Les and Val Klassen

Life is made up of stories

Life is made up of stories.  Stories of hope ... stories of love... stories of challenge.

While we yearn for hope and search for love, many stories are about the challenge.

This is such a story.

To tell this story, we need to introduce you to Alma.  Alma has been a secretary at a school for students with learning and physical disabilities and handicaps.  This is the only school for special needs children this side of Ensenada.  While working at this school since it's inception 11 years ago, she attended night school to earn her teaching degree.  She loves the students of this school and has a great rapport with their parents.  These parents and students are her family and she cares for them as if they are her own.  Her heart is so big for these special needs kids.

Two years ago, Alma began formulating a vision to teach these students some life skills and began developing an agricultural program for handicapped children and young adults.  Her objective was to provide practical training for her students, utilizing real fruits and vegetables and other plants grown in greenhouses at the school.  The students would be trained in all aspects of field work, giving them the opportunity to become employable and eventually self-sufficient in providing for their own well-being.  There is currently no such program in all of Mexico.  Alma approached us 8 months ago to inquire whether or not we would be interested in helping her get this project off the ground.  She already had the government approvals in place, and so we began working hard since that time ot put together a school building project for a group coming down from Saskatchewan to build the week of February 15th, 2009.  Although the focus of this project was something different from our regular school building projects, we felt it was a great fit for the group coming down, who are predominantly prairie farmers themselves, and who were excited to take this project on.

About 2 weeks before the project was due to begin, we began to experience some "hurdles".  We normally like to have the concrete floors poured for our projects and ready to go at least a full week ahead of the project.  We were in the process of setting the date for the floor pour, when all of a sudden we got a visit from Alma, saying that the land where the new school was going to go (a piece of property adjacent to the existing fenced school yard) was in a dispute with a different school who was claiming the property as theirs.  Alma, along with the director of the school, said this was no problem, we would just re-locate the school within the existing school boundaries -- everything would be fine and we could proceed on schedule.  We carried on with our plans to pour the floor in the new location.  Two days later, we got another visit from Alma, saying some of the other teachers in the school were upset about the relocation of the new agricultural school and we could not pour the floor until some school officials came down from Ensenada on Thursday to meet with the teachers to set them straight.  We explained that Thursday was way too late as the group was arriving the following Monday and the floor needed at least 2 days to dry!  She proceeded to try to change the meeting date to Tuesday, and it all looked good.  The only problem was that the officials didn't actually show up on Tuesday.  They still only came on Thursday.  So we went to the project site Thursday morning, tools in hand, ready to go.  The parents were also all there ready to help us.  Playground equipment got moved and concrete forms were ready to be put in place.  We began thinking we could still pour concrete on Friday.

On 99% of our projects the concrete is all mixed on site using a gas powered mixer and manual labor.  This is due to costs and the need for flexibility.  However, since we were already behind schedule, we decided to order ready mix concrete from a local supplier for Friday morning.  We anxiously awaited the outcome of the first meetingg between the school authorities and the parents.  Finally we were told all was well and we could begin the work.  Forms began to be put in place.  Then something happened in the meeting between the school authorities and the teachers, and in the midst of it, they came out and halted our work!  We couldn't finish setting the forms!  Our concrete contractor finally left, but we stayed to see what the outcome of the meeting was - trying hard not to panic, wondering what was going on.  Finally the authorities came out and said it was a go, we could pour tomorrow.  We breathed a sigh of relief and went home thinking that everything would be fine for tomorrow.

About 8:00 p.m. that same night, we got a phone call from Alma, saying that we couldn't do the project - period - unless we did it in another place.  She had received a call from the teacher's union, threatening her, we are sure, and she was scared.  So there we were, in our office at 8:30 p.m. Thursday night, with Dan Klassen and Roberto, our concrete foreman, again asking ourselves "what was going on?"  "Had we missed something along the way?  Had God tried to tell us something different and we had not heard Him?"  We cried out to God to give us some direction, to tell us what was going on!  WE felt we had no other options.  This group from Saskatchewan was already en route by now, expecting to build a school and we didn't even have a floor, let alone a place to put it!  "Lord, what are You trying to tell us??"  Needless to say, there was much prayer happening that night, and not much sleep.

Our phone started ringing at 6:15 a.m. on Friday morning.  The president of the parent's association wanted to assure us of their support.  The Director of the school called shortly thereafter and we found out that he had no knowledge of the phone call that Alma had received from the union.  He assured us of the support of all levels of the school authorities, that Alma would be o.k. and would still have her program there.  He said that the teachers were still not in favor, but they (the teachers) didn't have the power or the authority to say whether a school would be built or not, and they (the teachers) would be handled by the school district authorities.  The parents were there ready to work again, and were in complete support of the building.  Work resumed once again.  The forms were set, everything was leveled and ready to go.  The schedule concrete truck was pushed back until Saturday morning.  We all breathed another sigh of relief and went home to have a good sleep that night.

