Joy in Compassion - The Betschers in Mexico

2012

2012-02-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Well, after taking a break from blogging for the month of January, I'm ready to start up again. It isn't that we didn't have a lot going on, but I just didn't take the time to blog anything. You can check our Facebook page @ BettyyJim Betscher for some pics and posts about what went on if you like.

On January 1, Betty woke up with a song in her mind. In English, the chorus goes " Nothing is impossible for God." For much of the month of January, we have been singing this song as a family. I believe it will be the theme of this year for us. We are, like you, always facing trials both in our family and in our work. But we want to always be reminded and encouraged that we serve a God who is greater than any problem that comes along. He just wants us to be faithful in all things and cling to His Rightousness.

We've already experienced some great accomplishments in 2012. I hope in the next several posts to update you on what is going on both in Rio 3 and in Casa Hogar Douglas. But, before we share more of what is new, we want to thank each of you for loving us, praying for us and supporting us! We often close our day by remembering and giving thanks for YOU! We have the best family and friends that we could ever want or ask for! We are truly blessed by each of you! We honestly love what God allows us to do, that He allows us to do it together and that He blesses us with your love, friendship, prayers and support!

THANK YOU for being YOU!!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

We want to thank each of you for the blessing that you are to us throughout the year! We love you and hope that each of you have a blessed Christmas season!

Reality

2011-12-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of a 16 year old mom and her soon to be 1 year old son. They live in Rio 3 with her 3 year old sister and her mom who is in her mid thirties in a house like the one pictured above. She is a very pretty girl and her baby is adorable. Our work here in Monterrey can be summed up as we consider this young teenager's future.

Betty and I serve in Rio 3 because we want to minister to families like this one that are surviving on a thread. Over 30 million people in Mexico live in conditions that we would describe as extreme poverty. We believe Jesus loved the poor and has called us to love and serve them also. In Rio 3,we serve them by working side by side with the local church, Mercy House Church. Our highest priority is that they come to know and love Jesus. But we realize that we must help with basic needs like food, clothing and shelter in order for them to understand that God loves them.

We also serve in Casa Hogar Douglas, a children's home to almost 70 children. Unfortunately, young moms like this one, come to the point where they can't go on. They bring their children to a children's home like Casa Hogar Douglas. Sometimes, the family situation becomes unsafe. No one is really taking care of the children and they are roaming the streets. We believe it is better that they are in a safe place.

A Rescue

2011-12-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

A short while ago, we had the privilege to help out in a child rescue case. Actually, there were 3 siblings under the age of 8 years old that were brought to us by their mother, through a friend of ours. For privacy reasons I won't go into all the details but I can say that all 3 of these kids were in physical danger. They had no home and were living on the streets. That alone is not safe in this country! But I am so thankful that ever since they were brought to us, they have been safe, well fed, cared for and loved daily.

I remember what my friend who brought them to us told me on the day that we met them. He said, "Jim, I was made for days like today!" As every paramedic or fireman knows, there is a rush when you assist in a real live rescue! There are many aspects to orphan care ministry. There is education, physical, spiritual and emotional development. All of these things are part of what we do as a whole. But when you are able to be there in that moment of a young child's life and be a part of changing their destiny, there is contentment. I know for sure, that on that fall day in 2011, we saw the future change for those 3 young children. They were literally snatched from the hands of Satan and placed in a place where they are not only protected but are free to grow in their knowledge of Christ as their True Savior.

Yesterday, I was reminded of this as I was worshiping in the church at Casa Hogar Douglas. I turned to my side and there was the oldest singing out loud the songs of the redeemed. He was singing them as one who knows!

A Day to Remember

2011-11-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, in our Sunday morning church service, an important milestone was accomplished that I believe will have a profound impact on the future of Casa Hogar Douglas. It wasn't planned. In fact, I was thinking before the service started that morning that Satan was having his way more than God it seemed. Ever feel like that?

We didn't have a sermon prepared. After the time of worship, the song leader invited anyone to come forward and share a testimony. When we have done this in the past, it is usually only the adults that want to share anything. This Sunday, after a couple of adults shared what God was doing in their lives, a 6th grade boy came forward. This young boy has never wanted to open up about his feelings or openly share anything that was going on in his life before. The whole crowd was quiet as he shared the hurt and pain that he had been carrying for a long time. At times his emotions had him crying but he spoke very clearly and thoughtfully with all of us. This opened the door for others to follow. Many kids began to share what they were feeling in their hearts and asking God to fill up the void that they had in their lives. Many gave thanks for the children's home and the staff that showed them God's love.

At the close of the service we sang a closing chorus as usual. Another boy who had shared his pain, was on the front row and fell down to his knees with his hands lifted high as we sang "Blessed be the name of the Lord." His 6 year old sister came forward and began to hug him. By the close of chorus, the 2 of them were embracing each other on the floor and crying.

I believe God is not only blessing the kids of this children's home, but I believe that He is breaking down barriers as well. As many kids have experienced pain in their young lives, they have reacted by holding their feelings and emotions in. Or they have acted out in anger or frustration that has led to them being labeled a "troubled child" by others. This morning, that I thought at first would be a day without hope, turned out to be a milestone where hearts and minds were opened by the Holy Spirit. I would ask for continued prayer as God continues to work through His Spirit in breaking down walls that have been built out of anger and frustration in these kids' lives.

Using the Blessing we've received to bless others

2011-11-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, the kids at Casa Hogar Douglas received a blessing of new mattresses for their beds. When the kids learned that another home we serve, Casa Hogar Bethany, had 24 kids that slept on thin foam mats, they wanted to share their old mattresses with them. So last Wednesday, we loaded up the mattresses and took some of the older kids to meet the kids at Bethany. We shared a sandwich lunch that we brought along with some other treats and the kids enjoyed the afternoon getting to know each other. It was a great time that was had by all and we are already planning more activities to do together with our new friends at Bethany. We invited them over to play soccer in our large soccer field and they invited us to come back next summer to swim in the river that flows through their property!

Shelter Program Highlight

2011-10-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

This past week, we had something happen that I think says alot about the hearts of the people who come to serve with us. We had a group of NASCAR people come and serve with us in Monterrey. We have had several other NASCAR groups in the past and they all have impressed me with their humility and desire to serve! On this trip, we had Nationwide Series driver, Justin Allgaier and his wife Ashley come and meet their sponsored child, Magali from Casa Hogar Douglas. We also had several members of Joe Gibbs Racing #18 car crew on the trip.

The day after they got home, one of these guys called me to let me know that he and his wife wanted to sponsor Lola from Douglas in our Shelter child sponsorship program. For those who do not know Lola, she is a 38 year old Downs Syndrome girl who has lived at Casa Hogar Douglas since she was 3 years old. We never really thought that we would ever have a sponsor for Lola. When Jason called to tell me this, I told him that I doubted that Lola would ever be able to write to them. Her level of communication is very limited. He told me that he understood that and that he was moved by watching Justin & Ashley and the relationship that Magali has with them. He also said that he felt God calling him to sponsor Lola who truly is one of the least of these!

I am humbled and stand in awe of our God! For us, we give thanks to ALL of our Shelter Sponsors because you truly enable us with the power to care for these children! God is using so many people in 2 countries to carry out the work that is going on here! THANK YOU!!!

Justin and Ashley Allgaier with Magali (their sponsored child)

Lola in the front on the swingset at Douglas

Unplanned sleepover

2011-10-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had a heavy rainstorm. The unfortunate thing was that at the children's home, we were in the process of replacing the roof on the main dorm. The result was that the roof leaked very bad during the rainstorm. The smallest girls' dorm was flooded. So that night, we brought 7 of these girls and their care giver to our house for a sleepover. The next morning was school so they couldn't sleep in but it was fun none the less!

The good part is that we now have the roof replaced and we are completing a lot of other renovations to all the dorms. I hope to post an update on this when we are finished. There is a lot of blessing that is happening right now at Casa Hogar Douglas. We want to thank everyone for your prayers and financial support in every way!

Now the girls want another sleepover but they want to have it on a weekend when they can sleep in!

New computers at Casa Hogar Douglas

2011-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

We recently received a local donation of 5 new desktop computers for the new library at Casa Hogar Douglas children's home. The really cool part is that the business that donated the computers also is paying to have 2 teachers come 4 afternoons per week to teach the kids computer skills. All of the kids that are above 1st grade have at least one computer class per week! This is just another of the ways that God is blessing our efforts to better prepare them for success in the future.

Working with a purpose in Rio 3

2011-10-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

During the summer, our friend Amy Tuell came with a group to serve with us for a week. While she was here, she wanted to show some of the women in Olga's soup kitchen at Rio 3 how to crochet using plastic bags. Instead of making a blanket or a sweater out of cloth material, they can make plastic mats out of plastic grocery bags, that are more durable in the rio homes.

Last week when we were there, Juanita, one of the ladies from the soup kitchen gave Betty this mat that she had made. She was so proud of it and wanted to thank us for helping show her how to make it. We asked Juanita what she needed. She told Betty she could use an electric iron. So, we bought her an iron and traded it for the mat. Now we have a plastic mat for our bathroom floor and Juanita has an iron.

Better Opportunities

2011-10-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

This year, we have 12 students from Casa Hogar Douglas children's home enrolled in other schools. What we are trying to do is choose schools where the kids have the best opportunity to learn and succeed in school. This is made possible by money we receive from the Shelter child sponsor program. These pictures were taken of Magali who is in 6th grade in one of these schools. This was a school assembly for Mexican Independence Day. Betty and I were there to watch and I realized that no one in this school knows Magali is an orphan. She tells me often, "Jim, I love my new school!"

New Slide at Douglas Children's Home

2011-10-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

We recently rebuilt the big slide at Casa Hogar Douglas. This slide was originally built about 25 years ago but was showing some signs of age. During the remodeling phase we decided to add a set of stairs. You can now walk all the way up the hill to the chapel from the dining hall.

We lost a friend this week

2011-10-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ron's baptism.

Ron with Lola in Casa Hogar Douglas

Ron dressed in his clown outfit in Douglas

One of the people we met in the past 5 years is a guy named Ron from Cincinnati. Some friends of ours, found Ron on a park bench in Cincinnati a few years ago. He was homeless and addicted to alcohol and drugs. They shared the Gospel with Ron and he became a Christian. Ron's life as a Christian was radically different. He got involved in a clown ministry and began to experience the joy of serving the Lord in this new life that he had in Christ.

Ron made 2 trips here on short-term mission trips. During these trips, Betty and I came to know and love him. I believe his experience here stirred something inside of him to serve even more. Ron did landscape work and he often referred to this as his "tent-making." What he loved to do was clown ministry. Last winter he took a few months and moved to a small pueblo in Mexico to serve as a missionary. He worked with a bi-lingual pastor in a small church all by himself. It was a testimony for us of someone who was completely changed when he accepted Christ.

We had stayed in touch through email and we last saw Ron in Cincinnati about a year ago. He came to say hi to us at a Chipotle restaurant. This past week, Ron passed away. He was 50 years old. His last email to us was just a few days before he died. It was titled "Victory." We will miss Ron. He liked to raise his hands high and shout "Thank you Jesus!" everytime he was thankful for something.

Ron, you taught us a lot about living in grace. After your conversion, you were a changed person. We give thanks that you were our friend. May God bless your friends and family and comfort them in their loss! Thank you Jesus!

What it takes

2011-09-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

At Casa Hogar Douglas, we currently have 70 kids. You might ask, how much does it cost to take care of these kids each month? We have been working on our monthly budget and have come up with the following rough numbers:

Electric = $1,200

Gas = $600

Gasolene for school vans and trucks = $700

Workers' salaries (12 workers) = $2,000

School fees and supplies (monthly average) = $400

Food for dining hall = $3,000

Telephone = $100

Trash service = $140

Insurance and vehicle maintaince = $250

TOTAL = $8,390 per month

Our Back2Back Shelter Program is designed to help us come up with the funds each month to meet these needs. When you sponsor one of our kids, at $100 per month, your sponsorship goes towards helping us fullfill these commitments.

