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Saturday, March 03, 2018

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Central Asia Update, May 3, 2011

What a wonderful trip we are having. This is the third email I have sent, but 2 came from my phone, and may not ever have gotten there. Yesterday our group toured the offices of CARD, and as usual are abundantly joyful at the good work that happens here. Lives are being changed forever in this place. Young people are learning computer skills that make them competitive in the job market here; others are learning to weave beautiful rugs that can become a career for them; still others learn carpentry skills that can translate into jobs. Many young people are attending the English classes and are amazingly skilled after less than a year. In the afternoon we divided into teams. Some stayed at CARD and helped with English teaching; some went to Psych Hospital. There some of us did manicures for the patients, and others worked on building a sport court. This will be a multi-day project. Half of our group went to the English school the past 2 evenings and have made friends there. Last night we had chili with American friends Jeff and Becky and their family. Today we are going to the babies' home this morning, then back to the Psych Hospital to make cute flip flops with the patients and work on the sport court. Another group will take a few people on a picnic in the country. Everyone is quite well and we are getting some sleep! All of the accommodations have been nice and we have very gracious hosts! Thank you for sending us--Cindy Read

Friday, March 04, 2011

Monterrey, Mexico VIM Update, Thursday, March 3, 2011

Jan Meilner called earlier this afternoon to give an update on our VIM Team in Monterrey, Mexico. She & Esther Gene Morrison were back at “home” base for a while as the 6 men were still hard at work at Juan Wesley Seminary. Jan said each time she goes with a team she thinks the experience can’t get any better but each time, it does. This one, particularly, seems to have an increased spiritual feel to it. The team went to chapel service with the seminary students yesterday (Wednesday) where two of our team, Arlyn Dearing & Wayne Werner, shared their testimonies. Sunday’s church service was at Koinonia (Jan thought Tom would appreciate that church name)and lasted only two hours – one hour of amazing worship and the other preaching and sharing.

The two days of MBS (Mission Bible School) at Tesqutria (I think that’s correct) went very well. They had 80 children one day and 130 the next. Four of the seminary students went with them and did a super job of implementing what needed to get done. They are realizing the blessings of taking ownership, at least partially, of some of the ministry being done there.

The construction project at the seminary is very involved and will not be completed before the team returns on Saturday. Again, some seminary students have really jumped in to help.

Pastor Guzman (long-time friend of Bill Mason) and his wife Maria joined the team for dinner last evening. They are so appreciative of our efforts to bring light and love to the precious people in Monterrey. The entire area has been impacted greatly with changes that have occurred as a result of the increased violence. They ask that we all faithfully pray for the people of Mexico and its leaders.

The weather has been rather mild which is a huge blessing as hard as the construction work has been. Everyone is feeling well and sprits are high.

Please continue to pray for our team who will return on Saturday late afternoon.