September / October Update - Amanda in Mexico

Hello from Mexico! I hope this newsletter finds you well. It is hard to believe we are in November. Time goes by so quickly and we seem to have endless lists of things we need to get, we so easily forget to stop and thank God for all the things that give us purpose and joy to keep going. As we enter November, the “Thanksgiving month” for the Americans and us here in Mexico, I cannot help but praise God for all that he is doing and has done, not only for the ministry, but also for me personally.

Our hosting family in the Mountain ministry

Taking the students to a local parade

First, I praise God for good health, an amazing family and friends, and for my church back home as well as all of you that support me in prayer, as well as financially. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the Tarahumara people! I know I could not be here if it were not for you. Thank you!

Our 5 year olds trying to “build a house”

These past 2 months we have seen so much growth, both academically and emotionally in our students! This past week we had our first worship night. Almost all the parents showed up and the students presented what they have learnt up until now: dances, songs, guitar, Bible verses, a devotional, etc. I loved watching the parents’ proud faces as they took videos of their children in their presentations. The students were so excited to have their parents come watch them. They did an incredible job and we could not have been more proud of them. One thing we wanted to focus on this year is family relationships, and this event was definitely a step in the right direction! I praise God for what He is doing in the families we get the privilege to minister to!

Guitar class presenting for the parents

Practicing for the dance presentation

The students have had many opportunities to receive love, security and counsel these past 2 months, as the teachers have gone above and beyond to pour into these children’s lives. Joel and Cande have been running weekly after school clubs; Amelia and Joel have been investing in the youth in a weekly youth group; and all of the teachers have put so much effort, teaching with so much love and patience, constantly seeking ways to make learning fun. Most importantly, I love watching each teacher pouring into the children spiritually! They take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel and God’s love with the students. It is beautiful to watch the students learning how to pray, understanding Biblical truths and to sing praises wholeheartedly! If you ever have the opportunity to come down, we would absolutely love to have you! Just the other day one of our students was telling me how much she loved it when we got visitors and when they teach us new things!

Celebrating Mexican independance day

Praise items/Prayer requests:

- Praise God for a great new start to the school year

- Praise God for the worship night that went really well

- Praise God for all the teachers/people who invest into these students and the ministry

- Praise God for the fundraiser that was held last month! We are so grateful for everyone who was able to show up and hear about what is going on here in Mexico

- Pray for the bus, as we have had quite a few problems with it the past month

- Pray for strength and health for the teachers

- Pray for God’s provision financially, as there are many expenses as the school has grown considerably. Pray that we can trust in God’s provision and not allow worry to take our focus away from what God has done. It is truly amazing to see how He continues to provide!

Thank you so much for your prayers and taking the time to read this newsletter! I hope you know we truly appreciate your interest! May God bless you! Amanda