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Last weekend was significant for Ensenada and its community, but not for the reason many would assume. Yes, the much acclaimed and world renowned Baja 1000 Off Road race ran over the same time period and was followed by thousands. But the event we took part in was more low key, but of eternal significance.
In August we began working with two other faith communities to spend a weekend serving at a home for abused women and their children. Plans were made, preparations arranged and much prayer and anticipation preceded the arrival of over 40 people from the U.S., as well as some families from our Reflejo community here in Ensenada, who loved and served those who live at La Casa de Esperanza—the House of Hope.
During the two days of work a chicken coop was repaired, painted (fluorescent lime green!!) and equipped to provide a means of food and income to the Home. Also, a building that had partially burned was repaired and stuccoed, a new boy’s bathroom was tiled, vehicles and bikes repaired, a library arranged and organized, haircuts given, and close to 400 tamales made for a shared dinner. But even beyond the projects, as helpful as they were, the true ministry took place as we got to know the women, their families, their stories and those who serve there full time.
Our family participated alongside the others and was privileged to be a part of the time at Casa Esperanza. Some of the highlights for me were seeing our oldest cuddling babies in the nursery most of the morning and serving as a translator anytime someone wanted to communicate but couldn’t. She also made some friends with young people her age from the group and was sad to see them go. (She has already made them her friends on Facebook however!) Our youngest was the soccer girl. She jumped right in with the older boys from both sides of the border and held her own. David was given money by the group to buy bicycles for the kids and he and our friend Danny scoured the second hand shops and found nine fantastic bikes and presented them to the director. He also spent time talking with the women and the directors to determine more ways that we can serve on a long term basis. I served as a translator and was able to facilitate the building of relationships between the women from both sides of the border.
Please pray for these women who come from such tragic and broken backgrounds. Their greatest need is to know Jesus and receive His love and healing, and many of them already do. But they also need to have tools and training to begin a new life. Many of them are in school to finish their primary or secondary degrees. Others are studying a technical career. But more than that, they need to learn to be loving and caring parents, something most of them never experienced themselves.
27 November 2009
05 November 2009
Papers and "Paletas"
She sells newspapers at a busy intersection that we pass by as we drive the girls to school. At first we didn’t really notice her in the distraction of the morning rush. Then we would refer to her as the older woman who sells the papers. Then there was the tentative, but mutual recognition that comes from seeing a familiar face every day over a period of time.
As the weeks went by our passing acquaintance led us to smile, then to wave and finally I began to lower my window and greet the newspaper woman every day. She tells me that I bring her blessings each day for her sales. One day I noticed she had company at her appointed spot and she told me she had recruited her daughter to help sell papers too. She introduced me to her and also told me the day she celebrated her one year anniversary of selling newspapers.
Since I don’t buy the paper, some days as I drove away from our morning greetings, I would ask God if there was anything I could do for this sweet woman who always has a smile and a kind word despite the early hour or the harsh weather. God put in on my heart to invite them to a workshop I organized at our family crisis center (CAME) for needy women to learn a craft that they can sell to generate income. Maria Luisa López, a friend from Agua Viva days, designs and produces edible marshmallow figures on a stick (paletas) to sell as a way to generate additional income for her family. She shares my passion to see opportunities for women who are un- or under employed to have opportunities and tools to begin their own businesses and support their families.
Yesterday we had six women in our first workshop and among them were the “newspaper women”, where we learned their names are Salomé and her daughter, Yeimy. They along with the other four made their two marshmallow creations and left the Center with a new skill and a new and exciting vision.
This morning when we drove by their spot, we greeted our friends (and future businesswomen), and Salomé gave us some great news: “I sold my first paleta!”
Thank you for supporting us with your gifts and your prayers so that we can support others. It is an incredible privilege to love and serve God and our neighbors in this city.
07 September 2009
A Time for Everything
This is a tale of two women. I did not know either one of them very well, and they did not know one another. One was 86 years old and the other 50-something. One was my next door neighbor and the other the neighbor of a friend of a friend. One I saw a handful of times when she would venture out to water her garden. The other I had only met once.
Last Monday however, both of these women came to the forefront of my reality. For Francisca, my neighbor, it was because she silently exited this world; and for the other woman, Blanca, it was because she quietly re-entered it.
That memorable morning the unexpected arrival of an ambulance with flashing lights, but no siren, prompted me to expect the worst. A paramedic shaking her head, family members speeding to the scene, and then the hearse confirmed my suspicions--Francisca had died in her sleep. A quick word of consolation to the family members, an offer of help if they needed anything. The arrival of more family, an invitation to the funeral and wake. My neighbor was gone, just like that.
But the day went on: friends over for lunch, helping the daughters with homework, a neighbor coming to use the phone-hers was cut off, a mom coming to get a copy of the day's homework and then another unexpected occurence.
The sister of a good friend calling for me. She had never called me before. Several questions in quick succession: "Do you know Blanca C.?" I did only because several months ago someone told me she was in a coma since January and had asked me to be praying for her. "They told me you went to pray for her." I did go in March, one time, when God put it on my heart and my daughters and I had been praying every day since. "I called to tell you something--Blanca is awake and talking. I have just spent the whole day with her." Again, just like that, but this time Blanca had awakened from her coma induced slumber.
