November Newsletter

Dear Friends,

What a pleasure to sit down and write to you! I pray this newsletter finds well and in full swing looking forward to the festival season of the year. A season of special gatherings between family and friends. What a joy for the abundance of life we have in Christ to celebrate just another one of His birthdays!




November has been a wonderful busy month. With a few rainfalls in this desert-mountainous part of Mexico. Leading to over 96% of all the houses in town to leak. It has been a wonderful time being a man at work, fixing the roof tops and painting.

Ministry News
God has been so faithful in everything we have been involved in. We have enjoyed great success in our football (Soccer) ministry, holding the top score in our assigned group of teams. The players have been so encouraged, witnessing the fruits of their physical and spiritual training; while up holding their faith in God!




Delicias
The outreach ministry in Delicias is springing in a new force. For the past 2 weeks I have been collecting clothes from friends and church members to be delivered to the villagers as it gets windy and freezing! Next week, we will be delivering them, with a planed Bible film festival and teaching.



In the October newsletter I reported about Monica Lucero a 12 year old who loves to read the bible. Several months ago, the young girl was diagnosed with a very risky heart condition. Prompting the doctors to request that Monica goes under a surgeon’s knife in order to relieve the condition. The cost of the heart operation was 460,000 Mexican pesos, an amount close to $40,000! As villagers, the young girl’s parents could not even afford 10% of the cost! They decided to pray!

Upon hearing the incident, we have been praying for Monica since, believing God for her health. Last week as I went to the village, the damsel gave a testimony of God’s faithfulness in her life. She said, “God has healed me!” Having checked with the doctors, there won’t be any need of surgery anymore! Praise God!




Prayer
Thank you so much for your continual prayers and support for what is taking place here. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that all of this is happening because of a dedicated number of people like you, praying!

Please continue to pray for;
- Health (as it gets cold, people are more vulnerable to the influenza virus )
-God’s faithfulness to supply all our needs as we serve him
-Wisdom to reach out to the unreached, to win their souls for Jesus!



May God bless you richly during the season! At this super busy time it’s all so easy to get wrapped up just like another present in all the rush around us and forget to spend time thinking about the true meaning of Christmas. I pray God’s faithfulness will shine on you during the season, as you delight yourself in Christ the King.

Blessings and Love
Donald

October Newsletter

Dear Fried,

I pray you are well and in good health, and prospering in every area of life. It’s just wonderful to know that in whatever season we are in, God’s protection and provision will always be with us. As we are through autumn and getting into winter, I pray God’s boost in your immunity will continually cover you in sound health.



October was indeed a good month on my side. Marked 2 years since my arrival in Mexico, 8 years since my dedication to serve God, and 25 years young!


Ministry News
God has been at work in all the areas I have been in. For the first time I got to go to “Mala Noche,” (Bad Night) and the surrounding villages. The Village is over 2 hours drive into no man’s land in the desert. There are no roads, you just navigate the desert, following Vehicle tyres or donkey tracks!



I met with some of the village residents, who were overly friendly! They very much welcomed my request of starting a cell group in the village. I am now on the desk making plans and preparing with a fellow in our church who was born in the village.





The Church in Delicias is also on the move. Last month we had a number of activities for the children. It was so overwhelming watching the children just enjoys a pure fun fellowship with one another, as we sang songs and played together.




Monica is one of the most active people in the church. At the age of 12 she reads more than most people in the village, since many are illiterate. Asking her the secret of her excellent reading, she will simply say “reading the Bible.” After one of the first services we held in Delicias, she requested a Bible and we gave her one. She is now an inspiration to other children at school, and also reads the love letter to them!




Ventures
I am very honored by the response and encouragement I have got from the volunteers of editing, and giving feedback on my writing. It’s a pleasure for me to report that I have finished 3 chapters already! I daily seek God’s wisdom to direct me, as I sow seeds of ideas into paper. I believe in due time, there will be a harvest! After all, It’s all about “Seedtime and Harvest!”





