Huffer's Home

What a difference glasses can make.....

2012-01-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Abraham and Luis are brothers. They have struggled with reading and school work. One day their caregiver asked me if I thought anyone would consider giving money for them to get their eyes checked. The thought that eye care could up their grades made sense to me if they had problems. It seemed like such an easy fix. We took the two boys and three girls to get their eyes checked. All five had issues. Two had to wear their glasses permanently while the others have to wear them to read, do homework and at school. Praise God for the generous donor that allowed these kids to have their sight and expand their opportunities.

A lesson learned again........

2012-01-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

If you have flown before you've heard it...... the schpeal that the flight attendant shares about putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others. Sometimes in ministry we get caught up in what we are "suppose" to do. Sometimes we forget that we need to rest, have time with the Lord, eat well and exercise. Greg and I recently remembered to care for ourselves so that we can better care for others. Here are some photos from a hike we recently took. It was a beautiful get away, time to pray, laugh, exercise and enjoy one another. Don't forget to put on your mask.....

this video reflects my New Years thoughts.....

2012-01-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

below is translation of the song.
Yesterday I saw you
it was clearer than the moon
in me doubts did not stay
it was a clear appearance
my heart jumped when I saw you
yesterday I saw you
after looking you for so much
before the sun goes out and
to ask you to leave me
to see your face in prayer

(clause)yesterday I saw you
I saw you in street children
without a place to sleep
I saw you in its widespread hands
asking for bread to live
I saw you in its eyes so bright
and in his smile titubiante
yesterday I saw you
I saw you in a hospital room
in solitude I saw you crying
I saw you in a troubled face
of a patient desperate without
hope of living tired of so much suffering
yesterday I saw you
yesterday I saw you
You are disguised and you hide from my sight but
yesterday I saw you, yesterday I saw you

Counting our Blessings of 2011

2011-12-30T11:55:00.000-08:00

When we look back at all the things God has done in our lives and through us we are truly blessed. God can and does so much cause He is BIG and Miraculous. He is awesome that He chooses to use us and involve us in the plan He has to love this world. We, as a family want to take this time and just thank God and all those that He has touched to help us be apart of what He has going on in Monterrey. Thank you for giving financially to us, praying for us and encouraging and loving on us in the various ways that you do. I can't possibly recall on the things like sending us books to read and encourage, giving us music, sending down Christmas cookies, writing us, praying for and with us, sending money to encourage and bless these kids and those who care for them. Really words can't say enough to thank you for being obedient to God's leading in allowing us to be here. Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.
The Huffer family- Greg, Cathy, Ben, Luke and Mark

Blessed by Shirley

2011-12-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is Shirley. She is smart, fun, kind and has Jesus in her heart. I am blessed by the relationship I have with her. We share life together. School, family, friends, events, etc. Thank you Lord for Shirley.

Christmas Blessings

2011-12-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

We want to thank the James Round Table for providing money to do activities with our teens here on our property. You see, most of our teenagers in our program can go home for Christmas to be with family of some kind. However some for one reason or another don't get that opportunity. This year our family has had the opportunity to stay here in Monterrey for Christmas. So with the help of the James Round Table funds we were able to take some of the teens on our campus ice skating. A few kids from Casa Hogar Douglas also joined us. We had a great time skating. Even though it was in the high 60- low 70s outside. Inside seemed like a cold Ohio day skating on Landen lake with Silent Night playing in the background in Spanish. Thanks to those that God touched their heart to make good times like this one possible.

Movies with Manantial de Amor

2011-12-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season we found ourselves with the decision to stay here in Monterrey. We have deeply missed seeing family and friends and celebrating in our traditional ways. However, God has been good in allowing us to be able to do things we don't usually get to do since we aren't here at this time. For example, even though most kids in our children's homes get to go home for the Christmas break, there are still a few who don't have a place to go. Going to a movie isn't a field trip we normally do with our kids in the casa hogar as it isn't quality time that groups can have with the kids. However with money from Anderson Hills United Methodist Church, our family took the kids who were still at MdA out to the movies. We went to see We bought a Zoo in spanish. Everyone was able to have there own popcorn and drink. I only left 4 times to take someone to the bathroom and Greg went three times. Some of the older kids and the workers went to see Mission Impossible 4. . Everyone left laughing and enjoying themselves. It was a fun to mess around in the car, take pictures and enjoy one another. They are our extended family. We are grateful to so many that allow us to be here doing what God has called us to do. Thank you.

Teenage girls are the same no matter what country you are from

2011-12-30T09:47:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite parts of being involved in this ministry is to see how God draws others to do His work. About a year ago, B2B was contacted by a business man who was interested in helping orphans. He does business in Monterrey, Mx and wanted to use his trips for something more than just making a living. He had heard of Back2Back from looking up Christian organizations helping kids in Monterrey. That led to his first visit last December when he visited one of our children's homes, Manantial de Amor. He specifically went to the home that housed girls that range from 10 to 16 years of age. With our help we were able to find out what the girls wanted for Christmas and he came bearing gifts for all and even a larger gift for all in the home to share. These girls made quite an impression on him and he he knew this relationship was not going to be just a first time thing.
During the year, this donor has assisted in helping three girls have a great 15th birthday celebration called a quincenera. He has also been a sponsor in our shelter program. Just a few weeks ago he came to Monterrey with his daughter to take the three girls he sponsors out shopping for Christmas. With a language barrier there was much reliance on the interpreter between the girls and their sponsors. But once we entered the mall, all of that just fell to the wayside. The girls were giggly. There were ooos and ahhhhhs. Laughter and posing. It dawned on me that teenage girls no matter where they are from or what kind of family or situation they come from, they are all the same. After a couple of hours it was obvious that we needed to speed things up. I tried to offer up my influence on the girls to speed things up. But their sponsor turned and said. "This day is for them. I came here for them. They are worth it. " When I turned and explained that to them, all three of their faces went soft and all three responded with an "Ahhhh". This had touched them deeply. Funny cause after that we began buying what we needed at record speed. I don't think they felt rushed but instead felt respected and they wanted to respect him back.
As you can tell by the pictures, they left the mall with both fists full of bags, stories to tell to friends at school and new clothes to show off. But they left there with more than that. They had heard that they were worth it. They were worth it. I love how God brings a guy and his daughter to shower these girls with the message that "They are worth it". Its a message God has for all of us really.

The giggle is in the relationship of the gift..........

2011-12-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is a child from a casa hogar receiving a gift from his sponsor in the US. The sponsor has been praying for him, visiting him when she can. They send photos back and forth. He prays for her and her family also. This year for his birthday, she wanted to give him a gift he would love. With a little investigation, we found out he was longing for a tech deck skate park. These toys have been around for awhile in the United States and now are really popular here in Monterrey with the preteen boys especially. As you watch the video, listen for his giggle and excitement. Things don't bring happiness, it is the people behind the gifts that bring happiness. I am convinced that his anticipation came because his sponsor swam with him last summer and sat with him to do a craft or color in a coloring book. She prayed with him, and loved on him. His sponsor often closed her letters reminding him how special God made him. Because of their relationship, he knew to anticipate something special.
I think God giggles like this as we offer gifts to him. Worship songs, acts of service, our own control, whatever it might be that we offer to give to him. God giggles knowing we think He is special and we want to gift him a gift to show him.

Milagros yet another proof that she was rightly named....

2011-11-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Milagros means miracle in Spanish. I know her mom has seen her name come true in many times throughout her life, including a Sunday about a week ago. Milagros graduated from beauty school with help from many Cincinnati friends who answered a leading of God's voice. This journey began about 3 years ago when an audiologist came to visit the Rio community where Milagros lives. He met her and her mom and was moved by God to help Milagros. During the course of three years God provided her with hearing aids to help her hear sounds for safety. She attended school to learn sign language. After about 1 1/2 years in beauty school, she has graduated and got her degree. She very well may be the only one in her community who has graduated from anything.
The day was full of presenting her work, judges results, dinner, along with mingling with teachers, friends and family. Milagros was quiet, humble and yet exuded confidence as she presented her model who had makeup, hair, nails, etc. all done by Milagros. Her teacher spoke for her to explain to the judges all Milagros had done. You could see communication had not been a problem between her friends and teachers. When she went up to accept her diploma, there was not a dry eye at our table. God clearly has a plan for this girl. Now we are trusting that he will lead her to a trusting employer. Because of her unique style of communication Milagros needs to have a secure place to work. A place where someone won't take advantage of her. Pray that God will lead us to this place, as we are trusting he will.

just a few things of what God has done this year.....WOW

2011-11-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

So since the year is winding down, I have been reflecting back to all that God has been up to this year and feeling blessed that Greg and I get to be a small part of it all. Here's a list of just a few of these things.
God has
-rescued three kids out of the hand of a witch
-restored a runaway to his mom
-given me a miraculous 5 hours of clear thinking with my mom who has Alzheimer's
-beginning to restore a family in the Rio
-given the opportunity for a teenager who is deaf from the Rio graduate from beauty school. She just might be the first in her community to graduate from anything.
-brought many to himself through a saving faith in Jesus Christ
-freed many visitors here from bondage of things like depression and fear just to name a few
-done a work in our own family to bring about unity and openness that only comes through Christ
-touched the hearts of many to provide a new property and facility to bring a children's home with three locations down to 2 locations.
-supernaturally continues to heal emotional and spiritual trauma at the children's homes that we serve.
-He has been comforting teens that in return have been used to comfort other kids on two different mission trips
-given our family the opportunity to befriend three boys. And from these relationships we have been enriched.
-continued to do a work in our lives to show us the authority and gifting we have in Jesus and the Holy Spirit
It goes on and on and on. Praise God for the many things he has done and how we somehow get to be privileged to be a part of it in any small way possible.

Ministered by my mentee........

2011-11-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

For over a year now I've been meeting with a teenage girl who is in our Hope Program. We often meet together to talk about it "all". Sometimes relationships, boyfriends, friends, family, school life, the usual "goings on". dreams and admirations. We pray sometimes talk about Scripture. I've come to really enjoy her and often look forward to our time together. Recently I had been going through a spiritual low. Like I have had a cloud over my head. Spiritually attacked I have struggled with my time with the Lord and holding up my commitments. One night I was suppose to attend a staff women party and really felt so sad that I new that if I had gone I was going to cry without the ability to hold it together. So I didn't go. However the rest of my family had things to do. I found myself alone and really feeling sorry for myself. Then she came to the door. My mentee. She came in and immediately knew I had been crying. After asking me how I was and hearing me out, she prayed with me. She encouraged me by sharing a time where she had fallen away from the Lord. At that time, God spoke to her in the shower encouraging her to spend time with Him. When she did she was covered with the peace of Jesus Christ. She prayed for me and my relationship with Jesus. After she left I knew that night I had been the mentee and she was the mentor. Praise God for how He uses us. I think that night we both felt blessed for the relationship that God has given to us.

"Bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes......."

2011-10-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is Dalia and her grandmother, Olga.

Isaiah 61
The Year of the LORD’s Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
God is in the business of restoring, of comforting, proclaiming freedom, giving a crown of beauty instead of ashes, giving oil of gladness verses mourning,and clothing us with a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Dalia, her two sisters and her grandmother were living out of a car a couple of months ago. To say her life has been hard is an understatement. But God has a plan for the lives of these three girls. In the only miraculous way God works He brought them to Manantial de Amor children's home in August and last night Dalia celebrated her 15th birthday in style. God had introduced this family to B2B and through which they met a family from the states some 6 or so years ago. Dalia, her sisters and grandmother were living in a poor community we serve and on a mission trip this family fell in love with the girls. God touched the hearts of the girls and this family and began a strong love relationship. Through the years this family was able to help the girls with school fees and necessities while visiting and writing back and forth. About 1 1/2 years ago we lost contact with Olga and the girls and it seemed to be a sad ending to such a great relationship. However just a few months ago, they fell on the hardest of times and showed up at Manantial de Amor. God is good and restores his own. The girls don't like being away from their grandmother however they feel loved with the MdA family. They also get to see Olga every weekend. Just last night Dalia was a princess for a day with the help of the supporter family in the states. Dalia celebrated a time that all Mexican girls dream of however not all get to have. Praise God that we can glorify His name in the great things he has done for Dalia and her family.