Wow!! Unbelievable!! In the same day, one woman goes to sleep and passes from this life to the next one, while another woman, living in another dimension for nine months, literally comes back to life. What a mixture of joy and sadness. Only God knows why He picked the same day to juxtapose these two very distinct but related realities.
Last Monday however, both of these women came to the forefront of my reality. For Francisca, my neighbor, it was because she silently exited this world; and for the other woman, Blanca, it was because she quietly re-entered it.
That memorable morning the unexpected arrival of an ambulance with flashing lights, but no siren, prompted me to expect the worst. A paramedic shaking her head, family members speeding to the scene, and then the hearse confirmed my suspicions--Francisca had died in her sleep. A quick word of consolation to the family members, an offer of help if they needed anything. The arrival of more family, an invitation to the funeral and wake. My neighbor was gone, just like that.
But the day went on: friends over for lunch, helping the daughters with homework, a neighbor coming to use the phone-hers was cut off, a mom coming to get a copy of the day's homework and then another unexpected occurence.
The sister of a good friend calling for me. She had never called me before. Several questions in quick succession: "Do you know Blanca C.?" I did only because several months ago someone told me she was in a coma since January and had asked me to be praying for her. "They told me you went to pray for her." I did go in March, one time, when God put it on my heart and my daughters and I had been praying every day since. "I called to tell you something--Blanca is awake and talking. I have just spent the whole day with her." Again, just like that, but this time Blanca had awakened from her coma induced slumber.
Wow!! Unbelievable!! In the same day, one woman goes to sleep and passes from this life to the next one, while another woman, living in another dimension for nine months, literally comes back to life. What a mixture of joy and sadness. Only God knows why He picked the same day to juxtapose these two very distinct but related realities.
The words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes seem appropriate for such a day as this:
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--
A time to give birth, and a time to die;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to be silent, and a time to speak..."
May I live the time that is appointed for this day....
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--
A time to give birth, and a time to die;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to be silent, and a time to speak..."
May I live the time that is appointed for this day....
23 August 2009
A Small House with a Huge Purpose
After being in Bakersfield we were able to spend a night with another family that have been faithful friends and supporters for over 20 years ever since we were all single and their church would come down and serve with us at Rancho Agua Viva.Now they live in Orange County and have a very innovative and quality remodeling business called Black Diamond Builders. http://www.blackdiamondbuilders.com/
This year for the first time they built a home to be donated to an organization that benefits the homeless. http://www.projectplayhouse.org/ Not only that, along with the architect, the interior designer and the rest of the team, they built a house that honors those who were devastated by the tsunami in Sri Lanka just a few years ago. So this is a small house in size, but a huge house in purpose.
So here are J. Steele and David in front of this work of art and labor of love. And any of you who can get to the Irvine Spectrum in Orange County before September 12 can see this playhouse, along with the other eight creations Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 6 pm.
Here's to good friends, and good home and Kingdom builders!!
Thanks J. and Cheri
21 August 2009
Good Food and Good Friends
In our busy lives it seems like there is never enough time to connect with all the people who are important to us. A little pocket of time and a few hours of driving allowed us the gift of visiting with friends who are also faithful supporters and very significant parts of our lives and ministry. In being together we had the opportunity to give them an update about what God is teaching us and doing in our lives and the work here, as well as share in some of the trials, challenges and victories these friends are experiencing as well.
We have known Steve and Linda Boyle and Doug and Dena Carter for the past seven years. God brought them into our lives and they have been the conduits through which individuals and families from both sides of the border (and literally around the world) have become united in faith, friendship and fellowship. In addition they have become like family as we have shared life, ministry and lots of time together.
So here we are after a delicious dinner at a favorite Bakersfield eatery enjoying the gift of good food and good friends and looking forward to the next time we can all be together.
08 August 2009
Gym Encounters
For as long as I've known David (that is for over 20 years now!) he has loved to run and to go to the gym. Every morning he gets up around 5 a.m. and is at the gym by 6. Besides the satisfaction of the physical discipline and the health benefits, in the last year there has been an added bonus to this daily routine--he has developed some significant relationships with a few guys there.
Now besides seeing each other early each morning, several of them have gone out to breakfast various times where they have been able to touch on deeper topics that involve their jobs, their families, their worries and concerns and also spiritual themes. One man especially at these meals always asks David to share something. This week it was his illustration of the "tres circulos", (three circles, as he refers to it), that creatively illustrates our three-part reality as human beings--body, soul and spirit.
In response to David's words, this man assured him that he has been contemplating this very reality lately, especially after a freak bicycle accident resulted in hospitalization and emergency surgery, and one of his close friends and business associates was murdered recently in Tijuana. One never knows when the seeds we sow will fall on fertile soil.
Please pray for David and for these teachable moments and softened hearts at the local gym.
15 July 2009
Women's Retreat Life Changing
During the weekend of July 9-11 women from Bakersfield and Ensenada (along with two from Chula Vista and one from Tijuana) met once again for the annual B&B Retreat. This time the talks were titled the "Spirit of Fear" and "Faith the Antidote to Fear" taken from 2 Timothy 1:7.
