Beauty for Ashes

Psalm 77:11-12 says:“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

It is so very important to always be grateful! Being grateful has us look at our life with a different perspective. 

When I look back over my life and remember all that the Lord has done for me, I am filled with thanksgiving. He gave me a loving husband, three awesome children, seven precious grandchildren and in 2020 a sweet great granddaughter. All these blessings are in themselves many reasons for me to be very grateful.

My husband was a successful chartered accountant with a good income. Our lifestyle permitted me to travel, live in beautiful homes, including a condo on the beach in South Carolina, buy nice clothes, drive nice cars, and taste all the good things life could offer. 

Starting early on in our marriage Roger would always push me to learn more. He would explain complicated accounting details; When I would roll my eyes in complete boredom, and I did that often, he would say: “Listen to me, what I am saying, it’s important you understand.” He was somewhat stubborn, and he had made up his mind that this woman he had married was going to be his office manager. He won and by 1980, I became the office manager of his successful accounting firm. If and when I would struggled with these new responsibilities, he would always say: “Denise, you can do this.”

In September 1981, we became born-again christians. Soon afterwards, our values changed, our desired changed and our life goals changed. The glitter the world was offering us faded away. For a season it left our hearts yearning to be filled with a more meaningful life. So, we prayed that the Lord would use us somewhere else than in an accounting firm. In 1989, after a trip to Mexico, Roger felt a calling to go back on a permanent basis. Immediately, I was in completely agreement with his decision.  We sold everything we had and left for the mission field in August 1990.

Once on the mission field, he continued to strongly encourage me to learn more about the daily administration details of the ministry.  When we started to write our own Spanish children bible curriculum  he taught me how to work with a graphic software program. Over the years we also did some construction projects. Roger also thought me many details about construction, even if at times I found the information very boring. Nevertheless, I listened to what he had to say, never thinking that one day I would need all this information.

Life on the mission field was not an easy life, but a very fulfilling life. We learned a new language and got acquainted with a new culture. We found ourselves totally immersed in what the Lord had for us to do. We never looked back, we never had regrets. We always felt the Lord's love, guidance, provision and His protection.

In 2005, we had to come back to Ottawa because Roger was having some serious health issues. He was a non-smoker, but a lung cancer diagnosis in 2006 threw us for a spin. He fought like a brave soldier through 72 chemo treatments and 34 radiation treatments but unfortunately he went to be with Jesus in March 2008.

After he died, I continued with the ministry work, even if in the beginning, many were the days, where I had no physical or emotional strength. Days when I would miss Roger so much that it would take all my energy just to get up and face another day without him.

Even through those difficult days, deep in my heart I knew I was to continue. Even on the hardest of days, I never felt that the Lord had removed the missionary calling on my life. No matter what struggles I was facing I had to continue and I will continue until the Lord tells me otherwise.

For 15 years while on the mission field, Roger had done his share and I had done mine. In 2008, I was now faced with continuing to do my share plus take on his share. On a daily basis, the Lord gave me strength. On a daily basis, He gave me the will to continue the vision. The fire in my spirit was always and is still burning in my heart. When I struggled with new responsibilities, I remember what Roger told me so many times: “Denise, you can do this.”

The ministry is Mexico is doing very well and growing. In 2017, after several pneumonias brought on by working too hard, the Lord changed the way I was doing things. Now, I still oversee the program, but, I am letting my qualified volunteers look after the daily details. In 2017, TLCCM had 3 locations. Now in 2021, we have 8 locations, including 5 indigenous communities in or near the mountains outside of Tijuana. Each month, we touch the lives of 315 families. The gospel is being preached, bibles are being distributed, children lessons are being copied and distributed and entire families are being helped in several different ways, including monthly distribution of supplies and groceries. 

Does this mean that I am is free of problems? Of course not. The devil likes to put several obstacles in my way, but I am pressing on. The Lord's reputation for my life precedes Him. Therefore, I fully trust Him for the now situations and for future situations I might encounter.