Prayers needed for Manantial de Amor

2011-10-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

A girl from Manatial de Amor trying on a dress for her XV.
Here in Mexico the government is trying to better regulate the laws for children's homes. They are trying to protect and provide for the children better. This system was poorly put in place originally so all the changes can be both overwhelming and seem impossible. Will you join with us in prayer for Manantial de Amor and other casa hogares in Mexico as they feel the pressure to make these changes.
Pray that family members get the paperwork that is needed to keep the kids safe and provided for.
Pray for the workers that can feel overwhelmed to begin with because of all the work they need to care for the kids and now they are asking more from them.
Pray for continued dependency on our Lord Jesus Christ who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. As you can imagine this added work requires added money, and time. Manantial have already added 4 more kids to their home from children's homes who had to close because they couldn't keep up with what was needed.
Truly the family unit is the best place for a child to grow up. However so many of these kids would not have any place to be if it weren't for Manantial de Amor.
Currently they have children that were living out of a car, one boy who was living between sisters and unable to go to school because of the changing back and forth. God has used Manantial de Amor as a refuge from life storms and a light to guide them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers.

So blessed by Michael

2011-10-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Luke and Mark are so blessed this year to have a male teacher. When you are in a large elementary or middle school there are few opportunities to have a male teacher. But with just two teachers in their school our boys have yet to have had this experience. We have been truly blessed as all his students are boys as well.
It has only been a little over a month already into the school year but you can already see the impact he has had on our boys. Mr. Michael often wears ties to school. The boys have noticed this and their first opportunity to give a presentation in class, unsolicited all the boys decided to wear ties.
Last week Mr. Michael taught on the topic of table manners. That night it wasn't me pointing out who was talking with the mouth open or not waiting to eat until everyone was seated.
Our family has been blessed in the past 5 years to be blessed with great teachers
Katie Housh (now Zayner), Rubi Moyer, Hope Maglich, Jessica Biondo, and now Michael Schreiner and Laura Westaway.
If you happen to be blessed with a great teacher I encourage you to take time out to tell them how special they are. As a parent I pray for others to be apart of my boys' lives. I'm grateful for the godly influence that these teachers have on my kids. Praise God.

Yesterday was a difficult day.....

2011-09-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

This is the kids with whom Jesus is now staying.
All names have been changed in the story.
So many emotions went through my head yesterday. You see, I thought I was just going to help out a friend from the Rio and a couple hours later I'd return home. Good deed done and nothing different. Boy was I wrong. Diana, is a girl who must be 26 or 27 years old. She lives with her ~6 year old daughter and I think a boyfriend. Truth be told in my 3 years working at Rio 1 community (a poor neighborhood of wood, tin and scrape houses that people have built along a riverbed) I maybe have seen him a time or two. And the time I think I saw him, he was drunk. Diana is my friend. She is quiet and hardly speaks unless spoken to. Infact, I learned more about her and heard her speak more words yesterday that in the 3 years combined since I met her.
Meme, a Christian leader in Rio 1, had told me that Diana had a brother that wanted to go to a children's home and asked if I could help them get to Manantial de Amor. This home is about 20 minutes from there house and is one of the closest to them. I said sure, not really thinking through what I'd experience that day.
When I went to pick them up, I saw a smiley 12 year old boy who spoke few words. "It must run in the family." I thought. Diana was glad to see me and asked Sarah, her daughter, to hurry along as she went with us. They all chose to sit in the back sit giving me a chauffeur kind of feel to it. As we drove there, I tried to start the conversation with simple questions asking them if they had the paperwork they needed. Asking Jesus if he was nervous. To my surprise, he quickly answered "No." But Diana volunteered, "I am." When we got there Mama Cony asked "So are all 3 of you wanting to enter in the children's home. " Diana is not even 5 feet tall so I knew she asked innocently. We explained that Diana was there with her daughter Sarah to see if her brother Jesus could enter the children's home. It was then that the hard questions came.
"Do you have custody of your brother?" said the children's home worker.
"No, not really, but I'm the one responsible." answered Diana
"Where's your Mom?"
"She died 9 years ago?"
"And your Dad?"
"He abandoned us before Mom died,"
"Where is your Dad now?"
" He does drugs and is an alcoholic. Hard to say for sure."
"So Jesus has been living with you?"
"He has been living with me sometimes and my other sister sometimes. She is younger than I am. We can't afford to continue to raise him and he really wants to go to school."
The questioning continues to reveal that Diana is not married but her boyfriend hardly gives her enough to raise her daughter. As we sit there I realize, he has brought nothing but papers. You know birth certificate and school papers.
The worker says something that puts a lump in my throat.
"So let me see, his birthday is....tomorrow?:" He states but it almost comes out as a question.
What a 13th birthday memory he will have. I think to myslef.
As they finish the interview, he is brought two pairs of pants, 2 sets of underwear and 3 shirts. He is shown his bunk bed that will be his new home. The worker does a great job of explaining the responsibilities that the home has to him, including visiting rights that she will have. He explains that they want to maintain a strong relationship with him and his family. The lump comes back in my throat. He also explains responsibilities Diana has. Signing up Jesus for free public health insurance. Not taking him off the property for 15 days, etc.
When he finished. She looks to me and says, "Now what?" Her voice cracked. I was grateful that the worker answered quickly, "You can stay as long as you'd like but you'll need to say goodbye sometime. "
When it came time to say goodbye, Jesus seemed strong. Not seeming sad at all. I remember another kid that we work with once told me that he never gets homesick. The sad feeling that I felt when I heard that swept back over me as I wondered if he no longer gets homesick. Then I looked at Diana, I've never seen a lot of emotion on her face before either. But I could see it, she didn't want to show her hurt to her brother. You could see the effort she was putting into being strong for me. As for me I was crying for them both. I knew Jesus needed this home. I knew Diana was grateful for the opportunity her brother would have to go to school, and eat well. Still I also knew that if they could they would trade it all to be together. Today was Jesus' birthday. I found myself thinking and praying for him all day long.
"Do not be discouraged, Do not be afraid for I the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
I pray this promise over Jesus and all the kids that we serve. I have a new appreciation for the workers that don't just provide clothes and food. But so often are there to wipe away tears, listen, pray with and over children. To teach them that Jesus is the only one that can change lives. Sometimes we experience difficult times with others. I used to try and avoid it, now I see the blessing in being apart of the intimate moments of people lives. Yesterday I thought I was going to run a couple hour errand. But what God had for me changed my life. Lord, help me see what you have for me tomorrow.

Recieving God's Word

2011-09-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Recently we received a generous donation of 200 spanish Bibles to give to the children we serve here in Monterrey. These kids live in a children's home and share just about everything. Very little is their own. One our last visit to Manantial de Amor children's home Greg passed out the Gideon Bibles to the kids. Each one was so excited to have their very own. One boy told me he was going to place his under his bed so he could read it every night and morning. Most of us have possession that we love and cherish. Is your Bible somewhere we can read it every night and morning. I will not forget the excitement in his face.

Under one roof,,,,almost

2011-09-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

For five years now, I've known the children of Manantial de Amor's children's home to be under three roofs. A boys home, a girl's home and a home in Villa Juarez. There are new laws in Mexico for children's homes and that has meant bringing some of the kids together under one roof. Right now these kids are at Villa Juarez waiting for construction to finish so that they can move to a B2B site called "La Tierra Prometids" or the Promised Land. The plan is that the kids would stay there for a year or two while we build there permanent location across the street.
One girl who just came to the home wrote a friend and told her, " I am very sad not to be with my grandma every day. But here we can get the love that we need, and we see grandma every weekend. Its very much like a family." Would you pray for these kids and there transition. Please pray for their new school, for living on one property, for their health physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thanks.

a small miracle,,,,, is there such a thing?

2011-09-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Normally I would never post a picture of my mom like this, but I will always remember this day my mom fell and need stitches. Greg and I were home in Ohio for about 2 weeks in August. It never seems long enough to spend time with family and friends, especially when now my mom is in a nursing home. About 1/2 through the week at my in-laws I get a call from my sister that my mom fell as she tried to stand from her wheelchair hitting a spot above her eye causing her to get stitches and xrays just to make sure everything else was ok. I went quickly to meet my dad and sister at the hospital wondering if my mom would be in a worried state of mind or just out of it with the interruption in her routine. Since she was diagnosed with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's routine has been very important to her. As I entered the room, I was shocked to see my mom smiling away and surprised to see me. She immediately asked about Greg, my husband, and our three boys. She continued the questions with and how long will you stay this time. I was amazed not only with the clarity of her thinking, but the ability to recall my family and that we had traveled from Mexico. For the next four to five hours we visited with my mom as if she was a new. The mom I remembered, witty, compassionate, social and pleasant. She greeted nurses and lab techs and doctors as if they had entered into her personal living room. Physically she was a site to behold as you see in this picture taken a few days later, but mentally she was as clear as she has been for a long while. When we all returned from the hospital to the nursing home the head nurse as us if we had noticed a difference in Mom's mental capacity. She too had seen the clarity and calmness in mom that morning as they waited for transportation to the hospital. My Dad and I stayed with my mom for another hour or so until I had to leave. At the end of our visit, you could see my mom slipping back into her hallucinations and confusion. I had the chance to see my mom on several other occasions while we were home however she was never as clear as that day. I praise God for the miracle He gave me of that special day with my mom. It seemed like such a small thing that one could easily overlook. But for me it was a big miracle that only God orchestrates. Praise God for such a special gift to me.

The Whiteds

2011-08-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ever do something the world would say is just crazy. That pretty much describes our friends David and Stacy Whited. They have been blessed with a great job that allowed them to take a year and join us in Monterrey serving the kids with whom Back2Back works. Their kids Colton 17 and Averee 15 years old spent their Jr. and 8th grade year with out kids. Their plan was to return to Nashville, Tenn for Colton's senior year. However after a trip to El Limon, a children's home we work with about 6 hours south of Monterrey, God called them to move there and serve them. They are trusting in God's perfect plan for their life. Is God asking something "crazy" from you? Are you choosing to obey?

Staff Kid VBS 2011

2011-08-06T12:08:00.001-07:00

I have a great friend at B2B named Angela. She is a gifted Bible teacher for kids. With the help of the nannies this summer, she and they put together a great VBS for the staff kids. We had a great turn out and all the kids had so much fun with games, crafts, Bible stories, and snacks.

Privileged to share our lives.....

2011-08-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Greg and I have the opportunity to spend a good part of our time with the Mexican orphan and those who work and care for these kids. However in summer we host the majority of our groups and we have a different privilege. We get to welcome to work with us many interns and summer staff. This summer Greg and I both had the chance to share life together with a few of these interns. We meet with them, pray with them and challenge them. Its just great opportunity to be a small part of their lives as God has brought them to Mexico to work in and through them. These high school and college aged kids pay money to come help us for a month to two months. They do things like wash out garbage cans, pour concrete and push swings. They love on the kids we serve then give their time away to the groups that have come for the week. They are the cream of the crop. We learn a lot from them and are encouraged by the energy and faith that they bring to the table. Here are just three girls I came to know fairly well the month of July.

Ninja Day

2011-07-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

God continues to bring groups to our campus this summer to love on the kids in the children’s homes in Monterrey. This summer the Lord has led us into “ Play with a Purpose” activities with our groups and kids. These activities have aided us in helping group members to have meaningful interaction with the kids we serve and to help them develop socially, emotionally and psychologically. We have been excited to see these activities help us and our groups serve our kids even better.
One day this summer, we had the opportunity to have Ninja Day at Manantial de Amor children's home in the town of Villa de Juarez. With just two girls and 11 boys, this home was made for "Ninja Day". Staying with the Ninja theme, we taught a short lesson on the story of Caleb and Joshua. Ninjas are spies just like Caleb and Joshua were in Bible times. We talked about how Caleb and Joshua were spy who knew that, with God, they were more than conquerors. As you remember the story, Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies of 12 that thought God would allow them to conquer the Canaanites in order to win over the promised land. We dressed as ninjas and played ninja games. Each group member was paired with a child to first get dressed as a ninja than play games like "stand off", "star wars tag" and yes, "Ninja". We ended the day sharing watermelon and prayed for one another. I won't ever see a Ninja without thinking of these adorable kids like Christopher, Dana or Luis Carlos. We are more than Conquerors.

Thanks Anderson Hills United Methodist Church

2011-07-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

Casa Hogar Douglas has had their stove for more years than we will ever know. I'm am certain that when it came to them it was used. The workers at Doulas fight cockroaches daily and the number one source of their food was that stove. The amount of grease built up on that thing could feed thousands of cockroaches. Sometimes the groups that serve with us get the fun job of spraying for these creepy crawlers. I will never forget about hearing how Anderson Hills UMC ( the church Greg grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio) cleaned and spray for these cockroaches one day. The stories made my skin crawl. While it made the group's skin crawl too and they decided to do something about it. Above is a picture of the new stove. Gone is the cockroach feeding frenzy. They great thing is that Jim, the captain of Douglas and a poor community that we work with that we call Rio 3, cleaned the old stove and took it to the soup kitchen in Rio 3. So really this new stove was a double blessing. Thanks Anderson Hills UMC. The kids are grateful. Tacos taste better on a clean stove.

