Geppeto's Workshop in Mexico...Building Dreams

Has anyone ever had a hard time letting go?

I didn't realize what a control freak I was until I was "out-of-control". It was a scary place between worrying about my surroundings and worrying about what will happen to me if I were to let go.

Could I trust me? Could I trust my God to sustain me? Could I trust others around me to care?

Since my dad died I realized that everything given to us is a gift. A cherished treasure that could be lost and never found again. I also realized that pleasing people is an up hill battle. Wait... Let me rephrase that...

Giving of myself to others is my life, but running on empty isn't.

I would love your comments on how you are allowing God to take "control" of your life.

This was my first time ever at Dana Point. I had heard a lot of nice things about the place, but never took the time to go. A friend and I took a little "girlfriend" retreat and enjoyed the change of scenery. If you ever have a chance to got to Dana Point, California do it!

On July 28th my friend and co-worker from Amor recently got married. She looked so beautiful and the groom looked so happy! It was a wonderful time of laughter and of celebration.

My great friend and "Youth Specialties" partner Jen. She is leaving for Thailand to teach English and share God's love to college age students. It will be a facinating trip to another country and I know that she will flourish wherever she is planted. I will miss her oodles because she was not only a great friend, but as a traveling buddy she's top-notch. Thank God for friends like Jen.

Here's my beautiful friend Jen.

She'e very hugable!

She's a team player and great listener!

You'll always know she's around if you see her Converse!

She has a big heart for kids and wants to make an impact on their lives.

Her smile brightens any room.

She will be greatly missed.

As she crosses huge oceans to get to her new adventure...

And as God as her captain...

She will do great wherever she is at!

We Love You Jen!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

My "Comadre" Esther is leaving Amor Ministries to pursue her dream of being a pastry chef. She is going to Buenos Aires, Argentina to study bread making and pastry. She will live with her grandmother who lives in Argentina. I will miss her tremendously as I find her more like a "sister" than a friend.

Instead of "Please don't cry Argentina"...we need to say "Look out Argentina", because this fireball is heading your way!

May God bless and keep our little Esther and may she return soon to bake us many goodies. Thank God for our friendship!

This is Esther when she is wondering where in the world she's at.

Esther doing what she knows best making everyone laugh.

She always seems to be the center of attention.

She's a great friend.

She hardly ever gets lost...yeah, right!

She's very photogenic!

Esther is a good leader.

We all love her very much!

She does well with kids and has been a great helper with my puppet shows. HMMM... I wonder why?...Maybe because she is a kid herself!

I love you Comadre keep in touch and may everything you touch prosper...Even your bread dough!

I spent my 4th watching the Coronado 4th of July parade.

Take a look at this picture album!

This is where I found a seat right in front of the grand stand. The streets were closed for the two hour parade.

These horses would ride so fast down the street that they had to make several passes to make sure they were in time with the other parade people. I believe they are Argentine horses and riders.

Everyone was happy to see the firefighters, but notice which way the flag is...

Woah, Betsy!

They had a salute to about 10 WWII Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Cool cars! So bright and colorful.

OOOOOh

... Real Black Widows!!

Those Shriners are scary riding their little cars.

Way to go with the patriotic!

I really don't know why these ladies are dressed like flamingos???!!!

Happy Days again

Go lady WACS!

Those suits look so hot! Poor kids.

Cool "Woody".

Does this make sense to anybody?

Lovely dancers and interesting drummers.

I don't think I would be so willing to have a massage in front of hundreds of people.

This is from the Longboard Club.

They said that this board has been ridden by at least 10 people. Crazy!

Very interesting!

Overall it was a great day. With good food, fun sights, and wonderful weather!

Working here at Amor Ministries I've found myself amazed at God's provision. I mean there has been instances that I just don't know how we are going to provide for this or that project. Recently, we had a pastor in Ciudad Juarez who is in need of Bibles for his congregation. Then a week passed and a participant called me and asked if they could send money for Bibles for Mexico. It turned out that a very dear member and leader in their church had passed away and she specifically did not want flowers to be sent to her funeral, but to buy Bibles with the funds instead. She left a legacy of Hope by way of providing Bibles to those who didn't have any. There goes one answered prayer request.

