Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission

A Few More Video Clips From Ejido Benito Juarez

2011-12-27T17:58:00.000-08:00

This was really a special holiday outreach. There were three different churches working together to help underprivileged families celebrate Christmas. Team: Casa De Dios, from the High Desert, California and La Nueva Jerusalen, from the border area of Tecate and Tijuana and El Camino Agape de San Vicente, Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission's church. We enjoy each other's company and loved working together to bless the children in the Name of the Lord. After all, Jesus, really is the reason for the season.

I am not sure who won or if anybody won but I do know that everyone who played really had a good time and got their exercise for the day.

I certainly believe that every outreach, service and trip to outlying areas must include sharing the Good News of God's Love in Christ. Jesus is the only Savior and the only real reason why one would go out to these hidden villages and share God's Love. Bless all that do it and all of those that make it possible.

Blessing upon all of you who helped to make Christmas real of the poor children touched by these ministries. As we travel around to share the truth of God's Word, we all remember that it it He that sent us and His faithful that provide to make the outreaches possible.

May you all have the best year possible!

Thank You For Caring

2011-12-26T21:20:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to write a quick note of thanks for each of you who helped to make this a delightful Christmas for so many unfortunate children. I will be posting more photos as the days go by and I get the free time. But, here is one photo that shows the happy faces of some very underprivileged children. God Bless You All. And, I pray that as you gave of yourself that the Lord also gave back to you so that your family experienced the best Christmas ever.

My heart rejoices over the show of Christian love that was poured out upon the boys and girls of San Vicente. They know that Jesus loves them and so do you!

Want To Have Christmas All Year Long?

2011-12-21T23:27:00.000-08:00

Important Gifts That You Can’t Wrap

There are many people in the world, especially the younger children, that write a yearly Christmas Wish List. Some adults do it, too. And: Why not? It never hurts or costs us much to dream. And sure, it’s nice to get a gift or two from your special wish list. It really is. Yet, as the Bible says, and it’s true, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” Acts 20:35. The true Christian heart is known for its great ability to give, asking for nothing in return. Constantly giving from the heart to those in need, is so like Jesus. We should all make each day of our every day lives, a tiny Christmas celebration, 24-7. To give you some ideas on how to do that, I made up a list of things that you can give, all year long, ones that don’t even need to be wrapped.

1. Writing letters or sending cards to long-lost friends. And, not only at Christmas time. Ask about their lives, in detail, before you ever mention yourself and what you’ve been up to.
2. Give someone a real bear-hug and tell them that you love them, care about them or are just happy to see them again.
3. Sit down with a child or some children and just play a game with them for an hour or so.
4. Take a long, leisurely stroll with a friend or two.
5. Turn off the boob-tube and talk with family members for an evening.
6. Take someone out for dinner and have an ice cream treat.
7. Volunteer to clean up the house without being asked to do so.
8. Go visit some older relatives or sing to or play cards with some seniors in a rest home.
9. Offer to baby sit for tired parents, so that they can have the night off.
10. Give compliments out at work, even to the competition.
11. Send a donation to a Christian Charity.
12. Cook dinner and desert for a shut-in family member, friends or a neighbor.
13. Send a thank you note to your children’s teachers.
14. Call a family member that doesn’t live near you, listen to all that they have to say before you ever start taking about yourself.
15. Pray for your pastor and missionaries: Write them a thank you note.
16. Make a special family meal, just because it’s Tuesday, or Friday or any day.

These types of gifts never get old and are always welcomed. It’s never too early to share the Christmas spirit, because you never know when it might be too late to do so. Hebrews 3:13
While today is with us, we must encourage one another to do good works.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 and Hebrews 10:24&25, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.”

Team: Casa De Dios & Amigos

2011-12-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas To Everybody. It is my prayer that the Love of God, the Joy of Christ and the Blessings of the Holy Spirit would be shared with everyone we meet this Christmas. Share Salvation.

Happy children, thankful parents and a beautiful God that is pleased, blest and satisfied as we remember the poor of this world and reach out to them in the Name of Jesus. Proverbs 19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again. Galatians 2:10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

This Christmas Celebration was a combined effort on the part of High Desert Church, the faithful of Team: Casa De Dios, our sister church, Nueva Jerusalen, in Tecate and El Camino Agape De San Vicente. I thank the Lord for all that donated gifts, and that came to Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission and participated in these joyful festivities. Thank you all for every thing that was done, in Jesus' Precious Name on this special and blessed Christmas Celebration Weekend. God Bless Us All!

Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday To Jesus

2011-12-18T00:20:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Jesus

I know that the reason for Christmas comes from God the Father, who sent His Only Son, Jesus, the Christ, as a human Child, to live with us here on Earth for a while. So, Blessed Father, for this most excellent and selected Gift, I praise Your Holy Name above all other names, for it is the only Name that can forgive us our sins and that brings us Jesus, the One, True Savior of our souls. I believe that I should live my life as if it’s a gift that I’ve given to You. All my years are my Christmas present to You. By obeying Your sweet and Powerful Word, I’ll live my life in thankful gratitude for the Greatest Gift anyone has ever given to me. You are the Tenderest, most Satisfying and only All Powerful Being to have ever existed. And, I love You with all my heart.

I give to You great thanks Jesus, as Your love is undying and eternal. You’ve so willingly planted the seed of intimate fellowship in my heart when I first believed in Your Saving Grace. You are the most credible and Living Gift ever given in all of man’s sad and tormented history on earth. You promise to all of us that know You in our hearts, that You’ll always be with us, in the here and now and in the times to come. I believe in Your Words, when You tenderly stated that You'll never leave me nor forsake me and that You’ll never abandon me. Happy Birthday to You, my sweet and deserving Jesus; for all that You have done for me. On Your Birthday I pray that all magnificence, dignity and grandness would be showered upon You, throughout the whole world. Therefore I Pray that more and more people will lay down their weapons and come to celebrate You with me, today.

Blessed be our joy as we all draw together near the Christ Tree. We sincerely have so many things to celebrate and so much to be thankful for. I know that in Heaven the angles make merry over spiritual victories they see on earth. Someday, we will all get together as Gods' children, we’ll all observe a great banquet as we mark that one, last final victory, where we will be honoring all the work that God has done for us in Jesus, at that Great Feast of the Lamb. We'll give back everything to our Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus. You have lived the love of God the Father before our eyes, it has touched the world, and our reigns in our hearts, we’ll give you everything, even the very crowns off our heads. For truly, You deserve to be so honored. You gave us your very blood and life and filled us with spiritual gifts and brought us to live with you in the Kingdom of God. We’ll worship at Your feet, we’ll Praise You, and our joy will be full.

Glory to God in the highest! Praise the Blessed Son! And listen to the Holy Spirit as He leads us ever onward, ever upward, thinking on Heavenly things. Today, we worship You here as we will one day do in Heaven. Never again to be divided by space or time, the children of God, living eternally with the Living Lord. All blessings and praise be given to You. Today and forevermore. Today sleigh bells ring out and so do our voices, oh, Lord we want to bring more souls to You. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. Maybe today we can be kinder to one another and perhaps share with the lost, lonely and hurting. God’s Living Gift is still being freely given today.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas to one and all and a Happy Birthday to the One and Only Savior of all Mankind. Today may we check out the thoroughfares and look in the highways, taking the Love of God with us and lovingly give it to all those we might encounter as we travel. Christmas should be a joyous time, a special day when sometimes even our dreams come true. In Heaven I hope God will hear our glad songs and Christmas carols and hear the most silent, secret and deepest prayers of our hearts. Christmas is a day of worship, may He know that we are thankful for all that He has given us.

