever they could with painting, roofing, nailing and any other ways that they were able to contribute towards the home. His children were very playful, and his son had a camera that he took pictures with throughout the week, documenting all of the construction.

Julio’s house was a little larger than usual, as he had bought extra materials to have an additional 12×16 room built on to the regular 20×20 home that we have been building this summer. Given this circumstance, God allowed us to work extraordinarily quickly.

On Friday, after the home was finished and the family was prayed for, Julio held a small fiesta for us, cooking us hot dogs and hamburgers. Julio’s birthday was the next day, August 7, so his family had a cake ready for him, which he shared with us. We sang happy birthday and the “Mor-di-ta!” chant began. At birthday celebrations in Mexico, “Mordita,” means that whoever the cake is for is going to have it shoved in their face. He handled the situation with a joyful heart.

Praise God, again, for another great week of construction, VBS, ministry and change. Continue to pray for us and praise Him for all that He’s doing. Thanks you, also, to all of the groups who choose to serve the Lord in Ensenada.

God bless

Thank you to Long Hill Chapel, of New Jersey, for coming to serve last week.  Thank you for all of your prayers, and praise God for answering them.

Last week, Long Hill came with a group of approximately 50 servants.  God allowed us to build homes for three families in Jamin’s community, bless the children here with another week of VBS, and visit the boys’ home.  Praise God. 

Jamin’s community is fairly small and close to the beach.  Standing on top of one house in the community allows for seeing every house within it.  The three job sites were a stone’s throw apart from each other, allowing for strong communion with the visiting group and, the families we were serving.  The dirt and dust in Jamin’s community is so fine that walking from one job site to the next forms a cloud.  It’s easy for us to begin complaining about this until we remember that the families we are serving live with this, and how grateful they are.

One of the families that received a home lived on a pig farm.  On Friday, after all of the homes were built and given away, they held a feast for Long Hill.  They chose a pig from their farm, slaughtered it and cooked up carnitas.  That is truly an honor, especially in the culture here.  It was beautiful to close to the week together in celebration of all that Jesus has done for, in and through us.

The group’s VBS arrangement presented the story of Zacchaeus to the children.  This was especially cool because a few weeks ago, when L.A. came, one of their pastors preached in Reynario’s church on this same story.  It is as if God is emphasizing that story here this summer; the story of a man who realizes that his wealth means nothing in comparison to having Jesus Christ.

When the group visited the boys’ home about five or six of the boys shared their testimonies.  Most of the boys are under 16 years old.  It is amazing to hear them so aware, at that age, of Christ’s active role in their lives.  The boys never fail to be genuinely grateful and excited when groups visit them.  They described to us how they rarely get visitors where they are, and that when groups come it’s like “party time” for them.  Long Hill challenged them to a soccer game, which the boys love so dearly.  After the game, Long Hill performed a couple of musical skits that they had prepared for the boys, and gave them each a soccer ball.

Thank you, Long Hill, for allowing God to use you this week.

The week we are in right now is a little different, as far as construction goes.  We are building a home for a man named Julio who is a supporter of our ministry.  He owns a local hot dog stand with some of the most delicious hot dogs this side of the border.  Before construction began, Julio bought some extra materials and asked us to put a 12×16 addition onto the usual 20×20 we’ve been building this summer.  The house is coming together nicely and smoothly, though, with the help of a New Jersey group.  Check back soon for more on what God is doing through them.

Thank you, again, for all of your prayers and support.  Keep it coming.

God bless

Thank you for all the prayers you’ve been sending up for us, they’re surely working.

Last week was a slight departure from the norm, as we were blessed to have a group from Crestmont Church of Western Pennsylvania come and hold a prayer seminar for our pastors and their wives here in Ensenada. The seminar, which lasted about three hours each day, was a true growing experience for all involved. Our teammate Sammy translated the seminar for the majority of the week, and a missionary from the group translated for a couple of the seminars as well. As this took place, the group also held VBS for the pastors’ children and grandchildren all week at the facility.

The Lord allowed us to build another home last week. The owner, Rosie, is a member of Pastor Francisco’s church. Rosie maintained a smile the entire week as Jesus allowed us to be His hands and feet to serve her. She said that she chose purple to be the color of her home because all of the surrounding houses in her community are white and grey, and she wanted hers to be happy. She joy in helping us wherever she could and prepared us lunch during our last day on the job site. Again, a big thank you to the group from Western Pennsylvania who came to Ensenada to show the love of Jesus Christ.