We learned that most of the emotions we struggle with like worry, concern, doubt and the like, come directly from the spirit of fear and that does not come from God. We also learned that faith comes from God, we can ask for more of it and just a little bit of it can move mountains.
As we met in small groups the last evening, we shared where fear most manifests itself in each of our lives and prayed for one another. There were some powerful breakthroughs as we began to identify the root of fear in areas of our lives and realized that God can help us to overcome them and be free.
We are already looking forward to our next retreat February 2010 in Ensenada!
30 June 2009
Service Project is a Dream come True
As we reflected on the completion of our project after 14 hours of work, we were amazed on all that was accomplished, on the wonderful group of friends that had come alongside us to share the load, and on the realization that this was truly a dream come true.
The name CAME is likely familiar to most of you. It is the initials for the family crisis center where we volunteer doing counseling and helping with the fund raising. It means Center for the Support of Ensenada Women, but truly everyone, men, women, children and teenagers, receive help for their problems and needs there.
Giving the Center a face lift through cleaning, painting, pulling weeds and planting flowers, was definitely part of the satisfaction we felt. But it was the community that came alongside that caused us to reflect on everything God has been doing to answer our prayers and accomplish His purposes.
One of the desires that we shared as we began working with leaders in the Ensenada community years ago was that as they give their lives to follow Jesus, He would give them a heart for the things that touch the heart of God—namely the poor and needy--and that they would commit to investing their time, talents and resources to loving those neighbors. We saw this in action that day.
Another joy was to see the body of Christ join together to serve in a practical way in His name. Whole families worked together side by side. The ages of the volunteers spanned from seven to 72! Representatives from seven Reflejo families were present and two even came from north of the border. One of Karen’s patients at the center took her grandkids and worked alongside the rest of us all day as well.
The same group of people met together the following day in a local picnic spot for our monthly gathering with Reflejo for a time of fellowship and fun as families. One family came for the first time. We are so grateful to God for our family here.
photos by Daniel Meza
27 May 2009
Defeating the Spirit of Fear
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and
of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For a young mom it is a shocking realization that in spite of the overwhelming love she feels for her child she has repeated the pattern of abuse she herself suffered. This verse has become a source of hope and comfort as we share with her and her husband in counseling and study of God’s Word.
A young, professional woman struggles with depression and anxiety, yet she is trusting God for her healing and has experienced significant improvement. She and her husband are currently stepping out in faith in the areas of their careers and ministry. However, meeting with an “expert” last week, our friend received advice filled with fear and pessimism that threatened to pull her back into the hole she has been climbing out of. As we met with them and reflected on this verse, she recognized that what she knows now in her heart to be true defies any professional wisdom that ignores the reality of faith in God and His plan for their lives.
Another friend, married for 14 years, has come to realize there are major problems in her marriage. Through meditating on this verse together in a counseling session, she is taking courageous steps to overcome the fear of making decisions to provoke change while at the same time trusting God to rescue and restore her family.
We are aware that right now fear permeates much of people’s thought processes, decision making, and attitudes. Especially given the current political and social climate and events occurring both here and around the world, people are in a word—scared. Even followers of Jesus Christ (including the friends mentioned above) are not always aware when we allow fear to dictate what we think and feel and how we react. Incidents of violence, we run and hide. Talk of a flu virus; we lock ourselves in our homes, put on surgical masks, close schools, businesses and even churches. Economic problems, we panic and worry about if we’ll have enough. What do all these reactions have in common? They isolate us, tempt us to depend on our own wisdom and efforts to ride out the storm, and cause us look inward instead of outward.
As a family and as a community we are taking steps to reject the spirit of fear and step out in the spirit of power, love and of a sound mind that are ours in Christ. We are seeking to help those in financial need, praying together for the safety and healing of our city and our land, taking on community projects that have been sidelined as those who have historically helped are staying home; and speaking boldly about the truth that can set us free in any and every circumstance.
We are excited and optimistic about the opportunities that are opening up precisely because of these more challenging times. More and more people are considering their need for God and we want to be available and prepared to help meet needs and share the hope we have in Jesus. Please continue to pray for us and thank you for partnering with us in this spirit of power and love.
of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For a young mom it is a shocking realization that in spite of the overwhelming love she feels for her child she has repeated the pattern of abuse she herself suffered. This verse has become a source of hope and comfort as we share with her and her husband in counseling and study of God’s Word.
A young, professional woman struggles with depression and anxiety, yet she is trusting God for her healing and has experienced significant improvement. She and her husband are currently stepping out in faith in the areas of their careers and ministry. However, meeting with an “expert” last week, our friend received advice filled with fear and pessimism that threatened to pull her back into the hole she has been climbing out of. As we met with them and reflected on this verse, she recognized that what she knows now in her heart to be true defies any professional wisdom that ignores the reality of faith in God and His plan for their lives.
Another friend, married for 14 years, has come to realize there are major problems in her marriage. Through meditating on this verse together in a counseling session, she is taking courageous steps to overcome the fear of making decisions to provoke change while at the same time trusting God to rescue and restore her family.