Happy Thanksgiving Day To One And All

2011-11-24T18:36:00.001-08:00

For All My Family And Friends On Thanksgiving Day

My dear and precious Heavenly Father, today is Thanksgiving Day. And, even though I am alone and miles from family or friends, I am not lonely. I know that You are with me. And, right now, I feel the need to share these thoughts and feelings with You, myself and everyone else. Because, despite my location and current situation, deep in my heart and in the most intimate parts of my existence, You do uphold me and encourage me to be strong. So, I ask that as we read or listen to these words I am writing that we on this special day would bow our hearts and souls before You and earnestly pray, asking for You to bless us, everyone. Please, Lord, meet us were it hurts the most, where we are most tender, confused and insecure and hearten us. I trust that we, in Christian faith, would be those that see the glass as being half-full, giving You our genuine thanks for all You've done for us all year long. More than ever, let us take the time to really thank You for the gift of Jesus, Your Holy Son. For His shed blood and perfect life and for all that He shares with us as we walk with Him. May we all see Your hand in the beauty of nature; it’s so balanced and obviously was carefully planned. It speaks so loudly of Your handy-work and Your glory. How Great Thou Art!

Of course, may we thank You and praise You for the joy and hope that fills our minds. May we appreciate and give You thanks for the health that we have. And, remember to lift up in prayer all family members and friends. Each one is a special gift that has been given to us. Even though they are simple human beings they came into our lives from the God of plans and purpose. Thank You for our daily bread and for the Living Bread that came down from Heaven. Also, Lord, I pray that we would give You great thanks and admiration, for Your Mercy, Grace and Loving-kindness and for the continuing care and concern You have for our wellbeing. There are so many blessings that You are to us. There are so many wonderful things You simply and freely share with us. Thank You, Lord.

So, today I ask that we all offer a response of praise and make a new promise to follow You more closely all the days of our lives.

So please, Heavenly Father, bless all the food You've so generously given to us to enjoy on this great day. Bless each and every person invited or not, may everyone feel like a good friend or dear family member. Perhaps some might sing praises to Your name: or watch a timely and inspiring movie to help celebrate the beautifulness of the day. Everybody remember; God has joined with us on this remarkable date.

Dear God, I pray that we would all worship You, from the depths of our hearts. Because, You are our Conquering Guide, our Lord and Savior. I also pray that You as our Constant Defender would keep us safe from evil and harm. May Your worshippers escape misery. You, oh Lord, merit all of our honor and praise! Oh Lord, thanks for making us free! Keep us forever free!

God Bless Our Family, Friends, Homes & Autos

2011-10-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

I wrote this to bless a friend who had just bought a new house and I felt led to share my thoughts with you. When we buy houses, or purchase new cars or do something very special and exciting, we should always include God in the process of using, building or driving these things. After all, it is He that sends us these good and perfect gifts, and they do, after all, come down from the Father of Light who loves us dearly: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17. I didn't include a written prayer for anyone to follow as they ask God's blessing, rather, I leave that up to you. May all of our prayers be ever fresh and unique. Always share with Him exactly what is on your heart and mind at any given point in time.

"As you celebrate your new home, I pray that God’s Spirit will guide you in the unfolding, unpacking and building of each and every aspect of your fresh abode. Celebrate God’s blessing and make each day a beautiful festival where you always give Him thanks for His having given you this new-found domicile. You are now involved in the creation of a house, home and dwelling place where the Lord will live with you. May the construction, be it large or small, whatever is comfortable for you, always be done under His watchful eye, powerful care and find His abundant provision for each and every room, plant or article that will be brought to make this house yours. May you remember all the vows, pacts and promises you make in this house. As you read poetry or prose, speak to your family or friends, add old elements from your old life to your new adopted cultural, may it all become your personal and intimate heritage. As you celebrate God, He will celebrate you. I will pray for you and with you and use all the Christian resources possible to believe that the Great God of Heaven will help you make it a special place for Him and you to live. I celebrate with you."

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

For the soil which has drunk the rain that repeatedly falls upon it and produces vegetation useful to those for whose benefit it is cultivated partakes of a blessing from God. Hebrews 6:7

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD

2011-10-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Praying and waiting is hard. Let's face it, no one likes to wait. And some times, we don't even like to pray. But, time-and-time again, I am shown that by being faithful in prayer, what we pray for, actually comes to us. Or, in this case, to someone else. I have been praying for a wheel chair for a certain little man that is for what ever reason unable to walk. I believe as the result of a drunk driver and an auto accident. For years now, I have asked God to send him a chair that had leg rests. Many came down that didn't have the rests and the poor guy had to make due with what there was. I never gave up and did look for them but only ever found chairs with no leg rests. Until now, after several years of seeking the Lord for this special chair, it finally came. I was able to give him the better chair with the leg rests this past Sunday at church. Believe me, the man was happy and could finally let his legs rest on the small platforms. No more tripping over his own feet as he rolls along. God Bless the giver as I see how He has blest the one who got the wheel chair.

Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission Outreaches

2011-09-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission is a very busy and active place. It takes a lot of work to make it happen and it takes a lot of help from people like those that support this mission and its outreaches. Each year more and more is accomplished and more and more people are reached with the Gospel of Peace, Love, Joy and Salvation. Your part in this work of God is vital and important. Together, we are making a difference in this and other areas of Mexico. Please, continue to pray.

Christmas is coming and the plea for Christmas Boxes and toys is going out again as usual. We can never get too many gifts as any that are left over from the base outreaches in San Vicente go to other churches that we have established or have a direct impact on. If you need to get your boxes down to Mexico, just let me know. I'll make sure they get down here before the Holidays.

Only God knows how many more days we can openly work for Him in Mexico or elsewhere. I can't tell you when it will all come to an end or when things will get harder. But, I do know that right now, it's still easy enough to take the Word of God to the poor and needy. I love to share Bibles with as many people as I can. Bible tracts and Christian movies in Spanish are always needed. Any you can send down here will be used and used and used. This I guarantee you.

God Bless You All. Thanks for making this ministry happen. I could do basically nothing without His blessing and your help. May He bless you now and always and meet all your needs accoriding to His riches in glory. Amen.

Please, Pray For All Christian Outreaches, Everywhere

2011-09-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

PUEBLA, 12 OF SEPTEMBER 2011, MEXICO

Government expels 50 Evangelical families due to pressure from the Catholics of Tlanalapan.

‘Before leaving, Pastor Josué Ovando, demonstrated videos that prove the attacks that he received on behalf of the Catholic group and from the Priest González Ascension.’

In the face of pressures and orders from Catholics, against freedom of religion, the Secretary General of the State Government of Puebla, caved-in to traditionalists from the community of San Rafael, Tlanalapan, where 50 Christian Evangelical families were expelled from the town. This past Wednesday the Catholics, faithful to the local Priest Ascension Benítez González, threatened to crucify them and lynch them if they had not left before, today, Monday.

Apparently the Catholic hierarchy should have agreed to retire the Parish Priest Benítez Ascension, being that he has been the author of at least three related incidents of religious intolerance, in the last decade.

The only few Evangelical Christians which were allowed to stay in Tlanalapan, were originally from this community, and they have been told that they should carry out their religious services in other neighboring communities.

