Posted 8/27/08

Colonia 89 Report - August 2008

Monday, July 28

- Today I went to get supplies for the man that is working at our house. Carlos and Maribel cleaned the church building. Arcadio installed the door for the storage room and also the drywall for the ceiling. Today we had to burn the trash for truck didn’t come get it.

Tuesday, July 29 - We continued working in the house and storage room. In the afternoon we had bible class for the members at the church; after the class I met with the leaders, Carlos, Adolfo, Arcadio and Jesus to talk about the church activities.

Wednesday, July 30 - Today Jesus and I visited with Samuel to encourage him for his wife Elena has started attending a denominational group. We continued working in the house. Jesus and Carlos had bible study with Lucia, Carlos and their sons. We also had bible study with Angelica and Maria and we talked to them about the church of Christ from Matthew 16:18, Acts 2 and Romans 16:16.

Thursday, August 1 - Day off

Friday, August 2 - Today we took time to visit the members and visitors that haven’t been attending church. We visited with Elena, Veronica and Servando; in the afternoon we started painting the house. After painting we had class for all, this time Jesus was in charge of the=2 0class. After class we gave the people clothes that the city of children donated.

Saturday, August 3 - Today Maribel, Carlos, Adolfo, David, Chanita and I continued painting the house. Today we also got the sand, cement bags, insulation, drywall and other things that the Virginia and Pennsylvania groups are going to be using starting on Monday. They will be doing the insulation and drywall upstairs and pouring the concrete floor for the classrooms downstairs.

Sunday, August 3 - Today we met as a family as we do every Sunday. This morning for worship we had 32 adults and 22 children in attendance. We collected $534.20 pesos in the contribution. For the sermon I talked about who is guiding our life, God or the things from the world, from Ecclesiastics 4:1-6. After the sermon three people came to the front to be baptized, they are Gustavo, Rocio and Claudia, these young people are now part of the church of Christ in Colonia 89, we ask for your prayers for them, this time Jesus Trenado baptized them.

We thank God for all the groups that visited the Colonia 89 congregation this summer and thru all the year, all of you have brought great blessings to the people from this area. We thank our brother Stan and Carolina for they have always been there for us every time we need them; we pray God will continue blessing both of them.

Monday, August 4 - This morning we thank God for the Virginia and Pennsylvania groups got here to work. This time part of the group started working with the insulation and drywall, another one started getting the ground leveled to pour the concrete floor on Tuesday and Wednesday. Part of the group went to Smart & Final to get food sets to be delivered the next two days. Today we continued painting the house, Carlos, Maribel and David helped paint. Chanita and Ashley worked getting the supplies for the children’s class. Arcadio continued working in the house building closets. Ashley, Chanita and I visited with Valva she is one of the visitors, we encouraged her for her husband died a few days ago and she is very sad about it, please continue praying for her.

Tuesday, August 5 - Today once again the brothers and sisters from Virginia and Pennsylvania continued working upstairs with insulation and drywall, meanwhile part of the group started pouring the concrete floor downstairs, they also had another group delivering food sets and visiting families. This time Ashley got to go with us so she can see where the families live. After that I started typing the weekly report. In the evening we had bible study with the members at the church building, and this time we talked about the promise of the Holy Spirit with power and it came true in Acts chapter 2.

Wednesday, August 6 - We thank God for the group finished all the insulation and drywall as well as the concrete floor downstairs, they also had people delivering food and visiting families. Today the group worked faster for they got done earlier than the last two days, they left part of one of the rooms undone for the next group to be able to do the electrical wiring. W e thank God for them for the children now can have their class downstairs; they also installed the windows upstairs. In the afternoon we had class with Angelica, Guadalupe and Mary, this time I talked to them about the two pacts from Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 7, 8, 9, James 2:7 and Galatians 3:10.

Thursday, August 7 - Today Carlos, Maribel, Adolfo and I finished painting the house and it is now ready for us to move in. Arcadio is still working on the closets. In the afternoon we started getting some of the things moved from the apartment to the house for the landlord is going to rent it soon.

Friday, August 8 - This morning I tried to get some rest for I was tired. In the afternoon we had bible class for all and this time I talked about John 17, Acts 20 and 1 Corinthians 1; I talked about it because some of the people had asked why there are many churches from other religious beliefs in this area.

Saturday, August 9 - Today we thank God for some of the members and neighbors helped get all our things moved to the house that is one block from the church property, where we use to meet before we had the church building. Now we are very close to the church building so you can come and visit any time.

