Beloved Friends,
We wish all of you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
From the entire YUGO EOC Staff!
A couple of Updates:
This past November 1st, all EOC National Staff (Abraham, Juan, Jose, Hernan, Rodolfo, Ricardo, Alejandro, Marvin) became official employees under YUGO Mexico! This means they and their families are receiving full medical benefits, as well as social security (retirement, disability etc) and receiving their paychecks directly deposited into bank accounts we set up. This has been a year-long process and we rejoice that they are they are being equipped to provide for their families. Please continue to pray for our team (nationals from Mexico & US/ Canadians) as we prepare for the upcoming season.
You may have seen a couple of updates on the fire (October 22nd), please continue to lift up the community of Ejido Melendez as well as Cantu (not affected by the fire directly, but now by mudslides as a result of the fire). Pastor Abraham (EOC Staff) continues to connect with local area pastors & direct the relief effort. *see slide-show at right
All EOC staff are on vacation for the week of Christmas to be with their families! But we do have four teams arriving after Christmas; building three houses, providing dental clinic, working in a migrant camp, project joy & community development.
See you next year!
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Hope your Thanksgiving was a special time to join with family & friends.
We enjoyed coming together at EOC as one community of friends from three nations. (Mexico, Canada & USA)
Brenda Barnes coordinated the "Potluck" style dinner. We had expected 75 people, but ended up having close to 100! Thankfully there was enough for all.
God is demonstrating Himself through signs & wonders in Ensenada! We are witnessing a coming together in unity of the Body of Christ! Local families, pastors & churches, government, businesses, media, US & Canadian teams etc; all to love and reach out to the people in the effected areas of Ensenada.
The numbers are not staggering, compared to the number of families affected in the San Diego fires, but for each family affected, (whether in San Diego or Ensenada) the devistation is immense.
One California Church, Valley Springs Presbyterian Church, in Roseville, quickly responded. This video was shot during a visit of one of their leadership teams (a few days after the fire). They responded in making an offering (as a church) to help in the relief effort.
Soon to come will be a video of needed materials being delivered to affected families.
God Is Good!
The fire is out. No loss of life! The community is reaching out.
One thing for sure, lives will be forever changed. Praise God!
Wednesday October 24th I placed a call to Valley Springs Presbyterian Church (from Roseville, California); as they were sending down a scouting team Friday October 26th. They immediatly responded in pledging $1,000 for relief efforts (which they brought down Friday), as they would take an offering at their next Sunday service.
It is Awesome to see how God is using this opportunity to work in the lives of so many. As well, there are multiple local churches responding.
Stay tuned for an additional update (with video) from the Valley Springs visit.
ps. Our friends at Hands of Mercy were also spared, and one of their local pastor's (Manuel) visited with church members and cleaned up the Kitchen & Dining area.
How great when the Body is working together!
Ensenada Outreach Center (E.O.C.) is a missions organization of YUGO Ministries. We desire to share the love of God with those around us. We long to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the needy, broken, and poor of Mexico. We strive to live in community and love as we seek to serve Him.
We partner with teams, churches, and ministries from across the United States and Canada and connect them with local Mexican churches and pastors. As North Americans, we can offer our resources, willing hands & hearts and partner with the local pastors to help care for the poor of Mexico. We do this through building homes, running feeding programs & clothing distribution, providing emergency/crisis aid, and organizing children's programs and sport camps. Each bringing out transforming moments - both in those being served and in the lives of the team members serving.
E.O.C. is located 4 miles south of Ensenada in the sleepy little pueblo of Chapultepec. It is a safe, enclosed campus within walking distance of the local beaches. In general, the community is clean and rich in Mexican culture. Ensenada is situated along the west coast of Baja California, Mexico, approximately 60 miles south of the border.
We would love to partner with you as we work towards being one body, one community, sharing the love and mercy of Jesus to everyone around us.
Please take some time to explore our blog, watch some videos, or contact us if you have any questions.
Dios Les Bendiga,
We'd love to hear from you or answer any questions you may have about the ministry here at the Ensenada Outreach Center.
Eoc field address:
eoc@yugomail.org
4492 camino de la plaza / pmb 918 / san ysidro, ca 92173
(909) 297 3390
YUGO office
aj@yugo.org
PO Box 25 / san dimas, ca 91773
(909) 592 6621
Check out our webpage for more information
http://www.yugo.org/ministries/ensenada.htm
This past Sunday Ensenada was hit with the same strong winds as San Diego & Los Angeles.
And like those cities, Ensenada continues to be effected.
We are continuing to visit communities, meet with families and community leaders, assess the greatest needs and pray for direction as we give God the thanks for protecting so many lives!
Unfortunately Ensenada lacks adequate resources to respond to disastrous situations. We are doing our best to connect people & resources together in the loving Spirit of Jesus.
If you would like to help, Pray! Send $ to YUGO Ministries [PO Box 25 San Dimas, Ca 91773] EOC General Fund (in the memo), check back for a coming list of needed supplies.
Currently needed: water, blankets, tarps, food, medicine, clothing!
Please be praying for our friends at the Hands of Mercy Ranch (45 min southeast from EOC), the strong winds this past weekend destroyed their kitchen & dining facility. As well, their property is in the potential line of the Ensenada fire. (at the time of this post, approx 4 miles away)
These are close fiends & co-workers (we are all on the same mission!) and we love them dearly. Their leadership are all at a training conference in North Carolina.
You may notice in the photos that the camp is in a clearing; although the full-time missionary families homes are down in the wooded areas. [VanNess & McCoy families]
Check out Kimyco's blog www.khudspeth.blogspot.com to see an update on remodeling activity at the Outreach Center (as well as other exciting announcements). Mardy Barnes has already completed three rooms (the goal is to have six guest rooms completed before Spring 2008).
Additionally, Jeremy Gonzalez has started the demolition effort for the kitchen expansion (removing a rarely used 1/2 bathroom & closet, thereby increasing the usable kitchen space).
All these changes are part of a multi-year effort to replace old (musty) carpets, worn out ceiling fans, repaint walls, etc. As the Staff @ EOC, we strive to be excellent stewards of God's Ministry (this includes His property).
One of the benefits of this beautification process is the ability to continue opening up the center for local retreats, conferences & events. Local Churches & Pastors have limited access to low-cost facilities for their events. We are able to open up our doors at NO-COST! Thanks to your participation in the ministry.
Blessings from the staff of EOC.
You may be wondering what happens during the off-season at the Ensenada Outreach Center? In the coming weeks we will be posting updates, photos & videos of the ongoing work.
While our Incredible team of Interns have all returned to their hometowns, our full-time staff remain. This team consists of Kimyco Hudspeth, Brenda & Mardy Barnes, Melody & Jeremy Gonzalez and Ana & Scott Wester (all of whom raise 100% of their own support); as well as our dedicated team of Mexican Nationals: Juan Martinez, Jose Felisiano Jara, Hernan Garay, Ricardo Aldaco, Roberto Jimenez, Rodolfo Mellon, Abraham & Lupita Valdez, Alejandro Torres, Eva Ramirez, Marvin Garay and Damiana Rasas. (all of whom are supported through YUGO Ministries National Workers Fund & EOC General Fund)
Please continue to pray for & support this faithful team.
"I give thanks to my God for every rememberance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Paul's letter of thanksgiving to the church in Philippi
Wow.. I never knew how hard it would be to leave.. I was a summer intern at EOC for 2 months this summer. There i developed many relationships with families, other interns, the EOC staff and especially God. I knew from the beginning that this would be a hard transition.. but i didn't know how hard. I would give anything to do\say the following things again...
1. "Marvveeeeeenn!!"
2. Ask Kimyco how her trip to Costco was..
3. yell TODO BIEN EN EL BARRIO and not look like a crazy person..
4. Stay in a room with a roomate(miss u britt) and our room ghost *Jeremy* :)
5. Have church at the beach! Beside the ocean! *i'll get over the sand fleas
6. Shopping with Brenda.. did someone say Segunda!?
7. Meeting someone new every single day..
8. Feeling humbled..every moment
Okay.. this list could go on for ever... to sum up.. there's no place like EOC and there's nobody like the EOC staff.. i miss you all. very much.
I can not wait to see everyone again in November. Till then.. todos bein en el barrio!!
\Sista Steph/
*sorry for the lame post.. my next one will be ful of emotion that will make even Scott cry. promise :) *
Well, it's midnight on Sunday night. My last sleep here in Ensenada, Mexico. Myself and the other Canadian crew are rolling out to San Diego for the day and night, and then fly home Tuesday. We've been here for just 2 months, but it feels like... home...
I don't really know if i can really write much at this time. Im not sure i have any wise epiphanies for you all yet... i think most of my reflections and ponderings will come most when i return home to the bustle of Burlington, the north american 'church life', quickly bombarded with 'stuff', but also embracing the comforts of familiar faces, a language I speak, and a community i love. It's bitter sweet indeed....
it's definitely been sad saying the goodbyes the last week or so - sharing community, ministry, and a home like here at EOC draws people together. Diverse people of different ages, personalities, and nationalities - but a unity I only see in Christ. What a blessing it has been to meet every single ones of these brothers and sisters... but i'll be back - that much I know...
So until then... (or until my next blog post)...
Mamma Rho is signing out...
It's been quite the journey! Im sure I'll share something a bit more substantial in the days to come, but until now, take a look at this list and maybe you can remember a few of the wonders of Mexico as you read thru them - or maybe you'll be intrigued to come and see for yourself!
TOP 10 - no wait- TOP 20 REASONS
20. Because 'todo bien en el barrio'!!!
19. Tuesday night games night! Obvi!
18. Beach bonfires. and fireworks. no wait. just the bonfires. the fireworks terrify me.
17. Driving around in my sweet ride - the 15passenger van! ah yeah!
16. Coca. from a bottle.
15. Meeting people from all over the States, Canada (go Yukon), and of coarse Mexico every week! How cool EH???
14. Attempting to learn Spanish...or smiling and nodding "si" (aka I have no idea what you just said!)
13. Worshiping with a chapel full of youth and adults everyday!
12. $5 Chinese Buffet!?! need i say more?
11. Watching "The office" after a long hard days work...
10. Taco stands on every corner sure beats Tim Hortons on every corner in my books! And alot cheaper too!
9. The simple smile of a child whose excited to see you even though you've never met them before....
8. Hearing 'you can do it sister' and other such encouragements every day - in broken English from my Mexican brothers!
7. At any turn catching breathtaking views of mountains and the ocean!
6. Grocery runs with Kimyco... and stop offs at Mi Ranchitos...and watching eva & jose bicker as they make us our food! (ok, i know that was three... but they go together!)
5. Jeep offroading everyday. With Marvin.
4. Getting to watch my interns grow and serve
3. Living in community.. a taste of the acts 2 church if you ask me...
2. Being a part of a real life 'extreme home makeover' every week. except cooler. and realer. and way more practical.
1. Living everyday with purpose and tangible opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ in amazing ways with an amazing ministry!
My name is Brittney, today I begin my eighth week of living down here in Mexico at the Ensenada Outreach Center. I really don't know what to say, I don't think its possible to sum up the past seven weeks in a couple of paragraphs...or even a few pages. The things I've seen, heard, and been blessed to be a part of have changed my life forever. Being here has made me realize that living in California, on the western coast of the United States has made me so spoiled.
Poverty: The state of being poor; lack of the means of providing material needs or comforts.
the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor; indigence (thank you dictionary.com)
In America (or even Canada for my Canuck friends) we have our share of poverty. When I used to think of poverty, I would picture a person on a street corner begging for food, or I would see a person cashing in their welfare check or maybe I would picture someone I know, someone who wears the same shirt to school everyday or wears beat up old shoes with holes in them, although these people never had faces. Now, for me, poverty has a face. When I think of poverty, or the definition of poor, I have a new view.
Picture this: a child dirty and tired...but somehow smiling and happy. When I say dirty, I dont mean a lightly soiled shirt with a pair of lightly soiled jeans. I mean dirty, the kind of dirty that hasn't had a proper shower in few weeks, maybe a few months and quite possibly ever. His teeth are already rotting and falling out, but he's only nine. He's probably never brushed his teeth with real toothpaste, and maybe he's never even actually brushed his teeth.
When I say happy, I mean the kind of happy that is real...you could even call it joy.
These kids find their joy out of the simplest of things: a rock, a few nails and a piece of wood, or even just a bottle of apple scented bubbles. And as much as they have their hard times (the nights they wish they didn't have to sleep on the rocky, dirty, uncomfortable ground or eat the same potatoes and beans for dinner) they are always smiling. The smiles are created by the simplest things: when you hand them a new toothbrush, a new outfit and especially when they are given their own set of keys to their own new house. And even though these people are the deffinition of poor and live below the "american poverty line" they are happy. I envy the joy they find in the simple things in life.
This trip has given me a new appreciation for what I have at home. I actually have a home and a bed and a dresser to put my clothes in. I never thought there would come a time when I would be thankful for a closest. I hope that when I go home I'm able to remember everything I've learned this summer.
Agape - "Agape is disinterested love. … Agape does not begin by discriminating between worthy and unworthy people, or any qualities people possess. It begins by loving others for their sakes. … It springs from the need of the other person."
Love.
Before coming here to EOC, I never realized how easy it is to love someone. For example, two weeks ago I was invited by another intern to visit a family in which she had built their house a few years ago with her church group. I stepped out of the van, walked over to their front gate to be greeted by this little girl with her arms stretched out, about to give me a big hug. Here i am, a random stranger to this girl... yet she greets me with a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Love. It can happen so easily between any two people. From any walks of life. Doing missionary work here has opened up that concept for me.
Back at home, in Canada, I had a different idea of what love was. I had to of known that person for a long period of time, I had to know their life story, had to have complete trust in them.. etc etc... Now if you've ever gone to Sunday school, a Christian retreat, or even church... you'll know how much God wants us to simply love each other.. Just as we are. I never really "got it" until this summer... I never understood fully how to love your neighbor.. until now. It's so simple. How and why do we make it more difficult than that? God wants us to love each other.. as brothers and sisters in Christ.. but we seem to limit how much we give out our love.
Doing this internship really brought out a piece of me that i didn't know existed. I don't know how else to put it.. But this summer i am more fired up about what God has to offer than ever before..
God has shown me true AGAPE.
We have all heard, and sung along with many different types of worship. From full bands to choirs, from acoustic to electric, from rock to hymns. Our worship is no different than that of worship across the world, it consists of a keyboard, an acoustic guitar, and 2 or 3 vocalists (depending on the night). We play songs everyone knows, and have sung so many times before. But being up on the stage, watching these people worship while on their Mexico adventure, you see something different, something that isn't always there. A spark. A spark that slowly expands into a flame. It's like being here, in this environment, helping these people that are in dire need sparks a new passion in them. You can see it in their faces, and you can hear it in their voices. As the week goes on, I see people who on the first day stood with there mouths shut and arms crossed, where on the last day, their eyes were shut tight, their mouths full of song and their arms reaching for the heavens. I see that little spark in their eyes has erupted into a fire of passion for god, and for his worship. Watching this evolution of the spirit is an amazing thing. Not everyone feels this flame, but seeing those who do makes the worship we do here at the EOC so much more than just song.
It was great to just come together as family... some of us knowing one another for years, others just days! It's important as a community that serves together, also laughs together. You'll find alot of laughter around EOC and never a dull moment! Pray that joy continues to abound from this place as we keep serving thru this busy summer season!
hola from a newbie Canadian staff here at EOC. It's the 2 week anniversary of the three Ontario-ites that joined the staff team here. My role is a pretty sweet one - host the groups; connect with the groups, leaders, youth; lead chapels & worship; a 'go-to' gal; hang out and mentor some incredibly fantastic interns, and a favorite - cruise around to the sites with mi amigo Marvin as he takes video... It's really a pretty awesome job!
So i get to see so many different sides of this rich ministry. Leading chapel, I get to see youth worship and draw close to God. Hanging out with interns & staff, I am reminded of what Christ centered community is all about. Chatting with our national workers, I am humbled and inspired everyday. And Thursday I was reminded of yet another reason why I was here.
It was dedication day, and I hadn't yet made it to a dedication of a house yet. I had incredible memories of this moment when I have brought teams down from my church, but had forgotten the power of that moment. Sitting off to the side, I was quickly overwhelmed seeing these young jr high kids attempt to find words to capture the moment.... watching a mother clutch her young child as she holds back tears of joy... praying with a pastor as he blesses their new home... catching a glimpse into a moment of that hope and future God promises his children (Jer 29:11).
so another week down and another showering down of God's love and power in and thru this place....
continue to lift up EOC in your prayers!
blessings
'mama rho'
Wow! Last week was an awesome week. The Jr. high, high school and college group came down from my church. It was such a rewarding week. For some of the kids this was their first visit to Mexico and for all of them this was a touching experience. I was so blessed to see some of the kids that I used to babysit and watch grow up and do something so awesome for God. I was just so proud of my group. They all came prepared both mentally and spiritually. Before they even arrived in Mexico they were already so connected, all thanks to Nick Bradley of course. They understood what they came down here to do and did it with such enthusiasm and ready hearts.
I recall some of the leaders and some of the kids commending me for coming down here and living here as a missionary but I cant help to think how much more those kids are servants than me. They came down here with servants hearts not only to serve the families they came to build for but also each other. Not once did I ever hear a complaint from any of their mouths. Just watching them that week I was so humbled. Just to see their lives being touched by God was such an honor.
The last night they were here was one of the best. We all went to the beach and sat in a circle around a fire. One person would sit closer to the fire, in the middle of the circle and everyone in the circle would say encouraging words about this person. It was amazing to see so many people say such nice things about everyone. God was definitely moving amongst those kids. He was changing lives that night.
I was just so blessed to be able to share that week with them. I wouldn't have traded that time for anything in the world. I know that God will bless them immensely.
(Poke 'em in the face!)
“How many fingers am I holding up?” The question I most despise because I am someone who has been wearing “coke-bottle” glasses since I was five years old. People looked through my glasses, without my eyes, and assumed that all I could see was a blur.
But, for Jonathan and Alejandro, two brothers from a village on the outskirts of Ensenada, the “how many fingers am I holding up?” question wasn’t an insult, this time. Jonathan and Alejandro have grown up trying to see the world through their cataract blindness. Watching them, you’ll see that they hesitate. They feel their way forward until the next object comes into their obscured focus. They stumble.
Someone was watching Jonathan and Alejandro closely. They were seen on a DVD from a church group ministering through the EOC to Jonathan and Alejandro’s colonia. It was obvious to someone watching that these boys had a problem with their eyes. At the prompting of the church, the boys were able to see a doctor and be diagnosed for their eye condition. At hearing the prognosis, the church pledged the funds to have the Jonathan and Alejandro operated on.
After the first operation on one eye, Jonathan and Alejandro’s bandages were removed and tested by Dr. Samuel Leon Beal of the Instituto de la Vision. The institute is run by the 7th Day Adventist church and has the mission of “Following the healing ministry of Jesus”. When Dr. Beal asked Jonathan and Alejandro “how many fingers am I holding up?”, I wonder how they felt? It wasn’t an easy question. They both moved their heads and eyes around to try and focus their vision. They both didn’t get all the answers right.
A mighty deed that Jesus performed several times was to heal the blind and let them see. I have grown up skeptical of Jesus’ healing power in today’s world, “it doesn’t happen anymore”. Jonathan and Alejandro aren’t healed, they are healing. It will take at least one more operation and time and exercise to allow their eyes and the brains to come into focus (like looking through your new lens prescription for the first time). But, when the Spirit causes someone to see that Jonathan and Alejandro couldn’t see and provide the funds for the Institute to follow Jesus’ healing mission, how can we say that Jesus doesn’t heal anymore?
Jesus came to announce the coming of God’s Kingdom rule. Jesus spat in the dirt and rubbed mud into a blind man’s eyes, demonstrating the mighty deeds of God’s coming Kingdom. With observant eyes, giving hands, open wallets and professionals committed to healing in Jesus’ name, people living under God’s Kingdom rule are bringing Jesus’ healing to boys like Jonathan and Alejandro.
Well, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Andrew Schrempf, and I am an oh-so-proud Canadian citizen, and I have been working down here at the EOC for about 5 ½ months. And I must say, it has been quite the ride! I have so many great memories of times where I grew, times where I learned, and times where I laughed. This is a place that will forever be in my heart, and I know that I will miss it dearly.
Tomorrow I head out with a group from Northpark Church from Fresno, California, at around 6:00 AM. They are taking to me to San Diego airport where I go back to the snow-covered plains of Canada. And I am not the least bit excited.
From the beginning, way way back on New Year's Eve, I have been meeting people that would change my life forever. I recall the first time I met Kayleigh and Gagan, the two interns here at the time. The conversation was generally rather awkward, beginning in awkwardness and ending with the word “anyway” and walking way. I guess I do not meet new people easy. But eventually we found out what we had in common, and grew together in community. That was basically how it went with the others around camp: talking, learning, and growing together. They all have been a great source of growth: Scott & Ana as intelligent teachers, Kimyco as a straight-forward gardener, Mardy & Brenda as loving parents, Kayleigh & Gagan as amazing friends, and Andrew & Jessica as awesome...coaches (hehehe). The newer interns, Brittany & Sarrah, I am sorry I didn't get to know them overly well, but I know that they will have a great time of growing and just having fun, and I really do appreciate them coming down!
Now the National workers. All I can say about them is AMAZING. Actually, that doesn't even cover the nationals. Stupendous might come close, but doesn't quite describe this group of men. For about 4 of my months while I have been here, I worked with a young man, about 19 years old, named Marvin. I knew a little bit of Spanish (enough to answer “yes” and “no” to questions I did not understand), and he knew a little bit of English, a lot more than me and my Spanish. It was quite difficult at the beginning to communicate, much less teach him. See, I was working on teaching him how to make videos for the groups, and it's amazing to see how he has excelled so quickly at it. He went from not owning a computer to using one everyday, from not taking pictures to being a great videographer, and from not ever being involved in video editing to understand and using the Sony Vegas +DVD package to create DVD's for the groups. He taught me a lot of stuff about his country and even about myself; where I need to grow and such things. Roberto and Marvin have been the closest of the Nationals to me. Roberto is just one amazing guy (and for the ladies, yes, he is single, and a good-looker too!). Smart, hilarious, and just a great friend to have. I will miss him! All of the people on staff have been a huge encouragement!
To see God move down here has been awesome. He has shown me so many things I have never seen before, or noticed. Both about myself and about the world around me. In my time down here, I have seen easily over 20 houses built for families that live under tarps, at least 100 kids and adults given food and clothes, and 2 little boys supported financially into the process of gaining their eyesight back from cataracts. And God keeps bringing people down, changing their hearts, and using them to help these people that need it, instead of buying that nice new video game system. It is all extremely encouraging. I have been blessed by the people I have met while I have been down here.!
This is my first day of missing this place and the people... and I haven't even left it yet. I will see both again though, this I know.
God Bless,
Andrew
Hello Everyone!
Less than 2 hours of my arrival I found myself in a conversation that I believe began like this, “So Brittany, tell me, do you know what blogging is?” My answer: “Yea actually, but I’ve never really written one before.”
Immediately after that I was “hired” and now here I am, writing my very first blog.
I have been here about two weeks now and we just received our first group to work with four days ago. However, up until their arrival we were kept very busy here at camp to make sure everything was in order. Very early on, I found that re-sheeting and rearranging ALL camp mattresses, bleaching and rinsing out ALL the coolers and scouring the camp office were very necessary in the upkeep of YUGO. Luckily, with a little music and the company of Andrew and Kayleigh, those tasks went by fairly quickly. But, needless to say, I really love when the groups are here.
Besides spending time at the camp, Andrew, Kayleigh and I have visited an orphanage called Pequeños Hermanos twice this past week. It was my first time visiting an orphanage and I was pretty nervous to go because I didn’t know what to expect. But I just couldn’t stay behind so I went and I’m so glad I did. There are about 25 kids that live there from about 4 years old to 15 years old and the staff has the sweetest women I’ve ever met. I’m really glad I got to go and hopefully we will get another opportunity to visit before the summer is over.
Recently, Kayleigh and I have been tagging along with a team from Georgia each day as they build a house for a pastor. I’ve been pretty exhausted and I can’t say it’s been all the building, because…I really haven’t done much. It’s been the “Simon Says”, Duck-Duck-Goose, blowing bubbles, running aimlessly up and down hills and all the piggyback rides with the neighborhood kids that have worn me out; but it’s been worth it. They are really amazing kids and the pastor’s wife has been so generous to prepare great homemade lunches for us every day. The United States has nothin’ on her food. She’s amazing.
Today we dedicated the house to Pastor Juventino Silva and his wife. The dedication involved everyone who worked on the house and each of them were able to share a little something about the past week. It was really beautiful to be a part of something like that and where there were no words to describe the love during the dedication, there were many tears that did.
I’m starting to really like it here and even though I’m homesick (HI MOM!) I think I’m finally finding my place here. I’m excited for the following weeks and will update soon, thanks for reading! Dios le bendiga.
-Brittany
Last week, 4 EOC Staff joined 4 Ensenada ministers on a road-trip to Guerrero Negro, 600km south of Ensenada (see map). Our mission was to support and be part of Iglesia de Dios en Christo Jesus Amor Y Misericordia’s (Church of God in Christ Jesus - Love and Mercy) 3 day Campaña Evangelica.
This Guerrero Negro church is 8 months young, and meets in the garage of the Pastors, Luis & Imelda. This weekend was a special time for the church to meet over 3 consecutive days to worship, be taught from the scriptures, conduct the church’s first baptism’s (14 people), commission the elders and the pastors for the ongoing ministry of the church, and of course finish the Campaña with a seafood fiesta of: fresh clam, fish and squid ceviche; whole fried fish; much singing; and good times together.
EOC does the majority of its ministry work in Ensenada, but has a desire to reach out and support the ministry of churches further south on the Baja peninsula. Through the pastors we work with here in Ensenada, we have formed a relationship with Luis & Imelda in Guerrero Negro. We were also able to support them with our presence along with our in-house pastors, Abraham and Lupita, who preached, & helped with worship, and provided counsel from their years of experience.
We were able to visit and pray a blessing over a block of land that Iglesia de Dios en Christo Jesus Amor Y Misericordia has purchased for the construction of a church building. The church also plans to use the facility as a community centre that will bless Guerrero Negro with the arts, a pre-school, a library and an employment centre.
After being warmly welcomed and very well fed by our new friends in Guerrero Negro, we are especially keen to build our relationship with them and look for ways to support their ministry, as they bring the good news of the Kingdom, which Jesus of Nazareth announced, to the people of Guerrero Negro.Click here for more pictures of the trip.
This week at camp there is a group all the way from Atlanta, Georgia. They have divided their team in two in order to build 2 homes. Yesterday Brittany and I went with one of the house crews with the intention of playing with some of the kids at the site and connecting them with the group. We were expecting 4 or 5 kids but lets just say that the three bottles of bubbles and small pack of pipe cleaners was proving to be almost usless when we ended up with about 45 kids to play with. As we were playing games and running out of things for Simon to say, I turn to Melissa, one of the girls on the house crew and she tells me that she has some baloons, soccer balls and coloring sheets that we can use as well. And as she was collecting some of these items she simply states that she had been, "praying for kids."
Wow.
God definitely answered her prayer.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven" as Ecclesiastes 3 tells us. In a way, May has been a somewhat ‘down-time’ for the staff here at EOC with only a few groups coming through the camp. However, our own building projects have kept everyone working hard in preparation for the busier summer period ahead. But, with some flexibility on our side and a gift from Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville CA, we had the opportunity to take off for a staff retreat, camping in San Felipe.
San Felipe is 3 hours drive south-east of Ensenada, and on the coast of the Sea of Cortez on the Eastern side of the Baja peninsula. San Felipe is growing into an American winter retreat spot, and is somewhat of an idyllic seaside Mexican town, with beautiful beaches, shopping and eating.
We pitched our tents at Campo San Felipe, literally on the beach, a block south of the tourist strip. Fifteen of us enjoyed a few lazy days in the sun, swimming in the warm Sea of Cortez water, taking a banana boat joy-ride, sharing good meals out (amazing shrimp!), enjoying some s’mores around a camp fire, playing some guitar, but most importantly being together.
I’m sure the trip will prove to be a memorable and valuable time for the staff here, especially as we embark together on the ministry work over the long and crazy summer season ahead. Thank you Valley Springs for helping to make the trip possible!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS.
PURPOSE – COMMUNITY – HOSPITALITY – OUTREACH
PURPOSE
As we reach the half-way point of 2007, we have an opportunity to see how we are realizing objectives we set at the beginning of the year. We focused on our purpose for ministry, development of staff leadership & team building, terminology & organizational structure, and ministry programs & systems.
After three months of preparation we entered into the busy spring season, which we have just completed (Feb 1 – Apr 30); with attendance of 1,400+ persons from 36 different groups, from the
COMMUNITY
Mardy & Brenda Barnes continue to grow quickly into valuable members of the EOC team. Mardy’s wisdom, skill, heart and mature spirit have allowed him to gain the respect and trust of the Outreach team (many of whom have been hurt through past leadership). He is a true example of walking the talk. He is a patient teacher, with attention to detail & quality. We are seeing real fruit in his work!
Brenda is a full of energy, passion, ideas, love, laughter and a heart for hospitality. She not only connects well with adults, but has become the “
Pastor Abraham Valdez has also become an incredibly valuable addition to the team. He is a crucial link between EOC and the local pastoral community. In addition he serves a pastoral role for our staff, leading many of our staff bible studies, and providing counsel through the continual reconciliation needed in a team of diverse individuals. His vision is being broadened through this process, and we continue to envision the building of more “canals” in this process of connecting teams & resources through YUGO to the
HOSPITALITY
From a mission team perspective, we continue to raise the quality of their experience (a crucial foundation for continued growth). We are continuing to communicate more effectively with teams prior to their arrival (thanks to the great job AJ does) and this directly relates to their perceived quality of outreach. Additionally, with higher quality meals, addition of video highlights in team chapels, and an overall attention to detail, this is having an affect on our expenses, and I continue to be attentive to operating within our current budget & pricing; although we are currently over-budget in a few key areas for year to date. I do not take this lightly, and with continued assistance from Bob, I am working towards the balance of building growth momentum versus going broke!
We are assessing the reality of what it costs to provide ministry at this level at our current pricing; and will address this further in the next update at the conclusion of the summer season.
OUTREACH
What fruit we are seeing! At this writing we have 26 pastors participating in the Home Program.; which is really becoming a vehicle for evangelism & discipleship. Of the 34 families receiving houses via this new program, 22 were not believers, but HAVE accepted Christ as their Savior, and are now attending church! We set a goal of ¾ of the houses being used for evangelism, yet a number of the pastors are exclusively selecting non believing families. Even connecting some of these families with other churches located closer to the home. The level of unity we are starting to see among the pastors is incredibly encouraging.
From the church teams’ perspective, I continue to receive very positive feedback. Groups are thankful the families are being followed up with, after they receive Jesus (and their house). Some how the tone is much more purposeful when a pastor arrives at EOC Monday morning, to meet the team and take them out to a family that he has selected. This direct relationship with a local pastor is also giving a higher percentage of teams an opportunity to participate in a local church service (something which was often discouraged before). The result is more groups becoming interested in other aspects of outreach in addition to home building.
The team is coming together, we are focused on the goals and excited to enter into the upcoming summer season. Knowing that when a team is prepared for service, in heart & mind; and we strategically connect them in the community, God shows up and miracles take place!
We are right in the middle of our Spring Break season. Over the course of four weeks, we will accommodate 720 guests, working with 18 local pastors, building 26 houses & ministering to hundreds of youth through VBS, Sports, Relief distributions & Feeding Programs.
At just the right time, God continues to provide all necessary resources. We recently welcomed Mardy & Brenda Barnes (Peoples Church, Fresno Ca) as full time missionaries. Mardy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our outreach ministry; Brenda is incredible gifted in providing hospitality and retail. She will operate our (yet to be constructed) store/coffee shop.
A highlight of this past winter season was the start of our new home program (read quarterly report posted March 20th) and seeing so many local pastors & churches joining together in unity.
Check back soon for new photos!
PURPOSE – COMMUNITY – HOSPITALITY – OUTREACH
INTRODUCTION
As the first quarter of 2007 started we took a look at the past in order to grow and ready ourselves for the future. We focused on our purpose for ministry, development of staff leadership & team building, terminology & organizational structure, and ministry programs & systems. *see EOC organizational chart
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Our community starts with our staff. Twenty one persons at the time of this writing, made up of Mexican, American, Canadian & Indian nations. We are coming together as a staff daily to pray with and for one another. We are studying God’s word together at regularly scheduled staff meetings and studies, and practicing Jesus’ example of going out two by two.
This EOC community extends out into
PROVIDING HOSPITALITY
We are seeing ourselves less as a camp and more as an outreach center. Part of outreach is providing the hospitality to short-term mission teams, additionally we are opening up our door to provide and practice hospitality to our local Mexican community. We are hosting dinners, luncheons & breakfasts for pastors, churches, children & youth groups; as well as to the poor in need.
FACILITATING OUTREACH
Our core ministry continues to be the connecting together of short-term North American mission teams with the local Mexican church & their communities. We are committed to become less visible as a ministry to the local community. What I mean by this statement is; in the past all ministry programs were “ours”, conceived, planned, coordinated and facilitated by “Campo de Suenos”. If you were in need, in the local community, you would make the trip to the gates of Campo de Suenos to submit your plea for help. (Home, food, blankets, clothes etc) In our present course of building a community of connected relationships with the local churches, we are equipping them to be the “local” outreach centers. In turn, as people in need go directly to the local church, we are becoming less visible.
We currently are working with some 50+ area pastors/ churches, coordinating all facets of outreach ministry through them & their churches. Now when a YUGO team enters a village for ministry, we are there at the invitation of the local pastor; participating in his local outreach ministry.
BY THE NUMBERS
During the months of November & December we hosted twelve groups (600+ people), constructed one church building, coordinated seven VBS/ Evangelistic programs, two medical clinics, distributed over 2,500 Christmas gifts (Project Joy), helped our brothers at Grace Children’s Home, and built seven homes. Untold numbers of lives were impacted and transformed from a physical & more importantly, Kingdom perspective.
A MILESTONE EVENING
January, although a quiet month from the perspective of not having any groups, may have been the most significant of the three months of this first quarter. On the evening of January 4th, we hosted an invitation only dinner, for ten select pastors and their wives. This evening officially commenced our new Homes for the Poor program, “HECHOS 2007”. What makes this year’s program different from years past is that these ten pastors (along with an additional ten pastors upcoming in February) will be the “frontline” connection for this program. They will select the families, provide volunteers for pouring the floor, introduce the building team to the family (first day of build) as well as be present for the home dedication by the building team (final day of build). This along with a commitment to continue in the all-important follow-up ministry (after the short-term team has returned home). Each participating pastor will receive four homes for the year 2007. This act of “giving away” of our ministry is crucial to fulfilling YUGO’s 2nd Goal [teaching Mexicans to win others to Christ & make disciples of them]. We continue to provide coordination, logistics and oversight to this area of the ministry, yet in the eyes of the local community, we (EOC) are becoming less visible as the place to go for help/ handouts. The local church is being equipped to minister to the spiritual needs as they also care for the physical needs of their community.
ON THE HORIZON
As we prepare to host our first spring teams of 2007, we continue to pray for the development of our leadership team and fortify strongholds. Some weaknesses remain; the EOC properties are in the names of multiple landowners (not affiliated with YUGO MX), local staff are in a “grey” area of employment and numerous EOC vehicles have outdated registrations. These are unacceptable liabilities, and are on the top of my priority list.
In the upcoming quarter we are expecting 1,200+ guests, constructing 33 homes, coordinating 10 community projects, numerous VBS/ Evangelistic outreaches and hosting a Mexican women’s weekend retreat. We pray that whatever we do, whether in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving all thanks to God the Father through him.
Scott C Wseter
Director