NEWSLETTER: SEPTEMBER, 2003

I had known little Jonathan several years. I first met him and his brother at Emmanuel Orphanage when he was just a little tyke. More than a year ago he left the orphanage and headed to the streets. Aaron and I met him at Tijuana's CMI (children's jail) a few months ago. He was in there for a burglary charge. Like so many kids here in Tijuana, Jonathan is a neat kid but he is wired wrong.

After several months in the CMI, Jonathan and his friend, Louis Enrique, wanted badly to get out but no relative showed an interest in them or wanted to take them out. Working with the jail administration, we arranged that they could go to a shelter (El Poso), they would have to go to school. Both happily agreed.

Twelve year old Luis Enrique stayed at the shelter for a few days then left for the street and his drugs. Jonathan stuck with it for a few weeks but four days ago he too left the shelter. I asked the other boys why they left; they said Luis and Jonathan simply wanted money. Now the two of them are together working the streets; they're into drugs and have a pistol. Two twelve-year-old boys with a pistol and using drugs can be a fatal combination. Please pray that the authorities will catch them or that we will find them and be able to talk with them. Soon!

Our world here in Mexico is so different. On occasion we have to make sudden changes in plans. Juan called me late Friday and asked if I thought we should change our big staff meeting on Monday from his house, where we normally meet, to our dormitory. Of course I asked why and he told me the all too familiar story. Hector, Juan's young brother-in-law, had just shot two young men, killing one and critically wounding the other. This all happened a few houses away from our meeting place. Hector is on the run and his wife is scared and hiding in Juan's house. The families of the victims, a group called The Rabbits, have sworn to take revenge on Hector and any of his family. The police are trying to involve Juan in the shootings and want a substantial bribe to keep him from going to jail. It wouldn't be out of the question for the police to enter our meeting, round us all up, and take us in custody for questioning. In this case I didn't have to pray for wisdom when simple common sense would do I quickly made the decision in favor of the dorm so, yesterday we had our first staff meeting in the dormitory! Do pray for Juan that he might not have to undergo police questioning which is normally preceded by a harsh beating.

On a more positive note are many blessings and answers to prayer. Little Roberto, who is HIV, is doing much better. Little Leslie who almost died of meningitis last month, is also showing improvement. Thanks for your prayers and the specific gifts of several of you who took care of her medical expenses. Nine-year-old Angel who was crushed by a truck is doing better too, but he and his mother can still use your prayers. Young Jose Luis remains critical. We are helping him all we can. His pain medication is expensive. He and his family can use your prayers.

Yesterday after staff meeting, Aaron and I drove up to Trinchi to hang out with about a dozen kids there. Little Juanito, about eleven, rushed out to hug us. Juanito is a little retarded but is well accepted. (see photo) We love this little guy's hugs.

Our Lord has had a chance to enter this bad barrio and we are seeing changes. It's real rewarding to talk with these young teens that have given up drugs, drinking, cursing and fighting and are now attending church. Many of these are in Aaron's discipleship program.

Thanks for your part in making this all happen. Please continue in prayer for our personal safety and that our ministry might be effective ... . that it might be as deep as it is wide.

May God bless you.