As I love challenges and always seek ways of how I can expand and be a better servant for my generation, I am venturing into a new art. “Clowning!” I was given an old unicycle by a clown recently, and decided to get on the practice, together with balls juggling. I have fallen countless times, but it seems I now have the right grip on the cycle, and getting better each day. We are planning a series of gospel presentations during the celebrating period; this should be a tool that will draw people together especially the children, as we minister the good news to them.





Prayer request
I thank you so much for your dedication to pray for me. It’s always a boost in my spirit knowing that someone is praying. There are always many hideous situations to overcome, and I believe it’s only through the power of prayer that I stand!
-Keep praying for God’s wisdom to be available on every decision and Idea that pops into my mind
-Pray for the vitally needed protection, safety and health as the flu viruses spread around
-Pray for God’s goodness to overflow and flourish in every area of ministry.

May the Glory of God cover you and be with you in all you do, as you trust him throughout November. Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Blessings and Love
Donald

September Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Happy October! How wonderful it is that God’s goodness has enabled us to live in a promise of longevity.



It’s breathing taking at times when I wake up in the wee hours and thank God that I am alive. This always brings encouragement, knowing that we are not just living to get by, but with Emanuel.

Ministry news



September; the mish mash in town! That was the expression on people’s faces down town San Pedro. As they saw Jason-USA, Stephen-Canada, Marcela-Mexico, Ray-China and Donaldo “the Afrospanglish”-Uganda!

Ray’s time in San Pedro at the beginning of last month was such a blessing. There are 2 newly launched Chinese restaurants nearby San Pedro. The operators barely speak any Spanish. Having an aching heart for people, I have always desired to share Christ with them but the language being a Great Wall of China!




While I came back from the US, I bought 2 Chinese bibles, and with Ray we shared Jesus with them.

The results are phenomenal, as I get invitations to go back and have a relationship with the people. Although they speak little Spanish, they appreciate friendship practices that can help in their businesses.

It’s always thrilling to think of how God brings people from different places for the Good pleasure of His will.




Delicias-(from Ray’s Perspective)



Donald brought me to Delicias, a 300 people village in the middle of nowhere (the desert), 3 hours (1 hour bus ride, 2 hours walking) from San Pedro. We stayed there for 2 days, brought with us some food and clothes, and more importantly the love of God!







In the village not everyone is literate; it was exciting to see a group of new Christians reading the Love Letter from God to each other.

Poverty was another astonishing reality in the village. Sanitation in some houses does not exist.

~By Ray Lam

Football (soccer) Ministry


Our Soccer team ministry is also taking on a new level! We have just started a new season with high expectations. Last week we gained a lead in the league, 3 to 1!

We have 6 players living with us at the property. It’s a delight as we nature them into the word of Love, after their initial training.

Future plans

Dear Friend, I appreciate you so much for your support and prayers.

October is marking some changes in my life. I will start working on the “Mission Possible” book! Celebrate 8 years of my dedication to serve God! Celebrate 2 years at the mission field! And lastly, 25 years young!

Prayer

-Please keep praying for the vitally needed wisdom as I write.
- That I will find favor in the eyes of the Mexican government, as I get my residence visa sorted.
-And lastly but not least, safety!

May God with you, be an encouragement through this October. I love you and appreciate you so much.

Blessings and Love
Donald

August Newsletter

Dear Friend,

A warm greeting to you, I pray that this newsletter finds well and prospering in every way.

It’s always such a blessing to sit down and write to you. This always reminds me of the divine connection we have together as the body of Christ, and how blessed it feels to always know that a friend somewhere is praying for you. It doesn’t matter if you are in a puzzle right now, Jesus is YOUR answer.


Delicias Beauty Horse

August has been a wonderful month on my side. Starting off by my trip to Oregon, being in youth summer camps and visiting with friends who have inspired my life to serve God with a whole heart. Now being back at the mission field oh “Home sweet Home”, it feels great having spent all that time away.

Ministry
God has blessed me wherever I have been. One of my weeks in Oregon, I got to spend it at a summer camp in a small town Called Boring. At camp, being with Children all the time I felt God talking to me about the importance of children ministry. As I shared with the kids every day, I noticed a young fellow age 9. His Camp Counselor once asked him to perform in a skit. He responded and said, “I don’t do no lame skit, I have got a reputation to protect, beside that, my baby girl is in the crowed”! Upon Hearing the comment; I thought, wow now this is an American Kid! And how hard to crack-coconut headed he must be.



