Brandon's Mexico Update

Wow—it has been such an amazing trip so far it is difficult to put it into words.  From the minute we began it seems to have been loaded with powerful interactions with God and others.

On our way down (July 14) we ran into a hitchhiker who needed to get further down the road.  In praying about it I felt that we could help him without compromising the safety of our crew, and we had some very illuminating conversations with him about life.  All of a sudden, it sounded like someone hit us as a car passed us, so we pulled over.  It turned out that the treads had entirely come off our rear driver’s side tire, and our passenger helped us change it out.  As we were changing the tire he smoked a cigarette, but I thought I smelled something strange about it.  Sure enough, as we continued down the highway he showed signs of having taken something—agitation at sound, aggravation over bumps in the road, a vacant stare and mutterings.  It became apparent to those sitting near that we needed to pull over and let him off.  Interestingly enough, as I needed to figure out how to tell him that he couldn’t ride with us past this stop without angering him further (whatever he had taken had him very agitated at this point), we sprung a major leak in the fuel neck (the part form the gas cap to the tank).  Since he could see the fuel shooting onto the ground from the hose as we fueled, he didn’t want to ride with us for safety, so we were able to part ways peacefully.  After I had finished repairing the leak to the best of my abilities, he returned.  Since we were now only going to go into Oklahoma City and couldn’t drop him off in the country outside it, he didn’t want a ride from us.  He also seemed to have come down off whatever he had been on.  What he actually wanted to do was to apologize for having gotten angry earlier.  He said he’d been trying to change his life and become righteous but had been struggling for a long time.  As we chatted more, it became apparent that he genuinely wanted to be on a path towards change and was striving as best as he knew how.  After getting him some food we were able to pray for him as he walked off to camp, and then we limped on into Oklahoma City with the little bit of fuel we had been able to get into the tank.

This interaction with the hitchhiker was a very powerful example of how God can use the bad for good; the fuel leak actually was very much needed so that we could safely split ways with the hitchhiker, this man was 100 miles closer to home and had received food and prayer, we had help changing a tire (he gave us the idea to use a block so the jack would reach), and this interaction prepared us spiritually for much of what we would experience at Joe’s in Oklahoma City and even the stories we would hear in Juarez.

Yet our interactions the first day weren’t over.  At Joe’s Addiction in Oklahoma City, we talked with Chris (a local ministry leader who has been a believer for almost two years).  He told us a recent story about how God had powerfully used him and his abilities to help a local named Mike receive disability pay.  Though this sounds like a simple story, you HAD to be there to hear the emotion in his voice, feel the way the Spirit touched our hearts, and see the way that the groups’ eyes lit up.  God powerfully encouraged us by the way He was working in that situation.

The next morning, the Spirit again touched our group as Jamie (one of Joe’s owners) shared how God has been moving in the community.  I could see several in our group almost crying at points, and I myself held back tears a couple of times as Jamie shared how the Spirit moved in the lives of those in the community there.  Many of the stories were very similar to the situations the children at the home often come out of (sexual abuse, neglect, violence, drugs), and the connections were very obvious.  Throughout that entire day as we worked at Joe’s, many individuals in our group had powerful conversations that God moved in… but I’ll let them share about them.

July 16 was a LONG day of driving, but after some good conversations about the home and the church here we had supper and got to play with the kids.  Many of them remembered us and were VERY glad we were here.  It was good to be with them again.

July 17 after church service (which was powerful in itself—one can always feel the Spirit move mightily during praise and worship at this particular Mexican congregation) we had ANOTHER powerful conversation.  Joel (the principal at the home) shared with us the story about how he had been kidnapped for ransom and beaten last October.  He spoke of his faith and how he knew many were praying for him.  Even after being tortured, he said he slept deeper and more peacefully than he ever had before.  He shared that this experience brought his faith to life for Him and really showed Him God’s presence and providence.  Even more, seeing that most of his abductors were local teens inspired him for his work at the children’s home by showing him how VERY critical what they do is if the cycles of darkness are ever to be changed.  Our discussion with Joel was deeply encouraging.

That night we again played with the children and got to know more of the new faces of the home (while enjoying our interactions with the old ones).

Today (July 18) was powerful in different ways…  but I will let the others share more about that (Dawn just did in the previous post—you should read it).  In general, our interactions with the children were very good and very touching; it shows clearly in their faces that many are extremely happy that we still care about them and remember them.  I thank God that we can be here for them and with them—our little brothers and sisters.

