Archive Updates

Spring/Summer 2023

Border Opportunity

What if the Lord, whom we know is returning soon, placed all these nations at our border to tell them about Him? Our HOPE needs to be in Him and not a place.

Many of you know of the situation at the border. 52 Countries have been represented at the borders this past year. They are families, single moms with kids, teens on their own, single men, elderly, handicapped, homosexuals, educated, poor, of many faiths and beliefs, and yes, some criminals. They are seeking safety from corrupt governments, gangs, violence, drought, and seeking “The Great American Dream.” They are looking for work, a better life, to not always be hungry, safety, a way to help their families and medical aid not available in their countries.

The rules change weekly at all the ports of entry along the border from California to Texas. The system is broken in their countries and in ours. False information is part of the cause along with false news, gossip, and cartels looking to make money and promising a better life.

The majority do not realize they will arrive at the border after months of travel, through jungles, lacking food, water, and seeing dead bodies along the way. Some are kidnapped never to be heard from again. Trafficking happens more often than we know. Many are robbed of their documents and money along the way by local thieves, police, soldiers, and gangs. They learn to trust no one and only think of survival.

Upon arrival, the system and rules change weekly. Some come from places ruled by communism, socialism, dictators, and war-torn areas. They are allowed in after an initial interview of “Credible Fear”. The next step is to go to family or sponsors. But, due to the overloaded system, they are bussed to downtown (any border town U.S.A.) and dumped off to fend for themselves— in our case El Paso, TX. Not enough shelters were available, so they slept on the streets waiting for flights or bus seats to open to travel on to sponsors. Now, the city provided the coliseum and a few more catholic churches have opened their doors. The migrants ask around to find an open seat to be bussed to other states.

When they arrive at their destinations, their first appointment is about 15 days from time of crossing. If qualified, they are given an asylum application and a date to return usually within six months to a year. Then they must return with the application and a lawyer. It takes months to secure a work permit, green card or documents needed to work, drive, and be independent. Those documents are limited and can expire a few months after receiving them, and the process must start all over. The whole process can go from 1 to 10 years.

At present our government has NO plan to regulate this except “title 42,” which was to stay in Mexico and wait during the process due to covid-19. Now covid is not the reason, but there is no other plan, so it is extended until February, when hopefully another plan can be introduced.

Where, you ask, is the “OPPORTUNITY…?”

What if the Lord, whom we know is returning soon, placed all these nations at our border to tell them about Him? Our HOPE needs to be in Him and not a place.

The majority of people who step up to help are Christians. As we feed them, give out blankets, coats, gloves, we also pass out HOPE. We can feed the souls, teach the word of God, and be Jesus in skin.

How can you help? Pray for them, our government, their government, and those on the border reaching out. Pray to have compassion even when it is not convenient, to not grow weary of doing good, and for the supplies needed to not run low. Needs change weekly, so if you’re interested in helping it’s best to contact us or another ministry that is involved. Also, since they are moving all over the U.S. look for opportunities locally.

Shelters

Shelters are an important part of doing ministry, especially this past year and this next year. One shelter we have come alongside is called “Hope for All.” There are about 18 shelters around town with 50 to 200 migrants in each. Some are set up by the government and others are private. All depend on donations. We try to come alongside those who have the least connections for help.

Every Friday three of our men go to this shelter and do a program for the kids. They do a bible study, games, crafts and these men cook and make a meal for the kids. Efrain takes the adults outside for a separate study when the weather permits.

Every week changes. Most from southern Mexico end up going back home. From south America it varies and from other countries it depends on the rules for that week, who goes, stays, or goes home. Our hope is no matter where they go, they realize Jesus is the only thing they can depend on.

Juanito and Daniel work with the kids. Daniel has a real gift teaching kids. They listen and respond to his questions about the word of God. After Friday morning class is over, Juanito and Daniel each head off to the police station they do a short devotion and pray for the police. They hang out after they are done to see if anyone needs private counseling or prayer.

Efrain goes to one of four rehabs he ministers at. He goes to talk to them about becoming new creatures in Christ explaining that to renew their minds they need Jesus. It is the only way the change can be permanent and not just a quick fix. Most drug rehabs in Mexico only dry them out to return home to the same environment. Many only use rehab to dry out so they can use drugs again and get a buzz on less drugs. Even the non-Christian rehabs welcome our teaching.

Police Academy

Since 2012 we have been allowed to be involved in the municipal police academy. Isaiah has been teaching bible one hour a week through the six-month training program. We have seen many of the cadets raise their hand to accept Christ as their savior. This last class was around 500. When he taught about the prodigal and asked how many of them were prodigals and would like to come to know Jesus or return home to him, over 188 raised their hands. Please pray for the leaders who shoulder a huge responsibility.

Home for the Elderly

We count it a privilege to come alongside other local ministries. Caring for 20 grandparents, 24/7, is a full-time job. Many are just dropped off. Often Miguel and Viri only have their teenage children to help. Marie spends time counseling Viri when she gets overwhelmed. We all need to be encouraged.

Caring for Marriages

Marriage is hard work. Ministry can put a lot of stress on couples. We try to pour into our couples with a day of refreshment once every 6 months. Mere & Don, missionaries that have gotten bibles into a variety of places over 40 years, came to share with us. It was a blessing!

Posadas

“Posadas” is the word used for party in Mexico. Thanks to many of you and your help in filling a stocking for a child, we were able to support 12 fiestas with anywhere from 20 to 100 kids in each one. Thanks for the prayers to get them to their destination, help with money to make food, and buy a piñata and candy to bless the kids. Lord bless you all!  

