April 2025 Newsletter
April 2024 Newsletter
Luke 10:37 The man replied, ”the one who showed mercy.”
Hello Friends,
Our home build season has come to an end until October. Looking back over the last couple months, we have seen what God has shown us through it all. We are in the 21st century and there are still people without a toilet, and many without showers. Most of the families we built for this year, their current home did not have a bathroom, and many had large families. It is 2025 and they were still using a pail to do their business in, and showers were taken in the dark outside. Now that is rough when the outside temps are in the 40s! One of the last homes we finished, the mother was beyond happy to see a working shower.
Sometimes I will ask God in my devotions, Lord, why? And are you watching this? Jesus said in the gospels of Matthew 26:11 and Mark 14:7, you will always have the poor amongst you. But why? One reason he has shown me this is that we will always have the rich with us as well. And many of the rich, middle class, or poor will be willing to drop a few bucks to help out, as long as it doesn't disrupt our savings accounts. We see the need and have PITY for the downcast. Luke 10:30-37 is a very well known story of the Good Samaritan. The first one to cross his path was a temple priest…someone in charge of taking care of business in the religious temple. The second was a temple assistant there to help the first guy, very religious and pious. Being religious, they passed on by and left the poor guy laying in the ditch. Then comes the despised Samaritan, the lowest of lows according to the people of that day. And yet, he bends over and shows COMPASSION. He gives all he has and offers more if it is not enough. Pity is seeing and feeling terrible that something needs to be done, and then crossing to the other side. Compassion is what Jesus, our model does. He sees the need and takes care of the situation. What I get from the story of the Good Samaritan is: I need to quit being that religious person, and start becoming more like the Good Samaritan. In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Jesus was the father of comfort and compassion. In Matthew 14:12-21, Jesus heard about his good friend, John the Baptist, who was beheaded by the king. He left with the disciples to a solitary place to be alone, but seeing the need of the people, he stopped and had compassion on them. Religiousness needs to be put to the curb, and the compassion of Jesus needs to be put to work. I need to quit being religious and become more like our Saviour.
After all, it is the 21st century, and buckets are still being used for toilets.
We received a letter from one of the schools in San Luis. Their school band department has been robbed of almost all the musical instruments. Someone broke in and took the majority of the band's equipment. They have asked if there is anything we could do to help. This summer we will be fundraising and asking for donated instruments to help these kids get back in class and make music again. If there is anyone out there who would know of an outlet for used band equipment, it would be greatly appreciated. Or, if anyone has musical instruments that are collecting dust in a closet, we sure could arrange to get the donation to the school. I have a complete list from the school and will gladly share upon request.
The student ministry is under the strong leadership of Moses and Angelica Leon at the moment. Kelly and I will have more time this summer to be involved with this group of amazing students.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for us as we seek a younger couple to come alongside us for help with the ministry. This summer we will be diligently looking for this mission minded couple.
Financial support for the summer months.
Direction as Kelly and I pray for the future.
Love you,
Curt and Kelly VanEkeren
Luke 10:37 The man replied, ”the one who showed mercy.”
Hello Friends,
Our home build season has come to an end until October. Looking back over the last couple months, we have seen what God has shown us through it all. We are in the 21st century and there are still people without a toilet, and many without showers. Most of the families we built for this year, their current home did not have a bathroom, and many had large families. It is 2025 and they were still using a pail to do their business in, and showers were taken in the dark outside. Now that is rough when the outside temps are in the 40s! One of the last homes we finished, the mother was beyond happy to see a working shower.
Sometimes I will ask God in my devotions, Lord, why? And are you watching this? Jesus said in the gospels of Matthew 26:11 and Mark 14:7, you will always have the poor amongst you. But why? One reason he has shown me this is that we will always have the rich with us as well. And many of the rich, middle class, or poor will be willing to drop a few bucks to help out, as long as it doesn't disrupt our savings accounts. We see the need and have PITY for the downcast. Luke 10:30-37 is a very well known story of the Good Samaritan. The first one to cross his path was a temple priest…someone in charge of taking care of business in the religious temple. The second was a temple assistant there to help the first guy, very religious and pious. Being religious, they passed on by and left the poor guy laying in the ditch. Then comes the despised Samaritan, the lowest of lows according to the people of that day. And yet, he bends over and shows COMPASSION. He gives all he has and offers more if it is not enough. Pity is seeing and feeling terrible that something needs to be done, and then crossing to the other side. Compassion is what Jesus, our model does. He sees the need and takes care of the situation. What I get from the story of the Good Samaritan is: I need to quit being that religious person, and start becoming more like the Good Samaritan. In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Jesus was the father of comfort and compassion. In Matthew 14:12-21, Jesus heard about his good friend, John the Baptist, who was beheaded by the king. He left with the disciples to a solitary place to be alone, but seeing the need of the people, he stopped and had compassion on them. Religiousness needs to be put to the curb, and the compassion of Jesus needs to be put to work. I need to quit being religious and become more like our Saviour.
After all, it is the 21st century, and buckets are still being used for toilets.
We received a letter from one of the schools in San Luis. Their school band department has been robbed of almost all the musical instruments. Someone broke in and took the majority of the band's equipment. They have asked if there is anything we could do to help. This summer we will be fundraising and asking for donated instruments to help these kids get back in class and make music again. If there is anyone out there who would know of an outlet for used band equipment, it would be greatly appreciated. Or, if anyone has musical instruments that are collecting dust in a closet, we sure could arrange to get the donation to the school. I have a complete list from the school and will gladly share upon request.
The student ministry is under the strong leadership of Moses and Angelica Leon at the moment. Kelly and I will have more time this summer to be involved with this group of amazing students.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for us as we seek a younger couple to come alongside us for help with the ministry. This summer we will be diligently looking for this mission minded couple.
Financial support for the summer months.
Direction as Kelly and I pray for the future.
Love you,
Curt and Kelly VanEkeren