Finally, I want to quickly mention two pertinent things from today.  First, when we went to a local store at the base of the hill we found out that it had been shut down.  After talking with some locals, it turns out that the owners had been threatened and didn’t have protection money so had fled.  This was actually very sad for me as I have had good discussions with that family each year that we come back.  It continues to highlight the difficulties in everyday life in this place.

Second, we had a couple of great conversations with Becky, an El Paso student who is here for a few weeks.  It is very apparent that God is using her to serve and build bridges between El Paso and Juarez.  Her heart clearly belongs to Jesus, and her passion for others and God is inspiring.  She shared many things with our group that inspired us and encouraged us, and we are very thankful for time that we get to spend with her.

Thank you all for your prayers— If you want to share something with us, encourage us, ask us to pray for you, or ask us questions email us at Uniteeph4.1.16@gmail.com and we can hopefully respond on this blog.  Please keep praying—it has been VERY important already :)  --Brandon

Juarez, Mexico

I already feel sad and hate to leave, but I do plan to come back next year. I got to experience Kimberly as she began to trust me tonight as she jumped into my arms from the playground equipment and as I caught her as she went down the cement slide. I too tried this of course if you know me at all, and I greatly enjoyed this in God's providance as I slid down a bit out of control and did an Aikido roll over that I obviously do not know how to do yet but loolk forward to learning . It is basicly the same kind of roll over that I have done when out of control on rollerblades. It was good to see her open up as earlier today when we did the lessons and crafts, she was shy and wouldn't give her name. I was disappointed to not see them do the plastic, flattened trash can slide tonight but then as we were about to leave they brought it out Praise God, and I got to slide a couple of times. This makes me think of people like Eddy at Joe's Addiction that had their childhood stolen or damaged in some way. Eddy would do great working with children as he said he really feels drawn to children's toys because he didn't have much of an opportunity as a child for this. It was rewarding as the girl's wanted us to stay and show us their bedrooms and share more of their lives with us. We exchanged doing each other's hair. It was good to hear stories from Becky that despite the corruption here even from the police and government that God is alive and well in Juarez. Bye for now.

Love in Christ,
Vicky Cowan

"You wouldn't drive without a key, you can't live if you don't bleed..."

Once again......an AMAZING day. I know I use that word a lot...but sometimes words just don't cut it in attempting to describe my feelings towards something like this trip. Experiences are often something not meant to be fully understood by anyone but those that actually feel them. However, I will continue to do my best to capture the full spectrum of emotions that occur in me here.

To be perfectly honest, I did not think I would have much to write about today...even in my journal, little did I know what God had in store for me today. It was a good and busy day to begin with.....we did a lesson and crafts with the children this morning, which was hectic but VERY fun for both us and them....


































But beyond the time spent on art projects and goofing around....I had an experience this evening in las canchas that I think will forever change me. I am still trying to soak it all in and fully understand what I have just experienced merely a couple hours ago....

This young girl named Joseline, who I remember from last year's trip had tried to teach me spanish words and even wrote them in my journal while we were here, apparently enjoys my company VERY much. I recognized her instantly when we got here, and she is one that jumps at the opportunity to give me a hug when we show up. But this evening, was different for her and I. this evening was special.....and I did not even know it.

I was hanging out with some of the other girls when Joseline came running up to me saying something and grabbing my hand, pulling me away from the other children...all I remember understanding was "Muy importante!! Por favor!!" So I told the other kids "un momento!" As she pulled me across the futbol/basketball court. She took me to the side of the play area where nobody else was hanging around in, and pulled out a piece of paper. It was written in English and she explained that Brandon had helped her translate it. It appeared to be a letter written to our friend Adam from her....but I quickly realized the miscommunication between her and Brandon. This letter...had been meant for me, specifically. It expressed her love for me and how she did not forget me, even when I left the home. She specifically stated how she felt for me as a sister and how she loved me....and she asked if I would be her sponsor.

This took my breath away! The sincerity with which this little girl looked at me and after I read the letter...she began to speak. You must understand though, my Spanish is rough...to say the least. I understand broken words and phrases and I do not conjugate verbs well....AT ALL. I struggle with speaking though I understand better than I speak. However, tonight I wished more than ever that I could understand everything she had to say....