We want to thank all of you who sponsor one of our children or support us directly. Together we are helping to "Care for them today and give them a Hope for tomorrow!" We are very grateful for your support!

How do you feel close to God?

2011-08-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

I suppose, this post is a continuation of my thoughts from the previous post. Actually, I listened to a tape of Rich Mullins recently that prompted some of these thoughts. Those of you who know me, know I am inspired by Rich's words and songs.

In the tape, Rich said that many people ask him, "how do you feel close to God?" He answered, "I don't know. When I read the psalms, many times I think most of the psalmist didn't always feel very close to God. Closeness to God is not about feelings," he adds. "Closeness to God is about obedience. When I read the scriptures, I realize that God has a special place in His heart for the oppressed, for the broken and for the poor. Jesus said, 'whatever you do for the least of these, you've done it unto me.' If I want to identify with who God is, the best way I can do that, is to serve the poor. I don't know how you feel close to God. I know that if we obey, occassionally the feeling follows. Not always, but occassioally. I know if we disobey, we haven't got a shot at it!"

God's Peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQnFU5JvuWY

Happy is the one who takes your babies and smashes them against the rocks

2011-08-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a title for a blog post, huh? But actually it is a verse from Psalms ( 137:9 )

This psalm was written when the children of Israel were in exile. The Babylonians had conquered Jeruselem and the writer is expressing his anger towards the Edomites who were Israel's neighbors and cheered on the armies of Babylon. As he writes this verse, he is imagining the day that God repays them for what they have done. Pretty gruesome yeah? But it is in the scriptures none the less.

God has brought several verses to me recently, that have to deal with injustice. I admit that one of the hardest things for me to deal with sometimes is fairness or justice. Many times, I witness things that make me feel like the psalmist when he wrote earlier in this text. "But how can we sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land?" ( vs. 4 ) How can we be filled with the joy of the Lord, when we are oppressed by evil? I've been reminded lately, that that's just the way God works. When were we ever NOT in a foreign land?

Just a quick thought

2011-08-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

I copied this from a Facebook post. It says what I have been thinking about lately!

Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossip, Mary was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sarah was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead. Now..... what's YOUR reason for thinking God won't use you?
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies those whom He CALLED

Sometimes, I think that I'm not qualified to be doing what I'm doing. I hope if you ever have doubts about what God is calling you to do, that you will take comfort and find strength in this quote.

Video of Summer

2011-08-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hey, if you haven't seen this video, it is worth watching! It was made by a group that was here with us this summer and captures what goes on here pretty well. Here is the link....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D4x7_BKFZY

Enjoy!

Patio Project Completion

2011-08-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

As I reported in May, we have been working on developing a patio outside the chapel on the hill at Casa Hogar Douglas. Well during the summer months, when we hosted many American groups that helped us pour concrete, install lighting and landscape. I have posted some photos of the finished project. While the photos are beautiful, you really need to see this in person to appreciate the full beauty!

New Playset at Casa Hogar Douglas

2011-08-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

This summer, we have been working on a new wooden playset at the Douglas Children's Home. Thanks to the generous gift by one of our Shelter sponsors, the kids will have a new area to play right outside their dorms. The play structure will include an 8' high platform, overhead bridge, skywatch platform, climbing wall, heavy duty swings and monkey bars. We had to purchase and import a few pieces from the states (good quality products are hard to find here) but we should be putting the finishing touches on this thing by the time school is starting. This will be a huge blessing for many kids! Thanks to the Osborne family from Cincinnati for making this happen!

Staff Retreat for Douglas Children's Home

2011-06-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

The first week of June, we had the opportunity to take the entire staff from Casa Hogar Douglas on a retreat. We went up on a mountain for 2 days and 1 night and rented a retreat center. The staff was able to forget about taking care of 70 kids and cooking and laundry for a few hours. We invited a pastor to come and lead some talks and team building activities. It was a chance for all of us to reflect and relax as we listened to God's voice. I believe that the Holy Spirit ministered to each of us! The picture above is of the staff women and Betty on the steps of a treehouse, during one of our breaks.

We had a large team of Back2Back staff and summer interns that helped run the children's home for 2 days. They took the kids to and from school, fed them, bathed them, helped them with homework and slept in the dorms with them. This was a huge blessing for the staff of the children's home. As one of the staff ladies asked me as we got back in the trucks to come back "Jim, if we are good, when can we do this again?"

God's Ways

2011-05-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

A week ago, we had a staff retreat for 3 days as we prepared for the busy summer months. One of the things that I feel like God has been teaching me lately is to trust in Him. This is difficult sometimes for a person like me who likes to plan what is going to happen next. There are times when God's plans aren't always the same as mine. Sometimes, God allows conflict or even hardship to happen so that He can accomplish an even greater task. I feel like I am trying to trust more and more that when things don't go as I would plan, that God has a better plan. I find myself saying to myself and to others that are close to me that God is in control. I want to live with a passion and purpose but I also want to yield to God and trust that He is in control no matter what.

Caregiver Makerover

2011-05-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Before....

Deciding....
The Makeover....
After....
Nothing makes a woman feel better than a makeover. New hair style, pedicure, manicure can be just the thing a girl needs sometimes. We recently found a cosmetology school that was looking for "models" for the students to work on. When we told them about our caregivers at Casa Hogar Douglas, they were happy to offer their services for free at special times. So over the next several weeks, we want to take all of them to receive their "new looks."

The pictures above are of Lorena, the first to receive her makeover. Lorena has been at Casa Hogar Douglas for 18 years. (over half of her life) First as a teen, later as a student in the Bible School and for more than 10 years now she has been taking care of abandoned children. She was more than deserving to be our first "model."

Patio Project at Juniper Tree Chapel

2011-05-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, we received a donation to develop a patio and garden area outside the Juniper Tree Chapel at Casa Hogar Douglas. This donation was made possible by the Juniper Tree Foundation. Our desire is that this area, where the church is located, high above the children's home, will be a place of refuge for all that come there. The name is taken from Elijah's experience under a juniper tree in 1 Kings 19. Just as the Lord spoke to Elijah that day and renewed his strength we want God to renew the lives of the children and workers who seek Him there.

The first phase was to build a large deck that has a view overlooking the entire valley. I've included pictures of the finished deck above. We have now begun to pour concrete to make an adjacent patio that will have benches, lights and landscaping. The project might take all summer as we use the groups' help with the labor required to finish it. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

The War

2011-05-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today in church, I felt God's protection. During worship, I was reminded that we are in a war. The war is against Satan and it is being fought over souls. Not only our souls but the souls of the 70+ kids at the children's home that worship God with us each week. I know that Satan wants them but I also know that our God is more powerful!

I shared with the kids today that I know it is a sweet sound in God's ears when we worship Him in song. Our church is high on a hill, not only overlooking the children's home but you can actually see for over a mile from this site. The war we are fighting is serious. The impact will last for eternity. I know that Satan can only run when he hears our Lord being praised. That is exactly what we want.

Random

2011-05-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

I want to be more intentional about blogging. Even if I just write down a few of my thoughts. Random. Not neccesarily any certain topic or event. Maybe not always pictures. Sometimes maybe just a few lines.

As I was thinking about wanting to do this, these thoughts came to me. I want to go deeper into this radical life that God has called me. I'm not sure what that means exactly but I want to be unafraid to sacrifice my own desires for God's. His ways are always better anyway. Sometimes I think all of us desire to live our lives for Jesus in ways that WE want to live them. I think often about the disciples that were called away from the lives that they had planned for themselves to follow this radical teacher. When I think about this, I want to be a satelite that is soaring out into the unknown and no one knows where it will end up. But it goes on for as long as God and time allow.

I really believe there is joy and freedom and adventure in this type of living. Not careless living, but surrendered living. As Rich Mullins once said, "In the end we're all going to die anyway. You might as well go out doing something you really enjoy, like eating colesteral. Because what will matter is if you didn't really live!"

The Real Fight - Spiritual Warfare

2011-05-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

I know that I have shared my opinions and feelings about Spiritual Warfare before. I just feel that I have been reminded again just recently of how real the fight can be.

We recently had a group here serving with us and one of the women in the group is what I call a prayer warrior. We actually have several prayer warriors that are constantly praying for our work and many times they communicate to us what God is telling them. When more than one of them shares the same message with me, I take special notice. The woman from the group this week shared something with me that a few others have shared also in the past year. She described a picture of God's angels standing guard over the children we serve. But, she also felt that there were demons lurking over them that were powerless but never the less were there. I remember about 5 years ago, when we were developing the property where our Hope Program is today. We felt like there was spiritual warfare taking place and our director Todd used almost the same picture to discribe what he felt was going on.

As we were praying this morning, Betty said "God, we know that the fight is fiercest, right before the victory!" I am reminded often that there is so much more going on than what I can see in front of me. I pray with faith that God is orchestrating things all around the world right at this very moment. Perhaps there are events happening in the US, or maybe even in some other country, that will have an impact on what happens here.

Betty and I both sense that God has been moving in answer to many people's prayers over our work. We thank you for your faithfulness in prayer. We rejoice with the angels, as we witness strongholds of injustice and oppression crumbling before us.

New Library at Casa Hogar Douglas

2011-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

We recently completed remodeling the library at Casa Hogar Douglas. This children's home for over 70 kids now has a very nice library! It was made possible by a donation from The Rotary Club International.

I recntly read that 94% of the municipalities of Mexico DO NOT have a library. The reader index for Mexico is the LOWEST in Latin America. I am so excited that these kids will have an opportunity to benefit from the blessing this library will be!

Irma

2011-04-19T19:27:00.001-07:00

Several months ago, one of the moms that had 3 children in the children's home we serve, asked if we needed help. She indicated that she would be willing to come work at the home if we needed the help. It was evidence to me that not all moms that bring their children to a children's home are bad. Some of them love their children but are unable to take care of them. Usually this is some situation related to poverty and the lack of family support.

Irma had left Kevin, Alexis and Alexia at Casa Hogar Douglas many years ago but she was faithful in visiting them whenever she could. In January, she came to live with her children in the home. It has worked very well for everyone so far. Irma is a hard worker and is the head caregiver in the youngest girls' dorm. She currently has 10 girls in her dorm. Irma brings a special understanding of the children's needs as well as an understanding of the feelings of the parents.

I've mentioned before that we really want to be a ministry to families. We primarily serve children that are abandoned, neglected or abused but we realize that if we can reunite biological families that have been separated due to economical hardships, it is best for everyone. It is one of the reasons that we started the church in the children's home and invited family members to come and worship with the children. We believe that Jesus was about healing and we want to be also.

5 New Kids

2011-04-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

This past week, we accepted 5 new kids at Casa Hogar Douglas. It reminded me that the work here is far from finished. But we feel that God has called us to be here "for such a time as this." We are thankful that with all of your help and support, we are able to provide a place like Casa Hogar Douglas, where hurt kids can find refuge and help.

Thank you for helping us to be the hands and feet of Christ to kids who need to know a Savior!

Shelter Update

2011-03-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

I want to take this opportunity to thank ALL of you who support us financially. We truly could not be doing this without you. We give thanks for your faithfulness always in our prayers!

I also want to thank all of you who sponsor one of the kids in the children's home through our Shelter child sponsor program. Your sponsorship of one of our kids is really making a difference. This past month, we were able to meet all of our monthly needs in Casa Hogar Douglas and we were able to do something that we have wanted to do for a long time. We were able to give all of our workers a $20 bonus. When I explained to them that God was providing our needs and making it possible to have a little extra, they gave thanks to God. We have 14 full-time workers and they each make about $100 per month. Receiving a $20 bonus was like having a 20% increase in their pay! It was one of my most happiest days that I had lately.

Thanks to all of you for the part you are doing to care for these children!

