Geppeto's Workshop in Mexico...Building Dreams

July 13th just an ordinary hot summer day, but what an amazing day this turned out to be.

As Mexico Ministry Coordinator I am able to meet with our pastors who help minister to the many families we build for. They are divided into pastor boards. One is in Tijuana, another in Tecate, Rosarito and Ciudad Juarez. I meet with them once a month to discuss issues and present needs. After my meeting with the Rosarito pastors I was able to accompany our friendly pastor Florentino Gallardo from Rosarito. He serves most of the families in the Lazaro Cardenas community. As I drove to the community he told me the vision that he has for the community.

Lydia: Pastor, where are we going to see the families that you have been working with?

Florentino: This is the commnity of Lazaro Cardenas in the La Gloria section of Rosarito. These families had there houses made about three months ago.

L: Pastor Florentino, I know that God has given you a vision for the your future ministry. Can you share with me little bit of that vision?

F: I have been a full-time pastor for many years in a well established church. Happily we have served the community of Palacios. Then all that changed when I was invited to be part of Amor Ministries. As a pastor in fellowship with Amor I have come to dream big. What I mean is that now that I go into the communitites to offer destitute families a shelter not only for their physical bodies, but it also opens doors to show them that they can find shelter in the arms of Jesus. Recently a group came down and built my family and I a house. I was so excited because it's in the same community where most of the families that I serve are! What a joy to know that our home will welcome many new souls to Christ. My heart's desire is to open my home to the families near by and offer them the opportunity to learn more about the God that so graciously have given them this new home. A physical demonstration of God's love and care. Everytime I see the families when I pass by they are always so happy to see me. I encourage them to seek God and read their Bibles. We pray together and I've established a great rapport with the men. They have even come to visit me at my new house.

L: Wow! That is wonderful. I can only imagine how excited that makes you feel.

F: Yes, I want them to feel comfortable about going to church so first I will establish a good group of people then look for a bigger piece of land to build a new church.

L: This only goes to show what the Word of God says concerning his children. "He WILL supply all your needs according to His Riches in Glory.".

F: All this as the result of working in partnership with Amor Ministries. Though there is still a lot more work to be done.

L: Yes, I believe that God has opened the door to many new things for this community. I can see that after visiting with these families that they are very hungry to know more about a God that finds them worthy of receiving such love. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication Pastor Florentino.

Pastor Florentino with his wife and grandson

Pastor Florentino in front of his new house in the community of Lazaro Cardenas

This is Mirna Rodriguez and her two precious girls. They use to live in this small camper shell.

Now Mirna and her family enjoy a nice big home!

Mirna told me that she was so happy in her new home. She said that her marriage has been stronger now that her husband believes that God can take care of them.

This is Luz Maria Ramos. She has two sons and the little one is a nephew. Her house was built one year ago and see how beautiful it has become. They even painted it!

Such a good looking family.

This is Juan and Carmen Ramos. He is Luz Maria's brother-in-law. They are very open to the gospel and look forward to going to the Bible studies.

I know in my heart that God's mighty hand is on these families.

Juan just had back surgery and is recovering really well. Unfortunately, he has not been able to work so with the donations that Pastor Florentino receives from our Food bank and Donations warehouse we have helped this family. Here is Pastor Florentino praying for Juan for a fast and complete recovery.