Each year we are blessed to have additional parts added to the ministry we are more than happy to be a part of, in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. The mountain is one of the highlights, as we are able to bring Jesus' message of love, along with treats, clothing for school and of course some fun and games to the children and the parents who have no real place to call home, accept for this spot on the mountain where they now live in make shift houses, built with whatever they can find. The nights can be hit with horrendous rain storms, in where many families are soaked by leaks in their roofs and water running into their homes, and in the winter months it can get cold on the mountain top. But the biggest challenge they face now, is from the land owner, who has been evicting families and bulldozing their homes in order to build condos in there place. We ask you to add these families to your prayers, and although some have found housing, where 6 people live in one small home, some with only one bedroom and where any money they earn goes to rent, leaving little for food and clothing, there are others who cannot afford to move from where they are and need to seek out another place, perhaps on another mountain top, to call home. One of our tasks for 2020, when we return, will be to find out where the majority of the families have moved so that we can continue to work with them and encourage them in the fact that they are never alone, as long as they have Jesus in their hearts.
MISSION TRIP 2019 Preaching at the Mountains and the Recovery Center
A new blessing came upon us this year as John and Elsa and some of the team members where able to go to 2 treatment centers where John shared his testimony of the hope he found in Jesus, and how Jesus has been a key part in him being clean and sober from his addictions for 11 years. A matter of fact, the day that John spoke at the first center was a significant day in itself. This is because it was John's 11 anniversary of being clean and sober and on that same date, July 4th, marked the day that both John and Elsa accepted Jesus into their hearts and started the journey that they are on now. We look forward to returning to both centers, and possibly more to share the Good News in 2020
MISSION TRIP 2019 Preaching at the Free Breakfast
There is a special feeling you can only get, when you are serving God. This felling becomes even more enhanced when you see God's people come together for one purpose. That purposes to serve others and glorify God. Between the Freedom's Doors Society team and the Baptist Church team of volunteers and pastors Jorge, Phil and Marco, God was glorified. It is much easier to minister to the addicted and homeless when you are backed by a church with loving hearts and who are eager to serve our Lord. Pastor Marco has a true heart fir the lost and upon hearing from God, that this was a ministry that He willed for him, Marco jumped in with both feet. Here is a few words from Pastor Marco on the works being done to lead the homeless to hope, the hope found in Jesus.
"Regarding the visit they make every year, for me it has been a very refreshing time, knowing that I am not the only one who is interested in people's lives, it fills me with emotion that there are other "crazy" people who also do what I really like to do it, I really enjoy it, and they teach me what a servant is, because the fact that they agree with what we tell you speaks more about humility, something that I think we need to learn, I think that work that they do on the streets is very important and special since it is a way of knowing the aspect of the city and the conditions in which the neighborhoods live. I know that there is much to be done and that the ministry is growing more and more, but also I know that God is preparing us more and more for his Kingdom, His Glory and that we can be well-polished instruments to reach the hearts of each one of those people who are suffering. I believe in restoration, I believe in physical, heart and soul healing because God himself has healed me of all that, but I also believe that He is giving us a wonderful opportunity to work with the Freedom's Doors Society team for His Glory. May God bless you and keep You, Marco Antonio Guzmán Pérez