The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

with conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

with silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

The poem above, by Emma Lazarus, is inscribed upon a bronze plaque on the interior of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.   I have always been intrigued by its wording “..give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse … send these to me!” What a prophetic message similar to Isaiah’s “…bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…”

No matter how one views illegal immigration, it is hard to see what we see every day and not respond in some small way to help those in desperate situations.  Such as Frank who, after being deported, has now overcome his drinking problem but remains separated from his family in the US where he spent most of his life.  Or Juan, who was 2 months old when his parents brought him to the US and now living in a culture and language that is foreign to him, birthplace or not.  Maria had a green card for most of her adult life, working for a family in their home, taking care of their children while she raised her own kids who were US citizens.  Maria returned to Tijuana to take care of her sick mother before 9/11 and was not permitted to return to the US afterwards.  Recently she asked me to call her son for her, as she was worried about him, and wanted him to know that she was fine.  Maria, for reasons unknown, died 2 days later.  My second call to her son was certainly more difficult!

I am reminded of a friends observation while participating in our street outreach with the many deported immigrants, when she commented “setting all aside and making the lives of these strangers a little more bearable with kindness, a little conversation, and some food”.

February 2, 2010 (San Diego AP) – A statewide report on immigrants released this week reveals that 23% of residents in San Diego County are immigrants—and nearly half (45%) of those immigrants are citizens. Of all children in the region, 43% have at least one immigrant parent. These and other intriguing findings are based on data collected in the 2005-2007 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.

¡feliz año nuevo! January 2010 Happy New Year!

We thought it to be important to start 2010 with updates and answers to your prayers for 2009.  It is so easy to ask for prayer, a little more difficult to be diligent to pray, but often overlooked to give praise or credit to prayer.  We do not want to overlook what God has done with your praying responses to our requests.

One reoccurring theme for the past several months has been favor at the border with the Aduana’s (Mexican Customs).  Though I could not really tell you that a complete parting of the sea has happened, something has occurred with those request made that “obstacles be removed for caring for God’s treasure – the poor”.  Some of this change occurred over our willingness to jump through every hoop with each customs requirement presented to us.  This included our needing to be more willing to cross the border at certain times versus only when our schedule allowed. (yet how can we do this? Details below!) But overall, our persistence with your standing behind us, and the Lord who delivers the oppressed ahead of us – His Kingdom has prevailed.  We have not been refused entry, nor have there been any new requirements in recent weeks.

We have asked you to pray for the past 2 years that something would work out for Wayne to be a full time missionary to Mexico.  God is good and He, through you, has provided over recent months, that extra funding which has provided a budget for Wayne to do just that!  We are very excited about this new endeavor for 2010!  So, as described above, we are now able to make daily trips across the border if need be.  Today, one of the local wholesale produce distributors donated 2 bins of oranges. Tomorrow another 2 bins, plus 25 boxes of tomatoes.  Being able to undertake this large of a donation on a regular basis is certainly an answered prayer.  I have also been linked to another potential connection for large quantities of rice, beans & other nonperishable items.  I will have to keep you posted on that outcome.  But it looks very promising.

As I resigned from my position at my job with MHS, I was assured that both my program and a sister program would like to remain in contact as an ongoing resource for the people of Mexico.  Already I have returned to the office for donated baby items and clothes which were designated for Mexico.  It is a real blessing to have these former coworkers who provide services to families in need here in San Diego, desire to also help abroad.

We asked you to pray regarding our having a mercy fund for medical needs as we become aware of them.  As of now, we are accepting designated funds for such, but also look to explore possible grants available for foreign medical missions.  Just the other day, someone at Carol’s work told us of some medical supplies she would like to donate. These will be taken to the Camp of Faith in Tijuana, where the very ill are cared for.  In my most recent visit there, Vicente and I prayed with an elderly man who was severely depressed and suicidal.  He had 2 broken ankles from a first attempt to end his life jumping from a high roof.  He had bandaged wrists from a 2nd attempt, and, in a third attempt,  had taken a piece of glass to his throat just the day before our arrival.  As we prayed and loved on him, he accepted the Lord as his Savior, and invited Jesus to help him. I sensed that he was able to receive grace and acceptance from the Lord.  Vicente’s recent report was just that!  The man is now full of life, in high spirits, and is also helping others sick at the camp.  Also, to update you, the “Ancianos” returned to their elderly home, El Refugio, after damage from the fire had been repaired and restored.  They are also getting a new moble missionary nurse, whom I have been in contact with, who will serve full time between both El Refugio and the Campo de Fe.  Their basic needs will be well looked after and cared for!

Lastly, we recognize that our ongoing protection in Mexico, our good health, and debt free finances are all attributed to you, our faithful partners in prayer.  We are grateful for continued prayer regarding these same things, especially as we now walk the full-time ministry faith walk.  Also, as a bonus could you pray for Wayne’s increase in spanish to be muy rapido (very fast)!     Gracias, Wayne & Carol