Friday night Youth meetings

2011-02-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

Every other Friday night we have been holding youth meetings outside the Juniper Tree Chapel in Casa Hogar Douglas. We want this time to be for the youth. We have 22 junior high age kids at the home this year. The meetings are informal and fun. Some of the kids have even invited their friends from school to come. Last week, we had a teacher come and bring her little brother! There is singing and food and we encourage the young people to open up about their feelings and thoughts. Eventually we want the young people to pretty much run the meetings as we adults just observe. Stay tuned on this because I sense that God is up to something.

7 Day prayer walk in the children's home

2011-02-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

Preparing to start a prayer walk outside Juniper Tree Chapel one evening

This past week, all of the kids and staff from Casa Hogar Douglas did a prayer walk around their campus each night after dinner. They started on the hill outside the chapel and prayed over all of the buildings in the children's home. They offered up prayers of thanksgiving as well as petitions for God's guidance in the future. Each night has been uniquely different as the week has progressed. They even made flags that they carried on the walk that said "Jesus is Love," "Christ is Just" and "God is King." We began to break out in choruses each night as we worshipped God together under the setting sun. Most of the evenings have been beautiful to watch the sunset and the full moon rising up over the mountains on the horizon.

The kids will conclude this week by walking 7 times around their campus on Sunday the 7th day.

4 Years that have Changed my Life

2011-02-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

I just recently celebrated my 4 year anniversary of serving with Back2Back Ministries here in Mexico. Looking back, I know I've changed a lot and so has the world. In that time, my mom passed away, my son and daughter-in-law have given me 2 grandchildren, I've gotten married and met a lot of great people. I've experienced some very sad moments and some very exciting times. But, I imagine that most of you that are reading this can say the same.

Through every experience I can say that God has richly blessed my life. Each year that passes, our hope is less and less in the things of this world. It seams like every day I long more for the things of heaven. I remember when I got married, I thought there is a big possibility that Betty will be the last person I talk to on this side of eternity. I rest in knowing that she will help prepare me.

Most of all, I take great comfort in knowing that I am loved by the Maker of the Universe! I know that He loves me relentlessly and only wants to have a relationship with me. I pray that I will only seek what He would want for my life. I pray that my joy may be found in Him alone. I miss family and friends that I don't get to see that much, but I pray that they know how much I love and appreciate them. I give thanks to you for taking the time to read our blog and for following along on this journey with us! We pray that God blesses each and everyone of you for the ways that you lift us up and support us!

Thank you!

Causing Trouble all over the World

2011-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in church, we discussed a verse found in Acts 17:6. The second part of that verse is describing Paul and Silas when it says, "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here!" I was really taken by that verse and it caused me to think alot. Luke was sharing what the opposition was saying about the ministry of these 2 men. It made me think because I wondered if those who appose Christ where I minister would say the same about me? Am I causing trouble all over the world? Or am I even making a wave in the world I live in?

The footnotes in my study Bible say this..."What a reputation these early Christians had! Our world needs to be turned upside down, to be transformed. The Good News doesn't merely improve programs and encourage good conduct; it dynamically transforms lives!" I'm going to pray that the world sees me as someone who is causing trouble. I don't want to just encourage people to "do good" or "act right." I want to share the radical Good News of Jesus Christ in such a way that others are compelled to want to follow Him.

My prayer is that this year you will see more of this in my writing and what I choose to do with my time.

George Muller

2011-01-25T19:43:00.001-08:00

Have you ever heard of George Muller? He lived during the 1800's. I was recently made aware of who he was by a friend. I decided to look up some facts about his life. The following is some of the things I have learned that interested me.

He was born in 1805 to a wealthy family in Germany. The first 20 years of his life were spent in self-service and he cheated many people out of their money. But at the age of 20, God spoke to George and he turned his life over to Him. Soon after that, he decided to be a missionary. At the age of 24, he moved to London to live at an orphanage. He learned the value of meditating upon the scriptures and praying for God's provision. He was married and at the age of 30, he and his wife started an orphanage. Throughout all of this time he lived his life with this principle. He would pray for God to provide and trust that He would. A well known story illustrates how he lived...

      One morning the plates and cups and bowls on the table were        empty.  There was no food in the larder, and no money to buy        food.  The children were standing waiting for their morning        meal, when Muller said, "Children, you know we must be in        time for school."  Lifting his hand he said, "Dear Father,        we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat."        There was a knock on the door.  The baker stood there, and        said, "Mr. Muller, I couldn't sleep last night.  Somehow I        felt you didn't have bread for breakfast and the Lord wanted        me to send you some.  So I got up at 2 a.m. and baked some        fresh bread, and have brought it."  Muller thanked the man.         No sooner had this transpired when there was a second knock        at the door.  It was the milkman.  He announced that his        milk cart had broken down right in front of the Orphanage,        and he would like to give the children his cans of fresh        milk so he could empty his wagon and repair it.  No wonder,        years later, when Muller was to travel the world as an        evangelist, he would be heralded as "the man who gets things        from God!"

By the time he was 70 years old,his orphanage covered 13 acres and housed over 2,000 orphans. George lived to be 92 years old. He preached to over 3 million people in 42 countries. His most moving reunion with an orphan was on October 19, 1878 when a 71 year old widow met him...she had been his first orphan over 57 years previously. 10,023 other orphans were to follow her there and have Daddy Muller rear them. Muller read the Bible through over 200 times, half of these times on his knees. He said he knew of some 50,000 specific answers to prayer...requests to God alone! Over 3,000 of his orphans were won to Christ [through his ministry].

I would say his was a life well lived!

Preach the Word always. Use words only if you have to!

2011-01-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, the kids from Casa Hogar Douglas traveled to a small village to serve 80 kids. This town is very poor and the families do not have groups that come to serve them. This past December, the children's home had so many groups that wanted to come and bring the kids gifts. The kids in the children's home decided that they would like to share some of their blessing with others who have less. By working with a local pastor from a Christian church in this village, we were able to aquire a list of names and ages of 80 kids. The kids from the children's home prepared personal gifts for these children from their excess. We rented a bus and traveled the hour and a half to the village. The kids from the children's home were able to serve the community a hotdog lunch, provide a pinata and pass out the gifts. I'm not sure who was blessed more.....our kids from Casa Hogar Douglas or the kids from the village.

One last Christmas lesson

2011-01-02T15:16:00.001-08:00

Over Christmas break, we had 3 brothers from the children's home stay with us. This year we worked real hard to make sure that everyone had a home to be in for Christmas. Those that didn't have a relative to be with, we had stay with one of our staff families. The 3 brothers that we had with us really have no one in their lives. The older 2 suffer from depression because of this.

On New Years Eve, we have a tradition of giving thanks for the blessings of this past year as well as praying in the New Year. This year we had these guys join us. As we were sharing our blessings from this past year, we asked the middle brother if he had anything to be thankful for. He said he was thankful that his dad came to visit one Sunday many months ago and brought a pizza to share with them. Their mom never comes to visit and their dad has come 5 times in 3 years to see them. I was reminded how much these kids cling to any hope of a family relationship. Adoption here in Mexico is very difficult. I would love for these three to be able to be adopted. I learned a lot from or experience this Christmas of sharing with these three.

End of year Reflections

2010-12-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

I (Jim) wanted to share some of the things God has been teaching me throughout this year. I am completing my 4th year of serving with Back2Back here in Monterrey. It has been a year full of spiritual growth for me and I feel energized and excited about where God is leading in the upcoming year!

During 2010, I was influenced most by the books that I read. They included:

The Hole in Our Gospel

Radical

Crazy Love

Outlive Your Life

The Poor Will Be Glad

I'm not sure how many of these books you have read, but I highly recommend ALL of them! I believe God is raising up a movement in many of our Christian Churches in America. The movement is calling for us to rethink who we are as the Church of Jesus Christ. I believe it is not only good but it is necessary!

In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan gives us a detailed profile of "lukewarm people" in chapter 4. Then, in the beginning of chapter 5 he states,"As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron, there's no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are lukewarm are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." Those are strong words!

When I think about who we have become as 21st century Christians living in the most affluent country in the history of the world, I'm scared! The words of Jesus in Revelation 3:15-18 come to mind. In these verses Jesus says that He is about to spit us out of His mouth. That is what scares me! I don't think many of us take God seriously! We know that God's grace is free to all that believe, but we think "being good" is all that God requires of us afterward.

I'm not sure yet what God is stirring up in me. I want Him to keep stirring it up though! Let's be RADICAL and have what others would call a CRAZY LOVE for God! Together, let's OUT LIVE OUR LIVES and close up THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL so that THE POOR WILL BE GLAD!

Happy New Year!

A blessed Christmas

2010-12-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was special for the kids from Casa Hogar Douglas. Currently, this children's home is home for 68 kids. Some of the kids have at least one relative that they can have some contact with. A few of the kids however have no one.

This year we wanted the kids to be with their siblings. (many times in the children's home they are in different dorms) We have been working with the family members to encourage them to be active in the children's lives. I believe that many times it is better for the kids to be in a children's home that is safe rather than in an unsafe environment. We have been blessed to have caregivers who love these kids as their own and want the best for them. However, at a time like Christmas we wanted the kids to be in home situations if possible.

It made me so happy this year to know that ALL 68 KIDS WOKE UP WITH THEIR SIBLINGS IN HOUSES ON CHRISTMAS MORNING! Those that weren't with family members were with Back2Back staff families. All of the children's home staff families were able to be together also and none of them had the responsibility of caring for kids other than their own.

To top it off, a young teenage boy from Indiana, who unexpectedly had lost his own dad a few years ago, decided to give his birthday money to purchase gifts for all of the kids that the Back2Back staff were caring for! It is awesome to witness how God moves in the lives of people. We are blessed to witness what God is doing in the lives of the children we serve as well as in the lives of countless people who are serving with us! It has been a blessed Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Jim & Betty

Sweet Christmas Story

2010-12-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

The picture above, is Betty with a father and his 2 kids that live at Casa Hogar Douglas. We don't know where their mom is but he comes every Sunday to visit his kids. Sometimes he brings his guitar and plays it in the church services. We have come to realize that there are some parents who really love their kids but are unable to care for them. This dad works as a gardener and cannot care for his kids and work too. So these two are growing up in a children's home. We feel it is best though to encourage family relationships as these kids grow up, even if they are not ideal. The bottom line is we want them to know love of family as well as the love of Jesus.

A friend of ours, has a special attraction for these 2 kids, from her various trips to serve alongside of us. When she was here in October, she left us $50 to give to their dad so that he could enjoy Christmas with his kids. This past Sunday, we gave him the money. He cried like a baby.

I just wanted to share how God used someone who came on a mission trip, to bring joy to this family. It is another example of how Betty and I were just blessed to be witnesses to what God is doing. So many of you do so much for the kids we serve here. I want you to know that all of the ways you help us share God's love to these kids are important.

Christmas comes to Rio 3

2010-12-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Dec. 18 we celebrated Christmas in Rio 3. We had over 300 kids and about 100 adults celebrating our Lord's birth with us. The new addition doubled our area under roof from just a few months ago. It is a true blessing!

We worshiped, ate a hot meal and handed out gifts for the children. It was an awesome day!

Wedding Bells!

2010-12-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, we had a wedding at Casa Hogar Douglas. Adrian and Isabel are two of our newest care givers there. Isabel is 24 and Adrian is 21. They have been together for 5 years. When we found out that they had never been officially married, we asked them if they would want to be married here. They both said "of course!" We are not about judging any one's past but we want to help people do what is correct now.

Adrian and Isabel have been great with the 10 boys that they have been parenting. The boys range in age from 7 years old to 10 years old. Some have suffered some very difficult times in the past. But these two bring a peace to their dorm that is very edifying to each of them.

Adrian and Isabel come from a small town that is at the southern tip of Mexico. Adrian told me that he has not seen his mother in 5 years. The 2 of them have become like our children. In fact Betty and I together have 4 kids that are older than Adrian and Isabel!

