Sunday, December 14, 2014

A SECOND LOOK AT REALITY


A cute little baby that just needs some milk and pampers. A second look; the larger picture brings a chilling reality. An uncomfortable question? Reality. Do we want to be committed to helping the future of this child, this family? We look again at this little baby and then we look in the eyes of his mother. We dare not think of the future.

We just can't just say God bless you and back out the door ... after all, "what would Jesus do?"


It was just to be a visit; a little milk and some pampers. For us a little visit often proves to be a dangerous venture; a costly venture.

Indeed our ministry always starts as a visit which can develop into hundreds of man hours and dollars.

A few years later we see Pepe sitting next to his little Christmas tree.  Today he's almost a teenager. Pepe now lives in a remote area of South Mexico. No Christmas tree or gifts this year. Knowing the family, alcohol would destroy any gifts we sent his way. We have contact with him by phone ... he longs to be back in Tijuana.


Our ministry is unique indeed. We open the door and go inside never knowing what situation we will find ourselves in.  Several days ago we opened the door and walked inside the cold little house. Mom and eight kids, (no man) absolutely no food in the house. No propane to cook with. She offered us a glass of cool-ade.  Thanks to you we got them food and propane ... that's what we do with your gifts.  Yes, we plan to give them, and several very poor neighbors, a special Christmas.

We wish you and yours a very nice Christmas and a happy healthy New Year.

In His love, Pastor Von and crew...

Monday, December 01, 2014

CHRISTMAS 2014


ON TWO SPECIAL DAYS IN THE YEAR WE LOOK UP. On these two days, when we sincerely say "Thank You, God," for your blessings, and for your awesome gifts. These two days form a colorful season, where we are a little more generous, and a little more kindly to those around us. We may not be jolly but we do seem to be nicer to each other. We smile more. Others are allowed into the picture.

I'm single so I spend those days in Mexico with "my people" ... hundred's of families with hundreds of children, add four orphanages and Santa von has quite a challenge in bringing even a little of the Thankful spirit, and the Christmas spirit across the border. The challenge again becomes "how".

So few of us this year; Lucas, Hortensia, von and one car to share with so many; four big barrios and four orphanages. The kids, who normally don't even think a day ahead, are starting to ask about Christmas.

THIS WILL BE MY FIRST CHRISTMAS APART FROM SPECTRUM MINISTRIES. Now what can I do and how can I do it? Three or four people. One car. Lacking the funding Spectrum had ... Time for some creative thinking ... I'll be keeping you up-to-date with two newsletters.


This is blanket time! This is lona time (sheets of plastic to cover roofs). This is toy time ... and it's always food time.

Out of curiosity I asked a few kids last week, what would you rather have, toys and gifts or dollars ... the answer came back fast! Dollars! How crass! How un-Christmas. How hungry! I was surprised. I'll ask more kids and hear what they have to say. Lets realize these kids are very poor ... and hungry.

IF ANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP ME OUT BY PRAYER AND FINANCE IT WOULD REALLY BE APPRECIATED. Remember in Mexico their Holiday Season extends until two weeks into January.

Each of you receiving this letter has contributed to us before, may I again thank you for the generous gifts you sent us. I, along with my little crew, want to wish you a happy.

One night around Christmas we took this family their first Christmas tree! It sparkled with lights and a few colorful little globes. I caught this picture just right ... this little girl was mesmerized by the sight, I think she was doing a little dreaming too ... she just kept staring into the tree.


The Christmas Season in the world of very poor is unlike any thing you have ever seen or felt. In some areas it's existence as usual. In the world of the dump, the trash, seagulls and workers will be combing through the garbage. While in the barrios the Christmas spirit will be exchanged for bottles of beer and tequila. The kids will be out of school and many will be running around without jackets trying to sell stuff.

We want to bring a small bit of Christmas joy into the lives of these hundreds of kids. When your poor it doesn't take much to bring a smile.

In our areas, as the kids see it, we represent their only hope.

Team up with us as we try and bring a little joy along the south side of our border. We'll be happy to represent you to the kids next door.

Hortensia, Lucas and I want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and Christmas time!

God Bless you and may you an yours be blessed this New Year.

P.S. If you would like to help me out this Christmas, simply write a check to DEANZA COMMUNITY CHURCH, and mail it to 1043 EMMA DRIVE, CARDIFF, CA 92007.

Your help really be greatly appreciated.