Lots of progress at Rio 3!

I wanted to update everyone on the progress that we have had at Rio 3. It has been 4 months since Huricane Alex washed away over 100 homes and turned the church building into a 24 hour refuge for hundreds of people. With the help of many who gave towards our huricane relief fund, we have been able to put a roof on the new multi-purpose addition and pour a concrete floor. This will enable us to not only serve the community on a daily basis, but will also allow us to be better able to serve the people in the event of a future disaster. This building will eventually be the soup kitchen!

I always like to point out that I believe the ministry that Olga runs from this church building is being a light in a dark world. Now they will be able to bring light to darkness in even a bigger way. We are excited about what God is doing in Rio 3. We also give thanks to God for the generous support that so many of you give. Together we are making a difference.

Forever Changed

The picture above is of a couple from Michigan that visited us in March. They are 2 examples of people who came to love on God's children and went home forever changed. 

Beth used a lawn mower with 3 wheels to cut some tall grass at Casa Hogar Douglas while they were here. Take a minute to read the letter that she recently sent me about what God has done in their lives since then...

Hi Jim, 

You probably don't remember me, but my husband and I were in Monterrey in March with Riverview Church from Michigan. I've been thinking a lot about your ministry lately and praying for all of you with Back2Back. I was curious if you have any specific needs right now that you that could be helped with financial support, since we are unable to be there physically... We are expecting our first child in a few months now and know that we won't be able to get back to Monterrey for a little while. I've been thinking about things like your lawn mower with the broken wheel, and just curious what some of your needs may be and if maybe we could help. 

... I don't remember if you recall us having a conversation about Jason and I not being able to have children. We tried for a very frustrating 2 1/2 years and had seen specialists, and our chances of conceiving were low. It was affecting our marriage and our lives in a huge way, and was very emotional, especially for me. I had actually hoped that while on our mission trip I could get my mind off of it, but found myself struggling while there because of the irony of all the orphans without parents and my own agony of not having a child. Through prayer and tears while on that trip I had decided to let God take control of the situation and I had finally come to peace with either not having kids or the possibility of adoption. We were very surprised to find ourselves pregnant shortly after and according to the ultra sound the date of conception was the day after we got home, which doesn't make sense according to the doctors. It is obviously a God thing. It is also interesting because Jason got saved and baptized on that trip. Anyway, pretty crazy, just wanted to share that with you. 

Thanks for the blog, we really wish to stay involved with B2B and pray for all of you. 

Beth

What happened in the lives of Jason & Beth wasn't anything that Back2Back or any of our staff did. It was God who brought change to the lives of this young couple! I always enjoy stories like this. Sometimes the ones most effected are the ones that come to serve "the least of these." Praise God!

Beth & Jason want to help us buy a new lawn mower for the children's home. I know that everytime I start that mower, I'm going to remember what God has done in their lives.

God bless you Beth and Jason! (and your son you are expecting in December)