Saturday morning brings another desperate phone call from our concrete foreman.  He has arrived at the school site at 7:30 a.m. to find that the teachers have posted signs on the fence saying what a bad thing we are doing, they have locked the gates with chains, and would not let anyone in.  Les immediately calls the concrete company to delay their first truck, but it's too late -- it had already left their yard with 7 metres of concrete on board.  He then calls a Christian friend and government official whom we work closely with, who promised to come to the site with some of his people.  Les arrives on site to find police, government officials, school officials, lawyers, parents, and the media!  All outside the fence.  Les is eventually granted an audience with the teachers -- a fence between them, of course.  He does the best he can to communicate with them, with his limited Spanish, until Val arrives.  They won't let anyone else near to hear their conversation with him.

He gathers the information that the reason the teachers don't want the new school building within the present school grounds, is because the existing school is for handicapped children up to 12 years of age.  The feel it is a danger to younger students, some of whom are as young as 3, to be together with students from ages 15 - 20.  (We are somewhat confused by their rationale, because there are children from our own ministry at IDT who go to this school who are 16 and 18 years old.  Something's not totally correct here.)  Anyways, this is the first we have heard of this kind of concern.  Why were we not told earlier that this was their complaint?  Plus, if that is a legitimate concern, why is it not the parentswho are up in arms about the safety of their own children??  We tried to reason with the teachers.  If they don't want this particular program, could we at least offer them the building as a gift to expand their own programs?  They said they needed to talk about that one -- so 15 minutes later, they come out and say "No!"  They don't want it ... not even to enhance their own programs.  What??  Hello!!  This is a free gift!!  Nobody could understand their logic or understand what their real concerns were.  Were they just using this project as an opportunity to apply leverage for some totally unrelated issues?  Nobody knew.

Somewhat taken aback by their response, we asked the teachers to please open the gate for us.  By now, our patience was completely exhausted -- we just wanted to get in and get our forms and get out, so we could go to another location, wherever that was.  (We knew by now that the floor wouldn't be ready for Monday, but we were out of options!)  But wait -- what's this!?  They wouldn't even let us come in to get the forms.  They kept the gate locked ... refusing to open it!

In the meantime, the cement truck has been there since 8:30 a.m.  It is now 10:30 -- we've got a "hot load" and we are out of time.  It looked like we would have to dump the cement.  In desperation, we began asking people who were there, "Who needs cement at their house?" not wanting to waste the whole load.

Meanwhile, the government officials were continuing talks with the teachers.  And then, suddenly, they cut the chains on the gates, telling us that we should go ahead ... begin the project.  We were still thinking that we were leaving at this point so there was a bit of confusion on our part.  The cement truck began to back into the gate, but Les still had huge hesitations about going ahead.  At this point our emotions were pretty raw and some were in tears -- not knowing what to do. We again met together with our friend, Moises Davalos, the secretary to the governor of the Baja and a Christian brother.  He understood our dilemma -- and then he said -- whatever decision we make, whether to go ahead with the project or whether to pull the plug -- he would respect our decision.  That, we needed to hear!  We asked him to tell us, from his heart, what he felt we should do.  He said he felt we should go ahead -- it's what is best for the school, the students, the parents, and the community as a whole.  It would be a tremendous asset to the San Quintin Valley.  And so, without further discussion or sideways glances, we plunged ahead.

The concrete began to flow.  Les ordered the second truck.  Dan got in there on his hands and knees and helped Roberto work this "hot" cement into a beautiful finish.  Val wen tout and bought pizza for everyone, including the teachers who were sitting off to the side talking to their lawyers.  Amazingly, they accepted our gesture, and while they ate our pizza and drank our soda, we assured them that we came in the love of God and our intentions were only to bring good to the communities.  The floor eventually got finished and as we packed up our tools and got ready to leave at the end of a very trying day and week, we turned to each other and said "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Hope Church from Saskatchewan arrived Monday, and as they always do with every school they build, they did another awesome job.  on their bus, they have the name of their church -- "Iglesia de Esperanza".  And on every school they build, they mount a sign -- "School of Hope - Escuela de Esperanza".  As Alma drove by the finished project at the end of the week and read this sign, she cried.  She cried, because this was in fact supposed to be a "School Hope" ... hope for those who had little to look forward to.

You see, Alma wasn't there the week of the project.  We learned that one of the demands of the teachers, in trying to resolve this conflict, was that she not work at the school anymore.  This broke our hearts!  The one who initiated this whole project, the one who had been working through all levels of administration and authority to birth this awesome program for these special needs students, the one who should have been front and center at the dedication of this project, could not be there to witness the blessing this gift was to bring.  She appeared to be the biggest loser in the end.

