Voice Of the Bride Ministries...

Busy summer already! We have had a number of worship events, quincenera’s, ongoing food distributions, chiropractic outreaches, and more. And much more coming up! Carol has a number of worship events scheduled and as you get this newsletter, Wayne will be crossing the border yet again, but by air, as he travels to Mexico City. From July 25th-August 1st, He will be ministering with the Living Waters team once again, as they lead another international training. Wayne looks forward to doing this, as he has not been able to join the team since we left Kansas City 7 years ago. (YES its been 7 years believe it or not). So thank you for praying for safety for his air travel & then 2+ hour bus travel to the venue.

We have had a number of volunteers this summer so far. (Thanks to your prayers!) It has been a joy to have them come alongside and help, but also to love on our friends in TJ. We thought we would let them share some of their experiences with you this month!

“When I first accompanied VOB to distribute food in Tijuana I was prepared for a task-oriented trip to meet the tangible needs of hungry people. However, it was evident that this ministry is even larger than serving through food distribution. VOB Ministries has opened the door for deep, loving relationships with the people of Tijuana. It was a joy to be a part of this cross-cultural friendship, by meeting their needs for food, praying with them, encouraging each other and just enjoying each other. These people are hungry for Jesus and they get to experience His great love and provision through VOB acting as His hands and feet. These outreaches allow people to develop meaningful relationships and, more importantly to have an encounter with the Father’s love for them that is transformative.” Emily

Emily, Laura, Jimmy & friends! — Emily, Laura & Jimmy & friends!

“I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to head down to Tijuana a few times now with VOB! There are so many hungry people in that city, hungry for food and also for God, whether they realize it or not, and VOB feeds them both physically and spiritually. What stands out to me, is the generosity and love of some of the people that VOB works with. At the biggest food distribution site on Tuesday nights, a pastor and his wife assist with a street outreach where food is passed out to around 200 people. Before we arrive with the huge truck full of food, they are already waiting and relating with the people, worshiping until the food is ready! Although they do not have much themselves, they still serve and give with great kindness. I have been challenged by this, and also blessed by the kindness they have shown me. This is the heart of God…to be so deeply caught up in Him that you overflow his love onto those around you, no matter how much or how little you have.” Laura

“At first glance, this ministry was just like any other to me, an opportunity to serve, get my hands dirty, hopefully help a lot of people and move on with the remainder of my day. That was before I began investing a greater amount of time with Wayne, as we delivered and shared what we had with Tijuana. What struck me more than anything else, however, was witnessing first hand the “Compassion” component of VOB. Not only was VOB delivering food, they were bringing hope and joy to the people of Tijuana! I quickly became enamored with the idea that I could join more of these adventures across the border, serving and loving these people—to become friends with them and experience Heaven among believers, while sharing the love of God and bread, with some who were not saved. I always look forward to each opportunity to help Wayne with his mission down in Tijuana, because, not only does it bring me joy, it also is a wake-up call to the desperate need for any and all help we can give down there. So many are getting by with far less than we realize. When they can smile and have joy with what little they have, it makes me even more thankful for all that I have, and it stays fresh in my mind every night I go to bed. I have been given a spiritual gifting for service, as I was previously on active duty for 5 years with the US Navy, and I cannot think of a better way to use my gift from God than to go out to the nations, as an ambassador carrying bread, water, and compassion.” Jimmy

“I don’t think I am going to go up and get prayer for accepting Christ just yet. I feel like it is an important thing and should not be taken lightly.” This is what Eduardo said as he approached me at in the food line. The rest of my team had gathered around a few guys who were ready to try to get off drugs and make a commitment to Christ. I asked Eduardo what he thought “being ready” would look like. “Well, for starters,” he said, “I need to know that I am not going to load, like I plan to do later on.”

Eduardo is a heroin user. He went on to explain that he “loads” 2-3 times a day, and had already used twice so far today. He was sure that he would need the third dose. As I continued to encourage him that today is probably his day to get free, he shared the rest of his story with me.

He was brought to the U.S. by his parents, before he turned 2 years old. After a lifetime of living in Orange County, he was discovered as a non-resident, and was deported a year ago. When he was first deported, he had a very hard time understanding what was happening to him. He went through culture shock, desperation, agony being separated from his family, and ultimate hopelessness. All symptoms that I have heard shared hundreds of times now in our daily work. But Eduardo said that eventually he came to terms with it, and realized he needed to make Tijuana his new home, and accept the fact that he would never be able to return to life as he knew it. Very few make it to this critical point of embracing the new life. He got a job, even got involved in serving at a local church. He said that it really helped to take his mind off of his situation, by being busy and helping others. However, recently he lost his job, and eventually his living quarters, and all the hopelessness, loneliness, and fear returned. He decided to use drugs one night, to escape his pain. The false comfort of the chemicals set in and lured him deeper and deeper.

I explained to Eduardo that it does not get easier to take the step toward Jesus and eventual freedom. That it would get harder, and today was just as good as any day that he might want to set aside. He seemed to think that he should have his life in order first, before coming back to Jesus. I hoped that I was able to convince him that it was just the opposite. That he did not have to have a job, a place to live, nor be concerned that he was planning to load. Jesus can handle all that!

Throughout our remaining time there in the aqueduct, I continued to tell Eduardo, “Today is your day!” He also shared that he did have an eye opener, earlier in the day, which proved there is no guarantee as to how long he or anyone may have. A man (actually an American drug seeker) died from an over dose right there near the border. Eduardo was there when he was discovered.

It seemed obvious that The Lord was tugging at his heart. He did not make a decision with me, but did take information on how to reach us if he decides he was ready to go to the rehab. I hope I see him next week if not sooner.

While I was talking with Eduardo, another young man, Memo, came up to me with a note, and asked if I would call his family when I returned to the States. He had written down his family members’s name, phone #, and then a list of clothing items that he needed. Particularly, dress clothes so that he could interview for work. He had also clipped a newspaper sales ad of a set of tools that he needed, so that he could work if he got a job. As I drove away with his note, I could not help but think about how for Memo, and so many others, life really is just one day at a time, clinging to some good news that might come along. I thought, he has no real idea if I will place that call for him. Or if he would see me again the next week. Or if he can even trust that I can help get what he needs. He really has placed his “message in a bottle”.