God's Gift to Flor

2011-06-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in charge of something and things outside of your control seem to not go as you expect and you think all is lost then God shows up in a way better than you could have asked or imagined? Well, that happened a week or so ago at Flor's quincenera (her 15th birthday celebration). Here in Mexico this celebration is a special day that many girls dream about. Its really their day to be a princess. They get to dress in a princess dress, dance with handsome boys and all the attention is on them.
I have known Flor for about 5 years now. In those five years God has changed and molded her a lot. She used to be shy and socially backwards. She comes from a broken family and still today, you can see she is not close to her Mom. She is one of four children and was seen as the wallflower of them all.
At her party her caregiver said he would share or preach. Well, he shared so little and I was disappointed thinking she needed so much more. What I didn't know is that God was working it out. Cheque, who is on staff with Back2Back, was emceeing and doing the music part of the party. After the short talk Edgar gave, he asked everyone to come up and share a word of encouragement to her, pray a blessing over her and shower her with love. As the first person came forward she broke into tears. You could see her heart fill with joy as kids, caregivers, family, friends, and group members that attended came forward to love on her. Even her Mom seemed to change in demeanor as she approached Flor and embraced her. I am sure Flor had many times when she imagined what her dress would be like or what kind of cake everyone would eat. But I can't help but thinking that she ever imagined the love that God poured out on her that day.
" Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen!" Ephesians 3:20

Luke's Birthday Party

2011-06-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

We spent the afternoon at a local park, went to eat ice cream and then spent fun time playing video games just hanging out. We were quiet the crew with 11 boys. Check out the photos

Hearing Him when He speaks.......

2011-06-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

I often think that I hear from God most when I am out in nature. When I see the beauty in the mountains or a gorgeous sunset. S lot like these pictures my son, Ben took. About a week ago, God showed me a new beauty and spoke to me through it. It happened as we were in extended worship. Every Wednesday night we have taken to having a time of worship and prayer that has lasted anywhere from an hour to three. It has been a time of reflection, of prayer and just listening to the Lord. One extended worship night, I was praying and asking the Lord to take me where He wanted. To help me pray for others. He directed me to a girl that walked past me and stated go after her.
I didn't know her and responded in my head with something like."really? talk with her? I don't know her (like he didn't already know this, ha).
He responded in my head. "Tell her "I've got this.'"
I remember thinking "What? Really? No scripture or something? This isn't sounding too spiritual." More mental discussion went on in my head until I finally went to tell her.
" Uhh, this is going to sound weird, but I think God wants me to tell you that "I've got this". Does that make sense to you??"
I felt my face squinting like I was preparing for ridicule.
Instead she says to me. " Actually that is the second sign that God has givien me and it was said in the language that I would speak."
Again in my head I'm asking now what do I do. I felt the Lord telling me "that's all"
As I returned again, He tells me to turn to the staff member that I was with and tell her how happy I am with what I've called her to do. As I share with her, she says. The timing of this message is perfect. I feeling down about what He has asked me to do. Thanks for the encouragement.
I feel encouraged too as He chose to speak to me in away I have never experienced before. Because I was listening and I obeyed I experienced a joy I can not express. I don't know if He will ever use me like that but I stand amazed. Amazed because I know that He could speak directly to both people but he used me to teach me to listen, trust and obey. I have tasted and I want more.

Matacanes

2011-06-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes God blesses me beyond my understanding. The risk is doing something I'm wasn't sure I could do. The pay off was a gorgeous view, dependency on the Lord and constant conversation with Him, feeling of accomplishment and just plain astonishment of who God is and what he has made. Here are just a few photos of our great day of repelling, hiking, jumping, swimming and enjoying one another. My great husband encouraged me to do this and I am forever grateful.

Huffer Family Photo

2011-05-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here's an updated shot of all of us. We feel that our boys are growing so much, so I'm guessing that those of you who know them and haven't seen them for a while will think the same.
Ben is graduating 8th grade and we are looking for a bilingual school for him for next year. He is looking forward to meeting new friends and learning more spanish along with maybe playing some basketball.
Luke will enter 6th grade next year and is our active one. He choses to be outside whenever possible, playing just about anything under the sun.
Mark will be in 5th grade. He tends to roll with the punches and is both creative and a bit athletic too. He is crazy once you get to know him.
Greg continues to be busy wearing many hats here with the ministry. He especially loves when he is able to preach.
Me, as I have written before I'm adjusting to less individual ministry and more supporting my family with helping Greg and being with the boys. God has been good to us. We are so grateful for the many that support us prayerfully and financially. Thank you.

Lessons at VdJ

2011-05-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking. You looking at these pictures and thinking, awww. Cathy's teaching lessons at Villa de Juarez. Well, actually I want to share how the boys there taught me a lesson. Its true I have been going there the last few weeks and teaching the kids Bible stories. Right in the middle of my David and Goliath story last week, two kids broke out in a fist fight. I'd be lying if I said this surprised me. But hang with me cause something soon after did. I and an older boy from the home helped to break the boys up. I usually go to the underdog and this day was no different. I went to Mateo and held him as he cried. I had seen Israel punch him several times in the face but didn't know what exactly happen. Having learned with my own boys that things aren't always what they seem, I brought Mateo to Israel with the idea that I would try to talk things out with them. I was expecting reluctancy and truly thought if they just can move on from this I'll be happy. As I leaned down to talk to Israel, I began with saying something like "you know you boys are going to need to talk this out?" I could never had predicted what happened next. The two boys took each others hand and walked into the room where there caregiver was and shared what happened. Each boy took responsibility for their own part. Each sat time out for a bit and returned back to my class, forgiven and ready to learn. I sat amazed and puzzled. I thought about how as an adult I don't admit to my failures and mistakes like that. Sometimes I sit in my own pride or hurt. I think, "that's not fair." or " I didn't start it." Because of the quickness of their actions, Mateo and Israel were able to take part in the acting out of the play, the coloring and fun. I think of how often I miss so much because I refuse to forgive and ask for forgiveness. I've grateful to what the boys taught me at Villa de Juarez this week.
Above are pictures of us learning about Samuel this week. One picture of Greg with the kids reading Easter cards from a church in Iowa and a couple of the boys with the cards.

Overcoming inconviences

2011-04-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can get a wild hair idea in my head that Satan loves to shoot down. At times I sadly listen to him as he tells me "it can't be done" or "You don't have what it takes to pull it off." This weekend the Lord helped me fight those lies and our weekend was full of joy and excitement. We had the privilege to invite some boys to our house that didn't have a place to go for vacation. We were blessed to start Thursday night with 6 boys that ranged in ages from 4 to 15. Friday morning three of the boys were picked up to spend time with their family. We were excited for them as it was unexpected. Then four more boys spent some time with us and at one time we had 13 boys in our house. By the second night we had just three more than our three. We so enjoyed getting to know them. We swam, played video games, table games, movies, etc. I never would have guessed that WWE could bind boys of two cultures. Our boys spoke a lot of Spanish as did Greg and I. I loved hearing laughter come from all over the house. Sometimes what God calls us to do (like bring 6 boys home for the weekend) doesn't make sense. But what He calls us to do He equips us to complete. This Easter weekend was far from convenient but it was great and we are blessed because of spending time with these boys.

Prepared to learn.......

2011-04-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I prepared a lesson on Palm Sunday for about 11 kids at Villa Juarez. The day I was suppose to go I developed a weird ear ache and dizziness and couldn't drive. aSo it appeared to me the palm branches that I had drawn on construction paper and the Spanish story that I practiced was to be for not... until today. Now I know Palm Sunday is over but I happened to be walking outside with about 30 minutes before my boys were due home for lunch. Two cute staff daughters were playing outside. In Spanish they told me that they were making a concrete cake for me for my birthday. (By the way its not until Oct.) As I waited for my cake, God placed the idea in my mind to share my Palm Sunday class with them. When I told them about it they were so happy. So I ran and got my supplies. We screamed, Hosanna, Hosanna, Bendito el rey de Israel. Which means Hosanna, Hosanna, Blessed be the King of Israel. They were so eager to learn at the drop of a hat. It got me thinking. So many times God has lessons like this for me during my day. But how open am I to learn. Am I open and eager to learn as these two girls? I pray I am.

Being available........

2011-04-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes God does things that makes no sense. This happened to me recently. I have for the past four years been spending time weekly in a poor community. The past three years in Meme's Rio. They have been my second family. The end of last year and beginning of this year, I felt the Lord pulling me out of that ministry to help my husband in his ministry with a children's home called Manantial de Amor and to be available for our three boys. Our boys are 14, soon to be 12 and 10 years old. When I first felt God pulling me away from these families I know and love so well, it was hard. With heels dug in deeply I resisted. Then different home situations came up and felt grateful to God in preparing me to be at home to hear, love on and support my boys. You see I was caught up in serving but I was neglecting my calling as a Mom and a wife. Not that I can't be all but at this time I heard God pulling me back. Simplifying my life. I'm an extrovert and love the action. My personality is that of independence and challenge. God is showing me that I can have that in my life no matter where he puts me. I love how the Lord has placed me to be in the ministry only He has called me to do. No one else can be my kid's Mom, not like he intends me to be. Praise God for adopted Moms and foster Moms. But for my kids God has called me to be their Mom. I'm grateful for the wake up call not to orphan my own children at the sake of caring for the orphan child. As a result, the boys and I are finding ways to minister together and in someways supporting them to minister apart from Greg and I.
I really wanted to write this to encourage Moms who might think life is better for everyone else or who is feeling like what they do isn't important. I also want to write to Mom's who God may also be nudging to make a change. You will find joy in obedience. No matter what the cost, the pay off is so much greater. Its been a difficult transition, but so well worth it too.

2011-03-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Manantial de Amor has three different locations. With three light bills, water bills, and 3 everything else they have often found themselves in need. This home has been based on trusting the Lord on a day to day basis and as a result of their trust in God and not man we don't always know of there need. Last week the directors, Edgar and Cony, knew that two of the three locations were in need of food, they led their children in prayer. On the day where it seemed that they would have nothing to eat, Cony went to get a bag of carrots to try and make a soup out of them. Upon her return, she came home to this (you can see the photos above). Because of a prompting from the Lord, someone donated money to feed children in our children homes. Greg had gone to the store and stocked there shelves and refrigerator with food. Back2Back along with Manantial de Amor were able to give God the glory as we did not know the need only God did. And He orchestrated the timing perfectly to fill the need of the kids. I love that God could do this by Himself, He is big enough. But He put it on the hearts of some in the states to give money, and He chose to use this ministry to be the hands to give so that in the very time of a great need He could come in to provide for these kids. God cares for these kids. He can prove for you too. Are you struggling to trust Him to provide for you? I pray this encourages you.

Rodo and Becca's Wedding- great couple, great day

2011-03-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

2011-03-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

Mama Cony and Papa Chuy

Flor
Just a week ago, Back2Back was privileged to host a retirement party for Mama Cony and Papa Chuy, the directors of the Villa Juarez location of Manantial de Amor. The party will take me a few posts to cover in total however I wanted to post this first. Like most parties, this one didn't go exactly like the plan. About 45 minutes after the starting time we were still waiting for the daughters of Mama Cony and Papa Chuy to arrive. In order to stall, we had to think of a game. I was reminded of one teenage girl in our Hope Program who can from this home. She had told me how Mama Cony asked the kids to recite scripture every night before the went to bed. She then shared with me the many Bible verses that she knew. Literally after 12-15 minutes of reciting she began to slow down. With this memory in mind I suggested a reciting contest between the three locations of Manantial de Amor. Beth was on it. She introduces the three teams pausing for each home to cheer for their home. As she explained the game and asked for the kids to come up to recite scripture about 20 or the 30 kids came up to get in line. Some shared scriptures as simple as "God is Love" and others spouted out passages from Psalms. All in all it was such a great testimony to the legacy left by these two servants of God. One girl especially stood out to me. Her name is Flor. Flor has been in this home for a long time, along with a sister and brother. She has had her difficulties with relating with others and quite frankly socially awkward. But on this day, she stood amongst her peers and recited a long verse. She had some difficulty with the ending. As Beth encouraged her to keep trying, she didn't run or hide in shame, instead she began another one finishing in triumph. Mama Cony's efforts were seen shining in Flor as the Word of God was hidden in her heart and penetrating her self esteem and identity. Truly that is a legacy that will live on. With each child that spoke in the microphone it was easy to see their confidence in the power of the Word of God. Thank you Mama Cony and Papa Chuy.

Snow in Mexico???

2011-02-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here is proof that there is snow in Mexico. People flocked to a park on the top of a mountain to see the snow, that is how rare it is.

