We hope that Thanksgiving Day offered an opportunity for you and yours to reflect on and appreciate all the many reasons for gratitude. We are especially grateful for your participation in missionary service in Mexico. Even though we're the hands and the feet, each of you is involved as missionaries through your prayers, support and encouragement. Here's an effort to summarize the ways God has been at work through us in recent weeks:
General Mission Update:
- Southern Mexico was recently hit by one of the worst floods in the country's history. Millions have been in shelters, even now there are major areas underwater. Our little mission was joined by many in Chiapas to help collect much-needed supplies, and we made 2 trips to deliver canned food, medicines, diapers, toilet paper, soap, clothing and nearly 500 gallons of water. Spirits are good though, and folks there just seem so grateful for all the support, love and prayers from brothers & sisters in Christ from Mexico and the US. Their smiling faces are a reminder to us all about what really matters in life. Communities outside of Villahermosa were also hit by the flooding, so future flood relief efforts will focus on those areas that are not getting the attention of the military, government and other relief organizations.
- Those who read last month's update about tight scheduling for next year's mission trips really responded! We now have 16 groups scheduled for next year! We realize that we may need to get creative to find ways for groups who have not yet reserved their date to still be able to come, but we'll do everything possible to receive all interested groups!
- Upon the request of several young adults here in Ocosingo, Ginny's been teaching Driver's Education. Eight students have completed the classroom part and will be completing their behind-the-wheel training one at a time. Special thanks to Holly who has translated for all the classes and driving lessons thus far!
- Taking a small part in a miracle involving a church in No. Wilkesboro, NC and a little boy handicapped by a club foot, Jan Feliciano and I assisted the family in getting preliminary x-rays as the next steps towards getting orthopedic surgery for Felipe in January. This is an amazing story & one that we'll continue to update you on through the blog.
- John and Pablo have been traveling across the US telling the story of the ministry here and the medical clinic. They began by attending the PCUSA mission conference in Louisville, KY and then built new relationships in Oregon and Washington and strengthened existing relationships in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Their contacts included meeting with 65 individuals and over 30 churches.
Manos de Cristo Update (Medical Clinic):
- One of the cultural realities in Mexico is that families and organizations do not go into debt to complete construction projects. With donation dollars not yet in hand, construction has ground to a snail's pace with only a skeleton crew working each day. We hope to have some funds available soon to resume full-fledged construction efforts. But...most of the wood is down from the framing for the cement roof pour, which helps us be able to envision the clinic in operation.
- Additional funds are still needed if the May, 2008 target opening date for Phase I (Outpatient Primary Medical, Dental, Lab and Pharmacy) is to be met. Please prayerfully consider making a donation through Hebron USA to help cover these additional costs.
Family Update:
- All in all, life is good. We really missed having John with us but we knew his travels built the relationships that help make this truly a cross-cultural ministry.
- We are grateful to have broadened our base of support to include an expanded relationship with Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church. We retain a close relationship with our home church in Mt. Airy, and Oak Ridge has offered to assist by receiving some donations to handle some additional financial needs.
- Special thanks to all those who hosted Pablo and John on their travels across the US. Your hospitality was such a blessing to them!
Prayers:
- For all those in Tabasco and Chiapas affected by the floods. May they know the love of Christ through outreach efforts from churches in Mexico and the US.
- For God to call a new missionary family/couple to continue this ministry after our term of service is concluded next August. "Could it be you?" (see blog entry by that name)
- For the willingness of Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church to step out in faith with us to be sure that we can complete our 2 1/2 year commitment here in Mexico
- Of comfort for those experiencing loss, including the families of Hal Newell, Edna Wilson, and Richard Bergland
- Of support and encouragement for those coping with illness, including Frank Splawn, Donna Painter, Carol McClancy, Tenney Dean, Nancy Lingenfelser, Jim Scott, Mary Wynne Perryman, Bonnie Bode, Katie Yarbrough, Marshall Hollingsworth, Louise Holshouser, and the family of our dear friend Cecelia. As always, please let us know of your prayer needs and whether it's ok to share them with others.
- Of support and encouragement for fellow missionaries and their families around the world, including Pablo & Jan Feliciano, all the Dye Family Missionaries around the world, David Meacham, John and Sandra Wimbish and Julie Alexander and her family who have finally made it to Brazil!
Opportunities:
- Donate to HebronUSA for Phase I and Phase II of the Manos de Cristo Medical Clinic in Ocosingo (http://www.hebronusa.org/8.html)
- Mission Tip of the Month: For Christmas this year, consider giving a different kind of gift that keeps on giving! Kiva.Org is a micro-lending program that takes your $25 and loans it to those trying to get on their feet with small businesses around the world. When your $25 is paid back, you can either get it back or allow it to be loaned out again! www.kiva.org has a cool website that explains how it all works, including their gift certificate program. Consider this alternative Christmas gift for those of your Christmas list who already having everything they need! While we definitely hope that you continue to support this ministry here through Hebron USA, we thought you'd be interested in another way to reach out to make a difference in the world.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support. Please keep in touch and follow along the daily walk by reading our blog.
Paz en Cristo,
Ginny, John, Holly & Maggie
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