NEW LEGS FOR CHRISTMAS

Thanks to Paul in Pittsburgh, our friends Hector and Angel received new prosthetic legs for Christmas. Paul took measurements during the medical clinic and had them made in time for this blessed season.

CARING HEARTS CHRISTMAS

Christmas day was very special for our Caring Hearts kids and staff again this year. Sherry Whitworth and her Yuman friends from Hands Extended blessed us once again with gifts and a meal. Fun was had by all as we played Musical Chairs. We also had gifts to open from friends in Pennsylvania. We hope your Christmas was blessed as well, enjoy the pictures from our Caring Hearts Christmas.

PRODIGALS RETURN

This past Sunday, three of our most popular children with the groups returned after a 6 month absence, Dulce, Magali and Alberto. They returned to us in deplorable conditions, and the mother came crying said she could not deal with them any more. She is making a 5 year commitment to keep them here so that they can get better care and education. Please pray for them as they have been in the streets a lot and their minds are filled with foul language and bad circumstances. It will take a lot of prayer and patience from our staff to get them back on track and walking a straight path. I recently changed a number of their sponsors, if you would like to return to sponsoring them, let me know.

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR GARY

Twenty years ago I sat in the little apartment above what was then the offices of Bethel Orphanage with Papa Harold, Brother Knell and a few men who had volunteered for what is now remembered as the first missions trip to San Luis. It was June and brutally hot, the air filled with dust from the streets and the acrid smoke of burning garbage.

Harold was trying to get us to eat tuna fish on cold leftover pancakes because we were out of bread, but nobody was buying it. It may have been the first organized fast at Bethel Orphanage.

There was no such thing as Caring Hearts, the number of churches involved was about 3 and there were no monthly donors. Just an orphanage in deplorable condition, a corrupt director and more than 60 hungry uncared for children. There was no boys’home, no vocation school or clinic, the church sat empty and ministry to the locals was miniscule at best.

The other night I sat in a comfortable room where the Board of Caring Hearts along with their wives, some donors and other volunteers had gathered to review 2009 and plan for 2010. The scope of the ministry that grew out of such humble beginnings is remarkable. From the medical clinics that have treated thousands to the feeding station on the edge of town; from the vocational training center to the visitation of shut-ins who are sick or elderly, Caring Hearts Ministries is changing lives meeting the needs of the hungry, the sick, the addicted and abandoned. All this is the work of a God who knows no limits, has no prejudices and overflows with everlasting love
for every soul created. He uses obedient, loving people like you to be His hands, His feet and His voice to help “The least of these”.

Years from now when you and I are gone I believe some other servant
will write this column as even more people serve God through Caring
Hearts. For now though, I am anxious to see what God will do in this
brand new year. Thank you for being a part of God’s wonderful plan.

Be Blessed in 2010
Pastor Gary Simpson

CARING HEARTS BOARD MEETING

The annual board meeting was held this December in Monroeville PA. Ken and Juana made a surprise appearance and presented a report on the years activities and testimonies. Business was discussed and an air of excitement was felt as God continues to move through Caring Hearts in San Luis. It was a blessing to see some younger future guests who have a heart for the ministry. Jorge Eber, who was adopted from the boys home, was looking dapper and a foot taller since we last saw him. Kerriane Sames and Joe Osbourne were in attendance as well, a sign Caring Hearts has reached folks of all ages. It was a joy to see many people together who come down throughout the year. Ron Hembree of CTVN shared an inspiring message, and Papa Harold led the meeting. Here are some pictures:

ST. FERDINAND VIDEO

Kelly Scott, who was here in Mexico with the St. Ferdinand Group, sent us this link to a video she made for her school. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO

OASIS CHRISTMAS BLESSING

Sarai, Pedro and Fran's second daughter, has been attending a local college to become a Junior High Teacher. Her companions in school were planning to have a Christmas Party, and Sarai mentioned her work at the Boy's Home, and they decided to have their party with the boys. They blessed them with a meal, blankets and soccer balls. Here are some pictures.

GIFTS FOR CHURCH

Our friend Brother Nacho has been able to bring pickups full of food for our churches, and we have been able to bless the people of Caring Hearts Church. Here are some pictures of yesterday's service and all the wonderful food and gifts that were given out. Jose Luis and his team are handing out vouchers as a way to invite new people to church.

BETHEL COMPUTER CLASSES

For over a month now, Samuel, the son of children's pastor Eleazar, has been giving computer classes to the children of Bethel. He gives four hours a week to 4th and 6th graders and 2 hours a week for our Jr. and Sr. High girls. The children have made great progress and have learned how to use a number of different programs that will be useful for them in the future. This year they designed our electronic Christmas cards we are sending to our sponsors. Have you received yours yet? If you sponsor a child and have not received your e-Christmas card from them, let me know. During the Christmas break, Samuel will give classes as well. Just another way that Caring Hearts is doing what we can to prepare these children for their future.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TRAINING

Our children's ministry team did their first solo program this week, testing their newly learned skills on the children of Bethel. They taught a lesson on Zacheus and blessed the children with games and song. Here are some pictures of the event.

CHRISTMAS TOYS

Our friends Bob and Roger from Lake Havasu AZ brought in many boxes of toys for the needy children that attend the Lord's Kitchen Feeding Center. They will be handing them out December 19th along with a delicious meal.

