Thanks for your prayers

We are in the middle of our budgeting work for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Please keep us in your prayers as we think through and plan how we will do the work the Lord has for us to do.  Just got a text message from Tere that her father had an emergency and she is in the hospital waiting to speak with the doctors.  Not sure exactly what is the matter…..her father has had heart problems complicated by diabetes.  Please pray God’s hand of mercy and healing is upon Don Angel now.

The ladies working inside.  They enjoy the therapy of working together.  One of these young women has cancer. It began with skin cancer and went to her lymphatic system and now it has developed into breast cancer. The government has paid for two of her radiation treatments and she sells pinatas and other crafts to raise money for her remaining five treatments at $1100 pesos ($916 US) each.  She works away ….. with great hope.

Here is the outside of the building!

Soccer and world attention for Mexico

Davos 2010: Mexico Vs. South Africa

3:31 PM Friday January 29, 2010
by Carlos Mota  | Comments (1)

(Editors’ Note: follow all of HBR.org’s Davos reports)

On June 11, 2010, Mexico’s national soccer team, El Tricolores (literally, The Three Colored) will take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana (The Boys) in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg. That’ll mark the second time this year that the two nations have faced off. The first match-up took place earlier this week at the WEF’s Annual Meeting in Davos, where the leaders of the two emerging markets vied for the attention of the world’s biggest businesspeople and investors.

With the global recession (and the Copenhagen talks) almost behind them, most developing countries are, again, making the transition from cooperating against the West to competing for capital. South Africa isn’t in the same league as Mexico — the latter’s economy is four times the size of the former’s — but investment decisions are often guided by perceptions. And South Africa’s president, Jacob G. Zuma, made an eloquent case at Davos for more investments in his commodity-driven economy by summarizing the rapid actions taken by his government to avoid the worst of the global crisis. He also spoke frankly about having three wives who he treats with equal importance, adding that he respects other cultures and expects others to respect South Africa’s.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s task doesn’t look easy. Mexico hasn’t hosted a major sports event for decades; hasn’t done anything significant from a competitive perspective after entering NAFTA in 1992; and Calderon has just one formidable wife, who is with him at Davos. To grab the world’s attention here — when people can choose between sessions and skiing — a leader must create the feeling that investors simply can’t miss what’s going on in his or her country.

Mexico, sadly, can’t do that.

That became painfully evident on Wednesday, when we were discussing how the global economy might evolve in 2010. In that session, called “What is the New Normal for Global Growth?” experts emphatically stated that in the future, growth will come more from emerging markets than from developed nations. The likely growth engines are Brazil, Russia, India, and China, of course, but others, including Turkey and South Africa, also figured in the discussions. Mexico was not among them.

That isn’t surprising. The Mexican economy shrunk by between 6% and 7% in early 2009, and has rebounded only in the last three months. It may grow by between 3% and 4% in 2010 without urgently needed reforms. A policy stimulus must include taxing food and drugs with a 16% VAT, just as all other goods are taxed; labor reforms that will enable companies to flexibly hire skilled and non-skilled labor; union reforms aimed at democratizing their leadership and use of public money; and energy reforms that allow for foreign investments in oil and gas. These measures will ensure that the Mexican government’s budget isn’t dependent only on oil prices and Pemex’s revenues; simplify the way companies deal with tax obligations; and generate many more jobs.

2010’s first quarter might be the last chance for Calderon, who will step down in two years’ time, to create a legacy as a growth-oriented leader — not just as a prosecutor of drug traffickers. He must pursue urgent reforms and deliver prosperity, or Mexico will lose the more important of its matches with South Africa.
 

Carlos Mota is a business writer and anchor based in Mexico City.

Proyecto JOEL outreach addressing national problem

Mexico has the dubious distinction of being number one worlwide in childhood obesity and Tijuana is number one is childhood obesity in Mexico.

The sports outreach of CPTLN and Proyecto JOEL is addressing this problem in a very fun, effective and wholistic way!  Here is the story of Joselyn, one of the Proyecto JOEL members.

Legna writes (translation follows)

Joselyn Monserrate Pedroza es una de nuestras pequeñas estudiantes de las clases de artes marciales Lima Lama de Proyecto Joel. Tiene 10 años y estudia el cuarto año de primaria, en donde su materia preferida son las matemáticas. Sus padres trabajan todo el día y ella solo los ve un rato en las noches. Durante el día la cuida su abuelita y juega con sus primas que viven cerca de allí. Ella conoció del programa de Artes Marciales de Proyecto Joel por medio de su abuelita que asiste a la Iglesia Luterana San Pablo dentro de una de las comunidades, más pobres, llamada Maclovio Rojas, en la zona noroeste de la ciudad de Tijuana. Jhoselyn es muy callada y tímida pero desde que comenzó las clases de Artes Marciales ha desarrolla una seguridad en ella misma y  poco a poco su timidez ha ido disminuyendo. Participa más en clases y se desenvuelve mejor con los otros niños de la clase. Ella también ha dicho que se está volviendo más ordenada y disciplinada tanto en su casa como en la escuela.