We are aware that right now fear permeates much of people’s thought processes, decision making, and attitudes. Especially given the current political and social climate and events occurring both here and around the world, people are in a word—scared. Even followers of Jesus Christ (including the friends mentioned above) are not always aware when we allow fear to dictate what we think and feel and how we react. Incidents of violence, we run and hide. Talk of a flu virus; we lock ourselves in our homes, put on surgical masks, close schools, businesses and even churches. Economic problems, we panic and worry about if we’ll have enough. What do all these reactions have in common? They isolate us, tempt us to depend on our own wisdom and efforts to ride out the storm, and cause us look inward instead of outward.
As a family and as a community we are taking steps to reject the spirit of fear and step out in the spirit of power, love and of a sound mind that are ours in Christ. We are seeking to help those in financial need, praying together for the safety and healing of our city and our land, taking on community projects that have been sidelined as those who have historically helped are staying home; and speaking boldly about the truth that can set us free in any and every circumstance.
We are excited and optimistic about the opportunities that are opening up precisely because of these more challenging times. More and more people are considering their need for God and we want to be available and prepared to help meet needs and share the hope we have in Jesus. Please continue to pray for us and thank you for partnering with us in this spirit of power and love.
20 May 2009
Remembering Samuel Garcia
After a prolonged battle with diabetes and a brief battle with cancer, David's brother, Samuel (53), passed away and joined their parents in heaven this past April 28. Tonight another of the brothers sent a tribute video of Samuel that he posted on youtube. If you would like to see it, you can access it with the title My Brother Samuelson
The photos in the tribute were taken March 21 of this year during a family reunion of the Garcia family in Los Angeles. Until then we had no idea how ill Samuel was. We were able to visit him two more times and then one short month later he was gone.
We thank God for Samuel's life, for his family and for the legacy he leaves behind...and especially because one day we will see him again.
30 March 2009
Is it Safe to Go to (or live in) Mexico?
Given the very negative publicity Mexico has received in the major news media since last year, the recent alert by the state department, and the concern that has created, we would like to share two perspectives with you that address very well what the reality is in our city and state. Both of the authors are not residents or citizens of Mexico, but they are frequent visitors and people who have guided groups down over many years. Both have been in Ensenada, and one in Tijuana as well, several times over the past few months. So their observations and assessments are not just historical, but likewise current. We are in complete agreement with their conclusions as well as the calls each make to consider the spiritual implications of our reactions given the real threat of violence, but also the sensationalized coverage that serves to stir up fear.
The first is by the Director of Risk Management from Westmont College and because of the length of the report I will only include the link so anyone who is interested can search it out for themself:
http://www.westmont.edu/_offices/risk/TijuanaTurmoil.html
The second one we recently sent out as a way to respond to some of the inquiries and concern expressed by friends, family and partners. I will paste it onto this post so that you can read it in its entirety.
We covet your prayers for Ensenada and all of Mexico. There are definitely problems, and serious ones at that. Please pray that God will not only eradicate the problems, but that He would use them to stir up His children to action and cause those who don't know Him to look to Him for their security and peace.
Dear Partners and Friends,
We recently received the following from a friend who was a co-worker with us in Agua Viva, and who has continued to partner with us in ministry projects throughout the years. Even though they currently live in San Diego, as a family they frequently come to Mexico (Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada) and maintain a home here. They received these thoughts from another friend who also ministers in Tijuana and has for many years. It is thoughtful as well as accurate to what our experience has been as well here in Mexico.
"First off, I totally agree with the truth 60 minutes presents that we, the U.S., share a big responsibility in helping solve this problem. The sobering truth is that U.S. demand for illegal drugs is the root cause of all this. That, combined with the flow of money and arms to Mexico from the U.S. makes us, as a country, responsible as much as Mexican authorities in solving this problem. 60 minutes seemed to nail this truth well.
At ground level though, and perhaps of more immediate need to define reality among ourselves and those we lead into Mexico, it's important to embrace a few critical truths.
1. The violence is horrific, no doubt, but it is largely limited to drug cartels and authorities.
2. Last year there were fewer murders per capita in Tijuana than in Gary Indiana, Cleveland Ohio, and WAY less (about 1/5) than New Orleans. While the violence is gruesome and heavily-documented by the media, the truth is that Tijuana (and the surrounding area) isn't the war-zone the media makes it out to be.
3. In the midst of this drug violence, Americans are not targeted. That doesn't mean bad stuff can't happen, but then, bad stuff can happen anywhere, including in the U.S.
4. The areas we currently serve in aren't hotspots for drug cartel activity or violence. Compared to Ciudad Juarez (quite a distance east), Tijuana and Ensenada are much safer. I understand some do serve in Juarez. Violence and corruption are worse there, no doubt.
On a bigger picture level though, I feel it's important to acknowledge that I feel our efforts in Mexico are God-led. I try not to be a reckless, careless, Pinto-driving, danger-seeking missionary. But there's an even bigger truth I feel we need to embrace.
Take a couple more minutes and read through this passage. It is stellar.
Romans 8:28-39
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God is at work in Mexico, and a few of us desperately desire to join His invitation to partner with Him in that. And while God doesn't promise immunity from violence or bad stuff, like Romans 8:31 says: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' "
The first is by the Director of Risk Management from Westmont College and because of the length of the report I will only include the link so anyone who is interested can search it out for themself:
http://www.westmont.edu/_offices/risk/TijuanaTurmoil.html
The second one we recently sent out as a way to respond to some of the inquiries and concern expressed by friends, family and partners. I will paste it onto this post so that you can read it in its entirety.