We are happy for the 2 of them and we look forward to what God will be doing through them in the future.

CHD woodshop

2010-12-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to Mexico, almost 4 years ago now, one of my first projects was to develop a woodworking shop in Casa Hogar Douglas. We received a donation from The James Fund & Family Christian Stores to purchase some woodworking tools and we began to teach the older kids how to make picnic tables and chairs. All of the picnic tables that you see at the children's home today were made by the kids in the woodshop.

Through the years it has been difficult to keep up with teaching the kids as my role has expanded to the position of captain of Casa Hogar Douglas. We have maintained the shop but many times we have just used it when we were working on a specific project.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, we have hired 3 new couples to be workers in the children's home in the last 6 months. The newest couple that came to join us in November is Jose and Lorena. Jose used to have a carpentry shop. He has started to hold classes in woodworking with some of the older kids. These pictures are of the kids making a bookshelf for Marilin's tutoring classroom. It is really a fine piece of furniture.
We have a lot of small projects like this that we are going to be working on. Jose used to make custom kitchen cabinets. I think you will be quite surprised at the items the kids will be making. We also want to have workshops in painting and other artwork, music voice and guitar, cooking and baking. We have a lot of talent in the new workers that we've hired. And the best part is that they love the Lord and the kids!
I hope you can begin to see why I have been saying that we are extremely blessed and our future in Casa Hogar Douglas looks bright. Please keep the kids and this home in your prayers.
The cool part is that after a couple of hours working in the workshops. Jose will say, "Ok, the woodshop is closed." He'll then pick up a frisbee or a soccer ball and begin to play with the kids too.

Out Live Your Life

2010-12-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Recently, I heard author and pastor Max Lucado make the following observation as he promoted his new book, Out Live Your Life. He was considering what he would have done if he was a German Christian living in Germany during the Holocaust. Or, if he lived in the south, during the civil rights conflict, would he have taken a stand against racism. Lucado acknowledged that those questions were hypothetical. But, there was another question that kept him awake at night...

"When your grandchildren discover that you lived in a day when there were 1.75 billion people who were poor and 1 billion people who were hungry, how will they judge what your response was?"

While the first 2 questions were for other people, living in a different time, the third question is real for all of us. We DO live today and we ARE given a choice. We have an opportunity to MAKE a difference during a difficult time. What will our response be?

Mexico is a country of 100 million people. It is extimated that 70 million of those live in poverty. Less than 10% have a college education. The work that Betty & I are a part of in Monterrey, Mexico, is to transform the lives of hundreds of children, living in poverty conditions. While this is a country with many problems, I often wonder what might happen if one of the children we are ministering to would one day be elected to political office. How might this country be different if Paco is one day the Mayor of Monterrey? Or Governor of Nuevo Leon? Or President of all of Mexico? We want to make a difference today, that will last far beyond our years!

A challenge to perservere

2010-12-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

One of our fellow staff here at Back2back has been recovering from cancer surgery. J.J. Lail was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw at the end of June. He flew home immediately and had surgery within a few weeks. The doctors removed part of his lower jaw and placed a bone from his leg in its place. Most of the last 5 months have been painful and difficult for J.J. and his family. He has been through a lot but he has also been an inspiration to all of us.

Today, J.J. shared his testimony during the church service at Casa Hogar Douglas. He shared with us how Jesus promised in John 16:33 that in this world we would have many troubles but that He has overcome the world. It was a very moving time because J.J. and his family are loved by all of us very much!

A visit from Nascar

2010-12-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

Trevor and Michael grilling hotdogs at Rio 3

Trevor presenting Olga with a new microwave they bought for her soup kitchen

Our friend and fellow staff member, Lonnie Clouse was the head Nascar Chaplain for 12 years. Last weekend, he invited a couple of his old friends to come for a short visit. Two of those who came were drivers Trevor Bayne and Michael McDowell. I told Lonnie that these guys really impressed me. I have to admit that a big turn off for me and professional sports is when athletes have so much arrogance that there is little room for others. These 2 guys turned out to be 2 of the most humble and selfless guys you would ever meet. While they were here, they cooked a pancake breakfast for the staff and kids at Casa Hogar Douglas and grilled 300 hot dogs to serve at Rio 3. Maybe there is something about driving a 3,000 lb. race car at 200 MPH when you measure the distance you have with other drivers in inches that helps you keep things in proper perspective. Regardless, these guys won me over!

Remembering Magda

2010-11-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

The picture above is of Magda and her husband, Guillermo. If you have worshiped at the church at Casa Hogar Douglas in the last 2 years, you may have met them. They are an elderly couple who have lived near the children's home for many years. When we rebuilt the chapel and started holding regular worship services each week, they became a part of the church. They enjoyed spending Sundays with the kids. Their faithfulness has been an inspiration to Betty and me.

On Thursday, Magda went home to be with her Lord. We will miss her. She loved to worship her Heavenly Father along with the fatherless! Nothing fancy. Just 60 or 70 orphans singing love songs to Jesus...sometimes accompanied by American visitors seeking to find a closer relationship with God.

Thanks Magda for demonstrating that simple joy to all of us. Thank you God for allowing us to know Magda these past 2 years. We are blessed because of it!

Thank you New Life Garage Church

2010-11-16T08:26:00.001-08:00

God has been moving and doing great things at Casa Hogar Douglas! In the past 15 months. He has brought 4 new couples to work and serve full-time with the 68 children that currently live in this children's home. Three of those couples have come in the last 3 months! We believe that all of this is nothing more than God's answer to many people's fervent prayers over much time. We rejoice with the angels over God's provision for these kids!

In September, we had a group serve with us from New Life Garage Church near Washington, D.C. They purchased food to stock the food pantry for 2 MONTHS! The pictures above are of the kids eating in the dining hall. They have been eating like kings! We are so blessed to be able to have the many supporters that we do and be able to provide for the needs of these kids! We want to send a big "thank you" out to New Life Garage Church for your faithfulness! And thank you God for using people like this to care for the needs of these kids!

Family Day at Casa Hogar Douglas

2010-11-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, we had a special day at Casa Hogar Douglas. Sundays are typically visitation days for any relatives to visit the kids. It can be a very difficult day for everyone. We have been wanting to do more to minister to the families as well as the kids. So we decided to have what we called Family Day. We invited the visiting family members to come to church with us, eat dinner together afterwards and play some games where there were even prizes awarded. We had a visiting group that made it even better!

During the church service, we asked the family members to come forward and we prayed for them. During this time of prayer, many broke down in tears. It was a very moving time. I believe that many of these families love their children but they bring them to the children's home because they cannot properly care for them. We know that this decision is painful for everyone. We want to share the love of Christ with all of them.

At the end of the day, one young mom asked Betty if she had a Bible to give her. We were thrilled to be able to give her one.

Modern Mexico

2010-11-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to offer a little information about the country of Mexico. My desire is that you will be able to better understand the world in which we live and are called to serve. It is a country of extremes. Half of the country's 107 million people live in poverty. 15% of all Mexican children are orphans. The majority of those don't live in childrens' homes. They live on the streets. Mexico is home to both the world's richest man, Carlos Slim, whose fortune is estimated at about $53.5 billion, and about 20 million Mexicans who live on less than $3 per day. It is those 20 million that we are called to serve. Or, more specifically, the children of those.

Many times, in the news, we hear so much negative about Mexico. And it is true that there is a lot to do here. But I believe it is worth it. We can't just close our borders and forget those that are suffering. I want to thank those of you who support us in prayer and financially. You are helping us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this needy place!

Betty's 2nd grade class

2010-11-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

This school year, at Casa Hogar Douglas, we hired Marilin to be our full-time educational aide for the children. Betty has been helping her by tutoring the 2nd graders every afternoon. Above is a picture of Betty with some of her students. There is also a picture of Alexis with his first spelling quiz that he got a 95 on! He was very proud and Betty was very happy.

The program, that we have in place at Casa Hogar Douglas, is made possible because we have supporters. Many of these kids had trouble reading and writing. Without some type of help they would one day never be able to succeed in Back2Back's Hope Program, of higher education.

Lots of progress at Rio 3!

2010-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

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)

Pancho & Alexis

2010-09-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Pancho & Alexis are the 2 oldest of 5 siblings that have lived at Casa Hogar Douglas for 3 years now. Pancho is 15 and Alexis is 13. The last grade in school that they have completed is second grade. They were far behind in school when they came to Douglas in 2007 and the home has not had the resources to help them get caught up.

But, this past week, Pancho & Alexis started classes in a special school that we found for them. Their teacher said that they are intelligent and that Pancho will be able to finish 6th grade this year and Alexis will finish the year after. Then we will be able to enroll them in a secondary school to further their education. This is something that both of them want very much and I have been promising them we would make it happen.

The truth is though, that I don't think we could have done it without the help of our Shelter Program. Currently, we have over 25 kids, from Casa Hogar Douglas, sponsored in our child sponsorship program. This enables us to have the funds to help kids in special ways that we couldn't before. We can help buy better food for the kids to eat, pay for gas to run hot water heaters and take care of special education needs like this one.

I've been picking Pancho & Alexis up after school most days. Each day, they tell me how excited they are to be having this opportunity. I wish those of you who give sacrificially so that things like this can happen, would be able to witness the hope you are bringing to these kids' lives! That is why I want to share this good news with you.

Your giving is changing the future for many lives! THANK YOU!!!

What are we going to do about it?

2010-09-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I read The Hole in Our Gospel earlier this year. I have been called back to re-read portions of it from time to time. I believe it is an excellent book!

A thought that I've had lately is what do non-christians really think of the American Christian Church? With so many poor and hungry people in the world today, what does the world think of the church's response? I know many want to help the poor and feed the hungry. Do non-christians see the church as hypocritical or judgemental towards people who are not like them? Sadly, I'm afraid that's exactly what they see in us to often.

I'm reminded by something someone shared with me recently. God has provided the resources in this world so that NO ONE would be poor or hungry. He just didn't distribute the resources EVENLY. He left that job for us to do! What are we going to do about it?

A special party for Alondra

2010-09-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Alondra is a young girl that lives at Casa Hogar Douglas. When a young girl turns 15 here, it is the custom to throw a special party for her. What we are celebrating is that this young girl is now becoming a woman. Alondra turned 15 in August and we celebrated her special day on Sept. 4. The thought that I had during Alondra's special day was that there is probably not another girl that is more loved at this home than Alondra. She also has many from the U.S. who love her also. At 15, Alondra is already a young lady who is living her life with dignity and compassion for others. I'm excited for what God has in store in the future for this young lady!

Additional Photos and Followup Thoughts

2010-08-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Newly painted dining hall at Casa Hogar Douglas really adds to the improved atmosphere!

Newly painted slide with mural on the sides for kids to enjoy.

We are concentrating our efforts to improve education for our primary students

Newly remodeed living room area for the oldest boys dorm. Painted in colors of the Monterrey soccer team which is the reigning national champion!
I just wanted to add another thought to my previous post. It came to me as I was praying the other day that the works of God are more like cooking a fine meal than warming something in the microwave. If we want a snack or something to eat quickly we use the microwave. But if we want to eat a good meal, we might have to wait hours for it to cook slowly. I believe that many times the works of God are more like a delicious dinner that is cooked very slowly but tastes so much better than something warmed quickly in a microwave. We need to be patient while God does His work in His timing and not expect Him to do His work in a microwave! The end result is so much better and always worth the wait!

God Changing Things in Casa Hogar Douglas

2010-08-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

We see God moving in so many ways here. But in Casa Hogar Douglas, we have seen many changes this past year, that we know are from Him! It really started almost 2 years ago, when many of our staff felt called to go to this children's home and pray on a weekly basis. It wasn't long before we started to see God moving. I remember that one of the things that I prayed for 2 years ago was that this home would be known as the most spiritual home we work with. Today, I believe I can see that day coming closer than ever before.