When I am feel somewhat overwhelmed, I remember Roger pushing me to be all that he knew I could be. Even to this day his influence helps me to never to give up. Part of God’s faithfulness for my life is that for 44 years, He gave me a life partner that helped me become who I am today. 

Of course, I would never be where I am today if the Lord had not taken care such good care of me. After Roger died, the Lord took me by the hand, and He has never let me go. Through it all, He has been right by my side, walking with me on good days and carrying me through during the difficult times.

He has sustained me. He has been my strength & peace! He has enabled me to do things I would never have thought possible. I enjoy teaching or sharing God's Word in three languages depending on where I am. I enjoy writing articles for my BLOG and I love to encourage and pray for people. My life is full. There is really never a dull moment. 

I thank the Lord for opening for both of us, doors of ministry that permitted us to go where we had never gone before, do things we never thought we could do and serve Him in a country that adopted us as their own. 

Isaiah 61:2-3 says: “ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion; to bestow on them (on me) a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” 

          I am so very grateful! The Lord has truly made beauty out of the ashes of my life.

 Sincerely, 

Denise 

Update: After some health issues in 2020-2021 it became difficult for me to continue the work in Tijuana. I retired on December 31st, 2022. Nevertheless every word I wrote in this BLOG hopefully will encourage someone to seek the Lord's will and do things you never thought you could do!

New International Version used unless otherwise specified

 

Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,  

you will bear much fruit;... John 15:5

During this pandemic, all of us had to make changes in many aspects of our lives. Covid-19 forced us to make changes because of the many challenges this virus has brought upon us on a daily basis. For me, the most challenging adaptation is certainly the isolation. I love to see my children, my grandkids and my great granddaughter. I enjoy cooking a Mexican meal or having a cup of tea with my friends. I like having people around me.  The isolation from the ones I love, I find it overwhelming, especially on the weekends.  

Therefore, I find things to do that will get me out of my house. Early one Sunday evening, I drove to a park along the edge of the Ottawa River. I parked my car and turned off the engine. Armed with my cup of tea and my cell phone, I began to look at the beautiful nature in front of me. 

Within seconds I felt like I was alone with the Lord. I saw the river through the trees. The sun was going down on the water which made for a beautiful landscape. I got out of my car to take a few pictures. I started to praise the Lord for this beautiful scenery. I prayed for my three children and their families. I declared the Word of God over their lives. I also prayed for my friends, my TLCCM partners and for my Mexican family.

I continued to pray while my eyes focused on that beautiful landscape. I felt the awesome presence of God. I felt His love for me, I felt His mercy for me, but most of all I felt His approval. I was being myself and in those precious minutes, I knew that I knew that the Lord always loves me just as I am. Amen.

My eyes began to examine the trees ahead of me. Trees of all sizes and shapes that line the edge of the river to complete the beautiful landscape. After a few minutes, I noticed that the winter had not been too kind for some of those trees. Some had broken branches, nevertheless, those branches were still attached to tree trunks. Not one of those branches had fallen to the ground.

Often, the Lord speaks to me through His nature. That Sunday evening was one of those times. Suddenly I felt a download from the Holy Spirit. The verse in John 15:5 came to mind. “Jesus Is the Vine and We are the branches”. So, I came home to write down what the Lord was depositing in my spirit.

This is what the Lord showed me: Some of the trees on the bank of the river had been damaged and bruised, but new leaves are still growing on these branches. New leaves are growing because even though the branches are damaged, they are still connected to the trunk of the trees. The tree trunks are very strong. The trees had survived the winter and its harsh weather.

The sap that flows through the tree trunks is enough to reach and protect the branches bruised by the harshness of cold season. Without the sap that flows from the tree trunks to the branches, all these the branches would have died.

I don't know about you, but I sometimes feel like a broken branch. A branch damaged by the winter of life. In 2020, I had some difficult health issues. During that time, I certainly felt like a broken branch. A bruised branch with no physical or emotional strength. A branch that normally works many hours each day to administer Tender Loving Care Children Ministries in Mexico. But, for months I had no physical strength left in me which on many occasions forced me to stay in bed for hours or days. 