We covet your prayers for Ensenada and all of Mexico. There are definitely problems, and serious ones at that. Please pray that God will not only eradicate the problems, but that He would use them to stir up His children to action and cause those who don't know Him to look to Him for their security and peace.
Dear Partners and Friends,
We recently received the following from a friend who was a co-worker with us in Agua Viva, and who has continued to partner with us in ministry projects throughout the years. Even though they currently live in San Diego, as a family they frequently come to Mexico (Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada) and maintain a home here. They received these thoughts from another friend who also ministers in Tijuana and has for many years. It is thoughtful as well as accurate to what our experience has been as well here in Mexico.
"First off, I totally agree with the truth 60 minutes presents that we, the U.S., share a big responsibility in helping solve this problem. The sobering truth is that U.S. demand for illegal drugs is the root cause of all this. That, combined with the flow of money and arms to Mexico from the U.S. makes us, as a country, responsible as much as Mexican authorities in solving this problem. 60 minutes seemed to nail this truth well.
At ground level though, and perhaps of more immediate need to define reality among ourselves and those we lead into Mexico, it's important to embrace a few critical truths.
1. The violence is horrific, no doubt, but it is largely limited to drug cartels and authorities.
2. Last year there were fewer murders per capita in Tijuana than in Gary Indiana, Cleveland Ohio, and WAY less (about 1/5) than New Orleans. While the violence is gruesome and heavily-documented by the media, the truth is that Tijuana (and the surrounding area) isn't the war-zone the media makes it out to be.
3. In the midst of this drug violence, Americans are not targeted. That doesn't mean bad stuff can't happen, but then, bad stuff can happen anywhere, including in the U.S.
4. The areas we currently serve in aren't hotspots for drug cartel activity or violence. Compared to Ciudad Juarez (quite a distance east), Tijuana and Ensenada are much safer. I understand some do serve in Juarez. Violence and corruption are worse there, no doubt.
On a bigger picture level though, I feel it's important to acknowledge that I feel our efforts in Mexico are God-led. I try not to be a reckless, careless, Pinto-driving, danger-seeking missionary. But there's an even bigger truth I feel we need to embrace.
Take a couple more minutes and read through this passage. It is stellar.
Romans 8:28-39
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God is at work in Mexico, and a few of us desperately desire to join His invitation to partner with Him in that. And while God doesn't promise immunity from violence or bad stuff, like Romans 8:31 says: 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' "
28 March 2009
Believing is Seeing!
Jesus instructs us in Matthew 7:7 to "ask and it will be given to you." I think for most of us we think that is a good idea, and we wish it would work, but we're either afraid that it won't work or we really don't believe it could be true.
Over the past several months our ministry partners have been asking God for a dependable, used car. They asked us to join them in asking. And along the way, we posted it as one of the "opportunities" on this blog as a way of inviting you to "ask" for them too.
Well, God matched us and upped us one in the process! Our friends had a limited amount to spend--if they sold their current vehicle. Ideally they wanted a Toyota. Realistically they thought it would have to be an older model (1993 or so) given their budget. The night before the customer for the old car was scheduled to pick it up, some partners in Bakersfield informed us they had a vehicle available, and they would accept the amount our friends had to offer--a 2003 Toyota Camry!!
The car is now here in Ensenada, and yet our friends are still saying: "I can't believe it!" I would say that as you look at their smiling faces by their new car that "seeing is believing." But I think what God wants to remind us is with Him, "believing is seeing!"
24 February 2009
Principles for Helpers
This article was written by Bob Lupton and was passed on to us by a friend, who got it from a friend who got it from a friend. The friend of our friend was one of the men who came down to visit us and our faith community recently and was part of the divine networking that God orchestrated among us.
This article is a little long, but it's worth the time, especially for those who are interested in truly helping the poor.
Principles for Helpers
Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.), the father of modern medicine, recognized the power of the healing profession to effect great good as well as its potential to do much harm. The oath that he instituted, a pledge taken by doctors to this day, established ethical standards for physician conduct which included: patient confidentiality, referral for specialized treatment, sharing of medical knowledge, and valuing prevention above cure. The Hippocratic Oath requires that physicians be personal and caring, put the interests of patients first in medical decisions, strive always to preserve life and never play God by taking life. And above all, do no harm.
For centuries the Hippocratic Oath has served well the medical profession and countless millions of patients. It has guided physicians toward astounding medical breakthroughs as well as constrained them from endangering patient welfare by risking questionable treatments. Perhaps a similar type of code would be useful to those who wish to serve the poor. We know that helping can certainly be for better or worse. Even as a misdiagnosed ailment will lead to improper (even harmful) treatment, so wrongly given assistance may well prolong or even worsen the plight of the needy. Good intentions and kindhearted spirits, while commendable, are insufficient guarantees of positive outcomes. Unexamined service that risks leaving the served worse off than if they had been left alone is irresponsible if not unethical. Guiding principles are needed.