Quincenera- a Mexican 15th Birthday Party

2011-02-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

(For her protection, I will call the birthday girl, Maria)
I wish you all could have seen the huge smile on Maria's face. She was beaming as she walked in the room. Maria's mother, step dad, brothers and sisters were in attendance, along with her friends. Her mom told me afterwards that she wouldn't have had a celebration had it not been for a generous donor associated with Back2Back. I was really touched by the happiness of Maria. I couldn't help but wonder if the Lord was whispering to her, tonight you are how I see you all the time, My princess.

A blessing for our kids......off with the old, on with the new

2011-02-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Recently the tree outside of our house out grew the house that was used by the staff kids and visiting kids. It died a slow death with boards slowly pulling away from the tree, the floor was sagging and the ladder more and more shaky as kids ascended and descended. You see the tree began to grow and the house didn't. Leaving the house to slowly loss its foundation and stability. It became vulnerable to the slightest of pressure. As I saw the hard work of my husband, my boys, the staff kids and other staff (pictured with Greg is Lonnie Clouse, B2B staff), I was reminded that I too need to evaluate my Christian life. God wants to continue to grow me and in doing so I need to tear off and build a new. Recently I've had to examine myself and some of the lies I have believed in. Lies that Satan has used to limit my views of God. That I'm only valuable if I'm doing "good" things. That I need to justify myself to be worth anything and so others would like me, often covering over my sin. I've had to take off those old boards and put up new ones. Like that of God is most interested in my relationship with Him not what I do for Him. That He will give me the strength to do what He calls me to through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Is it time for your house to grow? Is God asking you to take off the old and put on the new?

STAND FIRM!!!!

2011-02-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

God is teaching me about prayer and praying against Spiritual Warfare. A group of us have been praying for awhile on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I consider it a privilege to pray for this ministry, the kids we work with, the workers and directors, our country, staff and groups. I have been reading about the armor of God. In the passage in Esphesians 6, it says stand firm three times. stand firm. Stand Firm. STAND FIRM.
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take Your Standagainst the devil's schemes. ........Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to Stand Your Ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand Firm then, with the belt of truth buckled....." (emphasis and captials are mine)
This hits me that it is not just enough to have the things God's given us
-truth
-faith
-salvation
-good news of the gospel
-righteousness
-sword of Spirit- Word of God

We need to know what we have in Jesus and Stand Firm. This past week our group of prayer warriors have been walking around the block in our neighborhood praying for our country, our neighborhood, and our ministry. On our mile walk around we past many dogs. Some cute, some not so cute. One in particular caught my attention. He standing at a gated part of the wall of his property. He was hidden and it wasn't until we reached his very spot that he barked ferociously showing his teeth and gnarling at us. I have to admit I jumped as he not only caught me by surprise but I immediately looked to see how securely he was inside his gate ( I had been bit by a different dog a couple of weeks ago and the memory was still with me). As we past I realized, this dog is so much like Satan. Jesus has the victory. Already He has won the spiritual battle over Satan. However Satan still stands at the gate hoping to catch us all guard to keep us from walking on with the Lord. He hopes to put fear in our hearts and keep us from STANDING FIRM in Jesus the one who has saved us and equips us with the power to keep walking.
As I walk in life ,Lord will you help me to STAND FIRM in who you made me and the power you have given me to live for you. Amen.

Fasting for a purpose.......

2011-02-07T00:45:00.000-08:00

This past January I took some time to fast to see what God's purpose in my life was. To ask him what He wanted me to pursue and use my time doing and serving Him. You see, Meme's Rio is at a crossroads as it looks like sometime this year the government has plans on moving the people there. Since the Hurricane that occurred last July, the government has seen the grave danger that the people are in who live along these river beds and they are making efforts to build new housing for them and transfer them to safer places. Like many thing that the government has done, timing has been hard to pin down. Last August we thought they would move by the end of the year. Now we hear news of maybe June or August. Truly we don't know. In the meantime we have seen the government aiding these people with school fee money, gift cards for them to buy household items from couches to TVs,etc. With these new provisions, we are seeing that people have been less interested in seeking God and the attendance to the soup kitchen has been down. Gratefully God is moving a local pastor to provide some much needed teaching in the soup kitchen mid week and those who are still hungry for the Word of God are still being fed. The soup kitchen has been on hold as we thought the people were moving in December and we took some time off to seek the Lord's leading and give Meme a much needed break to renew her spirit and seek spiritual teaching and prayer. God is great as He has provided a mentor for Meme that meets with her weekly. She is also helping to teach and guide some women who have started another soup kitchen in a near by community. Meme continues to have a passion to serve this way and we are seeing it revitalized. As we seek Back2Back's continued involvement with Rio 1 would join us in prayer? Would you pray for the Lord's leading on if we continue to work with the people in this community? And if so how? We trust the Lord has plans and we are just awaiting His guidance in this. We will continue to support Milagros through her beauty schooling and work with the support others might have given for other children in this area. In the meantime, the kids in this community are still hungry for the Word of God. Hope, another B2B staff and teacher, has faithfully continued a weekly activity teaching these kids.
Back to the result of my fasting, as difficult as it is, I have felt the Lord leading me to have a more supportive role of my husband's work with Manantial de Amor Children's Home and their three locations. I have also felt called to be with my children more as they are growing so very fast. Greg and I working in separate ministries has sometimes had them fending for themselves. God has renewed my call to our three boys in training and loving them into the men God is calling them to be. By no means does this mean I won't be going to the Rio. It just won't be my target area at this time. Hope continues in ministry there and I will support my friends and second family at Rio 1 as the Lord leads me. Clearly I will still support, pray and share life with my dear friend Meme as well.
I have since September been praying weekly with Cony Garza (Edgar and Cony are the directors of MdA)once a week. I have helped Greg with the girls house that MdA has as one of their three homes. I will continue to help in these areas and pray to be more of a presence to help Greg who has a lot on his plate right now.
We would appreciate all your prayers for the future at Rio 1, the continued teaching and refreshing time for Meme, for a clear calling to where and how God wants B2B to serve in this areas or others. Thank you.

Celebrating 4 Years with Back2Back Ministries.

2011-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Last Monday we, as a family, celebrated 4 years with Back2Back Ministries. We have been blessed. I think how we came here to Monterrey thinking we were offering up so much to God and thinking we have come to serve Him through caring for the children here in Monterrey. When I look back I realized that He moved us here to draw us closer to Him, to change us and mold us. He has worked through us these past years however what He has done in us seems so much more than we ever offered. God is good, always is. These past four years have been great fun and full of hardships, full of playing and working, laughing and crying, praying and praying and praying. God is good. When I look back at this blog I'm reminded at how GREAT and BIG our God is. It has nothing to do with us. He could do this all on our own. But He doesn't. He chooses to use you and I in His plan to bring people into His big loving arms. I'm grateful for these four years and look forward to see what else God has in store.

Sharing the Love of God in your own backyard.

2010-12-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

We are blessed to have Ms. Ruby and Ms. Jessica as our teachers for our kids. Each year our teachers help our kids think beyond their lists for what they want for Christmas and think of others. This year the kids walked around our neighborhood sharing the story of Jesus through candy canes. With a spanish poem of the meaning of the candy cane and a few special gifts for some families that a few of us know, we went door to door to share with those in our own community. Our friend Norma helped us get our foot in the door as some people are actually afraid of Americans and trust can be difficult to develop. One women and her son with whom we spoke said that her son thought that all Americans try to kidnap Mexican children. Our visiting that day helped to break this belief.
Our teachers collected gifts for three young girls who lost their dad this year to muscular dystrophy. It was great to see the surprised look on the girls' and the mom's faces. Yajira and her family went to church with us a little in the Spring before her husband, Julio went down hill. He accepted Christ in the spring when his sister shared Christ with him. She has been a great encouragement to Yajira. The three girls are Fabiola 2 yo, Marisol ~ 6 y. o. and Judith ~8.y.o. The girls loved opening up their gifts and enjoyed seeing our kids. I'm praying for opportunities to come along this family more. We met a older boy in a wheelchair, Jorge. Jorge will be another opportunity to visit and show the love of Jesus with a neighbor. One of the pictures is of Obed. Obed is 11 and has downs syndrome. He lives in a house next to the house we are renting for the Clouses, a new family with Back2Back. We also had gifts for a mother and her adult daughter. Angela, another B2B staff, had been giving these two women rides as they have difficult traveling up and down the mountain of which we live. Sometimes in my life, I look beyond the obvious to try and find great things that God might have me involved in. When all the while God is putting things on my own front porch. God is opening my eyes to opportunities in my regular routine and in my own backyard. What might you be looking beyond?

Even with an uncertain future, Jesus always gives a reason to celebrate

2010-12-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

On Dec 11th, Rio 1 soup kitchen celebrated Christmas. Rio 1 is a poor community, like many in Monterrey, where people have come to the big city to find a new life but find instead find themselves unable to make ends meet. They squat on government property found within 70 meters of the rivers and create a home out of what they can find. Since Hurricane Alex brought 40 inches of rain to Monterrey, areas like Rio 1 were threatened and some completely destroyed. The government is making efforts to move these people to different housing to avoid this from happening again. In the past when something like this has happened the government makes many promises and is slow to make good on them. As of August the government was telling Meme, the head of the soup kitchen, and the rest of those who live at Rio 1 that they had until the end of the year to relocate to government housing that would be offered to them. As of Dec. most people of Rio 1 believe it will be at least another 3-6 months before they will be force to leave. So this very well might be the last Christmas at Rio 1's soup kitchen.
This year, God brought together quite the celebration. A local church brought about 40-50 people and helped lead singing. Greg said they really rocked the house in a ranchero traditional Mexican Christian music kind of way. Huge speakers, drums, guitars, lots of clapping and praising God. The 80 kids enjoyed a great Sunday School class. Hope, Tere and so many great volunteers helped share the Christmas stories. Pastor Christopher gave a great sermon about everyone being invited to the wedding feast and the need to be prepared. Afterwards, Back2Back staff, and youth from the Hope Program did a skit of Jesus' birth and how he grew up to defeat evil. Many kids seemed to respond to the gospel and it will be exciting to see the follow up take place. With a donation of a generous donor all 160 enjoyed a great Pollo Loco meal, pinata, crafts and went home with a gift. God continues to provide opportunities to share the good news, great teaching for kids and adults, and a meal at least once a week, and chances to share life with the people at Rio 1.
As the year come to an end, find ourselves praying and listening to the Lord on what He might have for future ministry at Rio 1 or locally. Reluctantly, Meme has agreed to temporarily put the soup kitchen on hold over Christmas and New Year Saturdays. We are praying for rest for Meme and guidance on what God might have instore for the people at Rio 1 and the ministry He would have for Back2Back and Meme. Will you pray with us?

Christmas Parties at Manantial de Amor

2010-12-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Recently, Cathy and I were able to travel to Villa de Juarez and Guadalupe to visit two of the casa hogars that B2B serves. This is where Greg is the B2B captain. These homes are collectively called Manantial de Amor (MDA) which means 'natural spring of love'. Altogether there are about 30 kids in the three locations that comprise this children's home.

With donations from some faithful MDA supporters, we were able to purchase pinatas (can't have a Christmas party in Mexico without a pinata!), Pollo Loco chicken (a local treat) and Domino's pizza. We were able to bring a personal gift for each child. Cathy shared the Christmas story and it was so fun to see the kids be as much into the story as they were about the rest of the party. They would scream out the answers to Cathy's leading questions, eager to share their knowledge of Jesus' birth. And of course, it was a joy to watch the kids open their gifts. We were even able to provide modest gifts for the caregivers. Tears came to my eyes as these kids realized that they had been remembered. I remember one boy triumphantly raising his gift over his head as if to show the world, "Look what I got!" It was a glorious day to share with these precious kids.

It reminded me of the meaning of Christmas. It is all about giving. The birth of Jesus is about God giving to the world what we most needed- a divine Savior, when no other could save us. It is about God giving us hope, love, peace and joy through our eternal salvation. It is about giving to others in love out of the excess love that we have received from our heavenly Father. May this Christmas be a season of realizing the true joy of giving for each one of us.

Ever wonder if prayer really works?

