Moscow, Russia, May 1994:

Upon checking into our hotel room for a 2 week mission trip with OMS International, we were about to become acquainted with a stark reality: being in Russia was like stepping back into the 1940’s. Everything was old, worn or archaic. It was a bit of a stunner, as we realized that this nation everyone thought was right on par with the U.S., was, in fact, pretty far behind in many, many areas. The fact that most of us, as Americans, had no idea what it was really like in Russia, was apparent with the shock our team encountered. And really, there was no way FOR us to know, was there? Who had traveled to the U.S.S.R? What did we really know about the Soviet people, now broken up into many, many nations? What did these Russians know about us, as Americans? And what do they know today?

Similarly, knowledge about Mexico, for most Americans, is limited to sporadic, and usually bad reports on the news. And for the Mexican people, it is equally limited, unless someone has had relatives come here and live in the U.S. Many of the Mexican people we encounter, ‘south of the border’, dream about a better life, more food on the table, better schooling, greater job opportunities, and the chance to just LIVE better. Some, to be sure, are shady, and are considering illegal options, such as drug running. But many of these people just want a better life for their children. So, they consider the United States. They dream about living here and what that would be like….what the opportunities might present, what prosperity living here might bring, etc, etc. In fact, some of them might think it would be ‘easy living’ here in the U.S. Just as we expected life in the former Soviet Union to be have much more of a resemblance to our country, many in Mexico have unrealistic expectations about life here, “in these United States”. It’s hard work, as prices are much higher in general. Gas is considerably more expensive here, and getting higher. If you are not a citizen, of course there is much more to consider, specifically, jail time and deportation if you are caught. And, if you are trying to become a LEGAL citizen, years of waiting, red tape, and money can make the attempt difficult at best. Are the rewards worth it?

Over time, we have met those in Mexico who feel living here and the struggle for citizenship is worth it. We have also met those who come here and work seasonally, and then prefer to go back ‘home’. After all, home is where the heart is, right?

But week to week, we mostly meet those who simply dream of what has become known as ‘the OTHER side’…. They dream of what they believe would be an easier life. They dream of clean streets, clean buildings, public school for kids, plentiful jobs, an uncorrupted government (by Mexican standards), and a freedom unknown to many of the poor of Mexico. Do they make it here? Some do, but most just dream on.

And so, we travel 20 minutes south of our city, delivering bread or vegetables, or eggs, or fruit to those who have less. We distribute to those on the streets, to those with small children, to those deported, to the Salvation Army, where sometimes they have run out of bread for those living within. We take things to those ‘on the other side’ of OUR border & try to bring the hope of Jesus to those who think living here will be the answer….. And we always want them to know that, no matter what SIDE of the border you live on, JESUS is the only one with the answers. He is the only One Who will make life better.

Blessings on you as we head into the summer season. And just so you know, we understand that everyone is tightening their belt, with gas skyrocketing (though it is $2.70 a gallon in TJ), as well as so many other basics of life. We are certainly doing that as well. We thank you for continuing to support us in these times, as so often, giving above and beyond tithing goes by the wayside. We ourselves realized that while of course skimming on our tithe was a non issue, we also realized that cutting back on our offerings to missionaries whom we support, was not an option either. Our kingdom is of Heaven, not of this world, and so in these tough times we can only boost our faith and trust in the economy of His Kingdom. Thank you for standing with us, and for being part of the arms of Jesus to the needy. May His peace be upon you this summer and always.           Love, Wayne & Carol

                        Imagine living on this hillside . . . . . . looking across this wall . . . . . . at this view!

“The Other Side”

I remember the first few times I kept hearing this from the locals we ministered to in TJ. “Are you from the other side?”, they would ask or, “I have family on the other side!” I realized at some point, this was more than just a slang reference – it was a life perspective for our friends who live south of the border. A perspective that I would have never imagined; Tijuana was Tijuana and I had certainly not dreamed of what it would be like to live there! Funny thing though, in efforts to be accepted as a familiar face I find my self answering now, when asked,  “I am from the other side”.

