Juan Carlos and his cousins asked if they could help me carry boxes of food into the women and children’s shelter. They lived just next door and had been seeing me come each week. Of course I never say no to helpers. But especially a chance to teach kids how important it is to help others. This started a new friendship. Juan Carlos continued to help each week, and we were able to add his family to the weekly food dispense. After a few years went by, I arrived and there was no Juan Carlos. But one of the house moms at the shelter had a note he had left for me, explaining that his family had to move away, and that he was very sorry and would miss helping us each week. Fast Forward 9 years later, and Juan Carlos finds us on social media!  WOW!  He was so excited to tell us that he was studying to become a dentist. What a wonderful blessing to get such unexpected news! We do not often get updates from those who have come and gone in our ministry of helps. Normally we help, hope, and pray that we were able to make a small difference in a life, and hope that a greater impact results. 

Early on, when we started our full time work in Mexico, our goal was to come alongside our Mexican brothers and sisters and provide food and basic needs for their communities. Having greater resources in San Diego, it made sense to share those resources. We quickly learned that there were many great needs around Tijuana, and connecting with the locals who knew the true and greatest needs, was the most effective way to make that connection. Another important goal for VOB, was to make our connections, consistent ones. And often that has been the response. Many would thank us for our faithful trips across the border, multiple times a week. We have been able to make good, stable partnerships, and friendships. Out of these partnerships, there are life giving connections continuing to be made. Many of these connections are through the younger ones we have imparted to, and continue to disciple to this day! 

A few years ago (or even just a couple years ago), we would have never guessed that we would return to North Carolina. But the Lord knew His plan. And raising others up to continue the work was part of that plan. Little did any of us know how much we would learn from the pandemic, about how to manage things from different locations. For example, online worship communities like Carol is involved in with the Global Tabernacle of David. This has led to an awesome opportunity to help raise up one of our young helpers, and leaders from Tijuana. Pedro was a teenager when Wayne first met him. We have written about him a few times, as we have become quite fond of him. Pedro loves the Lord, and it comes out clearly when he is leading worship. Carol has loved having him be a part of leading on the online worship community. We are helping him finish his education, and get his Mexican passport and travel visa, to help with border crossing needs in the future, as well as join us in national outreaches. These opportunities working with our Tijuana partners, make it seem as though there is no physical distance between us. The Lord has knitted our hearts eternally. 

We wanted to take this time to assure followers of Voice of the Bride that our vision for the work in Tijuana continues and is perhaps stronger and more intentional than ever, as we commit to monthly support of these many leaders. 

We have had a few donors taper off or re-direct their support to other important needs. We are so grateful for their faithfulness to VOB over the years! 

That said, we could really use new supporters to fill in those gaps. One of our top goals is to continue our financial support of the leaders in TJ (i.e. Pedro’s needs mentioned earlier), the education scholarships, the mercy medical needs (i.e. Alexandra mentioned in last newsletter – her eye surgery was a success – photo of pre-op below), and other hardship needs as they often arise. Just recently, we purchased a new pair of orthopedic shoes for Manuel, as his had worn through and had been repaired twice before (he’s also doing great. He just had a birthday and graduated from pre school- ready for primary school). 

We send monthly support to 5 different couples, each of whom are prioritizing helping their communities, not only to survive, but to thrive for a better future. We are honored to know, first hand, how to undergird these needs. But we need your help to continue doing so!  

If you are not already supporting us, would you consider doing so with a monthly or one-time gift?  Or perhaps you could mention VOB to others who might be led to support and pray for us.  

And thank you again, faithful friends.  We continue to plow, sow and plant in the fields of the Lord together.  

GOD Bless you, Wayne & Carol

Manuel below at school birthday party and graduation. Visit our website to see video of his class singing to him and his taking some first steps to his sister Gaby after his surgery. 

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