I typically like to have some dramatic beginning to these blogs (curse you, journalistic addiction to hooks), but I’ll just run the ol’ update by y’all (please don’t shoot me, Washingtonians…I know that’s not standard grammar).
This month has been about getting back to the basics. Our colonia ministry is back to normal…well, sort of. We have combined groups, since I was the only one left in my group, and now we visit Granjas and Estrella (neighboring colonias). I have been enjoying the change of pace that comes with working with kids once or twice a week.
Our cell group (that’s what they call Bible study down here) is usually held in Granjas at Clara’s house, a well-known church patron in our community. Typically all the kids are sequestered into a room next to the discussion, and we attempt to keep the noise down to foghorn level, either with a game, coloring, or a lesson that is prepared beforehand (typically a story from the Bible). When it gets dark and the candles have to be lit, it makes it a little more fun. Glorified babysitting at its best.
In Estrella, I have hopes of starting up a Bible study again at another well-known family’s house, which is what John, Ifeoma and I attempted to do before they left. Families there are still wanting to know all the details about what we’re doing, where the new church will be, who’s pastoring, etc., and hopefully that will clear up soon. For being left in the dark (in order to protect the community from extreme levels of gossip), the colonias are doing really well. They are moving upward and onward, or as they say, “sigue adelante, no mira para atras.”
Prison ministry is still going really well for Timi and I, and usually we use the van rides to play music and chat or have “dance parties” with my iPod. I’ve been talking with Marta, my friend who has “vision” dreams, and we’ve been discussing important teachings in the Bible. I think her roommate, Rosi, is soaking some of it in. Usually quiet and withdrawn, she often listens in on our conversations, and she’s been smiling a lot more. My American friend, Alejandra, may also get an appeal to move to a U.S. prison instead of staying here in Mexico. I have been praying for her a lot lately, since her legal dealings have been anything but fair, and her lawyer has already cheated her out of a lot of money in addition to that. It makes me really appreciate how much our legal system adheres to the legal rights set forth in our Constitution.
Next week, we will be out at the AIM Gateway again for a group project that is coming to Matamoros. From what I hear, they’ll be working on some construction and Bible studies here in Matamoros. I’m also trying to line up a short employment opportunity for teaching English here in Matamoros. I’m praying that God will provide a job where I have a guaranteed paycheck and housing for the summer…if not, Washington will be my place of residence in that time :).
One last thing…those of you who may have wanted to donate in the past can still donate to my mission fund. I still have about $1,050 left to pay, so any help you can give towards lifting the people up here in Matamoros would be greatly appreciated. Your prayers, however, are always appreciated above all and are what truly matter. Thank you all for your support.
God bless you and yours. May he touch your heart today.
