Faith Building Missions :: Blog :: Ministry and Missions Trips Updates from Mexico and elsewhere.

2010 Missions Trips and Feeding Events

2010-02-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

Below is a short list of the trips and events we have scheduled for this year (so far). Be sure to let us know if you would like to join us.

Easter Dinner:
Just as Jesus fed the multitudes Fish and Bread, we plan to do the same this Easter. We are hosting a special Fish Dinner are exited to see how the Lord will work to use us on this day. As always we appreciate anyone who wants to join us in serving others through this dinner.
April 3rd: 12:00pm-2:00pm

Beach Mission Trips:
Looking to serve for a week this summer?
Why not come to the beautiful shores of North Carolina!
We will be serving those here in the community by:
Doing various work projects while taking time to witness to those in the area!
Come ready to serve, learn, and grow in your walk with the Heavenly Father!
Not to mention taking some time to spend in God’s beautiful creation!
We are looking forward to serving with you this summer!
When:
June 20-26
July 25-31 ½ filled
Cost: $200.00
If you or your youth group is interested please contact us! Remember space is limited!
Phone: (910)755-6888 or Email Us

Mountain Mission Trips:
Looking to serve for a few days this summer?
Why not come to the peaceful, rolling mountains of North Carolina!
We have partnered up with Foothills Service Project to help them
with various work projects, while taking time to witness to those in the area!
Come ready to serve, learn, and grow in your walk with the Heavenly Father!
Not to mention taking some time to spend in God’s beautiful creation!
We are looking forward to serving with you this summer!
When:
June 17-20
August 5-8
August 12-15 First Baptist Church - Full
October 28-31, 2010 - Full
Cost: $100.00
If you or your youth group is interested please contact us! Remember space is limited!
Phone: (910)755-6888 or Email Us

You can also check out the Missions Trips and Events Page on our website to see if their are any new events not posted above.

Thanksgiving Meal 2009 Slideshow

2010-01-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a little while ago, but just in case you weren't able to join us in serving at that even here is a little video slideshow of all that happened. We were able to serve over 1500 meals, and many lives were blessed as a result.

We are hosting another meal serving event this coming Easter. Go to our Upcoming Missions Trips and Events page for more info.

More Upcoming Events!

2009-09-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more projects to look forward to in the near future. We need your help! Please contact us if you'd like more information - thanks!

1 - Ongoing Project - Trailer Floors (Dates TBD)

2 - Bike Rally #2 (October 10)
Similar to last time, we will be donating the food again, and it will be held at Lighthouse Worship Center at Rocky Point.

3 - Fall Mountains Trip (October 29-November 1)
We'll be cutting, splitting, and delivering firewood to the needy for heat for the winter. We will also be spending time in God's Word and in his beautiful creation. This trip will be about learning to serve others.

4 - Thanksgiving Dinner (November 26)
This year we still will be delivering some meals, but the Lord has burdened our hearts to invite the people to come hear the Gospel message of salvation. Then after we feed them spiritually we will have a Thanksgiving meal and time of fellowship. We will need a lot of prayer and help - we are planning on serving between 1,500 to 2,000 meals and will be hosting this at several locations in three different counties. We at FBM are overwhelmed and excited to be able to serve in this way. Please contact us if you're able to help.

We look forward to serving in these various ways.

Trailer Floor Repairs

2009-09-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

On Friday September 4th and Saturday September 5th, we repaired and replaced rotted out trailer floor for a couple in need. This couple really touched our hearts. They have been waiting for a while to get this fixed.
When we started this project on Friday morning, their toilet was falling through the bathroom floor. There were also holes in the bedroom and closet floors. We needed to replace the wood, as well as some joists and bracing. We put some flooring down in the closet and started in the bathroom.
On Saturday we worked on the floor in the kitchen and laundry room. This also needed wood, joists, and bracing repairs. Once this was done we started to put the new flooring down on it. It looks so nice! We could only do about half of the kitchen flooring where the laundry room and back door is. Now we need to go back to fix the floor were the fridge is at, since this is also falling in. There are holes in the living room floor as well as another bathroom where the toilet is falling in.
We could use your help to finish this project for them. If the Lord would lead you to donate to this project, please contact us. Also, if you would like to help with the physical labor needed for this project please let us know.

Thanks!

Harley Bike Ride

2009-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

On August 29, we hosted a fundraiser to help a man who had broken his back and needed help covering some of his medical and living expenses. We provided the food to help those who would be riding.

We are glad that a local business (Harley-Davidson Beach House of Shallotte) allowed them to use their facilities for this event. There were also other ministries taking part, as well as many prayers that went up for this man and his family after his accident.

He was told he would never walk again - praise God that he was able to be there with a cane and a back brace! His story is very touching of how the Lord used this man's broken back to bring him to the Lord!

A Day at the Park in Supply NC

2009-09-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Also, on August 22, a few friends of FBM spent a day at the park in Supply, NC. There was a couple of people there to hand out some of our brochures to those who wanted them, while we were in the Atlantic Beach area.

Here we worked with Asuza ministries, who also collected supplies for kids back to school. Once we arrived there, Dean was able share a message with those present, along with several other ministries qho shared with these people.

Atlantic Beach Stuff the Bus

2009-09-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday August 22, we worked with several other ministries at the "Atlantic Beach Stuff the Bus" in Atlantic Branch, South Carolina. Our part was to provide the food for the children and their families. Prior to the event, people collected food, clothes and school supplies that were then handed out the these families. We cooked the hot dogs and hamburgers there on site and served chips, nachos with cheese, as well as lemonade and water.
To tell a little bit of what happened here in our part - there were all types of people who came out for this meal. We were just about to wrap up with our part and in comes one more family who had traveled a long time to get there and did not think they would make it in time. They had to register to able to get the school supplies and food. So one of us took one of them to get that done, even though we had already started to put that stuff away. Long story short, there was the mom, dad and nine kids... we had 13 hamburgers left along with some chips, cheese, buns and drinks. We sent what we had left home with them. God is so great.