As we pray for Alma, we still pray for resolution.  We have tried to keep from telling God what resolution of redemption of this situation needs to look like, even though it is our nature to do so.  We don't necessarily see what God is doing or what He will continue to do, but we do know He is up to something.  And we may never in our lifetime, see or understand what this was all about.  Yet, we know that God is still in control. He has a plan, and we rest in that knowledge, believing that somehow, someway, He will redeem this for His glory, and whether we see it or not is not important!

We ended Valentine's Day sharing a meal together with Dan and Judi, going over the events of that day and the week leading up to it, trying to make some sense out of the week's events.  We were still incredulous that anyone could be so calloused and obstinate as to refuse a gift that we were so freely giving.  Why?  It just didn't make any sense.

 But wait a minute ... Someone Else ... namely Jesus Christ ... came with a free gift ... and He still comes with that same gift ... a gift of salvation ... and He is continually refused and rejected by many as well.  If only people could understand that His gift is eternal, never ending ... not like our gifts which eventually deteriorate or lie in ruin.  His never does.  It's amazing to think that people the world over wouldn't want to just reach out to Him and take it.  A gift that's free ... yet a gift that costs everything.  Hmmmm ... I guess He knew how we were feeling right then!   But more importantly, we glimpsed a sense of what He feels.  He who is rejected by so many ... every single day.

While this whole experience is not one we want to repeat any time soon, we recognize that "our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities in the spiritual realms, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  Ephesians 6:12.  God was doing something here that Satan did not want to happen, and he worked overtime to prevent it.  But God will ultimately prevail!  What Satan doesn't realize is that we've read the end of the book -- and God wins!  God is always faithful ... and always good!

Throughout last week, God continually brought this song to our minds and our hearts --

"For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love, I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough.  With every breath I take, I will give thanks to God above.  For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love."

This is our prayer -- that no matter what happens, our lives will be a testimony to God's love.

Daycare - Francisco Villa

On September 29/08, 13 people from Typcrop Manufacturing in Chilliwack along with their boss, Gary Teichrob, arrived at IDT with lots of energy and full of excitement for the project ahead.  Their goal was to build a daycare, but what they didn't know going in was that much more was going to happen.

They worked hard all week, and it almost looked like the project might not get   fully completed, but the end result was a beautiful, fully finished building, complete with a teeter totter, swing-set and an extra large, double seat outhouse specially built for the wee ones.

What happened in the meantime was that relationships were being formed with the kids in the community, some of whom will likely be attending this daycare.  They left at the end of the week with their eyes opened and they hearts touched, excited to come back for next year's project, which they are already planning and raising money for -- a school.

Centro Familiar Bethel - Francisco Villa

The week of October 6th, following the Daycare Build, another group of 15 arrived from the Chilliwack and Vancouver, B.C. areas to begin work on a church and pastoral house on the same site as the Daycare.  And the week after that, another 20 people arrived to help them finish the project, as well as provide an in-depth children's program for that week.  These busy 2 weeks culminated in the church dedication service on October 18th, at which we were asked to provide some praise and worship music.  There was standing room only as invited guests along with adults and children from the community of Francisco Villa came to see what God had done.  It was an exciting evening, ending with a meal of Turkey Mole (mole-ay) provided by the women of the church.  Pastor Israel was beaming as all of his expectations were far exceeded at the completion of this project.  We are believing God for an outpouring of His Spirit in this community and that many people will be impacted for Jesus Christ through this new "lighthouse" in the community of Francisco Villa.

School of Hope - Chapultepec

In February 2008, a group from Hope Church in Burstall, Saskatchewan came to build a school for  indigenous children.  Although we had worked hard to prepare for that project, we were unable to be involved with them the week of their project, as we were home in Canada for a special occasion the exact week they were here.

Now in November, this same group came back to build another school in a community about 40 minutes north of IDT.  It was great to actually be here this time and be able to spend some time with this group.  The school they built this fall (24' x 52' w/2 classrooms) is a Kindergarten for 60 - 70 indigenous children.  The two teachers who started this Kindergarten as a service to this community have been operating it for the past year on a completely voluntary basis.  At the beginning of 2009, they will begin to be paid a salary by the government, who has finally recognized the school as a viable educational facility.  Until now, everything that has made this school operational has come out of the pockets of these young teachers ... two young women whose vision for education of the indigenous children was greater than any obstacles they faced.  Their tenacity and their dedication has paid off in the form of a brand new facility, complete with tables, chairs, teacher desks, whiteboards, and even blinds and security bars on the windows.  Their dream is beginning to be fulfilled.  They stood in awe and amazement as they watched their schoolyard transformed within 4 days.  Emotions ran high as they received the gift of a Canadian flag while the Canadian anthem was sung.  While they couldn't adequately express their appreciation, their tears said everything words could not.

