Hello Ministry Partners,
I have decided to switch up how I update you all. Instead of me taking a few hours out of my work day to come up with a few paragraphs of content, I'm going to be sending out more frequent, but much shorter updates (along with some prayer requests). January was (and still is!) a busy month. I, along with 4 other GoCorps team members, were at the Cross Conference in Kentucky from the 2nd to the 5th. It was amazing! Email me, text me, find me sometime and ask me about it! The next weekend, the entire GoCorps staff was all together in Texas for a staff retreat (see the photo above). It was a great time to spend reflecting on 2018 and praising God for the work he accomplished through us. We also got to set some goals as a team and as individuals. And we were able to spend some time just hanging out together since we live in all corners of the US. One last note: Our car was backed into during Christmas break (with no one inside) and it was totaled. We are so thankful that no one was hurt (including the person who hit our car)! But we now are in the market to replace that car with the insurance money we received. If you or someone you know has a reasonably priced, reliable car, please let us know! Some things you can definitely be praying about are: Prayers for the 3 students who have already committed to go through GoCorps in 2019! Prayers for the 86 college students who are currently filling out GoCorps applications Prayers for the students who heard about GoCorps at Urbana Missions Conference and Cross Conference Blessings, Mike & Jackie Nelson Olivia, Eden, & Brielle Dear Valley Christian Church,
Thank you so much for your support of our ministry in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Our mission "Emanuel Mexico Mission" is expanding and reaching out to our community. Our church has two new classrooms. One is for adults with a computer and screen, which allows for our lesson to be presented in power point. The other classroom is for the youth. We are hoping to begin our food pantry this month as well. We currently have 5 young men (boys) staying with us that are studying in the Jr. High, High School and University. We are calling this ministry our Campus House. These boys are helping with their own expenses, chores, etc. It is good for them to begin learning how to be responsable while still living under our roof. Thank you for your offerings and prayers. David and Sheri DeBolt "ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND" The words of this old hymn reminds us of who we believe in. "There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6 The scriptures remind us of who we believe in and who we are, but most importantly who we live for and serve. Exactly half of my life has now been dedicated to Christian ministry. Has the latter half been more easy than the first? NO! There have been more challenges physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes we are put in positions of leadership to defend the faith we believe in and defend the reasons we answered the call to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Along the way, some have abandoned us, some have questioned our ways. I'm reminded that even the closest of Jesus's followers denied and abandoned Him. Those verses from Ephesians 4 remind us of our Christian heritage and Christian doctrine. We are placed here to share the Church of Christ doctrine only and defend our beliefs in Jesus Christ. We were, "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:24 In the NIV Thompson Chain Reference Bible there is a heading beside these verses. "Lessons in Christ School". Teaching, Christ, the Truth. As many have said the best school is called "Life". I call it "Living for Jesus". As this year is coming to a close we look back on the many challenges that faced us. Here we are close to entering a new year with our faith stronger than ever, our convictions to serve the Church of Christ stronger than ever and ready for new opportunities to boldly say "ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND." I believe in Jesus Christ, I proudly can say I am "Christian only and I live for and serve the Church of Christ." "I'm a Christian" no matter the circumstances, are you? NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN 2019: A. The Iglesia de Cristo (Church of Christ) is growing once again. They will be given the opportunity to have more space for more outreach such as graded Sunday School space for both the children, teens and adults. B. We will take on more Mission responsabilities and outreach to the inner city as well as Mexico as more funds become available. Plans are to help young adults in need of a home while they study. Much like a Christian campus house. C. The Food Pantry is ready to serve orphans, widows, the San Luis Potosi Bible College and who ever else is in need. D. Not only a Food Pantry will be available, but a place for clothes and other articles for the Inner City people. E. Inner City VBS, outreach and camps both in the north and south are already on the 2019 calendar. F. Raise more personal support for Jose who is the minister of the Ontañon Church. One church has already adopted Jose and is supporting him with a monthly gift. These are just a few of the ministries that Emanuel Mexico Mission will be involved in. Are the funds available for all this and more? It depends on our Faith in God and your trust in us. We are one in Jesus Christ! Thank you for praying, giving and believing in us. David DeBolt LIVING IN THE INNER CITY Sad to say that little to no evangelism has taken place in the inner city of San Luis Potosi in the last three years. Just 1/2 block away from the Ontañon Church of Christ one of the inner city gangs have built an altar to Satan and Death (Santa Muerte - Holy Death). This altar was not there 3 years ago. Drugs are sold in plain sight at this same altar day or night. You don't see kids out after dark playing in the streets like before. Stores are closed earlier. On a positive note the neighbors around the church are overwhelmed with our return. October 20, we opened up the church to the neighbors for a "Movie Night", Popcorn, Pop and a Christian Movie. The movie started and no neighbors. I told one of the Bible College students "come with me, I'm going to show