Sunday, August 10 - This morning we got together as a family and we had 49 adults, 11 teens and 24 children for worship. We collected $843.90 pesos for contribution. This time Carlos talked to us about generosity from Romans 8. After the sermon we welcomed all the visitors and friends. I had the class about the two pacts Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews chapters 7,8 and 9, Galatians 3:10 and James 2:10. In the afternoon we met with the leaders that are willing to do the program for next Sunday.

We thank the men and women from the Virginia and Pennsylvania groups for they brought many blessings to the people from Colonia 89, and for that we are grateful.

Monday, August 11 - We thank God for he gave us the opportunity to have our brothers and sisters from the Roseville, CA; congregation with us. Today they started doing the electrical wiring in the classrooms upstairs. They also continued doing the insulation and drywall work. Carlos and Maribel stayed in the classroom inside the church building at night that way people won’t come and steal things like they were doing in the past. They also cleaned the church building and bathrooms. In the afternoon we went to the general hospital in town to visit with Noe’s father. Arcadio continued building the closets in the house.

Tuesday, August 12 - Today the California group continued with the work upstairs. Carlos and Eliu worked on the church sign. Jesus had class with Carlos, Lucia, Polet, Carlos and Karla, he talked to them about the salvation in Jesus Christ from Acts 4:12 and John 3:16. Ashley and I visited with Samuel and Elena and we encouraged them to continue living in God. In the afternoon we had bible class at the church building for the members, this time I talked about God asking for fruits of the spirit, Luke 13:6-9.

Wednesday, August 13 - We thank God for the California group continued their work upstairs, today it was their last day of work, and the congregation in Colonia 89 thanks them for their work, and we pray God will continue blessing all of you, and we hope to see you next year. Carlos, Maribel and Jesus had class with Polet, Carlos, Lucia and Karla, they talked to them about the blessings we get once we obey God, Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13, and 2 Corinthians 5:17. In the afternoon I starte d getting the sermon ready for Sunday. Today Eliu finished the sign for the church where we have the schedule.

Thursday, August 14  - Today we took Ashley to the bank so she can get money that she will give to some of the children in Colonia 89 for them to be able to go to school. Today Carlos and Eliu put cement in two tires so we can use them to put the volleyball net for the teens to play. We bought a food basket for Carlos and Maribel for they haven’t found a job yet and they are very active in the church, they also stay at the church property and clean the church building. Chanita and Ashley visited with Juana Saucedo, Jessica and Erika. Arcadio continues working in our house building the closets. In the afternoon I sent the report to Pilar.

Friday, August 15 - Today I went to see Pilar to give her the working fund report, after that Carlos and I visited with Arcadio on our way there the breaks for the van wouldn’t work so I stopped to check i t and the break fluid was leaking so we bought fluid and filled the container and then took it to the mechanic, he had to change one of the parts and we also got new break pads. In the afternoon I finished my sermon for Sunday; Ashley and Chanita took Adolfo and Arcadio to pay the registration fee for school. Carlos cleaned the church property and bought a food basket for Erika and her children for they didn’t have much to eat. In the afternoon we had class for all and this time Jesus talked to us about sin from 1 John 3:4 and Romans, Adolfo, Carlos and Gustavo were in charge of prayer and songs.

Saturday, August 16  - This morning we went to the church in San Vicente for they are having their youth meeting. This time Agripino Martinez from the San Quintin congregation preached for us, after the meeting and class they had lunch for all of us and then the soccer match for the teens. We had a great time there and then we went back to Colonia 89.

Sunday, August 17 - This morning we met as we do every Sunday, and we had 46 adults and 24 children for church. We collected $617 pesos in the contribution. For the sermon I talked about God’s plans and our plans, Exodus 2:11-15, Psalms 81:11-16 and Romans 15:4. Gustavo, Carlos, Adolfo and Arcadio were in charge of prayers and songs. Chanita and Maribel were in charge of class for children 3-6 and 7-11. For the class Carlos talked about 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In the afternoon I took the leaders of the church here to the class in Zorrillo for them to learn how they lead worship and class and that way we can do the same in Colonia 89.

We thank all the groups that visited us this summer for your example of love for God helped the church grow in number and spirit. All the groups were a great blessing to the church and the community with the work you did. We had 3 baptisms and now we have 8 students that may very soon obey the word. We thank you all and pray for blessings for you, you are the answer to our prayers, we are all doing a great job to honor God.