BIBLE SCHOOL CEREMONY

The Doers of the Word Bible School held its end of term ceremony, giving out certificates to 19 students who finished their first and second trimester. There were no graduates this term. Pastor Jesse shared the word and a blessed time was had as prayers were lifted up for the students. Enjoy the pictures.

MORE MONSTER TRUCK PHOTOS!

Here are some more pictures of the boys at the Monster Truck show. Thanks again Lee!

MORE ST. FERDINAND PHOTOS

Here are some more pictures and some testimonies from the Saint Ferdinand group.

I first must say that I lovvvvveee coming down here. This was my fifth year coming here and I hope I don't skip a trip until either I die or by some chance we stop coming down. So either way it'll be a long time before I stop coming. Anyhow, we achieved a lot and I must say that I accomplished the most personally this year. Zach and I did the aluminum roof at Consuelo's house with the help of Tyler halfway through and surprisingly we did a great job, we also did the stuccoing there too. I had a lot of fun. - Trevor

This trip was very mind opening. It was great. I realized that people are worse off than I am. It was good to see everything here to keep everyone grounded. - Becca

NEW UNIFORMS

Thanks to our friends of Hands Extended in Yuma, AZ, and some sponsors, we were able to get some new winter uniforms for the children of Bethel. Here are some pictures of their big day out shopping and sizing up their new clothes.

CHRISTMAS VISITS

The children of Bethel were blessed with their first Christmas visit from a group of Junior High Students from a local school. They spent time playing with the kids and had two piñatas for them. We are thankful for the local folks who come to help during the Christmas season.

MONSTER TRUCKS!

Our friend Lee in Pittsburgh blessed the boys of Oasis with a trip to a Monster Truck show here in San Luis. The boys were thrilled to see and participate in the program. Enjoy the photos.

ST. FERDINAND GROUP

We had a blessed time with the St. Ferdinand Group from Cranberry PA. They worked hard on a number of projects, including the construction of classrooms for a local parrish, exterior painting of a clinic and parrish, termination of a house for one of our shut ins and a number of outhouses and shower houses for needy people. They also ministered in the dump and to the shut ins, and blessed the children of Bethel and Oasis. A Thanksgiving dinner was given at Oasis for the boys and our staff. They also attended a mass and visited the Junior High and High School our children are going to. Here are some pictures from the group, enjoy!

A MESSAGE FROM PAPA HAROLD

I have been asked many times, why, or, what made you get involved with what you are doing in Mexico? I am sure you also have been asked, WHY ? I guess if I had to sum it up in one word for me, it would be COMPASSION. I think the Lord gave me a double dose of compassion because whenever I see anyone anywhere that has a need , I feel something in my heart that makes me want to try to do something. Whatever that something is. And, when I read your testimonies of the trips you all have taken to Mexico on behalf of Caring Hearts Ministries, I feel that you also were given a double dose of compassion.

On my first trip with Brother Knell to Mexico, the Lord opened my eyes and heart to so many needs; I had a hard time even driving back to Phoenix. In fact Brother Knell and I for the first hour or so said nothing to each other because of weeping for those we left behind. Was my first trip or your first trip just emotions and would pass. I don’t think so because for me it is 23 years later and I still feel the same compassion as I did on that first trip. And I know you do also.

WHY? Because it is God in me and you. Eph. 2: 10 –tells us we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. He prepared in advance all of the ministries of Caring Hearts for you and me. WOW! All I can say is thank you Lord for allowing me to be your hands extended in San Luis, Mexico. Dear Servant, The children at Bethel and the Oasis depend on us. The poor in San Luis depend on us. Will you continue to pray, give financially, and go to be a parent for a week to these children? As you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.

Thank you and may you be Blessed in 2010
Papa Harold

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR GARY

Isaiah 9:6

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Some years ago, Papa Harold and I had to go down to San Luis in January to deal with an emergency that arose. As Jim McGhee drove us from Phoenix to the orphanage the desert was covered with beautiful flowers because of some heavy rains they had. When we got to the border in the evening, I was amused to see Christmas lights on palm trees and the little haciendas we passed on the way.

As I think about the night Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago, I have a more accurate picture of what it must have been like. Growing up in North America Christmas conjures up images of snow on pine trees and quaint little villages on rolling hillsides. Bethlehem rarely if ever sees snow, so being in a desert climate helped me envision Joseph and Mary walking across the sand and entering a town where people lived hand to mouth much as the people do in San Luis today.

Jesus being born outdoors in a manger makes me think of the children who have been left in the sandy street at the gates of the orphanage, some of them in the dark of the night. I guess you can say, in a way, many children have been “born to” we who belong to Caring Hearts. To us many sons and daughters have been given. But unlike Isaiah’s prophecy the roles are reversed. It is our job, our calling to save them. On December 25th, the children at Bethel and at Oasis Boys Home will have hot food, a clean bed and Christmas Presents because high school and college students, young adults and senior citizens, people who care, have come together from more than ten states from Pennsylvania to Florida, to Missouri and Arizona. They have prayed, given and gone in person to provide for these precious children. As another year closes I know I speak on behalf of Papa Harold, Blake and all who sit on the Board of Directors when I say Thank You for supporting Caring Hearts Ministries. You changed lives in 2009 and God has big plans for us all in 2010.

Merry Christmas
Pastor Gary Simpson.

TECATE TRIP

Here are some photos that Adalberto took during the Tecate trip. 5 of 6 kids were operated on. This is a long process for some of them, pray they will be done soon.

Dr Moses and His wife, directors of the clinic.