NEWSLETTER: AUGUST, 2010

"Bang for the Buck" and "Nickels and Noses" are two common terms I don't like to use in the context of ministry. But we all understand what they mean: is my investment in this ministry really worth it? "Ministry" is often abstract, and that's understandable. When it comes to ministry, how do we define "value"? Each of us has to make our own decision on that.

Do we have to justify our ministry? In my opinion, yes. You need to know what we're doing with your money. (i.e. these letters I write)

I started thinking of just what we did with your money in these past four weeks. Now, in the frame of the picture below, keep in mind that we're a small ministry with a crew of 12, mostly nationals.

Your gift helped create the following paragraph. (Over the past four weeks!)

Seven big workdays, eighty free consultations and medication from our doctor, a camp at jail for teenage girls (very successful), four teaching sessions for the boys in jail, teaching sessions at four orphanages, construction of eight starter houses for poor families (we bought two truckloads of water for an orphanage that had been out of water for three days), We personally counseled more than a dozen kids, Aaron and I spoke at several camps as well as speaking to five teen groups from the U.S., created and lead five American groups into ministry in Tijuana, teamed with other local Tijuana ministries, like Mexico Caravan Ministries, hauled fifty big bags of clothing and shoes across the border to be distributed at our big work days... and we cleaned the dorm after each group left. Ten days included buying and purchasing food and materials for ministry, three Vacation Bible School programs in different Barrios, taking time to visit little Pepe, Joshua, and Roberto, being "padrinos" (fathers) for several kids at their graduations. Touching the lives of 2280 different kids and adults in these few weeks ... the key word is "different individuals" Not a bad bottom line!

People continue to be our focus.

How blessed is he who considers the poor." ~ Psalm 41:1

All of the above is our ministry in variety form. How much of this four week chunk of time has made an eternal impact? We'll never know until He gives us the true bottom line.


Eight Starter Houses Built


Three 'VBS' Craft Programs


A Summer Mango

Unfortunately, our income is slowly shrinking while our challenges continue to grow. It's understandable yet frustrating. Your gift and prayers mean so much, A meaningful thanks to you for standing by us.