We have been blessed by many visitors this month. Rebecca's sister and brother in law were visiting last week and left yesterday. On Saturday, about 14 fellow Mennonites from Chihuahua came to visit for the afternoon. Tomorrow, 4 young people from the States arrive to visit for a week. On Thursday, Ben Yoder, a DNI board member, arrives for a few days of preaching and scoping out things at the ministry.

As more children have been coming to the orphanage, it has become necessary to add a new bathroom. We hired our neighbor to build it who started the construction at the end of last week.

Today, Rod and Christa and their family left for Hermosillo, Mexico. They plan to go to the American Consulate to get a passport for Grace. You can pray that they would be successful.

The orphanage recently purchased a ministry vehicle. It is a mini-van and has already been a blessing.

Monday. December 28th. We as a ministry got together on Christmas Eve. We had a Christmas play put together by Suzanne and Lacey, a supper (snack), and a gift exchange. We had a fun night. Lenn's parents and brother and wife came to visit December 19th-26th. We had a good time with them.

As for the well drilling, we just hit water in a well on Thursday. Praise the Lord for that!

Friday. December 18th. Yesterday evening, Social Services brought two new children to the orphanage---Mariela (9 years old), and Fernando (7 years old). They seem to be doing very well already. Pray for God's grace as they adjust to this big change in their lives.

Wednesday. December 16th. Last week, the Jim Hershey family visited the Mexico team. (Jim and his son Milton drove the well drilling rig down earlier this year.) We had a great time with them.

Thursday. December 3rd. My dad and I went to Mochis with Rebecca, Rhonda, Lacey, Scott, and Bryant to apply for their visa. There were a few glitches, but praise God, we got the visa applications finished.

Our outdoor eating area was finished yesterday. We plan to eat outside now since it is getting pretty tight inside.

Tuesday. December 1st. Today, DIF arrived with a new person to put in the orphanage. She is 13 years old and her name is Hermelinda. Please pray for her in this adjustment phase.

Thursday. November 26th. Thanksgiving isn't a holiday generally celebrated in Choix. But we do. Today, we had great meals, fun, and fellowship.

Wednesday. November 25th. Loren and Donna Yoder and family left to the States for a three month furlough. Please pray for safe travels, good times with relatives and friends, and for those of us who are filling in for them during their absence. They will be greatly missed.

Sunday. November 22nd. Praise the Lord, we had another baptism at the river. Two weeks before, Baldo and Gris (husband and wife) accepted the Lord and wanted to be baptized. The baptism was well attended and very encouraging. Then there was a fellowship meal at the orphanage for those who went.

Sunday. November 15th. At about 7:00 AM, 80 of us from the Choix/San Pedro church loaded up and headed for Ahome. Ahome is about 2 1/2 hours away and our church was invited by another mennonite church to join them for some special services with a guest speaker from a neighboring state, and a fellowship meal. We had a good encouraging time of fellowship with fellow believers.

Friday. November 6. Tuesday evening, Social Services brought two children (brother and sister) that they wanted to put in the orphanage---Esmeralda (12 years old) and Jesus (10 years old). They are from about 2 1/2 hours away and are here on a trial basis. Please pray that they would settle in here and get used to living in a totally different place.

Lenn and Jesse are working on digging a well about a 40 minute drive away from the orphanage. They hit rock they couldn't break so they had to start a new hole. When changing locations, a thorn bush trunk punctured a tire of the rig, so they are working on getting that fixed. Overall, this well does not seem to be going good, so please pray for grace and patience for Lenn and Jesse as they continue on.

Please pray for some visa and legal issues as we face some difficulties.

Tyrzah and Debbie are doing well overall. Debbie is getting back into normal routine again. Thanks for your prayers for them.

The boys of the orphanage are almost done harvesting their sesame seed crop. Due to lack of rain when there should have been, and too much rain when their should not have been, various people lost some or all of their crop. But thanks to the Lord, the boys and the neighbor that helped them had a decent harvest.