God’s Protection

The violence has risen in Juarez. Many of you heard of the riot at the state prison to break out members of the cartel. Sadly 12 guards were murdered as well as two police officers in the altercation. That means many families were affected. The city is on alert, the police are nervous, the prison is on lockdown. Please pray for Javier who was able to pray for these families at the service and have officials from around the state ask about our ministry to the local and state police, and special forces. Many thanked him and said they need prayer over them in the evil days ahead.

Family

Family is important! We have missed out on living close to our family, but still manage to find time to get together and build memories. This past Thanksgiving, we were very Thankful to join both of our sons and their families for a week at “Lake of the Ozarks.” We rented a house on the lake, kayaked (yes in Nov.) toured “Bridal Caves,” a castle, ate good food at some fun restaurants, and cooked a tasty Thanksgiving meal together.

Answers to Prayers Over the Past Few Months

  • Jose Luis and his family moved to a town several hours away. His family feels safer and his son is much better after the two different shooting episodes, including the one in which he was shot 3 times and his best friend was killed. New doors are open to Jose Luis for a ministry to the firefighters, a home for elderly, a rehab and a home fellowship, all started within the month of arrival.
  • Juanito continues to have physical challenges, but did find a van we were able to help him purchase.
  • Nolan had his appendix out, found he has cirrhosis, had shoulder surgery, is in therapy and had surgery to remove an infected toenail. What a year! But he presses on, still teaching and leading.
  • Temo’s daughter Bianca (18) and Juan “Chez’s” son Josue (18) are headed back to Calvary Chapel Bible College Ensenada for their second semester. Josue realized he did not have a personal relationship with Christ. It was life-changing for both of them. Thanks C C Cape Coral for your sponsorships.
  • Isaias is almost finished with a third of the church in the new location. He was hoping for peace in this new location. However, as he and his son were on the roof finishing up, shots were fired all around them. They heard the bullets whiz by. Later two dead bodies were found near by. Please pray for our men in prayer as violence is on the rise.

Prayer Requests

  • Migrants: Every week it changes on the Mexico and U.S. side. Pray for those caught in the middle of the mess. Pray for our wisdom, where God wants us, our resources, how best to minister, when to minister and when to pray, and who to minister to (migrants, agents, police, pastors, volunteers…)
  • House for Julio and Norma closer to their ministry with room to grow.
  • Ramon and Isabel. Her dad, mom, and sis were in an accident with a semi. Her mom and sis died. It was south 10 hours in Durango. The week they returned Ramon’s 20+ nephew was murdered.

Summer 2022

Nolan’s Health Updates

Many of you know of Nolan’s health challenges and have prayed for him. THANK-YOU!  He is bacteria free and due to have surgery in Sept. to remove his appendix.  After tons of antibiotics, an abscess, drain, and more antibiotics he is less of a risk to remove it. It is still sore, but much better. However, his problem with low blood pressure has gotten worse. Triggers are: the heat, dehydration, exertion, stairs, and at times we are not sure, it just hits him. All that is white in his vision, spreads out and takes over his vision. He has to sit down quickly, then his B.P. drops to 70/40 or says “error” until it can be read. He also sweats only on one side, and sweats profusely, the other side is dry. On a t-shirt it is really obvious. Yes, he has seen all kinds of specialists and had lots of tests. Has been offered drugs with the shake of a head they say, “all your test are fine”. “We aren’t really sure of the cause, stay out of the sun, drink more water and use more salt.”  Soooo we move forward, and he does what he can, which is still a lot.

Changing Plans

Over the years we have prayed the Lord would lay on some “Younger” future missionaries’ hearts to come alongside us and take on some of the responsibility of leading and directing this ministry. When we came here to build houses, we thought we would be here one or two years, then go back to Colorado Springs and see what the Lord had for us next. Well, 23 years later we are still here and amazed at all the Lord has done in and through this ministry. Each time I think we might be slowing down, another door is opened. This past year it was the explosion of migrants, and feeding the poor still out of work from covid or grieving loss of family to the illness. We are still continuing in all of our ministries listed at the end of the letter. Marie has been spending more time in counseling leaders in high places and ministries who have no one else pouring into them. We did have a couple from Colorado Springs from CWC coming, but have been informed that family problems have stopped them from coming. Our marriages and families are under attack, it is real, and we need to be lifting one another up in prayer.

But God!

We have been privileged to see continued growth in our pastors, their families, ministries and understanding of God’s Word. They have had experience in living it out, practicing it, sharing it, and seeing the truth of what His instruction book (Bible) teaches us. This past March a new class of cadets entered the police academy. 550 Cadets to start with. The second week of teaching, Isaiah had over 250 cadets raise their hands to receive Christ after preaching a message on the Prodigal son. Asking how many of them were prodigals, and had moms, aunts, and grandmas praying for them. The next week he asked those still resisting, or wanting to rededicate their lives, to raise their hands. When he looked to the right of the auditorium about thirty had their hands raised. Then when he looked to the middle, there stood a high official, hand held high and sobbing. He quickly looked to the left to see about twenty more before he began to cry. This same official weeks later stood up against abuse of others and was let go. Unknown to us we were also to be kicked out. BUT GOD…. was not done yet….. the official was rehired the same day. The official told superiors that “we,” meaning the official, the teachers, and the cadets, needed God in that place. The answer was “do what you want!” Please pray for that official and the times we are getting to spend together and for the knowledge of the Lord to grow in the official’s heart, to give wisdom in the midst of all of decisions.

