Bible Study and potluck

Our Bible Study has begun at CHI on Monday nights with an introduction to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. The book of Jeremiah centers on repentance, a very unpopular subject at the time as well as in current times. People do not want to be reminded that they cannot be of the world and still be of God - so many people today as in Biblical times do not want to give up all their worldly desires to follow Jesus. This does not mean that we cannot enjoy life, just that we do enjoy life in a Godly way. We hope to increase the size of our group as more friends arrive from the North and be able to share in God's word and plan for us all.

an invitation



Last week we headed out to Reynosa to deliver all the games and prizes for the CHI carnival held there on Saturday. We got a chance to visit with the girls we sponsor, as well as all of the RIN children, and enjoyed a wonderful meal  of chicken mole' provided by RIN's great cook, Maria. We had time to visit houseparents as this trip was not rushed or filled with other duties. Our sister-in-law, Susan, made our girls beautiful quilts, and a friend, also named Susan, embroidered their names on them. As you can see from the pictures, the girls were so excited to get them.  We finally wished everyone good-bye with promises to return for the carnival on Saturday. Because of God's grace and protection, we had no problems on the border either entering or leaving Reynosa.

Lupe with her quilt

Paty with her quilt

Although Sonia has left the home, she does return for visits so her sisters displayed her quilt.

 

The carnival is held for all of the neighboring residents as an offering of good will and friendship. The kids (and even the parents, as Bingo is offered for the adults) wait all year for this event, where there are games, prizes, food, and an awesome spiritual skit presented by a local Christian youth group.  A very excited father and son leaped with joy as the won a 52" TV in the raffle! It was a time for Christian fellowship and loads of fun. It was a very tiring, long day but worth every minute of it! We manned a plinko game - a child dropped a ball and where it bounced off pegs and landed was the gift they received. We received over 100 stuffed animals donated by wonderful friends from Minnesota church which were the large prizes, also other donated prizes of toothbrushes and candy. Additional prizes were 10 free tickets for food or games (the most coveted prize). A loser ball earned the player a piece of chocolata. We don't know who was more tired at the end of the day - the visitors or us!

 

Fred and Kerm waiting for the players to arrive

Director Betsy Chacon drawing playing lines

enjoying the fishing game

Fred, Lupe, Paty, and Leila



Any week here in S. Texas is not complete without a pot luck of some sort - our Bible Study includes finger foods, and today was the volunteer pot-luck at CHI in Pharr, Texas. Lots of wonderful food, good fellowship, great volunteers, and of course, work assignments from Betsy!!! But we love her and the great work she does. Tomorrow is my day to work in the resale shop-  yeah!!!! Lots of great things there - lots of treasures to be found.

some of the CHI volunteers getting ready to eat

Randall Chacon welcoming us all for the season

the treasure trove of bargains

God is good - His word is His promise - always let us listen to him when He speaks and follow His commands,

So many opportunities, so little time!

We are settled in here in South Texas for the winter, enjoying the absolutely perfect weather this last week. Cool morning, breezy days (only have to turn the a/c on late afternoons), cool, quiet evenings. Already have had one church service, one pot luck, one patio party, and two park meetings, not counting the other meetings attended in relationship to our duties here at the park.

God instructs us to help others, love others, and spend our time in service to Him.  "You my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to  indulge the sinful nature: rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command, "love your neighbor as yourself". Galatians 5:13-14.

There are so many opportunities to serve, and so little time to do them!!! As chaplains for CHI, our main service responsibility is to minister to the volunteers. We do so by Bible Study on Monday nights (we are startiing our first study this coming Monday) - pray for wisdom and understanding as we show others the wonder of God. We also have a prayer time on Tuesdays, which involves whomever is at work that day, as well as any others who wish to join in. Our prayer focuses on CHI, the children, the houseparents, and directors. Sometimes we have specific requests, as you can imagine with almost 60 children and 5 sets of houseparents, as well as teachers. Other times we  just pray for the continuance of God's blessing on CHI. We also include any individual requests from those present, which many times demands that we stop and pray at that very moment.

Our volunteer duties at CHI on the American side are at the resale shop/office in Pharr, Texas. It is not a large shop, but we are blessed with many, many donations of saleable items. I work in the store most of the time, sorting and marking items, as well as acting as cashier. It is fun to see familiar faces again, as well as the many newcomers who have recenty heard about us. I get a chance to practice my limited Spanish. I do not fear being laughed at anymore, as the people aer willing to correct my errors, and help me with pronunciation and new words. CHI is planning a huge 3 day yard sale this week , so we all have been getting ready for that. It is quite a production, with many volunteers working daily, both inside and out. Fred and the other men volunteers have been busy setting up tents and whatever it is that men have to do to prepare for this sale. They have also been traveling around the area, doing pick-ups as people call in with donations. We have everything from clothes, to holiday items. electronics, and furniture. This is a great fund raiser for CHI and the time goes very fast.

the inside if the resale shop, with the many clothes we have for sale - we only feature name brand nice as new clothing

Some of the Halloween items we had for sale

yes, we have Christmas things already

CHI has many more fund raisers, from trips to the home in Reynosa, to birthday parties for the children, a carnival in Reynosa involving the surrounding area as well as other refuges, Christmas parties, Mexican Independence Day, etc. It is not all fun and games, though. It is much easier to take pictures of the fun activities than it is to try to show everyone the behind the scenes everyday activity just to keep CHI running.

The Church at Alamo Rec Veh is also giving everyone an opportunity to give and serve. We are sponsoring a  "Christmas in a Sock" program, where we donate socks and t-shirts to women incarcerated in prison in Arkansas. This program is close to my heart, as I have attended several Prison to Purpose retreats, and have seen where the PAL program (a Bible based program for inmates) has changed the life of so many of the women in prison - giving them hope and a reason to give their lives to God. Check out their website at prisiontopurpose.com

In addition to Toys for Tots, our church and the park itself are sponsoring many other areas where a person can serve - a person  does not have to participate in every one of them, just those that touch your heart.

Many of our winter friends are coming back "home" so we pray for travel mercies for them. We are looking forward to seeing everyone, and feeling sad for those not returning., In many cases of a death in the family, we are content in the knowledge that they are with the Lord, enjoying the benefits of all the promises He has made to us. Oh, to have Bob Fleck return and tell the wonderful stories of heavenly eternal life!!!!! What stories they would be.

Flag Day at RIN - 2011

 Today we drove to Reynosa, Mexico for a flag day presentation at Refugio Internacional de Ninos (RIN). Five of us went over in a CHI van, through the Hidalgo bridge, as we were bringing things to the refuge that we probably would be stopped and turned back at the newer closer bridge. This gave us a chance to drive through Reynosa and perhaps my 15th try to get a picture of a garbage vehicle that are prevalent there. It is much harder than it seems- with luck one day I may be able to post it.

a typical street in Reynosa


As we arrived at the refuge, we saw the children lining up, ready to march with their flags to the auditorium when the program which honors many countries by displaying their flags was ready to begin. This celebration is held every year, with great excitement, especially for the younger children. This year one of the girls we sponsor, Lupe, was selected carry the Mexican flag, a huge honor. After the ceremony, the children marched back to the school, where they were excused for the day. Paty and Lupe immediately found us, invited us to their Casa to meet their new Tia. With their limited English and my halting Spanish, we were able to communicate fairly well!!! I need to keep adding words to my vocabulary and practice, even if I get laughed at ( just in fun, of course). The time was flying by, as we were getting ready to head back across the border, but the girls wanted us to see their photo albums, especially pictures of their families, living in Reynosa, Soon we had to leave, with hugs and promises of Hasta Luego!!!

school principal, Teacher Gloria and her husband

opening ceremony, with Lupe carrying the Mexican flag, and Paty calling cadence

some of the children, holding up their flags

more children and flags

some of the countries were represented by costume

the children then went outside for more marching and pictures

 a beautiful windy day in Reynosa

Lupe, posing for the camera

not to be outdone, sister Paty also posed


I have been working a few more days at the resale shop in Pharr, where the CHI office is. It is great fun, as I get to practice my Spanish, meet new people, and hopefully evangelize . Last week I met a very soft spoken minister/missionary with a vision of world peace. We are getting ready for a huge yard sale - prices are usually 50 cents on most items as well as putting out Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items. We had some wonderful donations from people in our park, as well as a TV from our activity director. All of these items will be sold in the resale shop (except for the TV, which will go to the refuge), with the proceeds will go to help support the children. I will only work one day a week starting next week, as we are patiently awaiting the arrival of Chaplain Dennis and Sally Maloney tomorrow (hooray) and then I will be involved in church activities. Fred will continue to work 3 or more days a week, and we will begin Bible study and prayer time at the CHI office building. The rest of my time will be involved in the Church at Alamo Rec Veh. It seems that we are very busy, but doing the work of the Lord is not tiring at all.


