Greetings in the powerful name of Jesus! As we prepare for one of the most celebrated days of the year, Easter, I want to remind you of a very important fact. As a believer, resurrection day means so much more than the commonly celebrated day to attend church, hunt Easter eggs, buy new clothes and have dinner with Momma & Daddy. It is the day that our savior, Jesus the Christ, defeated death, hell and the grave by openly triumphing over them all. Colosians 2:14-15 says, "He canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with it's binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross. (15) And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession." The greeting used by the first century church was simple. When meeting a fellow believer one simply said, HE IS RISEN! The reply was, HE IS RISEN IN DEED! There were no thoughts of Easter eggs or the latest fashions. Their primary and single minded purpose was to continue growing stronger in him, who was risen indeed!

Construction is well under way on Javier and Mily's house. (that is the correct spelling for Mily's name) As with many construction projects there is a certain amount of tearing out of the old before the new can be added. Isn't that much like our own lives. Doesn't the bible say something about "Old things have passed away, and behold all things have become new?" Well some things are certainly passing away and others are becoming new on the Argüello's house! To God be the Glory! We are so excited for them!

As you may remember, we are planning the 2nd Annual Ride For Hope. The dates for the ride will be October 10-20. As before, we will depart the Tuscaloosa area on Sunday afternoon for an overnight in Jackson, MS. Last year's ride was so memorable and any of you who enjoy motorcycles, serving others, and want to be a part of a missions trip, start planning now so you won't miss this great opportunity. You will need a passport so get yours ready now. October will be here before you know it.

In May of 2000 I made my first mission trip to Latin America by visiting Cuba. It completely changed my life and the life of my family. Part of getting ready for that trip was getting a Passport. On March 5th of this year that Passport expired. I thought about the many trips I've taken these last 10 years with it and looked at the stamps on it's pages. It has now expired and can no longer be used as legal identification. Each of us comes with an expiration date that only the Lord knows. I knew when I came out of Mexico on Feb 26th that I could never use it again. I had no regrets, for I have used it to travel to many parts of the world. I look forward now to the new one which will arrive in just a few days and to the places I will take it. When my body reaches it's expiration date, I want to be able to say to the Lord. I have no regrets. II Tim 4:7-8 says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. (8) Now there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing."

Jim &Pam Stockdale

I am happy to report to you that the airplane is airworthy for another year. Thanks to John Hudson and the great people at Grace Aviation we are in the air for another year. John is also Pastor of the 2nd Baptist Church in Kingstree, SC who graciously received me while I was there. Even though there was plenty of work to be done, it was done with a merry heart and all is well. It was a busy trip this year with a different speaking engagement nearly every night. I was excited to share in 3 meetings on Sunday and even had a chance to talk to a Motorcycle group on Monday night. Some of them are hoping to join the 2nd annual bike ride this year, which once again will be lead by Larry Biggers. They have aptly named the trip, "Ride for Hope." It is scheduled for the middle of October. If you're interested it will follow a very similar schedule as last year, a minimum of a 10 day ride. The distance makes it impossible to do an enjoyable ride any quicker.

Pam and I have been busily preparing for our next trip to Mexico. By the time this letter arrives in your mail box, Lord willing, we should be there. We plan to leave home this Friday (Feb 19) headed for Garland, TX (Dallas) to be with a dear church, Iglesia Sobre La Roca. They've been partners for many years. This year during our visit I will give them a full dose of Santiago (James) during the Spanish service and Pam will deliver an encouraging word to their English congregation. (They are a Spanish speaking church with an optional English service) This is one of the few churches we visit (in the U.S.) that during their main service (Spanish) there are not enough seats. People will be standing around the walls, excited to be there. The building will seat 300-350. Pastors Gabriel &Betty Morales have done an incredible job. I'm so excited about sharing the book of James with them. I had an opportunity to share it while in Kingstree, SC also. I love each time.

I am now well into James Chapter 2, learning it in English this time. As the Word grows inside of me I can sense God being able to communicate his will more and more. It is a powerful weapon! I am hoping to be ready to do an English presentation by June of this year. The next 3 months will pass whether I learn it or not, what a great investment into my own life. What greater gift could I give myself? I challenge you to take a few verses and learn them until you can quote them during your day. When stress and pressure start to push you around just start quoting the Word. It doesn't really matter what it's about, everything takes a back seat to the Word of God. You will be amazed how much better your days will pass if you just take a Gos-Pill.

Lord willing, Javier and Milly's house will be under construction by the time you receive this letter. I am so excited that they are going to receive the two new rooms and bathroom to their home that they have been patiently waiting on. The law of sowing and reaping is not a U.S. law, but rather it is a law in the Kingdom of God. Milly & Javier sowed seed in faith believing for this day and now we are so excited to be a part of their harvest. Did I tell you that the addition is already paid for? When we began to talk about those rooms being added and when they started sowing, we didn't have the money in our hands to do the work. Now, thank God the money is here! It is so exciting to be a facilitator in the hands of God! Thank you for helping us help others!