The conflict of religious intolerance happened after about 200 Catholics of Tlanalapan met last Wednesday night outside of the Chapel of San Isidro Labrador, summoned by the town's Priest, in order to expel about 70 Christians that do not share the town’s beliefs and they told them to abandon the community before Monday.

The fixed exit time was set at 6 P.M. on Sunday, and according to the Catholics, it was like a term limit, after which they planned to expel the Christians from the town by force. It was hoped that everyone could come to an agreement with the auxiliary authorities and the Secretary General of the Government in order to solve the serious conflict of religious intolerance. Finally the Government Delegate of the VII District, Roberto Solano Pineda, informed that the agreement taken with the local authority is that the non-native evangelicals would have to leave Tlanalapan, because, "The state government doesn't guarantee them their security."

In the face of what was presumed to happen, this past Saturday the Pastor and other families left with luggage and some of their personal property. The Pastor was accused of wanting, "To conquer more followers for his religion."

"The best thing that the Evangelical Christians can do is to leave, because we could not guarantee their security, and we don't want a reoccurrence of what happened 18 years ago, when the same Priest Ascension incited the Catholic group to violently expel a complete family, including children, and to burn their house, just for the fact that they were professing another religion," a local official asserted.

Meanwhile, in the 8 AM. mass this past Sunday, the most important of the town, the Parish Priest Benítez Ascension said to the parishioners: "If you want to continue in the fight against Christianity, it's your problem, because I quit, but know that I agree with the town’s people." This declaration contradicted the posture of the Priest in front of the state authorities, last Thursday when he denied being the main agitator that had expelled the Evangelicals from Tlanalapan.

VIDEOS PROVE THE ATTACKS

Before their exit from the town, Evangelical Pastor Josué Ovando Jiménez showed videos as proof of the attacks that he received on the part of the Catholic group and from the Priest Ascension González Solís, he did so during the meeting that was visited by personnel from the Secretary General of the Government.

It is necessary to highlight that not the whole town of Tlanalapan is against the Evangelical Christians. But they are all afraid. The few neighbors that consented to talk about the topic lamented that neither the auxiliary authority nor the State Government has been able to control the priest, who, they assured, has political support, receives many luxuries and gets lots of money from the town.

THE ARCHDIOCESIS OF PUEBLA

Last Friday the Archdioceses of Puebla rejected the idea that it encouraged the religious intolerance in the society, and denied that the Priest Ascension Benítez González directed the threats that the Catholics uttered against evangelicals in the community of San Rafael Tlanalapan, "Because freedom of worship is a fundamental right," but stated that the dialogue should continue in order to avoid confrontations.

But, in practice, it was said that, "The Catholic Church in Puebla should make an attentive call to all involved in this case, inviting them to maintain open dialogue as a way to solve the differences, observe the state rights and safeguard the whole process and the security of the people, independently of the religious creed that they profess."

In a release the Catholic priest was asked to not utter any form of threat.

Sources: The Digital Protestant Journal 2011
vidaenabundancia.blogspot.com,
emausvea.tripod.com
mx.groups.yahoo.com/ group/emausvea
[http]://www.emausmexico.webs.com/

2011-06-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

The song says, 'The children are our future,' and that is certainly a true saying. The Word of the Lord tells us to, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) But sadly most parents don't do anything of the sort. They have their kids and pretty much leave them on auto-pilot. They expect the governmental schools, Sunday schools and street contacts to actually teach their children. Is it any wonder that families are vanishing? If they are yours, Biblically, it's your job to teach them, train them and to make sure they hear about the Lord Jesus Christ.

No pastor, church or school won't help you raise your children, no, everyone would like to help. But, it really should be a hands-on, do-it-yourself program. The most important one for parents to follow. If you need help, ask for it and certainly, pray for it, too.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
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Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
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Deuteronomy 11:19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Include spiritual talks, Bible reading and even church-going in your daily life, and live what you preach at home. Don't make church a game. That is, don't act churchy on Sunday but devlish the rest of the week. Make it real, and your children will, too.

This ministry has always included a place for reaching children and will continue to do so. In Mexico, many families are dirt poor, fathers are missing and moms are just plain over-worked. When dads work all week for five dollars a day, when they get paid and buy their smokes and drinks, there isn't much left for home. Sad but true.

All children deserve a good home, with a father and a mother doing their best to provide for all their needs, physical, mental, medical, educational and spiritual. Do what the Bible asks you do, train up your children, it's your responsibility. Don't leave it to someone else.

Free MP3 Downloads Of My Music, Just Click...

2011-05-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

Like to hear some of my music? For free? Now you can. Just follow the instructions listed here and if you like, you can start building a library of my music without charge to you. It's my way of saying thanks to all who have helped this ministry over the years and in the future.

The link is: http://ranchosantafemexicomission.com/

At the website, go to the Red colored link and choose the Complimentary Music MP3 and then press Open to listen and Save to download the song.

More new English language songs are on the way. I hope to add one a month to say how much I apprecaite your being there for me and those helped, reached, touched and saved through the Lord's work in Mexico.

The first song selected is, 'I Love You Lord.' This was a joint effort with a long-time friend, Mary Brady, who wrote the words and chords to this song. In the studio, I played all the instruments and helped with all the stages of recording. (Just a note, the photos shown with this messages show the place I use for recording. It is not my studio. It is only by the grace and mercy of God that I have access to this studio.)

I do not get paid for recording for this studio and they do not charge me for using their nice equipment. It's a trade-off, I let them use my music on the air, for free, and they let me work in their facility, also, for free.

You will also find a Bible Study link on the website. The Bible Study is new several times a month. I hope that you enjoy them, as well.

True Faith Produces Good Works Not Just Nice Words

2011-05-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Why Confirm Our Fatih?

The man so-called, ‘Doubting Thomas,’ was one of the twelve disciples, the Bible also calls him the Twin. Thomas was not originally present with the other disciples when Jesus came and visited them after His resurrection. He was the only disciple not in attendance at that time. Upon his return he heard from the others what had happened when the resurrected Jesus came to see His disciples but, at that time, Thomas refused to believe their report. When Jesus appeared a second time to His followers; He offered His open side for the disbelieving disciple to touch, He held out His punctured hands, and showed Thomas the disfigurement of His wounds, and in so doing, Jesus healed Thomas’ wound of disbelief. (John 20:19-31)

What does this event say to us? Should really suppose that it was coincidental that this doubting disciple was missing when Jesus appeared the first time to his followers, then later came and heard the tale told by the other disciples? When he heard what they told him, the Bible says, he doubted. He said that unless I touch His wounds, I will not believe what you are telling me. No, it was not by chance but it was in God’s plan and this event continues to speak to us today, (Habakkuk 1:5). In an extraordinary way God’s mercy and grace prearranged that the doubting disciple would not be there the first time Jesus came to His disciples. When Thomas touched the wounds of his Master’s risen body, God healed his wounds of disbelief. The skepticism of Thomas is like our own and his story has done a lot to help us understand how powerful an encounter with Jesus can be. Seeing God in Christ, in our innermost hearts causes us to be converted from unbelieving doubters to sound followers of Jesus. When he touched His Lord he went from unbelief to faith, all his doubts were cast aside and his faith was strengthened. So the man who doubted, when he touched Jesus’ wounds, was turned into a witness to the truth of the resurrection. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Seeing Jesus and touching Him, made Thomas say out loud: My Lord and my God. Then Jesus said to Thomas: Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed. And he did. The Apostle Paul tells us: Faith is the guarantee of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1). It is obvious that faith is the proof of what you can not see with your eyes but that you can sense and know in your heart and mind. What one can see and touch gives knowledge, but not faith. When Thomas looked and touched Jesus, he was told: You have believed because you have seen me? What Thomas first saw and what he eventually believed were two different things. Of course, God is Spirit and cannot be seen by human beings, (John 4:24). What Thomas first saw was with his eyes was a human being, a Man, whom he accredited to be God. Thomas said to Jesus: My Lord and my God. Seeing, with his heart, he then believed in his soul; looking at the One who was truly man and truly God, after his heart kicked in, then he said that this man was also God, God was in Christ Jesus reconciling the whole of Humanity to Himself. (John 14:8-11)