The point I would like to make about this change is that I believe it has been God doing the changing. It isn't Back2Back or any one person or persons that are taking the credit. But, God has used many people along the way to bring change. They have each one done their part to be God's hands and feet as He has been transforming this place.

We still have a lot of work to do. But God has brought a lot of people to this place to do specific things in the transformation process. I believe He will continue to bless these children and this home as He completes this work. One important part that I want to share with those of you that read this blog is this. Those of you who have prayed or given money financially in any way, have been a huge part of the changes that have taken place. Those of you who are Shelter sponsors of kids from Douglas have enabled us to provide a higher quality of care for these kids.

God isn't finished doing His work in this home yet! I firmly believe that the best days of Casa Hogar Douglas are yet to come. And, I believe that one day in the not so far off future, this children's home will be one of the most spiritual places we serve!

Heavy Heart Thoughts

2010-08-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

The girls in the picture above are sisters. They are 5 and 3 years old. Their mom brought them, along with their 1 year old baby sister, to Casa Hogar Douglas yesterday. She wants to drop them off at the children's home because she thinks she cannot take care of them. I'm not sure that they even realize yet what is about to happen to them.

Betty talked to their mom and took down all of their information. She sent them back home and told them that we would be in contact with them. The truth is that they will likely be the newest residents of this children's home in a few days. I have witnessed scenes like this one numerous times in the last few years. Betty has been the person who has "interviewed" the moms and "admitted" the unwanted children into Casa Hogar Douglas, for 2 years now.

These young girls' story is all too familiar. Mom has lived with their father for several years, but not been married. Now that he has left them, she has no education, job or money. The only relative that is willing to help her is her sister and she doesn't have room for all of them. So, the children are dropped off at the children's home, while mom "rebuilds" her life.

It's times like this that my heart is heavy. So many thoughts and questions fill my mind sometimes. I really never dreamed that this period of my life would be spent in a battlefield. I think I always invisioned a more peaceful way that I would be spending these years. But really, I couldn't be happier doing anything else! God knows exactly what I need and always provides. And, I know that God will provide for not only these young girls, but for all the other children in all the other parts of the world that Back2Back serves in. He has promised to do so in His Word! (Matt. 19:14)

I really want to take a moment to thank all of you that lift us up in prayer, support us financially or have come to personally serve alongside of us. As difficult as some of these situations are, I believe their is joy in knowing we are the ones God is using to demonstrate His Love for these children! All of you who support us in so many ways are being used by God also. (James 1:27)

THANK YOU!

Hope After a Hurricane

2010-08-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

I firmly believe that God is using a hurricane to advance His Kingdom in Rio 3. Let me tell you how. Before the storm hit, when we would take a walk through the neighborhood, we would always keep our distance from men who might be outside their homes. Many of them would be drinking and would heckle us as we walked with an American group, near their homes. I remember this happening during a visit to Rio 3, the day the storm came. In the 5 weeks that have followed Hurricane Alex, we have served thousands of meals, passed out tons of clothing, shoveled mud from many houses and walked dozens of times through the neighborhood. Not once, since the hurricane, have we been mocked by anyone there.

When I was sharing this observation with Olga the other day, she added, "I know Jim! As a matter of fact, the other day, when a person from the government was talking to me in a strong way, (yes, the government has come to help, but they also tell us what we are doing wrong like no hairnets for food servers and no tile floor in our public restrooms) a lady who has never been a part of the church before, stood up for me. She said, 'Hey you can't talk to Olga that way!' This woman is new to the church and she was defending me!" Many of the men have also helped volunteering to unload food and clothing when we bring them.

I would like to share another story that Olga shared with us on Friday. She said that the long hours without rest have been hard and the other night she went outside alone just to talk with God. There was a little girl named LuLu that went outside with her. LuLu said, "I love you, Hermana." (what Christian women are called here...literally translated 'sister') Olga responded, "I love you too, LuLu." But this time the little girl said "No! Look at me! I love you!" Olga told us that she felt like God was using this little girl to speak His words of encouragement to her. It was like God was saying "Look at me!" He was affirming all that she was doing and encouraging her to be steadfast.

We believe there are many other stories like these where we can see the Kingdom of God advancing in Rio 3 during these days. We believe all of the work that hundreds have helped us with in the last 2 years, has been to prepare for this time. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to Rio 3 in any way. There is real Hope after the hurricane, because of what you have done! God bless everyone of you!

Impact Beyond Mexico

2010-08-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

The longer I live here, the more I realize that it is God who is transforming lives. We are all just blessed to be witnesses to God's work! God isn't just moving in the lives' of the kids we serve here. I'm also blessed to witness God's work in the lives of the people who come to serve with us. I have been blessed to witness this many times in many ways. I would like to share with you an email we received from friends in Columbus, Ohio. I think the email says it all...

Jim and Betty,

I just wanted to tell you both how you and the rest of the folks at B2B Mexico have an impact beyond your work in Monterrey. After our family visited in the summer, we returned home to our everyday lives. As a family we knew God had shown us a picture of what it meant to share our lives with other people and to care for His children. The two of you consistently show that love of Christ to the children of Douglas and the families of Rio 3. It was truly inspiring and made me want to move to Monterrey. However, after much prayer and consultation, I truly believe God was moving us in another direction. We contacted a Christian foster care agency and started a long path towards becoming foster parents for kids requiring some level of therapeutic care.

So, here it is today and we have now added a 13 year-old boy to our family. He has been with us for a week. We don't know how long he will be with us, probably a year or longer. He has never really been to church and doesn't know anything about Jesus. His mom is struggling mightily with the recent death of her husband and the demons of alcohol. She too needs to learn of the love of Jesus and we pray to have a relationship with her that might facilitate her coming to be introduced to Him.

I share all this to simply say thank you. Your obedience to God has been an incredible example for my family, one that hopefully will impact the eternal lives of this boy and his mom. I continue to read your blog to keep up on things.

Please share with all down there. I miss all of you and look forward to returning in January. My wife and the girls will be there in November and I am jealous of them.

Our prayers are with all of you. We think of you very fondly.

In His love,

Tracy

Dresses of Hope

2010-07-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the aftermath of Huricane Alex we have experienced some very heartwarming stories. I have told several people that I believe God is using this tragedy to bring people closer to Him. In the Rio 3 community that was hit hard with widespread destruction, we have witnessed several such stories. As the area has become darker, it has given Christians an opportunity to shine brighter.

The first week we hosted groups after the storm, we hosted a group from Northview Christian Church in Indiana. A 13 year old girl named Danielle came with her mother on this group. Danielle spent months preparing to come by organizing dress sewing sessions. She and her friends made 77 dresses for young girls and her mom and her brought them with them. She had done this before in other areas but this was the first time she was able to bring them and give them away herself. What a blessing she was for 77 young girls from Rio 3 that week! Some of these girls lost everything in the flood waters of Huricane Alex!

Check out Danielle's blog! There is a video she made when we gave away the dresses.

http://www.dressesofhope.blogspot.com/

Update on Anna and Linda of Rio 3

2010-07-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Inside of Linda & Anna's house after the flood

The first time we met Anna and Linda last July

Praying for Anna

Linda last winter in their home

Digging out their house this week

A lot of people have asked me about Linda and her daughter Anna that we have come to know at Rio 3. Linda is 85 years old and lives in a house near the river with her daughter Anna and Anna's husband. Each of the women have lost a leg due to poor circulation but their faith in God has inspired hundreds. Many groups this past year have come to love these sweet saints during their visits to Rio 3.

Olga was able to evacuate them from their house and move them to the church building before the flood waters reached their home. But on Thursday night the river flooded many homes and destroyed many more. Their home was flooded and when the waters receeded there was 12" of mud inside the home and 3 feet of mud against the doors outside. All of their material possesions were lost. Linda is currently in the hospital being treated for an intestinal infection and Anna is sleeping and staying at the church buiding. Anna's husband has been sleeping outside on a new piece of property that he is claiming in hopes of building a new house.

We are in the process of helping them get resettled. Yesterday (Tues) we dug out their home and sorted through the damage. Aside from important papers, there really wasn't much left to salvage.

Operation Lighthouse at Rio 3

2010-07-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

Delivering mattresses for people to sleep on in the Mercy House Church of Rio 3

On June 30, Huricane Alex hit the Mexican Gulf coast and became Tropical Storm Alex as it moved inland. Over the next 2 days, it dumped 40" of rain on the city of Monterrey, causing massive destruction of buildings, roads, bridges and highways. No area of the city was hit harder than the ministry area we call Rio 3. Hundreds of homes were washed away in the middle of the night. Perhaps as many as 1,000 people who once lived in extreme poverty, could now be left with just the clothes on their backs.

We've named our relief effort "Operation Lighthouse." For over 2 years now, I've shared with the American groups that we've brought there to serve, that I believe the church we serve beside is a lighthouse in a dark world. Well the world of Rio 3 has never been darker than it is now. Jesus called us as Christians to be Light to the darkness. While this is a terrible tragedy, I believe it has the potential of being an awesome opportunity to spread the Gospel in practical ways. Please stay tuned to this story because God isn't finished with it yet!

Definately time for an update!

2010-05-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter Penny & me at Easter

Betty & me with the 4 youngest kids still at home

Well it has been over a month since I have blogged anything. I find at times that there are periods like this for me. It isn't that I have nothing to blog about. It is just that I am going through a reflective time where it is hard to put my thoughts into words. Actually, I have had a lot going on. Betty's oldest son, Jhonatan is in Cincinnati visiting my family for about 6 months. I had the opportunity to go to Cincy and visit my kids and my granddaughter for Easter. It had been a year since I saw them so that was sweet. I also finished reading a great book entitled The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. It is a great, thought provoking book that I highly recommend. This book, along with my personal experiences recently, has prompted me to think about what is it that we are called to do for Christ.

I believe that you could argue that the American Church is the most giving church in history. At the same time, you could argue that it is the most apathetic. I think it is time that we all examine ourselves and ask "What is it that God is calling me to do about Christ?" I am privileged to witness Christians here that face hardship, danger and even death on a regular basis, but who have learned the meaning of fully trusting in God. Unfortunately, I tend to trust my own ability rather than putting my faith in the "impossible" that can only be accomplished by God.

I'm not completely finished processing all of this yet. I just wanted you to have an update on what God has been speaking to me. I'm sure it might be reflected in what I experience and write about in the near future.

New Name for the Chapel on the Hill

2010-03-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

We have a new name for the renovated chapel at Casa Hogar Douglas. It is now called The Juniper Tree Chapel. Back2Back has been assisting in the weekly worship services for more than a year now. In May of 2009 we finished remodeling the chapel with the help of the Juniper Tree Foundation. And finally, in January 2010, we officially named the building The Juniper Tree Chapel.

The name comes from the verse in 1 Kings 19. The prophet Elijah, was scared and fleeing for his life from Jezebel. The scripture says that he went a days journey into the desert and took refuge under a juniper tree. It says that he actually prayed that he would die there. Can you imagine being so scared and feeling so helpless? But under that juniper tree, in the middle of a desert, an angel of the Lord began to speak to Elijah. First, God provided food and water and rest. Then, He told him where He wanted him to go from there.

Like Elijah, most of the kids that live at Casa Hogar Douglas, are scared and perhaps running from their past. Some may even think death could be better. But just as the great prophet of old did thousands of years ago under a juniper tree, we want the children of Casa Hogar Douglas to find refuge in the Juniper Tree Chapel.

Sometimes, we are intimidated, by the impressive lives and experiences of people like Elijah. But, James 5:17 reminds us that "Elijah was a man just like us." We desire that all that come to worship God at the Juniper Tree Chapel, would find hope that they also can accomplish great things for God. All that is required is that they submit everything to Him.

Kids at Casa Hogar Douglas Serving again

2010-03-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

The kids at Casa Hogar Douglas, took another road trip to share the love of Christ to some children in need. We chartered a bus so that everyone could make the 4 hour trip to Ciudad Victoria. For many of these kids, it was the farthest they have been from their home. The kids were able to share food, a pinata and gifts to 75 children who have very little. Our objective is for the kids of Casa Hogar Douglas to experience the joy of giving and not just receiving. The kids were excited to share the love of Christ in this way.