Overall, there was a nice turn out. There were some people there that had no children and just needed a hot meal. We were very glad that we could provide it for them. There was a message of the gospel given out, games, face painting, singing and other entertainment for all to enjoy.

The Mountain Missions Trip - August 13-16, 2009

2009-09-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had all sorts of people join us on our trip to the mountains - with ages ranging from 4 to 70. Each and every one played a very important role in what the Lord had us there to do. We worked two days on building one deck and two ramps. One was for a woman who was 101 years old! The other two women needed ramps to help them get in and out of their homes, as well.

Along with our hard work we also enjoyed having a lot of fun. After a full day of working on the projects we went swimming in a cold creek that ran through the mountains. It had two diving boards, and nearly every one of the kids went off the diving boards. It was great to see them have fun and watching them enjoy some of what God has created for us to enjoy.

We were blessed with great meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And we spent a lot of time singing, sharing stories and and just spending some time getting to know each other better. We also had devotion time together, as well as one-on-one time with the Lord.

There was one night where some geese flew down and the kids fed them a little bread. Then later the same geese flew over head while we were singing; one lone goose flew over head at the last song. What a great reminder of how much the Lord loves each one of us... wanting everyone to be there with Himself, but we all have a free will to choose.

These people all chose to go on this mission trip. They chose to be used by the Lord for His honor and glory. They chose to give up there cell phones, computers, and time doing other things they could of been doing, in order to serve others. We are thankful to the Lord for each one of them who chose to listen and obey the Lord's call on their hearts.

Breakfast in Brunswick County

2009-09-11T11:57:00.001-07:00

Recently, Faith-Building Missions partnered up with Brunswick Housing Opportunities, Warm, and Habitat for Humanity. There were several other groups at this event, as well - we are all working together to help the needy in Brunswick County. Here are a few photos of the breakfast we had together in order to share ideas of how we can better work together in the community:

More Feedings - Dental Bus in Shallotte

2009-08-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our feeding from when the dental bus came to First Baptist Church of Shallotte on Saturday, June 27th from 11 to 2 pm.
We served a meal to the staff who were doing the dental work as well as to those who were there to have their teeth worked on.

School Feedings (from April - sorry, we're behind!)

2009-08-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

On April 20, Faith-Building Missions along with several people from Ocean View Baptist Church fed 114 plates of spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and cupcakes at Belville Elementary School. There were about 10 of us who went to the school to serve, about 10 to 12 people who made the food or helped to load it all up. Some from Ocean View Baptist Church and Faith Building Missions.
On Tuesday, April 21, we served about 80 meals at Supply Elementary School. We had a little boy who prayed for the meal. There were a lot of comments made about they have never been treated like this, it was so nice that some one thought of them to do this for them. One boy said he thought that he was in heaven, because he was getting such a good meal. There were a lot of little things that made it such a blessing to each one of us who went and helped to make the food... the Lord took care of every detail.
Thursday, April 23 we went to L Elementary School. All of these feedings are for the kids in the CIS and some of their parents. A great praise was that there were about 3 or 4 young boys who asked if they could pray for the meal. That was so heart touching, I need to take the video camera and get some of them on tape!

Thanks for your prayers and support!
Faith Building Missions

Website Updated with New Events

2009-07-31T10:58:00.000-07:00

We've updated the website with more upcoming events! Be sure to check it out and let us know if you're interested in helping out in any way.

Thank you!

Easter Dinner Meal

2009-04-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we served an Easter meal with the help of those from several area churches. It was an amazing day and we saw the Lord work through our efforts of service. When the day was done we were able to give out almost 600 meals including with the traditional Easter fixings. The Wilmington news station was also there and shot a little video clip of the event:

It was a blessing to be used by the Lord on such a special day.

Link to WECT TV6 Article

Upcoming Event!

2009-04-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Faith-Building Missions is now working with Brunswick County Family Assistance as well as Communities in Schools (CIS).

We will be providing a dinner meal to the children and their parents who are involved in these programs - there will be approximately 125 meals in all. They will be delivered to three of the local elementary schools and the food will be prepared, delivered and served in the respective schools.

Please be in prayer for this program; we will start out doing this for 9 weeks. The dates are as follows:

April:
20th
21st
23rd
27th
28th
30th

May:
4th
5th
7th

Thank you for your prayers and support.

God Bless you!

Faith Building Missions

"And the King will answer, I assure you, insofar as you did it to one of the least of these Brothers of Mine, you did it to Me." - Matthew 25:40

Easter Meals

2009-04-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Faith Building Missions is blessed to be able to provide an Easter meal for the needy and widows of our community. We would ask you to pray for us: those who are helping, and those who will receive these meals.

We will prepare approximately 550 meals at Ocean View Baptist Church and will be delivering the meals to Victory Freewill Baptist Church. The Manna ministry will also help us in delivering these meals.

This will all take place on Saturday, April 11th, 2009. Thank you for your prayers and support!

God bless you!
Faith Building Missions

Brother Joel

2009-01-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our brother in Christ, Joel & his wife, Geri - he fell of his roof while fixing it. To give you a little background about this wonderful couple: They are located in Shallotte, NC and have been in the ministry for over 30 years, in a lot of different ways. The Lord has used them in so many ways to draw others to Himself, always giving of themselves for His honor and glory.

We (Faith-Building Missions) are going to work with some others to put a new roof on their home for them. We must first remove the old shingles and tin, then install new ply-wood in areas of need, and lastly, install new felt and shingles.

It will take several weeks for brother Joel to get better, but he is still pressing on for the Lord. Thank you for your prayers and support of this project.

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will show forth thy praise to all generations.”
Psalm 79:13

Robinson Family Needs Your Prayers

2009-01-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

Please pray for the Robinson family. Ms. Robinson has terminal cancer and a broken arm. She is also taking care of a paraplegic son, along with trying to take care of her own mother who has Alzheimer’s.

