NEWSLETTER: FALL, 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"?

Do we have to justify our ministry? In my opinion, yes. As a supporter 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. Note the textual picture below, and keep in mind that we're a small ministry with a crew of 12, mostly nationals.

The gifts of supporters helped create the following paragraph. (OVER THE PAST FOUR WEEKS!)


Arron speaks to teens

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), I 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 led five American groups into ministry in Tijuana, teamed with other local Tijuana ministries, like Mexico Caravan Ministries, hauled fifty big bags of children's 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. In all, touching the lives of 2,280 different kids and adults ... the key word is "different individuals" 2,280 people!


A new house

People continue to be our focus.

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.

Frustration time. As income slowly shrinks, ministry opportunities increase. It's a nasty squeeze. This frustration is forcing us to tighten our belt and get on our knees; and just maybe that's where God wants us.

Note: A legitimate orphanage in Africa asks if we can help them as their income is falling. Answer? Not now.

As many of you are my personal friends, I would ask you to place us on your prayer lists. With your prayers, God will work something out.

THANK-YOU, FROM ALL OF US AT SPECTRUM!!!


Our world


The graffiti 'diablo (devil) says it all

THANK YOU AGAIN! FROM EVERYONE AT SPECTRUM MINISTRIES!!!