Voice Of the Bride Ministries...

Often we think to ourselves, that we wish everyone who supports VOB, and our compassion work in Mexico, would know just how far their/your support goes. In particular, not just how far the dollar may stretch, or the answer to a single prayer request, but really, how truly invested our partnership is, with those the Lord puts before us (our mission statement) “for the long haul”.

Pedro (above left with Wayne & above right as a teen helping in the food lines) we have known for many years now. He was not encouraged to finish high school, when he decided to quit, at age 15, and work to help his mom with the needs of their family. Wayne has continued to encourage him through the years, and, in Pedro’s own words, “be an important role model in his life”. Now, 12 years later, not only were we able to support Pedro with the resources to study and catch up his schooling, but this past month, Wayne drove him 250 miles round trip to Ensenada, Mexico, to take a test equivalent to a GED here in the states. Now Pedro plans, with “our” continued support, to enroll in business college starting in September. Pedro, and his families future, will be brighter “for the long haul”.

While Pedro completed his day long testing, Wayne drove a little further south down the Baja Coast, with medical supplies, and horse gear for a children’s rehab therapy ranch, “His Wings”. We have told you about this missionary friend, who works with special needs children in various forms of rehab, including using horses in therapy. Our missionary friend has established this ranch and rehab center, working with each child’s families in every way possible, to see that they are equipped to manage the child’s physical, emotional, and mental needs, “for the long haul”.

Rosie, is the youngest of four, of our dear friends and ministry partners in Tijuana. The Lord knitted us to her family early on, when we began work in Mexico. VOB has been able to help her siblings complete their schooling, including Angelica, who is now a nurse. Rosie just graduated from public high school as she managed to always pass the lottery (a system Mexico is forced to use to address over crowded public schools), and avoid needing help with funds for private school, like both of her older siblings received from VOB. However, we are helping her with expenses to go to business college now. She and her siblings now have a greater chance to change the cycle of incomplete education, which will make a difference in their lives, “for the long haul”.

Manuel, 4 yrs old, has mild cerebral palsy which has caused some developmental delays, as well as a physical deformity which is most pressing at this time. His feet turn in, and he may need surgery to correct the issue which causes problems with his walking gate. Manuel is 3rd generation of a family we have been assisting for more than 15 years. His dad Carlos Jr was a young boy when we first met his grandmother, Veronica. VOB has helped this family through various tragedies, and life hardships, in general. In addition to now helping Manuel get the neurological testing and physical therapy he needs, as well as possibly future surgery, we help his cousins Alexandra and Gabriella with school needs. And although his dad and uncle both quit school before graduating, we are hoping they will one day decide to finish their education, as we encourage them to do……so that they also, can change the course of their future and make it “for the long haul”.

Happy 4th of July!

Recently, I was asked to participate in a recording of the worship songs, of a Native American friend of mine. I was super honored to be asked, and enjoyed every minute of the work. I was deeply impacted by the indigenous sounds on the songs, and the depth of the worship message, which my friend was conveying. It also did not escape my notice that the songs themselves, were very tribal in the form of not being ‘western’ at all. The songs were mainly sung acapella, accompanied only by other voices, and various indigenous instruments, such as Native American drums, shakers and flutes. I was completely inspired to hear these songs of devotion to the Lord, sung in much more traditional styles. This led me to consider how music brings such a deep connection to the heart, and how GOD has created music to reach deep within our hearts, to bring honor and glory to Himself. Every culture in the world, has it’s own unique style of music, it’s own unique language, and it’s own unique use of instrumentation. There is no doubt in my mind, that the Lord uses this diversity, to bring Himself glory in every ‘tribe, tongue, and nation’. (Rev. 7:9)

Can you imagine the indigenous person living in the mountains or jungles of Mexico, hearing the sound of worship through the use of their own instruments and language? The revelation of the thought that, “GOD loves me enough to hear songs of worship and praise in my own language’, must surely be a powerful realization. I think that we who live in ‘western’ nations, have trouble understanding the depth of meaning a unique cultures music and language can have to a people group. So much of our lives revolve around English, Spanish or French, and so much of our music is incredibly similar across our nation and even the ‘west’ in general. But if you think about how music has developed over the ages, you will find that ‘mountain’ music of, say the Appalachian mountains, has a deep Celtic influence, that came over from those who immigrated to the US in the 1800 and 1900’s. And this is just one small example of how deeply connected people are to the music of their heart, so to speak.

I have heard and read many stories of how tribal cultures around the world, were incredibly deeply impacted when they received the Bible – the very Word of GOD – in their own language. This is why we so deeply believe in groups such as Wycliffe Bible Translators! There can be no feeling similar, when a group of people hear and read the Bible in their very own language. It must be similar when they hear worship songs devoted to Jesus, in their own style.

I think it speaks volumes as to Who our GOD is, when we think of the diversity of people groups around the world, and yet He makes an effort to reach every human being, with the Gospel, in the way that is most easily understood by the people He is going after. I am thankful that He has called Voice Of the Bride Ministries to be among those who support and participate in bringing indigenous songs and words to the Native American tribes of the USA. Without ever compromising the Word of GOD, may we continually bring His love, His Word, and His worship, to all those around the world who seek to know Him, and who might do so ever so much more easily, with their own cultural sound and language. GOD bless you!

p.s. This photo is a thank you for your faithful support!