But Jesus has been my Savior for 40 years, so I know His reputation. I know of His love and His faithfulness for me. Even in the darkest hours of my life, when I held my husband's hand until he was in the presence of the Lord and again in 2020 through my health struggles, yes I felt broken, but I never felt detached from the love of God. I never felt abandoned by God. I never thought that the sap of His love for me was no longer flowing in my life and in my spirit. 

No, like the sap that flows from the tree trunks to allow many bruised branches to survive, Jesus is the sap of my life. He protects me from the rigors and challenges of life. He guards and helps me through all the difficult seasons of my life.

Now, one year later, my health is restored, my physical strength is almost as strong as it was previously. I am back at my desk looking after the needs of the children in Mexico. But, most important is that my faith in God is stronger because He once again He let the sap of His love flow in and through me so I can be all that He wants me to be.

He is the tree trunk on which my life hangs onto every day. Jesus is the Vine, and I am a branch, a branch that is forever grateful for the love and mercy He always shows me.

And Jesus also is the sap for your life. Do not worry if sometimes you feel like a damaged or bruised branch, just trust Him to let the sap of His love and His peace flow through you.

Jesus did it for me, He will do it for you. Amen!

 Denise

Please note: I did not have COVID-19, but as a matter of privacy, I did not include details concerning my health issues.  Thank You!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIVE BARLEY LOAVES & TWO SMALL FISH

                                                            THE FEEDING OF THE 5,000

 John 6:1-14.(NKJV)

 “After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” 10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So, the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

The little boy in this story was just a normal little boy. He obliviously had gone fishing and was going back home with his daily catch. Maybe he stopped somewhere and bought some bread for his family or most likely exchanged some of his fish for bread. Meanwhile, Jesus after preaching to the multitude went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. They were all very tired from ministering to a large crowd. But, when Jesus lifted his eyes, He saw that the multitude had followed Him. He turned to Philip and said: “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?“ Jesus already knew what to do, He was just testing his disciples. Then Andrew showed Jesus the little boy who had five barley loaves and two small fish. Five loaves of bread and two fish to feed more than 5,000 people. In the natural, it seemed quite impossible. But, Jesus was there! And when Jesus is “there” we know that things change. And they often change drastically. Jesus could have very well done a miracle and fed all those people without involving the apostles. But, He wanted them involved. He knew that if He got them involved it would change their lives forever. And He wants each of us to be involved in Kingdom matters because He knows that it will transform our lives forever. He wants us involved in helping people. That little boy did not have much, but the instant that he gave all he had to Jesus, his life was changed forever. When he got up that morning, probably just thinking of going fishing. He was just a very ordinary little boy. But, at the end of the day, he was the one Jesus used to feed 5,000 people. From unknown to famous in the space of a few hours.  Nobody knows his name, nevertheless he is famous. This miracle is so important that it is mentioned in  all four gospels. Through this short teaching, I want to encourage each of you. You all have fives loaves of bread and two fish. For me, it is a privilege to serve the Lord in Mexico. This is my “five loaves and two fishes.” For each of you, it's something else. But, all of you have something to offer the Lord. You can serve Him one way or the other. To serve the Lord is not our own ability that qualifies us. No, but what qualifies us is the ability of God to work in us in and through us. It is also our availability that qualifies us. The Lord will always provides, but we must always do our part. On the mission field we constantly face situations that in our eyes seem impossible. But when the Lord sees our hearts and especially when He sees that we give Him our “five loaves and 2 fish”, He always gives us what we need. I could give you hundreds of examples where we only had fives 5 loaves and two fish, but the Lord always provided what we needed. In the last 30 years, we have fed thousands and thousands of children. We never had to return a child to their shack on an empty stomach....never! In the summer of 2019, I had a situation where again I felt I had only had “5 loaves and two fishes.” July is a very expensive month for our ministry. Our Vacation Bible School program is very important outreach not only for the church kids but for the children in the shantytowns. During VBS we teach the kids the Word of God. We also do arts and crafts. For the children in our house group, we had to daily rent a little bus to bring the kids to the church, because they live too far to come on foot. We feed the kids a good meal every day. It means hundreds and hundreds of extra meals. Extra meals cost money, but our vision is never to return the kids to their shacks without feeding them #1 the Word of God & #2 a good meal. In Mexico, school starts the third week of August. TLCCM always buys school supplies, and help families with the cost of school registration fees and school uniforms.  Again, I had to ask for help, which is something I do not like to do. Nevertheless, I wrote a letter to my partners and friends asking them to help me. I also prayed. Because I did my part, I knew the Lord would supply. And He did. Donations started to come in on a daily basis. A couple who partner with TLCCM on a regular basis donated enough funds to cover the expenses of feeding the kids for the entire month of July. Others gave monies to buy school supplies and school bags. A lady I do not even know, gave a donation to buy 100 school bags. These are awesome answers to my prayers. On the closing day of VBS, we also had enough funds to give every family a bag of groceries. My question to you: What are your five loaves and two fish? Have no fear of offering them to the Lord. Then you will see Him open doors that you thought were impossible to open, to provide for needs that seemed far too great for your own abilities. Watch Him bless you in some absolutely wonderful ways.  Jesus knows what He wants to do in each of your lives, He is only waiting for you to offer Him your “five loaves and two fish”. Who wants to be one who is ready to offer to the Lord his five loaves and two fish so you can be used by Him to feed the “5,000” in your own situations, in your family, in your church? In closing, I want to thank all my friends and TLCCM partners. Because they have been giving so generously for so many  years, TLCCM has been able to provide a Vacation Bible Program for the past 26 years for thousands of kids in Tijuana and surrounding areas.

