Journal

This is pretty much my day-to-day experiences! Here's the most down-to-earth look at what's happening here.

Monday April 30 - 12:00 P.M.

Saturday was awesome! It was our special kids� outreach. We�ve been planning and organizing it for about a month. I thought we�d have maybe 60 or 70 children. But the church got packed out with around 120 children! The funny thing is that we had only 4 of us leading it! It was a blast. I dressed up as a full-fledged clown. We had praise and worship, a craft, food, pi�atas....and best of all....a skit! The skit was hilarious, yet it brought out the salvation so simple and basic for the children to grasp. Kids streamed to the altar to receive Jesus! Wow! The Word of God sunk deep into their hearts. PTL!

I had a great time clowning around and painting little read noses on the children. We brought 28 children and 5 moms from La Joyita (the other side of Zacapu) in the van with me driving as a blue-haired clown! Yes, all in one trip....you talk about packed! PTL we made it and all went well. But what a sight it must have been!

(p.s. I�m sitting here watching Giovanny wash his clothes and give him some company. And he said to say Hi to you all from him. So "Hi" from my friend Giovanny!!)

We started the kids festival around 11:30 and finished about 2:30, a good 3 hours of activity. Then after bringing a van-load of kids home and resting in the house for a bit, we had worship practice. It was a full, but very fuitful day! PTL for his grace and strength.

But the day wasn�t over yet. The phone rang around 8:00 P.M., after worship practice. Chacho had just arrive in Zacapu by bus! (The car had broken down on the way home from the border and he had to leave it with friends.) Finally he was home! And, I might add, our pastor was here for the Sunday morning service! PTL! So here I am for my last week here in Mexico, already missing it. But I�ll be back in June. Next Monday, I�ll be on the plane home!!

Wed. April 25 - 10:30 P.M.

Last night Sandra had a baby girl! So we went to visit her and Antonio in the clinic. Everything went exceptionally well, and Antonio even took her home today! My good friend, Antonio was very happy and relieved to have it all over. :-) (...and the little baby is really cute!)

This afternoon I was extremely tired. I think it has to do with the typhoid. Giovanny woke me up about an hour before the service tonight. I thought, "You�ve got to be kidding! I haven�t slept for 3 hours have I?" But I did. The only effects I have now from typhoid is a lack of energy. (But that�s half due to typhoid and half to being so busy!)

Daniel and Jes�s (the ones that got saved just a few weeks ago.) were there for the service. We need to keep praying that God will deliver them from alcoholism, etc. Tomorrow I�m going to stop by and have a little cell group with them. My heart goes out to those who don�t seem to have a chance in life, because in Jesus, there is a future for them!

Tues. April 24 - 10:45 A.M.

I�m in the Internet Caf� as I write this. Just five minutes ago, I went over the handlebars on my bike! I was going slow down a sidewalk and a drop-off sent me to the ground. The good news is that I�m not hurt in the least....the bad news...the bike landed on a pretty slick car! I just talked to the owner, �cause I�m going to make it right with him. He said he�ll check it out and let me know how much it costs. The bike dented the front fender of his car. I�m praying for God�s mercy as every peso I have is needed for the trip to the States.

Yes, it is confirmed. I�m going to TN the 7th of May! That�s 2 weeks from yesterday. I�m really excited to see my family and friends after 7 1/2 months! Mom and Dad are moving to Cookesville, TN, and so I�m going to help them in the moving process. LORD willing, I�m going to be able to get my car running good and bring it back to Mexico in the beginning of June. (I�m planning on staying up there for about a month.)

This Saturday we are going to have a special kids day! We are praying for lots of kids and will present the Gospel to them, have praise and worship, a skit, craft, and...of course...food! Please pray that God will bring children and touch their lives.

Sunday was quite a day! Chacho is still up at the border, so that means we had the service! I led praise and worship and Lupita preached. It was rather exciting and stretching for me.

The service started something like this....Quite a few people had arrived, it was after 11:00, and Lupita was at the house preparing last-minute details. I thought, "What to do?" So I picked up a mic and said that we are going to have a time of intercession. So we prayed and interceeded for 15 minutes or so. Now what?!! I didn�t want to actually start the service before Lupita got there, so I asked for a testimony. Lupita arrived just as the lady finished sharing. Lupita whispers...Josh, can you lead us in a Psalm? "Sure"... So needless to say, I felt like an assistant pastor or something! But it was good for the growing! The LORD anointed the praise and worship and the message. And when it was all said and done, I thought I was going to melt into the floor, my energy was GONE! Right after that we had the practice for the skit this Saturday. So I ran to the house for my clown suit and we jumped into the practice. After that, we brought Celene home in the van. And coming home, I collapsed in a heap! But God is sure good! I thank and praise Him for His covering and strength.

