Hands Of Mercy

Newsletter 5

Hands of Mercy — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:29:33 +0000

summer Van Nes update

Brian — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:23:09 +0000

Dear Praying Friends,

We just want to thank you once again for your many prayers for Lindsey and for our family! It is your prayers that have kept us going, especially through the past six months.

As you may remember, it was in Dec that Lindsey was diagnosed with OCD. After much prayer, we realized that a second step needed to be taken and she was started on meds.; we have also taken trips up to Redlands to see a Christian psychologist about every two to four weeks. These have all helped and we have seen progress….Lindsey is calmer, her fears have somewhat decreased and she is able to think more clearly about normal,everyday events. But there is still room for improvement….she still has up and down days and moments, she still wants to check things–mostly in the evenings.

Through this time we have been told by several different people/sources about a place up in Fresno, CA for missionaries/christian workers to relax, recoup and have help dealing with various difficulties. God has blessed us with the time and resources to be able to go. We are planning to arrive in Fresno on June 7th and will plan to be there for at least a month (four weeks) and are open to being there longer as God leads.

We would appreciate your prayers during this time…. for both the kids as they are not real excited about going away for “such a long time”—they both love being at the ranch and they are both very attached to our family pets. Pray that they would have good attitudes and they would be open to whatever God has in store for us during this time. That the Christian counselors, pastors etc. there will have some great insight and words for Lindsey that she can grasp on to and take to heart, that we can all be encouraged, that this will be a relaxing, fun time for our family.

We will have some free time as a family while we are there and we are looking forward to spending time in God’s beautiful outdoors–Fresno is not far from Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. We may also take a trip to Monterey to visit the aquarium.

We love each and every one of you and are so thankful and blessed by your prayers.
We will try to write and give you updates while we are gone.

In His great mercy,
Danny and Joy, Corbin and Lindsey

Brian — Sat, 29 May 2010 04:48:18 +0000

YUGO Ministries • PO Box 58, National City, CA 91951-0058 • (619) 336-9003 • outreach@yugo.org
“Reaching Mexico…Impacting the World!”
SAFETY IN MEXICO – YUGO Ministries 2010
In response to recent travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department and the
media attention regarding the recent violence in Mexico, YUGO Ministries issues the
following statement:
We understand the concerns church leaders and parents may have because of all that is being reported
regarding the potential “dangers” of traveling in Mexico. Some have even stated “YUGO is being
irresponsible” in continuing to host groups in conducting evangelistic, orphanage and home building
projects ministry efforts in Mexico. The fact is that people making such statements actually have little to
no idea of what life is actually like in Mexico.
Our missionaries who live in the Tijuana/Rosarito area have never seen an actual act of violence. We
have seven couples with children who have lived in the area for the last two years – during the time of an
increased in media attention, negative reports, and warnings were given. Our missionary families believe
they are where God is calling them to be. They know there is crime, but also understand it’s not really all
that different from what is found in major cities in their home countries of the U.S. and Canada. The
crime rate in Baltimore, New Orleans and Chicago, for instance, is actually higher than in Tijuana, Mexico.
As they would in those cities mentioned or any other city, our missionaries avoid the areas in Mexico
which are more prone to criminal activity.
It is important to note, there are literally thousands of retired Americans living along the coast in or near
Rosarito, Mexico just a few miles from our Tijuana Outreach Center. They do not feel they are in any
greater danger than they would be in any major city in the U.S. They appreciate the work being done by
the local police to make their cities safe. Dishonest officials have been caught and put in prison.
Over the last twelve months, we have hosted many groups in the Tijuana/Rosarito area. Hundreds of
American and Canadian young people and adults have worked with local churches and orphanages and
have had no experiences with crime or violence. We do not send or take them to areas we know would
be dangerous or where we know the crime rate is higher. We work with local pastors who would not
consider hosting a group in a dangerous neighborhood.
We will continue inviting groups and individuals to come and work with us in Mexico as long as we see
that the region is reasonably safe. If crime and violence were to escalate to the point where our people
were in any danger, we would cancel all activities and call our missionaries home. That is not to say that
we can guarantee the absolute safety of every person who comes to minister in Mexico with us any more
than you can guarantee your safety driving through Los Angeles or San Diego to get to the border.
There is an ongoing battle in Mexico between the various illegal drug organizations and the authorities,
especially in Ciudad Juarez, south of El Paso, TX. From time to time, evidence of this battle is seen in
other cities such as Tijuana or Reynosa, Mexico, as well as Phoenix, AZ or Chicago, IL. We pray for
peace to prevail. There is also a battle going on for the souls of Mexican children, youth and adults.
Our eastern Mexico operations based in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, just across the border from Del Rio, TX
have basically not seen any increase whatsoever in crime. The biggest major change in Acuña has been
a huge drop in tourists crossing the border daily for shopping, dining, etc. The attention given to the
violence, which in fact is isolated to a short list of specific areas in Mexico, has led to a drastic drop in
tourism for the entire country. This major blow to Mexico’s economy has only led to a greater need for
ministry and more opportunities to deliver hope to the hopeless and the Good News of Jesus to the lost.
Our goal in YUGO Ministries is to mobilize Canadians, Americans and Mexicans to join us in reaching the
millions who need Christ across the border. Please pray for us, yes, for our safety, but much more for our
effectiveness in making the Gospel clear and strengthening the churches in Mexico. Ask the Lord to lead
and guide you if you are considering how to help us.