you how to evangelize this neighborhood": "Don't be afraid and show no fear of them, they are our neighbors and friends." We went straight to the Satanic altar. Loud music was blaring, the smell of marijuana was strong in the air, they were dealing drugs out of the back of a car. Some of the kids were stone cold drunk or high. This is a typical Saturday night event for them. I went right into the middle of their circle and re invited them to the movie which was playing just a 1/2 block away. For two weeks prior, I walked the neighborhood passing out flyers and talking to those that would listen. The college student and I returned to the movie with no one following us. But, then to my surprise one of the boys from the altar came in and sat beside me in the back row. Sheri already had an elderly neighbor lady sitting next to her helping her to understand what the movie was about and where it was leading to, the Salvation Story. The movie was: "Poema de Salvacion". It was about how rock music turned a young person into a satanic believer and then later in the movie he became a new Christian. The movie ended and the elderly lady thanked Sheri over and over again for the Bible that she was given. She held it close to her heart and shared how happy she is to be able to read the Bible in her home, especially her favorite book: Psalms. A few years ago we had an inner city kitchen mission in the area of the "Niños de la Calle" (Children of the Street). Their leader told me, "You Christians are different than all the other churches who come to help us". He said, "all the others roll down their car windows and literally threw out food and clothes to us. But you Christians get out of your car and are not afraid of us, you actually care for us, you hug us, you feed us, you give us clothes without judging our outer appearances". One of those Niños de la Calle boys was Jose, who is now our preacher at the Ontañon Church of Christ. His dream is to help feed the poor, clothe the needy, visit the sick and study the Word with those in prison. Sounds Biblical doesn't it? Matthew 25:35-40 In the coming months you will hear more about the ministry opportunities we have been given by moving back into the inner city. A. There will be a Food Pantry - Matthew 4:4 opening soon (January 2019) at the church. There are stores already telling us that food will be given at no cost to supply the pantry. B. The boy who came to the movie asked for a pair of tennis shoes. We will re-open the church to provide clothing and shoes to those that truly have needs such as these. Our famous neighborhood bazaar. We have an abundance of clothes and on December 29, this opportunity will be available along with Christian music playing, Movies for the children, and devotions throughout the day. C. Begining in January 2019, we will open up once again our ministry doors to visitors to have a first hand experience of the mission field. What is needed: willing workers who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty and show love for people that call the Barrio de San Miguelito home. Inner City opportunities include: VBS, Painting, Building, Roof Repairs, Cleaning, Help Feed the Poor through the Food Pantry and much more. Pray about it! Then get excited to come join us as a church group, family or even an internship. "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:35-38 I want to highlight just one word from these verses: "COMPASSION". Jesus showed compassion to those in need. This is our mission, to show compassion to the needy, "LIVING IN THE INNER CITY". Will you pray for us? Will you support us? Thanksgiving is coming soon and giving Tuesday soon after. Help us impact the inner city! We need Churches, Sunday Schools, Families, Men, Women and Children willing to give to the needs of others living in the inner city. Christ Centered Ministries, Helping Others by Showing the Compassion of Jesus Christ to Those Living in the Inner City of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Emanuel Mexico Mission Find and Like us on Facebook Pages: Emanuel Mexico Mission Iglesia Cristiana Ontañon David DeBolt Sheri Lynn Dear Christian Friends, Thank you for your generosity this month! We are so grateful for your participation in transforming lives in Mexico. God has truly blessed us! As I stop to think about September many things come to mind: The kids are back in school! Many are in different schools due to graduations this summer! It’s great to see them working hard to excel for their future. Our young adults are making decisions about staying or leaving as they have turned 18 or finished Prepa (High School). Some have felt it is time to be out on their own and responsible for themselves and their future. Others have decided to stay and continue to study and grow inside the organization. It is a privilege to see them grow and develop! We have staff that is working hard with each child to help them become the person that God has designed them to be. Their desire is to prepare them for that day when they will grow up and make the decision to be on their own! I have been in contact with many of our alumni, and it is great to know that they are working hard to provide for themselves and their families. Three of our alumni had babies this month. Beautiful children that remind me that we are not only serving a child – but we are serving future children! What a privilege to see how God has broken the cycle and given these babies opportunities that their parent did not have. I hope that you know that your partnership continues to make a difference in the lives of many people. Thank you for sharing and giving! Sincerely, Steve Ross Executive Director Niños de Mexico SACRIFICE AND STEWARDSHIP "God blesses our sacrifice, but He also blesses our stewardship" a quote from Jason Vallotton. Either it's 100% or nothing, those were our thoughts back in 1987, when we entered into the ministry and then on to Mexico in 1991. It would be a whole new world of uncertainties such as learning a new language and living in a different culture. Some said it was sacrifice, we considered it more of a daily challenge to depend on God in a more profound way. Our resources would be limited and then there was the need to account for every gift given to us, stewardship. A former missionary told me