NEWSLETTER: NOVEMBER, 2003

For the past three days here in San Diego we have been living in a hot, yellow, paste-colored world. The sun above is a round red ball. Like snow, the ash from three growing wild fires keeps falling everywhere. This morning I awoke and there was no water. Come to think of it the orphanage I left last night had no water. These inconveniences are nothing compared with the hundreds who have lost their homes. A good reminder; only that which is eternal lasts. People are eternal and we are with people all the time! Our ministry is people.

I'm proud of our hardworking team that is dedicated to spreading His light in so many dark areas. Last night while Rafa and I were teaching about twenty teens, Paul, Aaron, and Ernesto were two miles away holding a new Bible club in the dark rough area of Laguna. Sunday we were back working in the CMI (the children's jail). Thanks to the prayers of many of you, we were both confirmed and urged to continue the jail leadership. Please continue to pray that the guards will see us in a favorable light. They hold the keys to our getting into the cells.

Zona Norte continues to be a challenge. The Zone is incredibly dark as we walk the streets. Having children and teens call to you from the shadows is an eerie feeling. One teenage boy called me from a dark stairway, "Remember me?" he asked. "I met you in jail." I walked back, smiled and asked if he was clean (without drugs). "No, Brother von." A girl at the top of the stairs called to him and our short conversation was over.

A few blocks later, I met young Sinaloa and he greeted me warmly. I asked how he was doing. "Not good Brother von." I asked when he was going to decide for Christ. "I'm not ready yet." We walked on.

I noticed a young man sitting on the curb in the shadows injecting himself, hoping to transfer into another world, a world without problems, a world of peace. Only a temporary fix.

The "American" boys walking with us that night were learning lessons they will never forget. Jesus taught on the road, it works! That's how disciples are made.

A week ago we were working in the Zone. About noon, Hortensia came to me and said, "Von, there is someone here to meet you." I walked out to the sidewalk where a father, mother and son met me and expressed their gratitude for our help in the surgery for their son. The boy, about eleven, shyly asked if he could hug me. "Of course," I replied. I wish you who made the surgery possible could have felt his tight hug. It made my day!

We are dedicated to using your money for people in need! We are willing to go into these dark areas where the poor live and help them. We are willing and able to share the Gospel with the credibility few have. Please keep us in your prayers; as your prayers make an eternal difference! Don't forget; we are a team. Thank you for being an important part with us.