SouthWest trip April, 2010

Brian — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:44:14 +0000

Mexico brothers,
Just thought I would tell you that I believe all of our group had a really great time last weekend.
What a blessing to witness all that you guys are doing to serve our Lord in Mexico. I have heard story after story of how God was working in our lives as a result of this trip and the opportunity to serve in a small way.
The food was great and of your families were so gracious with their time and smiles. I am always inspired to see the fruits that result from Jesus working in you.

Well until next time, Vaya Con Dios!
Chuck Cawthorne

March 2010

Brian — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:33:33 +0000

The Johnson Family Journal

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, Praise the greatness of our God! He is the rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:3&4
Our family kicked off the New Year with yet another Calvary Chapel Mission’s Conference in January. Once again, we were filled with encouragement, edification, and strength from various speakers including Pastors, missionaries, and former missionaries.
We are happy to announce a new addition to our team here at Rancho Casitas. Jen Dahlin came on board full time in January to serve as school teacher for our children. We are so grateful for her servant’s heart and her desire to serve in this capacity. Steve continues to teach Bible and Math first thing in the morning. I pick up with History and reading, and then send the boys off to our “Little Red School House” to be taught by Jen. Joy, Sue, and I take turns serving as aides in the classroom with Jen during the week. She’s an incredible addition to our team and we praise God for her service.
A major storm system hit us hard in Baja on January 19th creating flooding and new landscape along the way. By the early morning hours of January 21st our family felt it was wise to evacuate our home. The creek behind our home (normally dry) had over flown its banks and huge boulders were being pushed down stream by the raging current. We spent the remainder of that night in one of our vehicles. It took some work for us to repair and replace our driveway in order to leave our property via car. During the heart of the storm, Micah commented “Hey Mom, first the fires now the floods. Do you think Jesus is trying to tell us He’s coming back soon?” Hmmm. He is so good and so faithful. No one was harmed during this time and not one structure was lost either. Praise His Holy name!
February 5th – 7th we hosted our first ever “Rancho Casitas Repair Weekend.” In total, 7 different churches were represented. We were in awe of how much was accomplished although another storm system moved in. No one complained of having to work in the mud and the mire. We were able to begin some renovation and remodeling in the kitchen of the “Comedor (Dining hall).” The fellowship was the highlight of the weekend for our family.
Rounding out this month; we hosted groups for 17 consecutive days. A total of 16 homes were built and given to those in need here in Baja from March 5th – March 28th. Twelve of the homes were built in 8 days. Again, God is so good and so faithful. He alone deserves the praise. We think of those who survived the flooding in this area who now have a roof over their heads and a floor under their feet. Praise God for faithful followers of Christ who answered the call and showed up to build and give a simple love gift in His name.
We continue to give thanks and praise for faithful partners in prayer and giving. We prayerfully lift each of you up as you continue to minister to us in these ways. We continue to receive encouragement by the investment you’ve made in our lives, in this ministry, and God’s kingdom.

As always, ever grateful to be in His Hands of Mercy,
Steve, Sara Lee, Micah, and Josiah