They have been removed from their home because of the many needed repairs. Faith-Building Missions has partnered up with others in Whiteville, NC to work on this project. We’re cleaning up the yard, replacing the hot water heater, replacing heating and air systems, fixing cracks and re-plastering block walls. We’ll be replacing the roof, soffit, facia, and stucco, painting the interior and exterior walls, adding a new trim, laying new carpet floor covering throughout the entire home, and making any needed repairs to the bathrooms and kitchen.

Lord-willing, the family will move back in to their updated home by the end of January 2009. Once the family moves in, the outside of house will need stucco and painting. We hope to have
that completed by the end of February. Thank you so much for your prayers and support of this project.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
-1 Chronicles 16:34

Thanksgiving Recap

2008-12-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

The Thanksgiving Day meal went really well - it was pretty busy - we served more than 450 people! We're praying that the Lord would bless our efforts and work in the hearts of these people with whom we were able to meet and eat with on Thanksgiving Day. Pictures to come soon!

Give Thanks

2008-11-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Meal

November 27th
12:30pm - 3:00pm

Ocean View Baptist Church
7025 Beach Dr SW Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Just a reminder that we'll be providing food to anyone who is able to come between 12:30pm and 3:00pm on Thanksgiving Day. Also, we'll be delivering food to anyone who is unable to attend; if you know anyone who is home bound and would appreciate a Thanksgiving meal delivered to them, please email us.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could join with us by praying that this event would be fruitful and that the volunteers would be used by the Lord.

Thanks!

Trip to El Paso and Juarez

2008-11-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

A week and a half ago, a few of us (Dean, Karin, Ray, Kelly) were able to head down to El Paso, TX and into Juarez, CH, Mexico for a few days. Thankfully, we didn't have any problems crossing the border (in or out) and we were able to get the photos and video footage we needed in order to put together a short video to illustrate the work Faith-Building Missions is doing alongside Life Challenge International. Here are a few photos from the trip:

Maribel leads the children in song and prayer before she serves a meal to them in her home:

Some of the older children eat outside because her place is already filled with kids:

Kids playing "cops and robbers" in the LCI's developing Community Transformation Center:Dean (right), alongside of Roger (left).
Ray will be working on the video over the next few weeks, and we'll let you know when it's been posted on our website.

Please pray for the ministry of Life Challenge International - thank you!

Missionary Conference Recap

2008-11-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Faith Building Missions held a Missionary Conference from October 23-26 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. It was a really encouraging time where missionaries who are affiliated with FBM were able to share what's on their heart, tell others about what God has been doing in their lives/ministries, and be encouraged by others who were there to do the same.

The groups that were represented included:

Life Challenge International (Jaurez, Chihuahua, Mexico)
Living Waters Bible Camp (Westby, WI, USA)
Amigo Relief Mission (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
People Building People (West Chester, OH, USA)
Divine Faith Missions (Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USA)

Though the Pastor's Breakfast was a bit smaller of a turnout than we were expecting, it was an amazing time of fellowship, which was accompanied by some wonderfully interesting stories from the mission groups as well as some tasty food! Here are few photos from the weekend - enjoy!

Most of the group who stayed at the beach house:
Tim Gamwell leading everyone in a time of singing:
Woody, Doug, and Tim:
Tim - preparing for his talk:
Mexican hats - a fun little dessert:
Some of the ladies enjoying Mexican hats:
Rachal and Dennis - testing out some caviar:
Jonathon & Hannah, in the kitchen:
MaryAnn, Kelly and Debbie - in deep discussion:
Thanks to everyone who helped to make it a great, God-honoring weekend!

Conference this weekend

2008-10-24T13:19:00.001-07:00

Every one arrived safely.
Great opening day.
See how the Lord works.

Upcoming Event - Missionary Conference

2008-10-16T11:53:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that the Missionary Conference that will take place in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina is coming up soon... Oct 24th - 26th!

We are hosting this conference for missionaries with whom we work. It will be a time for them to get away for a few days, to be encouraged and rejuvenated, and to meet with fellow missionaries.

Area church leaders, you can still contact us to find out more about how you can take part in this event!

Thanks!

Urgent Needs at Felipe Angeles in Juarez, Mexico

2008-09-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

The needs here in the community are large, physically and spiritually. This summer, as I managed groups with many different work projects in the community, we (Tim Gamwell and I) look for the needs in the community where mission teams are able to help. There is also a committee of ladies from the area that are set up to manage a co-op of food and clothes as well as keep up with the needs of their own neighborhoods.

About half of the way through the summer, it begins to rain, at least twice a week. This is rain is NUTS. It pours for however long, and then just quits, leaving ruts that you could lose a tire in through the roads and yards. But worse than that, most of us here in Filipe Angeles don’t just see the rain and want to go outside to play in our rain coats and rain boots (like I, myself, once loved to do). That's because we don’t just feel it when we take a walk in a field or on a sidewalk with a sweatshirt while it drizzles. No. We see rain as a constant drip; it destroys our stereos and TVs and rots the wood of the countertops (for those of us that have countertops). We feel it as a new drip forms directly above the mattresses we sleep on, staining all the fabric by the morning.

Please know, this is NOT because we’re not-so-intelligent-Mexicans that don’t have the brains to put a pot or bucket or pan or jar under the drips. Those of us that have it so bad is because their roof has so many holes that they do not have enough pans and pots and buckets and jars to catch all the drips. Also, if it rains all night, it can rain hard enough that you have to wake up every hour to go empty all the water catchers, all because the roofs here are of very low quality, guaranteed to last only 3 yrs. Most of the roofs with holes are at least 6 years old. At the end of the summer, 3 weeks into the rainy season, I had lists from the ladies who found everyone with leaky roofs, and my lists compiled more than 40 families.
Some roofs only need to be patched with roof tar, which - more or less - costs about $17 for a 5 gallon bucket, depending on how many patches they need. These jobs could take a half of a bucket of tar, or two buckets. Other roofs will need tar as well as plywood to replace the rotted and sagging roof, new tar paper and shingling that both come in rolls. If you need to do this with a roof in one or two spots, the materials will be about $50. (This is the average weekly wage here in Juarez). Other houses actually need a entire new roof, beams and all, which could cost between $150 - $200. A good size house here has the square footage of a small-to-average sized living room area in a US home.