What Jesus says then, is also very important to us: Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. This speaks to men and women of all the ages, even to us; when we sincerely hold in our hearts the One whom we have not seen in the flesh, yet see with our hearts, we are called the blessed of God by the Son of God. All true believers are included in these words, but only as we demonstrate or follow-up our belief and faith with good works. The bona fide believer practices what he believes and preaches. Yet, there are many churchgoers that only use religious lip service when it comes to their ‘faith.’ The Apostle Paul has to say: They profess to know God, but they deny him in their works. (Titus 1:16) That is why the Apostle James writes: Faith without works is dead. So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is an empty word, a nice platitude and therewith, it is dead and useless. (James 2:14-26)

Let us confirm our faith by extending our hands to help the poor and needy of this world. (James 1:26&27)

Infant Mortality

2011-04-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Among labor camp workers, principally made up of Mexico’s indigenous population, there is a high mortality rate for children under two years of age, it is especially high among infants. The reasons are various but in part it is for poor compliance with appropriate feeding and hygiene practices for these young children.

Improper infant feeding and unclean utensils are a high cause of infections that cause infant morbidity among the poor migrant squatters.

Upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections were most common and appeared to be caused by horrible air quality and poor cleanliness in things that were used to prepare and store food for children or to feed babies.

Another cause is the high cost of medical attention. It would help considerably if there was a way to reduce the high cost of health care for poor families. To date, little help is available. And, many doctors will only treat one ailment at a time. You must make following appointments to treat extra illnesses. In the process, babies and children get worse and then die.

Please, pray for the babies and young children in all Third World Countries, they are helpless to help themselves. Pray for the needed changes to happen and for the many parents that are stuck in the past when it comes to knowing how to treat their babies and care for their children. Tradition and superstition does make it hard to teach them new and better ways of doing things.

The Lord loves these little ones and isn’t willing that any should perish from sicknesses that could easily be avoided or simply treated with over-the-counter medicines. I trust that He wants to use us and for this reason, among others, he has us here to help, teach and educate. The babies are waiting on use to help.

God Bless You All!

Languages, Translators And Bibles

2011-03-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Mexico is certainly a land of contrasts, and has a culture made up of huge groups of people that live lives filled with great dissimilarities, to say the least. The people of Mexico are like a bowl of alphabet soup. The populace is composed of those that are well-studied, well-educated and worldly and then slides down to those that don’t know the first thing about germs, why things need to be refrigerated or how to speak the national language of Spanish. Each group draws merit to itself by the things that make them distinguished from another group by such things as the clothing, foods, folktales and dances they do. These are only some of the practices that make one group stand out against another one. Another one is language. Not everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish. Not everyone goes to school. And, many do not read or write any language at all.

It is said that in the world there are over 6,000 different languages, tongues and dialects. That fact makes it hard for Christian works to reach all people with the Gospel. It’s reported that there are over sixty or more idioms in Mexico. Some churches argue that every one, every where has already heard the Good News of God. Others believe that only about half the people in the world have heard the Word of God in their own language. I side with the second group. I have had to stand in Christian outreaches where we had to use two and three translators to get our message out to the people we were ministering to. It wasn’t easy, it took a long time and we were never truly sure of the final translation being true to what the preacher had spoken. It was impossible to know.

I have been in places where they used just one translator, English to Spanish, and the translation broke down and was not true to the speaker’s words. It’s hard to do it correctly. It’s an art and a talent and one must truly have a precise grasp of both languages to do it right.

Therefore, it is always my hope to bring Spanish language Bibles to the mission to use in our outreaches. I feel it is very important to place Bibles in the hands of the people so that they can read, study, learn and hopefully apply these truths to their lives. I don’t just want to tell them the truth, which I, of course, do. But, I hope to encourage them to read the Bible for themselves. I also enjoy question and answer times. I hope to not only bring Bibles but to also answer people’s questions, to strengthen their understanding and to help make them ready to share the Word of God with others.

Therefore, it is always my hope to bring Spanish language Bibles to the mission to use in our outreaches. I feel it is very important to place Bibles in the hands of the people so that they can read, study, learn and hopefully apply these truths to their lives. I don’t just want to tell them the truth, which I, of course, do. But, I hope to encourage them to read the Bible for themselves. I also enjoy question and answer times. I hope to not only bring Bibles but to also answer people’s questions, to strengthen their understanding and to help make them ready to share the Word of God with others.

Thanks for all the Bibles and for the tracts that you have sent down over the years. I always need more. Plus, Christian DVDs are also a great help to the ministry.

I Have Just Been Way Too Busy!

2011-02-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your patience, it's been a while since I was able to post anything new to the site, but I hope to do that, real soon. Some days it seems like I will never catch up and other days I think I am being lazy if I sit down and rest for a while. But, the truth is, most days, I jump out of bed in the morning, run around like a head with my chicken cut off, ha ha, and then drop back in to bed when the day is well spent. Hardly sleeping at all I get up the next day and do it all over again. Sorry, I wish I could write I was well-rested, well-fed and ready to take a vacation some place nice, but that isn't the case.

Nevetheless, new things are on the way. And, as soon as I have access to the Internet again, it's been down for more than a week this time, I'll pay attention to inputting new things. And, I can stay at home for a whole day, I will sit myself down and attend to this site and add some new and hopefully interesting things to the page.

Forgive me for my delays. I have not forgotten any of you and I so want to use this site to help you know more about the ministry in Mexico. See you soon, with new input.

I covet your prayers, your visits and your support. We do make a good team. I just need more help at the base and in the ministry. Want to come for the summer?

Doctrinal Statement

2011-02-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission
Doctrinal Statement

The Bible

We believe that the Bible is totally inspired in every way, in every word and thought by God Himself and that, therefore, the Bible is the Perfect and Holy Word of God without error (2 Timothy 2:15-17). All scripture is the product of men writing as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God (2 Peter 1:19-21). The Bible is God's all-inclusive revelation to Mankind and is to be used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16).

The Nature of God

We believe that God is Unique as Creator of all that now exists, or has ever existed, without being created Himself and is worthy of wide-ranging adoration by His all of His creation (Genesis1:1&2). He gives life to every living creature and maintains them as well. He holds all things together and is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, and exists without beginning or end and is all powerful (Colosenses 1). All things exist by Him and for Him. We believe in the One Living God, who has made Himself known to Mankind as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each manifestation of this One Living God is equally God and totally united in essence and purpose.