The following is an attempt to articulate a few such fundamentals to guide would-be helpers toward effective care-giving. These guidelines are drawn from the collective wisdom and experience of veteran servants who have spent good portions of their lives living and serving among the less-fortunate in a variety of cultures. The list is hardly exhaustive, and each item requires far more unpacking than this writing permits. Just as the Hippocratic Oath has for centuries provoked vigorous and sometimes heated debate among physicians and has required repeated modification to remain contemporary, even so should these "Principles for Helpers" stimulate healthy discussion and adaptation appropriate for the particular setting.
1. Is the need crisis or chronic?--Triage may be the appropriate intervention in an emergency situation but it is hardly the strategy for a continuing need. The victims of a devastating tsunami need immediate medical, shelter, essential supplies and hoards of volunteers. Over time, however, survivors need expert consultation, a practical plan and a combination of grants and loans to help them rebuild their destroyed community. A similar distinction should be applied to those who utilize our food pantries and clothes closets as well as to those we serve on our mission trips. If their situation is a matter of life or death, then immediate action must be taken to "stop the bleeding"; otherwise a plan for helping them rebuild their lives is more appropriate. Just as a physician, before prescribing treatment, performs a diagnostic "physical" to determine the severity of an ailment, so must helpers take the time to discriminate between imminent life-threatening situations and chronic poverty needs. (Note: what may seem at first like a crisis to helpers may in fact be a chronic reality for the poor.)
2. Investing is better than lending--Making money with the poor is the ultimate method of sharing resources (including expertise, connections, energy). It empowers them economically and strengthens their hand through authentic partnerships. Investing implies an ownership stake. While a loan places the responsibility for repayment primarily upon the borrower, investing in a venture requires a higher level of involvement, more due diligence, more personal commitment, and perhaps greater risk. An investor has an expectation of higher potential returns than a lender. To invest well with those with limited access to capital, whether in a welfare mom's dream of a catering business or in a well project with peasant villagers, good investment requires a sound business plan, reasoned risk/reward ratio, adequate controls and accountability. The investor has a stake in the sustainability and profitability of the venture.
3. Lending is better than giving--While giving may seem like the kind and Christian thing to do, it often ends up undermining the very relationship a helper is attempting to build. Any one who has served among the poor for any length of time will recognize the following progressions:
*give once and you elicit appreciation
*give twice and you create anticipation
*give three times and you create expectation
*give four times and it becomes entitlement
*give five times and you establish dependency
Lending, on the other hand, establishes a mutually beneficial relationship characterized by responsibility, accountability, and respect. It is legitimate exchange that requires the lender to be responsible for assessing the risk while leaving the dignity of the borrower intact. Lending, done well, builds mutual trust and respect.
4. Exchange is better than giving--One-way charity erodes human dignity. It subtly implies that the recipient has nothing of value the giver desires in return. No one wants to be pitied as a charity case. Thus, a thrift store affords more dignity than a free clothes closet, and a food co-op more than a free food pantry. To the extent the poor are enabled to participate in (preferably have ownership in)the systems intended to serve them, to that extent their self-worth is enhanced. The fair exchange of labor for goods and services is an honorable and responsible practice (though admittedly not as easy as give-away programs.)
5. Never do for others what they can do for themselves--The goal of helping is empowerment. Personal responsibility is essential for social, emotional and spiritual well being. To do for others what they have the capacity to do for themselves is to dis-empower them. Welfare, as many failed government programs have demonstrated, promotes dependency and a sense of entitlement. The outcome is no different when religious or charitable organizations provide it. The struggle for self-sufficiency is, like the butterfly struggling to emerge from its cocoon, an essential strength-building process that should not be short-circuited by "compassionate" intervention. The effective helper can be a cheerleader, an encourager, a coach, a connector, but never a caretaker who assumes responsibility that the "helpee" is capable of shouldering.
6. Sustainability is a litmus test--When our service project is over and we return home, are those we have served empowered to sustain what we have started? If these initiatives require our on-going funding, staffing, and volunteer participation to keep them going, they are more likely dependency-producing rather than empowering. Thus, building a home or digging a well for people who do not have the training and/or resources to maintain these assets does not empower them. It may feel very good for the moment and relieve an immediate need but it does not develop capacity. The defining question is: how can we serve so as to enable the poor to become self-sustaining?
7. Consider unintended consequences--Every change has consequences. Church growth may cause traffic congestion; screw-top wine bottles put cork producers out of work; successful sheep breeding may lead to overgrazing. While we cannot foresee all the potential consequences of our service, we should at least make some attempt to predict their impact. Are we luring indigenous ministers away from their pastoral duties to become our tour guides and schedule coordinators for our mission trips? Are we diminishing the entrepreneurial spirit in a culture by offering our free services, gifts and grants? Are we supporting irresponsible lifestyles by indiscriminate giving from our clothes closets and food pantries? Before we embark on a mission venture we should conduct an "impact study" to consider how our good deeds might have consequences we never intended. As Hippocrates admonished: above all do no harm.