What I did understand, was she was asking me to be her "sister". To write her letters. Send her pictures....maybe even a "regalo" (gift) for Christmas....she likes bubbles and chocolates from what I understood...hahaha. She said she loved me and gave me a very sweet hug, as though she did not want to let go.

I nearly cried.

I then said in my best broken spanish "mi hermana" (my sister) as I pointed to her. She smiled, took my hand, and we sat on the steps near some of the others who were playing. She put her little arm around me and sat there speaking words that I only wish I could have fully grasped. But I understood when she said "te quiero" ....I love you.

A bit later she wanted to show me her "room", a bunk bed and area shared with the other girls in the dorm....we sat on her lower bunk and she got out her Bible and began reading me verses in Spanish...and explaining why she liked those verses...once again, I wish I could have fully grasped every word. But God gave me enough understanding for me to handle I think. Luckily, he also blessed me with a semi-decent memory...for I remember the verses and now have the opportunity to re-read them in English.... they were the first 4 verses in Psalm 23, I recognized that immediately. The next was the first 6 verses of Psalm 118. The next Psalm 117. And the last Jeremiah 3:6-10....she said something about the Pastor reading that before...It was VERY interesting.

She walked away for a moment to get something to write with and I sat on that bed trying my HARDEST not to cry...how could I explain to her why I would be crying? They were happy tears....but more amazed and touched tears too. This little Mexican girl, calling me her hermana....was sitting here reading the Bible to me in HER tongue...and talking away about it. I can not think of a more beautiful moment that I have experienced.....

~Dawn Rickerson

Hola from Juarez,

Thank you for your support and prayers for us and those God brings across our path. Today we went to church here at the Emmanuell Ministries church and played with the kids. I really enjoyed the whole service. Even though worship was in Spanish, I could sing along in the Spirit. Even though I know very little Spanish, God's language of love is universal. I rode a plastic, flattened trash can down a cement ramp and loved it and the kids and could have done it all night. At lunch, I learned that the speaker at church had been kidnapped October 20 last year for a day or two. The kidnappers had planned to take him from across the street from where we are now. He had a great testimony of how he had heard others tortured with him when he was blindfolded. How they usually don't keep you alive because they don't want to feed you. How people prayed and then the boss of the men who had kidnapped him for money called to let him go.He realized more than ever how important the ministry is for these kids so that they don't become kidnappers for a living. I too, agree and know I am where God wants me to be and I feel safe. I am so grateful and blessed to be here in Juarez.This trip has been full of adventure and God appointments from the time we left Hays. I believe I will be spending more of my life in Valleybrook, OK and Oklahoma City.That is where we hooked up with Joe's Addiction, a coffee house and oh so much more. They minister to many of the needs of the local community of Valleybrook, a city within Oklahoma City. Joe's Addiction has Vineyard Church as well as they are " the church" 24/7. They have a free store and food pantry. Joe's Addiction is part of Heart of God Ministries. This city is small in area but large in sin, corruption, and hopelessness of those who have been broken by life. They are some of the most receptive people to God's love and want to turn their lives around when they are given the tools and knowledge of what to do. Hands Up Ministries is just down the street from Joe's Addiction. Hands Up provides housing and guidance to previous prisoners and a large part of their population are registered sex offenders because this area is one of the few in OK and the nation where they can live because they can't live in a green zone. You can become a registered sex offender for as little as urinating in public. Everyone does not deserve judgment but God's love and mercy. You don't know what has happened in someone's life to bring them to this point. There go I but by the grace of God. Strip clubs, prostitution, alcohol, drugs, and corruption abound. God has placed Joe's Addiction in an opportune place for ministry. Heart of God Ministries also has Beautiful Feet Bootcamp where they train you for 6 months and then you do a 4 month internship for becoming a missionary. While at bootcamp, you also work at Joe's Addiction and live and do ministry at the Refugee Apartment complex. I would like prayer for Heather, Scott, Richard, Veronica, and others in this program of ministry. Jamie and John Zumalt, Jim, Chris, and other ministers at Joe's Addiction, I would like prayer for them. I would like prayer for people in the community at Joe's Addiction like Guymen, Lora, Casey, Lucy, Mike, Michael, Chuck, Eddy, and others. Chris was one of these people with a minor offense if he would have had 10,000 dollars for his defense he would not even have this label of registered sex offender. Now he is ministering to others at Joe's Addiction and also at Hands Up Ministries. He has a great testimony how God used him to defend Mike in court to receive his SSI. He says how is it that God would use him in this way after he spent years ignoring God. That is how I feel too who am I that God would use me, but I love it as I love God and God loves me. Despite my physical fatigue, I could have played with the kids all night, just like when I was at Joe's Addiction the night I led prayer and met Guymen who is only been out of prison a few days, what a God appointment. Ministry can be exhausting and yet at the same time the best energy, fulfilling ride of your life. I would not trade ministry for anything, just as I would not trade God for anything. Guymen, I know is another Chris sent to Joe's Addiction. I can't wait to hear how his testimony continues. Monday, we did lessons and crafts with the kids demonstrating God's love for us and how we can share God's love with others. I think we will be painting for the ministry as soon as we are able to find the person in charge of that. I am truly blessed to be here with this team. I know this is only the beginning for me in missions. It has been hard to wait this long, but it is truly worth the wait. Also we are missionaries always in whatever area we happen to be living at the time. God can use you wherever you are at if you just let him. Plus in order for us to do what we are doing now, you all are equally important in your role sending us with funds and prayers. We are the church with all parts working together in harmony. I can't wait to give you more details as time allows and as God unfolds the rest of the adventure. Would you please pray for my camera to go back to working. I am a big picture taker. Out of the blue for no apparent reason, as we drove by the White Sands Area of Texas, it just suddenly quit working. I know it is insignificant, but God cares about everything no matter how big or small. Thank you for everything.

