James 2:14-20
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

We all have times in our lives when we feel tired, discouraged, and sorry for ourselves. Well, today I had a lesson I will never forget. I stopped by a pastor’s house in San Luis and talked to his wife. She became emotional as she shared about a mom in their church who started coming six months back. This mom has two special needs kids and has a very difficult life caring for these children in poor living conditions. However, she has kept coming to church faithfully, and they can see Jesus transforming her and her children. This family shows up at every activity at the church, even if they have to walk, and you can imagine how hard it would be to walk in the deep sand, with two special needs kids in tow. Over the last few months, the transformation has been amazing. This hardworking mom is the first to reach in her pocket when there is a need in the church. The pastor’s wife shared that when she is feeling sorry for herself, she remembers this mom and her struggles, and says to herself, “I don’t have it so bad.” She said, every time I have a little pity for myself, I think about this mom and the challenges she faces every day. The pastor’s wife asked me, who is that person in your life, Curt, that makes you stop and remember all your blessings?  By now we both stood at the gate and we were in tears. My heart had been pierced. She said that is why God puts these people in our lives, to remind us to be thankful and to continue serving. We hugged for a long time and I left with a life lesson, and a huge echoing in my head: Who is that person in my life?  Do I really have it so bad?
With this being said, and with the Casa Board approval, we will build this family a new home.  Jorge and Memo are starting on the septic tank and cement work this week. There will be some added costs to accommodate wheelchair accessibility for this home. We know this will be life-changing for this family and we are so thankful for the opportunity to share with them the goodness of God. If you would like to donate toward the cost of this home, please visit our website at: christiansinmexico.org
or mail your check to: Casa’s Homes of Hope, PO Box 4671, Yuma, AZ 85365.

Student Ministry Update

Almost 11 years ago, we started with one student in our education ministry. As the years have passed, we have added, subtracted, and added students again. One thing I have always said was I hope I live long enough to see the fruit of this ministry. The past couple months have been an eye opener for us to see what these students have accomplished. I cannot name them all, but am going to touch on a few this month, and more as time goes on. One of our quiet students, Fabricio, never said much, but was always there. He just received his certificate in Architecture.  Yahir has been studying law and had the opportunity to work in the local court system for a few months. He is now finishing up his last year at the university. One of our students in the past said she did not like to be around people. Adrianna is now doing her internship work as a psychologist. I was at the orphanage the other day and the director told me about a young lady with a loving heart and a listening ear. I came to find out at the end of the conversation, it was Adrianna. America graduated from high school, completed her year of service and received her General Nursing Certificate, then Covid hit. She has been working at various hospitals in San Luis for the past year taking care of Covid patients and others. America will soon be attending a university to continue her medical studies.  One of our nurse university graduates, Yosadhara, is working full time in one of the clinics in San Luis. Three of our young ladies have graduated this year from high school and are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives. Please pray for continued support for all of these young adults, and for God's guidance in what is in store for them in the future.
Please keep us in your prayers as summer approaches, and new challenges are brought to us with the summer heat.  Also, please pray for continued support and for good health.
Love you all,
Curt and Kelly