one time, "Are you going to be like most missionaries and continually ask or are you going to live by faith?" We could wrap it all up in the following verses of Philippians 4:10 - 13 "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Yes, we have needs and a few of you without asking have stepped forward to help us with our current transportation need (Bluffton FCC & Daron and Melissa). As you know we had an accident on July 4, and to date we continue to wait on the insurance company that declared our vehicle "totaled". With the extra gifts given toward this need it will help us once again get back on the road. Moving back to the inner city we have monthly expenses like most people: rent, water, gas, electricity and telephone bills to pay. Also included in our monthly expenses are the ministry needs we have. Once again a supporting church (Valley) stepped up and out in faith to help our minister, Jose, with monthly support of $100.00. God is good to help this young man of faith. He receives $50.00 a month from the Ontañon church as well. Again Philippians is true for Jose, who at a young age lived in the streets begging for food and now preaching the gospel and can boldly say "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". How many could live on $150.00 a month? That's true sacrifice and stewardship! Projects and goals of EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION: Special message from Jose: "During the month of September, we began Sunday School for the adults of the congregation at Ontañon. During the month of October, we will begin activities (Saturday) for children and also a youth group. I ask for your prayers for all that is planned for this month of October, that it will be the will of God." Jose has a passion for helping the poor and the hungry. Jose has associated himself with a group of Christian men who help provide food for widows and children's homes here in San Luis Potosi. The group is called: "Man does not live on bread alone...", Matthew 4:4 With Emanuel Mexico Mission's help, they will be opening a kitchen to provide hot meals to those that truly live without and have an organized means to give to the needy. Emanuel Mexico Mission is working hard to meet the needs of others. We are currently looking into a few sites for this kitchen / pantry to best meet this need. The Ontañon Church of Christ continues to reach out to the inner city. In September, they began after school tutoring classes and the response has been great. Once again Sacrifice and Stewardship is at the forefront of all we do. It's because of you we are able to reach out in new ways to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in the inner city. Sacrifice and Stewardship; two words we have been honored to carry throughout our 27 + years of ministry in Mexico. Looking forward to year 28! David DeBolt Thank you again for your love and support. You can stay up to date on our ministries by checking on our FACEBOOK pages: EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION IGLESIA CRISTIANA EN ONTAÑON DAVID DEBOLT SHERI LYNN ENDINGS & BEGINNINGS Recently I was told "There is a reason for every ending, becuase God has plans for a new beginning". During our journey to San Luis Potosi on July 4, we had a serious car accident. We had just ended a wonderful 3 year ministry with Colegio Biblico. Three years of blessings, serving young men and women who have a passionate desire to learn from the Word of God and a motivation to preach the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The 2004, vehicle we used for over 10 years was totaled, but God will provide for a better means of transportation, we are confident in that. We may have ended our ministry to help young men and women from Colegio Biblico, but we will continue to preach, teach and love those that God places in our path. Ontañon Church of Christ continues to work closely with the Bible College here in San Luis Potosi (Colegio Cristiano del Centro). Jose is working with students each week as they come to Ontañon to serve the church. Later in July, we served at a church camp (July 22 - 26). An entire year of planning and preparation went into making that week a complete sucess. We saw lives changed, hearts surrendered to Christ and funds raised to help "Feed My Starving Children". Like any activity, you anticipate and plan for, there is a closing. Camp ended, but new beginnings were made that week that will never be broken. The camp kids raised enough funds to feed 3 children for a year and had a matching gift from the Valley Christian Church - plus one. So 7 children in total are being fed for an entire year through the ministry of "Feed My Starving Children". It had been two years since we were able to visit our daughter, Renae and her family in California. We took advantage of every second to make the most out of our 11 day visit in August. Precious memories fill our hears with time well spent with our grand daughter, Isabella, who is now 8 years old. We tearfully said good-bye at the Oakland, California, airport, but there will always be the next family visit and we know it will be just as if we never left. God never closes a door without opening a new one. Coming back to the Ontañon church in August we experienced a new church plant as 48 members left to start a new church in the Balcones del Valle area of San Luis Potosi. It was a 2 year growth plan and it worked without any problems. Perfect unity and harmony as we said good-bye to 48 members of the church, but knew it was God's will and timing. Jose continues to oversee the Ontañon ministry and we are proud to say that the average attendance for August at Ontañon was 24. Total seating capacity of Ontañon is 55. There never has been a Sunday with more than 60, but now God grew His church in these two locations to more than 72 in just one month. Endings and beginnings, I'm glad for those opportunities to see and experience changes. What does the future hold for us? For sure endings at times, but always looking forward to the new beginnings God has in store for His servants. Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded. And surely I am with you always , to the very end of the age." Serving the Kingdom with you. David and Sheri DeBolt |
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