Loren and Donna Yoder and their family plan to go back to the States at the end of November on a three month furlough. Please pray that they would be able to prepare adequately for the trip.

Friday. October 16. Tirzah Hope was born early this morning at 2:54 AM to Lenn and Debbie Miller. Praise the Lord, everything went well with the midwife and homebirth. Lenn went to bring the midwife and they got to the house at 2:20 AM. Half an hour later, Tirzah was born.

Thursday. October 15. Rod and Christa and their family, as well as Lacey Yoder and Bryant Stoltzfus got to Choix safely. Bryant is going to be working with Johan and Scott at the boys' dorm room, and Lacey will be helping out at the orphanage with cooking, laundry, etc.

Tuesday. September 29. On September 11, Rebecca Duerst arrived safely to the orphanage. Welcome to the team Rebecca. Our trip to Mexico city went well. We left Wednesday morning and got back 13 days later on Monday afternoon. There was some sickness on the trip which wasn't fun, but we had a good time. We went to museums about the history of Mexico, different cultures of Mexico, science, and astronomy. We also went to an amusement park and zoo. While we were gone, DIF brought another girl named Marcela. She is 4 years old and may be with us for longer term. Pray for her as she adjusts to the orphanage.

Tuesday. September 15. Independance day in Mexico! In the afternoon, the whole team went to the center of town where various children raced in foot races. In the evening, a bunch of people gathered in front of the "Palacio Municipal" (county's government office building) to listen to live music and watch the winners recieve their prizes. It was a fun event.

Thursday. September 10. We had a change of plans in regard to the Mexico City trip. The day before we left, the pump in our well quit working. So, Lenn and Scott started to work on the pump,, but weren't able to get things going on Tuesday. So, we delayed the trip one day, and on Wednesday, Lenn and Scott continued to work on it. Finally, they did get it going well, but there was another problem. On Wednesday, we found out there was flooding in Mexico City due to a huge rain on Sunday. So, we decided to put the trip off 1 week. Hopefully, we can leave on Wednesday, September 16th. Proverbs 16:9 (New King James Version) A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Tuesday. September 8. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we plan to leave for Mexico City! Please pray: That it would be an enjoyable, educational, and peaceful trip; that we would be witnesses along the way; that we could grow in our relationship with the Lord and each other as we will be in tight quarters. We plan to be gone: September 9th - September 22nd. Those who are going are: Lenn, Sam, Johan, Scott, Ian, Teodoro, Diego, Leobardo, Miguel, and Domingo.

Tricia Kennell's 1 year term working with the church plant ends next Tuesday. Pray for her as she says goodbyes, as well as for those here who have to say goodbyes.

Rebecca Duerst plans to arrive in Choix on September 11th. We are all excited about her joining the team!

UPDATE FROM ROD AND CHRISTA SCHWARTZ We are still in PA but on Wednesday we will travel three hours to my family in OH for about two weeks. Christa is doing better, PTL, but still isn't able to do a whole lot of physical work without getting really tired and wiped out. So I try to make sure she gets a good nap and doesn't do a lot at one time. We are enjoying time with family and some fun times with just our little family. Gracie is doing really well---she sleeps all night from 9:30 - 4:30 and is really happy for the most part. She smiles and smiles, and we have tried so many times to capture her when she is smiling but haven't been able to snap any good pictures yet. Thanks for your prayers to all who have been praying. We feel very blessed and loved. God is so good. Blessings, Rod