Joselyn no conocía de Dios cuando empezó a asistir a las clases de Artes Marciales y en si no podía verbalizar como percibía ella a Dios. No entendía porque Jesús podía estar clavado en una cruz. Pero con la ayuda de las clases con PJ y al acompañar a su abuelita a los servicios los domingos Joselyn se ha percatado que Dios es alguien especial que la ama aunque ella no pueda explicar cómo es.

Las clases de Artes Marciales de PJ se han desarrollado de una manera en donde los niños se sientan apreciados e identificados con el programa y puedan no solo aprender acerca de las enseñanzas de Dios pero también lo experimentan en cada clase. De esta manera los estudiantes no solo desarrollan un buen acondicionamiento físico pero constantemente se les integran valores Bíblicos eficaces para un  mejor vivir dentro de cada actividad.

Translation:

Text Messages to Cell Phone Outreach.

Everyone has a cell phone these days. Here in Mexico we have a prepaid system so that even people of modest means can have a way to receive phone calls….especially since we don’t have much of a land line system here in Mexico.  People can receive text messages to their phone even if they do not have credit.  They are not able to respond until they have credit.  We are thankful to be a mobil instrument for encouragement and blessing through the text messages.  These are the replies we have had this year.

1. Dios los bendiga, deseó recibir sus mensajes todos los días que los manden me son de gran bendición y ayuda , solo para mí sino también a  mi familia y amigos pues yo les reenvió a todos ellos,   pueden mandar a mi amiga Laura Álvarez al 664 xxx-xxxx  muchas gracias.

God bless you, I would like to receive your messages every day because they are a great blessing and help, not only for me but for my family and friends because I resend them to each one of them (!)  Can you send them to my friend Laura Alvarez at ……… thank you!

(wow! these have gone viral in Tijuana!)

1. Dios los siga bendiciendo.   (May God continue blessing you)
2. Gracias Dios le bendiga.  (Thank you. God bless you)
3. Muchas gracias por los mensajes que me mandan me son de mucha bendición y de fortaleza para mi vida. (Thank you for the messages that you send me. They are of much blessing and strength for my life.)
4. Gracias me llega en un momento de necesidad espiritual. (Thank you. Your message reaches me in a moment of spiritual need.)
5. Gracias por sus mensajes son de mucho aliento. (Thank you for your messages. They are of much comfort.)
6. Gracias por su ayuda espiritual. (Thank you for the spiritual help.)
7. Gracias me ayudan a crecer en mi fe. (Thank you. They help me grow in my faith.)
8. Gracias por todas sus palabras. (Thank you for all your words.)
9. Les agradezco su dedicación y tomarse el tiempo para alentarme. (I am grateful for the dedication and time you take to encourage me.)
10. Muchas gracias por sus mensajes. (Thank you so much for your messages)
11. Muchas bendiciones. (Many blessings)

Ugggghhhhhhhh……

We were happy last month that the plaza owners were putting some effort into renovating the plaza which has deteriorated from years of neglect.  The heavy rains really cause some concern for the structural integrity of the building.  Civil Protection has come to undergo an evaluation.  The owners are having such difficulties with humidity and water that has seeped through walls, roofs, etc.  Several renters have left over the last two weeks. We too have had some issues with water over the last year and during this last rain we took many precautions but our office is like a refrigerator because of the humidity and cold. 

I think it is likely that we are going to have to seek a new office space. With the exodus of renters of businesses inside the shopping center it will become less secure too, which is not good for an office of women workers.  We have had some extended prayer time today to seek God’s counsel and direction.  Please join us in that effort so that we can be guided to a wise decision.

Undy Sunday!

We are delighted for the love of people around the Pacific Southwest District as they gather on Febraury 14 to participate in “Undy Sunday” to benefit those in need, including gratefully those we serve in ministry through the CPTLN Tijuana office!  The tireless work of Orphan Grain Train western division volunteers make this happen. The loving hands of women of the LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) make it happen. The love they have in their hearts….put there by the Savior Jesus who showed us how to love, makes it happen.  We all serve in the loving and wonderful name of Jesus….HE MAKES IT HAPPEN!

….and we are grateful.

We just distributed the last of these gifts a few months ago when we gave to a 104 year old woman who whispered to our staff member Tere, in an outreach event on the outskirts of town, that she would really like some underwear because she wasn’t wearing any…..she didn’t have any!

God working…..

I arrived to the office to discover young Jhoselyn and Tere talking to a young woman.  I found out later she was only 16 …. and pregnant.  Late last week Tere had an opportunity to talk to her distraught mother and father.  She spoke with them and offered a shoulder to cry on. She gave them booklets on stress and no to abortion.  The next day the daughter came in and spoke with staff.  Today she returned and told us that because of the booklet on no to abortion she had decided not to go through with the abortion she had planned.  She said over the weekend she asked her mother to read her the booklet….because reading lately had made her nauseous.  Her mother read the booklet aloud to her….then they hugged each other and cried and they knew in their hearts somehow God would help them.  Today the young girl came in to give us the good news.  She sat for a while talking about how wonderful that her parents are supportive, what names she thought might be good for her baby, how she could finish her schooling in an open program, plans for the future……

Seeing God work in the world.  Seeing God work in a life…..in two lives.  Yes, it was a very good day.

In this photo you see some protective covering we placed on the computer on my desk in case there were any stray leaks from the heavy rains……..

………but just beyond the plastic, you will see a glimpse of our new friend.  She’s talking about coming back this week to help us stamp booklets and volunteer!

Please pray for her.

Rain, rain go away……

Last week we had a deluge……it was great for the U.S. side….with its urban planning and drainage system….and drought!  I think we have resolved that concern. We were happy to see a good soaking come on the U.S. side…..but my mind was on the Mexican side.  Even in town where there are good roads, because of a lack of an adequate drainage system, the streets became rivers.

What is the greater worry are the thousands, perhaps even a million….people living on the outskirts of town, on the hills, under a tarp, where there are only dirt roads.  And there was a significant amount of destruction.  It rains every year but never like this!  And, people can only do what they can do……and they suffer each year.  Please add to your prayers for the suffering in Haiti, a prayer for the people in Tijuana who are struggling and suffering in the aftermath of heavy rains.

Our office like the rest of the city was paralyzed.  It was impossible for the staff to leave their homes, even though at home they had no electricity and water for a few days!  Thankfully, we have been working on budgeting and we got to take home all that work! We new the rain was coming. We prepped the office. We printed out our planning forms…..and we worked from home last week…in some cases by candlelight!

Getting on track and rev’d up!

It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks.  Many of you know that I have two jobs (each part time but to each I am compelled to give my whole heart to!) In my other job on the U.S. side of the border, we have been launching a new church and held a Living Nativity on Dec. 20 which had been postponed from an earlier date because of rain. Over 650 people showed up!  We are concentrating now on the launch which is Feb 21 and are recruiting 1000 prayer partners…people who will pray one minute a day for the next 100 days. Interested in God’s expansion program in Southeast Chula Vista just north of the Mexican border?  Sign up at www.concordiatogether.com or with me at mgsalomon@gmail.com

The first week of January, I traveled to El Paso, Texas to meet with Frontera Ministries which is a group of the three Synodical District presidents along the border and a few other pastors and other key individuals working along the border.  I have been participating in this group for several years and now I am not the only woman!  We are continuing in the effort to support new programs and intiatives that focus on training of workers, whether they be pastors, lay workers, deaconesses, parish assistants or missional workers.  Please pray for this work especially as we look at ways to provide training on the Mexican side of the border.  I got sick the first day and the second day I literally could not talk.  I realized my job that day would be to do an extraordinary job of listening! 

I returned and I went to visit the doctor.  Yes, I am getting wise in my old age and going to the doctor sooner rather than later!  It was bronchitis and I even had some pain associated with the inflamation of a bronchial stem!  This created some special challenges … getting both rest and completing the things on the “urgent” list that could not be delayed.

Still without much of a voice, I attended the LLL Sunshine Zone meeting on Saturday (after leading the welcome team in Chula Vista in one of our pre launch “preview” services at the new mission site) where they would consider a grant from the newly created Endowment Fund for the work of CPTLN Mexico.  With the aid of a microphone I spoke to those gathered and then they had time for private deliberation and it was later announced that they were approving a grant for $10,000 for the ongoing work of CPTLN Mexico!  We are so thankful to the leadership of our LLL District, LLL Region, the members of the Sunshine Zone for their love and vision for ministry on the border. 

This week we are knee deep in budgeting planning for the 2010-2011 budget year.  Please pray for our work here and also pray for this same work that is being done throughout the international ministry field for LHM.  Pray for the vigorous health of  LHM.  Pray for the leadership and vision of LHM and a blessing on those who lead. Pray for the health of the U.S. economy.  Pray a blessing on all those donors/supporters who despite difficulties and challenges still know that their monetary support of ministry throughout the world is accomplishing much in Heaven and still give sacrificially for the ongoing work of our ministry offices. Thank you for your prayers for our staff:  Melissa, Tere, Legna and Jhoselyn.  We are grateful.

Ephesians 3

 7-8This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

 8-10And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!

 11-13All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!

 14-19My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.