Some of the team started the day early by serving breakfast at the Tijuana breakfast program. This is often a highlight for many team members as we get to meet many children and families and work with a church that is located on the former dumps where the families live. This is often the only meal these people will receive and it humbles us to be able to serve them in this practical way.
Then we headed to La Hermosa, to be partnered with our translators. We broke into small teams that delivered food and gift hampers to 60 families in need. Many of the homes we visited asked us to pray for jobs for the husbands/fathers. The slow economy is really affecting the area in a significant way. We were invited into people’s homes and had the joy of praying for them. Some of the Moms were very emotional as they received their food, as they did not know where their next meal was coming from! One of the teams prayed for a woman to receive Jesus! She had been ill for a long time and had asked a witch doctor to come and “heal” her but she knew instantly that an evil spirit had entered her so when our team arrived she wanted to receive Jesus immediately! They were pretty excited to be able to pray with her. We prayed for provision and healing and salvation for many families. It is such a privilege to be able to bless people in the name of Jesus!
After that we drove up to Karla’s house, did a few touch ups and prepared to present Karla and her boys her new home! What an exciting and joyful time! When she saw her new pink (yes, pink!) house, tears filled her eyes instantly.
When Karla’s husband left her, she went into a very dark time of depression. Her children (ages 5 and 7) were often left on their own and roamed the streets, getting into trouble. Casa de Luz has been such a gift to her as she is able to go to work and know that her children are cared for and loved. She has seen an incredible change in them already. To receive the additional gift of a new home was overwhelming for her. It was so wonderful to be able to give her this fresh new start. When we asked Karla what colour house she wanted she chose pink (to the chagrin of some of our men ☺) but the women had such a fun time painting it pink. It looks like such a fun, joyful house – such a contrast from the dark time she had been in a while ago. And the fact that Karla gave her life to Jesus this week made it even more special!
The men built the boys some bunk beds and made Karla a bed as well. They had all been sleeping on the concrete floor before. The bunk beds were a huge hit! We also bought curtains and flowers and gave her a framed portrait of her family. It felt like home and she was so proud of it. Her Mom made us all tamales to thank us and to celebrate. One of the best house warming parties we will ever go to!
We are now home and would appreciate your prayers as we adjust to life back at home. Many of us still have colds and sore throats and we’re all pretty tired! We are excited to share our God - stories and experiences with you! We saw about twenty people come to Jesus this week and saw the fruit of many years of dreaming, planning and praying for Casa de Luz and our ministry in Mexicol It was such a rewarding trip! Our team will be sharing in church on January 8th and you are all invited to come out and hear about what God is doing in Mexico. Thanks for being a part of it!
Life in obedience to God never disappoints! Praying for the Vineyard team members to extend Jesus LOVE in Mexico . . . thru building, serving, playing, caring, giving and sharing, has blessed me! YIKES! I so LOVE how the spirit works things out . . . not only upon whose who bear witness to the many kindness' but those who He touches who don't even know . . . yet. I continue to pray for Karla and those in her sphere of influence as she/they has been touched by the Jesus community! To God be the GLORY!!! xoxo
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