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God (John 1:1 & 14) and through the virgin birth became fully man as well. Jesus lived a perfect life without sin and gave His life as the finished and faultless payment for our sins. Christ rose from the dead on the third day and now is our Eternal High Priest seated on God’s right hand making intercession for all Christian believers. Through His work on the cross, all sincere followers of Jesus are forgiven for their sins and made perfectly righteous and blameless in Him. Through Christ's work on the cross we receive the gift of the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9&10)

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is also altogether God and is the Personal Agent of the new birth. He convicts men and the world of sin and calls them to repentance. He lives within the believer to guide and empower them to give pleasure to God, giving believers the will and the power for living the Christian life, fulfilling God’s plan for their lives. (Galatians 5:16-26)

satan

We believe satan is the accuser of the believers and is a real and treacherous adversary of the believers and the church of God and His Christ and must be battled against using spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6). He is a fallen angel and roams about seeking only to destroy. He will ultimately be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelations 20:10).

Man

We believe Mankind was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is now born with a sinful self will and nature (Genesis 3, Romans 1:3). Mankind is completely unable to become righteous on his own and all are spiritually dead until God enters their lives and they are reborn. Unless man is born again he remains dead in his sins and doesn’t have eternal life. (John 3:3, Revelatians 20:15)

Salvation

We believe that as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, Mankind is totally depraved, and dead in their sins, and without eternal life will spend eternity without God in hell. If not born again during their life-time, they will ultimately be sent to the Lake of Fire to be eternally separated from God (Romans 3:23, Revelation 20:11-15). As a result of the perfect and sinless life of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection, each person's sins can be forgiven and paid for upon receiving the free gift of salvation in Christ and Him, alone (John 3:16). Salvation is by faith in Christ, alone, and not by any works of Man (Ephesians 2:8&9). It is given by the grace and mercy of God and is available to all who believe (John. 3:16). The gift of salvation is found only in receiving Christ and there is no other name under Heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).

Note: Max Hashbarger (founder & director of Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission received his ordination on February 17, 1987, in Colton, CA.) He completed his Master of Theology work and has attended Harvest Christian Fellowship of Riverside, CA and Crossroads Christian Church of Corona, CA. Over the years he has served as a board of director member of several Christian Mission agencies. Currently, Max is in his 25th year of ministry in Mexico at Rancho Santa Fe and pastors the church, El Camino Agape, in San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico and hosts many visiting groups at the mission base each year.

2011 New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-31T18:58:00.000-08:00

As a pastor, I do get asked a lot of questions; some are very private and way too personal to answer here in this public forum. But, this one about New Year’s Resolutions is one that I am sure more than just a few would like to know about. No, this is not an in-depth study on the subject but surely, as I see it, it’s a good answer and hopefully one that will help you to find your own answer in what I’ve written here. God Bless You as you read on…2 Timothy 2:15.

The observance of making New Year’s Resolutions is nothing new, as I read I’ve found out that the exercise started a long time ago, probably in Ancient Babylon, between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago. In early writings it seems that there were people, even way back then, that were interested in making brand new starts, looking for unspoiled beginnings and seeking modification for their lives. I guess that today we are very similar to the primitive Babylonians, generally we are not very happy with our lives and we come to January 1, looking for something better for ourselves.

As I see it, there is nothing fairylike, numinous or eerie about the time between December 31 and January 1. But, it seems that many, many people feel that there is. First off, everyone should know that the Word of God does not condemn making New Year’s Resolutions. In fact, it’s probably just fine for us to do that. But, why wait until January 1 to break old and bad habits and start new and better ones? You can do that any day of the year; after all, they are all the same, Romans 14:5. You could pick an anniversary, a birthday, a different holiday or any other day of the week to start changes in your life. The power to change comes from God and not from a date on the calendar. Setting goals for ourselves and the seeking and keeping them is good any day of the year.

The majority of our New Year’s Resolutions are often involved with physical things, like getting skinny, trying to stop drinking alcohol or to quit smoking cigars, cigarettes and/or marijuana, etc. Very few of our resolutions involve getting closer to God, studying His Word daily or going to church more often: Almost never. We must remember that even though physical things are important they are not all important, 1 Timothy 4:8. God places much more importance on spiritual things than we do, sad but true. Most of us seem to have self-improvement goals not related to godly things.

However, there are some believers that do ask God for a desire to read more, study more and to attend church more often, but that is odd and infrequent. Yet, I must tell you that almost all New Year’s Resolutions do fail, sooner than later, you know why? Even though we might have fantastic goals, there is no magic that happens between the end of December and the beginning of January, there just isn’t.

Start doing what you need to do today, don’t wait and don’t be late, get to it, right now. Philippians 4:13, does tell us that we can do all things through Jesus, He gives us the strength. If you make Jesus the center of your New Year’s Resolutions, your chance of keeping a resolution is very good. But don’t forget, if you’ve included God in your plans, He plans to be there to help you be successful.

A Very Inspiring Woman

2010-12-25T21:58:00.001-08:00

Juana, who is nearly 70 years old, and has never been to school. Yet, just in the past four years she has learned to both read and write as she has studied the Bible in the classes I teach in Ensenada. She is a very special person and hers is a very exceptional occurrence, but she’s not totally unique because other women, who didn’t read and write or barely did, also learned to enhance their skills during these study sessions. Juana couldn’t do more than put her ‘x’ on important papers and her husband had to sign her name for her when a real signature was needed. She lived in embarrassment and shame due to her lack of education. Juana is from a group of what is often called, ‘mountain people.’ Women there don’t need to know things like reading and writing, because there isn’t any reason for them to know such things.

I have seen this idea in other Mexican subcultures; in fact, some men from these types of villages don’t believe that women should ever read the Bible and that they can’t even be baptized. Of course, they can read the Bible and they can be baptized, the Bible mentions women being baptized and even states that men and women were baptized, Acts 8:12.

Juana was denied a basic education, simply because she was a woman from a village community in the south of Mexico and grew up during a time, when women were not educated, nor encouraged to learn on their own. How sad. But, God had other plans for Juana.

About six years ago, on an evangelistic and church planting trip to Taxco, Iguala and Paintla, I met this interesting mountain family. Their pastor died the day I got there so the family and the tiny church were looking for guidance, help and comfort. After spending two weeks with these people and listening to them and praying to the Lord, I decided to bring them up to Ensenada so that they could join the Bible school and learn more about God, study the Bible at the school and then come back and pastor the burgeoning church.

Let me tell you, that Juana is an exemplary student. Her desire to learn and know the Bible is amazing. Remember, she didn’t know how to read and write, which at first required a lot of extra work to help her gain knowledge from her Bible. But, little by little, slowly reading page by page and forming letter by misshapen letter, she struggled ever onward. With Bible pages flying, scribbling out marks and squiggles on wide ruled school paper, she always got all her in-class and homework done. Her husband helped her a lot in the beginning. He could write and lent a hand with spelling and was patient with her.

Week by week, month by month then year by year, time passed and her ability got much better. All along I could see something exciting happening within her heart and mind, of course, only God could see what was stirring in her spirit and soul. But it was obvious she was growing by leaps and bounds, Philippians 1:6.

Now, let me tell you some thing, no one is like Juana, she loves the book of John and is always asking me for extra studies on the book. She, who once didn’t know how to read and write, now seeks to memorize scripture, study the deeper things of God’s Word and she loves to share her personal experiences with others at the school and in other churches. She loves to go to women’s retreats to tell her testimony and let others know that hope is a real thing and that God answers prayers. She had always wanted to read and write, and she had always wanted to know what the Bible says for herself and now, she does, 2 Timothy 2:15.

In this photo, Juana, due to her adept ability to memorize Bible verses was presented with her very own Rainbow Study Bible in Spanish, which is a vital tool for her future spiritual growth and education. When I go to pick her up for school I often find her sitting outside, after working hard all day long washing clothes by hand, washing dishes in a tub and scrubbing floors on her polio-bent knees, reading her Bible with pencil and paper, marking down things that she wants to memorize.

Juana is not unique, but she is an inspiration to me and hopefully to you, too. Couldn’t we all do more to know learn about our Lord and Savior? I can tell that she’s motivated and inspired, and that, I hope, will be encouraging and contagious. Amen.

Getting & Giving Gifts

2010-12-23T23:28:00.000-08:00

The Best Christmas Present Ever Given
2 Corinthians 9:15, Thanks be to God for His indescribable "Gift!"

The Nativity of the Christ Child or the Nativity of Jesus, or simply The Nativity, concerns the telling of the story about the birth of Jesus, or even simply relating to the details about the birth of Jesus. The beloved and well-known story we remember appears in the Canonical Gospels of Matthew & Luke. However, other texts also mention it, like Isaiah 7:14. Therefore, the celebration of Christmas is based upon the immaculate conception of Jesus, the virgin birth of the same and the Holy Word of God coming to earth as a human baby, John 1:14. Christmas, which is an important High Holy Day is generally observed and celebrated by Christians and non-Christians world wide.

Christians spirituality regard the Nativity of Jesus as an event of Divinely cosmic significance in which God, in Christ, was incarnated as a simple human being, Colossians 2:9. Therewith becoming a, "new man," that could all-powerfully undo the spiritual degradation and mankind's spiritual separation from God caused by the disobedience and fall of the first man, Adam. In this principle, in contrast to Adam, Jesus was an obedient Son, fulfilling the Divine will of God, His Father. Therefore, as He lived obedient to the Word of God, Jesus was totally free from sin and was therefore the righteousness of God the Father and being such a Son, brought about salvation, through faith as a love gift from God, 1 Corinthians 15:22 & 45, Romans 5:18.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life,” John 3:16.

Here’s a question I’d like to ask you, did you ever just get the snazziest gift? You know, one that made your head spin when you opened it. It was something that you had been wishing, hoping and even praying for all year long. And then, there you were, it’s Christmas Day and you've removed the wrapping paper and boom, there it was, all yours! That’s cool, I hope that you have done that and even on more than one occasion, too.

Here’s another question for you, what’s the best present you’ve ever given to someone else? Did you put a lot of thought, effort and prayer into it? Did you make it yourself? Did you put a lot of your heart into that gift to make it really special?

If we really understand the gift from God that Jesus is to our lives and future eternal life, then we’d probably end up saying, rightly too, that the best gift we’ve ever been given is, in fact, the life of Jesus on the cross of Calvary, some two thousand years ago. God could have given you the silvery moon, or perhaps a brilliant star or even a swell chunk of gold or big blue diamond, but in the end, these would have been just cheap trinkets along side the shed blood of Jesus that buys you entrance in God’s Heaven, Ephesians 2:13&14. Nothing can compare with that, nothing at all, 1 John1:7.

You see, God loves you, and that's, just as you are, and He loves you more than you could ever possibly imagine, Romans 8:38&39. He is more than generous, better than super extravagant and is a completely redeeming God, which would spare no cost to save your lost soul, Romans 8:32. He has endured unimaginable pain on all physical and spiritual levels to allow you open and easy access to His free gift of eternal life in His Son, Jesus, the Christ or our Messiah, Acts 4:12.

The best gift you could ever give to Him, is simply yourself: Heart & soul, body, mind & spirit, everything. That would make you the best gift you’d ever really given to Someone else, Luke 10:27.

Ask yourself, does Jesus truly live in my heart? Am I serious about giving my life to Jesus? What will I do without Jesus when I face my last day on earth and fill my lungs with air one last time just before I exhale my one last lonely breath and die, Hebrews 9:27?

God’s Christmas Gift to you is Jesus, His only begotten Son, accept Him now, live forever. Take a second or two, clear your mind and think on Jesus and simply ask Him to come in to your life, to change you, clean you and make you His. Ask Him to forgive your sins and to wash away your sins and to prepare you to be ready to go to Heaven whenever the time comes. His Holy Spirit will do a wonderful and marvelous work of salvation in your soul. You will get the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever gotten. This, I promise you. John 6:37, Romans 10:13, Hebrews 13:5&6.

A Merry Christmas To All?

2010-11-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Carol says, "Joy to the world," yet most of the poor children of the rest world, as in Mexico, will not be very joyful this Christmas. There are just so many families in my area that are just too desperately poor and constantly struggling to make ends meet. So much so, that they could never dream of buying presents for their children at Christmas Time. What with this looking like another very cold winter, warmer clothing, shoes and blankets along with other bills add up to make holiday spending a huge extravagance for disadvantaged families.
While I cannot solve all the problems these poor families face, together, we can help make the season more meaningful and more of a celebration for many needy boys and girls.
Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission is hoping that this season’s visiting groups will bring Christmas cheer to the children in need. You do not have to donate a new toy, just make sure the plaything is in good condition. Your gifts will be freely given to deserving youngsters who might otherwise not receive a single gift this Christmas.

Thank You and God Bless You as you consider the poor.

“Blessed is he who considers the poor,” Psalm 41:1.

God Is Always Right

2010-11-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

United For All Eternity

They were born united and they lived united for nine years. They were Siamese twins, united at the stomach. Each had their own internal organs, except for the sad fact that they shared a single heart. When they were born, the doctors predicted, "They will have at most one week of life." But miraculously they lived for nine years.

These special little girls were Ruthie and Veronica Collins, of Johannesburg, South Africa, who always knew for sure that they were going to die. Although their parents never talked about death with them, the girls spontaneously said, "We will die soon, but we know that we will go to be with the Lord." Indeed, they died at nine years of age with a difference of about a half hour. Their deaths were peaceful, and their calm acceptance brought calm to all those that surrounded them.

They were born united, they lived united, and united they passed on to eternity. How were they able to have the knowledge that they would soon be going to be with the Lord? From where does such an immoveable faith come from? How could they have such an intense security?

Their parents, Peter and Marlene Collins, had an intimate relationship with Christ. They had peacefully accepted the abnormal birth of the girls. They never rebelled against God. On the contrary, they taught their daughters the Word of God and they talked about Jesus with them ever since they had the capacity to understand.

Hebrews 11:1…”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 2:11… “For there is no respect of persons with God.”

Ruthie and Veronica never manifested pain or shame for being Siamese twins. "God permitted it," they said, "and He knows what is best." Their parents never spoke to their daughters about death, or misfortune or fatality; neither had they introduced them to a single drop of bitterness. The truth is that both parents remained surprised when Ruthie and Veronica said, almost in unison, "Soon we are going to die and we going to go with Jesus."

For-the-which, they constantly cultivated a living faith in Jesus Christ, the pains and trials of life were always played down. Everybody suffers in this life, but the over-comers know that Jesus Christ is with them. The struggles of this life hit everyone, the good and the bad, but those that have their faith in Christ always triumph over all of them.

Job 13:15…”Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”

It's not that one or another is the favorite of God or is more privileged than another, but the genuine Christian knows how to develop a living faith, a solid character, and an unshakable and unyielding hope in Christ. Any human being can have this same calm amid life's pains when Christ is their Master and Lord.

