God Is Good...

We didn't see the rainbows in these pictures when we initially took them, but we feel they are indicative of what God did at Una Esperanza this week.  There were storms to weather, but God turned it all for good, and those little rainbows were treasures of hope for the days to come.

God honored all the prayers for clear communication and breakthroughs, and we are grateful to God for softening hearts and establishing unity once more.  Once we got past the staff "stuff" we had to address, it was wonderful to see how God moved among the children through the Bible lessons, sharing times and the feedings.

The children were a lot thinner than they have been in the past, and you could see the physical toll it has taken on them with the ministry center being shut down for a few months.  The economic hardships in Mexico as well as the crime sprees in Juarez have made it even more difficult for their parents to provide any food for them, and they were so glad to be fed every day we were there, and were so happy to know they were loved and were not forgotten.

I think the highlight of all the many blessings throughout the week was a water baptism service we held Friday afternoon in which about 20 kids that have received Christ as their Savior, either that day or in the past year or so, were dunked in our blow-up pool.  Our son, Noah, bravely led the pack as he knelt in the pool and publicly stated that Jesus is his Lord.  What a wonderful time it was to see child after child going in the pool (which got a bit more dirty with each child!) and affirming their decision to follow Jesus.

We know that these children are the fruit that God has promised, fruit that will remain (John 15:16), and we praise God that He can bring life out of any situation.  We have been praying for the salvation of all of these children, but it was particularly joyful to see our friend, Carolina, come to accept Christ as her Savior.  She's been a part of our ministry from the beginning, but has been a tough Tarahumara to crack in regards to choosing Jesus.  

Never ones to waste an opportunity, following the baptism service, we turned the pool into a much needed hair-washing party, and much fun was had by all.

We are so grateful for the prayers that were lifted on our behalf for blessings, breakthrough, safety and discernment.  We truly felt the weight of all these prayers, and we thank God for His provision in each circumstance.  Juarez is still a dangerous place, as is all of Mexico right now, but it was wonderful to see ground taken back in Christ's name and light being established again in the midst of darkness.  These sweet little faces make it all worthwhile, and we look forward to all that God will do in the lives of these children to bring forth His kingdom.