At the dedication of the school, we heard the story of how the Hope Burstall Mexico outreach team got started.  A number of years ago, their youth group was driving to a youth event in private vehicles, and a tragic accident occurred where a number of their youth were killed.  The community rallied together and purchased a bus so an accident like this would not happen again.  This bus became the mode of transportation to accommodate their church group coming to Mexico on Mission Outreach Trips to bless those who are less fortunate.  The projects are done in memory of those who lost their lives, but who live on in the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Through the generosity of the community where they live, this group is able to raise an above average amount of money to put towards their projects.  We are thankful that they have been open to building larger projects like schools.  We are looking forward to their return in February 2009 when we will partner them with another visionary teacher who has gained government approval to build an agricultural school for children and young adults with varying disabilities.  This will be another exciting project where the school will be used to teach life skills to these children and young adults, preparing them to deal with their disabilities and join the work force in the agricultural sector on the Baja.

We are very excited to see what started as a Housebuild Program for individual families is growing to include churches, schools, daycares, nursing homes, and community centres that impact whole communities with the love of Jesus Christ in very tangible ways.

Update on Angel Ramon

Ramon is mobile!  Yes, he's actually moving himself around.  Using his arms to propel himself, he slides his little butt across the floor, little legs stuck out straight in front of him.  He turns and waves as he leaves the room ... and then he's gone.  Looking for whatever peaks his interest ... his basket full of toys ... a kitchen cupboard full of Tupperware ... the moon and stars shining through the kitchen window.  But whatever it is, he's a little guy on the move.  And he is so proud of himself.  His face just beams at his own accomplishments.

He's come a long ways since he spent a month with us back in July.  While he could sit on the floor and play, he could not move himself forward.  He could turn around in circles, but not forward.  We could see that he was motivated to move ... he would sit and try to rock himself forward, but his arms didn't seem to have the strength to actually move his body.  Well, that has all changed.  We knew it wouldn't  be long, and when Marilyn first told us how he was moving, we looked at each other and said "we knew it ... we knew it was going to happen real soon."  He's also got a little wheeled cart he can scoot around on. One of the guys over at the Big Orphanage in Vicente Guerrero specializes in wheelchairs and he made this cool little mini scooter cart that Ramon can sit on and propel himself around, using the same principle as a wheelchair.  It only sits a few inches off the floor so it's perfect for him.  He's starting to get the hang of it too. 

Stan and Marilyn have put so much time and effort into his development and it's paying off hugely.  He really tries hard to speak, learning new words every day ... it's still hard to understand a lot of them, but you know that he knows what he is saying.  And he's so proud of himself.  He calls to you and then says his new word.  He goes around the table or room, making sure each one of us has heard him individually, needing to make eye contact or be acknowledged before he will say the word and move on to the next person.  He is such a comic.  He calls out "Dad", and when Stan acknowledges him, he'll say his word.  They he calls out "Mom" (still sounds like "Dad") and when Marilyn acknowledges him, he'll repeat the word.  And then he just gets this great big smile on his face that lights up the whole room.

And oh ya ... he loves his music.  He was born to "rock and roll".  He's got rhythm ... very talented he is.  One day he will likely play some kind of instrument.  I think Marilyn is hoping it won't be the drums, but hey, you just never know.  He's into the Newsboys right now.  If you know their music, you know the song "Devotion".  Well, that's one word he's got down ... "devooooootion", at least the "ooooootion" part.  Another one of his favorites is "Strong Tower" ... you'll hear him sing the word "Tower".  Yes precious in the sight of our God!

One little life created absolutely uniquely, just because God wanted to make someone extra special for Himself.

One little life created absolutely uniquely because He knew it takes the little Ramon's in our lives to open that part of our hearts that can only be opened by witnessing the miracles of God each and every day.

One little life ... Angel Ramon.

Andreas' Story continues ...

Andreas' house has had an open door since the day it was completed.  In his owns words, it has become a Rehabilitation Centre within his community.  Day after day, night after night, young men, whose identities have been wrapped up in their drug and gang culture, come ... and hang out at Andreas' place.  They are a brotherhood, some of whom fear no one, and some who put fear into the hearts of even the police.  These young men have, among others, two things in common.  One is the lives they've lived with hopelessness and drug dependency ... the other is a certain respect they have for Andreas himself.  The former drug and gang leader who once had them trapped in a desperate lifestyle is now showing them a different way.  A way where respect is not based on how fearsome or tough you are, but on the fact that you are an individual who is loved by God, just as you are.

Bold in his faith toward Jesus Christ, Andreas tells these young men about the transforming love of God.  He doesn't "couch" what he says to make it easy to accept.  He doesn't make it politically correct in order to get them to listen or water it down so that they don't reject him, should they not like what they hear.  No!  He tells it like it is.  He calls them to repent of their sins and seek the forgiveness of God.  He calls them to account for what they are doing.  Bold and un-hypocritical, he gives an honest message that delivers honest hope.  A message of God's gift of love and life ... free ... but it will cost them everything.  And ... some are listening ... some are responding.  In the last month, at least 4 of these young men have given their hearts to Jesus Christ ... and several have been baptized.  Why?  Because Andreas lives the life he preaches.  And he demonstrates his love by accepting each one of them into his own home giving them a place of shelter and a place of refuge.

Confined to a wheelchair, a bullet still lodged in his spine, not knowing if he will ever walk again, Andreas' continuing motivation is that God represents change, and that God wants to and can evoke change in the lives of his friends.

In the last month, there have also been some physical changes to Andreas' place.  An addition of about  16' x 22' has been added to his home, specifically to offer more room for shelter to the young men in his community.  With Andreas' and Santiago's vision, a little outside financial assistance, and a houseful of young men, they took ownership of this project for themselves and made it happen.  When we visited them yesterday,  we learned  that they don't have beds for the new dormitory.  They are all sleeping on the hard concrete, some with some thin foamies, some with nothing more than a blanket.  We have a heart to see them get beds, so we will see what can be done in the next little while to provide beds for them.

We also met Andreas' son, Victor, and his former wife,  Rosalinda.  The bond he has with his son is something very special to observe.  We can't help but wonder if he isn't trying to make up for lost time with his son, time his former way of life robbed both him and his family of.  Unable to run and play with his son, it's not hard to see that he would love to be able to walk again in order to do physical things with his son.  But even more than that, Andreas' prayer is that his family will one day be restored.

Andreas has received an invitation by parents in the neighboring community of Triqui to come and speak to the youth there.  A community with it's own rival gangs and drug culture, where kids as young as 9, 10 and 11 years old are already sniffing glue and being lured into a lifestyle of hopelessness and depression.  Andreas' invitation will take him into the neighboring "turf" to help effect change.  It's a big step for him to go into rival territory, some might even say it's a big risk.  But then, he doesn't go alone.  God has already gone before him to pave the way.  And God is the one who will equip him with the words to speak and experiences to share.

Pray for Andreas as he reaches out to help those caught up in a culture within which he lives, but which he is no longer a part of.  Pray that the youth of these communities will see there is hope beyond what they know to be a reality.  Pray that they will see that Andreas is an example that God is about the miraculous.  God IS about the miraculous ... and God IS about changing lives.

Maribel & Salustiano

Maribel & Salustiano live at the end of a community called Nueva Era.  Their view is wide open spaces,  looking across to strawberry fields at the base of the hill.  They are the first to see the sunrise as it peeks over the hill and baths their community in light and warmth.

About a year ago, we met them and their 4 young children while following up on Solicitudes in their community.  We were drawn to their genuine concern for others in their community who in their minds, needed a house more than themselves.  Our friendship with them developed over this last year, and on one particular visit, Maribel asked us if we "pray to God".  Not only do we pray, but we believe God hears, and we believe in the power of prayer.  They took us to their friend's place a couple of blocks away.  Solomon lay on his bed, a victim of a vicious attack that left him basically paralyzed on one side, and unable to speak because of head trauma from his beating.  He was like a stroke victim, a young man in his early twenties, confined to his bed, needing help for all the necessities of life.  We spent some time praying for him and this created a further bond between us and Maribel & Salustiano.

Two weeks ago, a group from Colwood, Vancouver Island, BC came and built Maribel & Salustiano a beautiful home.  We were able to be part of the project for the entire week.  What an awesome week!

We attached the new house to the little old one, and so they now have a very spacious  home ... 665 sq. ft in total.  We gave the old one a face lift and painted the entire place.  Salustiano learned some new skills and was always looking for ways to be involved.  The house had to be modified slightly from the regular plan because we were attaching it to the old one (and nothing is ever square, and that brought it's own set of challenges) but the group "stepped up to the plate" and completed a very well done home.

Both Maribel & Salustiano took the week off work so they could be around for the entire time.  Some cool relationships were made between Salustiano and some of the guys from Colwood as he worked alongside with his new tool belt and learned a few key English phrases ... "Good morning ... How are you, my friend ... Thank you very much ... It's good, my friend" ... etc.   Three times, Maribel made food for the group.  What a treat!  It's amazing what can be made with a little cilantro, salsa, guacamole and tortillas. At the dedication of the home she made special "carne asada" ... thinly sliced beef ... BBQ's with salsa, guacamole and frijoles (that's free-ho-les) ... that's like beans ... in fact, it is beans.  It was sooo good!  Almost makes you kinda hungry, eh?

The real highlight at the dedication was when our friend and fellow missionary, Ed (who speaks fluent Spanish), gave a short talk and illustration to them about the love of God and the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ.  It was with very emotional tears that we listened to them pray a simple prayer, accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour that afternoon of the dedication.  It was very interesting to note that after that moment, Maribel opened up her heart to Val that afternoon and shared some real personal stuff with her.  Then this week when we returned to visit on Tuesday evening, Salustiano shared some personal stuff with us that they haven't even told other people.  All of a sudden, we've become "safe" to confide in.  We are honored that God would allow us to be a part of their lives.

We now know that God had a plan to establish a relationship between Himself and this young couple.   We are so humbled that He would even consider using us in the process.  While the house is a nice feature, it is only a tool to help introduce people to Jesus Christ, by demonstrating His love to them in a practical, tangible way.  It is never used to manipulate or coerce people into something spiritual ... and sometimes a new house is just that ... a new house for a family, but it is so exciting when you see people's hearts soften to God through a gift of His love.  This is so evidenced as we go back to visit, and the conversation is no longer just about the project, but it's about real stuff ... heart stuff ... life stuff.  And the relationship moves to a deeper and more significant level.  Please keep them in your prayers as they grown in their own relationship with our Heavenly Father.

They were further blessed by a women's group from the Clearbrook MB Church, in Abbotsford, BC.  Les' mom is a part of this group and they were looking for a special project.  When they heard we were building for Maribel & Salustiano, they raised $400 to put towards furnishing their home.  We were able to buy a stove, a loveseat, an easy chair and a beautiful real wood dining set for them.  Maribel & Salustiano were  overwhelmed with the generosity that comes from people who don't even know them ... people who may not even realize that these gifts are things that they would never be able to purchase for themselves ... ever!   Thank you Clearbrook MB women and thank you, Colwood Pentecostal Church for your generous hearts!

By the way ... Solomon, their friend ... he's now walking with the aid of a walker, putting on some weight and beginning to talk again.  A true miracle!

We have published a photo album of our week spent with Maribel & Salustiano.  Please check it out to the left.

Andreas' Story

It's a modern day David and Jonathon story ... the Biblical account of Jonathon, son of King Saul, who went to great lengths to protect his best friend, David, from the wrath of the king, his own father, who sought to kill David because  of David's rising popularity among the people within Saul's kingdom.  Jonathon was willing to lay down his own life, if needed, to protect his friend.

Andreas and Santiago are two such men ... with Santiago willing to do whatever it takes to help his friend achieve an easier life.  You see, Andreas is in a wheelchair ... a victim of a gunshot wound which he received as a consequence of his former life of being a drug lord in his own community.  An acquaintance of his sought to take over Andreas' turf and place in the hierarchy ... and so shot him, hoping to get rid of him.

Andreas first stop was the hospital, his second ... jail.  With no hope ... no future, Andreas resigned himself to life in a wheelchair.  Living in a tin shack with a dirt floor, his parents living in a  5' x 7' four foot high shelter, a mattress on pallets, and his sisters sheltered under cardboard and tarps within an unfinished block house, life became something close to survival for all of them.

Somewhere along the way, nurses from Foundation For His Ministry Mission in Vicente Guerrero learned of Andreas' situation and began attending to his medical needs.  Through their ministry, Andreas life  was impacted for Jesus Christ and he made a decision to give his heart to Jesus Christ.  It was during this time that the nurses contacted us about this family's desperate situation and we arrived one afternoon to assess the urgency of this family's need.

From the first time we met Andreas, we could see the new found life he had found in Jesus Christ was genuine and contagious.  Regardless of his physical condition, there was joy in his heart, his face ... his eyes.  He greeted us like old friends, and a bond of friendship was quickly established.  We met the rest of his family, quickly discerning the plight of this family, and determined to find a group from  Canada or the US to help them.

Trinity Baptist Church from Edmonton, Alberta, took up their cause, and so, in February '08, a radical transformation took place on this property.

The 4 room block house was completed, including concrete floors throughout, exterior doors, 6  windows, and a complete roof structure.  In addition, a new 11' x 22' house was built for Andreas and his brother.  The houses were connected with a wide sidewalk and a new handicapped bathhouse was custom built to accommodate his wheelchair.

At the dedication of the houses, Andreas repeatedly said how much of a blessing this was to him and his family.  As a result of Andreas' testimony of faith, his own father has also become a believer in Jesus Christ.  That is the really cool part ... with out a spiritual component, all we are doing is building houses, but when the house becomes a tool to share the love and reality of Jesus Christ, it all takes on a different perspective.

For all the years Andreas was involved in the drug lifestyle, it could not complete or fulfill the dreams he had.  What began as a dream to better life for himself and his family, came to a halt more than 10 years ago when he ceased construction of the block house.  Everything went into supporting his drug related lifestyle ... and in the meantime, his own wife and 2 children left him and his parents and sisters lived in plastic and cardboard.

To hear in Andreas own words that he has been "set free, through Jesus Christ, from a life of slavery to drugs" brings joy to our own hearts.  His cry is for the rest of the guys he knows who are still involved in the drug lifestyle ... he cries for their freedom.  "Liberty" ... he shouts ... "that's what I have ... Liberty!  Freedom ... and I'm not going back!"

His gang buddies still come over to hang out at his place.  He still gives them their matching gang haircuts.  He doesn't turn them away.  He loves them with the love of Jesus ... and he cares about them.  His wife brings his children to see him occasionally, and he longs for more time with them, but he is content to leave them in the hands of his Heavenly Father, knowing that He can look after them far better than he ever could.  He is praying for reconciliation, but again, is content to wait for the Lord's timing.

For the first little while during the week of the project, his buddy Santiago was very protective of Andreas.  Who were all these people and what were they up to?  But it didn't take him long to realize that we were serious about helping Andreas family.  And he was completely overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers ... helping those whom they had never known before that week.

Santiago is always over at Andreas' place, helping him do what he can't do for himself.  Why?  Because ... in Santiago's words ... "Andreas took me in when I had nothing ... it's the least I can do for him."  They have only known each other for about 4-5 months, but they are tighter than brothers.  Santiago is in the process of doing whatever he can in order to allow Andreas to get X-rays taken to determine the location of the bullet which is still in his body.  After that, it may become clear as to whether or not an operation is possible to allow Andreas to walk again.  This will be a costly process, but Santiago is committed to helping his friend walk again.  The little bit of work he does get, he helps Andreas with his expenses, and he's asking for help from those who might wish to see Andreas walk again.

Last week, we brought Andreas and Santiago to the IDT Base to share Andreas' story.  We wish you could have been there.

Andreas' story is a powerful one ... it's a story of radical transformation.  It's a story of good winning over evil ... of love overshadowing the pain inflicted by someone who knows you.  It's a story of forgiveness ... because Andreas knows that Jesus Christ's love is big enough to include the one who shot him and put him in a wheelchair.  It's a story of a man who prays for the one who hurt him.  It's a story of one who understands the hurt and pain of living life without hope ... but it's also a story of one who understands Jesus Christ's message of living "counterculture".

It's the story of a man you want to meet.

Santiago's Response

Santiago is a strong, stocky Mexican man, but he's a man with a heart that is softened towards the plight of his friend Andreas.  He picks up his friend with seeming ease as he puts him into the truck.  With never a complaint, he cares for his friend.  Santiago came along and translated Andreas story for all of us listening.  And then he added some of his own thoughts ... this is what he said.

"I'm not a church person ... I'm a street person ... and I'm still a gang member.  I like it there, it's where I'm comfortable ... it's where my friends are.  I'm not like you guys ... you church guys ... but I know something that's true.  I know that He ... he points upward ... that Jesus loves us guys on the streets.  I know He came for us guys, guys like us who don't have anything, for guys who have a lot of bad stuff in our hearts, but I know He loves us, I know He cares.  Maybe some day I'll understand more like the rest of you ... I'm not saying I want to be a church person ... no, I'll always be a street person ... but maybe some day I'll be more like my brother Andreas.  Maybe I'll have more of Jesus in me."

With tears rolling down his cheeks, completely open and vulnerable before a room of mostly strangers, he looked around at us and continued.

"What you guys are doing is so good, it's so important to us people.  Many of us can never build these houses for ourselves ... we're poor and much of life is hopeless.  It's that hopelessness that drives us into drugs, to hide from the reality that we can't live out the dream ... the dream of getting out of here, the dream of something better.  So we get lost for a few hours each day in another world where we don't have to think about lost dreams, about impossible ambitions, about disappointment.  And soon it becomes a lifestyle.  And we become trapped in it.

But you come and put roofs over people, so they can stay dry, so their children can stay dry.  You share of what you have to those of us who don't have ... and you share the love of Him up there ... he again points upward .. You come down here for just one week, but what you do changes our lives forever.  You'll never know how much you have helped the people in this community, you'll never really understand the differences you make ... but let me tell you ... what you are doing changes people.  Please don't stop giving ... don't stop helping.  Thank you for helping my friend Andreas, for making his dream a reality.  God bless you guys."

We had a time of prayer around Andreas and Santiago, lifting them up to the Lord in prayer.  When asked what he wanted us to pray for, Santiago said, "More than anything, I want to see my family again.  I haven't seen them in a lot of years, but they are in the States and I can't go back there.  I just wish I could see them again."

Stuff doesn't matter, things don't matter ... but relationships do.  Relationships are the only thing that counts ... with each other ... but more importantly ... with God, our Heavenly Father.

Sometimes we wonder why we're here, but it's in these moments ... these times when we connect with people like Andreas and Santiago ... we know why we are here.  We know why He called us to this place.  If for no other reason, it's to show us the important things of life.  Please continue to pray for Santiago ... he's a man searching for truth ... for that which is real.   Andreas wants to go to Bible School this coming fall.  Please pray that this dream of his will become a reality.

This group from Greendale, BC that heard Andreas' testimony that night, came up with more than $400 from their own spending money to help towards Andreas' medical expenses.  Another group from Northview MB church in Abbotsford, BC contributed another $500 that same night.  Both Andreas & Santiago were in tears as they were told of these groups generosity!  Thank you, Jesus!

