Transition Update and Little Bits from my Heart

A follower of this ministry recently asked how things were going in the transition of our move back to the States so I would like to update all our readers as well.

Wilson traveled to South Carolina last Wednesday to get things ready for our move. We had a vehicle that we had planned to bring to Mexico to for use in ministry but somehow it never made it. The vehicle needed some work so he’s been fixing it. He’s looking for temporary work to help with the costs of moving back, and also doing legal errands, taxes and all that fun stuff :)

I’ve tried not to be too technical on money issues in this site because like Paul (I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. Php 4:12) we have had to learn to be content. I feel today though to share some insights out of great joy because God is faithful.

When we decided to move to Mexico we sold almost everything we had and gathered as much money as possible to sustain us here. We came May 09 and unexpectedly we both needed to travel back in July. Almost half of the money raised was used there. We came back to Mexico and still had a little more of our savings. We traveled frequently to the mountains and anywhere we were invited to preach and for the most part we covered our own expense.

Very seldom did churches raise an offering for us. I must say though some would give us fruits from their crops and blessed us with hospitality. God is good! Very few churches although small in size but had big hearts and did bless us with an offering that sometimes would cover our groceries for the week or pay a tank of gas, again God is good!

Our personal savings ran out and we solely relied on offerings sent directly to the ministry. A couple of times we had very little food and would visit a friend’s house so we could share bread and coffee or tea in the evenings, no doubt the fellowship also helped build a strong relationship. God is good. Tears are coming as I type this but I’m not sad nor do I lament, to the contrary, God is faithful! I’ve just experienced this in another way in life. I didn’t go hungry. I never felt pain. My God is so good. Let everyone know!

So, why am I saying all this? I heard this past weekend from Pastor Bremer (Pastor of ‘Abundant Life’ Mexico): “I’m not paid to do this (ministry), I’m paying so I can do this!” Those words spoke so vividly to me. We’ve literally have given not just our ‘life’ but our belongings, our time, our effort and dedication to the gospel. Some have shown their encouragement via emails, facebook, comments, etc. and I’m so thankful of all your kind words, I feel so loved by His body. You know what though? The more I give my life and everything in it the more humble my heart remains because its closer to the realization that I will never out-give God, he gave his best, his only begotten! Oh my friends, how wonderful and privileged we are to serve him, to live for him, and to die for him!

We love you and are so thankful to God for adopting us into His family. Thank you so much for your prayers.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Php 4:13-15 ESV

Una Actualización de la transición y Trocitos del Corazón

Un seguidor de este ministerio preguntó recientemente cómo cosas estaban en la transición de nuestra mudanza a los Estados y yo querría actualizar todos nuestros lectores también.

Wilson viajó a Carolina del Sur el miércoles pasado para preparar todo para nuestra mudanza. Tuvimos un vehículo que habíamos planeado traer a México para el uso en el ministerio pero de algún modo nunca se hizo. El vehículo necesitaba algún trabajo asi que el lo ha estado arreglando. Tambien a buscado trabajo temporáneo para ayudar con los costos de movernos, y también haciendo vueltas legales, los impuestos y todo eso tan divertido;)

He tratado de no ser demasiado técnico en asuntos de dinero en este sitio porque como Pablo (Sé lo que es vivir en la pobreza, y también lo que es vivir en la abundancia. Fil. 4:12 ) hemos tenido que aprender a estar contentos. Hoy siento compartir algunas vivencias de gran gozo porque Dios es fiel.

Cuando decidimos mover a México nosotros vendimos casi todo lo que tuvimos y reunimos tanto dinero como posible sostenernos aquí. Vinimos en mayo 09 y inesperadamente nosotros tuvimos que viajar en julio. Casi mitad del dinero levantado fue utilizado allí. Regresamos a México y todavía tuvimos un poco más de nuestros ahorros. Viajamos con frecuencia a las montañas y dondequiera nosotros fuimos invitados a predicar y en la mayor parte nosotros cubrimos nuestro propio gasto.

Muy rara vez hizo las iglesias levantan una ofrenda para nosotros. Debo decir que algunos nos daban frutos de sus cosechas y nos bendecían con hospitalidad. ¡Dios es bueno! ¡Muy pocas iglesias aunque pequeñas en tamaño pero con grandes corazones nos bendijeron con una ofrenda que cubriría a veces nuestros gastos de comida para la semana o pagaría un tanque de gas, otra vez Dios es bueno!

