Amanda in Mexico

Hello from Mexico! I hope this newsletter finds you well! The new year has begun and we are in full swing again. The weeks seem to have barely begun and then we are entering the weekend again. Praise God, all but 1 of our students returned after their 3 week Christmas break. Unfortunately,  due to the cold weather, many of our students seem to be getting a cold over and over again,  which results in many absences. Despite that, it is wonderful to see the excited, joyful faces coming off the bus every morning!

We began January rested and excited to enter school again. We made a few changes to the schedule, such as adding some more English classes so the students could advance in the English language. We were able to get more students into tutoring groups, helping them catch up with their classmates. The students are preparing for the Talent show end of February,  and it's wonderful to see their enthusiasm.  

End of January, we were involved in another missions conference in a local church. I was able to share about the ministry during a service. It was amazing to see all of our teachers taking turns to represent Oaks of Righteousness at the booth. One day4 of our students were able to accompany a teacher to sit at the booth and represent their school! The students were so excited, especially about the good neal they received at the conference! It is truly exciting to see our students willingness to share with others how the school is impacting their lives... and its truly a blessing to have them stand alongside us in representing Oaks of Righteousness.

This past weekend we were incredibly blessed to have a mission team come from Monterrey to serve the people we love so much!  They led our Saturday evening Bible study as well as led a children's program for our students and children in the community on Sunday morning. We also had a local church step up and make a delicious meal for the group and the children! It was beautiful to see all of them love on our students and their families... and I have no doubt God was all smiles watching the 3 cultures working together, breaking down the walls of racism that have caused so much hurt and division for far too long. Watching them was such an encouragement to me and reminded me of why I love so much what I do.  I praise God for the growth, not just physically, but especially spiritually we have seen in the ministry. I know it wouldn't be possible without everyone doing what they can, whether that is through prayer, giving financially, coming to serve or just visit, encouragement, etc. Thank you for your faithfulness in doing what God has called you to in this ministry. You truly are a blessing to so many people!

Before ending this email, I want to share a beautiful story with you that brought me so much joy and I hope will bring you encouragementas well. Today I went to visit a young girl who has been going through a difficult time, which has been affecting her behavior as well as her school performance. She is becoming an adolescent, which many of you understand can be difficult and confusing. As we were discussing behavior and its consequences, the topic of relationships arose. I asked her what she thought about relationships. "That's simple: you like someone, you fall in love,  then someone gets hurt and the love ends. Then you are left suffering until you can finally forget the other person. Love never lasts."  Her honesty made me smile, yet it is sad to see how this is the reality our students live in. This opened the doors for a wonderful conversation (that she has heard so many times!) about God's love for her that will never end. Although nothing "big" happened, I saw the peace come over her and she left our time together encouraged. I trust that every conversation we have is a seed planted and one day will give fruit, just as the Lord promises in His Word. Isaiah 55:11 "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Praise and Prayer:

-Praise God for the students that returned after Christmas break

- Praise God for  His provision in building the teachers dorms in December.

- Praise God for the group that came to serve this past weekend

-Pray for the health of the students and teachers

- Pray for God's provision as we begin preparing for next school year: teachers,  Educational Assistants, a cook, maintenance, more classrooms, finances, etc.

- Pray for wisdom as we seek God's will and direction and that we can serve Him faithfully

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this update! If you would ever like to visit, we would love to have you. Also, if you or someone you know would be interested in filling one of the roles for next school year, we would love to hear from you!

God bless! Amanda