8. Listen to what is not being said--A good physician learns to listen to what his patient is not saying. Perhaps out of embarrassment or fear, a patient may not disclose important data needed to correctly treat a condition. The doctor must look for clues, piece together fragments of information, use his diagnostic tools and intuition to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The poor we serve may be quite reluctant to reveal "the whole story" to would-be helpers for a host of reasons--fear of judgment, fear of losing support, not wanting to appear unappreciative, intimidation. It would be very difficult, for instance, for a pastor in a poor Guatemalan village to tell a supporting church in the States that it would be a far better use of their money to him create jobs for the men in his village than to spend it on plane fare to send 30 unskilled volunteers to come and do construction work for them. Likewise, a single mother trying to clothe her children may be hesitant to tell the clothes closet volunteers that their hours of operation make it difficult for working parents to shop there. Like good physicians, effective helpers must learn to observe, ask questions, use their intuition, and hear what is not being said.
AN OATH FOR HELPERS
The effectiveness of our efforts to empower the poor could be significantly enhanced if, prior to launch, would-be helpers would take the following pledge:
1. I will never do for others what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves.
2. I will limit my one-way giving to emergency situations and seek always to find ways and means for legitimate exchange.
3. I will seek ways to empower the poor through hiring, lending and investing and use grants sparingly as incentives that reinforce achievements
4. I will put the interests of the poor above my own (or organizational) self-interest even when it may be costly.
5. I will take time to listen and carefully assess both expressed and unspoken needs so that my actions will ultimately strengthen rather than weaken the hand of those I would serve.
6. Above all, to the best of my ability, I will do no harm.
This article is a little long, but it's worth the time, especially for those who are interested in truly helping the poor.
Principles for Helpers
Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.), the father of modern medicine, recognized the power of the healing profession to effect great good as well as its potential to do much harm. The oath that he instituted, a pledge taken by doctors to this day, established ethical standards for physician conduct which included: patient confidentiality, referral for specialized treatment, sharing of medical knowledge, and valuing prevention above cure. The Hippocratic Oath requires that physicians be personal and caring, put the interests of patients first in medical decisions, strive always to preserve life and never play God by taking life. And above all, do no harm.
For centuries the Hippocratic Oath has served well the medical profession and countless millions of patients. It has guided physicians toward astounding medical breakthroughs as well as constrained them from endangering patient welfare by risking questionable treatments. Perhaps a similar type of code would be useful to those who wish to serve the poor. We know that helping can certainly be for better or worse. Even as a misdiagnosed ailment will lead to improper (even harmful) treatment, so wrongly given assistance may well prolong or even worsen the plight of the needy. Good intentions and kindhearted spirits, while commendable, are insufficient guarantees of positive outcomes. Unexamined service that risks leaving the served worse off than if they had been left alone is irresponsible if not unethical. Guiding principles are needed.
The following is an attempt to articulate a few such fundamentals to guide would-be helpers toward effective care-giving. These guidelines are drawn from the collective wisdom and experience of veteran servants who have spent good portions of their lives living and serving among the less-fortunate in a variety of cultures. The list is hardly exhaustive, and each item requires far more unpacking than this writing permits. Just as the Hippocratic Oath has for centuries provoked vigorous and sometimes heated debate among physicians and has required repeated modification to remain contemporary, even so should these "Principles for Helpers" stimulate healthy discussion and adaptation appropriate for the particular setting.
1. Is the need crisis or chronic?--Triage may be the appropriate intervention in an emergency situation but it is hardly the strategy for a continuing need. The victims of a devastating tsunami need immediate medical, shelter, essential supplies and hoards of volunteers. Over time, however, survivors need expert consultation, a practical plan and a combination of grants and loans to help them rebuild their destroyed community. A similar distinction should be applied to those who utilize our food pantries and clothes closets as well as to those we serve on our mission trips. If their situation is a matter of life or death, then immediate action must be taken to "stop the bleeding"; otherwise a plan for helping them rebuild their lives is more appropriate. Just as a physician, before prescribing treatment, performs a diagnostic "physical" to determine the severity of an ailment, so must helpers take the time to discriminate between imminent life-threatening situations and chronic poverty needs. (Note: what may seem at first like a crisis to helpers may in fact be a chronic reality for the poor.)
2. Investing is better than lending--Making money with the poor is the ultimate method of sharing resources (including expertise, connections, energy). It empowers them economically and strengthens their hand through authentic partnerships. Investing implies an ownership stake. While a loan places the responsibility for repayment primarily upon the borrower, investing in a venture requires a higher level of involvement, more due diligence, more personal commitment, and perhaps greater risk. An investor has an expectation of higher potential returns than a lender. To invest well with those with limited access to capital, whether in a welfare mom's dream of a catering business or in a well project with peasant villagers, good investment requires a sound business plan, reasoned risk/reward ratio, adequate controls and accountability. The investor has a stake in the sustainability and profitability of the venture.
3. Lending is better than giving--While giving may seem like the kind and Christian thing to do, it often ends up undermining the very relationship a helper is attempting to build. Any one who has served among the poor for any length of time will recognize the following progressions:
*give once and you elicit appreciation
*give twice and you create anticipation
*give three times and you create expectation
*give four times and it becomes entitlement
*give five times and you establish dependency
Lending, on the other hand, establishes a mutually beneficial relationship characterized by responsibility, accountability, and respect. It is legitimate exchange that requires the lender to be responsible for assessing the risk while leaving the dignity of the borrower intact. Lending, done well, builds mutual trust and respect.
