NEWSLETTER: OCTOBER, 2005

I asked Paul, our kids director, for some photos and a report on this summer's VBS programs. I received not only his report but this great letter to you AND over 900 digital photos. Pictures tell so much and I have to choose eight or nine to help tell the story. I hope this letter will give you another glimpse of Spectrum's work in Tijuana. "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? Open your eyes and look at the fields. They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35

Standing on a hillside overlooking the city of Tijuana, I remembered this verse. You see, ministering to children over the past several years there is one thing that has stuck out: The need. The overwhelming poverty, the violence, the drugs, the sin. they all create the hopelessness I see time and time again. Yet Jesus came to offer an abundant life, and while these children have many needs, the thing they need most is Jesus. He offers hope. He offers life. Simply put, Jesus is the answer!

This is why I'm so excited about VBS. VBS (Vacation Bible School) gives us the opportunity to bring a quality gospel program to neighborhoods we have cultivated through our big community work and shower days. It allows us to expand our kids, club ministry and start long lasting kids clubs in new areas. It is also a lot of fun!

We had more than 400 kids attend our five VBS programs this year. The children learned memory verses, listened to Bible stories, sang fun songs, made crafts, played games, and generally had a blast. Most had never learned a Bible verse, and many had never set foot in church. Yet, when I drive up, there is always a little group proud to show me their verse memorization skills. There is nothing like seeing a tough little street kid memorizing his versos!

VBS is also a great opportunity to work with adolescents/teens. I created a team of six boys from Grupo Mexico, a tough neighborhood in which we work, to help me out with VBS. From serving the snacks to putting up the tents and participating in "say no to drugs" skits, they were excited to be a part of my team.

They thought it was cool to ride in the big Spectrum van. We are always seeking to develop leaders and to point the teens in a positive direction. VBS is another great way we can do that.

The children at VBS know us and look up to us. It makes the lessons we teach all the more effective. We talk to the kids about practical stuff: parents, the dangers of drugs, and the value of the Bible in our lives. Many of our kids grew up on the streets and are tough. But no matter how tough they are, how they look, how poor they are, or how they act, God loves them and offers them hope. We get to make sure that they know that.

The Bible verse on the other side says, "Open your eyes and look.." Here in Tijuana, it is hard not to. The fields are ripe for the harvest, and we are surrounded by them. It's exciting to see what God is doing in these kids' lives. Thanks for being a part of His work here in Tijuana! Paul Alvarado