Inside of Church at Rio 3 Painted

2010-03-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

For those that haven't seen it yet, we painted the inside of the church building at Rio 3. We would like to thank Dave Schreier Photography and Lifepoint Vineyard Church for making this possible. What a huge difference paint makes for a concrete building!

Fighting for the Orphan Child

2010-03-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

A group of 18 adults, from Lifepoint Vineyard, came to serve with us in February. On Wednesday of that week, we headed to Casa Hogar Douglas to work for the day. I had a list of projects planned for the group to work on ahead of time. But, when we arrived, the workers at the home told me that the septic line was clogged and sewage was backing up. When I was dividing up

the job assignments for the day, I asked if a couple of the men could check out the problem and let me know what they thought we needed to do. Within the first hour, they discovered we had a big problem. About 200 feet of an 8" sewer pipe was clogged and in some places crushed. I really thought this was a problem that might take weeks to fix right. But these guys, were determined to fix it that day.

They quickly came up with a plan that involved jack hammering concrete, cutting out old damaged PVC piping and replacing it with new. They gave me a list of parts that they would need, and we abandoned some of our initial projects to concentrate on this more important one. I sent Mauricio to purchase the new parts and we got busy jack hammering. As the afternoon went on, we could see that we might end up working into the night. These determined guys were unanimous in wanting to finish this project before they left. As the sun was setting, and we were working by flashlight, many of the kids were beginning to go to sleep in their dorms. But just outside their window, they could hear 11 men fighting for their cause. These men weren't angry or even upset. Instead they were laughing and joking about working in poop in the dark.

The part that impressed me the most, was how safe these young kids felt as they went to sleep that night. Most nights, children in a casa hogar go to sleep insecure. Sometimes, they may even have fear about something that is going on in their life. And for most kids in a children's home, men have let them down the most. But on this night, the young kids at Casa Hogar Douglas, went to sleep knowing that 11 men were working with the joy of the Lord, in very unpleasant conditions, for their benefit. For at least one night, the men of Lifepoint Vineyard brought peace and security to the frightening world these kids live in. And they did it in a very simple way.

Miguel

2010-02-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

If I were to tell you the child I have seen the most change in during the last 6 months, it would be Miguel. Miguel is 12 years old and an only child. His mother has many psychological problems and he has lived at Casa Hogar Douglas for as long as I can remember. A year ago, I was very worried for Miguel. He was always angry and depressed. I had many people who came to serve in groups notice the same thing about him.

But since August, when Javier came to be the head care giver, I have seen a huge change in Miguel. He always is seeking ways to help, even when he isn't asked to. He jokes with the other boys and seems to always have a positive attitude. In church, Miguel is almost always one of the first to come forward for prayer. And then, the other day during the sermon, I heard a couple of "Amens" coming from the left side of the congregation. When I turned to see who it was, I smiled when I saw that it was Miguel. I'm thankful for the work that God has begun in the life of Miguel. I know that just as Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, "that He that began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus," God will complete the work that He began in the life of Miguel.

Sunday in Cadereyta

2010-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, I helped lead a group of men to one of the ministry areas we serve, called Cadereyta. I haven't been to this area in several months because it is actually another staff member's responsibility and Betty and I are usually leading groups to Rio 3. I was very impressed with how God has been moving in this place. I first visited this place 4 years ago. I remember then there was talk of building a ministry center to serve the people of this area. In my many trips back there over the years we have seen much progress as the building has been constructed. There still is much to do, but last summer we were able to pour the roof to the first floor. What a difference this has made!

This group of men helped work on the building in the morning and then at 3:30 we invited people from the neigbiorhood to a worship service. I was so impressed by the leadership I witnessed in the church. Many of them were men. I am sad to say that this is unusual in many of the poor areas hat we serve. But there were men leading worship and men with their families worshiping in the congregation. I know that Pastor Jose Angel has been especially working to raise up the men in this community and I have witnessed the fruit on Sunday. I didn't bring my camara so I have no pictures but I was very uplifted by what I witnessed God doing in this community.

Feeling the Power of God - Grace is Greater in Service

2010-01-23T10:33:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I write about things or events that have gone on here and other times I write about how the things that I experience here affect my feelings. Lately, I feel like I've shared a lot about how I've felt the heavy burden of dealing with injustice and witnessing the work of satan. Sometimes, this might have sounded depressing. I want to share the positiveness I am feeling today. The last few days I have felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit in dealing with all of this. I feel strengthened by knowing our God is greater than any other power. I know that He promises to take care of the orpan child and will protect us from anyone or anything that wants to attack us.

I've been praying, the last few days, for God to put an army of angels around His children and protect them from the power of satan. I have prayed, in the Holy name of Jesus, that God send satan away from the children's homes, that we serve in. I have felt that the conflict that I have experienced lately is because I am in the middle of a spiritual war. God called me to fight in this war, but He did not call me to do it alone. It is His battle! And, He has already won! We are merely His hands and feet as He accomplishes His work.

All of this has caused me to be more energized. I am not growing weary of the battle. I am eagerly awaiting what God has in store next. The future doesn't look dark it looks brighter than ever. I have also realized that God's grace is greater in service. At one time, I felt I had to have a certain level of spiritual development in order to really serve God. But I know I am not perfect and there is no way I can fight these battles alone. But God makes up for my failures and really I am made perfect in Christ Jesus. And the truth is, I am called to serve Him just as I am. The more I commit to serving Him, the greater His grace is in making me whole.

Thank you for your prayers!!! They are being answered!

Isaiah 41 - Words I need to hear

2010-01-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

The 41st chapter of Isaiah is full of words that I needed to hear recently.

The other night, Betty was reading her Bible while I was working at my desk. At one point she said, "Jim, listen to this," as she began to read it to me. I asked her, "who gave you those verses?" She answered, "God!" I want to just share a few of these verses that I highlighted in my Bible.

vs. 9 "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you....I have chosen you and have not rejected you."

vs. 10 "So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

vs.12..." Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all."

vs. 17 "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none....But I the Lord will answer them: I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

Perhaps you are like me and need to be lifted up with words of encouragement. There are no better words, than the words of encouragement from our Heavenly Father. I pray these words will lift you up and give you strength! God bless.

A "House Call" at Rio 3

2010-01-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

This past week, we had a group of students here from CHCA High School in Cincinnati. On Saturday, we served at the ministry site, Rio 3. One of the things that the group wanted to do was hand out groceries to the families that live there. Together, we fed 350 people a hot meal and handed out groceries for 150 families.

After we handed out the groceries, Betty told me she wanted to take some groceries to an elderly mother and daughter we know, who live down by the river. They both suffer from poor circulation and have each had 1 leg amputated. For this reason, they are not able to get out much. The mother, who is over 70 years old, has had a large open sore on her only foot. In the past 6 months, we have visited their house with doctors and other medical personnel, and we've helped her care for her open sore. Each time, the faith and courage of these 2 women has inspired the people that we've brought to their house. This time was no exception.

Betty and Olga took a group of about a dozen students and a few adults to deliver the groceries to these 2 ladies. The looks on their faces, when they returned, told me everything. Some were crying and others appeared to be in shock. I was told that these 2 ladies didn't just accept the ministry that the students were offering. They wanted to minister to the students as well. Our group helped change the dressing on the mother's open sore and prayed for them both. The mother then sang a song for our group and told them how she knew that God had sent them there that day. She thanked God for their lives. As I talked to some of them, upon their return, they told me that they had never witnessed anything like that before. They were amazed as they witnessed the unswaggering faith of those who had very little physical shelter but had a wealth of "God's Eternal Shelter."

One Last Christmas thought

2010-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

I just had one last thought about Christmas that I wanted to share with you before we move on to the new year. I wanted to share a post that a friend of ours posted on his Facebook page on Christmas Day. I really thought his words were so true. He wrote...

"Christmas, with all its associations of peace, is very much an act of war. Sorta like D-Day, though it was a one man army who arrived on earth's shore for a rescue mission. Now with a body of flesh, the divine began His march toward the hill where through His own death, He would be victorious over His enemy. Rescue complete. Mission accomplished."

His mission is accomplished, but the battle still goes on for our souls. Let us not be tempted by the lies that Satan uses to steal our joy. We can share in Christ's victory over death by accepting Him as our Savior. May we never forget the price our Heavenly Father paid so that we could share in such a great Victory! Thank you God! Thank you Jesus!

2010 - Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

I have some random reflective thoughts as we begin not only a new year, but a new decade. I'll confess that I have thought a lot lately about the injustices that I witness in this world. I have prayed for God to show up and change people or circumstances that I know are not part of His will. It has been difficult to accept that all is not going to be perfect in this world. I can't just "work at something hard enough" that it changes. I believe God is calling us to be faithful even when things don't ALL go right. I'm reminded of the numerous times in the Bible when God's people were called to be faithful, even when things were not going their way.

I also am reminded that we are ALL screwed up. I am not perfect...not even close. My friends aren't perfect, my family isn't perfect, my co-workers aren't perfect. The only one who is perfect, is God. Then why do I question Him? Is it part of my imperfection that I think I am wiser than Him? I am screwed up! We all are! The best that we can hope for is that we can work for improvement in our lives. And, in the end, be forgiven for our failures by the grace that is available through God's only son, Jesus. We all need it!

So as I start this new year, I want to keep praying and working for the injustices that I witness, to be made right. But I want to also remember, that everything will never be completely perfect. I must learn to be faithful to God's calling in my life, even when it seems my efforts are futile. I also want to remember that we are all imperfect beings, That the same blood of Jesus that I need to wash away my sins, is needed by everyone. I am no better than anyone.

Many times, I take comfort in situations, when I can think of scripture that brings me peace in the middle of a storm. I want to take the time to reflect more on God's word. I also want to pray more. Instead of worrying or being frustrated over things that I can not change, I want to just share my heart with God and rest knowing that He is in control of everything!

Happy New Year everyone! I really believe "greater things are yet to be done!"

Christmas in Galeana

2009-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

Passing out gifts

   Some of the kids we served
   The pinata
   View from the place we served
On December 22, the kids of Casa Hogar Douglas had an opportunity to serve kids that had very little materially. One of the caregivers in the children's home, is from a small mountain town about 4 hours from here, called Galeana. The people from this town are very poor when it comes to material possessions. When the kids of Casa Hogar Douglas found out about these kids from the home town of their caregiver, they wanted to share their blessings with them. They got a list of 74 kids from a church in Galeana and each one of them chose a toy of their excess to wrap and give to the kids of this town.

Not all of the kids were able to make the 4 hour trip to Galeana with us on Dec. 22. But we took with us about 15 kids and prepared a meal, worshipped together, had a pinata to open and passed out all of the gifts for the children. I witnessed something that day in the faces of the kids from Casa Hogar Douglas. I've seen their faces on the receiving end many times, but it was a blessing to watch them as they had an opportunity to serve others in a way that they have been served by American groups.

Aidan & Mayte

2009-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

When I first started serving here with Back2Back Ministries, in January of 2001, I met a young girl named Mayte, who lived at Casa Hogar Douglas. By the time that I had moved here, in January of 2007, Mayte was a troubled 18 year old heading for big problems. In May of 2008, she gave birth to a son, Aidan. A few months before Aidan's birth, his father was killed on a motorcycle. We tried to counsel Mayte to consider giving Aidan up for adoption. She decided to keep him.

A couple of weeks ago, we found out that Mayte was pregnant again. The baby is due in February. This time, Mayte will give birth while she is in prison. Her life has been pretty much one bad decision after another. The police have her locked up because they want her to tell them where her drug dealing boyfriend is. If she tells, the drug cartel would probably kill her. We would like you to pray for this family. Mayte has indicated that she knows she needs to give this newborn up for adoption. Please pray that she follows through with this. This is also causing Mayte to reconsider her decision to keep Aidan. She has temporarily given up custody of him to our staff.

