Summer 2009
What an amazing spring and summer! Amidst a barrage of media reports of border violence, impending swine flu, decay in government and a floundering economy; we have seen first hand that the plans of the Lord cannot be thwarted! Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”
Our theme this summer was appropriately named: “Corazon Valiantes” (brave hearts). Thank you to all of you who came and served with Missions Partnership Experience (short-term missions) in spite of the news reports. Thank you to those of you who stayed home and who partnered with us in prayer.
Good News! Mexico has been changed! Here are just a few of the blessings we experienced firsthand:
• Many, many people made first time commitments to Christ and many others recommitted their lives to the Lord.
• We served in 17 different colonies in Ensenada and surrounding communites and had week long programs which includes:18 VBS programs, a youth camp, 12 medical clinics, 4 dental clinics, 14 construction projects, 3 sports camps, 4 women’s programs, 2 youth programs, sewing and men’s prayer meetings and 3 community BBQs.
• We have not seen any violence issues. Many of our guests have commented that what they experienced here in Ensenada did not at all reflect the worrisome media reports.
• We have remained healthy. No Swine flu!
• Agua Viva Ministries is blessed with an awesome full time staff!
• We had an amazing summer staff!
• We have a new well
• We received a $25,000.00 Grant for student scholarships for MTI (our seminary)
Let me list the reasons I believe that this summer has been so successful:
1. God’s Faithfulness!
2. God’s Faithfulness!
3. God’s Faithfulness!
4. God’s Faithfulness!
I have to admit, I personally entered the season a bit (OK…a lot) nervous and discouraged about over 60% cancellation of our guests because of the above issues. As you well know, the other ministries here at AVM are partially dependent on our camper fees; MTI (our seminary), Mexican camping scholarships and the 5 Mexican national missionary families AVM supports, let alone the maintenance of our camp and our full time Mexican staff. But God has been faithful and He Loves Mexico!
We cling to our summer theme verse: Deut. 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Please Pray!
Please continue to pray for AVM as we still have a substantial deficit in our budget. We serve a miraculous God who provides. Pray that we as a staff, board of directors and families will continue to be unified and adjusting as the Lord deems fit.
Please pray for us as a family that we would trust Him for our finances. Hannah and Tim are both in College and our donor giving is decreased substantially due to the economy and we expect even greater cuts in September. Things that we used to consider as necessities are now considered as wants. Again we look to Deut 31:8.
Please pray for Hannah as she leaves for Uganda in September!
Please pray for Tim as he heads to Ecola Bible College in Oregon!
Thank you for being a part of our lives. Thank your for serving, giving, praying and investing in this ministry and our lives!
Please enjoy the following moments from our life here in Mexico:
