Bacaville

Time doesn't wait for you!

As we had mentioned in previous blogs (I might add a long time ago) we had been waiting on the Lord for the answer of the four new children in our household. Well, the Lord answered and the four children arrived at Bacaville in May. We had the blessing of having the summer time to help them adjust although the adjustment was very peaceful. I think it was more of an adjustment for Gigi and myself to get used to buckling them all in when we went into town and to keep up with all of them. Between the teams at the House of Cornelius, the horrible flooding at the end of the summer, and the beginning of another school year, we finished each day by flopping in the bed and getting as much rest as possible before the new day arrived again.

As most of you know, the flooding was terrible and many people lost their homes, and everything they owned. It could have been worst as there was an earthen dam that was threatening to burst and it would have taken out a colony in Juarez and crossed the river and done the same to a housing area in central El Paso. Thanks to many prayers and even the US Corp of Engineers, that did not happen. IFM was able to help a shelter where people were staying. It was difficult planning an outreach until the minute they arrived, since we could not predict the weather and outcome. God was faithful and the rains stopped and people were able to start over again. Although we did not have the threat of the river rising, although it is only a mile away, we did have an immense amount of rain and we have experienced a few problems because of it. Ours are minor compared to many. Our water table has risen enough to cause a problem with our septic tank, which is being taken care of and I had to pay to have my tired removed and rebalanced because driving through the mud was too much.

I had an accident during the month of July and broke a rib along with injured my hip and leg. I was on crutches for several weeks but healed wonderfully and was back on pace with the 4 +4 children. I found that people were generally very considerate to a person on crutches and that was a pleasant blessing. The second week after my accident, I drove to Dallas to be present for the birth of another grandbaby. Its always fun to go to Dallas because we have mini reunions with the several families that live in that area. Errington Brayton was Lyssa and Frank's 5th child. He is a cutie (of course) and a blessing to the family. This has been a summer of babies: Araceli married and had a baby boy, Carina and Antonio just had a baby girl (with the name of Jennifer Lopez) Rob and Joanne Harmon just had a baby boy, making their total of 4 children, and Kadey Wright is due any day with a little girl. Maggie and Bill Paulsen (who used to live with me, from Minnesota) have been shuttling expectant mothers back and forth to hospitals. God bless them for being available. Elizabeth, who moved to Dallas 1 1/2 yrs ago, just moved into her own home. although I haven't seen it yet. Chris and Erica Estrada (my grandson) are expecting their first as is Michael and Stephanie Englund. Mike and Steph are having a girl in February. They are currently stationed in Oklahoma. Chris is a youth pastor in Dallas. Wow, is that enough good news! Of course NOT! I probably left out some things.

The children at Bacaville have begun school: Marcela is in the 5th grade, Jorge is in the 2nd grade, David is in the lst grade and Racheal is in Pre-K. Maria has begun Headstart and the three smallest children, Ruben, Matthew and Marcela are at home with Georgia during the day. We are going through the paperwork maze and working with getting all the medical current as well as all the other paperwork that we need for the children. We have several workers with CPS that are assisting us in various areas and they have been a real blessing. Georgia can't go into El Paso without someone asking her if she has a "day care". We have added a new puppy to the mix. He is a pomeranian (small) puppy named Pongo and sadly, we had to put Sugar and Cinnamon down due to physical and age problems. Just last week, Georgia had to put her horse of many years, Charlie down. She was 26 yrs old and a friend to the children, animals and all.

Gigi has received 3 promotions since the children's arrival. She went from a temp agency to permanent with the company. Then came off the line to work in the office. The children are bonding well with her and as the Kinship worker, Rosa, said to us last week, she has a wonderful support system. Isn't the Lord great to supply so many wonderful people who can assist in so many different ways.

Pray for us all as we finish out this year, so that we will grow in the wonderful love of the Lord and in His service.

La Migra

Kathy and Joey Luther from Tennessee (not to be confused with Kathy and Joe Hart, even though they attended Youth with a Mission's (YWAM) discipleship training school (DTS) together back in the 70's) adopted a boy, David, at 2 yrs old. His mother and he were from Mexico, but living in Tennessee. They proceeded with the proper paperwork for adoption and Kathy called Immigration and Naturalization and asked what other papers needed to be completed. She was told that the adoption would be all that was needed for David to be an American citizen. Years passed and David turned 16 yrs old when they discovered that was incorrect information. They hired an immigration attorney in Atlanta, Georgia and began the process to legalize David. Today David is 18 yrs old and they were told they had to come to Juarez, Mexico to the American Embassy to complete the paperwork that was needed. SInce he had entered the country illegally as an infant, he needed to enter the country legally to complete the process.