Concerning the roofing project, the Missionaries in Training (MIT) Campus, the gas for LCI vehicles, or even the food for the Tapias crew...

when money is given to LCI projects, it goes to the project the Lord has laid on your heart. All of it. We firmly believe that if the Lord desires to fix roofs, He will burden His servants to provide what is necessary, and if He desires our cars to run, He will provide for that too. I personally ask that you don’t just give because I’m telling you about these needs, or out of duty as a "Good Christian." "He owns the cattle on a thousand hills…" please just obey Him, because maybe your neighbor across the street needs this money right now, and maybe this community in Mexico needs to learn that they must come to Christ before any good will come. It is not up to us, so I urge you to listen to His Holy Spirit, and don’t hold back a nickel.

I want to thank you with everything in me. By your interest in what our Lord is doing here, I am humbled, because I am just NOT the guy I wish I was, but PRAISE OUR HOLY FATHER AND HIS SON, BECAUSE HIS GRACE… and I need it.

In His Great Love,

Matt

-For more info on how to give, visit our Support Page -

Missionary Conference & Thanksgiving Meal

2008-09-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

We have two great events coming up in the near future:

Missionary Conference
Oct 24th-26th

The first event is a conference that we are hosting for missionaries with whom we work. It will be a time for them to get away for a few days, to be encouraged and rejuvenated, and to meet with fellow missionaries.

This conference will take place in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina from Oct 24th - 26th. Area church leaders, please contact us to find out more about how you can take part in this event!

Thanksgiving Meal
November 27th
12:30pm - 3:00pm

Ocean View Baptist Church
7025 Beach Dr SW Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

We'll be providing food to anyone who is able to come between 12:30pm and 3:00pm on Thanksgiving Day. Also, we'll be delivering food to anyone who is unable to attend; if you know anyone who is home bound and would appreciate a Thanksgiving meal delivered to them, please email us.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could join with us by praying that both of these events would be fruitful and that the volunteers would be used by the Lord.

Thanks!

Jonathon & Hannah Back from Juarez

2008-08-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hay everyone. Well me and Hannah are back from Mexico. Wow were do I start? First off I would like to thank God for giving us safety while we were in Mexico and while we were on the road traveling, Because let me tell you we needed it. Secondly I would like to thank those of you who took the time out of your days to pray for us. The Lord was able to use us exactly as He saw fit. It was one of the biggest times of growing for me and Hannah. Not only did we grow as people but also we grew Spiritually. Because as most of you know God will do anything to get us out of our comfort zone. So He can stretch us to our limits and say see I told you, you could do it. It was an amazing summer just hanging out with friends and family doing the Lords will down there. We got to meat so many cool people and so many life long friends. Well in closing I would just like to ask you to take a second out of your day to pray for the people who are still down there. Because the Lord is still at work and the devil is still out there trying to do all he can to get our focus off of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

With Great Love in Jesus
Jonathon and Hannah

Jonathon and Hannah Heading Home

2008-08-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

I flew back from El Paso yesterday morning.

Jonathon and Hannah are heading back to NC now. They are traveling by the van. Please keep them in your prayers for a safe trip back home. Especially now that there is a tropical storm heading right for the way they will be traveling. Pray for guidance and wisdom in decisions they have to make.

Thank you!

I'm Heading Home

2008-07-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today, I was up very early to head out of Mexico to El Paso, crossing the boarder. My flight takes off later on this morning - I'll be heading back home for NC. I have very mixed feelings of having to say good-bye to all my new kids. Wow this is hard!

Jonathon, Hannah & Summer will rode with me to the airport. Matt Siler took the rest of the kids, and they will do some fun stuff for [Canada] Matt, because he flies back to Canada tomorrow.

Mike, Tim, Laura, and Kelly headed into El Paso for a day of community classes and swimming. They all met up with us at the airport. Tim Gamwell came, too. I can’t believe they all came to say good-bye to me!

The kids (Tim, Kelly, and Laura) are excited about spending time at Las Tapias with Jonathon, Hannah, Matt, Jose, Andréan, Chewy, and Margarita. Also, about getting to spend time getting to know the other people there better. They are still making plans for the mountain trip. Please keep them all in your prayers.

Praise the Lord I will get to see Dean again soon!! Thank YOU so much for your prayers for us while I was away and he could not fly down to see me all the time.

I PRAISE the LORD for letting him come as much as he did!!

Winding Down

2008-07-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

There is a big group coming to stay at the Hacienda so we are moving over to Las Tapias for a while. They are also making plans to go into the mountains while that group is here. So maybe I could stay home for a week with Dean, while they are there at the mountains. That would be great! But we will see how the Lord works out all the details.

I’m feeling sad to have to say good-bye to the kids already. It seems like we just got started. The Lord has really blessed us in so many different ways, grown us in so many other ways. I just cannot put into words all the Lord has done within each one of us. Thank you - each one of you - for your prayers. The Lord has kept each of us safely in His care. We all have felt His calling of us to be here for His service, and have never felt unsafe while here.

Out to Dinner

2008-07-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

The kids (Tim, Laura, and Kelly) made plans for tonight to take Mike out to dinner for his birthday. Victoria, Dalia and Steven went with us.

Kelly and Laura went to get dresses from the Tarahumara Indians. They look so cute in them. We went to a restaurant the eight of us. I drank some of that lime drink and - once again - it did not set to well with me. I feel really sick...

A New Phase

2008-07-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

We enter a new phase of our program today. We'll still do our regular studies and journaling.

Kelly, Tim and Laura will teach the group of kids they met on Sunday night. They'll talk about what has made a big impact on them so far. Tim Gamwell will pick us up to meet them at the park for a lesson. They are pretty nervous but they'll do a great job. All three of them are working together.