Sunday we attended a church in Alamo with Chaplain Jack and Karen Gregory, who are chaplains at Alamo Rose RV Park. A wonderful, peaceful Sunday with fellow Christians is  is always so relaxing.





CHI Fundraiser

Last Saturday we were invited to a golf tournament in order to raise funds for CHI. This tournament, sponsored by the Palmview Golf Course in McAllen Texas, invited the Reynosa Asociacion de Maquiladoras Y Manufactureras A. C., a group of people representing the manufacturing/production firms and warehouses lining the border in Mexico, many of them being American companies., The entry fee was $75.00 per person, with all of the proceeds going to children’s homes such as CHI. There were over 175 entered, with the prize of a new Dodge Challenger if anyone hit a hole in one on the 8^th hole.

sign encouraging golfer to hit a hole in one

first team getting ready

a team and tournament sponsors ( in orange)



a team heading to the 8th hole after teeing off

  There were two of us couples representing CHI – we set up on the 8^th hole, us two women going around to each team as they arrived at the tee off area, explaining the mission of CHI and asking for donations. The men were at the 8^th hole itself, being spotters to verify it was a hole in one.

Leila and Succo Garza  -the wife of our interpreter, Marco, who helped us tremendously

Fred and Larry Brown
 at the 8th hole - hmm - thought they were supposed to watch the hole!

USA Dry Van - a manufacturer in Reynosa, who graciously provided free chicken and fajita beef tacos
and beans

Needless to say, no one won the car, but there were fabulous prizes – plane fare for 2 to anywhere that Southwest Airline flies, many large gift certificates, etc. We met some very wonderful people, as visited with them – although most were Hispanic!!! Luckily we had an interpreter with us.  We could speak a small amount of Spanish (which I intend to study more this year), and some spoke English as well. They were all so very generous in their donations, and we made many good contacts for future events and fund raisers.

a generous donor

We also met a wonderful lady, the president of the Maquila Woman Association – the wives of the manufacturers, who live on the US side of the border with their families. She wants us give to a presentation for CHI, and also is very interested in our CRM’s women’s retreat, God’s Worthy Women, this year focusing on women’s place in missions. It is amazing how the Lord works:  is He speaking to us???  We chose this theme earlier (Willing Hearts), which absolutely coincides with our minister's wife, Lynda Eubanks'  mission trip to Cambodia  and her love of missions, encouraging all of us to get involved!! 

It was a beautiful day, with many new “friends” and lots of donations. One gentleman won a 50/50 drawing and turned all the proceeds over to CHI. Praise the Lord – He works beyond our expectations when we put our trust in Him. We received over $1100 in donations that day

Susan Brown and Andrew Hettinger - who turned all of his winnings over to CHI

Many of our winter friends are returning to Valley - our street is almost all filled up!!! It is so fun to see them all coming "Home" for the winter. Please pray for safe travels, with God granting travel mercies to all of those heading this way. We also pray for the families of those who are not returning do to deaths in the family, especially the family of Bob Fleck, who was such a faithful and wonderful servant of the Lord. He was welcomed into the Lord's arms last week as he quietly slept.

We continue to serve God in our daily lives, listening to His words and trying to follow His path for us. We don't always know or understand where He is leading us, but do know that through the grace of His Son, Jesus Christ, we know where we will finally be!