Ministry is All Around Us

One of our graduated pastors, goes to three drug rehabs to teach about forgiveness, God’s grace and mercy. One day he called and asked if I would go to the hospital in El Paso to see a young man. I was told he was beat up coming out of Walmart buying supplies. When I arrived, I saw a young man, tattooed, bruised, seven broken bones, seven metal plates, staples & stitches. I introduced myself and told him what I knew. He smiled and said, “No, I was playing both sides of the fence and they caught up with me.” I was ran over by a car and left for dead on the street, in the dark. I am here today, ONLY by the Grace of God. He accepted Jesus on my second visit. Pray for this man, his children and his wife.

First Responders

Only by the grace of God are we allowed in with most of the first responders including various police forces, firemen and other forces. Eleven years now we have been allowed to do devotions and pray for these men and women who are called to serve and protect. However it is an uphill climb to teach morals and values that would set them apart. Many are on the take in some way or another. Mostly due to need. They do not get medical benefits, credit to buy a house, many are set up to be discredited when it is time to retire to lose their pension for a false accusation. Vehicles are lacking so many end up on foot, four wheelers, or bikes. Recently many have quit, have chosen not to resign a contract for the next year, and have moved on due to the above reasons. Others take bribes to make ends meet or to please someone above them. Javier used to do devotions to 60 to 70 state police twice a day. Now it is about 15 or so.

Migrants

What if your whole life fit in a bag? While praying one day the Lord reminded me, “Why are you so possessive of this world.” Remember we are sojourners, not of this world; we like our possessions and mostly don’t want to share. Our purpose while here is to share Christ. Not that it is wrong to have money and stuff, but do we see past that to the “souls” that need a savior, no matter where they end up?

God’s Protection

Pastor Jose Luis’s 17-year-old went to get his 16-year-old friend for a school party. He arrived a few minutes after his older brother had left to go to work. Before he knew it a car stopped out front, armed men started shooting. He hid after being shot in the arm, leg, and back of his head. When the shooting stopped, he saw his friend dead along with three of his brother’s friends. His mom took him to the doctor immediately: no life-threatening hits. But the trauma and fear stayed with him. The family went to stay with an aunt an hour away. Two months later, bored, he told his parents he needed to go back to work and school. His mom set him up with a job at Christian friend’s workplace. His second day at work a gunman entered and killed a coworker. Please pray for his peace of mind. For the family, who are considering moving out of town and starting a new ministry.

Answers to Prayers Over the Past Few Months

  • Javier is better, but he is fearful and on medication still. Pray he can get off of it soon. He is very up and down on energy, alertness, and up and down in his emotions.
  • Temo has a new van. We were donated one from Nolan’s family and gave ours to Temo. He used the money he had to get new tires, register it, get his lic. and fix the air conditioning.
  • Juanito, who had a portion of his foot removed, was in an accident with a bus. The jaws of life had to remove him. He had broken ribs, bruised heart. But no punctured lungs. He had to spend four weeks in bed, but is recovering nicely, looking for another van.
  • Nolan didn’t have to have his appendix while infected removed, which would have included part of is small and large intestine.
  •  Daniel bought his first vehicle, has been training with Temo to minister at the police and fire stations.
  • Temo’s daughter Bianca (18) and Juan “Chez’s” son Josue (18) are headed to Calvary Chapel Bible College Ensenada. Thanks to partial scholarships and help from a supporting church. We are all excited for them. Several of our graduated students kids have gone on to college!

Prayer Requests

  • Isaias is facing several stressful situations and has had a 70% block in a valve in his heart they won’t operate on and now he is dealing with symptoms for possible diabetes.
  • Police violence has increased, less police to deal with problems, more migrants in shelters and renting houses and living on the streets while waiting to get their chance to cross. Businesses that refuse to pay protection money, or who favor one cartel over the other are being burnt out and killed. Police are anxious!
  • Juanito needs a van to get to outreaches since he can’t get on and off buses.
  • Julio and Norma would like to find a home to buy closer to their ministry.
  • Jose Luis’s sons who lost three friends in the shooting and God’s direction in future plans.

Spring 2022

Servant Senders Team: The Women Behind the Scenes

These wives of pastors, leaders, and students and their daughters are an important part of all of our ministries. We couldn’t do it without them.

Many of you ask, do you train women also? Not in the sense that they have classes weekly to attend as the men do, as they have homes to run and families to care for and some have jobs.  But the answer is yes!  These wives of pastors, leaders, and students and their daughters are an important part of all of our ministries. We couldn’t do it without them. They are led by Marie and encouraged to start their own group of women from the rehabs, and some accompany their husbands to do outreach when they are able. The husbands are expected to share what they have learned to help equip them.

Then on Saturdays once a month they meet with Marie. It is too difficult to meet weekly due to lack of transportation and unavailable childcare, so we meet from 9am to 4pm. Much the same as the men meet with Nolan. Everyone gives testimony of the past month – where God is working, what they have learned, who they are ministering to and prayer requests.  Then we go into study time for a few hours. After that, good food and often out to evangelize, or learn a craft they can use to make money to help support them. They need encouragement, as ministry is tough, and some of the issues they deal with are devastating. 

