News from Fresnillo - April 26, 2009

I just spoke to Jody by phone.  She just arrived back in Donna, TX yesterday.  She shared lots of news from the Central Plateau.

Tito has stepped down completely from his pastoral duties. There was so much disagreement that he thought it best to step back for awhile. The good news is that Fred Collum has come back to the main church to bring some leadership and guidance to the church.

This is a good thing, as he has given direction to the congregation and reinforced his support for Mere as the local church head.  Walter served a short while as pastor of the main church, but has stepped back to lead worship.

The drug violence continues to be a big problem around the state of Zacatecus.  Seven people were killed last month and three more this month.  Jody's neighborhood was the site of a running gun battle last week.   Two weeks ago the same occurred near the church at Pancho Villa.

Regarding the swine flu, all schools are closed and churches have been asked not to meet until the danger passes.  The state of Zacatecus has been hit hard.

Len and Dawn are still planning a trip to Fresnillo sometime this summer.  Please be in prayer for Jody our friends and family in Mexico - for their safety and health.  Jody's back is much better, but not completely healed. Say a special prayer for Tito and his family, for Mere and hers, and for Fred Collum.  Please bless our travel plans and a safe trip.

Hello All,

We are passing along photos from our trip to Puerto Vallarta. We have connected with two churches in the area.  One is the brother-in-law of Mere from Fresnillo (we had lunch one day with them in Fresnillo).  We also connected with Ric Lehman who has a church in Old Town that caters to Americans who have moved down here.

Ric’s church has established an outreach program to the locals, helping with feeding programs and ministering to the dump children.  We met with a local restaurant owner, Senor Fox and helped feed some forty kids Saturday.

Ric also has established a home building program for needy families.  They just bought a cement mixer, and pour floors and build walls in small homes!  Sound familiar?  The families have to supply the material and also pay a small mortgage of about $100 per month US.

The church also makes small loans to help families start businesses.  They fund things like food stands and sewing/t-shirt manufacturing.

We also met with Mario (Mere’s brother-in-law), who run’s a church in a local park.  We had dinner with them as well and discussed his local ministry.

I spoke to Jody last week.  She is doing well, but still needs help with medical bills.  She was able to avoid surgery, but still owes for medical treatment.  We will be sending down some help for her this summer.  She would be greatly blessed by any support that can be provided.

Please pass this note along to friends.  We hope all of you have a great Spring.  Let us remember that He lives in each of us and is always there to comfort and guide us.  Let us continue to be in the Word and in prayer; remember the power and support of God’s people; marvel at His creation; give thanks to God for all our circumstances; and remember to be alert to His still small voice.

Dios le Bendiga!

Len and Dawn

Jody is Doing Well,

Jody Garcia, our missionary to the Central Plateau, is doing well. She still struggles with her back though.  Please join us and continue to pray for her healing.

The Fresnillo churches continue to serve the children and colonias of the region. Many children are being fed and families blessed. We need to continue to pray for the pastors and people (Mere, Alfonso, and Tito). Drug related violence continues throughout the country, but it appears progress is being made.

We need to pray for the peace of God's love and for the protection of His people throughout the nation.

If would like to support Jody and her work in Fresnillo, you may send a tax deductible gift to Jody Garcia c/o Aid for the Children, 3722 W. Little Rock, Spokane, WA 99224

Dios te Bendiga!

Len and Dawn Zickler

Pastors Mario and Letty of PV

Mario and Letty are Pastors of a church serving children living near the dump near Puerto Vallarta.

They conduct Sunday school services during the week and feed the children each week.  We first met Mario and Letty in Fresnillo, during our mission trip in the summer of 2008.  Currently they are serving a couple of dozen children. 

Some of these kids look to Mario and Letty as their only parents.  The vision for the church is to build an orphanage at the dump.  Mario has purchased a lot at the dump and hopes to start construction soon.  

The dump area is an amazing place.  Garbage is piled high.  Families live in the middle and sort through the mounds of garbage every day.  This is how they make a living.  Flies are thick and many of the "houses" are made of folded card board and sheet of metal.

The "Church" meets at a park, literally a stones throw from the dump.  We are planning another trip to visit Mario and Letty later this year.  If you would like to go let us know!

If you would like to help with the orphanage or assist with the feeding program you may make a gift to P/V Ministries c/o Aid for the Children  - 3722 W. Little Rock, Spokane WA 99224.