With some fear, they came down to El Paso and I picked them up at the airport and transported them to Juarez, Mexico. They were very nervous and apprehensive of what was in front of them. They were told that the process could take one day, or could take 6 months. Since Joey's job had just been eliminated, but he was offered a lower paying job with the same firm and the day before they left, Kathy's job with a Christian ministry was eliminated, they felt a bit under attack but also redirection from the Lord. Joey had lost his father within the month also. It did not appear that the timing of all this was a blessing from the Lord.

As they checked into a hotel across from the American Embassy and found the clinic that they needed to complete the medical paperwork, they were still unsure of what lay ahead for them. On Friday, they went to the clinic and quickly completed all that was required there. Then on Saturday, we took them around Juarez in many areas that we minister and work. We wanted David to connect with his roots. We quickly realized why they had to do what they were being asked to do. David had had problems with his roots from what others would say and had not remembered anything of Mexico. After a full day that consisted of shopping at the indoor market and visits to colonias, they were dropped back off at their motel. On Sunday, they took a taxi to a church. We were told the wrong time and that there would be translating for them, of which both were wrong. But still the Lord had a message in all of that. Nothing is impossible for God. This message wasn't only for the paperwork, but their lives.

On Monday, they went to the Embassy quite early and had their interview and presented their paperwork. We had prayed for a gentle efficient person for the interview and God provided that. David's paperwork was approved BUT..... There was a computer problem and they would have to return the next day to pick up the papers. Oh my! In our day of technology sometimes its a blessing and sometimes its a curse. Sooooo, they returned the next day and got their papers. So now we had to go through the Port of Entry to be processed into the United States. They had already changed their flight one time. This took another 3 hours to complete but they made it to their flight to return to Tennessee. God is so good!

All of this is explained to say that we serve an awesome God and that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM. Georgia and Kathy discovered that they both had been at a ministry in Chattanooga, Tennessee years ago. Kathy worked there and Georgia was attending a conference of Christian children services. David has expressed a desire of returning to the area and possibly doing an intern program. WOW!

Kisses from the Lord

Well, Christmas came and went and was rather quiet this year. Due to our life of service to the Lord Jesus Christ and our ministry here on the border and after 325 children, we know not to expect that to remain. Well, January came and we jumped into the new year. Everyone on campus returned with tales of their visits and Christmas activities and the campus was again bustling with activity as we resumed our dispensas (food box program) and our meetings, and dinners and chapel time. Along with the busyness came the preparation for the visit of Michael J. Englund and his beautiful wife, Stephanie. Mike came to the House of Cornelius before he was a teenager and went to New Mexico Military Instititute to complete his high school and associate degree, then transferred to Betel College in Indiana to complete his bachelor degree. He went active duty in the National Guard and was deployed to Iraq for a year. He returned from Iraq the 28th of December. He was able to meet up with Valentine who was managing our base in Louisiana for a day and then his wife met him in Mississippi to process back into the states. On January 11th, they traveled to Fabens for a visit. Georgia planned a dinner for them, since we have not had a chance to do anything for the two of them since their wedding 2 1/2 yrs ago. Many people have asked about Mike and never had the chance to meet Stephanie. Mike had not met the new staff at the base here in Fabens, so it was a wonderful opportunity to have a reunion.

The menu was Mike's favorites: tamales, menudo, brisket tacos and sopa, along with horchata and jamaica to drink. The dinner took place on Friday the 13th (perfect day for it) and Bacaville was full to the brim with loved ones. We had about 65 people present and what a time of fellowship took place. Even Rob and Joanne Harmon came along with their 3 children. The Harmon's have been a blessing to Mike in his years at NMMI and in college and have encouraged him seemed to always have been stationed close to wherever he lived at the time. Rob is now stationed at Ft. Bliss for 18 months as he continues his career in the Army. Renata Kingwell who always asked about Mike and used to come and give hair cuts and provide swimming parties for the kids over the years was present along with her daughter. Even Bill and Betty Ott, Billy Ott's parents who now live in El Paso were present. It was a wonderful precious time in the Lord to visit with so many faces and it gave Stephanie and Mike a wonderful time of fellowship.