Love in Christ,

Vicky Cowan

The coldest heart can be brought to life....

This first couple of days have been a blur of fun and exhaustion spending time with these adorable kiddos, and we have loved every second of it! One of the things I looked forward to the most, besides seeing those kiddos again, was Sunday morning church! I am so glad we got to go to at least one service while we were here this time! There is just something about the sight of children waving flags to the music, the feel of a thin layer of sweat under your clothes and hair only amplified by the feel of the fan circulating through the sanctuary, and the sound of worship and praises sang to our God in a foreign tongue. There is absolutely NOTHING like it!






























It has been so wonderful to be here to play with these kids, you can tell just how much they crave love and affection. Don't get me wrong, they get love from the children's home, the staff there does SUCH a good job! But I know it is nice for them AND the children to have new people around....and they certainly seem to love us "Americanos" hehehe. We have had such a great (and exhausting) time with them playing each evening out in las canchas...and they always crave more! God just seems to give us renewed energy every time we go out there! It is a tremendous opportunity, and one of my favorite things is recognizing kids from last year and having them ask "me recuerdas?" ...."do you remember me?" One little girl asked me that and I did remember her from last year...she was soooo excited! What a blessing to see those little smiles!


Another thing about this place...at night from the canchas.....if you look at the city, you can see the border lights and on the other side the light's of El Paso...on the side closest to you, which is Juarez Mexico...it is more darkness. What a picture! I have to say this though, as much darkness as there might be in Juarez right now...this place, this home, these children...are a light in this darkness. God is moving here in a mighty way! ~Dawn Rickerson

Bienvenidos A Mexico!

So yesterday, after a long....Long....LONG day of driving, we arrived in El Paso to meet up with our old friends Adam, Whitney, and Wendy. It was great to see them again! After a bit of visiting we began transferring all of our things from one van into two different vehicles we would be taking across the border......we filled the back of the vehicles with all of our luggage, musical instruments, crafts we brought to do with the kids, and a few things Adam and Whitney needed to take over to the home as well......we LITERALLY brought everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink!!! Here is our friend Adam loading it up!! We needed photographic evidence of it. ;)

The border crossing was fairly uneventful, the ladies rode with Whitney in her car and the guys rode in the suburban with Adam with most of the stuff....so their vehicle was stopped at the border and the guys had to get out and be questioned for a minute while the soldiers looked in the vehicle. I guess they determined they were harmless musicians in their random check because of the trombone and guitars hahaha, so we were able to go on into Mexico!!

I can hardly explain the feeling of returning to Juarez!! Last year was my first mission trip to the home here...and it impacted me so much! So having this opportunity to return...is absolutely priceless! I don't know how much I am changing things here....I just know I'm loving on these kids and it changes ME. As we drove up the hill past the church and las canchas and the home and arrived at the casita we stayed in last year....I hopped out of the vehicle and yelled over to the guys...."HEY WE'RE HOME!!" ...and it TRULY felt like I was returning home. I have this thing about falling in love with some of the places I have been and especially the people...and this is definitely one of those places. Walking back into the casita really did feel like I was coming home again. Then, after getting settled in, we headed down the hill (praying for renewed energy after our intensive day of travel)....and boy did we get it! Those kids were all over us! Most of them remembered us from last year and were calling us out by name. Lots of hugs were shared and lots of energy expended before we crashed for the night! It was well worth it!

