Mexico

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.

**CLICK TO HEAR MANUEL’S CLASS SING TO HIM**

Click photo to see Manuel take some first steps after his successful surgery.

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Usually this time of new year we reflect on the old year and often like to highlight several things the Lord did among the worship and compassion ministry of Voice of the Bride. There are so many things to mention that God is faithful in. But there was a recent occurrence that blessed us, so we felt it deserved the mention!

As you know we traveled to the east coast again to be with our family for an extended season of caretaking, for Carol’s mom. Typically, when we are going to be away from the Mexico ministry, Wayne makes effort to stock his weekly food recipients so they have some provision during his absence. Last year, when we unexpectedly were gone for a longer time, we sorted out a way to provide funds for our ministry colleagues, to purchase food for those we care for.

This holiday season I did the same. But instead of having a ministry partner come by a couple of our adopted family homes, I enrolled one of our adopted family members to help. We have spoken of Ivonne often through various events that have surrounded her family over the years. She is the oldest daughter of Veronica, and the oldest sister to Karen, Jasmine, Carlos Jr and Fernando. She is also mom to daughters Alexandra, and Gabriella and raising her brother’s son, Carlos III (Carlos Jr has gone through some rough times since losing his father tragically, but we are keeping check on him and he is doing better.). Last year, with your help, we built the house they all live in now. They are so grateful, and have been so blessed for over a year now, with their home they call ‘a blessing from GOD.’ This summer, they sent us photos of the family working together to paint the inside of the home since that had been left as an unfinished project for later. The family did so with great pride and joy! This Christmas, they were super excited to show us how they put up a new ‘first’ Christmas tree.

After we left San Diego, to drive to NC before Thanksgiving, I arranged to wire money to Ivonne, in order to buy food for her family for that month. I asked if she would mind also buying a bit more food, and delivering it to an elderly neighbor who lives around the block from her. Amelia has been one of our friends also, for many years. She lives alone, and welcomes the help and visits. Ivonne was so happy to do this. Without us even asking, she sent a photos of all the items she bought, one of Amelia putting her items away, and a photo of her daughter, Gabby, with Amelia. Our heart was touched by how much joy it brought them to serve!!

It has always been our overall goal, for the compassion mission in Tijuana, to be one that helps the folks help one another. For years, we have undergirded the ministries of brothers and sisters we call partners, so that they can care for the folks in their communities, and share the Gospel in practical ways. It just seemed extra special to have one of our families raised up, to also accomplish that goal. When Ivonne was eager to do the same again at Christmas, delivering gifts to Amelia, it occurred to us…we have empowered our first missionary!! Praise the Lord!! Certainly a highlight of 2022!

p.s. As you receive this newsletter, we will be in process of helping Carol’s mom transition to living with Carol’s sister full time, with a part-time caregiver. We appreciate your prayers for them and us as we then load up our truck and drive back to San Diego.