Happy New Year!
If 2010 passes as quickly as 2009 did, maybe I should start by saying Merry Christmas. It will, after all, be here before we know it.
This month has passed quickly. For those of you who receive the email update (if you don't but would like to receive it simply go to www.latinamericanministry.org and sign up for it) you saw
the video of my most recent trip to Saltillo with long time friend Jerry Jett. Jerry is founder and President of Harvest International Ministries. (The video is attached with this posting) He was a great blessing on the trip and was blessed having been there. His love and genuine concern for our work was evident through his ministry's participation and partnership.
Pam and her father, James Lott, spent many hours cutting, sanding, and varnishing small crosses to give each of our children in Mexico. I was able to take them on this trip and personally put them around the necks of many of the children. They seemed to be truly grateful.
The little girl pictured here had a cross of her own which I saw her playing with during the presentation of the new ones. After lunch was finished and the children were leaving, she came up to me and said she wanted to give me something. I opened my hand and she placed her little cross in it. It had a metal ring attached to it so I put it on my airplane keys to remind me to pray for her. Her name is America.
The windows are being installed in Omega even as I write this letter. I am truly thankful to all who helped pay for them. We are now starting on the 5 doors and believe that before winter is over we will be able to close and lock them to protect the few possessions they have.
In January of 2009, Millie gave a special offering in faith and wrote a small note to herself reminding her that she had given that offering as a seed for their house to be finished. (she told me this after I told her what I'm about to tell you) While we were there Jerry asked me what he could do for this Pastor and family who have been so faithful to the call of God on their lives. I quickly told him we had been hoping to complete Javier & Millie's house with the two bedrooms and bathroom that they had started years ago but had never been able to complete. Without a moments hesitation he said, "consider it done!" When I told Javier and Milly, they were so excited. That's when Millie told me about her seed. I tell you this, simply to remind you, what you have given in faith as a seed, don't stop believing in God's ability to, not only repay you, but to go far beyond. No farmer sows a field expecting to only recover his seed. James said the farmer sows, and patiently waits for the rains & harvest.
I hope you will plan to make a trip to Mexico with us in 2010. We hope to be there many times this year, Lord willing and would love to have you with us. Blessings and peace in all you do in the Kingdom of God this year.
To all our partners, you can expect your 2009 donation statement in next month's news letter. If you need it before that time, I would be more than happy to send it to you early. We are truly thankful for your support this year.
If you would like to sponsor a child for $30.00 a month you may do so through our on line secure payment link which uses PayPal or you may mail your check to: Latin American Ministry, 8317 Meadowlake Dr. W, Northport, AL 35476
Your Friends, Jim and Pam Stockdale
