melody green

Many of you may have been hearing about some recent violence in Tijuana, Mexico. For a decade or more, strife between the drug cartels and Mexican government has been rather quiet in TJ. Unfortunately, the reason behind that, is because the cartels were mostly in control. The recent stir is due to a greater presence of Mexican military, ordered by Mexico City, attempting to flush out corruption. Some recent arrests of high-level cartel leaders, have caused some of the retaliation of arsons and shootings, causing citizens of Tijuana to hunker down in their homes to remain safe. We have not been back across the border since this situation began, until we are assured it is under control and safe again. All of our colleagues, friends and families are safe. They report that the streets have been even eerily quiet. Very unusual in this densely populated city. These battles between cartel and government have continued strongly in other areas of Mexico over the years. It was only a matter of time before the shift to Tijuana, Mexico’s 2nd largest city and border-town, would also be challenged.

A local NPR article quoted “The drug cartels had flexed their power in Tijuana in a way not seen for more than a decade and reignited fear and debate over who is it that really wields influence in the country: the government or the gangs.” Read the full article at this link.

https://www.npr.org/2022/08/20/1118420516/mexico-cartel-drug-violence-tijuana-border

We had already been seeing more Mexican National Guard at customs, while declaring our trucks of food. This process has become a hassle once again, as a new administrator overseeing declarations is requiring different paperwork, and the usual red tape to acquire. Of course, both of these matters could use some prayer for our work in Tijuana to continue as it has been, for 15 straight years now. We continue to provide funds to our partners there for food, transport costs, and school sponsorships, as we administrate from this side of the border.

The last time we crossed the border, we took in cases of Spanish/English Bibles. A young couple we had been connected to through some hardship circumstances of their own, expressed a desire to reach out to the community where they live now, in Ensenada, Mexico. They desire to visit their neighbors, share their testimony in the Lord, but also wish to gift them with a Bible. They explained to me that they felt it was important to give a Bible that had both English and Spanish, as many they have met, desire to learn English. What better a way than to have them read Scripture, while studying a second language! We wanted to honor this important mission, and quickly purchased Bibles in bulk. I researched the best price as the dual language increases the average cost from $3 each to $10 each. If you would like to sponsor the purchase of more Bibles let us know. Perhaps you could even send a little encouraging message that we can translate and deliver, with the Bible. It is always a blessing to have a personal touch from someone they may never meet. And I assure you, that you, too will be blessed.

Also this past month we joined some friends, and remembered the late Keith Green who, 40 years ago, went to heaven with his 2 small children in a devastating plane crash. If you do not know about Keith & Melody Green, please enrich yourself with a quick google of their names. Decades of ministering to the lost through their ministry, Last Days Ministries, which we serve as board members. Melody has become a very special friend of ours the past 17 years. She has long continued to carry the torch they first started 46 years ago, for the poor, the lost, and the Body of Christ. A special remembrance service was held, where fans from all over the world either joined in person, or live stream, as we worshiped, shared stories, testimonies and the challenge for continuing to win the lost.

Wayne moderated the live stream chat as 700 others joined in, sharing their own stories of how LDM had introduced Jesus to them, and how they are serving the Lord now. It was a real honor to hear testimony after testimony. The Lord is faithful!

We appreciate your continued prayers for our health and our families’ health, as challenges continue. Also Carol is traveling to South Dakota September 29 – October 3 for a worship and prayer initiative on Sisseton-Wahpeton Reservation. Stay tuned for that trips report. Love Wayne & Carol

“After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.” Act 15:16-18

This has been a busy few weeks for us! As mentioned last month, Carol led worship at an event commemorating the 70 year anniversary of Billy Graham’s famous LA tent meetings. The event was held by Generation Won, and Brian & Pam Jourden. “Meet Me at the Tent” ran several days, with worship, prayer and outreach being the primary agenda’s. By the weeks end, over 200 people had come to know the Lord through the outreach teams!! Carol and her team led worship in conjunction with Melody Green, sharing an encouraging word about evangelism and reaching people for Christ. Forging a new relationship with the Generation Won leaders, is an exciting development for VOB, as our hearts are so similar in evangelism and outreach!

(All of the great photos above were provided by 139:14 Images)

In other news, if you remember, in 2017, VOB took a team to Washington DC, for “Awaken the Dawn”, where every state in our nation had a tent on the National Mall, devoted to 3 days of around the clock worship and prayer. This movement has spread nationally, and now participants host 3 days of around the clock worship and prayer gatherings in cities all over our country, called, “Awaken the Dawn/Tent America.” Tent America, was held in over 400 cities and communities all across the USA. Wow, that’s a lot of worship unto the Lord being poured out!

Why is all of this important? When we gather to worship the Lord in our cities and communities, the presence of GOD comes, and when His presence comes, lives are changed. These gatherings also help to build unity in the Body of Christ, which is desperately needed if the Church is going to be salt and light to the world. We were honored to participate in San Diego’s ATD/Tent America gathering. We came together with a number of Southern California Native American tribes, and led worship in Vista, CA, closing out the 3 day event. Folks from many different tribes in the area, gathered around the Big Drum, and added their voices as we led worship and prayer/proclamation.

From there, I (Carol) headed out to VA to visit family and for some needed rest, while Wayne (with a friend) took a couple nights R&R at a popular camping spot in Mexico. After I return, we have another event Thursday Nov 21, Chuck Pierce and Dutch Sheets, well respected voices to the church, throughout the world, will be speaking in San Diego. “A Time to Plow” gathering is an evening for encouraging the Body of Christ here. Carol will Be leading a diverse team of worship musicians from around the county, in this regional event hosted by Limitless Realms International Ministry.

On the Mexico front Wayne has continued with ongoing favor with customs which has been so appreciated as we have had massive amounts of additional food donated for the people. We have been able to share with other colleagues including one ministry who ministers in the red light district of Tijuana. These friends have also been a beacon for many displaced refugees in these days. Among those displaced, were a special family Wayne, along with our faithful partners, was able to help. We will share their story in the near future. But for now meet two dear elderly folks, Amelia and José, pictured with Wayne below. Wayne visits them each week and has so for many years now. They just wanted to say hi and muchîsimas gracias to each of you!