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”.