PICS FROM OUR READING ROOM

I thought you would enjoy these pictures I took from our reading room. We have been encouraging our children, young and old, to make a habit of reading. Thanks to many generous donors, we have plenty of books for them to enjoy. Here, our preschoolers are hanging out and enjoying their picture books. I want to especially thank Hands Extended and Sherry Whitworth of Yuma who purchased many books for our library and donated the bean bag chairs. Little Lisa looks like she's learning how to read from me! That is what happens to me when I sit down to read. Ha Ha. God bless and pray that our children will continue to grow in this area.

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR GARY

On March 13th, Renee' and I will lead a group on a one week mission trip to San Luis. It's hard to believe, but we haven't been there in four years! That's the longest period between trips in the last 20 years and we are so anxious to see all our friends. But most of all we look forward to ministering to the children at Bethel Orphanage, the Boy's at Oasis Boy's Home and the people in the villages who are hungry for food both physically and spiritually. From time to time someone will ask me, "Why do you go down there?" It is a lot of work, raising funds, booking airline tickets, renting vehicles and traveling more than 4,000 miles roundtrip. But the Bible commands, (not asks), us to "Declare His glory among the nations." I've found the best way to declare His glory is in person. We're also instructed to "Declare…His marvelous deeds among ALL peoples." I've found the best way to declare His deeds is to do them,to shine our light before men, that they may see our good deeds and praise the Father in Heaven. I like to think of it this way; there are men, women and children in San Luis who are lost and hungry today. But when we pull out of there to head home on March 20th, they will have food in their stomachs and Jesus in their hearts. That makes allt he work and travel more than worth while. Pray for us and the many groups that will be going down in 2009. And pray always for the children and the Mexican people.
God Bless you all.
Pastor Gary

NEW CHILDREN AT BETHEL

Maria

Tony

Sandra

Alex



Here are 4 new children who arrived at Bethel. Pray for them as they get used to their new surroundings. Pray for their families, who have made this difficult decision out of great need. Pray for Mama Bertha, Don, Edith, Juana, Isabel, Sarai, and Vicky as they do their best to instruct and guide these little ones. Pray that we will be able to provide for them and give them all they need. God is using us in their lives, let Him use you too through prayer and intecession.

NEW SEPTIC TANK

Wheee! Isn't this fun! Why do we mention this? The boys of Oasis built it!!! They were having problems with theres, and under the direction of Brother Pedro, they dug a 5 meter hole and made a Mexican Septic tank. They also finished tiling the womens room in Oasis. They have had many opportunities to practice what they have learned, and we are happy they are being prepared for their future, learning skills that will give them an advantage.

OASIS HOME BIBLE STUDY

Here are some pictures from the Oasis Home Bible Study. It has been doing well. Pedro and Fran's daughter Sarai has been helping out with the adults, while Luis Valenzuela has been ministering to the children. He has a faithful group of chilren from 8-12, many come without their parents. God is using this Bible study to reach out to the neighborhood around Oasis.

FIELD TRIP WITH ROSITA

We have recently placed Rosita in a private school and she is doing very well so far. Because of the smaller class size, they are able to have more opportunities for learning experiences. Last month she was able to go with her class to a national park 3 hours from San Luis, El Pinacate. It is famous for its moon like landscape. Here are some pictures from her trip. Can you spot Rosita in the group photo?

CLINIC FOLLOWUP BY BIBLE SCHOOL

Each year at our medical clinic, hundreds begin to trust Jesus and ask for pastoral visits. Our Bible School students and graduates have been busy visiting those people to help them be grounded in His Grace. Here are some pictures of them at work.

NEW CAR FOR ADALBERTO

Scott Cornish of Uniontown PA donated a 1997 car to Adalberto. It only had 40,000 original miles and it is in great shape. Bill and Sharon Layhue of Sonlight Missions drove it down and their ministry helped with the importation costs. Adalberto is very grateful for this special blessing, which meets a need his family had. Thank you Scott, Bill, Sharon and Sonlight Missions!

THANK YOU LOGOS MINISTRY

Evelyn Ellenwood of Pittsburgh sent us some nice T-shirts from Logos Ministry. Adalberto gave them out to needy people from the Bible School and Rehab Centers. Thank you Evelyn for your kind gift.

MORE GROUP TESTIMONIES

Here are some more testimonies from our January Groups.

My first trip to San Luis taught me gratitude. the next six taught me how to see God in everyday life. The people of San Luis may not have all we have materially, but they have such a strong faith in God. They set an example for Christian life - Suzanne, St. Ferdinand Group.

This was my fifth trip down to this humble community and it certainly didn't disappoint. Every year I come down, I leave feeling closer to God. The people always end up giving more to us than we ever could to them. - Tyler, St. Ferdinand Group.

I came here expecting to help people and when I left here I realized I was the one who was helped. Seeing the people's faith despite their circumstances is just such a great reminder of how God is always with us and that with him we can be truly happy. - Erin, St. Ferdinand Group.

This is my second trip to Caring Hearts. I have never been so moved/touched. This ministry has had a huge impact on my life. The boys have taught me more than I have taught them! I love the boys at the boys home, they have an awesome enviroment to live in and I am forever grateful. This ministry has provided hope and assurance that God is at work. I saw God this week through the actions of the boys and the beautiful faces. - Kaylee, Geneva College

Coming on this trip I had no idea what was in store for me. I was excited, because I have been to Mexico before and I loved it, but because I have experienced this kind of trip before and I know the emotional pain you go through at the end of the week during goodbyes. I wasn't anxious to get real close to the boys we were working with at Oasis because I didn't want my heart to break all over again. But, by the first day, I knew there was no escaping it. My heart grew in love and then was broken in a different way with each boy I met and each experience I had. The thing that ended up being my favorite part about the trip was the relationships. I fell in love with each of those boys as an individual. This trip also helped me to realize more about my own life and my own relationship with God and I saw more love of God in the lives of these boy than I ever have. God bless San Luis and the ministry at Oasis! - Emby, Geneva College

Prior to the trip I thought that my sole purpose on coming to San Luis was to help the kids at the orphanage and do some construction. Looking back at the last week, i now see how God used the people of San Luis, the orphanage, etc. to impact my life and strengthen my faith. I am grateful for the hospitality that was shown by the people of Bethel and was very happy with the past week. Thank you and I look forward to the next opportunity to come back and be blessed. - Corey, IUP

This mission trip was very different from the rest. This is my second time here at Bethel and it probably touched me more than last year. Seeing how the kids remembered us really meant something. Going to the dump was twice as meaningful this year too. I was given the opportunity to share my testimony there; it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. One of the best moments, however, was cooking with the kids. It was time well spent here and I only wished we could have done it more. Overall it was a great experience...and I thank you Ken, especially for that. - Rosa Maria, IUP