4. Exchange is better than giving--One-way charity erodes human dignity. It subtly implies that the recipient has nothing of value the giver desires in return. No one wants to be pitied as a charity case. Thus, a thrift store affords more dignity than a free clothes closet, and a food co-op more than a free food pantry. To the extent the poor are enabled to participate in (preferably have ownership in)the systems intended to serve them, to that extent their self-worth is enhanced. The fair exchange of labor for goods and services is an honorable and responsible practice (though admittedly not as easy as give-away programs.)
5. Never do for others what they can do for themselves--The goal of helping is empowerment. Personal responsibility is essential for social, emotional and spiritual well being. To do for others what they have the capacity to do for themselves is to dis-empower them. Welfare, as many failed government programs have demonstrated, promotes dependency and a sense of entitlement. The outcome is no different when religious or charitable organizations provide it. The struggle for self-sufficiency is, like the butterfly struggling to emerge from its cocoon, an essential strength-building process that should not be short-circuited by "compassionate" intervention. The effective helper can be a cheerleader, an encourager, a coach, a connector, but never a caretaker who assumes responsibility that the "helpee" is capable of shouldering.
6. Sustainability is a litmus test--When our service project is over and we return home, are those we have served empowered to sustain what we have started? If these initiatives require our on-going funding, staffing, and volunteer participation to keep them going, they are more likely dependency-producing rather than empowering. Thus, building a home or digging a well for people who do not have the training and/or resources to maintain these assets does not empower them. It may feel very good for the moment and relieve an immediate need but it does not develop capacity. The defining question is: how can we serve so as to enable the poor to become self-sustaining?
7. Consider unintended consequences--Every change has consequences. Church growth may cause traffic congestion; screw-top wine bottles put cork producers out of work; successful sheep breeding may lead to overgrazing. While we cannot foresee all the potential consequences of our service, we should at least make some attempt to predict their impact. Are we luring indigenous ministers away from their pastoral duties to become our tour guides and schedule coordinators for our mission trips? Are we diminishing the entrepreneurial spirit in a culture by offering our free services, gifts and grants? Are we supporting irresponsible lifestyles by indiscriminate giving from our clothes closets and food pantries? Before we embark on a mission venture we should conduct an "impact study" to consider how our good deeds might have consequences we never intended. As Hippocrates admonished: above all do no harm.
8. Listen to what is not being said--A good physician learns to listen to what his patient is not saying. Perhaps out of embarrassment or fear, a patient may not disclose important data needed to correctly treat a condition. The doctor must look for clues, piece together fragments of information, use his diagnostic tools and intuition to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The poor we serve may be quite reluctant to reveal "the whole story" to would-be helpers for a host of reasons--fear of judgment, fear of losing support, not wanting to appear unappreciative, intimidation. It would be very difficult, for instance, for a pastor in a poor Guatemalan village to tell a supporting church in the States that it would be a far better use of their money to him create jobs for the men in his village than to spend it on plane fare to send 30 unskilled volunteers to come and do construction work for them. Likewise, a single mother trying to clothe her children may be hesitant to tell the clothes closet volunteers that their hours of operation make it difficult for working parents to shop there. Like good physicians, effective helpers must learn to observe, ask questions, use their intuition, and hear what is not being said.
AN OATH FOR HELPERS
The effectiveness of our efforts to empower the poor could be significantly enhanced if, prior to launch, would-be helpers would take the following pledge:
1. I will never do for others what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves.
2. I will limit my one-way giving to emergency situations and seek always to find ways and means for legitimate exchange.
3. I will seek ways to empower the poor through hiring, lending and investing and use grants sparingly as incentives that reinforce achievements
4. I will put the interests of the poor above my own (or organizational) self-interest even when it may be costly.
5. I will take time to listen and carefully assess both expressed and unspoken needs so that my actions will ultimately strengthen rather than weaken the hand of those I would serve.
6. Above all, to the best of my ability, I will do no harm.
14 February 2009
God's Networking
Together with our ministry partners we have been praying for God’s direction regarding how to more effectively offer help and healing to the needy in our city and beyond. During the first few weeks of this year there have been some great connections both with others who serve here and with like-minded friends from the U.S.
A group of seven came recently and spent a day with us considering some options for serving in Ensenada. Two of the guys are long time friends from our Agua Viva days who are part of our Reflejo community and attend Mount Hermon with us. They were shown a project that touched their hearts and they shared it with friends, who shared it with friends who decided to accompany them on a recognisance trip.
God did some incredible networking that day and we all marveled at how He is moving to accomplish His purposes here and in the world. Following this post we will add an article that we were sent from 0ne of the guys on the trip. It is one of the best pieces we have ever read about helping the needy.
At this point there are plans to start coordinating efforts between these state side friends and some Reflejo friends and their church to provide food, friendship and encouragement to a Women's Shelter south of Ensenada called Casa Esperanza.
The most exciting part about all of this is that Jesus told us that the world will know that we are His disciples if we have love for one another. This endeavor is the result of being united in our love for Jesus and the desire to love our neighbor. Our prayer is that in the process others will come to know this Jesus we seek to follow. Please pray with us for that.
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