Thank You!

Denise xxxxx

Celebrate calm

 

“....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Calm is so very important so do this:

Refuse to give anyone power over your attitude and mood.

Refuse to allow anyone to dictate your response to them.

Refuse to give anyone the power to change your behavior.

Refuse to allow anyone to steal your peace and joy.

If someone is mean to you, remain kind.

If someone hurts you, forgive, but you no longer have to trust them.

If someone acts like a jerk. Have mercy.

Someone can be bitter. But be grateful that you do not have to live with that poison in your soul.

I cannot tell anyone what to do.

But I can tell you what I am going to do. I will keep calm.

This is self-control. This is humility. This is dignity. This is peace!

Our house sells in a phone booth

 

In Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT) we read: “Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love him and obey His commands.”

The dictionary defines the word lavish as profuse, exuberant, lush and opulent.  So, when the Word of God says that the Lord lavishes his unfailing love on you, it’s not a little bit of love, it is not a second-hand kind of love, it is not a distant kind of love, no, it’s a first quality love, an exuberant and unconditional love.

In August 1990, when we left Ottawa for the mission field in Mexico, our beautiful country home in Carp was still on the market. It had been on the market for months. It was a beautiful home with all the bells and whistles, but in was far in the country side and expensive.  Therefore prospective buyers were and far and few between, even if it  was listed with a prominent Ottawa realtor.

Roger’s C.A. practice had been sold and he felt that we needed to leave even if the house was still on the market. To leave for the mission field without a sold sign on the property was somewhat scary, nevertheless, on August 2^nd. waving at our three adult children and giving one last look at that “For Sale” sign, we left for California.

Back in those days, there were no cell phones and no wireless services. Nevertheless, before we left, we promised our kids to call them every day to make sure all was well back in Carp. Also it was to inform them how we were doing as we travelled throughout the United States to reach California.

Using a phone booth along the way was our only way to stay in touch. But, these type of phones would want us to deposit $3-$4 in quarters before giving us a connection. Using a credit card was not an option. Every evening, I would call our house in Carp. I would make a collect call and ask to speak to Denise. A collect call only required .25¢. If everything was fine, the kids would just say that I was not there and I would hang up.  If they needed to talk to us our daughter Chantal would get on the line and pretend to be me. This way we avoided long distance charges every evening.