2010-11-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

Would you believe me if I told you I saw it first hand. When I was little my mom always read this book to me called "Wacky Wednesday". It was about just what the title said. This girl wakes up on Wednesday and everything is wierd. A shoe on her wall, etc. Well this day seemed to be forming a lot like a Wacky Wednesday except that it was Tuesday. First of all Tuesday was to be a big day to take a group to the Rio. We had planned a fun thanksgiving activity, make blankets with the women, play with kids. It had the makings of a great day. Until, I woke up extremely depressed. I had cried maybe three times in front of my boys that morning. Something I try not to do, especially because one of mine is especially sensitive and worries all day about me if I do. As I mustard enough gumption to go to our morning meeting and ask for prayer. I come to find out two other staff are feeling under the weather. Hope especially feeling nauseous and weak. I was too whimpy to ask the question if she thought she should stay home. Since I was without a husband for the week (he was in Ohio), I had decided to drive separately so that I could drive home early to take care of my boys. We decided that if Hope didn't feel better or in fact felt worse that she would come home with me. We had decided to take the group 1/2 hour early and as that time came, the bus to take us had yet to arrive. Feeling like all of this wasn't a coincidence Hope had asked a group that was praying for the ministry that morning to pray especially for us.
As we pulled out, I was still asking the Lord to not just get us through the day (even though that was how I was feeling) but that He would give us strength for whatever He'd have us do. As I drove alone I was talking with God and these seemed "normal". Then we hit traffic and we slowed down. I remember thinking great, now we are going to be late. As we clear the traffic, I see a car come up in the fast left lane next to the bus who is in the middle lane and I am behind the bus. This car speeds by and almost rams into the bus. Right before it does, the driver over corrects and hits the guardrail and sends it to the middle lane passing behind the bus and in front of me. By the time I pass the car it is off the right side of the road and miraculously doesn't end up hitting anyone. I prayed for the driver as it was a little more than a fender bender but by no means did anyone seemed hurt. We continue on. I remember praising God instantly. Not only could that have been bad (mainly for the other car, driver and any passengers), it would have delayed our day considerably waiting on the police and insurance to come investigate the accident. Answer to prayer number one-that He protects us all from harm or satan's tactics.
So we get to the Rio and Meme shares and it touches more than one person in the group. Answer number 2- God's work by done. We go to invite the people and one in our group is bit by a dog. Mindy, another B2B staff, is able to walk her back to the soup kitchen and attend to her. She is also a trained first responder. Answer 3
As Antonio shares in Phil God reveals to a group member through a conversation that there is a woman from the Rio who lost her home in a fire three days before. The group lays hands on her and prays for God's comfort and provision for her. Moments later the group makes a blanket with the women there and Silvia takes home a blanket. Answer4 Hope, Meme, Antonio also share prayer requests and the group prays.
I am convinced Satan had his plan to keep Hope home sick, me home sad, Antonio home with his sick daughter, Mindy thinking she is too new to do anything. He wanted to take the group member down with a dog bite, and delay us with a car accident. But God stepped in the way. With somethings he didn't allow them to happen. With other things He gave us strength to endure and walk through them. Our God is bigger. He wants us to pray. " The prayer of a righteous man is powerful." I believe it do you.

What do we do with our sadness.......

2010-11-25T21:08:00.001-08:00

I've been struggling with something recently and I don't think I'm alone. What do I do with my sadness? We live in a culture that has the saying " Don't worry Be Happy". My first response when someone is sad is feel bad for them. I call it compassion instead of pity but truly its not super comfortable and I want to get rid of it. Not really sure if its for their sake or for mine. So when I'm sad, I really struggle. I have thoughts of embarrassment not wanting to share it for many reasons really. I used to think that sadness and heaven forbid depression didn't have a place in a Christians life. Cause truly with Christ how could you be sad? Yeah, that is false. We live in a fallen world. We suffer from the results of sin. We all have times of sadness. It is a part of life. I hope I'm not sounding like a Debbie Downer. So what do we do with it?
Most of my life, I have been hiding from it. Let it build up than as it comes flooding out feel embarrassed like someone caught me with my pants down. Exposing something I was sure no one was to see. Here in Mexico I've experienced a different approach to handling sadness. I'm not sure if its cultural, or these people's personality, or their faith. But a few of my friends here handle there sadness in an honest and open way. They are vulnerable and open asking for prayer. Sometimes in a Bible Study, sometimes popping up at my house just for prayer and sharing sadness. As we pray I see a change in their countenance. I see the faith of knowing prayer is the remedy for their sadness. After we pray, sometime I do see relief from their pain and other times I just see hope amidst their pain.
Recently I have been hurting, grieving over the health of my mom. Last tuesday was particularly difficult as it was my Mother's birthday. I had a full day of ministry ahead of me and quite frankly I didn't even want to get out of bed. As I struggled with my sadness and the embarking embarrassment of sharing it with my co-workers, I knew I had to do something less I find myself bawling at what seemed like nothing. After much prayer, God urged me to go to my morning meeting and ask the Lord for prayer. Through more tears and embarrassment to not even want to look them in the eyes, I asked for prayer. I want to say that the Lord lifted my hurt and I am free from the pain, but I would be lying. Instead the Lord gifted my with the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. The peace that allowed me to continue walking in the path that the Lord would have for me that day. The path to accomplish what He wanted in his strength. My three co workers surrounded me and lifted me up that morning and Christ peace ruled in my heart.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4 :6

Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS......

2010-11-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

Some leaves with things for which we are thankful "thankful for food, our families,,,,,,"
As Antonio, a fellow staff at B2B, shared at Rio 1 during a thanksgiving teaching, it really hit me. He was reading Philippians 4. "Rejoice in the Lord always". It was as if these word echoed in my mind. He was stressing the other part of the scripture to lift our prayers up with thanksgiving. That's another difficult thing, but I couldn't get past rejoice always. Really it started thinking about me. This year has been tough and I have felt many times that I didn't feel close to rejoicing. Then my mind went to another. You see I was sitting near a women, Siliva, whose house had burnt down three days before. She lives a life of bad choices but she chose to come hear God's word today. Today of all days, this is what the Lord had for her? Rejoice? As I reflect more on this I realize that this is what He had for me. I was forced to look at the scripture again. Phil 4 says Rejoice in the LORD always. Rejoice in the LORD, not in my circumstances. With the Lord in mind I can ask for what I need with thanksgiving that HE is big enough to do it. Thanksgiving that He is here with me. Thanksgiving that He hears me. Because of who Jesus is, I can rejoice always and can share this hope with my friend who hurt as she lost her home and everything they owed.
The cool thing is what God had for me and for Silvia. We had the opportunity to be grateful amidst our pain by focusing on the Lord and what He has given us. Then as the Lord would have it we made blankets and Silvia went home with something warm. I'm excited to see with what else the Lord will bless Silvia. Because of who He is, He is worthy of our rejoicing.

Continued pursuit of Independence

2010-11-16T08:48:00.001-08:00

What if there was few expectations placed on you? Do you think you'd rise up to something better? Milagros has had hearing disability since around the time she was born. The plans from her parents were to take care of her until she was 18 years old then pray that some boy wanted to marry her to care for her. God had other plans. God put in Milagros heart a love for Him, a love for children and a desire to want more out of life. Through connections ordained by God, Milagros has had the opportunity to receive a year of learning sign language and is this spring planning on finishing beauty school. Will you pray with me for her? She is needing independence training to live alone or with others for assistance. There aren't many opportunities for her here. Pray that we are able to find a place where she can learn what she needs to become independent and be safe with her environment. The picture above is her coloring my hair. Anyone who knows me, knows I never have colored my hair. Only for her would I do such a thing. She indeed is inspiring.

He heals the broken hearted and sets the captives free

2010-11-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning and
a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:1-3
These days it seems that the news isn't doing Mexico's image any favors. The truth is things are happening here, however the things that have brought us to serve here in Mexico still stands strong in our hearts. God continues to call us here to Monterrey, Mexico to preach the good news, to serve the orphan child and widow. Above are just two of the many kids that we serve. The obstacles they are facing are daunting some times -the hurt of being abandoned, the affects of attachment disorders, stunted physical growth or developmental delays. Although overwhelming for us to attempt to help, Jesus can heal it all. We are learning that we can try and help in our flesh the child in the children's home or the family in a poverty stricken community. However the best we can do is lead them to the One who can heal the broken hearted and sets the captives free.
So the next time you hear a news story about Mexico, would you take time out and pray for those who are hurting. pray for those who need to hear the good news. Pray for us too, that we would follow His leading in our lives to serve Him here in Mexico. Pray for the workers in the homes, the soup kitchens and churches in which we serve in Monterrey, Mexico.

Spur one another on in love and good deeds...

2010-11-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is what the women's group from Hope Church did while they were here a few weeks ago. They did so much in just a few short day. You will see them in the photos above cooking for one of our teen home moms, Mandy. You will see them praying over her after the morning work was over. They actually cooked, baked, cleaned for many of our staff. One photo shows them getting gifts ready for each worker in the homes they visited. They cooked meals for some of the children's homes, taught a practical craft of rug or pot holders to women in a poor community, prayed with a home full of preteen and teen aged girls. They even pampered us women with pedicures, messages and prayer. We were spurred on by this group of women. Thanks Hope Church.

Fall Festival Pics

2010-11-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a great fall festival party, with a hayride in "Pearl" around the neighborhood, fun games, bon fire, great fellowship with everybody. I just wanted to share the pictures with everyone.

Saying thanks for working so hard for the Lord

2010-11-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

One day as I was talking with Meme, she mentioned to me how she really didn't know the city that well. Even though she had lived in Monterrey a good part of her life, that she had never been downtown. She had either stayed in her community or traveled to work and back. That's when I had an idea to take her and her family to a park downtown. As I spoke with Hope, another staff from B2B who works with me at Rio 1, she asked if we could take Meme and Anita and their families since they both have been consistent workers at the soup kitchen for so long. Over the summer, one church gave Meme money to do something just for her. We used a little of this to make this fun outing happen. Sooo, last Sunday we took Meme's 9 (2 adult kids, spouses and grandchildren, and Anita's 3 and headed to Parque Fundidora. We took a picnic, and ate while the kids enjoyed the playground and then all went on a boat ride. It was such a blessing. I loved watching the kids play and marvel as we traveled down the canal in the tour boat. I loved hearing the laughing in my car. It was fun to eat chicken and tease with one another. And at the end of the day, they gave back to us as Hope and I both got to take a horseback ride as Angel, Meme's son helped us. What a great day.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.........Monster Trucks

2010-11-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

If someone said your first Monster Truck experience would be in Monterrey, Mexico, I would have laughed but its true. Greg, myself and our boys joined about about 10 teens and a hand full of staff to go see Monster Truck in a university baseball across town. I was really reluctant to go, however I found that there is something exciting about a big truck crushing little cars lined up after big dirt ramps. The noise of the engines, the fresh smell of dirt in the air , or the visual of crushing metal. It was fun to see the boys get into it as well. I never thought I'd say this but Praise God for Monster Trucks.

I love when a good plan comes together.....

2010-10-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Recently Greg has been trying to be more creative with his field trips and days with the groups and his children's home that he works with. Recently he took a group of Americans and teens from Manantial de Amor to Chipinque Park. He decided that they would do a scavenger hunt complete with English/Spanish and pictures of what they were to find or take a picture of. It went so well. The teams of group adult and teen were really working together and seemingly having so much fun in the process. Its great to see my husband us his creative side. I thought you'd enjoy the pictures too. This park has great places to hike.

Kids have so much fun with the simplest things....

2010-10-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here are our kids with their friends at Chipinque a park not to far from our house. They have these cement slides at the top. We all enjoyed a great day of hiking and afterwards played on these slides.

Holding On......sometimes ends in a mess

2010-09-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

This is Marcos. Recently we blew bubbles together. I purposely held the bubbles so they wouldn't spill. After just a short bit it became quite apparent that he wanted to hold the bubbles. I started out with a simple "No". However our struggle grew and I realized this little guy was quite determined. So I began my explanation of what could happen if I gave him the bubble bottle. He seemed unimpressed and kept fighting me for the bubbles. As stubborn as I can be, I finally caved and let him have the bubbles and just like I expected he spilled the bubbles all down the front of his shirt as the bottle fell to the ground spilling out on the ground around it.
Later that night God brought this back to my memory. As I recalled the sequence of events, He spoke these truths to my heart. Often I am like Marcos, wanting so badly to hold onto a situation, a relationship, control over my loved ones, a career, whatever it may be. As long as it is in the Lord's hands, I can dip my wand in the bubbles and enjoy. However the moment I grab things back and take control things begin to get messy. I find if I try and manipulate the situation around me when I know God is wanting differently things get messy. I've seen it in my teen years when I wanted a relationship to last longer even after God told me to let it go, or when I thought I knew making more money would make me happier and it didn't, and now wishing things were different with my mom and not wanting to feel the hurt. God wants differently. He wants to be in control and asks me to trust. Who's holding the bubbles in your life?

Taking someone along.....

