Amanda in Mexico
May-June Newsletter
|
|
|
Hello from Mexico! I hope this newsletter finds you well! We are now on summer vacation, as the students have a long vacation due to the work season for the Tarahumara people. Currently all the parents and older children are pruning apples while the younger children are taking care of their baby siblings/nieces/nephews, etc.
|
|
In April, after my last newsletter, a group of people joined me as we made our way to the mountains for an evangelism event. Unfortunately, we never made it to our destination as we had an accident on the way. This was very unexpected for me, as I have been to the mountains so many times. Looking back, though, I can only praise God for His protection and faithfulness. An accident that easily could have taken our lives ended with some scrapes bruises and minor fractures. Praise God! In the past, many times, I have struggled with deeply discouraging thoughts, questioning my purpose or significance here on this earth, but during the accident, a strong determination to stay alive took over. It helped me to stay in control and help calm my companions. Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” This verse reminds me that God has given each of us a desire for eternal life that can only be found in Him. Praise God my life is secure in Him, and I pray this be a reminder for us to help those around us who still have not found that life in Him.
|
|
We returned to school on April 13. It was challenging with a fractured rib to get back into the swing of things, yet so refreshing to see the students. I always miss them after a week or two of vacation. It was so neat to see the students jump at the chance to help carry my books and bag for me. Our students are really becoming considerate, respectful young men and women and we are so proud of them. The last few months of school passed quickly. We had the graduation on May 31st. The students worked hard to hire a local artist to come sing at their graduation. It was a special day as we celebrated our first Jr. High graduate, 4 middle school graduates, and nine kindergarten graduates. Praise God for the beautiful children who are beginning to dream of a future different from the cycle they have grown up in.
|
|
Lastly, I want to share about this last week. I am currently on an airplane as I write, on my way to Canada. This past week, a former student and I were able to visit my sister in Belize. It was so refreshing to disconnect from the phone and work for a week. My former student and I were able to have some wonderful, deep conversation about Christ and what it means to truly follow Him. She has been struggling a lot the last few months in her faith journey, especially having lost her little brother in an accident in March, and then being in the car accident with me in April. It was so beautiful to see the joy of the Lord begin to fill her heart again as she laughed with my sister and brother-in-law. God used them to bring out her playful side come out again. Once again, I am left in awe of how God works in the simplest, unexpected ways. I see her child-like faith that chooses to trust God in a series of events that are beyond our understanding. Please continue to pray for Sandra as she continues to seek Christ in her daily life. I also praise God for the opportunity to return to Canada to visit our supporters, share with them what the Lord has been doing here, and to thank you for all your prayers and support. This ministry could not run without you. Thank you so much for every newsletter you take time to read, every prayer on our behalf, and every donation. You make this ministry possible! I praise God for each one of you. I will be in B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba for the next month or so. If you would like to connect, feel free to send me a message! God bless you! Amanda
|
|
|