Another request answered was in my ministry apart from Amor. I have a puppet minstry at a child abuse center every Sunday. There we share the Love of God to many hurting children. There has been an open door to give the children Bibles and I have been able to give out over 500 Bibles & devotionals. Each week a new set of kids come into the center due to the increase of children in the foster care system,and each week over 20 kids come to Sunday School! I have been running out of money to purchase more Bibles. (I usually buy them with my own limited funds) Then little by little I have been receiving funds that would help me buy more Bibles. I thank God for touching the hearts of donors. It only inspires me to give more!

Part of my work here at Amor is to represent Amor Ministries to the five Pastoral Boards in Mexico. Just this week I went to a meeting in Tecate. Pastor Ezekiel hosted the meeting at his church and shared a small devotional with us all.

He shared that at the last meeting in April he felt a bit out of character due to the fact that he had forgotten about the meeting and was not prepared. He did not take his notebook or even had anything to write with. Pastor Ezekiel struggled through the meeting. Even when a prayer list was passed among them so that they can write their prayer requests he said. "I don't even know why we even do this to tell you the truth I've asked for many things for many years and none of my requests have been answered." In all the shuffle of paperwork he skipped writting down any prayer requests. At this meeting the pastor humbly asked for forgiveness explaining that he was very sorry that he said that statement. In fact something funny happened to him right after the April meeting. It turned out that one of his requests was to get a vehicle. The day after the meeting his son called from Mexicali and told him, "Hey, dad I need you to come down here because I have a car for you." Pastor Ezekiel feels as though God was saying to him that the needs that were placed before God were not forgotten. He was very grateful for the prayer list and encouraged everyone to bring their needs before God and his fellow brothers and sisiters in Christ.

Tijuana, Mexico May 2, 2005

Pastor: Francisco Chavez Church: La Nueva Jerusalen

Prayer request for our 100 new member! We need a new sound system, microphones and amplifiers. New transportation and need more leaders.

Pastor: Eusebio Haro Church: Mision Del Valle

We need prayer in receiving a van of some sort to be able to transport people to and from church. Preferably a 20 passenger van. Thank you!

Pastor: Javier Marquez Church: Aposento Alto

Wisdom in how to handle a moral issue in our church and God’s help to continue his work.

Pastor: Juan Briceño Church: Divino Salvador Thank you for your prayers for my family and we are in need of a new electric guitar and a van for transporting people to and from church.

Pastor: Juan Bahena Church: Mision Iglesia De Jesucristo

We covet your prayers to continue our work at our church and for all the families we serve and also we request prayer for the expansion of our church building .

Pastor: Adolfo Escamilla Church: Iglesia Pesbiteriana

Prayer for our church leaders. And also for financial blessing to be able to buy a new sound system.

Pastor: Armanado Ponce Church: Cristo Arca De Salvacion

We need your prayers for an up coming revival with Evangelist Carlos Anacondia. We are grateful for your prayers.

Pastor: Jesus Lobatos de Avila Church: Centro Evangelico Maranatha

Prayer for my family and congregation. We are also in need of musical instruments for the church and a big van.

Pastor: Joel Rodriguez Martinez Church: Nuevo Amanecer

Prayer for my family and for the construction of the orphanage and the feeding program, the trip to Israel and for my church. God bless you!

Tecate, Mexico May 2, 2005

Pastor:  Hortencio Guerrero Church:  Iglesia Evangelica<p>

We are asking for chairs or benches for our new mission church. That God would heal my wife and that our church will grow spiritually.

Pastor: Ezequiel Higuera Church: Iglesia De Cristo

No particular request included

Pastor: Leoncio Church: Betsaida

Pray for our spiritual life and for my family & church. Thank you for your prayers.

Pastor: Mere Don Church: Torre Fuerte

Thank you for your prayers for my wife, she is getting better in health. Please continue to pray for our family and church as we are trying to rebuild the roof of our church. It is possible that we will be helping a fellow minister in his children’s shelter. Thank you and God bless.