Sons and Daughters

Sons and daughters of our pastors and students are a very important part of
our ministries. They have grown up in ministry helping their parents with the kids clubs/feeding kitchen, lead in worship, helped with set up, tearing down and cleaning up. They need to be ministered to also. We took a group of them to a park for games and a lesson, then a trip to the fair to show our appreciation.

This Christmas they planned, hosted, and taught each other at their own event
with only al little help in planning, food, and funds. It is not only a blessing that they help with their own parent’s programs, but they also form drama teams and worship teams and help each other with Vacation Bible School, and other events.

Fiestas!

Thanks to all of our wonderful supporters. The fiestas were full of good food, fun, candy of course, and full stockings with gifts you all helped us with. (11 programs, five are shown, and 450 stockings!)

National Guard

The National Guard has become a powerful influence here on the border. It was first brought in to help control the migrants at the border and prevent any crisis. Now we have three encampments around the city and they are at all border crossings with the Aduana, (Mexican border officials) checking vehicles as they enter into Mexico. They have random stops around town looking for trouble. They also patrol in trucks with guns ready. We have three men whom have graduated Servant Senders, Temo, a supported pastor, Lorenzo, who drives bus for a factory and runs a house church, and Victor, who works in a factory and has a home fellowship. They are ministering to the National Guard. They all live near bases and the two no longer supported in our program offered to help since they live near the bases. Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs supplies us with Spanish bibles they have covered in camouflage duct tape. The National Guard think we have done this just for them. We did! They are open to our men praying for them, gifting Bibles, and sharing Christ with them.

Migrants

We continue to go to two shelters to help with food and teach a lesson to the kids and adults about God’s grace and His faithfulness. Also, that our faith needs to be in Him, not a place. Thanks to Grace Gardens in El Paso and many of you, we have food for them
weekly and the 60+ families that are without work.

Feed My Sheep

Feed My Sheep kids club programs minister to many broken children who see things even adults can’t handle. Laura, pastor Chez’s wife loves on these kids with a passion. Nolan installed donated kitchen cabinets for her. She has never had a real kitchen. Her sink was balanced on stacked blocks and her only counter was her table. Can you imagine cooking for, and serving 40 to 60 kids a week without cabinets, counter top and a sink. We went to four stores looking for a counter top and finally had to buy one in El Paso. She is ecstatic!

Answers to Prayers

  • Javier is 80% better, he is on medication that helps him sleep and helps his anxiety.
  • Temo is now able to get a new car after his head on collision. Pray he finds one.
  • Juanito had surgery on his foot due to diabetes. (one dr. wanted to remove his foot) the surgery went well. His heel was removed and it is filling in better than the Dr. could imagine and the wound is closing.
  • Nolan had a good report on the MRI, no tumor or stroke. He was told he is abnormal in the sweating on one side, low BP of 60/40 at times and vision loss. He could take more meds, (with side effects) or the Specialist said, “Stay out of the heat and drink more water.” What in Juarez ????
  • Added we have added a new police station, fire station, two National Guard bases, and two rehabs to our list of ministry outreaches.

God’s Protection!

I was heading home after about 6 hours of delivering food and came up over an overpass and saw all three lanes of traffic slow way down. I thought there might be an accident on the other side. I was in our big van in the middle lane. I heard a rum-
bling noise get louder, and then a crash. The car next to me was shoved in front of me, the next to the left, the next to the right, 9 cars, and then a tanker. I wasn’t touched! It was a loaded dump truck. The driver was on his cell phone!

Prayer Requests

  • Check out calvarychapelmagazine.com online a 2-part article on us!
  • Isaias is in Ecuador with his daughter Araceli, who was in a bus crash off a cliff. 14 died. He flew there to care for her. She had 8hr. of surgery on her head and face. It
    will be a month or more before she is allowed to fly to come home. Isaias is tired, his health is not good.
  • Barbara, who used to help in our office and for the year we were on sabbatical needs prayer. Her husband Fred passed away.
  • Police are under attack from the cartel, the violence has increased. Businesses not paying protection money, or who favor one cartel over the other are being burnt out and killed. Police are anxious! One of our men who ministers to them he said you can see fear in their eyes.
  • Marie asks for prayer for wisdom. Often we have donations and resources, but triple the need of what we have. I feel at times, “Who am I to choose who receives and who doesn’t?” Only by prayer and the Holy Spirit.

Fall 2021

The police, firemen, soldiers, EMTs, and National Guard are all overworked, stressed-out, short-staffed, and needing more help and care that they don’t receive. Our men listen, pray, encourage, disciple, and care for them as they deal with so many issues.

I usually tell you about our various ministries, but felt the need to tell you about some of our men and the struggles we face in doing ministry. We all have been through a difficult year and a half. Please pray for our men who are feeling overwhelmed with the need all around us.

The police, firemen, soldiers, EMTs, and National Guard are all overworked, stressed-out, short-staffed, and needing more help and care that they don’t receive. Our men listen, pray, encourage, disciple, and care for them as they deal with so many issues.

Our pastors also have weathered difficult storms.

Pastor Ramon’s youngest son (17) and 11 friends were in front of a house a few weeks ago. A car barreled into them and ran over his son first, landing on 4 friends. The car had to be lifted to remove the 4 trapped underneath. One 15-year-old, who was to have her quincenera the next Saturday, died. Several were hospitalized with broken bones and internal injuries. Ramon’s son was bruised, burnt by the exhaust, and cut up, but alive. He is rethinking his walk with God!