This week, we have our largest group of the summer so far; about fifty missonaries are with us from L.A. and Pittsburgh. The dedication of these brothers and sisters is allowing God to move in mighty ways. Two homes are just getting finished, as well as a home extension. All of this is happening in Pastor Reynario’s community, one of the least foruntate of those we work beside. Groups from Pittsburgh are also holding a weeklong women’s ministry and VBS at Pastor Ricardo’s church. Praise God.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. This has allowed God to work in and through the Ensenada Project in powerful. Be sure to check back soon as we will be posting pictures of all that is going on this summer!

God Bless

Your prayers for the people and ministries in Mexicali are needed, appreciated and making a great difference. We visited some people and places there over the weekend. Mexicali recently suffered an earthquake that left many buildings and homes damaged, unable to use to or live in. Nevertheless, God’s Kingdom is still growing there, and the ministry there still needs our prayers.

Pastor Francisco has been helping to progress the ministries in Mexicali for quite some time. Prior to the earthquake that took place, he and a man named Luis were leading a church group in a local municipal building. Since the earthquake flattened the municipal building, they have been driven back into Luis’s home to hold the church group. On the upside, God has faithfully grown the group which consists of about 70 people a week, including about 30 children and 40 adults. The group holds studies a few times a week, Tuesday being the most popular day, at Luis’s home. We are looking at land on which we could potentially build a church for this group. We continue to send up our prayers for this matter, and we encourage you to do the same.

God has graciously allowed us to replace a couple of homes that were destroyed in the earthquake. Pastor Rafa and Pastor Gustavo’s church buildings were not harmed by the earthquake (one in working, pictured above). As the ministries in Mexicali grow, we are praying to find more spiritual leaders for the community.

Again, thank you greatly for your prayers and support. Praise God for all He is doing.

The summer ministry is off to an amazing start, thanks to all of your prayers, support and willingness to serve. We are astounded and grateful at all that God has done here in so little time.

A few weeks ago, Hope Community Bible Church of Florida visited and helped us in getting lots of things done at the new facility in Maneadero, in addition to helping lead some VBS. This was a great blessing for us. God has really been gracious in giving us this new place, as it allows for greater communion amongst our team and the visiting missionaries. The dining hall area downstairs has served as a great place for praying, building relationships and, of course, enjoying meals together. The firepit area has been ideal for debriefing and worship.

In the weeks following, we were blessed with visits from Cle Elum C&MA Church of Washington, and Princeton Alliance Church of New Jersey. Both of these groups, visiting during seperate weeks, consisted of families. It is an inspiring thing to see families serving together, growing closer to each other and Christ at the same time. It is also amazing to see what God can do with a faithful and willing team, whether it is made up of experienced builders, amateur builders or kids who just want to help out wherever they can. The group from Washington build a home for a couple who attend Pastor Faustino’s church, and helped out with VBS. The husband of the family recieving the home leads worship there, and he played us a couple of songs on guitar when we gave them the keys to their new home. It was a beautiful and powerful moment. Despite the slight language barrier, it was clear for everyone present that everything accomplished was by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The same was true a week later when a couple from Pastor Ricardo’s church recieved a home built by Princeton Alliance Church, who also helped lead some VBS. We are so very grateful for the groups who allow God to use them here, their time and energy have been indescribably fruitful. Their is no way to explain how great of a difference that it makes in the lives of the people here, the community here, and the churches here.

While God has blessed us so very much with the construction that has been completed here, he has also built unique personal relationships in the process. The groups so far have really grasped that isn’t just about the building. It is great to see the visiting missionaries connect with the people here through prayer, conversation or just through exchanging smiles, hugs and handshakes. Seeing the children in the missionary groups connect with the kids here is a beautiful thing. There is no lanuage barrier when the focus is on playing with a stick or a soccerball. Morning prayer with the pastors has also been very powerful and connecting. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. the pastors and our team meet in the dining hall to pray as we feel led, and read scripture that we feel led to share. We encourage the visiting missionaries to participate as well, and God has used this in a powerful way.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated and just as greatly needed for the people and the ministry here. Continue to pray for pastors, communities, missionaries and everyone involved with the Ensenada Project. God is in control of everything here and we are so thankful for all that He has done and continues to do. We will be frequently updating our Twitter, Facebook and blog on this page, so be sure to keep checking in with us for the latest on the Ensenada Project.

God’s timing and His plan can only be from Him, we continue to shake our heads in amazement. Last week 2 bridges south of us were washed out and it was not possible to go south of San Vicente. A group from Alaska was planning on going to an orphanage down south, found out about us and on Sunday showed up ready and willing to do whatever we needed. They went to Fransisco’s and repaired the roof damage and moved two dump loads of dirt to secure the retaining wall. Then went down to the boys home and fixed the roof and worked on the dry wall damage. The ladies did to many loads of laundry to count and cleaned the kitchen thoroughly . They helped pour our foundation for the new apartment complex. The Big Bear team that was scheduled to do the foundation was unable to make it, so between the group and our pastors it all got done. Praise God!! God’s plans are not always our plans, and He knew exactly what we needed. The pastors stayed all night after the cement was poured and kept smoothing out the cement. To our amazement all of the pastors rallied together to get this done and done well.