Working Fund Report < /SPAN>

July 2008

Gasoline

Benevolence

Contribution

7/6/08 $526.50 pesos

7/13/08 $503.20 pesos

7/20/08 $841.50 pesos

7/27/08 $5,104.00 pesos

Total $6,975.20 pesos

Reyes & Chanita Medina

Baja Summer Mission Trip to Colonia 89 (7/21 to 7/28)

Trip Overview

On Friday, 7/18 a seven member advanced team traveled to Ensenada, Mexico to meet Ashley Churchman (now living in Mexico) in order to prepare things for the large team (58) which arrived on Monday 7/21. Both the advanced and large teams were blessed with uneventful border crossings and we always thank the Lord for that!

Tuesday though Sunday the 65 Americans served the Mexican people living in “Colonia 89” which is one of the poorest parts of the city by providing medical and dental care, construction, marriage and leadership classes, cosmetology training, and an awesome vacation Bible school. On the final Sunday we had a wonderful combined worship service with them where Tim Rine preached and John Dyas translated. Dell and Lori Wood gave out certificates to those who had attended all their marriage classes on “The Blessing.” And Debbie Scott gave out certificates to the ladies who had successfully completed her cosmetology training. After services we enjoyed an authentic Mexican potluck hosted by the hermanas in the church.

This year’s theme – “Family of God”

Special Highlights

• The church has grown considerably from last year
• The Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ built the church a new auditorium and a separate four room building for children’s classes.
• The active membership has almost doubled in number from last year.
• Several families and 4 men in particular have stepped up to accept more responsibility.
• One of them, Jesus, was a man we found last year door knocking. He has become one of the biggest sources of encouragement for Reyes.
• Reyes and his family will be moving up to the house purchased two years ago where the church has been meeting before building the new building. It is located one block from the new building.
• Dell and Lori were able to give some great help on marriage and parenting to the church members there.
• Tim Rine was able to give four leadership classes to the most committed of the Colonia 89 men and preach and inspiriting lesson to the entire church.
• We had some awesome devotionals each morning and evening which blessed our team.
• Chuck and Shar Lee did a wonderful job of multiplying the loves and fishes… and no one got sick this year.

Greatest needs we identified

• We found many children who will not be able to attend school because their parents can’t afford it. We are developing a scholarship program to help.
• We discovered a family who cares for children who are in essence abandoned out of their own funds. We are looking into how we might help the 89 church help them.
• Reyes and Chanita need help in training men and women in the church for greater spiritual growth and responsibility. We will provide training materials and opportunities to them.
• The drug addiction, alcoholism, gang activity, theft, and vandalism make the area where the church building is located a very insecure place. We are taking steps to make the property as secure as possible and we are investigating ways to help them start some type of neighborhood watch program and we will attempt to talk to the mayor of Ensenada in the near future to find out what can be done to increase police protection to that area.
• The children’s Bible classes are in desperate need of organization and curriculum. Ashley will be working all year on improving those two areas.
• Reyes, Chanita, David, Abigail, Ana, Ashley, and the emerging church leaders all need a great deal of prayer to be able to utilize all of God’s power, protection, and direction in the upcoming year.

Breakdown of the Activities

• Construction – Greg Bryan & Bill Brunkhardt
• Medical – Bill Tate
• Dental – Becky Bryan
• Children – Josh Bundy
• Cosmetology – Debbie Scott
• Evangelism / Devotionals – Chad Mims
• Teaching / Preaching – John invited Kim & Raul Solis from Toluca
• Family Teaching – Dell & Lori Wood

Statistics

• Medical
  • Total patients seen - 322   (Adults 135; Children 187)
  • Medical patients     - 216
  • Dental patients       - 106
  • Teeth extracted      - 100
  • Prescriptions filled - 520
• Cosmetology 
  • Hair cuts                - 120
  • Women taught cosmetology - 4
• Children
  • It seemed like 1000’s but was no doubt only a couple of hundred

Remember -

Be sure to remember the one we left behind… Ashley Churchman stayed to serve as a missionary helping Reyes and Chanita for one year. Pray for her daily please! Her email is ashleychurchman@yahoo.com

Send Mail to:

Ashley Churchman
Ave. Estado 29 #1769
Col. Hidalgo
Ensenada , Baja California CP 22880
MEXICO

Posted 7/31/08

Colonia 89 Report - June 2008

Monday, June 16

Today Adolfo, Jesus, Gaston, David, Eliu and I started working on the roof for the children’s classroom. In the afternoon Chanita and I visited with the Camacho family they asked us to explain to them about the church of Christ and I talked to them about Isaiah 1:1-2, Acts 2, Matthew 16:18 and Romans 16:16.