Sat. April 21 - 4:00 P.M.

Hi! I�m working on coming up to TN the 7th of May. I�ll let you know when I have definite details! LORD willing, I�ll be up there for about a month. (If I can stay out of Mexico for that long...!) I�ve gotta run. We have worship practice, etc. in a bit. Blessings and love to you!

Wednesday April 18 - 10:45 P.M.

Chacho was gone for the service tonight. (He went up to the border.) The worship was beautiful. I could feel the presence of the LORD there with us. Lupita shared on true repentence which was excellent!

The last 2 days, I�ve been busy with a few little projects and teaching music class. Monday, I taught keyboard classes to Abid and Giovanny. Right after that, I had bass class with Celene, Oscar, and Mois�s. Little by little they�re learning! I�m excited about that!

It looks like I�ll be heading to the States in the beginning of May! I�m going to help Mom and Dad move and then return to MX. PTL, it�s in His Hands. I don�t know much details yet..., but then again, I�ve got about 2 1/2 weeks �til them! (No need to worry about details. It�ll all work out.)

Sunday April 15 - 11:30 P.M.

Well, it�s been a good day! Thursday evening we had a special service for the Passover. We started with a foot-washing service which was really special. Many of us were in tears through this simple act of service. Then we had communion together. The presence of the LORD and the love among the brethren was sweet that night.

Friday morning we opened the church to those who wanted to pray etc. from 8 to noon. Then at 12:30 we had a special service �til about 3:oo P.M. A few hours late, there was an organizational meeting. And there went Friday! Throughout these days of Easter, we�ve been asking God to touch and change our hearts. The services have been geared towards repentance and getting right with God.

Then Saturday arrived! In the morning we did a few odds and ends and then got ready for baptismals! Four of the youth got baptized, including Giovanny! It was really good. Then after a little meal together, we went to clean the church and have worship practice. We practiced until about 8:30 P.M and I was a bit worried �cause I was going to lead worship Sunday. I was afraid it was going to "flop"!

But Sunday morning, the LORD took over as only He can and we had an awesome praise and worship service! Isn�t God good? I really believe that in our weaknesses, He is made strong. It�s amazing what the LORD can do, when we ask Him to take over. (and then get out of the way so He can work!) I was running a bit crazy this morning (Sunday). We started the service with a short skit for Easter. Then I made a mad dash for the bathroom to leave my "Jesus robe" and put on my shirt. Then running to the stage, we started with "Celebrar a Cristo" (Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate) as the first praise song. After praise, I got to teach the children. (which went really good with Giovanny as my helper) I came back with the children just as Chacho was closing the sermon in prayer. I headed for the keyboard to be starting worship when as he finished. Then we worshipped the LORD, and oh, how I love His presence! The service went really good and we finished around 3:30 or so.

After a bite to eat and a little time to rest, I went to the church to practice a skit we�re doing for a special kids day. Giovanny, Abid, Celene, and I are working together in this. After about 2 hours of practicing and organizing, we called it a day. And so concluded my Sunday. They are usually pretty busy for me. PTL! Oh, yah, tomorrow Chacho, Azalia and Sara� are going to the border for about a week. So it�ll be only Giovanny, Lupita, Abid, and I here! But I�m sure it�ll go good. Signing off for now....it�s 12:30 A.M.! (man, I must write slow!) Blessings!

Wed. April 11 - 12:00 noon

The LORD is so good! Yesterday, I got a blood analysis. I have typhoid, salmonella, and an infection in the intestines. It�s not as bad as it sounds, though. The typhoid and salmonella are light. (I don`t have it real bad.) Physically, I�m feeling good. Praise the LORD! And I�m taking a natural medicine from the doctor to get rid of the typhoid, etc.

Yesterday, I built the screen door for our front door. I finished around 9:00 P.M., very much ready for bed! I had drum class last night with Sara� and Giovanny in between my door project. Sara� is learning fast and Giovanny is passing me up! It�s going good.

We are taking this week seriously as far as asking God to meet us. We are having meetings for repentence and prayer this week, asking God to touch and change our hearts. I want to be changed to be more like Jesus. Let�s put our focus what Jesus did for us this Easter!