But it doesn't stop there. All of this was in the plans and our desire was to have Valentine return from Louisiana during that time. Valentine introduced Stephanie and Mike to each other at the Summitt in Manitou Springs, Colorado and then was the best man at their wedding in Nebraska. Valentine called Georgia and said he was going to be able to come, since we were closing up our base in Louisiana. He was also bringing the pastor Greg and his wife, Joan, who had the church where our office was located in Louisiana. Georgia had wanted to meet them, but with her demands at home was unable to get away to do so. They were going to drive the second vehicle that we had in Louisiana and then fly back home. The timing was perfect since they too would be able to meet the many people with IFM and the Christian body of Christ and see where Valentine came from as well as experience some down home mexican cooking. Oh, by the way, Valentine called back to inform Georgia that his return home was supposed to be a surprise. Oh well!

All of this happened and took place at a precious time for Georgia as she was to celebrate her 59th birthday on the 14th of January. What a joy to see some of the kids from the House of Cornelius, the staff from IFM South, and the many precious people who have been a part of her life, all together in celebration of the safe return of Mike and Valentine. There were NO leftovers from the meal, but everyone was fed. A special thanks to Gigi's sister Maria who prepared the tamales and menudo and to everyone who attended. It was a celebration and a precious time.

God's awesome power

Alma's mother, Lilie travels to Chihuahua City every Christmas to visit her sisters and her mother. While she was there a neighbor's son who is a good man. He has a job, is not part of a gang, and is able to buy nice clothing for himself. He was walking home from work one day and he was attacked by a couple of men who wanted his clothing. He was stabbed and seriously wounded. A man who had a store witnessed the attack and took the injured man immediately to the hospital. The man does not have insurance, so the hospital rejected treating him. The store owner took him to the social secuity hospital (which is a low fee hospital, but lacks modern equipment and care) and they took him in. The injured man went into a coma. Lilie and her sisters took the mother of the injured man and went to the hospital. Lilie gathered them all in and said what the man needed was prayer and asked all of them to join in prayer and expect a miracle. The mother of the injured man did not believe in God, but was desperate and joined them in the prayers. Within a day or two the man came out of the coma and was released from the hospital. It of course caused the mother to turn her life over to Jesus Christ as her Saviour. What a fabulous testimony from Lilie!

Search for missing parents

Wow, what can I say except WOW. It is hard to imagine the empty area in lives when kids don't know the other or either parent in their lives. I had two loving caring and wonderful parents in my life and no other surprises. Just a normal all American life. I know most of my aunts and uncles and had a wonderful relationship with my grandparents. So it is very special when I see the reunion of people's lives. Even if they missed out on so much due to whatever circumstances.

Gigi now has the name and town of her birth father. She had said she would find out before the end of the year. This was at the beginning of this year.... talk about cutting it close. Well on December 28th, Gigi obtained the necessary information and we have gotten onto the computer and know that someone by that name lives in that town however has an unlisted phone number, so it will require a trip there to look him up. We would pray that we would have the time and the money to complete this trip and to unite Gigi and her father.

That brings me to the next thing and that is this morning Michael landed in New York and will be heading to Mississippi to turn in weapons and such and begin his leave time. I praise God for his safe return and am also anxious to see what the Lord will be doing about Mike's parents and uniting them.
Just a short blog, but full of thankfulness to the Lord we serve and wait for the next adventure.

Christmas giving

Well, today I went into El Paso and met with Johnson Control who is a twin plant both on the El Paso side and the Juarez side. I believe they are in other countries also. However, each year they call me and ask to find those who are in need for Christmas giving. Throughout the year they have raffles, fund raisers and other things that raises money so that they can sponsor many families for Christmas. Tom McKee is the man who started this tradition with the company since he is a Christian and so no purpose in buying gifts for each other. Tom is a fellow classmate of Georgia Baca. He gets others involved in the program and they purchase gifts, food and also a gift card from Walmart for each family that they are giving to. This year we were able to give to six families. One family, the mother and father were put into jail and the grandmother had the three grandchildren in her home. The mother, Guadalupe, was released from jail but they don't even have a car. They rely on others to get them around, or they walk. The grandmother just moved into a new apartment in east El Paso along with another son and does not have any money for Christmas. Guadalupe and her three boys were making tamales when we arrived, a Christmas tradition in this area. Irene, whose husband was put into jail after he and Irene ran to the store for 20 minutes and their 10 yr old son Angel started a fire that burned their trailer down. Irene's husband went to jail for that and Angel has a lot of anger and feels responsible for his father being in jail. His older sister, Cassandra, has begun to translate for the IFM groups that come down. She has a sweet sweet spirit and she loves the Lord. She has a little sister Vanessa, and a miracle sister Celeste. Celeste has many problems and attends therapy but is a miracle baby. Irene has been walking with the Lord for about a year and she attends many IFM functions on campus at House of Cornelius. She cannot work fulltime because of the therapy sessions, so she cleans a restaurant in the evenings and does other things to make ends meet. Another family, whose dad has been out of work for a time was blessed with food, gifts and a gift card also. The father just lost his mother this week, which adds to the pressure during this time of year. Another woman, Maria, who lives in San Elizario in a small, small trailer, has two children. She lives on $140 a month and anything extra she can make. She picks pecans, and does anything she can to keep her family together. She has fled an abusive husband and is trying to help her family. Her 15 yr old son, Ismael, is a talented guitar player and occassionally plays with Praise and Worship at Shalom Christian Church. All of the ones who received gifts where appreciative and it helps the true meaning of Christmas.