As the bible says love never fails, and never gives up. This is what I always have on my heart when I deal with troubled children. As we had church at the last day of camp, I saw what was beyond my imagination! This same kid being touched by the love of Christ forgot all about his reputation and baby girls as he wept like a little baby! It was such a blessing praying with him to receive Jesus in his life. Over 20 children received Christ for the first time, and many rededicated to focus on Christ in their lives. As my friend Tris puts it, “It’s time we also focus on kids, than always trying to band aid adults.”





Delicias
I have been to Delicias with my new friend Ray. Ray is a University student in England, but originally from Hong Kong. It’s good always to be an inspiration in people’s lives, but greater being inspired. Ray’s conformation of visiting Mexico this summer is a faith pillar in its self. While Mexico was being the center of the world in May for the pandemic of Swine flu, Ray received his confirmation from God that he had to go to Mexico. He shared in the villages; God’s presence in him was so overwhelming, also as none of the villagers had ever seen a Chinese.



Future plans
As some of you might be aware, I am planning to write a book about missions. I have been doing research and interviews with different people, and I will start to write on the October 15th, that’s my 25th birthday. Please pray for God’s wisdom to be available in every way. I also understand that I will need a lot of help, guidance, feedback and encouragement. If you happen to have a great interest in reading, editing and giving feedback and would like to help, Please let me know. You can let me know by email, and I will add you to the readers and editors list.



Prayer
Thank you so much for your prayer and support. I really appreciate you. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, I am always reminded that with the prayers of a faithful friend, God knows my tomorrow more than I know my yesterday!

Please keep praying for:
1-Wisdom to reach out to the mountainous people
2-Protection and safety
3-Availability of help and resources to advance the kingdom

May the Lord bless you richly! May you be fruitful during the entire month of September.

Blessings and Love
Donald

July Newsletter 2009

Dear Friend,

You are such a blessing to me! It’s just always wonderful knowing that someone is praying and believing in what you do. It’s a blessing to have you in my life!
Friends in Delicias


Ministry News
This month has been a blessing in every way, as I got to spend, share and teach in various locations in Virginia. I spent the whole of last week in Iowa, helping out in a Vocational Bible School (VBS). The VBS was the first one at Ottumwa community church, dedicated to the expedition of the 10o/40o Window, where the most unreached people in the world are.
10/40 Window

Missionary Post


It was children oriented so that they could learn about world missions. It was a blessing being in the missionary post, where kids came to learn about bible missions, who a native missionary is, what he does and culture. I had to teach phrases in 5 languages, ranging from Swahili to Chinese. We had 31 children give their lives to Christ!
Missionary Post


I am also in touch with my friend Thomas; he is doing a great job, ministering to the people in Delicias. I long to be back, to be with the flock!
Cardboard Land


Prayers

Thank you so much for all of you who have dedicated themselves to remember me in your prayers. It’s a privilege to have you pray for me. Our mighty God is answering our prayers, and His goodness is endures forever.

I have been very much aware of God’s wisdom as this entire month I have had to be making a lot of decision, and asking guidance for the direction of my ministry life. Most of the decisions they have been about growth, going to higher Level As I desire to always grow and expand. Thank you so much for your prayers for God’s Wisdom.

Please keep praying for;
1. Protection of the Church in Mexico.
2. Wisdom and favor to reach the last half of the 3,000 souls
3. Finally the availability of resources to reach these people with the Good News!

May you be blessed and refreshed in your walk with God. Thanking God for you is a priority in my heart, and I am so glad when I get to hear from you.

Blessings in His love
Donald

June Newsletter

Dear Friend,

I pray you are well! Merry Melodies! It’s a pleasure starting off the second half of 2009 with the gladness of the Lord! The above child reminds me so much. He reminds me my little brother at age 5, as he learnt the children’s song “singing melodies in my heart-for the King of kings”. He would instead sing “watermelons in my heart”! I would think boy, you gotta have a really big heart to get a watermelon stuffed in your heart! Right now as a metaphor, I really believe God is calling us to have big hearts for His joy, no matter what’s going on around us, if we trust him, he will take care of everything.