Romans 2:11… “For there is no respect of persons with God.”

Open you heart and your mind to God. Give your will over to Him. Yield your whole life to Him, and you’ll begin to experience and to live this living faith that conquers the world and the pains and problems it brings. Christ wants to be our Savior, today and forever.

Romans 8:24…”For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?”

2 Corinthinas 4:18…”So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

2 Cornthinans 5:7…”We live by faith, not by sight.”

Do we really live our faith?

2010-06-06T01:54:00.000-07:00

Daily Bible Verse - Let Scripture Speakgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Winter Storms Wash Out Bridge

2010-06-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

In January 2010, wild winds, extremely heavy rains, raging waters and poor construction teamed up together tearing away a segment of the bridge we must cross to enter or leave San Vicente. We were cut off from all travel for a good while until the rains subsided and the waters calmed enough allowing for some precarious crossings over the usually dry riverbed.

I thank God that only one section came crashing down, it could have been so much worse. The same thing happened in Vicente Querrero, an hour or so down from us, leaving them stranded as well. We became an island as no one could come to or go from San Vicente as there were no roads in or out that were passable.

Daily the crowds would gather waiting for help to come, which it finally did. It took many long days for the workers to fill in the gap left by the collapse. But, in the meantime as the water became less violent and dropped a bit more, people found other ways to get over the river.

As the days passed by and the town ran out of supplies, the people came up with a very good idea. Tractors would sell rides to those wishing to leave. The prices varied, the first time I crossed riding on a tractor it was thirty dollars both ways.

As the water fell even more and became less dangerous tractors began pulling vehicles and people over the riverbed. Of course, this offered more hope and freedom but also charges for those that needed to get to the other side.

Once you crossed, were unchained and could start your engine, you were free.

Eventually the water became so low that tractors were not needed, cars could make their own way across and then in a few more days the breech had been filled in and stabilized. So much so that even semis and trailers were driving over it.

Now, it looks like state officials are actually going to repair the bridge this time. When this happened about 30 years ago, they only left their provinvial fix in place. But these rains finally did that job in. It lasted a good while, but now it's time for a real repair job to take place.

(Click on the pictures to make them bigger)

Carnival Ministry May 2010

2010-06-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Team: Casa De Dios, is a very faithful and consistent ministry group that comes, shares and works hard while they are here and they always leave the face of Jesus in the hearts of those they see while they are in Mexico. Lord knows the personal sacrifices they make to keep this long-term ministry active. May God bless them as much as they blessed the children (and adults) of Iglesia Familiar Nueva Jerusalen (New Jerusalem Family Church).

Face Painting Station At The Ready

Waiting Patiently to Jump

The Children Listen To God's Word In Spanish

A Bible Message Was Given Before The Play Began

A Little Winner

Roulette Wheel & Prizes

A Castle-Shaped Jumper Provided A Lot Of Fun

Hot Popcorn My Favorite Food

Bags Of Prizes

About 200 Children Came To Play

Lined Up To Play

Dangerous Entrance/Exit To Carnival

Used Cel-phones For The Needy

2010-04-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

For almost as long as I have been in Mexico, the daily wage has remained about US$5.00 per day, not per hour, rather, per day. You can't do much with that amount of money, not even in Mexico. It's very hard for an elderly person, a struggling student or a single mom to find enough extra money to purchase a cel-phone.

With the donation of your used cel-phone, they can now have access to authorities, family and friends and doctors and hospitals. This is a great step forward for these poor people. Your gift would mean a lot to them.

Your phone doesn't have to be new or super fancy, but it must be in working order. You do not need to donate your chip as it will not work in Mexico. The phone requires a different chip and that will have to be purchased and programmed in Mexico. So your donation is safe and secure.

Please, E-Mail me at...ranchosantafemax@aol.com and I can send you the mailing address for your phones.

Thank you and God bless you. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Worry Produces Forgetfulness

2010-04-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Worry Produces Forgetfulness

Worry makes it so that one forgets Who is the One that is actually in control of every thing in the Universe. And, when you focus on only you, you worry all-the-more. Then, you become even more anxious for many things, and eventually even the smallest of things can look big when your are worried about so much. You worry because your companions at work don't appreciate you and that your boss makes you work in excess, and that your superintendent doesn't understand you, or that your congregation doesn't help you when you are down and out. With the passing of the time, your agenda becomes even more important than that of God's time schedule. You become more concerned with yourself and your life and goals, than you do in being pleasing to Him.

Take a moment, if you are able, where you might come to see that you are doubting the discernment of God. God has blessed you with talent. And, He has done the same with your neighbor. If you worry about the talents and life of your neighbor, you will neglect your own life. But if you don't worry and take life as it comes, trusting in God and in His abilities and His care for you, you will be an inspiration to yourself and your neighbor.

Worrying means you want to be in charge of things before it's time for you to take over. The best that you can do today is to rest in the Hands of Him that has control of everything in your life. Make sure that He is really in control of everything. Then there will be no reason, and no place for worry in your heart, mind, body or soul.

Choose to live in peace.

1 Peter 5:7
Tossing all your anxiety, worry and cares on Him, because He is careful of you.

John 14:1
Don't let your heart be upset; you believe in God, believe also in Jesus. After all, He is the Author and Finisher of your faith.

Check Out The Website

2010-03-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends, Don't forget the website, if you get the chance you may visit me there. Plus, there are more photos and a regular Bible study is also posted at the site. You can always leave me a message, too. Blessings and Joy for all of you.

Following Jesus' Words

2010-03-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

Read Mark 6:30-44

Answering, Jesus said, 'Give them something to eat.'

Mark 6:37 (RVR)

Have you at some time been truly hungry? Maybe you didn't eat breakfast or lunch, so that later on you felt very much hunger, and were even trembling. Now imagine one could not alleviate that hunger.

We consider it a fact that God is going to give us 'Our daily bread' that we requested in the Our Father prayer. We often think like the disciples of Jesus in the above passage that those who are hungry could simply go out and buy something in order to eat, if they wanted to. However the daily news tells us that this type of hunger is very real in our times, just as it was in the times of Jesus. In our neighborhoods, in my small town, in the small and big cities, every where, there are many people that need food.

I am sad that in my town there is no warehouse of free foods. In this interdenominational ministry, I work hard to feed my neighbors. I try to do what Jesus said to the disciples, 'You give them something to eat.' But it’s hard, I need help. Right now there are more people than normal in need of their daily bread. I try to feed them all, but must dedicate myself to first helping women with small children.

I also try to pay the electric bills for these same families, if needed. Since most are poor we are talking about twenty to forty dollars a month. Being that they don’t have big screen TVs, or video games and lots of electronic equipment, these charges cost less than the food they need.

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, 'Truly I tell you that whatsoever you do to one of these little ones, you do it to me.' My heart’s desire is not to let Jesus go hungry or to leave Him in the darkness.

Your prayers, donations of food and financial gifts are greatly appreciated and truly needed. God bless you for considering the poor. I know that this pleases the Lord. Thank You.

Another New Chruch

2010-02-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from a new church that is being built near the U.S./Mexican border in Tecate, BCN, Mexico. I can't even tell you what the name of the neighborhood is, or what the name of the church will be once the building is ready. As this is a very new work. Things like that will come later. Currently, we are helping to supply the workers with food, water and solar electric panels, deep-cycle batteries, housing and gasoline, among other things.