2010-09-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Last week I found myself going to a children's home and God put it on my heart to ask Alonna to come with me. Alonna is 11 and just moved here with her family from North Carolina. I was impressed with how quickly she spoke the spanish she knew. First we helped one girl with her math multiplication table, then we moved to playing with the little ones. Bubbles, swings, games. We had a lot of fun. As I thought about our time I realized one general truth.........
"Ministry is so much more fun with someone else." I used to be afraid of doing ministry with others. I think its because I put way too much pressure on myself to "know it all" or have all the right answers or make sure I was not showing my weaknesses. Recently God has taught me alot about sharing ministry experiences with sometimes finding myself learning from others and sometimes God using me to teach others. I have been reading a lot about the early church these days and how Paul always seemed to have someone with him or send others to the places he had been. I am learning how God wants to use us all together to do His work. All the parts coming together to work towards the common goal of bringing others to Him and glorfying Him.

The blessing of being remembered......

2010-09-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

This week I had the opportunity to pass on letters, photos and small gifts to some kids at a children's home near our apartment. The first boy is all of four years old and is cute as can be. I showed him the letter from my friend that had his photo with her on it. He is too little to read and especially not english. But as soon as he saw the photo he smiled and pointed at my friend. As I asked if he remembered her, he grinned from ear to ear and said yes. He listened intently as I attempted to translate the letter. He couldn't have been happier. As he sat there holding the letter, his face reflected contentment on being remembered. After some pictures and a quick video of him saying "tank you and I luv you", with a little coaching from Caroline, another B2B staff, I went to find a little girl for whom I also had things.
This girl is older, I'm guessing 8 or so. As we find her, I pull out the things another friend gave me to give to her. This included a photo album with the girl and my friend and my friend's family. She thumbed through the pages, her smile growing with every turn. She had very few words but as she walked off, she headed straight for her friends to tell them that she had been remembered. What a powerful witness to a child at a children's home. God loves you so much that He sent someone to play with you for a day, couple of days, a week. Then a time much later you receive word from them. They remembered you. Its a message that you are special. Its a message that you are loved. It's the message of Jesus Christ offers to all of us as we face what we deserve death, but He says you I remembered as I died on the cross for you and rose again so that you can live with me now and forever. I remembered you.....

First Day of School photos

2010-09-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year. This year there are a few changes for SMCA (Sierra Madre Christian Academy) and the Huffer family. First of all, all of our boys have Ms. Jessica. Mark has had Ms. Ruby for almost all of his time in SMCA. Last year he was the oldest in his class and now he is the youngest. He misses Ms. Ruby however is enjoying Ms. Jessica. Luke and Josh have a girl in their class as Alonna Clouse joined them this year. Angela and Lonnie Clouse are a new family that along with Alonna, add two boys to SMCA, Brayden and Leyton. Also this year in SMCA we have a new Jr. High and High School. It is online with Sevenstar Academy. The Whiteds are another new family that has joined us here with B2B. Stacey and David have two kids, Colton who is a junior and Averee who is in 8th grade with Ben. Ben finally has a classmate. So far it seems to be going well. We are truly blessed with our great teachers, Jessica and Ruby
Jessica Biondo and Ruby Moyer have been our teachers last year and Ruby 2 years more. We are so blessed to have them. Our great school allows us as parents not to worry about our kids. They never made this decision. We did and yet they are a important part of our family. We ask that you would pray for these two great girls as they teach our 13 kids combined. Also will you pray for their support as they need to raise money as well. Thanks for praying for us in this way.

Just being transparent.......

2010-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of me,two of my sisters and my Mom last Christmas. I can't tell you enough about my mom. She is the life of the party, a pretty lady, tough as nails and sensitive to all around her. She has never known a stranger and a lover of the Lord. I'm not sure Blogger will allow me enough words to tell you all about her. Suffice it to say she is a wonderful person and I'm blessed that she is my Mom. The last 5 years or so, She has battled with Parkinson's disease and my Dad has battled right there with her. Last year about his time, My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I won't bore you the details, however to say the least for several years now, It has been difficult to see my mom go down hill. This past month she has fallen into the latter stages of Alzheimer's and she has severe back pain to boot.
In my role here at B2B, I feel like people often think we are super people or something. Really so far from the truth its laughable. However, I have found myself expecting more from me because of it. As if I think I should be super something. It makes me wonder if we do that to those in ministry because then we know that what God has expected of them surely He won't expect from me. I am guilty of it also when I read that Moody prayed 3 hours every morning or that someone else was asked to give up all they own or another sacrifice I can't possible imagine doing. Just to clarify I don't think I'm a Moody or a Graham or all that and a bag of chips. However when I hear others say they admire me I wonder what for and what should I be doing to gain this. The truth is they see the Lord and how He enables me to do extraordinary things with just ordinary me. So I am learning in this very difficult time, to not keep this to myself. To ask for help and prayer and to continue to do the only ordinary thing I know how. Trust. The Bible says that when we are weak, He is made strong. I am trusting that his strength shines through, not mine (truth is right now I have none). My faith frees me from being who others think I should be and do and instead pray out my feelings, listen for His words and obey what He calls me to do.
My mom is currently in a nursing home and last week I had the opportunity to spend a week with my Dad and visit her. Such a difficult week and one I will cherish forever. God is showing me how privileged we are to experience those intimate times with loved ones. Thank you Lord. I am Blessed.

Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:3

2010-08-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Edgar and Cony are the directors of a children's home called Manatial de Amor. I spoke to them in June and they were exhausted. They run their home in two different locations and also help Cony's parents who run a home in a third location. They labor hard to minister to the children they care for. They are not paid separately but receive whatever the home receives. They have four girls ages 7,5 and twin one year olds. They rely on the Lord for all their needs. This summer a church from Cincinnati came to Monterrey to serve B2B, they had a chance to work with Manantial de Amor and Edgar and Cony. During the week they saw the love and dedication that this couple had for the ministry for which God has called them. After their week, God put it on their hearts to do something special for Edgar and Cony. With the help of this church, Edgar and Cony were able to have a great 24 hour get away. They enjoyed a great dinner, an overnight stay at a hotel and breakfast. The opportunity to get away and have money to truly enjoy one another was priceless. I know that for Edgar and Cony, theirs is the kingdom of God, however for one night they also enjoyed the rewards of things here on earth.

Those in need serving those in need.....

2010-07-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

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"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of comapssion and the God of all comfort, who comfots us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. " 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Yesterday Hope, Maru, Meme and four others from the Rio took a prepared meal to Rio 3 to serve the people there. It was quite the experience seeing the women and one man prepare a meal for 300 and travel across the city to serve it to a community they knew nothing about. Well, Meme had been there two other times to see the ministry site and talk with Olga the woman who leads the soup kitchen. God was good to us as he lead us there safely, we were about to serve about 150 people and even spoke to a family or too as we "toured" the destruction. I asked one family what it was like when the rains came. I asked if they were scared. One ladies answer was quick and confident. "No, I wasn't scared, when you have Christ in your heart, you don't need to fear." The other women spoke how the church there (its the soup kitchen and church that Jim and Betty champion for B2B as they support Olga) was having services and serving three meals a day. Meme, Benny, China, Perla and Beto were exchanging experiences of how the river wasn't always a friend to them as well. As I listened I remembered 2 Cor. 1. How God gives us comfort so we could comfort others with the comfort we ourselves experienced from Him. The day was long and full of images I don't want to forget. But these ladies and one man returned to their home full of the Joy that comes with serving the Lord and sharing in His comfort.

Things I like.....

2010-07-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

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-Giggling children outside our apartment playing with Americans
-God putting people outside of there comfort zones as Americans without spanish play legos with the kids in the palapa for an afternoon.
-Swimsuits laid out for children to wear when children from the casa hogars come to swim on Saturdays.

-God is so good.

Tropical Storm Alex hits Monterrey, Mx June, 30, 2010

2010-07-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 30th we were hit with Tropical Storm Alex. After 40 hours of rain we had received 36 inches of rain. God has protected us and those we serve as we don't know of any deaths as of yet. However property and people's home have not faired so well. There have been casualties but as the pictures show its amazing it isn't more. During these past days this psalm has risen to the surface. We are standing on every word. If you have an interest
Here is what we are asking for:
Recovery funds
They can be sent to Back2Back Ministries and will be completely tax deductible. You can champion a specific area (one of the children’s homes or a rio community or a teen home) or it can be specifically for the campus (the dorms, infrastructure, etc…) or it can be for “wherever is needed” which will be spent according to a priority list of both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
Prayer
We are grateful for all the ways God has been ever present, protecting, directing, giving strength, etc… Continue to pray for our staff and the teens on campus who are pitching in on the recovery efforts and are working very hard. Pray for our friends in the squatter’s villages, many of whom have lost literally everything they had. Pray for the children in the homes, that they understand the shelter God provides for us in this and every storm of our lives.
Networking
If you know someone who has been to Monterrey, or who might have a heart or interest in helping with the relief effort, please reach out to them on our behalf and have them contact:
Our home office @513-754-0300, asking for Casey Foreman or Brian Bertke or contact our Executive Director Todd Guckenberger @ 513-403-0541 or 011-528-18-266-0498
Psalm 46<
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth,
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Rio 3 after Alex 7/5/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-07-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

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two bridges by B2B property 7/5/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-07-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

two bridges to our property

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B2B property ts Alex 7/5/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-07-05T09:39:00.001-07:00

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I can't believe that we are in week 4 and I have not written a thing....

2010-06-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

We talk to our groups who come here about taking time out to reflect on what God is teaching us and telling us and doing in and through us, so that we don't just experience and act and move on not allowing God to really change us. Lately I've lacked the reflecting time. I'm not trying to get out of work however I feel I need to work on reflecting and less of doing. In the American culture it seems lazy, or meaningless to spend the day sleeping or reflecting, praying and listening. But really it is where I need to be. I'm praying for God to prioritize my day. I want to play with my boys, talk about deep spiritual things with my sister and niece who are here. I want to be still and know that He is God. Not me. I need him to quiet me with his love. Zephania 3:17. Can you relate to a day full of your to do list. Pressure that seems like it will overwhelm you. Or are you resting, giving Him your burdens. If He can make water come from a rock for thirsty Israelites, He is big enough to give you what you need. Thank you Jesus.

Happy Birthday Luke

2010-06-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today Luke turns 11 years old. How wild is that. He is such a special boy. We can not love him more. He is sensitive yet kisses with a ton of gusto. He is very athletic and lives most of his life outside. He is funny and fun loving. His laugh is contagious. He has a heart for the Lord and looks out for others. We love you Luke.

Sharing the forgiveness God gives........

2010-06-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Recently we had a group from Campus Crusade for Christ come to the Rio. They were able to share the story of salvation and forgiveness through a drama. After the drama we had a women's Bible Study of accepting God's forgiveness for our sins. The women took turns reading about the various people in the Bible, their sins and how God forgave each and everyone of them if they only asked. We then took time to write our own sins on a piece of paper and put them on the cement floor in the center of the circle. We prayed as we saw our sins turn to ashes and disappear. Thanks was He does. We takes away our sins and throws it into the deepest ocean. We can never be good enough for the Lord. We need Him, we need to accept the gift of forgiveness and turn away from sin. We need to depend on the Holy Spirit to give us strength to not fall into our temptations and to live for Him. Amen.

School House Rock Live

2010-06-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

This month our boys participated in their first musical. Ben was the stage hand as Mark and Luke each had speaking and singing parts. They performed several songs from School House Rock like 3 is a Magic Number, Noun is a person, place or thing, Elbow Room, Circulation and Interjection. They worked so hard and thoroughly enjoyed it. Miss Jessica also put in so many hours as she was quiet busy adjusting the play to fit our kids, teaching songs and dances 3 times a week. Miss Ruby helped too and provided a great back drop. This musical was one of the things I thought our kids were going to be able to experience being such a small school. However thanks to our great teachers, the did a great job and loved it. Yeah SMCA (Sierra Madre Christian Academy)

Dia de los Ninos, Day of the Child

2010-05-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about the Mexican people is that they have a party for everything. At the end of April we celebrated the Day of the Child. (on a side note, our boys wonder why we don't celebrate this in the US, I told them its because everyday is kids day there, they didn't think it was funny.) We took time out to celebrate at the soup kitchen as well. Reviewing the fruits of the spirit with fruit smoothies, games, crafts, face painting, balloons and goodies. The kids from Santa Claus Camp gathered school supplies and placed them in a plain canvas backpack type of bag. The kids stenciled and decorated their bag. Then they explored their bag to find, a folder paper, pencils, a ruler and other fun things. Soon after completing this task a line was developing to have me translate the personal notes written from the kids of Santa Claus Camp to the kids at the Rio. They also had so much fun hearing what their child wrote just to them. Jesus said , "Let the little children come to me." I think He created the first Day of the children.