Ministry News
June has been a great month, starting off with all the sun shine experience in Delicias, more lives have been touched by the great love of God, and His goodness has been truly overflowing.


The Delicias ministry is taking on a new level with Thomas’s and Gerardo’s help. Especially ministering to the young people through playing football (soccer) with them, and just talking and spending time with them. We had a small party in the village recently, which draw lots of people especially the kids; it was just amazing seeing these hungry kids stuffing down “Chicharones” (the Mexican royal snack with chilies.)

Summer Activities
The summer time seems its going to be long with all of us in different places. A Group of four girls from the mission’s school are doing a missions trip around Mexico. Right now they are in Nayarit-Southern Mexico, where they are ministering to the people in villages.


Stephen the missions’ director of Seedtime and Harvest and his entire family of 5, will be taking his 19 year old daughter Elisa to Australia next week. She’s got a scholarship to study music for a year with Hillsongs’ school of music.


Myself I am right now in Virginia USA. I am visiting some friends who were inspired by the story of how our wonderful Lord called me to Mexico, using the example of a Rubik’s cube. I will be here for the next few weeks, until I return to the mission field in Mexico. During this time my friends Thomas and Gerardo are the ones heading to Delicias each week. Please pray for them.


At the beginning of this year, I felt God placing in my heart a desire to reach out to 3,000 people with the gospel. Recently I was checking my progress and I am happy to conclude that I have been able to get to at least 1,440 during the first half of the year! Praise God!



Prayer
Thank you so much for all of you who are praying, I really believe with the whole of my heart that all I get to do and accomplish is very much aided by your prayer and support! Thank you so much for your faithfulness. I always seek the Lord that this might be found of me “that my I be humble and faithful to do what He has called me to do”!

Please pray
-For God’s wisdom and safety as we travel
-Pray for the availability of the needed resources to reach the people in the villages.
-Pray that God will provide the opportunities necessary to advance His kingdom by reaching the remaining number of the 3,000.

May the Almighty God whom we serve keep you safe and joyous through out July. Cheer up for Christ!

Joyfully yours
Donald

May's Newsletter

Dear Friends,
Summer time is here at last! Watching the sunrise this morning in the mountains of New Delicias, I couldn’t think of anything else apart from God’s love for us. We are already half way of the year, and each one of us has the opportunity to witness an example of God’s unconditional love through watching the rays of the lovely morning sunshine only true pure love could invent.

Ministry News
May has been a very adventurous month for us down here. Starting off while the out break of the swine flu was on high pitch, people walking behind masks and the country being the centre of world news headlines; it was a puzzle of what to expect. Despite all of this taking place, I have witnessed the biggest number of people receiving Christ in their lives, and being baptized than any other month since the beginning of the year. It happened that God used us to bring hope and peace of heart to the people in the most desperate situation where the fear of death had held its sway. Every single day since the month began I have been talking to people about Christ whom I hadn’t met before, as the invitation to explain the bible and answer questions has been endless.

Last Sunday the church building was fully parked as we nearly run out of seats for all the new people who had come to church. Twelve people were baptized on the same day after the service!



The Delicias ministry is also on the move, every single week I have been making the trips with my friend Thomas. He is a great young man with a passionate desire to serve the Lord no matter the cost. Together we have been able to share the gospel with more people than any of us could have by himself. We have ridden on horses and donkeys to reach another village near Delicias to share the gospel to the people.

My friend James a leader of “Westilink Project Uganda”, a ministry we dedicated together at the beginning of this year is also doing a wonderful job. He has been showing Jesus’ films on projector to the people in rural areas after crusade meetings, and reports hundreds being transformed through the meetings.