I love being here :) ~Dawn Rickerson

July 17

Hello all!  I apologize for the break in posts; we have not had Internet access some of the times that we wanted to post, so I am logging on now to let you know that we did arrive safely in Juarez yesterday and are already feeling God's presence here as we interact with everyone.  We will be leaving for supper at the Lopez house soon and then will play with the children in the cancha (playground) shortly after.  Later tonight I hope to be able to give you a much more detailed update about some of the crazy ways it seems God has already been moving here on the trip.  We've had quite the adventure getting here, serving at Joe's Addiction and interacting with the  community there, and it's been really good to be with the children here again.  God willing we'll get some more photos and videos up soon.  In the mean-time, please pray that God help us be open to Him and his leading the whole time we are here.  Your prayers have already had impact on the way down :)

Redonkyouliscious

Today was another crazy day, but in a different way. You could really see the way God has changed people who have embraced Joe's Addiction coffee house, both in serving and in receiving blessings. The stories of what God has done in people's lives here and the pain he has freed them from is awesomely epic in every aspect. Listening to the stories of the way people's lives were transformed through faith in God's power was utterly captivating. Two hours seemed like minutes. It seemed as if the pastors here live by a quest to show the same love to the destitute as Jesus gave us 2,000 years ago. The Holy Spirit is and was guiding us whether we listened or not.
We made a good amount of friends even in just the last hours of our time tonight at Joe's. I was amazed to see the ministering that Vicky did to everyone that walked into Joe's. She is fearless in meeting new people and can break the ice so fast it will make your head spin. I think she impacted a tremendous amount of lives by sharing her faith. She is definitely a blessing to our group.
As far as fixing the van goes, we got a new tire and some supplies to replace the gas intake in case the patch doesn't hold. Our van still dribbles a little gas when we fill up but only enough to dampen the ground. So, we can really fix it unless we completely rip out the old hose, so the repair hose will be a backup plan.
God has definitely been guiding us to fix the van and He has been using the repair experiences to help us come into contact with people that we ordinarily wouldn't have met. We had a nice conversation with a store clerk in an auto parts store who was from Wichita but has family in Mexico. She was very helpful and encouraging.
Well, it's late and I had better hit the hay. Tomorrow (aka today) is going to be a long day which starts at 4am. We will be crossing into Juarez tomorrow. Pray for a smooth crossing and God's continual guidance. Good Night.

-Ben'jamin Galloway (once removed and twice born)

"The safest place to be is in the will of God." -Hugo Liborio

Light Starts In A Dark Place...

Thus far I have to admit that this trip has been far more interesting than even last year's! And it has only been the first two days! We haven't even made it to Mexico yet! But God has already brought us together as a team and really shown us that the only way a trip like this will EVER be successful is by HIS Providence. :)

Yesterday (1st day of the adventure) we ran into a few snags with the vehicle but we still managed to make it through! I will say this tho...I have never been in a vehicle before when the tread ripped off of a tire! That was so loud and a little scary for a moment because nobody knew what had happened til we pulled over! Thankfully we were able to (eventually) change the tire, in the heat, and got back on the road.





The adventure wasn't over! We finally made it to Valleybrook, Oklahoma (city WITHIN Oklahoma City) and spent a bit of time at Joe's Addiction coffeeshop ministry.....I think I'm in love with this place and the amazing things they do to help people get on their feet from rough circumstances! The people here love everyone that walks in and just share a genuine love of Christ with them without judgement. It's such a beautiful thing to me....this place is in the midst of such darkness and yet just shine's with the gorgeous and enthralling love of Christ. It is a place truly blessed by God.....

We have had an AWESOME time getting to know people, hearing their stories and learning more about how this ministry helps people out around here...including the way they help the community through their food pantry and "Free Store" where people can come find things that they need...and of course...THEY'RE FREE! :) It's a pretty cool ministry I must say!

Today we spent some time in the food pantry cleaning up and organizing a lot of donations and things that had been stored for a long time....I think it was a blessing to them...but most of all it has been a blessing to US. It has been amazing to me how minor my problems seem when I step into a situation outside of myself and see what other people have gone through. It is a pleasure and a blessing to be a servant to them.


Before shot above....

After shot below....




I am very excited to continue to journey to El Paso tomorrow and cross the border into Juarez!
~Dawn Rickerson

Mexico July 14th Prayer Requests/update

It is 1:24 a.m. on July 15^th and I am very excited to clean up and get some sleep.  God certainly provided a very big series of adventures for us today, and it has been excellent to see Him work.  We will be excited to share them with you when we get a chance to catch up on sleep.  For now, please pray that we may find a cheap and safe replacement van tire, successfully repair the leak in the gasoline hose (from the gas cap to the tank), and that we listen and receive whatever exciting things God has for us tomorrow!

---Brandon

Mexico Second Update/Send Off information

For our second update, I want to let you know that anyone who wishes to pray for us as we depart may come by 104 E 16^th, Hays, KS  67601 at noon on Thursday, July 14^th.  Prayer will begin at noon, and we will depart immediately after, so feel free to come by a bit early.  Either way, please keep us in your prayers and keep up with us on this blog; your prayers are a VERY important part of the Kingdom work that will be occurring on this trip.  Thank you again for your prayers!

--Brandon 

Unite/Mexico Update July 12, 2011

Hello everyone!

   Most of our leadership is preparing to head to Mexico, and we will be using this prayer blog to document our trip for specific prayers.  We hope to update it very frequently, so feel free to keep up with it and pray for us.

   For Unite, please keep the small groups and game night in your prayers as different small group leaders and game night leaders will be running things over the next two weeks.  We pray that opens up opportunities for the leaders to reach out AND for individuals to have new interactions.  We would also ask that you pray for the coffee house project as the final agreements are being made.  After the agreements are set, we should have a small money transfer from the UMSC and then should be making purchases (even as we are in Mexico) so that we can start up and running as soon as we get back.

   Finally, please pray as I have been heavily interacting with the churches in the past week or two.  We hope that the Spirit will lead us all to come together for ‘Get Plugged In’ and [alt] and a few other events to really reach out and serve students.  Thank you for your prayers, and please keep praying—it is very important to the Kingdom work happening here!

   Sincerely,

   Brandon

Mexico First Post

The last few weeks of Mexico preparation meetings have had a very interesting feel to them.  We have spent a great amount of time in spiritual preparation for the trip, and a larger-than-usual amount of time in language/cultural preparation.

I am very excited for how illuminating the spiritual preparation has been for me, and I think for all involved.   For those of you who are interested, I want to go ahead and post a bit about the spiritual preparations so that you may join with us in them, if you wish.

The first week we went through the following scriptures:

Matthew 10:35-39

Matthew 16:21-28

Luke 9:23-27

Luke 17:26-35

John 12:23-28

In each rendition of the surrender theme, we looked at the context both before and after each section.  I would STRONGLY encourage you to read each of them and pray about them to see what God shows.  We also read Romans 12:1-2 and discussed how surrender leads to transformation (by the renewing of our minds by the Holy Spirit) and true life.

It was very difficult for me to read that those who cling to their lives are not worthy of being Jesus’s…  That is a true statement and is literal (we can’t have both things Biblically or practically in our life—they are exclusive).  It is very difficult for me to daily surrender my life, however, and to trust God enough that He does give true life—even after He shows me again and again that He does give me a richer and a truer life than I could have obtained living for myself.  Thank God for His faithfulness.

We had several other good discussions from these verses, so I would again encourage you to read them, explore the surrounding ideas, and pray to see what God may show you.  This was the theme for the first meeting’s spiritual preparation.

Monday July 4 updates

Please pray for the next two weeks as we prepare to go to Juarez Mexico.  There is MUCH to be done as we get ready to cross the border with a new group and interact with the children at the home whom we miss very much.  We are deeply excited to return, and I hear that the children are excited to see us again.

Also, the next week and few days before we leave are critical for preparation for 'Get Plugged In' in August and also for parts of [alt], finding potential host families for international students, and a few other things as I meet one on one with every church and college ministry in town (if possible) before we leave.  Please pray for those meetings.  Thanks again for your support as God's kingdom continues to advance :)

Jun 27 prayers

This week I would ask simply that you pray for all in our small groups.  A number are going through some difficult and yet very defining times.  I can't say much more than that.  Thank you for your prayers.