Pastor Temo was hit head-on by a drunk driver. His car was totaled, his wife injured, and the man walked away (he had connections). The family of 6 are without a car. His wife walks a half-mile to and from school at least four times a day with their kids. Getting to church, outreaches, and buying supplies for their ministry is very hard by bus.

Pastor Javier has had some health issues. He hasn’t been able to experience a restful sleep for a month now. He has stomach issues and has lost a significant amount of weight. Pastor Samuel continues to struggle with glaucoma and is losing his eyesight slowly, plus it is very painful. He still pastors his church, an outreach mission, and houses immigrants doing daily devotions with them. He leads most all who stay with him to the Lord.

Our student, Juanito a few months ago was found unresponsive and taken to the emergency room. His blood sugar levels were 1008.His family was told to prepare for his death the next day. He was given insulin and two days later he was released! A week later he was ministering to his family, as his brother passed away, leading some of them to the Lord.

Another student’s wife said she no longer had feelings for him, took their two little girls, and left. She has had so much trauma in her short years. We think she has PTSD, but at this point won’t accept help.

Nolan has had some stomach issues for a few months. A gastroscopy discovered a bacteria was probably causing him pain after eating and his need of a bathroom close by. He is still struggling with his blood pressure, which in the heat drops frequently to 60/40 or 70/40 and he sees white spots that turn into all white vision. Nolan sits for a while, takes a nap, and is good again. However, this has slowed his progress of projects down. We have seen a specialist in this matter and so far no answers.

We can tell you that your prayers make a difference and none of us feel discouraged for long. We all know God is in control and we move forward, serving him and trusting Him. We are seeing many challenges, but we are also recognizing God’s hand in so many areas.

V.B.S.

We were happy to have our full programs this summer, but not as happy as the kids. Over five weeks there have been seven programs. Yes, some weeks we had two programs in different locations. The biggest joy I had this year was seeing many of the programs manned by our pastors’ youth. Many are in high school and some in college. Growing up in ministry they are now the leaders and planners, who help execute the program. They are very patient teachers. WOW!

MIGRANTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER

We continue to see migrants pour into the border cities at an alarming rate. We have seen many from Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela in the past few months, in contrast to six months ago. All are for political reasons.

Most come by way of Chili, to Peru, to Columbia and on to Central America. They fly to Chili then use a bus or many walk through Columbia to Panama, through jungles, days without food, and very little drinkable water. The trail along the mountainside in Columbia is a narrow balance beam and a straight down drop-off cliff on one side. The trail is laden with dead bodies of those who were starved, snake bit, became ill, fell, or were killed along the journey.

Many are told: “Life will be better, it is worth the risk, you only have to get there,” – only to discover they have been lied to. Along the way, through many countries, they are robbed, some raped, papers are taken, and money is stolen by those in positions of authority. They arrive exhausted, discouraged, hungry, and grieving, only to discover thousands of others are in the same situation.

Those who came in the last few months have arrived in the area where the border wall has not yet been finished. Overwhelmed and unable to process all the migrants still coming from Central America and Mexico, President Biden’s administration was allowing them to cross, go to supporters, and wait for their court date. (Which many will not do; that is why President Trump had the “Stay in Mexico order.”) Some are interviewed and returned across the border to wait; others end up in privately owned, government contracted detention centers to fight their cases.

On the news we learn of all of the people being allowed in, due to Biden. But we don’t hear of the thousands being sent back who don’t qualify. Last month, July, 188,000 for good reason, were returned to Mexico. The cartel involvement in making money off naïve migrants. They lie to them and charge $4000 to $9000 to illegally cross individuals complicating matters, causing several children who are stolen and used as pawns, to be abandoned. The sex trade, which is rarely mentioned in the news, is another crisis where evil men prey on the poor.

We are continuing with our ministry in the government office in Juarez. On Fridays we feed the migrants, pray with them, and share the message of Christ’s love and salvation. We desire them to know Christ and hope in Him, not the U.S. or a country. On the U.S. side, we work with our church, who is a host in our area to the migrants who have been allowed to cross. Again, the goal is evangelical! The majority of migrants waiting and those who have been allowed in will in time return to their country of origin. Our goal is for them to return with hope in Jesus Christ to weather whatever storm life might bring their way.

RISE IN CRIME

Not surprising, with so many migrants arriving in the city, there is a job deficiency. Individuals crossing to clean houses or garden in El Paso no longer are allowed into the U.S. With businesses closing and cutbacks, many locals are out of work. No work, no food! A desperate situation. The National Guard has been called up to help with the border problem and help enforce the law. A new military base has recently been built, and a new Police station has been added to battle the cartel and fight for control of the city.

