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May 2009 “Gracias” Update
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“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV
April has been a difficult month in several aspects: The economic situation world wide, the security factor here in Piedras (our police chief was gunned down) and then, this swine flu that has really scared many people, especially those planning on coming down to do work here with us. Out of 12 or so groups that had been scheduled for this summer, three are still trying to decide whether to come or not, most likely, they will also cancel. We know God is in control of all things regardless of how they look and affect us. What we do is try to listen to His voice in all these events and apply that to what we do and how we move forward.
Never before we had been literally forced to close church, but on My 3rd., the government ordered all churches, public events, such as games, parades and gatherings to be shut down. It was a strange feeling; we encouraged all members of the church to have family devotions and partake of communion together, and most did. Norma and I took the chance to go to San Antonio and visit our children and attended church there with them. Mandy, our youngest graduated from UTSA May 9 with a degree on international business and non profit management. She is the last of our 4 children to have a college degree; this phase of our lives is now complete, praise the Lord! Jair just turned 60, so this was a great birthday present.
So, our dear brothers and supporters, with almost no work groups for the summer, we will concentrate on keeping our facilities maintained, will need to build a new classroom for our elementary school as well as a new girls bathroom. Abner and crew will have a “light” much needed summer to recuperate from many years of nonstop summers with work crews. Then, Roundlake Camp in Ohio will keep us busy presenting the work there during the whole summer.
What you can do: · Pray for us! · If you were planning on coming with work group and cancelled, please consider sending an offering, some have already done that, thank you! · If you do not have a mission organization to be represented, either at camp or VBS programs, please consider Vida Nueva, we have a 5 part video that can be easily presented…
Thank you and God bless you….
Jair Castillo, field director, jair@vnmi.org |
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Breaking the Vicious Cycle Since 1984 |
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Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico |