July Mission Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Grace and peace to each of you!

 Ephesians 6:10 …my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

The past month here in Guanajuato has been a busy and blessed time; the women have been adjusting to life without a “pastor” per se. It has been a time of reconnection for us in a way which I could not have managed or manipulated in my own power. 

Since my return to Guanajuato over 14 months ago, I had not been able to connect with the women the way that I was before leaving. My leaving created a breach of trust and although our love for each other did not change, they chose to take their petitions and problems to Abraham rather than to me.

 Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The reconnection has brought harmony and a return of God-reliance that I had emphasized before, not trying to manage problems or difficulties (or figuring out what to do); instead returning to the prayer closet in a way which was forgotten in my absence. 

Women are funny creatures (I am sure this was part of God’s design) if there is a “man” around to rely on, that is usually our first stop. When we are young our daddies solve our problems and when we marry our husbands take on that role. BUT I am convinced that God wants us to rely on HIM first and man second. So this is what is going on in the women’s ministry here today. 

We bring our problems and petitions to the LORD, we are rebuilding personal relationships and staying in better contact throughout the week instead of only on Bible study days or Sunday. 

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 I ask that you all remember us in prayer as often as possible.

A number of us are battling physical attacks of the enemy on our health; Mary, Yolanda, Leonor and I are praying for physical healing. 

Others are struggling with rebellion of the flesh; Edgar (abusive father’s influence), Michell temptations, Daniela (teen pregnancy), Abigail (not follow in Daniela’s path), Fernanda and Jacob (obedience).   

Please continue praying for Abraham and Eli that they find what they are looking for in God’s will. 

Ultimately that is what we all need, God’s will in our lives and the willingness to follow wherever He leads us. 

Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

 May the LORD meet you in a quiet place a lift you up! 

Love in Christ, 

Cindy

 If you are led to support this ministry please send checks to: 

Agua Viva Christian Fellowship (FBO Central MX Mission)
2005 Commerce Drive
Medford, OR 97501

Central Mexico Mission Annual Financial Report

Dear Brothers and Sisters in faith, grace and peace to you all!

            Recently a brother suggested that I send out an expense report of this mission and where the donations go and in hopes that other may feel led to help this ministry. The Apostle Paul talked about money and giving with grace and maturity, he told about the blessings we receive in giving- I totally do not have his finesse. So please receive this letter in the manner it is intended; to inform all of you of the needs of this ministry and where the funds are coming from.

This mission is not affiliated with any large groups or associations which help missions, we do not receive a monthly stipend from anyone; when I returned to Mexico in May of 2012, I knew I would have to find support from churches, organizations or individuals or I would have to hurry and find work so that the mission could get back to the work it was doing before I returned to the states in March of 2011.

What is this ministry? Offering a safe alternative to living in violence and offering the gift of salvation through evangelism and guidance for new Christians; primarily working with women and children suffering from domestic violence, counseling, prayer, teaching the Bible and Christianity 101 in the hours and days when I am free of my responsibilities at the University of Guanajuato; and at U of Guanajuato the LORD opened a door with my students, sowing the seeds of the gospel and offering guidance to those who desire to know Christ and receive salvation.

            I work 28 hours a week here at a local university, it is not a high paying job, but it provides much of what I need personally to survive, totaling about $655.USD/month after taxes. In addition, on the average the mission receives between $100.-$375. USD/month through donations made to Agua Viva Christian Fellowship for the benefit of this mission.

The operating costs to maintain Central Mexico Mission per year are:

$16,600.00 total expenses

$1,660.00 tithes and offerings
$3,276.00 rent and utilities
$2,055.34 gasoline, insurance and routine auto maintenance
$2.844.00 (1) time expenses: bed, refrigerator, document transfers, RT expenses funeral
$3,312.60 groceries, telephone, internet, and medications
$ 234.00 doctor visits
$ 500.00 Mexican VISA with Permission to work
$2,718.00 Women’s Ministry (food pantry, clothing, shelter, emergency funds)

The mission’s total donations received through Agua Viva and other individuals last year were:

   $3,950.41 USD total donations
+ $7,475.00  wages and personal income
 $11,425.41 total received from donations & personal income
  ($5,234.59) taken from savings

                  The semi-annual report on domestic violence for the municipality of Guanajuato was released a few weeks ago revealing that since January 1, 2013 (31) women have died at the hands of their spouses or a loved one. 

                    Families can be saved and restored, but not without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Satan does not want the people of Mexico to have relationship with Jesus!  People tell me to “Pack it in!”, “Give it up…”, “It’s not worth the trouble!  But God hasn’t said that…. God tells me “better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” Psalm 118:8.  

As long as the LORD leads me to be here and continue the work I'll be here. Mission work is not for the weak or faint of heart, reliance on the LORD is really all that is required. I am often reminded of something a very wise Corrie ten Boom said, "You never really know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have." 

God bless you sweet siblings in Christ!

Cindy;-)