Balbina

Clarence & Judy Bouwers, from our home church in B.C., and 5 of their 8 children arrived at IDT on Sunday night, February 17th.  The next morning they made their way to Zapata to meet a sweet young woman named Balbina and her two young children, Ivan, 5 and Diego, 2.  They found a cement pad ready and waiting for a new house.  Clarence and Judy and their family began the job with a great deal of excitement and Balbina couldn't quite believe her good fortune at having this generous family come and give of their time and money to help her.

Tuesday morning began a little differently than expected.  A strange man showed up at Balbina's lot with an "official" looking piece of paper claiming to own the same property Balbina was living on.  Balbina also had an "official" looking piece of paper that said the same thing.  What now?  Clarence & Judy shut down their building for the day while things were hopefully sorted out.  We received a call in Canada letting us know this was happening and we promptly began praying for a happy ending to the story.

The next day, it seemed that everything was back to normal and the Bouwers once again continued on the building.  They carried on with the original plan, and all went well until Wednesday of the following week.  Three police officers arrived at Balbina's door and told her she had an appointment at the police station the following day at 11:00.   We proceeded to rallied together some outspoken Spanish speakers to accompany Balbina to this appointment.

Balbina arrived in bare feet, covered in red paint (she had been painting on her house that morning and the day before) and what followed was a long 3 hour meeting between Balbina and the man who had claimed the lot was his also.  We met with 3 "officials" in the Delegacion (Police Station) at different times and the story was told many different times in many different ways.  We didn't realize until well into the meeting that there was actually a lawyer there speaking on behalf of Balbina.

The purpose of this initial meeting was to look at the facts and the paperwork and decide who had the right to live there.  Both Balbina and the other man have paperwork that looks official and authentic.  The other man bought the lot in 1996 for $500 and then left for the States where he has been living ever since.  He also owns other properties in the area.  Balbina bought the lot in 2006 for $3000 and has been living there ever since.  It seemed curious to us and to the Delegado, that he has done nothing about Balbina living on his "so called" lot for 2 years, but just when she is about to receive a new house, he shows up and claims ownership.

At the end of the meeting the Delegado told the man that under no circumstances is he allowed to go to Balbina and harass her.  All of his communication needs to go through the Delegacion office.  Balbina was told that as she is in possession of the lot at this time and is actually living there, she may continue to do so.

There will be a further meeting at the Public Minister's office and probably a hearing before a judge to determine who will actually end up owning the lot.  There have been some new laws put in place recently which are in support of single women, so we continue to pray for Balbina that this will all work out in her favor.  We ask you to do so as well.

There were some good things that have come out of this meeting at the Delegacion Office.  We meet a Christian lady named Elsa.  She was part of our meeting, and she oversees a program where the government provides building materials for poor, single women to better their living conditions.  She has offered to help us in any way she can -- in discerning needs, looking at paperwork to make sure they are authentic, and giving us contacts of other people who can help us as well.  We also met the lawyer who was speaking on Balbina's behalf.  His title is "Visitado de Grupos Vulnerables de la Procuraderia de los Derecho Humanos".  (Put that on your business card!)  This means - "Visitor of Vulnerable Groups for the Ministry of Justice of Human Rights".  He also said he is willing to work with us, recommending people who own their lots and are in desperate need of better housing.

We praise God that what started as a seemingly negative situation, has turned in a God appointment, putting us in contact with new and extremely beneficial contacts who are willing, and in a position, to assist us in doing our job more effectively.  God is so good!  We also believe that God will continue to work on Balbina's behalf and that there will indeed be a happy ending to this story!  At the house dedication the next day we were able to encourage Balbina with Psalm 37:3-7 ...

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord and He will do this:  He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him."

During the dedication time, Balbina was moved to tears as she realized the significance of receiving such a gift as the one the Bouwer family was able to give her through this house.  While a house is a very real and genuine gift in the physical, it is also a very tangible way of expressing the more important gift of Jesus Christ's love to us as people.  It helps put into perspective in the physical, what is sometimes hard to understand in the spiritual.  Through this project, Balbina was able to undertand the significance of God's gift of love for her.  Yolanda (one of our Mexican missionaries) was able to explain to her the  significance of God's gift of love, and when given the opportunity to receive His gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins, Balbina readily accepted.  Not only was she needy in the physical, but she had been impoverished in the spiritual.  Pray with us as we continue to build a relationship with her.

As the sun set, and we all dispersed to go back to the IDT Base, Les was detained by several other needy people who came to site to inquire about houses for themselves.  As he turned to leave, Balbina came over to him and gave him a hug.  Coming from a woman who had not shown much emotion throughout the week, that was a significant moment.

We are so thankful to the Rotary Club in the City of Courtenay, on Vancouver Island, BC, who through  their generosity, made this whole project possible.  Little do they know how their generosity has changed forever the lives of a young indigenous Mexican woman and her children,