Praise Reports From Summer 2008
What God did in
Matamoros!
English Classes at the Squatters Camp School
What an awesome opportunity.
For two weeks we were able to go into the public
school at the Squatters Camp and teach English
to about 300 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
That was 300 kids every
day for two weeks. The Focus teams
were able to work one on one with the kids, make
new friends, represent the Mision Bautista
Betesda around the corner from the school,
sponsor a day at the LaQuinta Water Park for the
5th and 6th graders and conduct a Sunday worship
service on the grounds of the school. Concord
Baptist from Jefferson City made sure every
student received a Spanish New Testament and a
"Jesus Te Ama" backpack. God was glorified, His
message proclaimed, His church strengthened, and
Pastor Modesto with many new prospects to visit
and to share Christ with.
==========================================================
Construction
The Focus On Missions teams were
busy this summer with building houses, the
resource center for Pastor Jose, bathrooms at
the medical clinic, putting up fences and mixing
the never ending cement. Not only do the teams
provide the man power for the construction they
also bring the finances for the construction.
Praise The Lord for the many who come to work
and those who give financially to make to make
the resources possible for the construction
projects.
=============================================================
The City Dump
Each week we tried to take the
Focus teams to the City Dump and minister
to those who live and work there. Many of these
are Christians who are the poorest of the poor.
Each week we would take water, beans and rice,
sometimes shoes. Hurricane Dolly really hurt
these people. We were able to take additional
food and water. What a blessing it is to work
with and know these people who daily live and
work at the Matamoros City Dump.
============================================================
Hurricane Dolly
Little did we know at the
beginning of the summer why we had one week in
the middle of the summer with no team. That
week was "reserved" for Hurricane Dolly.
Fortunately for our friends and coworkers in
Matamoros the eye of the hurricane was north.
The worst damage was flooding. We were very
saddened when we went by the Squatters Camp
school and saw the area where we had taught
English and the canopy that had been demolished
by Dolly. Focus On Missions was busy delivering
relief supplies to churches and pastors who
would distribute to their congregations and
those who lived nearby. Much thanks to those
who contributed to purchase food and water to be
shared with the hurricane and flood victims.
=============================================================
Focus Teams Involved Involved in Lots of
Ministry ...
Pan De Vida Feeding Center
Each Thursday teams would
provide, cook and serve for the feeding center
and assisted Sister Esther.
Gospel Fiestas
Night time evangelistic campaigns
throughout Matamoros. The Gospel clearly and
plainly presented by indigenous pastors,
puppets, music, sno cones, hot dogs and lots of
fun!
Santa Adelaida Prison
* Three day "Salvation By Faith"
Bible Study
* Gospel movies shown in chapel
* Prison BBQ
* Distributing care packets and
personal hygiene
Childrens Home
* Delivery of food to the home
* A day at the Playa Bagdad beach
Playa Bagdad
Many of the teams finished their
week at the beach. Never did a team spend an
afternoon at the beach without inviting some of
our Matamoros friends. Sometimes we even
brought our friends by the bus load to join us
at the beach! Swimming, BBQ, and lots of fun at
the beach.
A Big Thank You
So many people help makeup Focus
On Missions. God has provided such great
leadership. So many people participate, give
and share. Some folks that must be recognized
... God introduced them to Focus On Missions and
we want to simply say thank you to them and
thank you to the Lord Jesus Christ for bringing
these to assist in the ministries of Focus On
Missions.
Pam Bird
What a lady! She spent one month with Steve
& Judy and their three "kids" at Casa
Blanca. What a wonderful sweet woman. A
servants heart.
Kevin & Kathy Anders
The summer would not have been possible
without these two. They spent three weeks
at Casa Blanca, Kathy worked months before
the summer with Judy on English preparation,
and Kevin is always ready, willing and
wanting to do whatever the will of God is.
Lillian Joubert
Three weeks at Casa Blanca. Loves the
Mexican people. Always willing to share of
her resources.
Katalina
For the 36,000 vitamins and all the medical
supplies.
Steve Glenn & Jerry McQueen
These two men are tireless.
Steve made 2 driving trips to Matamoros from
Missouri bringing 2 of the 5 vans that have been
given away to pastors for ministry.
Kenny Hoefner
Larry volunteered Kenny to drive
a van from Jefferson City to Matamoros. One of
the five vans that is on the field today being
used in ministry. Kenny is a mastermind of
construction.
Jeff Miller
A man who always has the right
text message for Steve. A dear prayer warrior
and good friend.
Jim & Karen Crews
For the load of windows that are
in the Resource Center and in two different
homes and to Karen for spending extra time in
Matamoros teaching English.
Jose Luis & Mimi
It would be next to impossible
without them! Always ready to serve, always
ready to go the extra mile, always a sweet
spirit. Spent the entire summer in Matamoros
serving with Focus.
Carmen
What a wonderful young lady who
is always ready to jump on a bus and ride all
night from Victoria to Matamoros to help. Thank
you!
Saul, Misael & Luis
The three Mexican sidekicks
(associates - summer interns) that assist Steve
with everything! How wonderful it is to have
three young men that are eager to serve the Lord
and give up their summer to work very hard!
Dr Guillermo
Thanks is not enough. Only he
and Steve will know how indepted Focus On
Missions is to Dr. G.
Miguel & Blanca
The parents of Aby. They are
always ready to do whatever, whenever, however.
Great and mighty tools of the Lord.
Pastor Modesto & Sylvia
There aren't enough words! Thank
You Jesus for these two wonderful people!
Financial Thank You
God used many people to help
provide the resources this summer and fall.
Thank you to those who have contributed and
helped.
Prayer Partners
There would not be a ministry if
it were not for the Focus On Missions prayer
partners! You prayed us through many border
crossings, your prayers kept us safe during
Hurricane Dolly, your prayed for the five vans,
you prayed while we were in the school teaching
English ... thank you prayer partners, thank you
for notes, text messages, emails ... please
continue praying, praying and praying!