LOREN AND DONNA YODER'S NEWSLETTER To our dear family and friends, Greetings from the land of Mexico, which will be celebrating its independence in about a week. There are decorations going up, school children are preparing to perform, and our boys are practicing for the foot races. As I think back over the last couple of months, I can only wonder what the next couple of months will hold. Loren continues to visit people - in their homes, at their place of business, or in jail. He finished preaching through the sermon on the mount. (Matt. 5, 6 and 7). Recently he has spent a good deal of time on a paper that gives Biblical answers to why we believe that baptism is a step of obedience and not our salvation. There is a group here that would believe that we can not be saved without being baptized and only if it's done in a certain way. The end of May we had an anointing with oil for a baptized brother who had been losing blood. He said he felt more at peace afterward. There was not an evident, instantaneous healing but over the next couple of weeks the bleeding did decrease and then stop. He gives God the glory for healing him and it was an encouragement to all of us. A Friday night in June we had a street meeting of sorts in front of our house. We live right by a main road where there is lots of car and foot traffic. Rod had organized the singing which was mostly accompanied by guitar and accordion. After a group of songs we had Bible verses (taken from the Bible on tape) which Ian put words or pictures to on a big screen. In July we planned a "carry in" for ladies. After eating and a few games, I talked about our clothes and what the Bible has to say. A store kindly allowed me to use their mannequin to model some outfits. Suzanne (Lenn and Debbie's daughter) had added material to the bottom of 6 miniskirts. These, along with some other clothes were given away at the end. Rod and Christa Schwartz were blessed with a little girl. Due to fever and infection, their family returned to the states for any needed treatment and recovery. Christa is doing better but still needs lots of rest. We all miss them but will gladly wait until Christa is feeling well enough to return. There is something special about baptisms. It is easier to "pray" a prayer but when someone is willing and ready to take the step of baptism, it would seem they are serious with God. In August, a baptism took place with five people being baptized. Mario - A 13 year old boy who has since started middle school. He has shown a willingness to share his faith. Martin - A middle aged man who knew a lot about the Bible and God brought him to the point of repentance. He has since quit smoking, cut his hair, and is developing more patience with the people around him. Reina - Martin's wife. She was raised in a Christian home. She committed/recommitted herself to Christ and was baptized the second time because she said she had not repented before her first baptism. Roxina - a 14 year old girl from the Children's home. She had expressed an interest in accepting Christ, so Suzanne took her through a basic Bible study and at the end she did decide to become a Christian. Leobardo - a 13 year old boy from the children's home. He also expressed an interest in accepting Christ and went through the Bible study. Our family spent a fun week at the Children's home while Lenn's family took a vacation. I especially enjoyed spending time with the children there. While we were there a 3 day old baby arrived which was quite exciting for everyone. Last Monday our family went to the river. Because of recent rain, it had quite a current and was fairly deep in some places. Loren and I took turns being with the children and reading and resting. It was a relaxing day and we arrived home weary but refreshed. ( If that is possible) We continue to have church services in Choix and San Pedro. With the baptism of Martin and Reina, it looks like God might be opening the door in their village as well. It's neat to see Martin and Reina inviting their friends to a Bible study that Loren is starting in their village of Guadalupe. Thank you for your friendship, your prayers, and your support. This is God's church plant and you are a very important part of it. As you pray, God works. Donna for the Yoder's

Friday. September 4. Last Saturday, we got a new addition to the orphanage. Her name is Katalina. She is 28 years old, but is mentally handicapped. Pray for her as she gets used to living at the orphanage.

On Monday, Social Services told us that Marianna's mom didn't want her baby adopted out (read the second entry on August 29), so it looks like she may be at the orphanage longer term. Please pray that the Lord's will would be done in her life.

Lenn and Debbie had an ultrasound done, and found out that Debbie is going to have a girl! The doctor said that her due-date is October 11th.

The trip to Mexico city nears. (If you have read past posts, you will know that Lenn, Sam, Scott, Ian, Teo, Diego, Leobardo, Miguel, and Domingo are planning to go on a field trip to Mexico city.) We are planning to go sometime next week, Lord willing. We plan to be gone for at least 2 weeks and visit historical sights, fun museums, and do other enjoyable things with the boys. Please pray for safety.