Reynosa, Mexico

Last Thursday was our first visit to CHI's refuge in Reynosa, Mexico ( Refugio International de Ninos). Betsy Chacon (the director) gave us specific guidelines for this trip. Usually, we when get there, the children come running to see us, especially since this is our first trip since spring. As the children were finishing their last day of vacation Bible school, presented by an amazing TEAM from Lincolnton, NC. who had been there all week, it was very important for them to stay in class. We arrived in time to unload the food for the luncheon, and sit and wait, wait, wait, for the kids to finish class. Soon we heard the voices of excited children as they left the auditorium and headed for the cafeteria for a special luncheon of hot dogs (complete with jalapenos, of course), spicy Cheetos, and a special treat, ice cream. Soon the two girls we sponsor came into view. As they walked towards us, Paty was the first one to spot me - she looked and I could see the recognition in her eyes, as she smiled and ran towards us for hugs - soon to be followed by Lupe, whose beautiful smile lit up the afternoon. Paty is more reserved of the two, but shares her love with us both very regally - Lupe is more outgoing and and is so enthusiastic about sharing her love. It was certainly wonderful to see them again - Paty remaining very ladylike and much the same as last year. Lupe has grown taller (taller now than her older sister Paty), and full of energy.

one of the vans used to transport people for tours of  RIN in Reynosa

two of the casas where the children live with houseparents ( Tias and Tios)

one of the casas in the process of rennovation - the couches were donations

the tiles in one of the bathrooms in the casa

the new school addition, built by funds raised by CRM parks in the Valley

the TEAM  from Hulls Grove Baptist Church in Lincolnton, NC who gave of their time to serve

The award ceremony was first, as each child received various awards for their attendance in vacation Bible school. Each child was presented with gifts from the TEAM,  as they waited excitedly for lunch to begin. One of our volunteers, Jessie Curtsinger, began with prayer, as the rest of us dished up and handed out hot dogs and chips. Maria, the very wonderful and loyal cook for RIN had grilled them all earlier and was keeping them hot on a roaster. Soon the mound of meat was distributed, and the kids were adding their own special flavors - onions, mustard, jalapenos, tomatoes, mayonnaise (yes, you heard right ) and a very few used the ketchup. I opted out of the mayonnaise, but filled my bun to overflowing with all the rest. It got fairly quiet for awhile, until it was time for the ice cream. 4 of us couldn't keep up serving cups of this treat - the kids do not get it often. After cleaning up, taking time to visit , it was soon time to say good bye until another day. The Team was also leaving the following day, back to NC, after a week of serving the Lord in Reynosa. They passed out suckers to the kids - mango flavored rolled in chili peppers. Sounds awful - but I was courageous and tried one, and then two. They are really very good - and the kids love them.

a team members handing out gifts

Lupe (Maria Guadalupe) with one of her gifts

Paty ( Patricia Carolina ) with some of her gifts

hot dogs - hot and ready to go

Maria, eagerly awaiting the children to claim their lunch

Director, Betsy Chacon, and Jessie Curtsinger, administering the prayer for the food

no time to talk

a game the boys play with bottle caps - they throw the cap at an opponets cap to flip it over - if it does, the thrower claims the additional cap - they have very original ways of throwing the cap!

enjoying the chili mango suckers

We are often asked if we are afraid to go to Reynosa, where there is trouble with the drug cartel and the Mexican police. The trouble is no better, nor worse than last year. We have never had any problems - we ask for God's grace and protection when we leave the states, and when we return, we do not not forget to give Him thanks for safety when we arrive back at the CHI office. It is not that I do not worry, but I put it all in His hands and rely on His promises.

As our chaplain is not here yet, we went to a church service at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de Valle National Shrine in San Juan, just a very short drive from our park . It is a very beautiful, Catholic service but the message is the same.  The music is presented by a mariachi band and is so fitting for the area. The sermon is very much like other churches, even instructing us to read the Bible. We were told to read Revelation, chapter 21 this week. The priest told us to make sure we read it, as that would be his first question when we arrived at the Pearly Gates - "Did you read Revelation, chapter 21?".  I observed a huge lesson in humility as an older gentleman "walked" down the aisle on his knees, arms raised in worship, knelt before the altar, prayed to our Lord, then quietly rose and walk back down the aisle!!!