Nuestros ahorros personales se acabaron y dependimos únicamente de ofrendas enviadas directamente al ministerio. Un par de veces nosotros tuvimos muy poco alimento y visitábamos la casa de unos amigos compartir pan y café o té en las tardes, sin duda la confraternidad también ayudó a construir una relación fuerte. Dios es bueno. ¡Las lágrimas vienen cuando escribo esto pero no estoy triste ni lo hago lamentando, al contrario, Dios es fiel! He experimentado esto en otra manera en la vida. Yo no pasé hambre. Yo nunca sentí dolor. Mi Dios es tan bueno. ¡Que todos lo sepan!

¿Así, por qué digo yo todo esto? Oí esto fin de semana pasado del Pastor Bremer (Pastor de "Vida Abundante") : ¡"Yo no soy pagado por hacer esto (el ministerio), pago para hacerlo"! Esas palabras hablaron tan realmente a mí. Hemos dado literalmente no solo nuestra "vida" pero nuestras pertenencias, nuestro tiempo, nuestro esfuerzo y dedicación al evangelio. Algunos han mostrado su ánimo a través de correos electrónicos, facebook, comentarios, etc. y yo estoy tan agradecidos de todas sus palabras de apoyo, yo me siento tan amada por Su cuerpo. ¿Sabe que? ¡Entre más doy mi vida y todo en ello más humilde mi corazón permanece porque esta cerca a la realización de que nunca daré mas de lo que dio Dios, él dio lo mejor suyo, su unigénito! ¡Ah mis amigos, cuán maravilloso y privilegiados somos de servirle, de vivir para él, y de morir para él!

Nosotros le amamos y estamos tan agradecidos a Dios por adoptarnos a Su familia. Gracias por sus oraciones.

Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. Sin embargo, han hecho bien en compartir conmigo en mi aflicción. Ustedes mismos también saben, Filipenses, que al comienzo de la predicación del evangelio, después que partí de Macedonia, ninguna iglesia compartió conmigo en cuestión de dar y recibir, sino solamente ustedes. Php 4:13-15 NBLH

Life in Mexico Video 2

@ Yahoo! Video

Life in Mexico Video

Here are just little snippets of some of the things I’ve experienced in Mexico.

The Waiting Period

Today is the first day of new living in Mexico. We’re on our own! Wow. I’m excited and nervous at the same time.

Our previous living arrangements were with a family in a two-story house. We had a bedroom and occupied another room with our stuff (camping gear, tools, etc.). We helped weekly with the grocery bill and another bill once a month. It was a pretty good understanding we thought.

A few weeks ago we started noticing a few things that were just not right. Something, that we could just not pin point it, it was holding us back. What to do? We turned to the one who leads us to green pastures, our Heavenly Father. We waited, asked godly counsel, and waited.

You know when you get a new insurance policy or when you start a new job, there is a waiting period. Thirty or maybe ninety days when the benefits ‘activate’! In my own little way, this felt like that waiting period. It’s been 4 months since we moved down here. I'm glad we lived with that family for the first months. I can't imagine how much harder it would of all been trying to adapt to a new culture, laws, health system, the list goes on!

I know things will be different from now on. Trials and obstacles will still come, silly not to expect them, but to stand exactly in the bull’s-eye where God wants you IS ALL worth it! Praise God! My heart fills with joy!

Today we live in a BIG house; a little too big for me, but it we will need every bit of it when we have a mission’s team come here. We don’t have a lot of furniture; actually we’re using our folding chairs right now (haha), and only the most basic kitchen utensils. Wilson’s handyman expertise has been a huge help, thank the Lord for all the gifts he has given him! I’m so proud of him! He can preach, teach, fix a sink, setup the DVD player, hook up a car with a stereo system, give a tune-up to a car, cook a fancy meal, look good doing it all and making me feel like the most blessed wife in Mexico! Lol. It’s a tough job I tell ya!

I’ve even started a vegetable garden (those of you who know me know I’m not a gardener! haha). In about 3 months I will have green bell peppers (expensive here since most people use the hot ones), tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. I already have a lime tree (thank you Jesus!) and a guava tree. Green pastures!

So, we now wait for you :-) . We’re excited to have missions teams come here. A few churches have already contacted us to arrange this. We’re glad to work with your church's mission team! Mexico 4 Jesus!

Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psa 90:16-17 ESV

My First Mexican Independence Day

“To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews…”1Co 9:20 ESV

This verse became more real and true to me tonight as I experienced my first Independence Day in Mexico. I attended a service with a program that included “A Great Mexican Night”. During this program the pastor called for prayer for the nation confessing sins, asking mercy and rebuking spirits. It was then that I actually realized, “I am a Mexican now, do so as the Mexicans”, I remembered Paul and his ministry.

I feel as I need to become one with the people, if I must intercede surely my heart must feel their pain and need of deliverance. My thoughts naturally compared my life in the States; it’s difficult to take notice of these things when you feel at home. Sins don’t ‘look’ like sins anymore and spirits become familiar.