2 Cor. 4:7 "We have this treasure in jars of clay...."

2010-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

2Corinthians 4:7 "We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. " Not sure if you can see this, however this gorgeous flower is growing in side of a old coffee can. The can is rusty and dented. The flower is gorgeous. I haven't repotted it because honestly I had no idea of the beauty of this plant. It reminds me of what Jesus can do to our life like this an old rusty coffee can. Through the power of God springs forth unexpected beauty. It like peace seen in times of turmoil. Joy found within sorrow. Hope amongst the hopeless. Our God has all surpassing power and He wants to display it in our jars of clay. You are a coffee can that He is just waiting to use, are you willing?

The beauty of hard work

2010-05-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

Choosing what is comfortable......

2010-04-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Sleeping in Getting up early

ice cream sundae Food that is good for me

staying home Getting out to visit a neighbor

keeping to myself Sharing life with others

Not sharing what I'm struggling with Going to a respected person and asking for prayer

avoiding pain Trusting God will see me through and that I will grow

doing only things I'm good at Trusting God will give me strength for

anything He calls me to do

God is teaching me more and more that comfort is over rated. It is. It seems good. But it leaves me out of so many growing moments that the Lord has for me. It leaves me flabby when He wants me to exercise. Sure it can hurt. A good exercise causes small micro tears in our muscles that must exist for your muscles to heal and grow stronger. (that's my Occupational Therapy background coming out). So recently I'm seek God to help me know what to do and not. I'm not relying on my "want to's or don't want to's". Cause with my judgement, I just end up flabby. I don't want that, do you?

Pray for Leslie

2010-04-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Leslie, her tumor is growing back. The doctors had said that she might need two shots of this vaccine, however we were all hopeful that it would only take one. It is not fun receiving a shot in the face without anything to numb it. Pray as her family is away from the Lord. Pray that they would seek Christ now.

Del Norte Library.....when you allow God to make your dreams big

2010-04-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

God has used Marthas Rojas, the director at Del Norte Children's Home, in a big way. She has dreamed big and the Lord has blessed their children's home. Greg had the privilege to speak at the dedication. We were amazed at a really great place to learn, read and study. What a blessing.

"WE WANT HIM""

2010-04-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

"No! You can't take him. WE WANT HIM" were the words that came from the back of the bus. About three of the guys from the group we had taken to the Rio, had their arms around him and weren't letting him go. Antonio, one of our B2B staff guys had jumped on our bus to see if Oscar, one of our jovens, had wanted to ride with him in another vehicle. The guys in the group were not letting him go. They wanted him with them and it was more than obvious. The smile on Oscars face told it all. This is what our ministry is all about- advocating for these kids and teens in Monterrey, Mexico; in Jos, Nigeria; and in Hyderbad, India. We as a staff feel called to give these kids and teens the message that we want them, Jesus wants them. When groups, supporters and advocates join us in saying WE WANT YOU, its God's way of screaming their value from the mountaintops! I hear the echos of Isaiah 41 :9-10 "I took you from the ends of the earth from its farthest corners I called you, I said, 'You are my servant' I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Have you heard God yelling this to you? He is yelling, " I want you." " I have chosen you and have not rejected you." Sometimes in life it doesn't seem this way. Its difficult to understand why things happen to us. But we need to know like those three guys, God embraces us and says " I want you and will not let you go." Have you heard Him?

When God's great plan comes together.......

2010-04-16T14:56:00.001-07:00

Group member with one of our jovens

The guys cared for the kids while the women had a makeup time and Bible Study on Holiness

Hope, B2B staff sharing on God's holiness

Group from Atlanta, Ga putting on a VBS lesson for the kids

Men working to build a fence and gate for the soup kitchen

In the morning before we set out with another group to Rio 1, I was feeling uneasy. Would it rain? Will we have woman to come to the Bible study we had planned? The group had a VBS lesson planned? Would their even be children or would they all need to go to school? So many questions that God had to answer that day. As I prayed that morning, God reminded me that if he died for my sins and rose from the dead, He could really do just about anything. That morning I decided that I would trust this Almighty God of mine, which meant I would not worry or fret but trust in Him. Know what happened? The above are pictures of our great day.

I am the vine, you are the branches.......

2010-04-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

My boys have been putting together a leaf collection. It has been fun and challenging a like. I remember doing this when I was in school. I remember identifying sassafras tree or oak or maple trees. They are looking up trees like osage orange trees, bouganvillas, and palm trees. This is really going along with what God is teaching me recently. In John 15, Jesus talks to his disciples and saying ,"I am the vine, you are the branches..... abide in me and I will abide in you." Recently Greg and I have been finding life to be difficult. Emotions have been low, ministry has been hard, good, busy and hard. Sometimes things happen to us that make no sense at all. You know the kind of stuff that makes you want to ask, why me? Through these times, I have learned that whether I feel like it or not, I need my time with the Lord. Whether I know He is near or hear His voice, I need to seek Him and trust He is there. When I abide, dwell, keep getting up when I'm too down to care, when I read and read and read the same scripture, when I find myself praying the same things time and time again, I find He is there. It does make a difference. Not because of what I do, but because of who He is. He is there, I am just obeying and choosing to trust. Without abiding I lose out on His promises. I am choosing to get up early, choosing to pray again and choosing to see things how He will show me. god never fails. He never fails. Thank you.

Happy Birthday Ben and Mark

2010-04-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

The end of March means birthdays for two of our three boys. We were able to celebrate with birthday parties, a movie outside, sleepover and a day at American's Incredible Pizza. Above is the boys pictures with their teachers. Ben with Ms. Jessica (we didn't get one with Ms. Hope) and Mark with Ms. Ruby. We love you boys.

Pictures of Life in Mexico

2010-04-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

Greg and boys on a hike on La Cerro de la Silla

handsome Ben, our 13 year old

SMCA Ancient Greece Olympic Day

Good looking Luke 10 years old

What a cutie, Mark age 9 years old

Easter thoughts....

2010-04-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Greg shared during a foot washing and communion time about how Jesus fulfilled the ultimate of promises of dying for our sins. If he has done such a huge thing for us so that we could live with Him forever, then he can trust Him for all the other promises that are found in the Bible.

Promises like:

-He is always with us

-We have a home prepared for us in Heaven, the things we suffer here on earth is only temporary

-He will give us what we need to do what He has called us to.

-He cares for the orphan and widow

-He will take care of injustice in the end times

- He loves each and every one of us

-He will carry us and sustain us through tough times, suffering and trials.

As I trust Him and praise Him for dying for my sins, I am trying to remember and trust Him for the daily promises that He has made for me. Praise you Lord.

Spring Break Service

2010-03-31T09:56:00.001-07:00

Greg preaching at the Rio with Antonio translating

kids at the Rio coloring after their Bible story

Mark and Luke and others inviting people to the soup kitchen

Boys and Greg helping with the fence

I am so grateful for how our boys have had the opportunity to serve during their Spring Break. About a week ago, our boys chose to help their Dad work on a new fence for a pool on our property. With supervision, they helped cut pieces and hammer parts of the fence. Last Sat. they helped serve at the Rio where we celebrated our 2nd Anniversary of the soup kitchen. Mark and Luke helped invite people as Ben stayed behind to talk and welcome those that came. The helped serve plates and cups to the 70+ kids there and the ~50 adults. Then just yesterday we spent about 3 hours playing with the kids at Casa Hogar Douglas. I didn't have my camera, however if I had, you would seen Luke playing soccer with the older boys, Ben playing legos with the younger boys and Mark playing on a slide with a couple of 2 year olds. We all had a good time. I even got to change a diaper and hug on some little ones.

Before and during the treatment for Lesley

2010-03-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

In February, Lesley received a long awaited vaccine for her facial tumor. Above is the bottle for this vaccine. It's written in Japanese I've been told. It took a while to get here, however we are so grateful. The next photo is of Lesley last June when she was diagnosed with this tumor. And the last picture is her last month after a little over a month since her injection. She still has about one more month before we return to see the doctor, however I wanted to show you this response to this drug. This girl has lived with an asymmetric look to her face all of her life. Now, she is no longer getting stares. She can sleep on that side of her face without pain. Praise God for how He provides. Thanks to a group of men who donated money to the Rio to make a difference, God has used it to change the life of this little girl.

Achieving a dream

2010-03-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Milagros had a dream of "doing hair". She had achieved as much as she could on her own, dying her own hair, brading the hair of other girls in her community. But because of the help of friends in the states, Milagros is in beauty school. She is learning to cut and style hair, do makeup and dye and frost and all kinds of things I'm sure I know nothing about. She has begun using these skills in the Rio. Just the other day, she mentioned to a man that past that his hair was getting long. He asked what she'd charge. I think she has another customer. Praise God, he is changing lives and giving opportunities where there were none.

Never the Same

2010-03-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Praying with one of the two ladies at Rio 3

A precious girl at Rio 3

Group of girls posing at Rio 3

A man waiting to be feed at the soup kitchen at Rio 3

One of my roles here at B2B is debriefing the American groups that come down. Its really an enjoyable part of my job. Its away where I feel like I am out there every day with a particular

group without actually going. When Greg is on the group, I'm home with the boys to help with homework, make lunch, listen to the days going ons, etc. The usual stuff. Above are a few pictures from a recent trip Greg took with a group to Rio 3, a impoverished community on the outskirts of Monterrey. When I debrief a group each night, I get to hear the "pictures of the day" from the group members. Just last night the group was talking about this very site. After everyone shared, I felt like I had been there that day. This type of community is where my heart is so I really wanted everyone to go around again. I wanted to hear more. I had heard about 2 women who greeted this group in away that they made a huge impact. The smiles of these ladies, they way they hugged them at the door, the prayers they prayed over the group was powerful and meaningful. What they didn't say was these ladies are house bond as both have diabetes and have had legs amputated and are in wheelchairs. That information wasn't vital to what they were telling me. Others spoke of a 19 year old who went out of his way to help the group in any activity they were doing. Still others told of a child who had patience with poor spanish, or displayed love and happiness without the material things of this world.

This has happened times before with groups and in my life too. We go to try and help someone out. We look for ways God would want us to give and serve others, and somewhere in the process God turns it around on us and we are the ones who are blessed and impacted. God is amazing how He does that. In the circle last night, I was able to see the fingerprints that the people of Rio 3 had left on the group members. Somehow, only the way God can do it, I was touched and impacted as well. Praise God for how He touches us. It reminds me of a quote that I once heard ...."Some people come into your life, make footprints on your heart and you are never the same" I think I'd change it up just a little and say, "Sometimes God puts people in your life that make footprints on your heart and you are never the same."

Why spend the money to go to Mexico?

2010-03-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Often I get asked if it would be better to just have people send the money that they would use to come down for a week. The question is usually followed with another question of "Wouldn't the money go further then what I could do in a week?" Without hesitation I tell people no. Recently we had a school group from Cincinnati come. They are 7 th and 8th graders from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. These kids came for a week to work and play with the kids we work with here in Monterrey. I know their week was full as I had the opportunity to debrief the 8th graders. I also was blessed to go with them on a field trip with Casa Hogar Doulgas. They took the kids to a fun place that allows the kids to "work" different jobs earning play money that they then can spend on other activities or with little toys. A child was paired up with a group member as they got to pick from several "jobs" such as learning to put our a fire, police work, entertainer, McDonald food preparer, fashion designer, etc. The options seemed endless. Initially it seemed like the group members were just a supervisors of sorts. Some junior highers were trying desperately to figure out what their kid was saying, some running after an excited child, some wondering what they were supposed to do. But before too long, it wasn't hard to see the impact these kids had. I saw one child complete a task only to look back to get the approval of a teen boy who was already giving accolades. Or a Mom and teen girl who were so enjoying the precious boys they had. A B2B staffer told me she had never seen one of the boys smile so much. One eighth grader took one for his boy when he was lead into an entertaining task and found himself dancing and singing in front of all of the visitors at Kidszania. What this group gave these kids so out weighs anything money can buy

They recieved

- memories for a life time

-encouragement and love

- the ability to dream of what they could be one day

-time of laughter, and freedom to forget their hard life

-the deposit of happiness, confidence and love that a day of attention from someone who cares

can give

-a great story to tell those at school the next day

-a blessing that they can look back on and say God has given me so many things

- and other ways we can't see this side of heaven.

I really want to make a photo album so the next time someone asks me this question I can say," Take a look at these photos and see for yourself the difference in coming and experiencing being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to these kids."

2010-03-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

...been reading a book from an old seminary professor on the prayers of Paul. These words caught my pastoral heart:

"Paul is a man who dreams dreams; who envisages new needs and opportunities, and these are carefully tied to his own prayer life and to the prayers he solicits from others... There are several ... who get so bogged down on relatively picky points related to their health, prosperity, or better, the challenges of the next Vacation Bible School or the fickleness of a teenaged son that they utterly lose any sense of the sweep and direction of ministry. They do not dream dreams; they never really pray for revival; they never envisage the potential next phase of ministry and the steps that could be taken to get from here to there...

