NEWSLETTER: MAY, 2002

We were down in the Zone Monday talking with Chuy, who works with kids at El Posol. Five rather stoned adults were sitting nearby on the sidewalk, all of them, dirty and unkempt street people of Tijuana. During our conversation a young boy skated up and said, "Hi, Pastor von." It was Roberto, now about thirteen. I hadn't seen him since he left the orphanage some years back. We talked for a while and then he pointed with his chin to a heavy set man sitting in the group. "That's my father." I said, "What?" "That's my father," he said again, "the one in the green shirt." About that time the man recognized Roberto and staggered to his feet and walked slowly and unsteadily toward us. "Roberto, my son," he said. At that Roberto backed away and wouldn't reply. Roberto's father started on me, "Look, there is my own son, my own flesh and blood, and he won't even show me any respect!" Roberto stood there glaring at him; you could feel the contempt. The man offered him a cigarette lighter as a little gift but Roberto wouldn't accept it. Indeed, to buy his love and respect back would take more than a used cigarette lighter.

I could see the shame and feel the pain but only sense what had gone so terribly wrong in another street boy's life. Where is my respect?" the drunk, hurting father asked. The sad fact is that unless something radically changes, Roberto will repeat his father's mistakes. The consequences of sin and violation of God's law seem to play out on every dark corner in the Zone.

The good news is that Roberto is going to camp with us Friday. I hope and pray that he and his street buddies will connect with the heavenly Father who really loves them and can be respected by them. Those of you who pray for us can unleash the impacting force of change in our camp for these kids. As always we need your prayers, and depend on you.

Another note of good news. We have a secretary coming this month! PTL! Beth Buser, a former missionary in Papua New Guinea will take over our office responsibilities. It will take a little while to get everything up to speed. Soon once again I'll be able to respond to your gift with a personal note.

Several of you have inquired as to my own health. Some good news and some bad news. My knee is doing OK. not like was before the accident, but OK. I took a scan three weeks ago and it showed an irregularity in my right kidney. I took another test last week and I found out this morning that I have a tumor. I'll go in for an operation June 24th. It looks like I'll get to keep my kidney though! PTL! I would appreciate your prayers.

Thanks for your help this month. Your love, prayers and financial help mean so very much to us. Keep praying for us and the many people to whom we minister.