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

October 09

Have you ever considered yourself an enabler? Well, neither have I but it occurred to me this morning that we are just that. Through your partnership with this ministry we are enabling scores of children and adults to survive another day in an environment that is daily claiming lives. We enable children to escape the cold by providing warm clothes and hot meals. We enable them to hear about a better way and the hope of eternal life . You and I are enabling souls to discover that someone cared enough for them to leave his throne and come to offer the unattainable. Wow! Aren't you glad to be enabling someone? You are truly a world changer and are leaving a global footprint!

Pam and I have just returned from Mexico by motorcycle. What a trip it was. We were joined by some long time friends as well as some new ones. Thanks to Pastor Larry Biggers & wife Janet, from Northside Chapel, for planning & organizing the trip. We traveled over 2400 miles together with no incidents or major problems. Clark Goetting, Bill Berry, and Jeff Bagley helped make the trip a success.

They all sacrificed their time, effort and money to go with us. Upon arriving at the feeding centers, each of them were smitten by the love they felt from our children. At each place we visited we made commitments and investments that show that our love and concern, is more words. At Tanquecito we worked on lighting, and painting. Again, enabling children to enjoy the best we can provide. From Tanquecito we went to a new location called Loma Linda. In English, this is Pretty Hill. However, there is nothing pretty about it outside of the needy children and mothers we found waiting there. Again, enabling more children to find a new hope We committed to invest our time, effort and money into them by opening our fourth center in Saltillo.

From Loma Linda we visited Omega. As did Tanquecito, they blessed us with a beautifully rehearsed program that showed their love and gratitude. Each of those who came with us were in tears as the children, many of whom were crying as they worshipped God, sang, danced, and spoke with us. They presented us with rocks which they had each found, washed, painted and signed. Pam will put them in her garden so that she can pray for each child by name as she walks and prays. (Something she does daily) Unknown to Omega, a couple of months ago Pam asked me if we could bring rocks from Saltillo with the children's names on them for that purpose.

I had not mentioned the idea to anyone. Is God great or what? Again, we committed to close the windows and doors there by starting with 3 windows on the north side of the building. By faith, we will complete all the windows and doors before winter. Once again enabling the children to have a warm place to enjoy their worship, lessons and meal.

So, as you can now see, you and I are enablers, but don't fear, we are in good company. I recall the words of Paul "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry...And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (1Ti 1:12-14) Jesus himself is an enabler and it is by his grace that he has enabled us, to help others succeed! Thank you so much for your help!

To see a video of this trip go to http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6267830/16265760

Blessings,

Jim & Pam

Dear Friend,

I have been sitting here in my office reading over some old newsletters I’ve written through the past few years. I came upon the letter I wrote for Aug of 2005. It was the letter about visiting Saltillo for the first time and meeting Javier and Millie and their family. Little did I know then what would develop over the next few years. I know that God ordered my steps on that first visit. I can still see the tears in the eyes of the Argüello’s the first time I told them about our desire to help children. It seems like only last year we began… I received a letter from a dear friend and mentor last month who also works in Mexico, and he was asking God for 8 more years, to do the work he is doing there. At that time he will be 80 years old and will have been in MX 40 years. Wow! Larry Myers you are an inspiration to all who know you! I only need 30 more years to catch up! I began thinking about all the changes he’s seen over the years and how many young strutting peacock missionaries he has seen who were going to change things and do it better, yet with the patience of Job, Larry has stayed faithful to his vision and call to build churches and people. One at a time he has built congregations and buildings all over Mexico, while the strutting peacocks got tired and moved on to something that paid better or was the latest fad.

You and I are building our legacy now. Together, each time we feed one more child, preach one more message, or help one more person find their place in life, we are putting another piece of history in place, at which we can someday look back at with joy to have made a difference in so many lives. I fully expect to someday participate in ordination services, business grand openings, and attend college graduations for children who have passed through our doors. We aren’t just buying another meal for these kids; we are opening a door of hope and a way of escape from the vicious cycle they are trapped in. To make a positive change in someone’s life is a powerful and serious thing. We are thankful to God for having been given the chance to make a difference.

By the time this letter arrives in your mail box, Pam and I will be in Mexico. Today is Wednesday, July 22, and we are leaving on Friday morning. We have one student who is coming for a week and will arrive on Sunday. We will be there and ready to receive her when she arrives. She will spend the week with us and help with us with the feeding centers, work in the youth group, and have some classroom time with Pam and me. She will be there to get a taste of Missions and what it could mean for her life. She will be making some big decisions in the next few years and we want to have a positive influence on those decisions. This will be the first LAMP student, although in an abbreviated course. We will also be taking a dear lady from our Hispanic group who has worked with us on many occasions before and will be a HUGE blessing to Pam in the area of translation. Pam and she are a great preaching team and I will be able to set back and listen to some fine preaching.

