Greetings, November, 2008

We would appreciate your prayers regarding an unusual twist to our ministry. In past years we brought American teens across the border to challenge them while they served the poor with us. This unusual ministry has worked well and we have seen real "fruit"; many of our visitors became short-term or full-term missionaries somewhere in the world. We were the kick-starter!

Working with American teens across the border represented about a third of our ministry. Eight to ten groups of teens each month was not unusual.

Since the ramped up violence in Tijuana and the climbing number of gruesome killings and kidnappings, parents are understandably reluctant to send their kids across the border. Last week the State Department warned all tourists away from Tijuana. That didn't help either.

Our American teen groups have withered to two or three courageous groups per month.

Pray with us that the Tijuana police, federal police and army will get things cleared up so that the city might become stabilized.

I'll admit it's uncomfortable and a bit risky working in a war zone.

We'd like to get our American teens back to working with us each week. Prayer please.

Hopefully, these monthly letters reflect the credibility and variety of our Spectrum ministry. And, yes, we can share impressive statistics. Numbers are impressive and we do work with numbers, but I seldom mention the quiet and less impressive ministry of the one on one and small group work we do on a regular bases.

We go into these dangerous neighborhoods, often at night, to work with a few kids (teens) at a time. We have earned their respect and we take advantage of that respect to share some serious fatherly advice and answer questions. The hardest of these teens have their vulnerable moments. In the jail, we often have time alone with the kids. (No photos allowed)

If timed right the Gospel message has a lifetime impact! One on one is an honest invironment!

Last night I was talking to a handful of teenage boys in Zona Norte (Red Light District). They had lots of questions. It was a good night. A transvestite boy joined our group; he listened well. (Three blocks away there is a transvestite bar where many of these kids go). The key to effective ministry is coming to where these kids are with the message they need. Aaron or I have never felt that we needed to watch our back.

We don't mind taking the risk necessary to bring God's light into this darkness ...

Thanks again for your part in our ministry. We need you! Prayer is so important and so are your gifts, even if they are small ones, they all add up.

For all of us working in Tijuana, von