Even so, if we do not dream dreams and envisage what might be, it is unlikely we shall ever pray for them or work toward them. We shall spend our lives getting through each day's work as it comes up. How much better it is, wherever possible, to tie our immediate concerns to the larger possibilities of expanding ministry...

Paul's prayer is nothing other than a concern for the gospel itself and for its extension in a needy world. Here we would do well to remember the frequently quoted words of E.M. Bounds: 'One of the constitutional forces of the gospel is prayer. Without prayer, the gospel can neither be preached effectively, promulgated faithfully, experienced in the heart, nor be practiced in the life. And for the very simple reason that by leaving prayer out of the catalogue of religious duties, we leave God out, and His work cannot progress without Him.' "

Lord, bring me to my knees more frequently. Put tears in my eyes that overflow from a passionate heart concerned with the eternal things. Remind me that when I don't pray, I leave you out, and when I leave you out, your work will not progress. Though I don't understand this mystery of 'limiting' a sovereign God by lack of prayer, I accept it as true for your word teaches it. Forgive me for not praying more. Forgive me for hesitancy in calling it sin. I want to dream of what you can do through us when we trust you and beseech you. And I want to be a man that spends his life doing so. Amen.

a humbling celebration.....a

2010-02-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Greg, the boys and I were invited to dinner with Edgar, Cony and the girls at the Manantial de Amor children's home. They wanted to thank us for all we have done working with them over the years. As we sat there as they shared their thanks with us, I was so very humbled. It is us that should be thanking them. They are the ones who care for these kids and teens 24/7. They are the ones that the Lord uses in changing the hearts of these kids, and the groups that we bring to serve at their homes. It made me realize that I need to be more thankful in my life. I asked Cony how they continued doing what they do. What was it that kept them going through such difficult work and life. She told me "humility". "When I see myself in the light of who God is I am blessed to be a part of this life, of this ministry." Their secret to doing such a great job. Again she answered "humility". Lord, make me humbled and grateful to where you have me now.

The boys elaborate tree house and my bay window....

2010-02-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

When Greg and I were dating, he took me back to Indiana University for a fun trip down memory lane. We were walking all over campus, when we came to a building that I remembered. I told him I wanted to show him a bay window that I often sat in it to study or just day dream. It was located on the 2nd floor and as we turned the stairs into full view, to my embarrassment I saw that it was only a radiator at the base of a window it was not a bay window at all. In my romantic imagination it was this plush and elaborate bay window.

I recently was called by my boys to come look at their tree house. I imagined a floor, walls , a roof and perhaps a window. When I came to the window I saw pieces of wood that had been nailed in this tree at different levels. What I saw was far from a tree house but to them it was an elaborate get away.

This has me thinking of the Christian life, often I don't have eyes that can see the vision that God has for people. Where I see a lazy person, a sinner,or a bully, God sees potential. He sees an adopted son or daughter. He sees the creation He has made them to be. Sometimes in my prayers for justice or for others I disregard people for bad, evil or ones that God needs to do away with. However if I'm honest with myself, that could be me. God is showing me to have his eyes, his eyes to see that bay window, the tree house or that potential believer or adopted son of God. My prayers are changing. They are changing from asking God to give them what they deserve to asking The Lord to bring them to Himself. We all are undeserving. Lord, give me your eyes.......

Sharing the Love of God on Valentine's Day weekend

2010-02-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

making valentines to share with love ones

boys from the Rio and group sharing and playing with legos

more valentines

Kids from the group have hands on a girl to pray for healing and increased faith in God

On this commercial holiday, it was a perfect time for one of our groups to share God's love to the kids and families at Meme's Rio. Our group had 15 kids in it ranging from 19-7. They were great as we asked them to help us teach the 1 Cor. 13 passage on love to about 36 kids at the soup kitchen. After we shared the verse the kids teamed up to give 6 different dramas of what love is and what love is not. The kids were fascinated an really paid attention well. Afterwards they made valentines with homework to give it away to someone special. We served a delicious tostada meal and a group prayed for the spiritual warfare that is apparent there. The men helped put doors on the soup kitchen, while the kids played and played. At the end we were getting ready to pray for Meme when Meme points out a girl who is sick and need prayer. These kids laid hands on this girl and strong, passionate, sweet prayers went up around her. Prayers for healing, for increasing her faith, for protection and against fear. What a full day to see God's love in sharing His word, feeding the hungry, loving the people, working on the soup kitchen and blanketing the place in prayer. Now that is Biblical Love.

A little lunch, a little time, a big reward...

2010-02-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

As I have been spending more and more time at the boys home slowly and consistently tackling the various projects that I've been working on, I find that my relationships with the boys are coming along quite nicely.

But recently, I experienced a great boost. I decided that I would begin taking a few of the boys out to lunch from time to time. As some of the boys are preparing to enter our Hope program I decided to start with a few of the older boys first and invited Angel, Geraldo and Gregorio. I had already developed good relationships with Angel and Geraldo, both of whom are extroverts. Gregorio however, while nice and cordial, always seemed more reserved when I came around.

So we grabbed some burgers at Carl's Junior and just hung out for a while before taking them to school. We talked a little but only as much as my Spanish would allow.

Well, the next day when I arrived (and every day since) I have found a pleasant surprise. Gregorio's eyes light up when he sees me. He stops what he is doing and comes to greet me. It has been very fun to see.

Gregorio has come from a troubled past and it makes me think just how troubled it is if a simple lunch out with a friendly face can so drastically affect him. I think of the countless number of people who come down here on missions trips each year and of the impact that they have as well. Though in their own eyes it may seem small and insignificant, the dividends are huge and can be eternal. Yep, a little time can often give big rewards...

Big Needs, Perfect Timing

2010-02-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I (Greg) am the captain at Manantial de Amor (MDA), a wonderful children's home here in Monterrey. Much has been happening here as of late.

Where to begin. I guess I'll start with the major project that has been going on for about 1 1/2 years. MDA had some major water erosion problems that were close to threatening the structural integrity of the building. With much help, I tackled this problem and every inch of the way, I felt I was way over my head. But what else could I do? These problems needed to be addressed and I was there, so we tackled them. I cannot begin to accurately say how much help I received along the way, but I know that it couldn't have happened without every person that jumped in.

Recently, I asked Jim to help me pour two sets of concrete stairs. I had already formed for the stairs and Jim and I would mix the concrete by hand. We expected it would take half a day to pour the two sets of stairs. It actually took the entire day and in honesty, it was the hardest day I've had here. But the wonderful thing about it is that it was the second to last step of completing the WHOLE project! It has been 1 1/2 years in coming! I am super excited about it and praise God for getting me through it.

Not too long ago, Edgar, the director at MDA, sent me a long list of unexpected expenses that the children's home is facing. Major expenses. From braces for three different girls to school enrollment to unexpected water bills, etc. The list goes on and on. Then, just a few short days later, a government official shows up to inspect the children's home (the boys location) and leaves a two page list of things that need to be done (within 5 days). No offer of helping come up with the money to pay for these projects. Just have them done in 5 days or we will take the kids from here and put them in the DIF, the government run home- not a good place.

So I was a bit overwhelmed as I wanted to help with all of the needs, but had NO resources with which to help. Even now as I write this, I realize what a God thing it was for me to not have any money because I almost always have a cushion with which to help with emergency needs like this. I guess God wanted to show me that He is the source of our help and nothing else.

Well, I sent out an email to a few churches that support us and that have worked at MDA before just seeing if there would be anyway they'd be able to help. One church responded by sending $5,000! In addition, I began receiving donations that were collected from B2B'S Christmas Catalog and the donations all addressed the needs that Edgar had sent me.

I am assured that when we minister and face tremendous needs ALL OF THE TIME that God is always aware of every need. He never balks at the size or the seemingly 'when it rains it pours' timing of the needs that come up. He just does what He does. He is so faithful and I am so grateful.

Praise God!

PS- I forgot to mention the $150,000 USD donation that came in to purchase a new piece of property on which to bring the boys and the girls together on one campus! He's just AMAZING!

Quick update on Lesly......

2010-02-04T17:39:00.001-08:00

Just came back from Lesly's appointment. Praise God it is over and in 2-3 months it should be all over. Yeah, I'm so excited for her and will post a picture after her tumor subsides. Amen.

Obedience

2010-02-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Praying that God would help me make this a word that describes me. On Saturday I had just return from a full day at the Rio. I mean this was a great day, three people come to Christ, we celebrate a birthday, prayed for a man diagnosed with cancer, etc. I returned at 5:00 which is pretty late for me. On the way home I found myself dreaming about a great shower and my warm bed. Then I get this idea to visit a family in our neighborhood. Julio has muscular dystrophy, his wife works four hours a day making tamales in the house in front of their house. This allows Julio to be in the room watching his three daughters 1, 5 and 7 years of age. As I'm driving I am thinking of so many reasons why I should continue on home. I think, "maybe they aren't there," or "really, now?" As I come closer to their street, I hear "Just ask them to church tomorrow." Reluctantly I think I can do that. So I stop and ask them to church at Douglas. They timidly say yes that would be fine.

The next morning is cold. I immediately think "oh too bad, Julio won't want to go out in the cold." He has weak muscles with his lungs and heart and has breathing issues. So you can imagine my surprised as I was greeted by Julio, Yajira and their three girls as we went to pick them up. Apart from being in discomfort for the hour and a half he sat in church, Julio and his wife went forward to receive prayer. I believe God was doing something for Julio and for me that morning. God is growing my faith and is drawing me closer to Him. We are praying for healing in Julio's life. Again I think God will heal Julio of his MD and me of my ailing faith. Lord bring health to Julio's body and obedience to my faith.

Waiting can be the hardest thing

2010-02-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Imagine that at age 3, you develop a bump on the side of your face. This bump sometimes grows larger than other times. You have pain and every time you look in the mirror you see a face that has other kids laugh or comment about. This girl is 7 years old. She was diagnosed in June with this viral tumor. We were told that there is a vaccine that can be injected into the tumor and should resolve it completely with 1 or 2 injections. So we waited as doctors located the vaccine. We were told after a month that it was in Mexico City and will be shipped soon. 7 months later we have gotten word that it is here in Monterrey and today I take her to get her injections. With this long wait I thought maybe God was going to heal her. I don't know why really but the faith of her family and mine has grown in the process. We've been praying consistently. I believe God wants to call them all to Him. Will you join me in prayer for her procedure, for the faith of her mom, grandma, and others? I look forward to posting her picture after the vaccine has done its thing.

Thank you Lord. More than ever we appreciate this vaccine.

Praying for Douglas

2010-02-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

This month we are carving out February to pray for Casa Hogar Douglas. Would you consider reading the following requests and lifting them up to God.

Thanks friends for joining us in prayer for Casa Hogar Douglas. Just for clarification, Wyman is the man who is the director there. Jim and Betty are the Back2Back staff who are captains of Douglas. Following is specific ways to pray for them:
1. Care givers would be full of the love of Christ.
2. Children of all ages would experience God's Love in this home.
3. Financial needs of the home would be met.
4. Fear and pain would be minimized in the kids' lives.
5. The Holy Spirit would come and fill every dormitory.
6. God would protect this place with a "Band of angels" guarding against all evil.
7. That this home would be a "Shelter" and a "Rufuge" for these children.
8. Wyman would be open and supportive of changes we suggest need to occur.
9. We would find tutoring help for kids that need help in school.
10. God would remove anything or anyone that hinders the spread of His Revolution in this place.
11. God would raise up positive role-model leaders within the older boys' dorm.
12. The younger kids would look up to and follow these positive leaders.
13. Every care giver and child would know that they are part of the family of God.
14. Light would cause darkness to flee.
15. All care givers and staff would seek truth in their own lives.
16. All care givers and staff would demonstrate compassion in discipling children.
17. Betty & Jim would be filled with Godly wisdom and courage as they minister.
18. All outside influences (other groups) would be edifying to the Spirit.
19. Godly people would not grow weary of doing what is right.
20. The leadership would be sanctified for God's service.
21. Tired workers would have time to rest.
22. God would use the church to minister to staff and kids weekly.
23. All staff not filled with the Holy Spirit would leave or be filled with the Holy Spirit.
24. Staff and kids would recognize and give testimony to God's provision in their lives.
25. God would complete His promises in the lives of these children.

We have a cook in our family

2010-01-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's fun to see God develop your babies into growing kids with individual gifts, talents and interests. Mark has had a creative flair to his personality and recently he has channeled that into cooking. Our whole family has benefited from this for sure. He created one dessert he has called "Mark" and three other names I don't remember. When I'm in a pinch for dinner or any meal for that matter, Mark jumps in and says "I'll cook" Here you can see his award winning (award by me) pancakes and his famous "Mark" that he made for snack at school.