YOUR SUPPORT of Servant Senders has made these following ministries possible:

  • 6 police stations w/ over 2500 police, 3 times a week, 2 times a day-devotion, pray, & counseling.
  • Police academy every Saturday w/ class of 380 cadets. One hour of bible weekly for 6 months.
  • Every week a pastor goes to the State police to teach, do devotions, pray for and counsel.
  • A pastor is assigned to each of 9 fire stations at least once a week to do a devotion and pray.
  • A pastor goes to a new military outpost to share and pray with soldiers on Sundays and goes on Wednesdays along the border to the National Guard assigned to protect the border.
  • Pastors go to 5 rehab centers to teach the word of God. Their hope is to start a U-turn in Juarez.
  • Most of our men have kids feeding programs called; “Feed My Sheep.” Where they teach the word, memorize verses, play games, do crafts, and serve food and help with school work. We help with entrance fees, uniforms, shoes and backpacks. All to help kids stay in school.
  • A pastor goes weekly to the local jails and give a message and brings food.
  • We have 8 churches, 3 house churches, 5 home cell groups, 7 kids clubs/feeding programs.
  • We are working in 3 migrant shelters and with your generous donations we have been feeding 50 + families weekly who have been without work due to covid and restrictions.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • Prayer for the Migrants, shelters in Juarez, and our ministries with them.
  • Van for Temo, hard to find one nationalized for the funds he has
  • Health physically and mentally for all our pastors, teachers, and students
  • S.S. pastors, trip south to see Rogelio, Ricardo & Israel south in Mexico (graduated pastors now 4 to 8 hours south of the border serving as pastors and doing outreaches.

Blessings:

  • Pastor Chez and Laura got a nice metal gate, closing in their ministry area to be safe for the kids who come. The area has a lot of cartel influence and gun activity.
  • All ministry doors are still open! We have been in with the municipal police for 10 years now!
  • Even with COVID restrictions still in place, we were able to go to our annual water park outing with all our families, 140 of us. Such a great time to have a stress-free day!

Spring 2021

“Who are you? I have never heard teaching like that. Why are we not doing this in all the state?”

Police Cadets


In April a new class began with 580 cadets. Isaiah and Pedro were invited once again to teach Bible for one hour every Saturday of the six months these cadets will be in training. Two weeks later the class dropped to 380, a normal weeding-out process. Three weeks into the training, Isaiah decided it was time to share the plan of salvation. 180 cadets responded! Wow! Next we needed Bibles. We called a dear friend on the East Coast who helps us get Bibles. We asked if he could help us get 200 Bibles for the cadets. By the end of the week, he had ordered and sent us 1116 Bible

Migrants
The situation is consistently changing, and we try to be flexible to be used in whatever way the Lord leads. We want to see not the “problem or crisis” but the opportunity. At first, we were feeding them at the shelters and giving a short teaching and asking for prayer requests. We would fill up at least 5 to 6 pages of requests. The situation has changed again and many agencies are filling the need of food. We also adjusted and realized the children are waiting with their parents, in a shelter, not able to go out and play, go to school, or church. So we bring it to them. At two shelters our men teach a bible lesson, memory verse, sing songs with actions, color, pray, and give a snack. We find many times the moms and dads participate. To them it is church!

State Police
In June it will be one year that we have been going to the state police station in Juarez doing devotions, praying for them and counseling them. A few weeks back, Javier went to the station to check on how to import a car his brother from Tucson wants to give him. When he arrived, they grabbed him and said, “Oh good you’re here.” They were having a meeting of the top municipal police, state police, federal police, military, national guard, and special forces. He thought, Nolan always says to be ready so here I go. He taught on unity, not knowing the meeting was about that very subject. Afterwards, off to the side, a General waited to speak to him. He said, “Who are you? I have never heard teaching like that. Why are we not doing this in all the state?” Javier told him what we do in all the stations and have been doing over the years. The next week when he went to teach, he saw someone come out of an office and video his teaching. Then a week later a drone was sent out to video what he was teaching. We don’t know the plan for these videos, but God does. Nolan tells the men, be consistent, obedient to God’s calling and word, and He will open the doors!

Saying Goodbye
It is never easy to see our students graduate and move on, but as Nolan says, “We are Servant Senders, not servant keepers.” Lorenzo and Victor graduated in February and continue in ministry. Lorenzo with the soldiers and National Guard and Victor at the academy when possible. Both have secured local jobs.

Hard Work, Loving Hearts
We like to come alongside other ministries and encourage the leadership, who often have no one to pour into them. One such couple, Miguel and Viri, in their late 30s, are the directors of “Casa Hogar de Esperanza” (House of Hope). They take in the elderly that no one wants. Families drop them off and some never come back to visit them at the home very far southwest of Juarez. It is a nice facility and right now houses about 20 men and 5 women. However, their main support source was Miguel’s grandparents’ pension. They passed away a few months ago. His parents started the home but are in their 70s; both have had Covid and not fully recovered and are unable to help. They have someone who pays the electric bill, and the city supplies the water to a cistern since there is no other water source in the area. The government supplies rice, beans, oil, flour … the basics. They have 4 local workers, when they can pay them $50 per week. This week when I went to see Viri and let her pour out her heart. She said, “I just wake up sad and I don’t know why.” (Stress!) Then she said that they had enough to pay the workers this week, but not next. Our men go at times to help clean, but most of the time there are no cleaning supplies. Viri and Miguel have three teenagers who help and sacrifice a lot. Schools are still closed so school is online with a cell phone if you have one. When they can’t afford workers, the kids take up the slack. Can you imagine how much laundry alone needs to be done daily from accidents to clothing, bedding, food spills and such. This couple humbly go about their work as they have done for most of their married life, trusting the Lord to provide. Please lift them up in your prayers! If the Lord leads you to bless them contact us, we’ll pass it on.

Mechanics

What a blessing for our men when men or women come to equip our men in their ministries. One of those teams has been faithful year after year to come and work on our men’s cars and teach them how. It is a challenge as most of the vehicles are ones we consider ready for the Junk Yard! Ha-ha! Thanks Jacob, Brady, Jack and others from Calvary Worship Center in Colorado Springs.

New to Us Blessing!