Prayer requests
Thank you so much for all your prayers and great encouragement. I certainly believe that because of your dedication to pray for us down here we have seen direct results of all of this happening within the month many may have deemed to be dreadful. Thank you so much for your faithfulness and consistency, it’s always great to know that there is someone out there praying for you during the hard times.
Please continue to pray for:
1.God’s wisdom that I will always know what to do at all times
2.Protection
3.And that wherever I go people’s lives will be torched by God, as I remain His instrument in every way.
May you be blessed with the memories of the fullness love of God, as we go through summer time! Its summer time!
Blessings and Love
Donald

April Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Glory to God! I pray that you are well and experiencing the goodness of the Lord in your life. For this reason, I am convinced that even if you are going through a hard time or situation right now, God’s mighty power, grace and mercy is able and available beyond measure to turn the tables around.

Ministry news
The month kicked off with enthusiasm as we looked forward to the youth camp during the Easter break. It was a great Easter on the property where I live with the Tolmans, even though in Mexico it’s possible for Easter to just slip by without much notice.

We had a great youth Camp where I lead the night prayer meetings for 8 hours per night through out the camp, and taught a dancing class. At the end of each day I would really be tired, but great strength would envelop me as I thought about all these young people who were so enthusiastic to pray; interceding for their families, nation and experiencing intimacy with God.
God is on the move, “one youth exclaimed!” It was so up lifting seeing people having a great time with their Heavenly Dad!




The Delicias church is moving forward. I have just got back from a week long of youth and children activities. I really found out that the more I spend time with these people, is the more they open up to me and challenge me with their assumptions about Christens.

I left the village while some youth demanded that I should be holding specific youth services in the village. This was s shock, as I felt that most of the village youth lucked inspiration for the presence of God in their lives. This is really a great sign that God is at work in their inner lives, it’s something I am very thankful about!

Great news about my outreach ministry is that I now have a partner! My friend Thomas is a great guy and has a heart to serve the Lord in missions. He together with Geraldo a friend who used to go with me to Delicias last year; they have committed themselves to be companions in my ventures to the villages. This is really exciting


Prayers request
I am sure most of you are fully aware of the new influenza “H1N1 strain type A” pandemic which started off right here in Mexico. The swine flu virus has already caused cases of 1,614, and has claimed the death of 103 people to date in the country. It’s reported spreading not only in Mexico, but all over the world. Mexico City, one of the most populated cities in the world with around 20 million inhabitants has been greatly affected. Public gatherings such as schools and churches are closed and not allowed to operate. Despite the World Health Organizations’ meetings, there is still no vaccine in place to prevent the virus.

This is where you faith is very much needed!

The information above is not so that you can just know about what is going on. Its an invitation for you to join your faith together with mine to pray in faith as that’s the only alternative we have right now at hand! Even though in reality the virus has sent chills of fear all over the world, I strongly believer it’s not time we give in to this terror!

Thank you so much for those of you who have already sent me emails of encouragement. Here where I am in northern central Mexico we haven’t been very much affected yet, butt measures have already been taken, with people wearing masks and all schools and universities closed until further notice.

1-Pray that God’s goodness will pour out in abundance measures to prevent further deaths.
2-Pray for the experts, so that God will give them the wisdom they need to come up with a vaccine and ways to contain the virus.
3-Lastly, ask all the people you know to pray. This is serious, we have got no alternatives but to launch the most offensive and defensive weapon we have, praying the “WORD” of God!

May you be blessed with the words of encouragement from Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper”!

Love is king
Donald

March Newsletter

Dear Friends,

I am always filled with joy writing to you! I trust this newsletter finds well and prospering in every area of your life, as the great God whom we serve desires nothing less than the best for you and me.

March has been an adventurous month here, as it kicked off with lots of dust storms, giving the people a sneeze seizure. So we are really in need of the rain here to settle the dust. I am also sure all the sunshine lovers in England are having more grins that ever, as summer time is at hand.

Ministry news
God has blessed us this month in Delicias. More people are being touched by the love of Christ; as a result, more are attending the church meetings. We spent the past couple of weeks planning for children activities that will be taking place right after the Easter week. I am scheduling classes for children bible studies and different activities for the youth. The main focus is introducing Jesus to them, and that God wants and desires them to grow in every area of their lives.

