Outreach

We have been busy this week doing outreach in and around Monterrey. We've been doing outreach in downtown Monterrey as well as in some outlying barrios (slums). It's strange, but everytime we drive into a poor area, it's as if God quickens my heart (I can almost sense Him saying, this is why I've brought you here). It is so incredible. And He always shows up in amazing ways. A friend of ours down here often says, "God is full of surprises." He's definitely proven that to me this week.

We've also begun preparation for moving into our 6 week outreach phase beginning in January. After prayerful consideration, and a few attempts to convince God we should perhaps go somewhere different, we are headed to Thailand. The plan is to leave on January 4, 2005 for Thailand and return late February.

We are still working out the details of where we will be doing ministry, however it will likely involve a week or so in Bangkok and then heading out to various areas around the country. We are excited to be a part of this team and are looking forward to seeing how God is going to use us, as well as what He's going to do in our hearts. A friend of mine said to me, "Maybe this is the beginning of His call for you to go to Thailand." I can't say, but I do know that He has recently given me a greater burden for unreached people groups.

Lord, I pray that you would use me whenever, wherever and however you want. I also pray that I will be open to all three of those as you direct us.

Burrrr!

It's been cold here in Monterrey, MX this week! Now, I know those of you back home at MN reading this are thinking, how cold can it really be down there in Monterrey, MX. Well, it's in the 50s during the days and low to mid 40s at night. I know that's nothing compared to -10 in MN. However, there's a small difference...the houses in MN have heat and insulation! Here they are made out of block and stucco, and they don't have heaters (except space heaters). We have one, that means one room of our house is warm at a time. When we wake up in the morning and miss our sandals and put our feet down on the marble floor, it's a chilly 55 or so degrees. So for any of you back in MN who think the grass may be greener down here, as you snuggle up in your bed tonight in a 70 or so degree house, just be glad it isn't 10-15 degrees colder.

For Sale

It's not uncommon for proprietors to go door-to-door in Mexico selling their services and wares. This can be anything from food, snacks, knife sharpening, screens for windows/doors, sweet potatoes, brooms, mops, blankets and ice cream to car washing and street sweeping.

Street sweeping is something done about 3-4 times a week in Mexico as the dirt, dust, leaves and other garbage collect in front of the houses. Homeowners do this to make the front of their house (which usually is only about 4-5 feet from the street.

This morning we were visited by a young mother offering to sweep the street for us for whatever we felt it was worth paying as she needed to buy formula for her baby. We hired her and after about 5mn, she was done with the job. We payed her twice the going rate and asked if we could pray for her and her baby. While we were praying, Noah took off running down the hallway toward the back of the house. He came back about the time we were done praying and offered her a shiny new peso from his own personal money.

That same child with such a heart of compassion also struggled on several occassions today with being obedient to his earthly father. Aren't we just like that though? Sometimes, God puts someone in our path in such dire circumstances that the only natural human response is to give out of compassion. And yet moments earlier or an hour or two later we struggle with obedience.

Lord, thank you for being so faithful to us that we can be walking in your will one minute and straying from your path the next, yet your grace abounds and when we come to our senses, we're immediately drawn to you. Please keep turning our hearts to you by whatever means you choose.