Star-gazing, Safaris, San Juanico, Sewer and Spring! March 24th Update.

Hola from Mexico!

Just wanted to update you on some of what is happening around here lately.

Langley EFC!  We had a packed week of ministry with the Langley Evangelical Free Church youth group two weeks ago which included ministry in Árbol de Vida but a lot of reaching beyond the walls of our church in partnership with various other Kingdom ministries including working through a local church with children and building a house for an elderly single man in a dusty little village close to the coast named San Juanico, working at an orphanage in Guaymas, south of Hermosillo and in the soup kitchen that we partner in with a Free Methodist church close to Árbol de Vida.  It was a busy 7 days and we want to thank Lane and Sheri and Reg and Linda for taking on the vast majority of the load of hosting and leading this team.  It was great having the pastoral team from Langley here (Darren and Mike and their families) as well as Marvin Job, who had been here before and who we have been able to visit in Langley on home assignment.  An energetic and passionate group that blessed a lot of people and were blessed by lot of people!  To God be the glory!

Zion EMC!  Next week I’ll be in Phoenix, AZ. picking up 14 youth and leaders from our home church in Didsbury, AB. for more than a week of  learning, serving and loving in the name of Christ here in Mexico.  Please pray for us as we prepare for the many opportunities to “do the word” (James 1:22) among the needy, both physically and spiritually.  It is always a blessing to partner with our home church; a congregation that has been an incredible support over my life (Greg’s) and ours as a family especially during the last 10 years of ministry in Mexico. 

SMILe!  Shelli has been able to coordinate therapy and other connections with the children and their families that were victims of the daycare fire.  God has gone before opening many doors and providing for relationships and ministry that we couldn’t have dreamed of.  Shelli had coffee with 8 moms of children with burns this morning and came home telling of the need that these moms and their kids have and how many are searching for answers and for hope.  Thank you for your prayers as this ministry continues to take shape.  Shelli is so thankful for the many church ladies and youth that are helping with the therapies which have been happening every Saturday.

Bible Safari!  Shelli held a training event in Arbol de Vida two weeks ago which saw around 50 Sunday School teachers from more than 6 different churches come  and learn about how to creatively teach children! 

Ken, Bev and Michael From!  A couple weeks ago we enjoyed a visit from our good friends from Didsbury (and Chinle, AZ) as they were able to take advantage of being in Arizona to come a few hours futher south to visit us!  We spend time together in the middle of regular life and ministry, even getting to head to San Carlos for one night (out of the city to do some amazing star-gazing!!! – See Ken’s site here http://all-startelescope.com/)  A highlight for me (Greg) and for the rest of the family as well.  It was just great to share with our friends the ministry (in living colour) that they have been part of over the years in so many ways!  It was special for our youth at the church the Saturday night as we set up the telescopes and could see Saturn’s rings and other celestial wonders.  Thanks Ken, Bev and Michael!

Water and Sewer!  Over the past 5 years we have asked for prayer for the provision of water and sewer hook-ups from the city.  Well, God does answer prayer (sometimes it takes patience…) And, yes, He has answered our prayers!!! A couple weeks ago we finally finished all the paperwork and contracts and everything needed to be able say goodbye to the Sonoran Water Torture (the lack of water, that is) that we have been living with.  Praise the Lord for answered prayer!

The land next door.  Please pray that we can finish the purchase of the land next door to the church soon so we can proceed with planning and expansion.  We still need to raise about $70,000.00CAD to pay off the remaining amount owed. 

Thank you for your prayer!  God is working here in Mexico and in your own life!  Let His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

In Christ,

Greg