July visitors and news

"The goal.. is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." I Timothy 1:5

These words were written by the apostle Paul to Timothy. They are the basis for the instruction that is currently emphasized at Casa MAMi. The ministry, GLORY, praise and thanksgiving to God, is in a very good place right now.

1) Based on writings in Spanish by Joyce Meyer and James Dobson, instruction is given to the residential girls, battered women, and the parents of the day care program. The girls are writing their own lists of what God wants them to do, personal goals, and lists of prayers and God's miracles in their lives. Parents are developing their own understanding of what God wants them to do, and BE, and how to better take care of their children. Biblical instruction and prayer support are alive and well at Casa MAMi.

2) Sister Elma recently returned from a trip to Ciudad Victoria, the state capital, with great news that the Mexican government will give $20,000 USD (conversion) toward capital improvements to the home.

3) The property next door that has come for sale to the ministry is evaluated by one appraiser at minimum 150-180K.(USD) The second appraisal is due by July 10. A gate from the patio of Casa MAMi to the property will need to be created and approximately 10K (USD) in improvements should be completed to make this useful.

4) Two interns, Courtney Bass and Annie Love of Auburn University, will be staying at the home July 3-Aug 3. They have spent June in Guatemala at a similar ministry. We are grateful and prayerfully supportive of their commitment to help this summer at Casa MAMi.

5) July 11-12, our friends from Christ United Methodist Church in Sugarland, TX will visit Casa MAMi. For 20 years members of this dedicated church have been traveling to Reynosa to serve. The board of Casa MAMi MX is privileged to have two members from this church serving with us, Olinda Osejovics and Renee Teel.

So far, the only other interest for visits from mission groups is Oct. 9-11, 2009 St. Luke's United Methodist Church of Houston and Spring Break (March 11-18?) 2010 Advent Church Arlington, TN. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE THINKING OF COMING. GOD BLESS YOU!

6) Sister Elma is reworking her Mexican board, as some members have become inactive due to time constraints and other commitments. She will see some of them today, June 27. The staff and overall health of the ministry is very good. Greater support for the ministry has developed in Mexico. For 2008, one-third of all donations were from the US and two-thirds were from Mexico. This is great news! Our US non-profit organization is committed to paying staff salaries, as God provides.

6) Special needs and prayer concerns: donations for salaries; safety for all visitors and people touched by the ministry (violence is down, but still a concern, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the situation), donors for the new property... finally MUCH PRAISE TO OUR AWESOME GOD AND REDEEMER JESUS CHRIST

P.S. Here is an email, June 27, from US board member Celia Thrash, who lives in McAllen.

Hi guys, just thought I'd give you an update. Maria and I met Elma and Polo today. Because of an e-mail Maria sent out, McAllen Sports donated thousands of t-shirts, sports pants, etc, to the orphanage to resale. They needed to clean out their warehouse and the timing with Maria's note fit perfectly. We filled (to the brim) CASA HOGAR's large van and Elma's van with boxes of t-shirts. Elma's arranged for a tent to sell the shirts in the parking lot of a large department store in Reynosa.

Elma mentioned to Maria that she did several interviews on TV and radio and newspaper - one was a National Mexico station! Maria's going to put it on the blog. I've discussed with Elma the importance of introducing the desire to purchase property for a playground for the children in her interviews etc...... We all need to do that in hopes of reaching capable and generous hearts.

I've sent schedules to Annie and Courtney. We are arranging to have them picked up at the airport. I just need to get their time of arrival.
Kathy, I still need to get on the phone with you. I've been swamped!

Olinda, wish I could see you on July 11th. I'll be in Dallas. Good Luck. And, don't worry about Mexico, we're feeling quite safe there right now.

Talk to you soon.
Celia