September 2024 Newsletter

Hebrews 13:16
And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need.
These are the sacrifices that please God.


Hello Friends,
 
Thought it was time to sit down and share a little information about our summer activity. It's been a different summer for us here in Arizona. We made two trips back to the Midwest for fundraising, and we had the chance to visit with a ton of our supporters. It was great to connect with all of you!  

This summer we had the opportunity to help several ministries in Mexico with some service projects. Cristina’s church received a new paint job and some repairs on the roof and ceiling in the Sunday school room. We helped Pastor Miguel get the ministry house on his church property painted and repaired. We also helped Adrian from Casa Hojar with finishing his family home with repairs and updates.

The student group never ceases to amaze us! We had some students graduate this year, and we also brought some new students onboard. Thank you to all the sponsors who have loved these kids and helped get them an education. We are always looking to increase our scholarship funds, so if you feel led to donate, It would be greatly appreciated. The tuition for some of the students is a little expensive for couples to swing on their own. 
Our student meetings are incredible!  Seeing students who were just young kids when we met them, now bringing their own families to the meetings, is so heartwarming. Hearing about their careers and family life is a huge blessing to us. Angelica and Moses, the couple helping with the student ministry, have turned almost the entire meetings over to the students. We are learning about fears, and then discussing how we deal with fears. We also discuss topics such as adversity, family issues, and raising kids. This whole group is amazing, and it is so rewarding to watch them as they mature in life and in their faith. 

This year we have six houses on the schedule to complete, as well as a possible kitchen to build for another ministry in San Luis. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we move toward this season of the year.  The windows and some building materials we buy on the U.S. side are being crossed. The National Guard on the Mexican side has taken over the border crossing, and we are now being searched and charged for everything being crossed.

One of our ongoing concerns is the protection of the ministry house. We were shown God's hand of protection last week. Memo was outside watering the trees, and he said two military trucks pulled up in front. He said he thought they just stopped to take a break, until the Captain got out and approached the front gate. Memo nervously went to the gate to greet the man and asked if he could help. The Captain said that we heard the people who own this house help people in Mexico. “Yes”, Memo said. The Captain proceeded to tell Memo that his troops
sleep in the desert at night with no sleeping bags or beds, and wondered if these people would have some they could donate? Memo said he would ask us, took the Captain’s phone number, and said he would get back to him after he talked to us. Kelly and I cleaned the closet out and donated all our sleeping bags and 8 army cots for the troops. Memo called him and they came to pick them up last week. They were so grateful for a place to sleep besides the back of a hard truck.
When we talked with Memo this week, he said they have been parking one truck on the back of the house, and one on the side during the days. Memo said he didn't think anyone would mess with the ministry house with two dozen soldiers on the streets nearby. One act of kindness goes a long way!

Thank you for all your prayers as Kelly and I walk through this time dealing with some medical issues. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Other prayer requests: 
Continued financial support for the ministry
That we can replenish our scholarship fund for education
For help with the ministry moving forward
Endurance to finish what God has started 

Love you all,
Curt and Kelly VanEkeren