Dec 12, 2006

Dear Friends,

            Each of us has many times received the message from Jesus “the harvest is great, but the laborers are few, pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers in to the harvest.”  We labor with you to fulfill the call of Jesus to follow Him into the harvest field.  We are thankful that you are with us as we venture forth in Mexico and want to update you during this time of celebration in Christ the work set before us.  Thank you for blessing many children and families with your prayers and gifts. 

            Following are the opportunities God has revealed past, present, and future (to mix a Christmas metaphor) and we share them with you as glory to our Lord.

v  The purchase of land for El Buen Pastor Christian School is completed.  Now we start the planning, funding, and construction phases of the school, with hopes to open the fall of 2007 – this is our primary focus – it’s a huge God project!

v  Continue to develop Christian relationships in the women’s and men’s Bible studies, music classes, sewing instruction and workshops.  Begin woodworking shop classes as economic opportunity and Christian outreach.

v  Start Christian focus English as a Second Language classes.

v  Begin working toward Celebrate Recovery, or AA and Alanon meetings at the church.  Drugs and alcohol snare a majority of the men in these border colonias.

v  Continue Christian community outreach through home construction and repair or improvement; distribution of food and clothing; and emergency assistance as needed. 

v  Build relationships with USA mission teams to help in the work being done here.

v  Develop evangelism journeys with the Jesus video and equipment to support existing churches and mission teams, or help start new communities in Christ.

v  Share the love of Christ in everyway possible, as often as possible, with as many as possible to the glory of God!

We are delighted to be hosting a mission team from Zion Lutheran and another from Lutheran Church of Hope as the year ends.  Please pray with us that many more teams will follow over the next year to continue the work God has set before us, the harvest is truly great!  The Iglesia del Buen Pastor is an exceptional opportunity to share the life changing power of Jesus with children and families living here in complete poverty.  Jesus taught in Mark 10:14 “Let the children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”  The warfare is very real with many lives daily at risk.  We thank you for the spiritual and material support that allows us to join with you in this battle as members in the one Body of Christ. 

Our prayer for each of you is that “the full riches and glory of Christ” will be visited upon you and your families during this beautiful season.  We will be traveling to Mesa del Nayar to celebrate Christmas with Padre Pascual and friends and we will share your generosity and love with them as glory to God.   

Our Many Blessings to all,

Tom and Collette