After the park and lesson, we had a nice treat at Wendy’s. We talked with Tim and Mike about going home for the weekend. Right before bed I got stung by another scorpion on my right finger twice and along the side. Ouch!

A Good Talk and a Movie

2008-07-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

We did our book study for today. It went well. Then I had a really good talk with just the kids. Tonight we watched the End of The Spear. Even though I’ve seen it before there are always new things that the Lord will show you. Sort of like with the Bible, how you can read something then some time much later read it again and the Lord brings new things to mind for you to see and learn.

Working for the Kingdom of God

2008-07-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Matt Siler and I fixed breakfast for the group that is still here. Jonathon and [Canada] Matt are both sick. Matt Siler will take the rest of the group to the airport this afternoon. Jonathon and [Canada] Matt feel a little bit better. After Matt comes back they plan on going to a movie at a place called VIP. I guess they have recliners to sit in... while you watch the movie! The first one was sold out so we headed back to the Hacienda. We stopped to get dinner for my kids there (and all of us). So it was great they all got to meet. Pretty cool how the Lord lets us get to know new people from all over who are doing the same thing - working for the kingdom of God.

Market, etc.

2008-07-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

Jonathon, Hannah, and [Canada] Matt and I went to the market today. This time we were able to look around, and ate lunch - we were really full. Mainly because we tried this lime drink that is super sweet and filling.

Matt Siler took some of the group to the airport. A few will stay for a couple weeks to be with the other group that is coming in. We get to meet up later in the evening. They do the community out reach tonight. I really wish each one of you could experience this - it's very moving.

Oh - Jonathon not feeling well, he has a fever and chills. Please pray for him.

Off to Las Tapias

2008-07-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today, we'll do our regular clean up and get ready to do the kids home stays with their families. They are looking forward to it. It maybe the last one for a while.

I’m off to Las Tapias to see my other kids. It will be nice to see Jonathon & Hannah and to hear how their week has gone. Matt and Matt came to the market place to pick me up. It’s nice that Laura, Kelly and Tim get to spend time there and try some new food before going to their homes.

Lesson in the Park

2008-07-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today we were able to go to the park for one of our lessons. That was nice. We have been getting a lot of rain, especially in the evening time. Which is nice but then it is humid the next day.

Quickie!

2008-07-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today we went around with Tim to see how he interacts with the different people in the community. We also did our lesson in the car, while traveling on to the different places.

More updates to come!

We're Thankful for Rest

2008-07-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - trusting you're all still doing well.

Today we were to go into El Paso, but praise the LORD he worked it out the guy was double booked! So we were able to have some down time (which we all needed).

Today Laura made a cake; we will celebrate Mario’s birthday, which was on Saturday. Our classes and group discussions have been going very well. We can see how the Lord is growing us. The kids (Jonathon, Hannah, Matt & Matt) are doing real well. Their big group comes in tonight; please pray for them. I think they said they have one empty bed. So they will be very busy, to say the least. The Lord will get them through it. They are also helping to get stuff ready like the materials, jobs set up, stuff like that.

Thanks for your prayers!

An Update for You

2008-07-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today the kids and I went into church in New Mexico and spent the day in El Paso. We were going to get materials and food for the group but the power went off in the storm during the night. So we could not get the food. We had lunch with some great friends and shared wonderful fellowship. Mike took the kids to the fair here last night, but Laura was not feeling real well so her and I came back to the Hacienda.We had some quality time together that the Lord knew we needed to have.

Dean is headed back to Raleigh, but is first going up to Statesville for a viewing of an old friend who passed away.

Checklist for Today

2008-07-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Checklist for today:

Get up early and go into El Paso to get the vans ready for the group that is coming in Monday night.
Go back into Juarez to order the materials that will be needed on the job sites.
Help set up for the community out reach that is happening on Saturday

Just a Quick One

2008-07-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

I just got the place cleaned up and ready for the home stay for the kids.

This weekend, I'll stay with Jonathon, Hannah, Matt (and Matt from Canada). It worked out that they had to go into El Paso to meet up with Tim and get some stuff for the group that is coming in next week. So they will just stop by to get me on the way into El Paso. Today is Roger’s birthday; Laura made him a cake but he is already in El Paso - I guess we will have to eat this one!

Cold? In Mexico?

2008-07-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Today is very cloudy and cool - actually, we all said "it's cold"... but it's hard to believe we actually described the weather as "cold"! It's 80 degrees!

It rained off and on all night again. This morning we were to go to a park for our lesson with Alvaro, and we got into a good discussion. We needed to finish up with that, plus it rained all morning.

Tomorrow we are going into El Paso for some lessons that should be interesting.

How is everyone doing with VBS???? Is there a good turn out??

Well I will try to write more again soon!

Update from the Hacienda in Juarez

2008-07-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Dean made it back home safely on Monday night after a long flight, with a bit of delays. He said the first flight was full of kids crying most of the way. Not a good flight at all! He will head up to Raleigh later today to meet up with the workers for the project up there.

Today we had a guest speaker come to us. He had some very interesting stories to share with us. He has lived in several different parts of the world. He is married with two daughters and his wife is due with their third baby in October. After that, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to meet up with Tim for our weekly lesson with him.

We were able to ride around and see some of the people in the different communities that he ministers to. The kids all loved it. The session went a bit longer then normal, so I was glad we had dinner already waiting for us when we got back.

We have been getting a bit of rain, some of the streets are flooded. Monday evening it rained just about all night!

Dean Leaves Today

2008-07-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well today Dean goes back home to hold down the fort and keep the business going. Please pray for his safe travel. He is going up to work on the job in Raliegh. It's always hard to say good-bye to him.

Today will be a different type of day. We have to get a few things from the store before we head across to Juarez. I'll write again when I can.

Love and miss each one of you!! Praying you're going to have a great week at VBS!!

Thank you all once again for all of your love, prayers and support while we are here. We truly can feel when someone is praying for us, and the Lord is keeping us safe!!! Please keep them going.

