NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY, 2010

Tijuana has a love/hate relationship with water; or maybe it's the way it's delivered. A rainstorm in Tijuana that simply dumps the water isn't appreciated! And a wind storm, coupled with rain and more rain, brings out all the worst in the city: mud, rocks, potholes, traffic clogs, detours, leaking roofs and of course the worst being the 'quiet death' reserved solely for the poor. Mud slides quickly and quietly cover the little rooms and houses of the poor. Tragedy and heartbreak await many of these little shacks.

Tarps, blankets and food are what the people are asking for now that the rains have become serious.

Many of our people live on little dug-out sections of steep canyons. Old tires are formed into walls and stairs. You can look at the photos that I took. Notice the roofs of some of these houses ... quite different than ours. Take another look at our world.

I'm so thankful I have four-wheel drive as I noodle around these narrow, muddy streets, dodging rocks and potholes. (Although I did hit a large pothole Saturday night!)

We believe in going to the need rather than asking the need to come to us. This means that we do a lot of driving in our old beat-up vehicles which fit into our culture. We drive to our Bible clubs, discipleship studies, teen jail and regularly scheduled teaching in four Orphanages ... often at night. It's adventurous, exciting and, most of all, rewarding. We appreciate so much your prayers for our safety.

Unfortunately Thursday we had to cancel our big work day; simply too much rain and wind. We did however, have a van and a smaller crew there with food, tarps and blankets for those few who did turn out. Thanks again for your help and the privilege of implementing your love, and God’s love among the invisible poor of Tijuana. May God bless you.

Von, for all of us working in Tijuana.