“Worship”
January & February were ‘suddenly’ months for VoB worship! It ‘suddenly’ came up that we were able to go to 4 different reservations in Southern California, all within 2 hours drive of San Diego, for worship and prayer. We were able to go to Soboba reservation, 2 hrs north, San Pasquale reservation, here in east San Diego, and Morongo reservation, near Palm Springs. On the 4th reservation, Pala, here in San Diego, we went simply to be with friends & hear a special speaker who was sharing at the Pala Lighthouse church. What a privilege and honor to spend time in worship & prayer for the First Nations people, on their own land. The beauty of this, is that it wasn’t just ‘white’ people, or Native Americans, but it was ALL of us, working together, singing, praying, playing, eating, dancing together, all to further the Kingdom of GOD in this earth. In addition to that, even though we’ve struggled to get food across the border to Mexico, we have been able to deliver several large truckloads of food to our friends on the San Pasquale reservation. They, in turn, have been able to bless many, many needy families on that and other reservations. Isn’t GOD awesome?!!
This year, 2016, and onward, we hope to have more of these opportunities. Southern California is home to more reservations than anywhere else in the country. We have many First Nations friends who are seeking the Lord for their people. We’re honored to be able to stand alongside them, seeking the Lord for the original inhabitants of the land. Please continue to lift up these endeavors, as we have several possibilities coming up.
“and we know that GOD causes all things to work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28
“Compassion”
Thank you for all of your prayers and support through our recent border crossing issues. Some things have progressed along. We still do not have our normal favor extended to us, as we are not able to cross as much food as we were crossing. We are still collecting the food every day, but unfortunately are limited as to how much and what specifically we can take in. The loads have to be smaller, but the fees are 5 times higher than before! So we have also had to decrease how many times we cross, to better steward finances spent at customs. We’re believing things will get better soon.
On a positive note, we have had an amazing response from agencies on the south side of the border, who have stepped up to help us get the food to those who need it. Our partner, Greg, had a meeting with the municipal social services of Tijuana. They still have permission to bring donations from the U.S., through Mexican customs. But we had been unsuccessful in convincing them to collect and deliver the MannaPack Rice (healthy meals, formulated with nutrition for malnourishment) we take in. A great blessing occurred, when we recently acquired the Tijuana Chief of Police to champion for our team! She got the social services department to bring in the food. She believes that fighting hunger can lead to less crime. The chief has even come to our outreaches, along with her entourage of body guards, 2nd in command, and officers. We anticipate greater favor to come.
All in all we continue to say, GOD is bigger, and He will be glorified throughout all of this!
Thank you for your prayers and continuing to stand with us, as we fight for the cause of the needy.
“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Psalm 82:3
Lord you are the God who makes a way when we see no way. Thank you so much for the opening and favor You have brought. We know it is Your heart to minister to those in need so we know You are moving. Thank You for Your heart that is full of more compassion than we can fathom. Thank You for giving Wayne and Carol and the team wisdom, incite and discernment. Thank You for continuing to unite the body of Christ especially with the First Nations peoples. Thank You that You birth prayer and You answer!
Thank you so much Julia! We agree with your beautiful prayer of gratitude on this Good Friday eve!