Love In CHRIST JESUS,
Karin, Jonathon, & Hannah

Short Update

2008-07-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

We had a relaxing day. The kids brought the other boys back in with them (to drop off with Tim).

Then they stayed the night in El Paso with us. We did a little bit of shopping, then just relaxed
and spent time together with Jonathon, Hannah, and Matt. We went out for a nice dinner for Hannah's birthday coming up (and Dean won't be here then), so that was a really nice treat for all of us.

We saw that there is a hurricane in the works and might be headed up towards you later
on this week or next. We'll be praying.

Back and Forth (El Paso to Juarez!)

2008-07-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

They had a graduation out at Las Tapias for some of the students there. Tim called and wanted Dean to take another man and his son out to see the MIT center. We were already in El Paso, so that was no problem. The guys are from Canada - we were able to spent the afternoon with them. (His son will stay here for 3 weeks.)

We went to the Tapias and then came back into El Paso for a Christian concert that was promoted by K-Love. They had a lot of groups there. We did not get to see them all but we did see most of the main ones.

Oh - please pray for my student (Tim's) host famliy. The dad had to be taken into the hospital. They think that it is cancer; I guess he had something removed for that reason last year. So they're not sure what will happen to him now. I saw him at the concert in El Paso and Tim went to pick him up from the hospital. Thanks for your prayers.

Our July Fourth

2008-07-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today we did our regular schedule with the kids and then took them to their homes for the weekend. Dean got to spend some time with Juan - that was really nice. He did not think he would get to see him at all.

Then we headed into El Paso for the weekend and see the fireworks. We waited in a long line to grab a bite to eat, and by the time we got our food the show was over! Oh well. It was nice just to be together again. =)

Dean Arrived Safely!

2008-07-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dean arrived here safely. Tim picked him up and went around to a few places. It sure is great to see him again!

We went to visit Roger - he is doing well. Just staying busy with the different groups that come.

Laura's Arrival and Dean's Coming Soon!

2008-07-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

We were awaiting Laura’s arrival with much excitement all day today. We went to our class a little ways away from where we are. It was very thought-provoking... to see things in a different light, a different prospective on what different verses in the Bible are talking about.

Laura arrived safely tonight by the time they got back here. We were all excited to see her and fill her in on all that has been happening. What fun talks we have had already bringing her up to speed.

I am so excited about tomorrow because Dean will arrive!!!! I can’t wait for him to see and experience some of what the kids (Kelly, Tim, & Laura) and I get to do. Although he won’t get to see much because of their home stays on the weekends. Maybe this time the Lord will allow him to see the community outreach over at Las Tapias on Saturday. Then we can see Matt, Jonathon & Hannah - which will be great. I know they are keeping very busy with the group that is there, in cooking and working with them on projects.

Thank each of you for your prayers.

1 Peter

2008-07-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Our Bible study is on 1st Peter. It went well - we all did a re-enactment of how Jesus came into town and everyone was crying "Hosanna." It was just a good reminder about how we should be as excited about sharing with others that the LORD is coming.

My group is doing more discussion about missionaries. How we fit into the bigger picture of what God has for each one of us and how to share Him with others. We went to go to the park but it was closed; that's ok, though. Now we can all go together, instead.

Debriefing Day

2008-06-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a "debriefing day." We talk about how the home stays went. They shared about how the families treated them as honored guests while at the house. Their hospitality, and their desire to serve their guests, overall very respectful towards them. We went over the schedule for the week ahead and talked about what we thought went well last week, and what we need to improve upon for this week.

We're waiting for Laura to arrive this week - we can’t wait!

What Our Sunday Looked Like

2008-06-29T13:58:00.000-07:00

Up and ready for church.
Packed up the car first. (I had some stuff in the van from Las Tapias to bring back here).

Well I let Matt drive the van acrossed the bridge; it was fun. The guy just checked in the van a bit and it only caused a little delay. Then we went to some friends house for lunch, watched a movie, and Jonathon and Hannah went to pick up the group after going to WalMart for a few things. Then Matt and I stopped for pizza for dinner and I went back home.

Mike went to get the kids. They had SO much fun this weekend. I will write more later
on this when I can. Matt and I came here and worked on a map then did a little music and praise time with Mike and the kids.

Thank you all again for all your love, prayers and support. Please keep Dean in your prayers
as well for his travel; he will come here this Thursday. Laura will arrive on Wednesday.

We all appericate your PRAYERS!!!!! Please keeep them going!
Love in CHRIST JESUS,
Karin

A Restful Day

2008-06-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today I slept in a little bit. So did the kids. They went around looking at projects that the group will be doing this next week. Then Tim came out to go over more stuff with them. They ran to get materials. I stayed back to clean the kitchen and get some lunch ready. After they got back it was time to set up for the community outreach program.

Keep praying!

Weekend Update

2008-06-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today we will take the kids to the pastor's house for the weekend. First we cleaned

up, and got the place ready for us to be gone for the weekend (so we can come back to a clean place!) After we drop Kelly and Tim off, I will go to spend time with Jonathon and Hannah and Matt. So that will be a lot of fun. Oh guess what Matt and one of the guys have a puppy her name is Cindy. She is so cute has great blue eyes and is a sandy color.

Their group will come in Sunday night, and I will be back here Sunday night to to pick up the kids. I guess we are going into El Paso to some friend's house later this evening.

Thanks for all your love, prayers, and support of us while we are gone. Keep Dean in your prayers to as he travels back and forth here and to Raleigh, NC for a job that he is working on. Mr. Joel is also with him.

Another Quick Update

2008-06-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Where to start...

We've had a very busy week so far. Today, we visited the pastor's house where the kids will stay, in order to see what type of stuff they will need to bring.

We had nice visits with the kids, but for this weekend they will both be at the same house (and, I think its just a "mom thing," but it makes me feel much better). After dinner the kids
went out to play soccer with the children from the neighborhood - it was a lot of fun. Except we had a sand storm in the middle of the game! So we all needed to have showers before bed.