He has been with us for over a week now. He is a very cute little boy that we are all enjoying very much. But, I also worry for the future of Aidan. I want him and all the other kids that we serve here to know the love of Jesus and the love of a real family. Most of the kids that we work with in children's homes are like Aidan. Many families here do not want their kids or cannot care for their kids but they will not give them up for adoption. This is why there are many kids growing up in pain filled lives where they never experience what love is like.

I want to pray for Aidan's mom Mayte also. Her childhood of pain has turned into a life of brokenness as a young adult. I pray that she would still have time to realize that Jesus loves her enough to die for her. I pray for Aidan and the baby to be born in February that they would know more love as a child than their mother did. It is for this reason we are here. Thank you for all you do to support us. We couldn't be here without your support!

Mayte as a young girl

Aidan eating in our house

Christmas comes to Casa Hogar Douglas

2009-12-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

This past week, a group of 25 ladies came to serve with us for a week. Every year, these ladies come to help us prepare for Christmas in all of the children's homes that we serve. They buy and decorate Christmas trees, bake cookies, sing Christmas caroles and purchase gifts for all the kids we serve. It is really a huge task for 1 week, but they do a marvelous job! Above are pictures of a few of the kids at Casa Hogar Douglas receiving their gifts. Any of you ladies that would like to be a part of this group next Christmas, need to check with Chelsie in our home office. Chelsie@back2backministries.org

Your life is your testimony

2009-12-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

The picture above is a picture of a family we love very much. Tom and Karen Woelk, and their kids Andrea and Alex, were here serving with us a couple of weeks ago. Karen is a cancer survivor. She first had a tumor the size of an orange removed from her head, over 16 years ago. Since that time, she has had 2 other major operations and this past summer suffered a stroke. Karen has rewritten her testimony several times during the last few years. She carries it with her in her Bible and is always willing to share it.

While they were here serving over Thanksgiving, we asked Karen to come to Rio 3 and share her testimony with the women there. Many of these women have in the past, and are presently suffering many types of trials in their lives. We always like to encourage them with scripture and testimonies. Often, some of the women are distracted and talking to each other when we share with them. As Karen shared her testimony, we noticed that the crowd was larger than usual and they all were paying close attention to what she was saying.

Karen told me in the bus on the way to Rio 3 that she knows God allowed her to go through all of this so that she could be a witness to others. Her life has changed a lot in 15 years. Before her first surgery, her and Tom both had very promising careers at Proctor & Gamble. They had a large house, 3 cars and a boat. But in the last 15 years, Karen has been able to share her testimony of God's faithfulness through many difficult times in their lives. She knows that God has had her suffer these things so that she can be a testimony to others.

Thanksgiving in Rio 3

2009-12-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

This year, we had the opportunity to do something special to give thanks on Thanksgiving. We had a group of families visiting with us over Thanksgiving and we wanted to share the greatest thing that we are thankful for, the love of Christ, with the people of Rio 3. One of the girls, who came to serve with her family, was a fifteen year old high school girl named Hope Bertke. Hope had been here before and as she thought about how she wanted to share this love, she decided to raise money to buy blankets. Her goal was 100 blankets that the group would give away while they were at Rio 3. She asked some of her friends to help and by the time that her group got here they had collected enough money to purchase 350 blankets!

Hope's story is one of faithfulness. I told the rest of the group, before we passed out the blankets, don't ever think that you can't do something big for God. If David had thought that, he never would have defeated Goliath. If Noah listened to all the people who called him a fool for building an ark in the desert, he wouldn't have saved his family. God rewards our faithfulness to be obedient. I'm glad that Hope was not discouraged because she was young. She did not look at the obstacle but rather she took "shelter in the Most High."

It has been almost record cold here this past week. The lows have been around the freezing mark all week. Many of the homes in Rio 3 are shacks built out of trash. They have dirt floors, they are drafty and many have no electric. But, I'm sure that there are 350 kids that are thankful for the faithfulness of a 15 year old girl from Cincinnati. Hope set out to try and provide for 100 kids. God blessed her faithfulness by being a blessing to 3-1/2 times that many.

2009-11-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

Please check out this link to a friend's blog!

http://www.idratherbecaving.blogspot.com/

A Song Brings Peace to Thoughts of Injustice

2009-11-17T18:20:00.001-08:00

This past week, I've been feeling a heavy load, as I've dealt with injustices that I've witnessed, in the lives of the children we serve. The truth is that sometimes I am so close to so many awful things that are hard to witness. The hardest things that I deal with are when children are taken advantage of, or used, or abused by the ones that should be protecting them. I guess it is something like what a soldier experiences when he goes to war. The difference is that I know the battle has already been won when Christ overcame the grave!

I don't get a chance to hear a lot of American Christian music lately, but I really have taken comfort in the words of this Chris Tomlin song. He is singing of a day to come, that we are all living for. I especially like the bridge in the middle of the song. It is taken from John's words in Revelation 5, as he describes thousands of angels singing "Worthy is the Lamb." When I listen to this song, I am reminded that one day Jesus will right all the injustices of this world. I know that many of you can feel the weight of injustice at times in your lives as well. I hope this song brings peace to you as well. Enjoy!

In The Shelter of The Most High

2009-11-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

How much money do you think it would take each month to raise 70 kids? Do you think you could do it for $1,800 per month? Without the help of Back2Back Ministries, that is what Casa Hogar Douglas would be forced to do. That includes food, electric, gas,vehicle maintenance, insurance, workers' salaries, school fees and uniforms.

One of the ways that we are serving this children's home, is by seeking additional monthly support. We are doing this through our Shelter Child Sponsorship program. When you support a child for $100 per month, your money goes to help meet the overhead costs of the home. We currently have 21 of the 70 kids at Casa Hogar Douglas being sponsored under our Shelter Program. This is a huge blessing to this home. We are able to give them an extra $2,100 each month through the sponsors' help.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to deliver the money for October to them. The Director, Wyman, showed me the electric bill that was on his desk for almost $1,000 that he would now be able to pay. He also told me they would be able to pay for school uniforms for some of the kids that needed them. These are things that get put off when the money is tight. Most of the 9 full-time workers were waiting in the office to receive their monthly pay. They were glad to see me that morning too.

Raising 70 kids on $3,900 per month isn't easy, but it is double what they would receive without our help. Our goal is to one day have all the children, in all our children's homes, covered under our Shelter program.

The Best Gift is the One Given Away

2009-11-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Some of the books we purchased

Inside the New Library at Douglas

We recently received a donation to purchase new books for Casa Hogar Douglas. I'd like to share with you a little of the story behind the donation.

Emily Taylor is a 14 year-old student at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. After participating in a mission trip here, earlier this year, she wanted to stay involved in the lives of the children she met in Monterrey. One of the needs that Emily noticed when she read with the kids in the children's home, was the need they had to read better. As she thought about this, she had the desire to purchase books for their library. Once she knew what she wanted to do to stay involved with the children in Monterrey, she thought about how she could make this possible.

Emily decided that instead of asking for gifts for her birthday, she would ask people to give her money, that she could use to buy books for orphans. She collected $700! We used the money to purchase Christian books for all ages at a local Christian bookstore, here in Monterrey. The store gave us a 25% discount on our purchase so we were able to purchase $1,000 worth of Christian books with the money that Emily collected.

Before we put the books on the shelves, we prayed for them. We gave thanks for the 14 year old girl who had a God sized dream to stay involved, from over 1500 miles away. And we prayed that these books would help bring a 'Hope for Tomorrow' that these kids did not have before.

Thank you Emily...and Happy Belated Birthday! You are Loved!

2 Day Kitchen Remodel

2009-11-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Kitchen "Before"

The Kitchen "After"

Along with Mauricio, Rodolfo and Matt, I recently helped my friend Greg do a "makeover" on the kitchen in the Manatiel de Amor Girls' Home. This children's home is home to 12 girls. At Back2Back, we serve in 9 children's homes in the Monterrey area. These homes each have a B2B staff person who is responsible for our involvement with the children's home. While my primary responsibility is with Casa Hogar Douglas, I sometimes help the other staff in the homes that they have primary responsibility for. Greg is the captain of Casa Hogar Manatiel de Amor.

The kitchen was in very bad shape as you can tell by the "before" pictures. We completed the "makeover" in just 2 days. Actually, it was a lot of fun to work together with these great guys! I told Greg afterwards that I believe a kitchen can make a huge difference in a children's home. I think you'll agree with me that the "after" is a big improvement!

Being the One God Uses to Answer a Prayer

2009-10-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, Mauricio and I were working at Casa Hogar Douglas. We were working on a list of "honey do" projects for the caregivers there in the children's home. I always like getting things accomplished on this list because it helps make life a little easier for these ladies who live with and care for these children 24/7. I usually do things like fix lights or plumbing problems or repair doors or broken furniture. This day, Mauricio was hooking up a clothes washer in the older girls' dorm for their care giver, LuLu. The water hookup was not right on the washer. Each time she used it she had to carry water up from the first floor in buckets to fill it. In addition, there was no electric outlet near the washer so she had to use a very long extension cord to make it run. He hooked a direct water line to the washer and installed an electrical outlet near it. All she had to do was put the laundry in and turn it on to use it.

As we finished up that day, Mauricio told me that LuLu shared with him how she had been praying for some time that this work would be done. He said to me, "I love knowing that God is using me to answer someone's prayer!" I had never thought about it that way before, but he was right. When we submit to God's calling for our lives, many times God uses us as an answer to someone else's prayer. I know that many of you have been used by God to be an answer to my prayers. As I have prayed for God to provide for our financial support, many of you have been the one that God has used to answer my prayers. That is why it is important to be obedient in the calling that God has for our lives. We may just be God's answer to someone else's prayer.

A Rio Child Compared to a Casa Hogar Child

2009-10-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

You've heard me talk about the impoverished community that we serve in that we call Rio3. You also have heard me talk a lot about Casa Hogar Douglas, the children's home that Betty & I serve in the most.

At first glance, it might seem that the life of a child living at Rio3 is much worse than the child living in a children's home. Most of the homes in Rio3 have dirt floors, no permanent electric, running water or adequate roof. Most of the families live on less than $10 per day. That is compared to the child in the children's home who is able to eat 3 meals a day, take a shower with hot running water, enjoy the benefit of electricity at the flip of a switch, rest in a palapa we built and sleep in a bed that is protected from the rain and cold. That is the impression at first glance.

A more extensive comparison would reveal that most times the heart of the child living in the children's home has been crushed and broken many times in his young life, by those who should love him most. I have witnessed 6 year olds who have not had a relative come and visit them for months. Sometimes, even when a relative does visit, they try to justify the family's lack of involvement by telling the child they have no job or money. Or, they might say that they work all the time and don't have time to visit the abandoned child. I'm not sure which is best for the child...receiving a visitor who makes them feal guilty or not receiving any visitors at all. In either case, there is a great deal of hurt, rejection, pain and suffering that is behind the face of every child that lives in a children's home.

Don't misunderstand me. The child living in Rio3 suffers too. When you grow up not having money for shoes, clothes or even food, it is a difficult life. Sometimes a parent is involved in drugs or illegal activity and the child is abused or exploited. The summers here in Monterrey can see temps as high as 115 degrees and the winters can be a bone chilling 40 degrees and raining. When your house is made out of trash and has little or no roof, it is difficult to ever feel comfortable. On a recent medical trip to Rio3, we discovered a 6 year old girl who could not see out of one eye. The doctors think that she has experienced some type of nerve damage that may be irreparable. All they could do for her was pray. That is just one example of how the poor suffer. In summary, a life lived in poverty, is painful and difficult too.

Betty and I feel called to serve the brokenhearted and abandoned children in Rio3, as well as those who live in the children's home of Casa Hogar Douglas. Both places have great needs. The needs are different many times, but the answer is always found in Jesus. He is the one who can heal broken hearts and provide all of the necessities of life.