Only the Lord knows how long this construction project will take to finish. My prayer is that in less than six months the whole building process will be finished. Church services are currently taking place in a small nearby shack. It's not very convienient but for the moment, it's all they have. I turst that the Lord will continue to meet the needs that everybody working here has. It takes a lot of everything to open up a work like this. These workers need our prayers, physical help and financial aid.

Please, join me in prayer for those that are here. The circumstances are not very enjoyable but everyone has a sincere faith and can see what the Lord can do in this area, given the chance. Of course, we are going to need to do a lot of evangelism and a bunch of Bibles and Christian tracts to pass out.

May God Bless this work and all of you who lift this work of His up in prayer and provide for the needs of the builders, the pastor and his family.

Update On Earthquake News

The church survived the Easter earthquake in Mexicali, all except for one wall, it didn't fall down but it did crack from top to bottom. The team working on-site bounced up and down with the sand, dirt and gravel, which made for a lot of thick dust. But, this was the only damage to the new building. It has since been repaired and the first-stage work on the church including the septic tank has been accomplished.

Praise God for His supply, your prayers and financial support. More work remains to be undertaken but we can proceed at a more regular rate having come this far since January.

Eating Better

2010-02-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is a low-carb, easy, quick and delicious anytime food that is especially great for BBQ dinners. This fare provides you with a good amount of fiber, several vitamins and energy. It’s cheap and leaves little mess behind and doesn’t require any cooking at all. So, it’s also energy efficient and 'green,' or purple, if you’d like. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of my version of the everyday standard called coleslaw…’cool salad’ in Dutch.

Thinly slice a medium head of green or purple cabbage, or mix the two colors, when sliced you'll want about four cups of cabbage.

Shred 1 carrot.
Use 1 tablespoon of dried onion or finely chop some green onions.
Use about 1 1/3 cups of mayonnaise; it can be diet, which is better for you.
Use one tablespoon of sugar.
Use ¼ cup of vinegar, white, brown or rice will do.
You’ll need some celery, ¼ cup chopped or about 1 teaspoon of dried seed.
Salt and pepper to taste, but be careful, this can over-power the other flavors so go easy on both.

You’ll want to refrigerate this dish about an hour before digging in. This plate can serve about 8 grown-ups or about 12 children. It will keep for about a day for leftovers but it must be covered and returned to the refrigerator within an hour of the end of your meal.

Blessings and Joy.

Presumptuous, Willful, Deliberate Sin

2010-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

"The greatest of these is love,' 1 Corinthians 13:13. Well, that's true, but where is love, when you really need it? I am so often amazed at the lack of love found in the church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There always seems to be more than enough of criticism, judgement, lies and rumors in the church. Over the years, I have had to deal with a lot of that myself. Your worst enemies, often times, seem to be your brothers and sisters who proclaim to be followers of God.

Presumptuous, Willful, Deliberate Sin, should not be part of our Christian character. In fact, they are traits found in satan's personality. he is the father of lies, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not," John 8:44-45.

satan may use the truth, but only to eventually propagate a lie. It is always a subterfuge for promoting his deceptions.

Let's look at Presumptuous, Willful, and Deliberate Sin:

Psalm 19:13 (KJV) David wrote these words, and they should be part of our prayer vocabulary, every day, "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Psalm 19:13 (NIV) "Keep your servant also from willful sins; may
they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great
transgression."

Psalm 19:13 (NAB) "But from willful sins keep your servant; let
them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave
sin."

Psalm 19:13 (NJB) "And from pride preserve your servant, never let
it be my master. So shall I be above reproach, free from grave
sin."

Psalm 19:13 (NLT) "Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them
control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin."

Psa 19:13 (CWR) "Keep me from being stubborn and from willfully
sinning against You. Only You can free me from the controlling power of sin and help me live an innocent life."

These are the sins committed when we know that what we are doing
is wrong. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law," Romans 13:10.

Matthew 7:12 "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
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Matthew 22:39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'
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John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
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Romans 13:8 "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
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Galatians 5:14 "For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
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James 2:8 "If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well."

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another," John 13:35.

I think that all-too-often, the world gets confused by the church and the lack of love found amongst those that call themselves follows of God's Word. We teach that we must believe the words spoken by God, shared by Jesus and written down in the Bible, and then we don't: BIG TIME!

Love is the answer. We must love God and love others as we love ourselves. So, let's get out there and do it. Let's do it for Him and for our own testimony. We must be true to His Spirit. We must proclaim through our words and actions that love is the standard that sets us apart from the world of fake, false and failing religious people. Without love, we are nothing...1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

By-the-way: The group shown in the above photo, Team: Casa De Dios, is a loving, caring and extremely Christian group. Therefore, they are an example of Christian Love, not deliberate sin, rumors or liars. They are great people!

Wuzzby's Day Of Salvation

2010-02-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

A sad truth is that there is, without a doubt, any number of abused and neglected animals in the world. Every country on earth has people, that for one reason or another, mistreat their pets, abandoning them to the elements, leaving them helplessly to fend for themselves. Domestic animals are not able to do that very well. Nearly always, these living beings die horrible, painful and lonely deaths. Since Rancho Santa Fe began in the late 1980s, I have been concerned for these family-dependent creatures. Having vaccinated, medicated, cured and sterilized many cats and dogs in San Vicente, today it's rare to see a sickly, mangy or contagious animal on the streets. I thank God for each of these little furry angels that we've been able to save and for His help, and yours, in allowing me to teach others about caring for their mascots. Animals are not more important than humans, but they are still an important part of God's creation. And, way back in Genesis, the Lord asked us to care for them and the planet that we all share, Genesis 2:15. The oldest profession on earth is that of gardener along with that of being an animal care worker.

A Few Words About Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission

2010-02-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

This ministry began more than twenty years ago and was born from much soul-searching, prayer and personal sacrifice. I remember that at the start, I would work two weekends a month in Mexico and then come back to the United States and I found myself telling God that I only wanted to go to Mexico on this bi-weekly basis. That lasted for about six months. I felt good about being a weekend missionary. There is really nothing wrong with that, the mission field needs all types of missionaries. But, as the Lord began to work on my heart, molding me to want to do more of His will than mine, then I began to sense a call, a leading and to know that He was aksing more of me that I thought He ever would. Eventually, I was asking God, 'when can I start living in Mexico?'

I knew it would be hard giving up my family and friends, and my pre-Mexican life in the north, but to be right with God, I had to allow Him to make this change happen. And, He did, I changed, grew and then I was able to see my future contained more than just my thoughts and ideas. Also, I could see that, even though I was not a great man, nor did I have any real extreme talents and even though I didn't even speak Spanish, true faith has a way of allowing us to clearly see things way before they happen. I knew that if God had called me, then, He also equipped me to be in Mexico and that everything would work out together for good. Over the years, it has.

The work here in Mexico, belongs to God and a lot of very good men and women, churches, and individuals. Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission, is so not just the work of one man. It's been team work since the very beginning. And, I deeply extend my most sincere thanks to all that have participated in the growth and establishing of this ministry. Without God bringing all of you along to help, nothing that has been done, would have ever been accomplished.

Thousands of souls have been saved, multi-thousands of Bibles have been given out, as well and thousands and thousands of Christian tracts, without mentioning the many other things that make up the outreaches of Rancho Santa Fe Mexico Mission. It's a great joy to be here and to continue this work of God's in San Vicente and surrounding pueblos and cities.

May God continue to use us as we go forward together to make this ministry even more effective that it ever has been.

God Bless You All.