One evening we were crossing the mountains when we finally found a campground in Yuma, Arizona. We were by then just about 4 hours away from San Diego. We ate supper and then called the kids from a phone booth near the campground office. By then it was 10:00 p.m. in Carp.

Chantal answered and pretended to be me.  She was in a mild state of panic as we had an offer on the house and it was due to expire at 11:59 p.m.

So, we called our realtor who was also in a mild panic waiting for our call.  Once she gave us the details, we concluded that probably by talking to the other realtor, we could come to an agreement on this offer.

Our realtor, keeping us on the line, called the prospective buyers realtor on another line, who called his client on another line.

We went back and forth for quite some time. At one point the camp ground manager brought us two chairs and told us: “If you are going to spend the evening in that phone booth, you might as well sit down.”

Every once in a while, the telephone operator would make us put more quarters in the payphone.  Again, the campground manager bailed us out by supplying us with those much needed quarters.

We had to decide on a fair price, so we haggled over that topic. Then we wanted a quick closing date, but the buyers wanted 60 days to get their finances arranged.

Anyhow, after 1.5 hour, we finally were agreed on all the details and made a verbal agreement that was to be followed the next day with a written contract sent by fax.

After thanking our realtor, we finally hung up.  It was 11:30 p.m. in Carp, but we still called the kids to tell them the good news.

The Lord had honored our faith by leaving after the business sold. Before we even got to San Diego, the house had sold. It sold, in a phone booth in Yuma, Arizona.

When we finally returned to our trailer, we realized that in this specific situation, the Lord had lavished His unfailing love on us, it was not a little bit of love, it was not a second-hand kind of love, it was not a distant kind of love, no, it was a first quality love, an exuberant and unconditional love. The Lord had just given us what we really needed for this specific need in our lives at that time. Amen!

To this day, almost 29 years later, He daily continues to lavish this kind of exuberant love on my life and ministry.

This song explains my feelings:

I am in awe of you

I am in awe of you

I am in awe of you

I am in awe of you

You are beautiful beyond description

Too marvelous for words

Too wonderful for comprehension

Like nothing ever seen or heard

Who can stand your infinite wisdom

Who can fathom the depths of your love

You are beautiful beyond description

Majesty and enthroned above

I stand, I stand in awe of You…

Denise 

 

Exchanging garbage for food !

 

Exchanging garbage for food !

In the mid 1990’s, among the shanty towns we were helping, we had three that were situated near Tijuana’s biggest dump site at the time. Colonia Salva Tierra was the closest, with Colonias Flores Magon and Las Cumbres also in that area.

For a few years we worked with a wonderful older couple who had a house and feeding station at the exit of the dumpsite in Salva Tierra. We brought food every week.  We also often had bible studies with the kids. Standing at the back of the van with Roger and the sweet older pastor holding our song sheets, we sang with the kids. With our eyes closed and trying not to breathe in the bad odors coming from the dumpsite, we tried to imagine that we were singing with a children’s choir in a nice church in San Diego.

Working with these children was a unique and precious experience. Many of these kids did not go to school. On this Tijuana landfill, kids work alongside their families. They collected and tried to sell all sorts of items they found rummaging through garbage every day from sunrise to sunset.

These people were called Pepenadores, which means: “waste pickers”. They are people from the community who make their living picking through the trash left by city dump trucks. Almost everything they have, wear, or even eat comes from the dump. In the garbage, families work to find what they need to survive.

Some of these families had built shacks and lived on the dumpsite itself. There were no sewers nor running water on the dumpsite. Electricity was stolen from nearby electrical poles. Since this was considered an illegal community, there were absolutely no city services available in that area.

Working with those kids we quickly learned to have a strong stomach and to turn off our sense of smell. They would come straight from the dump to the feeding station. Even though they were filthy and smelly their big smiles won us over week after week. They were some of the most grateful kids we  helped during our time on the mission field.