Monday June 20th Prayer updates

One of our young freshman (will be a sophomore in college next semester) has been experiencing some excellent growth in God in the last couple of weeks.  He has been opening up and sharing how God has recently done some drastic things in his life.  For the first time (though he has intellectually known of God his whole life) he has been frequently praying, listening, and experiencing what he calls a relationship with God.  In past he has read the Bible, attended services, and been active in Teens for Christ--but he had never spoken much with God in prayer and had relied on his own strength to get through most everything.  Now he will be up late in prayer, writing in his journal what he hears and often sharing what he's been told with the small group and others.  It's been very exciting for me to watch him, and I'd ask that you keep him in your prayers--that he continue to rely on God for His strength and speak with Him.

This gentleman is one of the two young men in our small groups who live in the same house with me (along with one other roommate who is currently not directly involved in the ministry).  We will be receiving one new individual in our house in a month, and I'd ask that you pray that God help us live out our faith in love and care for each other as we adjust to new people and new circumstances.  May this be a good opportunity for us to show God through our love.

This morning I had a great time working on a small building on a farm with two men from our small groups.  We were helping an area youth pastor paint and put up a wall; the house will likely be used for future ministry, and it was a fun time to bond and experience community.  I'd ask you to pray that the building will be well used for God's Kingdom purposes (I know that it will based on the youth pastor) and that he and his family are blessed with opportunities to serve with it.

Finally, this week has been a good week in the small groups and in game night.  In the small groups, we've had good times of sharing, prayer, and encouragement.  The new people this Summer are starting to open up well, and we're currently in Matthew (preparing for the Sermon on the Mount this week).  Please keep us in your prayers--that things may continue to go well, and especially that we might have more involvement from congregation members.

Game night has not been running as late into the evening in the Summer, but it seems that we've actually picked up a few new attendees, which is great.  Not only do we have some new people, but we've had the opportunity to teach new games and get to know some old friends better who have begun to free up enough to come back.  Some of them have also started to come to the free lunches I cook every Sunday at 1:00 p.m.  It's a good time for people from multiple churches to get together and enjoy fellowship after services.  Thank God for His providence for that.

Thank you for your prayers and support, and if you ever want US to pray for YOU, don't hesitate to email Uniteeph4.1.16@gmail.com with your prayer request.  Have a great week!
--Brandon

June 15th GENERAL UPDATE

Hello everyone!  First, I wanted to let you know that we will begin posting on our prayer blog here EACH MONDAY so that you can keep more up-to-date in prayer support.

Last week was an excellent start for summer small groups.  We have four up and running well.  Please pray as we seek to contact other individuals who may be interested in joining that the right connections are made for the summer.

The Mexico team for the Unite mission trip has started meeting.  Please pray as a last few individuals make up their minds that God help them discern His will.  We hope they end up where God desires them to be, wherever that is.

Finally, thank you again for your prayers and support.  Please pray that I personally listen to and hear God's voice as I seek to diligently type out some things I believe I am supposed to.  Thanks again--your prayers are truly important!--Brandon

Monday June 6th Prayer Requests

Hello all!  It's been a great/crazy first year, and we're already rolling full-bore with our summer ministry happenings.  Please pray for the small groups as all 3 start this week--also, game night has continued without a break though it has dropped to once a week on Fridays.  We will be ordering coffee equipment to start 'Common Grounds' brewing during game nights and hope to experiment during the summer to figure out how everything should run during the Fall.  Please keep that in your prayers but please especially pray that God be clearly visible in the game night community.

In general, we could use prayers for strong women leadership and for clear perception of the Spirit's voice as we are following in several large projects at the moment (Get Plugged In, a potential down-town ministry, the Mexico mission trip to the children's home in Juarez that Unite will be leading July 14-25th, and the aforementioned happenings plus a few others).

If you have any interest in letting an international student live with you/your family next year, PLEASE contact me ASAP at brandon.nimz@gmail.com.  Also, if you have any small jobs that are temporary or variable in nature (such that it wouldn't detract from me seeking first the Kingdom of God/leading this ministry), please feel free to contact me so I can augment my financial support through additional odd jobs.  I recently ran into some car problems that I was able to fix through God's providence and the help of a mechanic friend, but parts were still fairly expensive.

Thank you for your prayers and support!
--Brandon