Tuesday, June 17

We thank God for this morning we went to the meeting at our daughter’s school. After that we paid water bill and electricity bill for the church building. In the afternoon we had bible study with Concepcion and I talked about the church of Christ, Isaiah 1:1-2, Acts 2, Matthew 16:18 and Romans 16:16, she let us know that the explanation was very good. We had bible study with the members at the church building, this time I talked about 2 Peter 2 and Matthew 10:26-28. Today I took time to prepare the sermon for Sunday.

Wednesday, June 18

We thank God for today we took time to help the men work on the roof for the children’s classrooms. In the afternoon we had bible study with Angelica and I explained to her about the need to have Christ as our Savior, Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 2:23 and Hebrews 9:27.

Thursday, June 19

We thank our almighty God for he allowed us to continue working in the roof. In the afternoon we had two baptisms they are Patricia Mendez and Amelia Herrera; we praise our God for them.

Friday, June 20

Today we continue pouring the concrete for the second floor. I went and paid for the material and then I went looking for men to help pour concrete on Monday. In the afternoon Jesus had class for all and I had class with the ILEB students. In the evening I had time to finish my sermon for Sunday.

Saturday, June 21

Today is our day off, in the afternoon I checked the construction and everything is ready for Monday to pour the concrete.

Sunday, June 22

We thank God for He allowed us to meet as a family to worship Him. This time we had 31 adults and 29 children, we collected $551 pesos in the contribution, for the sermon I talked about God’s power from Psalms 62:11-12. After the sermon Jesus talked about Acts 14:11-20, we also organized the lunch for next Sunday. In the afternoon we had a men’s meeting to talk about the work we are doing tomorrow, and the program for next Sunday.

Monday, June 23

We thank God for this morning the workers were here on time to pour the concrete; I went and got water for the mixer. In the afternoon we went back to pour water on the concrete we poured this morning. We will need to do this in the morning and afternoon for a week.

Tuesday, June 24

This morning we started working on the septic tank, Eliu and Adolfo helped with the stairs. In the afternoon we met with Servando and his wife Angelica for they are having marriage problems and we don’t want them to get a divorce, for we don’t want their children without either parent. In the afternoon we had bible class for members and this time I talked about John 14:6.

Wednesday, June 25

Today we continue working on the septic tank; everything is ready for tomorrow to pour the concrete. The stairs are also ready. In the afternoon we visited with Amelia for she has been sick, we had a prayer with her and gave her money for the medicine she needs. We visited with Arcadio and Martha for they are having marriage problems; we talked to them and said they will do their best to stay together for their children.

Thursday, June 26

We thank God for today we were able to pour the concrete for the septic tank and we connected the pipes so it is now ready for use. We thank God for all the work that we needed to get done before the Texas group gets here are done. In the afternoon I took time to get my lesson ready.

Friday, June 27

This morning Richard, Charlie, Daniel and Gary from Arlington came over to talk about the tools, supplies and the things they are going to need for construction and the medical campaign. I went with them to get supplies and then we had lunch. In the evening we had bible class for the members, this time Jesus talked about 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

Saturday, June 28

Today the group from Arlington continued getting the things ready for the construction and medical campaign. We had lunch and then the women cleaned the church building and it’s ready for tomorrow.

Sunday, June 29

This morning we met to worship God as a family. we had 27 people from Arlington, 36 adults from here and 27 children. we collected $2270 pesos for contribution. Brother Carlos Acosta from Honduras was here with the Arlington group and he preached for us this morning. After worship we had lunch with our brothers and sisters from Arlington. In the afternoon we got the church building ready for tomorrow the medical campaign starts.

We don’t have the right words to thank God and our group from Arlington for all the blessings they will bring to this community while they work all this week, all we can say is thank you.

Working Fund Report

June 2008

Gasoline

Benevolence

Contribution

6/1/08             $555.50 pesos

6/8/08             $671.30 pesos

6/15/08            $503.50 pesos

6/22/08            $551.00 pesos

6/29/08            $2270.00 pesos

Total               $4551.30 pesos

Reyes Medina

Chanita Medina