We also had a feeding station in nearby Colonia Flores Magon. One day, after delivering food at that feeding station, we were leaving the area on our way to another of our feeding stations. Walking by the side of the road, we saw a family we knew who lived in Flores Magon. The three kids regularly came to our feeding program and bible studies. As soon as the kids saw our red van, they started to waive. Roger stopped the van, and we got out to talk to family. The mother told us that they had just gone to the dumpsite to try to find some food. The kids each had a dirty little metal pail in which they had their dumpsite food.

Not wanting to offend them, we diplomatically and quickly glanced at what was in the pails. Even though we were both shocked, we had to act as though everything was normal. Their little pails were full of broken pieces of dirty tortillas, pieces of mold ridden bread, half-eaten vegetables and some insects. It was completely disgusting. Our first thought was to throw these pails in the ravine by the side of the road. But this would have been very offensive to this family.

Roger had the gift of diplomacy. I, on the contrary was more direct. He used to tell me that at times my diplomacy was accompanied by a brick. In  all our years together, if he thought that I was going to use my kind of diplomacy, he would simply say: “Denise, let me take care of this.”

On, that day, on that dirt road, a short walk from the dumpsite, even Roger was not too sure how to handle the situation. Remembering that we had food in the van including some cookies, he asked the kids if they wanted cookies. Of course, their answer was yes.

He then went to the back of the van and opened the doors. First, Roger reached for the box with cookies and handed me a bag for each child. The kids were very happy. While Roger was taking out the cookies the kids had deposited their dirty little pails at the back of the van. With perfect timing, the Holy Spirit moved in like a gentle breeze into Roger’s spirit and he asked the kids if they could do him a favor. I had no clue was he was doing, but he had the children’s attention, so, I just stood there and waited to see what was going to happen.

The three kids were very enthusiastic about the thought of helping hermano Roger. He said: “I have a proposal to make to the three of you.” He then put an empty cardboard box near the kid's dirty little pails and asked them if they were willing to exchange what they had in their pails for food we had in the van. The kids were excited and of course their answer was yes. The children knew that our food was good because we gave them groceries on a regular basis.

Carefully and with gentleness, Roger picked up each little pail and emptied it in the carboard box. Then, he turned to me and asked me to help him. We filled three plastic bags with rice, beans, bread and whatever else we had in the van. I handed the bags of good and clean food to each of the kids. The smile on their faces was all the reward we needed. They said thank you and we each received a big hug.  

Meanwhile, the dirty little pails were still at the back of the van. Not giving them back was not an option.  Because Roger had started this “project”, I was not going to interfere. He took another plastic bag and put the dirty little pails in the bag. Then, he handed the bag to the kid's mom without saying word. He then closed the van doors and after getting another round of hugs we got back in the van to go to our next destination.

When situations like this one arose and after we had dealt with it, we often did not feel like talking. The emotions could be overwhelming. Silence was like a refuge where we could process what had just happened.

We drove to our next destination. Before unloading the food, Roger took a garbage bag and put the entire cardboard box containing the dump food, inside the bag. Then, he left on the side of the road near the feeding station so the garbage truck could pick it up. The irony was that this spoiled food came from the dumpsite and that is where it was going back. Amen! 

I am so grateful that the Lord permitted us to be on that road, exactly at the same time as this family was walking home from the dumpsite. That was not a coincidence, rather it was certainly a divine appointment.

In Matthew 25: Verse 35a, the Word of God says: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…” Verse 40 says: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

As Christians, we always must be attentive to anyone we encounter that are coming out of their “own brand of dumpsite” and needing our help. When we lend a helping hand to one of these, it is like as Jesus Himself is helping them. That thought should always motivate us to be kind, caring and compassionate.

God bless you,

Denise

 

 

Note: That dumpsite has now been closed for several years. Amen!

 

 

 

Emma, our knitting angel

In the 1990's a precious christian lady already in her 80's and living in the state of Washington, knitted hundreds of sweaters for our TLCCM children. She would send 50-100 items at any given time. Every color in the rainbow and every size from babies to teenagers.

