MISSION PHOTO ALBUM Monterrey, Mexico January 16 – 20, 2012
Casa de la Misericordia While I was so impacted in so many ways during the week, the picture which sticks with me is Wednesday's trip to Rio 3, the squatter's village on the riverbanks. On the top of the bank stood Casa de la Misericordia, the "House of Mercy" Church. Olga was the dear lady who cares for the children out of the church, and loves them unconditionally. We walked with Olga slowly through the rows of shacks, down a steep path until we stood at the very bottom of the (now) mostly dry riverbed. On both banks, surrounding us were make shift huts of accumulated refuse, nailed or tied together into what they call homes. Knowing that in the previous years, every lost hut had been swept away by floods, and that these people now lack water, food, work, health, and safety, it felt like we had "descended into the valley of the shadow of death", and yet we could acknowledge that "even there, You are with us". We stood together in the center of that riverbed, and prayed for the people of this community, and laid hands on and prayed for Olga, and claimed those children and their parents for Jesus. We were both disturbed, but also at Peace knowing God was working there. by Craig Klamer
• This village had been hit by the hurricane over a year ago where 100% of the people lost 100% of everything they owned! •The only remaining structure in that village was the church! •What an amazing Light in the darkness. ”
At Rio 3, Olga has such a heart for the children and women in the squatter’s village. She treats the children as her own and the women as friends and equals. She personally knows and feeds so many that live in these "homes" made from packing crates, bits of corrugated tin, and plywood. Supported by The James Fund through Back2Back Ministries, Olga may not have the over packed food pantry of my friends in the States, but she is blessed with a well-stocked Faith. This faith is even now calling her to start a second soup kitchen, perhaps 30 minutes further away. God is working through all of these women. My friends in the States may help 5 - 20 families in a month. But Olga feeds these orphans and widows daily - both physically and spiritually. Her heart of gold is breaking for these needy - breaking in sorrow and breaking in love. Undefiled. by Gayle Foley
Beautiful Fatherless Children I have so many wonderful memories from this week. This entire trip has served to reveal that I want a deeper relationship with the Lord. It is important to stop going through life with "blinders" on. Now that I have been an eyewitness to the plight of orphans in Mexico, I can no longer ignore the fact that it is a problem. Not only in Mexico, but all over the world. The Lord has placed a passion in my heart to learn more, pray more, and become more active in orphan care. I am so grateful for the opportunity to use my hands and heart in service to the Lord. by Tanya Erlacher
Monterrey, Mexico is famous for its captivating and beautiful mountains that surround and guard the city. In the Old Testament, the Presence of God met with Moses on a mountain called Sinai. Hollywood has popularly portrayed this Presence as a large cloud. The morning that we were to go into Rio 3, a squatter village to visit kids and moms, there were huge clouds looming over the mountains. The tallest mountain in particular was completely visible except for the top. Looking at that mountain, it was as if we had been transported back into the days of Moses and God's presence was hovering over us from the mountain guiding and watching over our every step. It's astounding to think that the Spirit of God that used to hover over a mountain now lives in us. That day, we fully lived the gospel. Lives were touched and love and grace was spread. The Kingdom of God was felt on earth as food and water was given to the needy and the Good News was preached - not necessarily with words but with our actions. Bible verses such as James 1:27 came to life! Just as Jesus walked with the poor through dusty towns, so we walked through the muddy streets of the Rio with the Presence of God within us being the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. As people are drawn to the beauty of the mountains, I know the widow, the orphan, the women, the men and the children of the Rio were drawn that day to the beauty of Jesus reflected in the team. by Deanna Smith
Villa de Juarez As I contemplate the events of the week, I realized that my prize picture was on Tuesday, at the end of our visit at Manantial de Amor (Wellspring of Love). Mama Cony beckoned Melinda and me to her quarters. She gave a brief tour of her room and then began showing pictures of her family and we told her how "Bonita" (beautiful) they were. She then immediately wrapped her arms around both of us tightly and began to pray fervently, weeping passionately. It's funny because I don't know Spanish, but I understood some of what she was praying. We all began to weep and after her prayers, God prompted me to pray for her healing physically, mentally, supernatural strength, wisdom beyond Solomon's longevity, brokenness, love and passion. I prayed that God's favor overwhelm her; prosperity an provisions over life and purpose. The Holy Spirit filled that room and our tears flowed in unison. This set the pace for the rest of the visit and everywhere we visited, God showed up and blessed the children and all of us. by Yvonne Fields
La Tierra Prometida “The Promised Land”
•The James Fund donated enough money to B2B to purchase this property. •Initially, the boys from Manantial de Amor will live here until the new property across the road is finished. • Current thoughts are to then turn La Tierra Prometida into a transition home, taking in orphans from the various children’s homes before they enter into the Hope Program. With additional focus on studies, socialization, etc. this would position the children for greater success in the Hope Program. •For years The James Fund has supported Manantial de Amor by covering monthly operating costs. This allows Edgar, the Director, to spend more time with the children without having to work at another job.
The James Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Family Christian Stores to meet the needs of orphans and widows in the communities it serves and around the world. Family Christian Stores, through The James Fund, partners with their customers in a shared mission; reaching out to orphans and widows, showing them the love of our Heavenly Father. Through the Foundation, Family Christian Stores’ customers participate in various in-store promotions. The James Fund serves orphans and widows in four primary ways: • adoption assistance programs • hands-on orphan and widow care work • quality of life improvements for orphans and widows • encourage the Church to fulfill God’s commitments to orphans and widows