Oh yes, the kids acted out a story for the children at the Indian's place. They did really well. The little children just loved them, teaching and playing with them. It was so cool: English / Spanish / Tar-amarah (I know that is not spelled right).

For Bonnie:

2008-06-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Bonnie,

Today in the morning we went to meet with one of the men who will do one of the studies with us. He offered us breakfast and a few other things to try. It was good - a good discussion time. After that, we went shopping. That was fun and interesting, after that we came home for a quick power nap, then went out to the concert. They had a good turn out at the concert. Not as many as they would've liked to have, but it was ok. They got to listen to music and hear the gospel.

I saw Maribella there. She was selling Cokes (for the kitchen) at the concert. She asked how we all were doing and told me they are putting an addition on to the kitchen, but I haven't stopped to see it yet. I've only driven by her place a couple times.

By the way the rose bush is doing just fine. It is blooming with lots of buds on it. Roger said he needs to trim it back soon. I have taken some pictures, I just have to get them online so you can see them!

Take care!

Team Challenge

2008-06-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today we did Bible studies and got stuff ready for when Tim comes to meet with us to do orientation. We went out to the place / course that is set up for groups to help build team work.

It was very interesting.

We had to all as a group get over the wall. We did make it. Yes, even me. I did not think I would make it back down, but once it did, it was not as bad as my mind thought it would be.

One of the boys from over at Las Tapias was with Tim, so he did it along with us. I was glad to see he took part in it. I talked with him some about joining in the Bible studies they have going on - he said no, he was shy. I told him he needed to just try sit and listen.

So still please keep them all in your prayers. I have not talked with Jonathon and Hannah since I left there on Monday morning.

~Karin

New Helpers Around Here

2008-06-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

This will be short and sweet. Last time we could not get online. Now we have just a short time to access it.Dean left this morning at 10:23am, our time. He will be home about 8:30- 9:00pm.

My group arrived safely on Saturday afternoon. What is really neat about it is that two of the kids stayed with us at Las Tapias in April. They both missed their graduation ceremonies to come here! I think it is so awesome the Lord brought us together again. So Laura and I already know them. We are now just waiting on Laura to join us.

We met yesterday with one of the other men who is from People Building People; his name is John they will have a concert to their place on Wednesday. I think he brought 45 people with his group. I have taken some pictures, but just have to take the time to get them up on the web! Please forgive me for being slow - I'm not sure how long that will take to do so I want to make sure I have the time to do it.

Larry: thank YOU!!! For your words of encouragement! And a great big "yes" we do like to read your comments, even if we can only do it on a limited basis.

Dean: I'm glad you made it home safely. Thank you for coming down to encourage the kids and I - we really enjoyed it!!!

Please know that we are keeping you's in our prayers, as well.

We love and miss each of you!!
Love In CHRIST JESUS,
Karin

People Building People and Jonathon and Matt's Discipleship Update

2008-06-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Dean arrived here yesterday morning. Tim picked him up from the airport and they arrived at Las Tapias about 11:30am.

We headed over to meet up with another group that is working on several of the other projects with Tim. They are with People Building People in Ohio. Their first group left this morning and the second one will arrive on Sunday. We look forward to seeing other fellow workers for Christ.

I can tell you that your prayers for one of the boys that Jonathon and Matt are working with is really helping. He has really opened up to us in the short time we have been with him. He asked the other night if they could do any other Bible study. One of the other is very helpful in keeping us communicating with the community. Please pray for the other one; he is not doing as well as we thought he would.

We met up with Mike - the man that I will be working with this summer - and went over a few things. Today the kids (Jonathon, Hannah, & Matt and maybe one of the boys) will help get my place ready. My group will come in about 1:30pm on Saturday.

Tomorrow we will take our group over to the Las Tapias for the community service. I really look forward to that.

Thanks for all your PRAYERS !!!
Love In CHRIST JESUS,
Karin

Just a Few Updates

2008-06-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today, we fixed breakfast, cleaned up, and headed to El Paso. We headed into El Paso to help Tim move food around in a warehouse so he can get more food to hand out to people.

After a lot of moving and loading the vans to take back to Las Tapias, the front end loader ran out of gas then would not start back up again. Praise the Lord that we had a hand jack to move the stuff back in so we can close it back up.

I called Mike Bachelder (many of you know him from our frist trip here). Anyhow, I had told most of you to keep him in your prayers - about his brother not doing well. He was on his way back from Vermont. He told me his brother passed away last week. Right now I do not have his address with me. So please keep his family in your prayers still. Praise God he said that the Lord gave him great comfort that he knows where his brother is now at.

Dean will arrive here with us tomorrow morning!

~Karin Siler

It's Really Hot!

2008-06-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Today, we fixed breakfast for the team that was here. Then they left pretty much for the whole day. Not sure what all they did, but we do know they fixed food for some people in the community and gave out clothes, soccer equipment and stuff.

Tomorrow we will leave after the group has breakfast for a staff meeting in El Paso. While there we will also get supplies to bring back to Las Tapias. Things to give out to people here and also we can use. Thursday after the group leaves I will pack my stuff in the van once Dean arrives we will head to where I will stay at. The kids will go with I think to help me get set up for my group coming in on Saturday. If you try to call us we won’t answer most of the time because our service here is in and out at different times throught out the day. So please forgive us.

Trusting your all keeping safe and cool. It has been pretty warm here. Today it was 117 here. Needless to say, we sweat a bit. =)

~Karin Siler

New Guest Group

2008-06-16T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today we spent the day getting ready for the group that came in tonight. There are 12 of them and they will be leaving on Thursday. They brought some supplies with them to hand out to the community, also food to fix for the people!

Love and miss you ALL!!!

Love in CHRIST JESUS,
Karin

Just a Little While in Mexico - From Jonathon and Hannah

2008-06-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

So we are here in Texas right now. We have no Internet service in Mexico so we made a trip in to say "hi" and to let everyone know that we are still alive and having a great time! We have had little spurts of things to do. We got all of our stuff in our new room and have lots of food for the incoming group. We have cleaned, gotten stuff ready, made lots of decisions... and fun stuff like that.