Update on Jamin’s community, the road is still not passable. They think at least another week or two. The government has brought in trackers to move the dirt and water. Jamin’s family has walked through mud and water to get into their home, there was little damage to their home or church. Praise God! The pastors have bonded together, it has been great to see them grow together. It has been a sweet time, loving on each other, helping whenever someone needed something and serving each other. During the storm, we had two days of dinners at our home for all the pastors and their families. They came together like little kids, sharing stories of their communities and how God was at work.

Through this storm God also brought a couple from Moses Lake, Wa. They were going to be with us only for a few days, but plans changed when the road was washed out south of Ensenada. They jumped in and helped us in many ways. Gene was able to go to Paradise for two days and help put up a wall on one of the churches that collapsed, he also fixed some things that needed to be fixed at our facility. Gene and Starlene get up early each day to help put out breakfast and get lunch ready. This has been a huge blessing for us. Also, one of the members of the Big Bear team who lives in Los Angeles, was able to make it down. Jim was a huge blessing, not only taking wonderful pictures and video, he pitched in and helped get the team where it needed to be. He was willing to do whatever needed to get the job done. We are so grateful for all of the people God brought along our path, just when we needed them.

Please continue to pray for us as we will need to continue to fix things at the boys home, so that they can return. This Sunday our first group arrived to start building the first floor of the apartment complex. Pray for wisdom as we need to make changes to the apartment complex. The Mexican government does not want us to build a three story building (after the last storm). We have a couple of options; pray that God will direct and that we will be wise in what way to go. Thank you all who wrote encouraging words, who prayed and those who gave. Please keep checking our facebook page we will be posting pictures and video so that you can see what is going on here in Maneadero.

Since Sunday, Southern California and Baja Mexico had 4 major storms come through our area. These storms had a lot of rain and very strong winds, at times up to 80 miles an hour. By Thursday in the middle of the night the winds hit the strongest, with a major amount of rain. In Santo Tomas the wind was so strong it ripped off the roof of the boys home, where the boys sleep. Fransisco’s family came to our home at 4am for fear that their roof would come off their home, and their home was leaking in three of the four rooms. Around 8am Jamin phoned, his family was stuck in their car as the water was rising. The military asked the families to leave, because the river (I never knew there was river!) had crested. Rick, Fransisco and Reynario left to go rescue Jamins family. The road was higher than waste deep with water, they were unable to go down. The fire department and search and rescue went down to get the families out. Jamin left with all the his kids and Jarib’s, Jarib refused to leave. They had to walk through waste deep in water to be rescued, they showed up at our home with only the clothes they had on that were wet and some without shoes, and distraught. Imagine Jamin ( a man the size of Tammie) wearing Rick’s clothes, VERY FUNNY! They are not sure if they will have a house or church to go back to. An hour later Sergio went into the community to rescue Jarib and his wife. In the early evening Ricardo’s community was evacuated and later allowed to go back. Our apartments now have the boys from the boy’s home and our second floor has a family that was evacuated. Our home is home to Jamin’s family until the water goes down (hopefully by Sunday).

All areas that are at sea level have been flooded! Today we have no idea how bad Reynario’s community or Jamin’s community really are. It will take a few days for it to dry out. Today is the last day of the storm, at times it rains really hard and at times there is a beautiful break in the sky. Faustino and Ricardo’s communities are fine with very little flooding. The road to Ricardo’s is dangerous, many boulders have fallen from the mountain above and not sure if it will wash away. All of the fields are flooded, and many of the dirt streets are filled with water. Fransiscos church has major damage with due to water on the dry wall. All of the shingles on Fransiscos house flew off, causing water to enter his home as well.

Our first group arrives Sunday to start building the apartments for our groups. We need your prayers, for direction and wisdom. Depending on what the damage will be, we may need to look after the churches. PLEASE pray with us that the waters go down and that the houses and Jamin’s church were spared damage. We need to help Juan with the boys home roof. Pray for money that somehow what we have will be multiplied, we do not have significant funds to repair the damage. We know that God is in control of all things, and He has a plan much greater than ours. Join us in prayer as we seek God’s direction for the Ensenada Project. Continue to pray for the people of Maneadero, many do not have houses that will have made it through this series of storms.

We will update you this weekend as soon as we know how the communities made out. Thank you again for all of your prayers, we are grateful that we have internet (at least at times) so that we can communicate to all of you.