When I had the home with all the children, we would teach that when it is your birthday, you are set apart and it is a day that you receive gifts and celebrate. So when it is the Lord Jesus Christ's birthday, why should you receive a gift. You need to give a gift to the Lord. How can you do that! Can you wrap a gift and throw it in the air and the Lord will catch it... no, so the best thing you can do is to do something for someone else. That is your gift to the Lord. We never bought a Christmas present for any of the children at the home. They were however, greatly blessed by others who gave presents to them. As they have all become older, they now realize how much they were blessed and what a joy it was. Praise God!

Isaiah 54 and Bacaville

When House of Cornelius would be in prayer often times someone would receive the scripture of Isaiah 54: 1-8 It speaks of rejoices, and enlarging your tent, strengthening your tent poles. Well it appears to be happening again. We have left this in the Lord's hands, but it is moving closer. There are four children, 4 yr, 3 yr old, 18 mo. old, 4 mos old children whose mother deserted them and whose father has been sentenced to 7 yrs in prison with having his parental rights removed. Child Protective Agency is requesting a home study to allow the children to go to Bacaville. There are 3 other young children that have simular situations. Just pray as we move into the New Year about God's wonderful plan and that ONLY HIS PLAN comes to be.

Mike's homecoming from Iraq

Mike Englund is due back from Iraq the first of the year. We are doing a video and sending it to his mother-in-law to edit it into one for Mike so when he and his wonderful wife Stephanie get to their apartment, everyone will be welcoming him home. He and Stephanie will come to Fabens to visit, January 12th-17th. His wonderful mother-in-law is also assisting in the researching to locate Mike's birth parents. There seems to be adequate information to move forward with this much desired event. This has been prayed about for several years, but it really seems to be close now.

A Blessed Wedding

We at Bacaville attended a wedding yesterday of a young woman who lives in CDP in Guadalupe Mexico. Her family came to know and SERVE the Lord through the BODY OF CHRIST. It all began when the mother came to dispensa and was distressed because her brother had been run over by a train and had died that morning. We asked her to stay after everyone had gone, so that we as a staff could pray with her. Since she was bilingual, everyone was able to join in the prayer. We met her family and they became close to the ministry. They would occationally translate for the ministry. They had some mormon missionaries coming to their house, so we would visit after them and prove the biblical errors in what they were saying. Georgia then took a niece of this family after having rescuing her from a Cinderella life with another relative that was abusive. She lived at Bacaville for a year. Then she moved into a home from some other Christian friends who had also lived at Bacaville.

Georgia became the madrina for one of the two children in Ofelia's household. A youth pastor from Calvary chapel began to visit weekly and do a bible study with the whole family. All the time this was happening, they were actively involved with several groups in their area. The youth pastor stopped going because God had answered his prayers. He asked God that Gonzalo (father) would become head of his family, that they would find a church to attend (Buen Pastor) and that the pastor would know them by name. Pastor Barraza knows them and they would along side of him. They are also a light in their area for others who are in need. Their daughter Karina who has been sponsored by Harvest Hands in Prepatoria (high school) was the one who got married. As I looked out among the crowd of people, I was overwhelmed with the fact of the large number of people there that had been ministered to by our ministry and/or had lived at Bacaville. What a priviledge and blessing to see so many serving and following God's will in their lives in one place. God is awesome!

Welcome to the Bacaville blog!

I would just like to give a shout out to my Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Lord of lords. He reigns Amen! So, here we are, coming to 2005's exit and what an awesome year it has been! There's more to that story, but we're on the train, still moving, I've never spoke face to face with God, nor visited in Heaven, yet certain am I of the spot, as if the train tickets are given. Hallelujah!