"…Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Eph 5:14:17 ESV

Let’s get in touch with God! We ALL have a part in his kingdom! I spent many years with zeal to serve the Lord but feeling out of place. Consider the scripture “…make the best of your time…” and “…understand what the will of the Lord is…” personally that His name may be glorified!

Tidbits of Life in Mexico

• I feel weak physically compared to other women here. They carry so much on their backs and even around their heads. I can barely pull up my wet sheets from the washer to extract them.

• When I walk, I now have to remember to watch my step because there may be chicken or other animal waste.

• The fair is coming this weekend. I'm so excited to see the culture come alive. There is one small detail. I can't go with the girls who live here. You see, Christians and Non-Christians (Catholics) are so separated in the community that a community fair can become a religious discord. Town families are all asked to cooperate with the expenses of the fair. Christians refuse because the money goes toward a festivity that ultimately is done by the Catholic church. Therefore, even if they wanted to enjoy the food, rides, and entertainment, they feel it’s not their place because they didn’t give money and because they want to make a statement out of it. We also want to make a statement here and that’s why I’m making plans to go. Hopefully it will show Christians especially that we are not here to draw lines but to show God’s love to everyone, regardless of how they feel towards us.

• I’m so annoyed by bugs. Ugh! They are everywhere and frankly sometimes I have to let go of my germ phobia.

• Yes! Prayer! I’m doing so many things more prayerfully here, like the food we prepare, the showers I’m grateful to have without worrying the water will run out, the hands I shake believing God will keep us healthy.

• This town can seem so quite and serene, it can be deceiving. Don’t get me wrong I like the calmness. The problem is that there is still a war to be fought. Last week was a brutal wake up call. We’ve had 3 people sick including Wilson, 2 ‘small’ accidents that required medical attention, and misunderstandings. I spent a whole day just grieving and battling the enemy with his lies. You don’t think anything of it until you battle it out, the enemy is a liar.

• Being prepared is essential. We are like doctors on call duty. We may be called at any time for anything. My job is to be emotionally, physically, mentally, and obviously spiritually prepared. I may not always know what to do but my spirit must be willing, my soul calm, and my mind charged. People are hungry and God will use me as he wishes.

• I spend my down time listening to worship CD’s, reading the Word or maybe a counseling book, writing bible studies, journaling and of course online keeping in touch with friends.

• It’s been difficult mentally. My life in the States was so fast and on the go. I was used to multitasking at my job, go home cook and eat, sometimes washed my teeth so fast I was still chewing my dinner so we could go to church or small group meeting. It’s good to know I’m supposed to be here. My mind may play games with me sometimes but my heart and spirit know God is in control. Gloria a Dios!

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV

PS:
1. Thanks to my amiga Mary for the blog's new look. Tell me what you think!
2. I know many of you have asked for recent videos/pictures, I will have some soon!

Life in Mexico

Thanks to Juan and Maria's girls, we've had lots of fun this week.

This is a pic from San Pablo. It's a very small town with a beautiful pure river. The water was clear and lukewarm. This wasn't a park. We had to bring our own food because the nearest place that sold food was about an hour away. A day to enjoy God's creation.


Today, I ate barbacoa. It's tender lamb cooked in a pit oven for hours in it's own juices. Absolutely delicious, I just hope it's not too fattening. People around here don't count calories much. Lol.

Psalms 8:3-9
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Life in Mexico

Hola amigos!

I just want to take a moment and journal what's life like here in Mexico.

Everyday chores usually take a lot longer to do here. Laundry, for example is a few hours versus 1 to 1 1/2 it took in the US. Cooking is a whole lot different. Libe, the lady of the house, takes the responsibility of cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other labor tasks. However, since I came, I have been helping her with at least cooking and some cleaning. She is thrilled to see me cook in a different way :) I don't have everything I need when cooking, but I'm learning to be creative. That is a definite requisite to living here.

Spiritually speaking, we are on our own. There isn't a church where I can go and worship freely and fellowship. Every church we have visited have requested us to preach/teach. It's weird actually. I feel a freedom of not having a 'church responsibility' but at the same time it was good to have an appointment every Sunday with the Lord. I don't know if this makes sense. :) It's been fun to seek God on my own basis. I can't really explain. It's just me, a worship CD/playlist, the Word and my prayer shawl (thanks Pastor Tom), seeking the Almighty God of Wonders. Praise his name.

This has been on my heart lately:

"You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." John 4:22-24 (TNIV)

I've noticed this, Jesus says "You Samaritans worship what you do not know...we worship what we do know" - and I ask- "Lord, what do I know? The more I know you, the more I know who I worship, the more worship means to me." I know him more in worship and the truth reveals who He is to me. Thank you Father for being a personal God to me, I can say with confidence "You are my God and I worship YOU."