The weather here is warm, hot some days, but today I have the door open and no a/c on - Fred is at  the CHI office in Pharr, helping in some aspect. Tomorrow is my day to work at the resale shop, reconnecting with all the reliable customers. We both want our service to be for God's glory, and none for ourselves. Our home church in Arkansas has this theme :"Love God, love others, serve others". This also is our personal goal,

Rain in Texas

We left Arkansas last Wednesday headed for our winter home in Alamo, Texas. I was sad to leave the beautiful mountainous area where we live in the summer - the rolling hills (called mountains by the locals, and every one of them named). The area we live in is in sort of a valley,surrounded by this magnificent scenery.

the rolling hills of NW Arkansas

We knew it was time to head South, as fall was in the air, and Children's Haven was calling. Our time in Arkansas seemed short, but the Haven needs volunteers and chaplains, as the summer workers have finished for the year and us winter Texans are all due to arrive.  Children's Haven office and resale shop runs entirely on volunteer work, and the summer crew is overwhelmed with work, due to the skeleton staff. We are a welcome relief to them as well as being excited about resuming Bible studies and prayer time. This year we may do a study from a study booklet - perhaps Corinthians  I & II.  But when we get organized, we will decide as a group what we want to do. Pray that God leads us to the perfect study, as he did last year.

The hay is baled - fall is indeed in  the air

As we traveled South, we marveled at the beautiful landscape, the wonderful traveling weather, and seeing all of God's creation around us. It was not long before we left Arkansas behind and wove our way through Oklahoma.

OOOklahoma, where beauty abounds

Eastern Oklahoma vistas

It did not take long to arrive in Texas, but as usual, I forgot that the sun rose and the sun set, and we would be in Texas yet and not to our destination.

Welcome to the Lone Star State

A very dry, parched land

One of the many burned areas of Texas. There were numerous large and small areas all along the way which showed signs of fire.

Whataburger - YES - we are in Texas

Before even heading to Alamo Rec, we stopped at Children's Haven to deliver some donation checks and say hi to everyone. Their first question was "when are you coming in to work?". I'm sure it was said jokingly, but I could see the desperation in their eyes!!! We needed a few days to get settled and re-oriented again, but promised them we would be in very soon. Of course, the director, Betsy Chacon, gave us our first assignment - to try to find a hall for a benefit councert.

"Home" at last. we give praise and glory to God for our safe travels, and pray that He grant travel mercies to all who will be heading this way soon.

"You who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets, and you who travel on the road, sing". Judges 4:10. Sing God's praises as you travel.

The day after we arrived in Alamo, the rain began - it poured for quite a while bringing much need moisture to the parched area. We give thanks to God, acknowledging Him as a source of all blessings.

Goodbye Arkansas, Hello Texas and Mexico

We are preparing to start our trip South on Wednesday - I cannot believe Monday is almost over already. We have been packing the car (seems as if it always is overloaded, but what can I leave home -- my newly found Jewish Bible for study - nope - all my inspirational books, nope - Bible study books for members of our Bible study group at CHI - nope - my more-than-one versions of the Bible - nope - clothes - nope - shoes - heavens no!!). We are also trying to sell our 37 foot 5th wheel - too big and we do not use it much as we are always somewhere else. So that means cleaning that out, too, storing items, shampooing carpets, etc. But God is good in giving us the energy to accomplish all these tasks and making decisions,

We had a truly emotional and wonderful small group Bible study on Sunday (not to mention the delicious food!). We were supposed to review the 1st & 2nd chapters of Daniel, but the leader (a wonderful friend, Jim Newberry) was lead by God to ask each couple what were their low places in the past year and how these became blessings. We talked about adversities and how they do become God's blessing in our lives.
All of these lead into an anointing for healing, as well as a foot washing, led by Fred as  Jim is a very personal friend of his. When at Chaplain's University, God  got a hold of Fred one night, and would not allow him to sleep until after 3AM when He convinced Fred to humble himself and wash Jim's feet in Christian fellowship and love. He anointed Jim with a healing anointing to rid Jim of cancer forever (Jim has had several bouts of cancer, but is cancer free as of right now). Every member of our small group was truly touched, with tears in eyes and prayers. Jim then anointed us, for continued growth in God's word, in our ministry, and for things that he feels God has in store for us. It was a very emotional time for us all, as we all felt the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. I love all my small group members!!!

Many thanks to our daughter Christine and husband Scott, for allowing us to stay with them as we accomplish all of our preparations!!!

Please pray for us as we travel, as well as our ministry, that everything we do praise and glorifies God, and nothing for ourselves.

Next time we talk, we will be in sunny, warm Alamo, Texas!!!!