She was a widow living on social security. I remember her telling us that she had arthritis in her knees and legs. She needed a walker to get around. She could have easily sat in her living room and complained or watch television all day. But, instead she turned her living room into a knitting room. Every day she would spend hours knitting sweaters for the kids.

After a while, she had knitted many sweaters but did not know of anyone who could use them. Her pastor came to her house once a month to give her communion, so she talked to him about these sweaters. He knew of a youth group that had recently visited Tijuana on a mission trip.  This youth group had come to help us with our Vacation Bible School program.  She contacted the leader who gave her our address and telephone number.

After she realized the children in Tijuana would be happy to have her sweaters, she sent us every sweater she had already knitted.  Afterwards, every day she would sit in her living room and make more and many more sweaters.

Back in those days, there was practically no internet, so Emma wrote to us on a regular basis. She made those beautiful sweaters for years. In all that time, I only spoke to her once. She would send us a letter to advise us that a box or two were coming in the mail.  She was adamant that we would notify her as soon as the sweaters arrived on our doorstep. The only request she ever made was that once or twice every year she wanted a few pictures of the kids wearing her precious creations. We sent her many pictures.

Then, one day, the letters stopped coming and so did the boxes of sweaters. We tried to call her, but her phone had been disconnected. We concluded that she had gone home to heaven.

She was the perfect example of a servant's heart. Working day in and day out alone in her living room to do her share to help the poor. Very few people knew about the sweaters. She just wanted to serve the Lord and bless the children.

I have no pictures of this sweet lady, nor did I remember her name, until just a few minutes ago, while writing this testimony.  Our precious lady’s name was Emma.  But, all along the Lord knew her name and He saw her labor of love.  Now she is enjoying her reward among the angels of heaven.

I wonder if she is knitting sweaters for the angels and if finally she made one for Roger!

Sincerely,  Denise  xxx

Is this my birthday cake?

“Take delight in the Lord,  and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

 Psalm 37:4 

After thirty-two years of ministry, there were many occasions when a specific situation took me by surprise. This article qualifies as one of those emotional, pleasant and unexpected situations.

For several years, TLCCM had the privilege to sponsor a children’s house group in Colonia Urbi, in Tijuana. This home bible group was an outreach of Templo Bethania whose pastors were my dear friends pastors Jorge & Rosa.

Colonia Urbi is at least fifty minutes from their local church. On Saturdays in Tijuana it is common to see street markets everywhere in the various shantytowns. It is a time where the local people can do some shopping for various items including fresh fruits and vegetables. These markets on held on the side of the streets or sometimes on the streets, making it difficult for traffic to circulate in a timely fashion. Because the children’s bible study was on Saturday, getting to the Urbi location was challenging.  It is another slum area and many of the children come from single parent household.

For several years, TLCCM paid for a small bus to transport these kids back and forth to our Vacation Bible School program or other special events happening at Templo Bethania. The cost of $60 per trip was a great investment in the lives of these precious children.

I was always very grateful for the wonderful and very reliable helpers that live in that area who took on the responsibility for this house group.

Every time I was in Tijuana, I would go for a visit. In January 2020 was no exception. I always enjoyed my time with this group of children. I always did something special with them and I also brought them blessings.

One Saturday morning, I woke up early and baked a slab cake for our afternoon session in Colonia Urbi. I often surprised the kids with homemade cake or cup cakes that I covered with a thick layer of icing and lots of candied sparkles. Upon arriving at the location in Colonia Urbi, Pastor Jorge handed me the cake to take to the ladies in the kitchen. 

I barely made a few steps towards the kitchen when I heard a little girl say: “Hermana is this cake for me?”.  I turned around and noticed that I did not know this little girl, but she was obliviously talking to me. Apparently, this was only her second time attending our weekly bible.

I smile and said: “Well sweetheart the cake is for everyone.” My answer was not to her satisfaction. She replied: “But, this cake is for me, it was my birthday this week and I did not get a cake, so, this one is for me, right?”

Looking at this pretty little girl that was believing with all her heart that this cake was “her cake” made my eyes filled with tears.