Friends that are like family are always a blessing. That is how we feel about Connie and Kevin. We walked through the most challenging time of our lives’ together, and now have a son, ours, and daughter, hers in heaven waiting for us. Recently Connie was blessed with a new car from her hubby. For years she had a beautiful suburban that was like new. She decided the next home her baby would go to was ours. Not only that but she reached out to friends to fill it with needed items for Mexico. We are so grateful. Trust me, it will get much use for the Glory of God!

Marriages

It is so very important to pour into marriages in this day and age. It is the hardest job we will have and the one we are least trained to do. It requires selflessness, patience, good listening skills, communication, forgiveness, and many other things, along with the most important – to have Jesus Christ as the foundation. We are so grateful to pastors, teachers and leaders who have come to pour into our pastors’ marriages so they in turn have skills to use while counseling the police, firemen, soldiers, those in rehabs, church members and neighbors. Thanks to dear friends Neil and Robin for coming and teaching “3 2 1 1,” a tool used in communication and care of one another.

Your support of Servant Senders has made these following ministries possible:

  • 6 police stations w/ over 2500 police, 3 times a week, 2 times a day-devotion, pray, & counsel. 
  • Police academy every Saturday w/ class of 380 cadets. One hour of bible weekly for 6 months.
  • Every week a pastor goes to the State police to teach, do devotions, pray for and counsel.
  • A pastor is assigned to each of 9 fire stations at least once a week to do a devotion and pray.
  • A pastor goes to a new military outpost to share and pray with soldiers on Sundays and goes on Wednesdays along the border to the National Guard assigned to protect the border.
  • Pastors go to 5 rehab centers to teach the word of God. Their hope is to start a U-turn in Juarez.
  • Most of our men have kids feeding programs called “Feed My Sheep” where they teach the word, memorize verses, play games, do crafts, serve food, and help with school work. These programs are sponsorship programs to help keep kids in school.
  • A pastor goes weekly to the local jails and give a message and brings food.
  • We have 8 churches, 3 house churches, 5 home cell groups, 9 kids clubs-sponsorship, and feeding programs.
  • We are working in 3 migrant shelters and with your generous donations we have been feeding 50 + families weekly who have been without work due to covid and restrictions.
  • A precious couple passed away from Covid days apart and left a lot of teaching material that was donated to us to be used.

Prayer Requests:

  • Prayer for the migrants and our ministries with them.
  • Needed — funds for a car for pastor Temo. He and his wife were hit by a drunk driver. The guy must have been connected to the cartel, as he got off and didn’t pay a cent.
  • Needed – pkg of children’s socks and underwear, school supplies, food funds.
  • Blessings– Pastor Chez and Laura got a nice metal gate closing in their ministry area to be safe for the kids who come. The area has a lot of cartel influence and gun activity.
  • Blessing – Marie enjoyed having the Ruidoso C C ladies come down, take her to lunch and bless her with gift cards. A few months later, Nolan got the same blessing from the men of C C Ruidoso. Feeing loved and cared for!  
  • Blessing—Nolan & Marie enjoyed a week vacation with their son Curtis’s family

April 2020

The minute they arrive the kids run to them and cry out, “Pastor, you’re here, you love us, don’t you pastor?”

As we walk through this trial living out James 1 we would like to share some of our prayer request and some of the “count it all Joy” parts of this time.

We continue to have our Tuesday class with the men to hear their testimonies, struggles, ministry opportunities, humbleness and most importantly their hearts.  We Christians are the “Front Line” in this battle.  We need to be on our knees praying for one another, our pastors,  the first responders, doctors, nurses, clean up crews, burial personnel, grocery workers, truck drivers, basically all that are keeping us fed, cared for, and standing in the gap.  We need to be praying for our leaders, our Mayors, our President all those in authority that are having to make decisions that effect our lives and future.  

Crossing into Mexico, is different at 7:15 am than after 8am. In the early hours the line is short.  After 8am it is very long. It is funneled down to one lane and only two out of 10 gates are open.  Once through the gates it is again funneled to one lane.  Mexican medical care personnel check you.  They ask how you are feeling, any cough, fever, etc.  Then they point a Temperature Gun Digital Infrared thermometer at your head.  Then ask where you are going and what you plan to do.  Some are turned back. On Thursday I went to deliver donated food and had to wait 2 hours in line to go into Mexico.   Returns to the U.S. have two checkpoints in place, but as long as we have our ID and are U.S. citizens, no problem. The border is not closed, just restricted and no one without U.S. citizenship is allowed in.  No persons with visas are allowed, however Commercial trucks are still crossing.   No migrants are being taken across the border and the offices are closed. We still have men at the bridge to pray with and feed the returned migrants who have been deported or returned. We are happy to have found some shoelaces and twine we can give them for their shoes so they are not targets to the cartel and harassment from the police. The human services office in Juarez, is not helping with return bus tickets at this time.  It has become a sad problem.  The migrants are the bottom of the barrel and those landing in the city are not finding shelter in the city.  If someone leaves the shelter for an appointment and tries to return the next day they are not allowed in, due to the concern of them bringing in the Covid-19.

Locally it is hard.  The culture does not have credit cards or government money to help them get through the crisis.  Most live day to day and don’t have a stockpile of food.  Those that had jobs in El Paso cannot cross.  Schools are closed, churches are closed, factories are closed or have skeleton crews and stores are limited with the amount of people allowed inside and the supplies they carry. (Much like the U.S.)