At the beginning of this year, God put a desire in my heart to reach out to at least 3.000 souls this year. (Please note, by reaching out I don’t mean getting them saved, but planting a seed in their lives. Although that’s the ultimate focus!) So far, I note a record of about 490, people. I use every opportunity and wherever I am. It doesn’t matter if I am in the market doing my veggie shopping, the Gospel is preached.

I also keep in constant communications with my friend James, whom together we dedicated the “Westlink ministry” at the beginning of this year. The ministry ministers to the poor people who are deep down in the villages in western Uganda. He reports over 300 adults giving their lives to Christ for the first time, and a lot of children following in the footsteps.

Westlink-Uganda

Next week we will be having a youth camp here in San Pedro for 3 days. Where I will be helping in a number of different activities, and teaching a dance routine on a Christian Hiphop song. We are also planning a 48hrs prayer room, which I will be leading.

Prayer point
Thank you so much for your support and prayers, and all of the great men and women who have dedicated to pray for me. I really appreciate you.

Some of you who keep in touch with the international news are aware that Mexico is going through a hard time with the drug war affecting every part of the country. Last week it happed right here in San Pedro, less that half a kilo meter from where I live. The drug dealers exchanged fire with the Mexican soldiers, using really big guns including explosives such as grenades.

Last week I had to cancel my trip to the 2 villages where I am looking into planting churches, “Mala Noche and Talia”. This came after a warning that the soldiers where pursuing the mobs that are in the desert near the villages.

-Please pray for protection and safety, and that I will always be hearing the direction of the Holy Spirit clearly when to go and when not to.
-Pray that God’s love will also touch the people who want to cause trouble and pain.
-And lastly, pray, pray, pray as we reach out to the lost and dying world.

Blessings
Loveisking
Donald

March Newsletter

Dear Friends,

I am always filled with joy writing to you! I trust this newsletter finds well and prospering in every area of your life, as the great God whom we serve desires nothing less than the best for you and me.

March has been an adventurous month here, as it kicked off with lots of dust storms, giving the people a sneeze seizure. So we are really in need of the rain here to settle the dust. I am also sure all the sunshine lovers in England are having more grins that ever, as summer time is at hand.

Ministry news
God has blessed us this month in Delicias. More people are being touched by the love of Christ; as a result, more are attending the church meetings. We spent the past couple of weeks planning for children activities that will be taking place right after the Easter week. I am scheduling classes for children bible studies and different activities for the youth. The main focus is introducing Jesus to them, and that God wants and desires them to grow in every area of their lives.

At the beginning of this year, God put a desire in my heart to reach out to at least 3.000 souls this year. (Please note, by reaching out I don’t mean getting them saved, but planting a seed in their lives. Although that’s the ultimate focus!) So far, I note a record of about 490, people. I use every opportunity and wherever I am. It doesn’t matter if I am in the market doing my veggie shopping, the Gospel is preached.

I also keep in constant communications with my friend James, whom together we dedicated the “Westlink ministry” at the beginning of this year. The ministry ministers to the poor people who are deep down in the villages in western Uganda. He reports over 300 adults giving their lives to Christ for the first time, and a lot of children following in the footsteps.

Westlink-Uganda

Next week we will be having a youth camp here in San Pedro for 3 days. Where I will be helping in a number of different activities, and teaching a dance routine on a Christian Hiphop song. We are also planning a 48hrs prayer room, which I will be leading.

Prayer point
Thank you so much for your support and prayers, and all of the great men and women who have dedicated to pray for me. I really appreciate you.

Some of you who keep in touch with the international news are aware that Mexico is going through a hard time with the drug war affecting every part of the country. Last week it happed right here in San Pedro, less that half a kilo meter from where I live. The drug dealers exchanged fire with the Mexican soldiers, using really big guns including explosives such as grenades.

Last week I had to cancel my trip to the 2 villages where I am looking into planting churches, “Mala Noche and Talia”. This came after a warning that the soldiers where pursuing the mobs that are in the desert near the villages.

-Please pray for protection and safety, and that I will always be hearing the direction of the Holy Spirit clearly when to go and when not to.
-Pray that God’s love will also touch the people who want to cause trouble and pain.
-And lastly, pray, pray, pray as we reach out to the lost and dying world.

Blessings
Loveisking
Donald