October 2019 Newsletter
Greetings from Tijuana, Mexico!
Ready or not, here it comes!
First, Thanksgiving and then, right around the corner, Christmas! We have so much to be grateful for; the US economy has improved the last few years and unemployment continues to be down. Most of our personal needs have been met so we can focus on our wants.
Retailers are happy as this Christmas promises to top last year’s sales with healthy margins. Some of us may only struggle on deciding what to give somebody who has everything. But south of the border things don’t look quite as bright but we do have each other in the Lord!
Regardless of where we live, we have much to celebrate! We all come together, as families, to love one another and share our blessings! During these busy months, this time of the year, please keep us in mind. We are serving over 500 people every day at La Roca Ministries. We are privileged to daily share God’s love plus we are celebrating a happy thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas in our Father’s name during this busy season. What a privilege and blessing to share God’s love with His family in Tijuana. Thanks, to each one of you for your participation during our special needs at this time of year.
La Roca Ministries was able to provide space for both Maggi and her 3 month old son Eric. They were both abandoned by their father so we were able to provide them both with a new home. They had no idea what to do, or where to live so they came to The House of Grace, seeking help! Sadly, this story gets repeated way too often here in Mexico. It is heart breaking seeing this kind of crises arise so often on our front door! But what a blessing Maggi and Eric have been!
Maggi immediately proved to be a faithful worker at the orphanage so when a staff position became available in a few months, Maggi was both qualified and ready to come onboard as a valuable staff member. She has now been with us for almost five years. She has been part of the worship team at the church for 4 years and has become a great blessing to us all! Please keep both of them in your prayers that they both continue to grow in the Lord!
This defines La Roca Ministries. Here in Mexico, many mothers find themselves having to make very difficult decisions. Could you ever find in your heart to part from your children because you did not have the means to get them educated and support them with food and clothing? Can you imagine having to give up your own children because you cannot support them or be their mom or dad?
Jonathan was eight and his older sister Britza were 10 when their parents gave them up to the orphanage. How can this happen It’s beyond me! But that is life here in Tijuana!? Thank you for supporting us so we can provide a life for children like Jonathan and Britza, as wells as Eric and his mom, Maggi.
We are launching our first missionary to Sonora. She is only 26 years old and has finished seminary and additional special children studies. Her name is Itzel. She grew up in Chiapas, Mexico in very challenging circumstances. Her father was an alcoholic and constant strife was normal in her family. She finally moved in with her grandparents and attended a Catholic church but she was continually getting physically sick. The influences in her life were continually harsh and she began smoking and drinking. At the early age of 15, she even attempted suicide!
In the midst of her confusion, God came knocking on her heart’s door and she came to Jesus. A missionary came to her town and shared with her the Gospel. Itzel gave her heart to the Lord and soon began serving in ministry. As she was studying the word, she learned about the Bible seminary in Tecate, located about 30 miles east of Tijuana. After some time, and with the help of others, she was able to get accepted into seminary. She was also able to arrange attendance with boarding on campus. Itzel completed her training at seminary and then connected with La Roca. She secured a position in our women’s shelter on campus and has been faithfully ministering and teaching women and children.
Pastor Efren became familiar with her work and recommended her for assignment in Sonora. Thanks to pastor Efren’s recommendation, she is now getting ready to relocate to Sonora. Itzel’s testimony is that her life belongs to the Lord and she only wants to serve Jesus faithfully because He changed her life!
The timing of Itzel’s new assignment fits perfectly with the grand opening in Sonora on November 3rd. We will officially open three ministries and Itzel will live as full time staff on site in Tanques, Sonora! How exciting is this! Please prayerfully remember Itzel with her new responsibilities and also consider participating in this new ministry location.
The three ministries we are officially opening in Sonora including the feeding center for children, a Bible study program and of course out Church ministry. We also have plans to build a dorm for staff and visiting groups as wells as a sports area including a medical station. At our location across the street we hope to soon be opening a Recovery Center. Please pray with us. This major undertaking requires our total support.
Itzel will be working under Pastor Efren‘s guidance who has been making trips to Sonora every 3 months! Itzel will be the face of the ministry as she will be daily in front of the people, teaching and working with the rest of the team in Tanques, Sonora!
Pastor Efren will be the administrator, teacher- preacher and will be getting the structure of the seminary in order! Also pastor Efren will be giving on line classes to students and Itzel will be helping with homework and studies! So a s you see, we are shouldering a great undertaking, but as we are reminded, with Christ all thing are possible! Amen!
Our opening date, November 3rd, is just around the corner. Please keep us in your prayer as the enemy has tried delaying us from the beginning. We are also opening the children’s feeding program at this same location. We already unofficially started the children’s Bible studies with a lunch. About 30 to 35 children are already attending, Thanks to Pastor Jesus and Pastor Daniel and, of course, their wives who are very much involved in getting this program off and running!
We do have one pressing need for Sonora. We do not have a van located in Sonora for this ministry. Perhaps you have one you can donate. Perhaps, you have the solution for this urgent need. Please put this pressing item on your prayer list! Please also keep Itzel and Pastor Efren in your prayers as we focus on ministry and doing the work of reaching and teaching in Sonora … and don’t forget the Van!
So please continue to keep us in you r prayers, so our doors will continue to remain open for the over 500 people relying on us every day for their next meal, their next shower and a roof over their heads. And last but not least, our wonderful and beautiful children, to be able to give them the tools for life. But the most important thing we give them all is God’s Word, for man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!
May I express my deepest gratitude to you all, who read our letters and pray for us all. Thank you so much to those who share out of your abundance! Thanks for allowing our kids to keep a smile on their faces, knowing they are cared for and loved by so many! I know with certainty God is very much pleased!
Thanks for being part of a great team that loves to show God’s love by loving others first. As I always say, may our works speck louder than our words! May you have a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones!
In His Love, Carlos and Rossy and the rest of La Roca team!