We have been in South Dakota this month and enjoyed a working vacation in Pierre. We were blessed to be with the Perryman’s and Tabernacle of Praise. This church and pastor have been a great blessing to our work and we thank them for their monthly support and their generosity while we were there.
Keep pressing on and someday we will look back at the many lives we have helped together!
Your Friends,
Jim and Pam Stockdale

May O9

It is so easy to focus on what the news media tells us is happening in our country but consider this. The unemployment rate in the US is only 3% higher than it was before we entered what the news media calls “the worst recession since the great depression.” Unemployment in the US is at 8.5 % currently. In 1982, unemployment was at 10% and home mortgage interest was at 17%. Today’s interest rates are at or near an all time low at just 4 3/8%. (Dave Ramsey) This is not a time to be fearful and afraid. One of the greatest weapons the Devil has always used against God’s people has been fear. How many times did God say “Fear not” to the nation of Israel? There are over 365 fear not references in the bible. That’s one for every day. You can count on the Devil to blow things out of proportion and try to make you fearful. The opposite of faith is not doubt, it is fear! Fear will cause you to do things that you would never do walking in faith. Perfect love casts out fear! The trump card over fear is the love of God. His love is too much for fear to handle!


So, if you want to make a statement in the face of fear, continue doing something for someone else out of the love of God that abides in you. I guarantee that you will feel faith rising up within you as you do, and you will soon overcome the trap that the enemy has set for you. It sounds to me like the Devil is up to his same old tricks, Fear tactics. Don’t believe it! Even if this was the worst time since the great depression, does that change God or his promise? A thousand times no! “Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and He is revealing through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2Co 2:14


I was blessed to baptize 3 new converts this month in Tuscaloosa. We not only get to work out of the country, but are also privileged to bring the good news to people right here in Alabama. Everywhere we go we find people in need of the love of God. We are sowing seeds into many different nations. We have ministered to people from Mexico, Guatemala, Columbia, Cuba, Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Honduras, and even the U.S. What a small world it has become. We are endeavoring to make a global footprint.


These two little guys pictured here are bowing their heads as we say the blessing over the food about to be received. This is the highly coveted “private table” at the Omega feeding center. The children race to be the first ones to arrive and by doing so, get to be one of the two special ones who sit here. I was touched by their sincerity as the blessing was being offered for the food. Are you still grateful enough for the blessings in your life that you take time to bow your head and offer thanks for the food he has provided you?

The change boxes are still doing a marvelous job of collecting change for the children. Pam and I still go once a week and collect the money. It is long days spent on the road right here in Tuscaloosa, and then still more time counting the change but we are happy to do it to see the smiling faces on children who would otherwise not have a hot meal. If you are interested in helping us, we have a great plan to help your church or group raise money. Please contact me to learn more.
God bless you as you continue to give out of the love in your heart for the work we are doing. We value every partner and pray for you daily. May the God of peace keep you and bless you,

Your Friends,
Jim and Pam Stockdale

Lift

The law of gravity has existed on earth since the first day of creation. It is the force that holds everything in its place. Because of gravity, water stays in the oceans and rivers and not in the sky, rocks are either on the ground or falling back to the ground. Gravity keeps you and me from floating off into space. It really is a good thing. Although mans first flight was not officially accomplished until December 17, 1903, the law that allows it to happen has been here since the dawn of time. Air flowing around an airfoil is subject to the Laws of Motion discovered by Sir Isaac Newton. This air flow causes an equal and opposite reaction, as stated in Newton's Third Law and in this case, it produces lift. The law of lift for an airplane is really rather simple. Air flowing over the wing's upper surface accelerates as it passes along the shape of the wing. The result is a decrease in pressure on the upper surface of the wing which results in the phenomenon known as lift.
Ok...so what's this about? Each of us faces discouragements and setbacks in our lives, jobs, families, relationships, churches, ministries, etc. While the devil is busy attacking us and trying to pull us down, Jesus has made a way of escape for us. He gave us his Word. We can rise above our circumstances by using the Word of God as a law of lift in our lives. Are you speaking what you know is true, based on God's word? Or, are you repeating what the world is screaming at you? You can say "well our church never taught us to guard our speech" if you want to, but consider the following. For as long as gravity has held everything down, lift has been available, but unused by man until 1903. Birds have been using it since the fifth day of creation and would pay little heed to any warning from man that flight is impossible.
As I speed down the runway, in my airplane, at 65 mph you could race along beside me in your car screaming "it'll never work, it's impossible to fly!" At that point I have the option to believe you or to believe what I know to be true about lift. I can choose to speed headlong into the trees at the end of the runway, or I can pull back on the controls and soar off the same runway and over the obstacles looming ahead.

I encourage you to dust off that bible you've had tucked away and embrace it as you would the Law of Lift if you were trying to fly...for indeed, that's what we are trying to do. I believe I can fly!
Blessings,
Jim