Black, red, blue, yellow, green, and striped ones were all the colors of the 50 winter hats (or beanies as they call them here) that you helped us provide to the men and women at our Tuesday night outreach in Tijuana. Remember the street in Postal I told you about where the addicts, recently deported and homeless, hang out? We gave each person a gift wrapped, rolled up hat. Every hat was quickly unwrapped and promptly put on each head. I wish I had a photo of the bright colored hats as they walked away and disappeared into the dark night after the outreach. Everyone was very grateful for the warm gift in addition to their various bread and sweet items. The hats looked like burrito’s when stacked under our tree.

Once again we drove home for Christmas to the East Coast. Though we ask ourselves if we are getting too old for it, we actually do still enjoy it. We had a wonderful time with family, and an unexpected extended time in Virginia due to Carol’s dad having a mild stroke while we were there. It was surely a scary time for us all, but we were so grateful to be there when it happened. Initially, he went to the hospital for a severe headache, which later turned out to be a sinus headache, and unrelated to the stroke. The Lord was truly with him. We are happy to report that he is doing excellent after a surgery to clear a blocked artery in his neck. Thank you Lord for your protection and warning signs! We are grateful for every moment when we get to visit our family and we pondered that sacrifice during the drive back . We returned to San Diego more than a week later than planned. Carol flew back to Virginia for her dad’s surgery in February. So most of January and half of February is a blur from all the extra excitement.

My job with Mental Health has certainly been interesting. I am challenged by working within a non-ministry environment where every need presented is actually a huge need for ministry. Though I am a believer in the science of psychology, and understand the principles therein, they act only as a band-aid for symptoms and they rarely address the root cause – a created human desperately needing to connect with their Creator. I am convinced that total mental serenity and good health is impossible without God. So, though I feel stuck at times with implementing behavior modification interventions to curb youth delinquency, I am grateful to be on the inside of knowing how to pray for some desperate situations and how to be Jesus with skin on in the midst. The boys I work with, the oldest being 18 and the youngest being 5, all have huge odds stacked against them. But they are worth every effort. I have just recently encountered the first father on the scene (barely with supervised visitation rights) of one of my clients. All others are being raised by single moms. My pay is often a challenge because it requires so much time for so little compensation. And my struggle is wanting to be free for more time applied to Mexico and ministering to the poor.

I, with my partner Greg, continue to go across the border every Tuesday and Sunday night, in order to deliver donations to the local Salvation Army, various orphanages, several families, and to individuals who give to other needy people in Mexico. I had to give up going on Thursday nights in order to work an additional night shift for my job. Tuesday nights continue to be holding an outreach from the tailgate of our truck. We pass out bagels, rolls and sweets (pan-dulce) to 40-60 people. These were the same people we gave the hats to for Christmas. You may remember me mentioning my friend Victor in a previous letter. He is still around and still on the streets, but is now free from heroin, praise the Lord! He is getting closer to being completely free!

Very recently, a good friend donated a used 1-ton pickup truck to our work in Mexico. This is a huge blessing! The truck has a large flatbed, and will allow us to bring more food at one time, across the border. In the last month or so, we have had alot more donations, and have had to drive two trucks over. And with gas, that costs a good bit! So this truck will allow us to be more efficient and to not have to turn away any donations that won’t fit in the other smaller trucks! Thus, more people are able to get food! We are so blessed to have it (thank you P & N) and anxious to get it registered and insured, and ‘on the road again’.

Carol’s horse training and teaching job is going well, and she is very thankful for the work. She is very serious about ministering to those she is working with. If you think about it, this would be a great area of prayer for her. There are some serious needs among those she works with, and she knows the Lord has put her there for this very reason. She is also continuing to sort out the possibilities of worship and intercession here in San Diego. This would be another area she requests concerted prayer in.

Thank you so much to each one of you for standing with us, supporting us and praying for us. As always we really appreciate each and every gift that you share with us and we do ask that the Lord would return blessings to your household as you have blessed ours! Our prayer is always that we would be good stewards of what the Lord gives to us and in return give to those whom we are called to. Your partnership is so valuable and equally a part of that calling! Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have when considering giving to VOB on a monthly basis. We have a lot of vision ahead and expect that the Lord will be faithful to provide for the glimpse he has given us.

“Remember, before getting rid of that “whatever” that you don’t need anymore . . . someone else just might!”

This photo of a family who received sweatshirts that had been pre printed before Super Bowl winners were determined. New England Patriots “Super Bowl” sweatshirts donated to World Vision (www.worldvision.org) ! This 3rd world family appreciated them!  Champions or not!