Saturday. August 29. The Millers got back from their vacation on Monday night. They had a good time with Lenn's parents at the Mexico/USA boarder.

DIF (Social Services) showed up last Friday with a 3 day-old baby girl. Her mom didn't want her and DIF is wanting to adopt her out. So she may be here only for a time. As of yet, the baby doesn't have a name but we are calling her Marianna.

Praise God, we had a big rain on Wednesday! It was the biggest rain this year. Then on Friday, we had another good rain.

Friday. August 14. Lenn and Debbie Miller and family leave for a 10 day vacation next Tuesday, Lord willing. Thanks to Loren and Donna Yoder who are willing to fill in for them at the orphanage while they are gone.

Praise God! Roxina made a decision to become a Christian. (To read more about Roxina, go to "Meet the Children!" page.)

This Sunday, we plan to have a baptism. Please pray for Martin and Reina, Mario, and Roxina, that they would have a memorable day.

Lenn and Jesse have completed another well. The finished depth is 153 ft.

Friday. August 7. There is a baptism planned for August 16. Please pray for those considering baptism and for their walk with the Lord.

Rod and Christa and family are now together in Virginia. Please pray for their continued recovery.

Wednesday. August 5. I can't believe what I'm just about to write to you. Oh me of little faith. We have just experienced a miracle plain and simple. Christa was released from the hospital this morning with the report that the infection is gone. Her temp, and increased heartrate the last few days proves that she still had it in her when we got here, and today. Nothing. I don't know where to start. This afternoon Christa went to another doctor at the women's health center which is associated with Phoenix Baptist Hospital, kinda for a second opinion and to get some more advise and stuff about recovery and what to expect as far as recovery time. The 2 doctors at the ER last night and the doctor today all say that she can't expect to be back to normal for about 6 months and that we should'nt expect to return to Mexico for at least 3 months. Her body was through so much shock and pain along with the huge loss of blood from the delivery and D and C, then to top it off the infection was raging inside her for way to long and has really done a toll on her body. They also all say, along with a specialist that they sent the report to, that it just dos'nt make sense that her vitals are good today and they mentioned miracle as well. PTL ! ! ! Christa is still very weak and needs lots of rest. We are planning on leaving Phoenix in the next few days, for Virginia where the rest of our kids are. Donna, Kassie, Alyssa and Dylan all left today for Virginia and we had a ticket for Kyle as well but during the night he started with a high fever and vomited 7 times throughout the morning, so we cancelled his ticket and he will go back with us. Please continue to pray for us as we travel back east and do a follow up doctor visit there, and then figure out the best way to get a good amount of rest and healthy down time for Christa, and all of us for that matter. This two weeks of 3-4 hour of sleep a night is taking its toll on my body as well, and it's starting to shut down a bit, not to steal the thunder or anything. :) That's about it, thanks again sooo much for all your prayers and concern. And Praise the Lord together with us at this miracle that He has done. Blessings, Rod

Friday. July 31. We are thankful that Christa Schwartz is at home again after an overnight stay at El Fuerte due to an infection of the uterus. Please pray for her continual recovery.

Praise the Lord that Lenn Miller had a good trip to the States, and is now back home. He had gone up to Ohio to renew his driver's licence.

Friday. July 24. The same well is still being worked on. They are at about 140 feet deep and getting 5 gallons a minute.

Grace (Gracia) Karina Schwartz was born on July 22nd at 12:45 a.m. She was born in town at the Choix hospital. She weighed 7.2 lbs, and measured 22 inches.

Friday. July 10. We are still waiting on rain. The last week or so, it has threatened to rain various times, but has only drizzled or just dropped its precious cargo on the adjacent mountains. Pray that the Lord would bring the rain in His timing.

Rod and Christa are anxiously awaiting a new arrival in their family! Pray that the Lord would give Christa strength when the time comes.

Thursday. July 9. Sam returned from an 11 day vacation in the States. Welcome back!

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