It has been hot but we are not feeling it. We just drink ½ our weight in water each day, but that is good for us. =)

Jonathon and Matt have had so much fun together! They do all the "manly" jobs like fixing the swamp cooler, getting water, unloading stuff. Me (Hannah) and mom (Karin) do fun "womanly" jobs like doing laundry, washing lots of dishes, cooking, and cleaning. The four of us can really do some work!

Matt and Jonathon got to play the guitar and sing with Tim in a mini-service for the community. It was so good to see everyone come together. We got to eat at S-Mart which is like a Mexican Wal-mart. So cool! Then today we ate as we walked though Wal-mart after Tim. We're always running around, but it's so much fun. (This is what Jonathon told me to put in here, all about food.) =)

We have to cross the bridge to get here (to get on the Internet) and that can take up to 2 hours. Plus, all we have to do here in the States is get bulk food. So our bridge crossing is pretty limited. However, we will be on here when we can.

There are a few things that we'd ask you to pray for:

Matt and Jonathon are going to disciple the 3 boys that are staying at the Tapias with us. They are going to be praying with them and doing Bible studies. Plus, they are going to hang out with them and assign jobs to them. That way they will be working with the groups helping us.
Karin leaves soon and we hope that she gets settled and her jobs go well. She will be 45 minutes away from us.
Also, we have our first group coming in tomorrow night. We have to give them rules and help them get settled in. I will be cooking breakfast for them. However, God has given us a very small group of 12 (for only 3 days) and I will only be feeding them breakfast. They are also going to be working with another mission team so our time with them during the day will be very short. This is good for us, because it is like a mini-test to see how we will do before the next group of 21 comes in for 7 days.
Just pray that this short week will go great for us. Thanks so much for keeping us in your prayers and for doing all that you are doing for the CHILDREN of God.

LOVE IN CHRIST,

Jonathon and Hannah Siler

A Day of Praise and Your Questions Answered

2008-06-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

*Praising the Lord Today*

Today, we went to New Mexico to a Brethren church called Riverside Bible Chapel. We saw some old friends and met some new ones. We went to meet up with Tim in order to get food to take back with us, but we weren't able to. However, we did meet with a group that will be here for a week. They are from Ohio - they just arrived this afternoon. They'll be working out at Carlos Chavira. We are here at the LCI office to use the Internet so I could write to you all!

Please pray for Jonathon and Matt as they minister to some young men that are living at Las Tapias. They will do a Bible study for 2 days a week and meet to pray for 6 days.

_____

In response to your comments and questions:
Dean: Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words. I liked your comments! I am glad you were able to go see Mercy Me. I am glad I get a signal sometimes so I can talk with you.

Geri: No, we are not fixing breakfast yet. Last night we did make brownies, as you know that was fun, since they don't have a temperature gauge on the oven! We also made popcorn and lemonade for a group of adults who will be taking a test at Las Tapias this morning.

Bonnie: No, we have not been to Chavira yet or the Hosienda. I am not sure when I will be going there. My group will come in the 21st of June.

Tommy: Thank you for all you encouraging words. Yes, it is hot but the air does help some.
Glad you had a good trip.

Thanks again to all for your PRAYERS!!!!!!

Love In CHRIST JESUS,
Karin

The Word of the Lord Will Not Return Void

2008-06-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today, Jonathon and Matt worked on getting the swamp coolers (what we refer to as air conditioners) up and running before the groups arrive here. Tim will come out today and do the community outreach program. This is when the people of the community come over, they sing songs, praise the Lord, and hear the Gospel. Please keep these people in your prayers.

Wow!! The Lord really put this on my heart. Looking at the mountains in the background I was reminded of the verse about the Word of the Lord not going out void:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I sent it.
~Isaiah 55:11

Anniversary and a Bit About Las Tapias

2008-06-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, all!

Yesterday was mine and Dean's 26th wedding anniversary! PRAISE the Lord! It is totally because of the Lord's grace that we can be at this point. Also, Dean, with the Lord's help, could allow me to be down here serving the Lord!

Elizabeth (from LCI) came by to fill us in on the groups that will be coming to stay at Las Tapias this summer. She was a great help with everything. Today, Margarita will leave for Colorado to spend two weeks with Angela. That will be a good treat for her. However, she is our main way of communicating with the people here - please pray for us to be able to communicate with them!

Today, Matthew Siler came back to help us at Las Tapias. That was really nice. He has been here for about 10 months so he has a little more experience communicating with the locals. =)

~Karin Siler

We Arrived in El Paso!

2008-06-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Thanks to each and every one of you for praying for our mission trip! We arrived in El Paso, TX around 8:45pm on Tuesday. We were greeted by Tim and Margarita. It felt like we were home again. =) Margarita took us back to Las Tapias and we talked for a long time. It was hot sleeping in that weather! The fans sure did help.

On Wednesday, Margarita took us to meet with Tim at Costco to get food for the group coming in on Monday.

I'll try to provide short, daily updates while we're here!

~Karin Siler

Bossier City, Louisiana

2008-06-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Jonathon, Hannah, & I arrived here about 12:30am (their time). We left Shallotte, NC this morning at 8:15am (our time). The driving went well; Jonathon drove the whole time today. We went through a lot of construction and our last couple of hours were in heavy rain. But all are safe and sound. We're praising the LORD!!!

We should arrive in El Paso sometime tomorrow. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!!!

Love to all!
Love in CHRIST JESUS,
Karin

The First Trip - Meeting Needs in Guatemala

2008-05-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

On our first trip we went down to Guatemala. We first went to Belize and met with a few of the native Christians in that area, but soon we realized the need in the mountains in Guatemala. In Guatemala we went to the small city of Chickumala and met up with Pastor Oasis, a native Guatemalan and local pastor. We talked with him and after seeing his need decided to provide him with ongoing financial support.