Faithful Friends

2009-10-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Recent Photo of Don, Bryon & Roger

I've said many times that we could not be serving here without the faithful support of so many of you. We give thanks often for those of you who lift us up in prayer and give of your financial resources to support our work. All of our expenses of insurance, salary, visas and taxes are paid from our support account with Back2Back. We are always humbled by your generosity.

As I approach my 3 year anniversary of serving in Mexico, I want to recognize 3 faithful friends. I've known Don, Bryon and Roger for many years. We went to church together, were in the same Bible School class and were members of a men's small group. The 3 of them are still meeting every Wednesday morning, at Bob Evans, for fellowship and breakfast. When I was first preparing to move to Mexico, these dear friends stood beside me and said "We'll support you Jim!" For 3 years now, they have been faithfully supporting our ministry here in Monterrey.

Many times, those of us who serve on a mission field, receive all of the attention. But the truth is, none of the things we write about, or are blessed to do, would be possible without those of you who support us. Don, Bryon and Roger are 3 of many faithful friends who have come alongside of us as we "serve orphans and widows in their distress" according to words of James, the half-brother of Jesus, in James 1:27. We are here in Mexico and you are in the USA, but TOGETHER we are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of abandoned children. Like the words to the song, "Thank you", I pray that one day, on the other side of eternity, you are able to meet Lupita, Cesario, Louis, Paty, Pancho and hundreds more that you have helped in their "distress." There in the presence of our Heavenly Father, who relentlessly loves all of us, maybe they can thank you personally. Until that day, I will thank you for them.

THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

Painting Inside the Church Building of Rio3

2009-10-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Many thanks go out to Dave Schreier & also Lifepoint Vineyard Church for purchasing the paint to paint the interior of the church building at Rio3. Last week a group from Batesville Vineyard Church was here and helped us get the painting done. What a difference painted walls make! I have always said that this church was a Lighthouse in a dark community. Now the building feels warmer and brighter. It is so amazing to see what God is doing there as He reaches out to these desperate children. They are able to witness and experience God's love through the many people we bring to serve there. Many of the children wanted to help us paint. On behalf of them, I want to give thanks to all who partner with us in ministry.

Footwashing & Shoe Giveaway at Rio3

2009-10-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

This past week, we had a footwashing and shoe giveaway for over 200 kids at Rio3. The Christian teen group, PureNRG, had a promotion with Family Christian Stores on the sale of their newest CD. A portion of the sale of this CD was used to buy new shoes for poor children all over the world. We were blessed to have these 3 teenagers come to Rio3 to personally wash the kids feet and put their new shoes on! Some kids came barefoot and went home with a new pair of shoes. It was awesome to see the smiles on the kids faces as they received their new shoes.

Jordan, Caroline and Carolyn of the group PureNRG are between 14 & 16 years old. They served the kids at Rio3 with a real servant's heart as they washed feet for over 2 hours on their knees. You can see more picures on our Rio 3 Facebook page.

Thank you Family Christian Stores and PureNRG.

Faith of a hurt child

2009-10-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

The lives of the kids, that live in the children's homes that we serve, are filled with pain. Their lives are filled with bad memories of their families and void of love many times. In all the work that we do, we want the kids to experience love and to know that God loves them perfectly. I love it when a child has an opportunity to exercise his young faith in God and realize that God always loves them. Recently, 9 year old Louis, from Casa Hogar Douglas, had this opportunity.

Javier, the head care giver at the children's home, has been going to each dormitory at bedtime and praying with the kids. A few weeks ago, he was in the young boys dorm, and he asked if they had any requests. Louis, who is the oldest of 4 kids in his family that live at Douglas, said that he wanted to pray that a relative would come and visit them on Sunday. It had been weeks since anyone had come on visitation day. Some of the other kids laughed and said "No one is coming!" But, Javier asked Louis "Do you believe if we pray that someone will come they will come?" Louis answered "YES I DO!" They prayed together and that next Sunday their mom came to visit them.

I remember the day that Louis and his 2 younger brothers and his sister were dropped off by their mom at the children's home. I remember because I had teers in my eyes but none of them were crying as their mom left. I know that their lives have probably always been full of sadness, heartache and pain. One of the hardest parts of our work is witnessing the pain that so many of these kids carry. But I am also lifted up each time I can witness God's faithfulness in their lives a well.

A Lesson in Forgiveness

2009-09-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was at Casa Hogar Douglas, talking to the head caregiver, Javier. He shared with me an event that happened the day before. That morning, in school, one of the older boys from the children's home was bullying one of the younger ones. Javier told me that when they returned home, he talked to the older boy and told him that he now was going to have an opportunity to seek public forgiveness for his actions. That same day, in the dining hall before they ate their meal, this young man got up in front of everyone, and asked the younger boy to forgive him. The younger boy said that he would as the entire dining hall burst into applause. Javier later asked both of these boys how they felt. Both of them said "Good!" A very simple act.

Independence Day Party in Casa Hogar Douglas

2009-09-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

We had a Mexican buffet for dinner

JJ from our staff did the "grito" or "shout" that is customary

The kids formed a color guard for the national anthem

Some of the kids did a traditional dance

Betty & I dressed up in traditional clothing by the Mexican flag

Sept. 16 is the Mexican Independence Day. The tradition here is to have a party on the night of the 15 and at midnight the president leads the whole country in a cheer. The end of the cheer is when the president says "Viva Mexico" and everyone else joins in with "Viva!"

This year, we had a party, organized by the church in Casa Hogar Douglas. The 60 kids that live at this children's home were so proud to open their home up to the public and host this party. They planned and worked to decorate and entertain people for the evening. We had about 100 guests who helped us celebrate Mexico's Independence Day with the children. I am so thankful that the kids had an opportunity to enjoy this evening. This is something that they might be doing if they had an opportunity to live in a home with their parents. Living in a children's home, many times they miss out on events like this that are part of their Mexican heritage. Needless to say, they were all tired at the end of the night but they were very content too. "Viva Mexico!!!"

An Opportunity To Share in Texas

2009-09-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

This past week, Betty and I had the opportunity to share with a church in Texas about our work in Monterrey. We traveled to Brownsville, Texas on Saturday and we were able to speak in front of 1,000 people on Sunday morning. It was a great time of fellowship with the people there. We invited them to send a group to Monterrey to serve with us next year. Most of the congregation speak Spanish fluently.

Ten years ago, Betty lived across the border from Brownsville in Matamoros. Her pastor there was Pedro Medina. He is now the pastor of this church in Brownsville. For those of you that know Betty, you know that she is a prayer warrior. She developed this habit from Pedro. He teaches his congregation of the power of prayer. Seven, yes I said 7 DAYS EVERY WEEK, they have prayer in their building at 6AM. It lasts for 1-1/2 hours every day! Their congregation has experienced many great blessings. I believe one reason God has blessed them so much is because they love to pray. There really is nothing more that God wants from us but to have a relationship with Him.

The Worship Team of The Church at Casa Hogar Douglas

2009-08-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

I wanted to introduce you to the group of young people that we have to lead worship at the church at Casa Hogar Douglas. If you have visited the church, you may have seen them, but not been introduced to them. We have been blessed in so many ways since we have started regular church services every week. God has given us the very best, in everything that He has blessed us with. The worship team is no exception to that. Betty and I have come to love these young people that God has brought into our lives. They are all an asset to our ministry and we give thanks for them. I want you to meet them.

Beto is our Worship Pastor and director of our worship team. He has an incredible voice. When you hear him sing, you think I could listen to him all day. He is extremely talented and can play the drums and sax as well. He told me when I first met him that his parents dedicated him as a baby to do God's work and he has felt called to serve God as an adult. He has even preached a few times. Beto just married Ruth in July in the newly remodeled chapel. He works for Lincoln Welders during the week. We are excited to see how God will use Beto & Ruth together this year.

Priscila is Betty's oldest daughter. She works for an exporter and goes to school studying communications. Pris loves to sing, like all of Betty's kids. Whether she is in the house, the car, a soccer game or in church you will probably find her singing. She has a great voice and Betty and I are proud of her.

Diego is our piano player and may be our most talented overall musician. He teaches music and is very easygoing. Nothing ever seems to bother Diego. He helped me a lot when we were purchasing the sound equipment. Diego is like many of the others in that he just loves the Lord. He is very humble and always has a kind word for everyone.

Aissa & Shaida are Betty's nieces and are 15 & 16 years old. They have been serving with us since the beginning. They both love serving the Lord by singing and we are blessed to have them as part of our team. Many of the little girls from the children's home love to "hang with them."

Carlos plays guitar and lives in Guadalupe with his wife Scarlett and their baby. He works on computers for his day job and also gives music lessons on the side. He brings the guitar "to life" when he plays it. I believe he could also be a comedian if he wanted to. Carlos is a fun person to be around.

We were blessed to have Ely with us for a few months this year. She is a bundle of energy and the kids love her. We call her 'Shakira for Jesus' after the popular Latin singer. Ely was the first one to lead us in the worship song "Te Doy Gloria." I believe that one day God will call her to be a worship leader in a big church. When that day comes, we will be able to say "she first led worship for us at Casa Hogar Douglas." This school year, Ely is studying in Argentina. We will miss her while she is gone but Diego and her in love, so we hope to see her again.

Anna has been one of our singers since we first started. She and her brother Jonathan were going to school here in Monterrey. Jonathan played the drums for us for a while but I don't have a picture of him. They're just good, nice young people that love to serve the Lord. They both are currently living in Texas, but we stay in touch with them through Facebook.

Reflections - Greater Things are still to come

2009-08-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'll admit that when I first thought about writing this entry, I wanted to just share some reflective thoughts I have had lately. I'll also admit that sometimes those thoughts can be negative. You see, sometimes I am a little down. Everyday I see kids that are hurting. I live in a place where it is hard to see justice. Sometimes the simplest of tasks can take half a day to accomplish. I miss my family back in Ohio. And sometimes, I can even ask myself "Is it all really worth it?" When I weigh the answer to this question, I can always answer "yes!"

Today, as I prepared to write this entry, I received the following link to this YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UqyEQxb6cU

It is a promotional video that was made by one of our ministry partners. The James Fund is the non-profit ministry of Family Christian Stores. They have been huge partners with us since 2005. I consider Steve Biondo, the president of The James Fund, who does a lot of the speaking in this video, my friend. When I watched the video, I found myself coming alive. I found myself saying "yes!" It was then that I realized that while sometimes I am discouraged, God always has a way of revealing to me why it is all worth it.

As partners with us in this ministry, I hope you can view this video and be lifted up as I was. I know that you too can be discouraged from time to time and even wonder if it is all worth it. Please watch the video. I want you to be energized in knowing that many Christians all over the world are united with us. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your financial support. Thank you for coming and serving alongside of us. We are so thankful for your lives. We pray God's blessing on you as you have been a blessing to us!

Kevin & Poncho

2009-08-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of Poncho who lives at Casa Hogar Douglas with a group member who was here this July. While he was serving with us, Kevin Baker developed a special bond with Poncho. Kevin was so impressed with Poncho's work ethic as he helped the group with their work project, that he purchased a cordless drill for him before they left. Poncho is the oldest of 5 kids in his family and they all live at Casa Hogar Douglas. He really is a great young man and is very helpful with the workers in the home. He also is very willing to help me with whatever he can as well. Often times, Poncho does not get much attention from the groups that come to serve. He is older and most of the time the younger kids get the American's attention. I'm so thankful for Kevin's act of love for Poncho. I know that it touched Poncho's heart. He had tears in his eyes when this picture was taken. It may have been the kindest thing that a man has ever done for him.

Thank you Kevin! You showed Christ's love for Poncho in a very practical way that week.

P.S... Kevin decided to sponsor one of the kids at Casa Hogar Douglas in our Shelter Kid Sponsor Program. Guess which kid he is sponsoring.