Sunday update

Good morning. It´s Sunday and the team will be worshiping with the folks here at Centro Cristo Es El Camino here in Tepatitlan. We have been treated very well here. Last night, for the 2nd night in a row, we enjoyed hamburguesas at a stand down the street. Not that there is anything wrong with the tacos here, but a change of pace was much appreciated. A pretty elaborate menu consisting of (1) hamburger, (2) double hamburger, or (3) hotdog. Amazingly, decision making time at this stand is pretty quick.

Last night was an emotional night for the team. Martha is one of the ladies who has been preparing our food and going with us on our trips. She and her husband, Carlos have 6 children living with them. The kids always accompany us on the trips as well and hang around the team a lot. This is the most delightful family and the kids are so well behaved. A few days ago we got a chance to go see their home. It was deplorable. No running water, flies everywhere, an outside make-shift bathroom, dirt floors and all 8 of them living in two rooms with 4 (so-called) beds, I think. Our hearts absolutely broke for them when we saw their living conditions. You would never know they lived like that by their attitudes, cleanliness and joy. They are all amazing servants to the Lord, our team and the church. Carlos, the father, has a testimony like no others. He´s a tattoo´d former Los Angeles gang member, who was abusive to his wife and kids. They were literally in fear whenever in his presence. When he gave his life to Christ 3 years ago everything changed. He became a gentle loving husband and father, completely quit drinking and using drugs, and took responsibility for himself, his family and his relationship with God. Anyway, after seeing their home (if you can call it that), we decided as a team to help them out. So, last night the leadership team accompanied Martha and Carlos to the local Wal Mart equivalent and filled three shopping carts (over flowing) with household supplies, toiletries, personal hygene products and clothing. We spent 2.5 hours going thru the store loading them up with what we would consider essentials for living. While they were resistent to allowing us to do this for them, they did concede when we explained they would be denying us the blessing if they did not let us do this for them. They were overjoyed and very appreciative. It was truly like Christmas day for them three times over.

During our devotional and debrief time last night we shared with the team what happened and how the family responded. Because of how much we all love this family, it was a very joyfully emotional time of sharing. We have so much and they have so little. Your kids will look forward to sharing these very special moments with you.

Your prayers for our health and safety are being answered. Again, just a few minor stomach aches and sore throats. Other than that, all is very well. Please keep praying. We miss you and love you and look forward to seeing all of you in three days.

In Him,


Ted