My answer to her was: “Precious, absolutely this cake is for you, but we will have to share it with the other children. Is that good with you?”  “Oh! yes” she said, and she ran into the classroom happy as a little bird on a nice spring day.

With my heart still full of emotions, I brought the cake in the kitchen. I explained to the ladies and to Pastor Rosa what had just happened outside. Immediately, love and compassion fell on everyone and without saying a word, we all knew what to do.

I went into the classroom to spend time with the kids. I learned that my birthday girl’s name was Lesly. Meanwhile, Pastor Rosa went to the little store next door to buy some candles. Usually, the ladies would have cut the cake and placed them on little paper plates, to serve to the kids after they finished their meal, but not that day. The cake stayed uncut on the counter.

After bible study, the kids ate a good meal. Lesly ate her meal and did not ask about “her cake”. In her mind, it was already settled, the cake I brought was her birthday cake. The simple faith of a child is always a reminder to us adults that the Lord loves this type of simple faith.

In Matthew 18:3-4, Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. !Amen.

Meanwhile, while some of the older kids picked up the empty plates and glasses, in the kitchen the ladies were putting candles on the cake. Then Pastora Rosa came in with the cake and all the kids started to sing “Happy Birthday Lesly”. I stood at the back of the room and took pictures with tears running down my cheeks.

Lesly’s face radiated with joy. It was easy to see this little girl was feeling loved. The other children instantly turned the occasion into a birthday celebration.

Afterwards, talking with her I learned that she did not go to school. Her single mom had to work and could not afford a babysitter. Lesly stayed home to watch her younger brother and sister. She enjoyed coming to the bible study because this was the only time during the week that she got to spend time with children her own age. It is really the only time during the week that she got to be “a little girl”.

Before the kids went home, we gave them their monthly bag of groceries. Lesly was so happy to get her supplies. This was a blessing she had never experienced.

This little girl needed a special touch from heaven and the Lord in His mercy made that happened. When I baked “her” cake earlier that day, I did not realize how much of a blessing it would bring to this precious little girl.

During my 32 years on the mission field of Tijuana, I made hundreds of cakes or cupcakes for the kids in our TLCCM program. The kids were always happy to see me arrive with a dessert. But I must admit that Lesly’s and “her” birthday cake have a special place in my heart.

Sometimes we do things that seems insignificant to us, but nothing is insignificant to the Lord. He often turns our insignificant things into a blessing for someone else, for someone that really needs a special blessing, a special touch from heaven.

This situation showed me that the Lord takes all of what we do for others, and He turns them into special blessings for those who need it the most. 

Nothing we do for others is insignificant in His eyes.

 Denise

All scriptures taken from the New International Version unless otherwise specified.

Take courage….do not be afraid!

In Matthew 14:27 (NIV): But Jesus immediately said to them:

 “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

When we go through difficult times it is normal to be or feel afraid. But, we always have to remember is that the Lord is just a prayer away. In John 14:1 Jesus tells us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

We never have or should carry heartaches, disappointments and even betrayals. The Lord is our refuge. He is the One we should and must trust at all times.

When we read the following scriptures verses we find peace and safety.

Psalm 9:9:“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

Psalm 16:1:“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.”

Psalm 18:2:“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn^] of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 31:2: “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”

Therefore, when you heart hurts, your emotions are in a mess and your nerves are rattled, slow down, sit and talk to the Lord about your hurts, your feelings and your uncertainties. You can even talk to Him about your doubts and about the times you failed to completely trust Him.

After you shared with Him how you feel, sit quietly in His presence and let His peace overwhelm your soul. Take the time to listen what He is speaking to your heart and spirit.

At the end of the day, every hard thing either makes us bitter or better. When we begin to see His goodness reflected in the pleasant and painful things we encounter, we learn to trust Him in and for every situation of our lives.

If we learned to stand firm upon His word, trusting in His overwhelming goodness, His peace with fill our soul and spirit and we will dwell in the peace that only the Lord can provide.

The Lord says to you in Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”   

Denise  xx