GCH kids minister to the needy...

Earlier this week, about 10 kids from GCH (ages 10 - 14), my family, & the Hanson family had the opportunity to serve and share Christ with those in need. Joining up with our good friends from Club Dust as they ministered and built houses in east Tijuana, our kids and youth spent the day helping out. They were so excited to give back, as they've realized that they are so blessed.

We started the day sorting hundreds of socks and shoes that were to be distributed, building tables and benches and helping in whatever practical way we could.

Then we rounded up some local kids and played soccer, using half time as an opportunity to share about Christ. The great part... it was the GCH kids doing the talking. I sat amazed as 2 of our older girls boldly declared the wonderful things God has done in their lives and how He has changed and saved them. You could've heard a pin drop... which is incredible since we were surrounded with kids. Their testimony was powerful!

The game resumed, but I felt there was more... more that God wanted to do through our kids. I asked who wanted to go door-to-door and pray for the people in the neighborhood. About 8 of them quickly jumped at the opportunity. Armed with our tracts, 4 spiritual laws and Bibles, we set out to the unknown...

As we approached each door, 1 GCH child was assigned to introduce us to the family and ask if we could pray for them. After the child asked for their prayer requests, 1 or 2 of our kids prayed for them. Again, I was amazed as I watched our kids bless and boldly pray for these adults.

At the second home, Erika introduced us and prayed for the mom of the home, Maria. After I could sense Maria wanted to hear more... perhaps because our group was so unusual. We pulled out the 4 spiritual laws tract that explains God's plan for our salvation.

We explained to Maria that 1. God loves and has a plan for our lives; 2. We sinned and therefore became seperated from God; 3. Jesus came to die for our sins to become the bridge that allows us to come to God; & 4. If we ask Him into our hearts to forgive our sins, He will.

During each point, the girls looked up the verses in the Bible and stood next to Maria and read the verses with her. She followed along intently.

By the end of the 10 minutes, Maria was ready to pray. As our group of 8 put our arms around each other and Maria, she prayed to receive Christ into her heart. After we prayed, I looked around at my kids and saw smiles from ear-to-ear... they realized they were just used mightly by God to bring Maria to Jesus!

We then went on to another home, and God continued to use our GCH kids to bless this community and plant seeds. The day was full of spiritual victory for our kids and those they ministered to.

When George & I came down to Mexico 5 1/2 years ago, we knew our mission was to minister to the orphans, the broken and needy. What we didn't realize at that time was that one day these same "orphans" would be the ones ministering to the broken and needy! Praise GOD!

Our Christmas present this year...

About a year ago, a neighbor (Pati) approached us about working at GCH. I told her I didn’t have any paid shifts at that time, and Pati said she was willing to volunteer her time and efforts.

While Pati was raised in a Christian home, she had not made the decision to follow Christ in her adult life. Pati's husband, Carlos, and their 2 children didn't know Jesus either.

Pati began attending our daily morning devotions and starting asking questions. Finally, she made the decision to make Jesus her Lord. Quickly she began growing the Lord.

We then started praying for Carlos and their children, who had all become a integral part of GCH. This past fall Carlos started taking his family to Capilla Calvario de Rosarito (Calvary Chapel of Rosarito or CCR). Their children are now learning more about Jesus.

Two nights ago, all of GCH and Pati’s family attended the Christmas program at CCR. At the end of the program, the invitation to receive Christ was once again given. It was with great delight that our GCH family watched Tio Carlos go forward and pray to receive the Lord.

We have always prayed that the Lord would use GCH as a beacon of light in Tijuana, and it was a joy to see how God did that to reach Pati’s family! To Him be all the glory and honor and praise!

Leo

As I sit here struggling to find a way to write this blog post, a flood of emotions swirl in my head. The past 4 days seem surreal, as something so unexpected happened...

Leo is a bright, kind, confident almost 12 year old that has been at Grace Children's Home since we opened our doors. He is very near and dear to my family, since we basically started this place together with him. He has been a leader in the boys' home, and you can't help but notice Leo when you come to visit our home.

On Friday, the social services had an appointment with Leo during which they informed him (& us) that he was going to be adopted on Monday (yesterday). It was a shock as we had previously been informed that he would be permanently placed with us.

It has been extremely painful for all of us to say good-bye to Leo. He is an important part of our GCH family and will be greatly missed. My 3 sons took the news especially hard as he has been like a brother to them for the past 5 years.

As we've tried to process all this, one thing God has shown us is that we fulfilled what God called us to do in Leo's life. Leo is now strong in the Lord, he has received a great foundation in his education, he's now bilingual, he is emotionally well and stable, and he is confident in who he is and what he can do for the Lord.

Many of you reading this have been an important part in helping Leo get to this point. You have prayed for Leo, given him gifts, cards or hugs, and sent support for his care and education. Thank you for your generosity and care!

After realizing all this, we felt a peace in knowing that whether Leo lives here or there, he's going to be ok. He belongs to Jesus now and his future looks bright!

We know this isn't the end of our story with Leo. We don't know when, but we know someday he will come back to tell us about his life and all the Lord is doing in him... and it will be delight to hear his stories.

Please pray for Leo's new life and family... it is our hope that through Leo, his new family would come to know Jesus as their savior. And please pray for us at GCH as we grieve and work through the loss of a special family member.