One more of the African migrants was release this past Thursday from detention and is staying with us for a couple of weeks since her family is in Tacoma, WA and it is still bad in that area.  Her name is Ivy.  That leaves three more  out of the 17 we began with  still in detention to pray for and write to and encourage.  Sylvester, Celestine, & Melese.

Our men reported this past week:  April 14th, 2020

Isaias:  The recent class of cadets graduated and now they are having short training classes for other law enforcement until the next class in May begins, they hope.

He is ministering to a shelter with over 40 Cuban refugees, preaching once a week to them about hope in Christ.  He also has a neighbor, Tachito, with one leg, on crutches with 2 adult Down syndrome kids. He has a small house church and is still preaching the hope in Jesus.  His wife worked in El Paso and can’t cross.  When asked how they are surviving, he said the Lord sends people to visit and they always bring food.  We were the visitors who brought them Chicken Alfedo, rice and beans thanks to our generous friends who have an event center in El Paso that is closed right now, but they want to serve the Lord and are sending large amounts of food to the shelters and to us to deliver to those in need.

Churches:  Are not having traditional services, instead some set the speakers outside, preach from the doorway or gate way and the people come outside to list to the worship or message.  Also the pastors are going patio-to-patio and spending time with the families instead of just the kids.  The parents want to know what the bible says about all of this.  The pastors pray with them and then give them a paper with verses, a message and homework to have done for the next week to discuss.  The kids and parents love this.  No they don’t go inside this is done on the patio and respecting the distance limits.

Pepe:  Is not allowed in the Federal prison at this time and asks for prayer for the inmates and guards. It is a tense situation when they cannot have any visitors, or messages to encourage them. 

He is still allowed at the Federal Police station and they are glad he comes.  They say we cannot make it to church, you bring God to us!

They are not so concerned about the virus as they have other serious situations.  One is the dam in Chihuahua does not have enough water for the crops and that creates conflict with the civilians and the Federal police who have to guard the dam from break-ins.  Also the shooting and Cartel violence is up.  Please pray for Pepe and his wife, Vero, who goes along with him on Thursdays to minister. This week the time changed from daytime hours to 8pm.  The police station is south outside of town and it takes him an hour to get there from his house.  It is not always safe to be out at night in Juarez.

Julio:  reports that some of the police have shown virus symptoms and are isolated in their homes for now.  The police are afraid.  They are in the public, and most don’t have gloves, masks, or germ-X.

Violence is up and a few police have been attacked and some have been shot, which puts everyone on edge.   In his ministry to the Tarahumara he needs prayer as they changed governors and the new one doesn’t really care about the people only the title.  He has seen new people around, using drugs, dealing drugs, and preying on the children.  The old governor protected the people.  He is praying for an open door to go to the official meetings of the community.  He continues to go visit the kids and the youth.  He and his wife Norma decided they would visit, but keep their distance.  Ha,ha, the minute they arrive the kids run to them and cry out, “pastor, you’re here, you love us, don’t you pastor,” while grabbing his legs and hugging him and her.  They bring cookies, juice and hope.

 Efrain:  He stands in the street praying in front of the rehab he is not allowed to enter with 60 guys in one small room on lockdown.  No one leaves or enters.  He is still going there, praying for them, and hopes to get set up on video to preach to them to give them hope. They know he comes. His other rehab said to come at his own risk, he is.

 Samuel:  This sweet pastor and his wife, Ludy, in their mid 50’s we told you about in our last update continue to open their home to migrants who are abused or on the street.  He currently has 14.  A few of them single moms with kids who were staying in a catholic shelter.  But one of them said she didn’t believe as the Catholic Church and said something against them.  They locked her and her children in a shed with a padlock outside.  She finally escaped and ran.  She met someone who gave her Samuel’s number and she told a few others under the same persecution, and they joined her.  We are covering his water, electric and helping supply what food we can get.  His wife’s family needs prayer as her brother Lalo went into a diabetic coma and when he was taken to the hospital it was discovered that he has the Covid-19.  He has been in the coma since Thursday almost a week.  He was with his mother two days before.  She is in her 80’s and just recovering from cancer, so the family is a bit nervous for her.

Temo:  His dad showed up from his small village south in Mexico.  He rode with a friend to Juarez for a few days.  He had accepted Christ this past summer when his daughter went home and did a V.B.S. and presented the gospel.  He is growing in leaps and bounds and has a group of family and neighbors who are wanting to hear the word of God so he was asking about a pastor to go lead them.  He also wanted a large print bible.  We prayed about it and got him a large print bible, and three of our teaching manuals with an overview of our lessons and sent him back to learn and teach with Temo’s help over the phone.

Victor:  Continues at the academy with Isaias and ministering in his police station.  He says the police are glad they are there and those who in the past did not listen, now do.  Even the commanders that used to walk away, now stay and thank him when he is done for the message.  His wife, Lucy’s family, needs prayer.  Her brother Noe, is an uber driver. He had a call and went to pick up his clients.  They kidnapped him, tied him up, and used his car to kill someone.  They returned with his car all shot up, untied him and let him go, with his car.  He was afraid he was followed so he went to a store instead of home, called the police and his dad.  The police came and arrested him for being an accomplice.  He finally was set free, has accepted the Lord and his family is greatly relieved.  About seven years ago two of his brothers were killed at a party, when cartel entered in and randomly shot the teens that were there.  Victor was suppose to go, but had just broke up with his girlfriend and didn’t feel like a party.