Mon. April 9 - 2:00 P.M.

Today, I haven�t done alot. It�s basically a "get-your-act-together" type of day to get ready for the week and recover from the weekend!! I�m so thankful that the LORD has allowed me to serve Him here. I love watching the LORD work. It�s marvelous. I�m staying very busy...boredom is the last thing I�ve found here! But presently, I�m relaxing. I�m lying in a hammock in La Casa de Paz listening to one of my favorite worship songs in Spanish. I love to spend time in the LORD�s presence. It�s so refreshing. Make sure to spend time with the LORD, no matter how busy you get. It is a definite key to success!

Tonight, I have a keyboard class for Abid and Giovanny. And the guitar class with Mois�s is after that.

Sun. April 8 - 8:30 A.M.

Today is Palm Sunday! We`ve had a full week. every night of the week is now booked with teaching or practice of somesort! Yesterday I visited my friend, Louis. He�s 16, the guy I found last week! It looks like I`ll be going to helping them on Saturdays to teach their worship team. They want someone to help them teach drums, bass, guitar, and keyboard. That will be a fun project! Louis and I just "click", so working with them is going to be fun. I�m really looking forward to it.

Yesterday, I witnessed to a guy on the street. We talked for about 30-45 minutes. It always excites me to share the love of Jesus with others! And praise the LORD, Spanish is coming along! I continually feel more and more comfortable in the language. Thank You, LORD, for helping me with Spanish!

Well, I gotta go get ready for church. Jesus is King! Hosanna to the King of kings.

Wed. April 4 - 6:15 A.M.

The week is moving right along. Monday night I taught Mois�s a bit more on the guitar. He loves the guitar and so learns fast.

Yesterday, (Tues.) I finally finished putting a screen door on our house. That was a challenge and a half! All I had was bits and pieces of scrap wood to work with and I had to build the door and some sort of casing because the houses down here are all brick and mortar and I couldn`t fasten the door directly to the brick. You really should have seen it. I was really happy to finish in the afternoon and it actually works! (that`s a bonus!) That was it for the back door. Now I get to build another for the front door! (with even less wood, mind you.) That�s my next project.

At 6:00 last night I taught drums to my two new students--Sara� and Nancy. They want to become part of the worship team and have a desire to play drums. It was our first lesson and went really good. Then, I helped Giovanny (our regular drummer) learn a few new beats. He is really excited to keep learning, too!

The 2 men that gave their lives to Jesus this past Sunday have been sleeping in their car in front of the church. They had nowhere to sleep or live. Chacho has been working with them as they are alcoholics and want to get free. Last night Chacho found a place for them in town. So we took them over there last night and they were so grateful. Please pray for them that they will break totally free from the spirit of alcoholism that would like to ruin their lives. They have such tender hearts and want desparately to live for Jesus. I believe that God has a future for them. Their names are Jes�s and Daniel. Let�s believe God for them!

After all that, I called it a day and we hit the sack. I say "we" because Giovanny is staying with me this week as his mom went on a trip. It�s going really good. Giovanny is 13 and a neat young man that I believe that LORD is going to use in big ways.

Mon. April 2 - 8:45 A.M.

Last night I was updating my webpage in the internet shop. I was busy working when someone behind me asked me in English, "Excuse me, but, huh, are you Josh?" I turned around and he said, "Are you Josh from Minnesota?" "You better believe it! Are you Louis?" I asked, totally shocked. And it was my long-lost friend Louis! 3 years ago I went on a missions trip as a clown to Irapuato and Leon, MX. One of my best friends that I me on the trip was Louis! I thought I`d never see him again, but he lives here in Zacapu! Small world. We were both shocked to meet eachother in the internet shop! Louise`s dad is a pastor of a small church here in Zacapu and is good friends with Chacho. The funny thing is that Louis and I had seen eachother a few times over the last few months downtown or whereever, but we were both afraid to ask who the other guy was! I�m very happy to have found one of my best friends living here in Zacapu!

Sunday, April 1 - 2001 6:15 P.M.

It�s Sunday afternoon and praise the LORD I�m feeling alot better! The service went really great this morning. :-) Abid was so sick this morning that she barely made it to church. She shouldn�t have come �cause she was so sick, but she wanted desparately to teach the kids children�s church! (She has an ulcer in the stomach, typhoid, and few other bad things. But God will heal her. Please pray for her!) Well, she taught them! PTL! The church was about full. And 2 new guys came and gave their lives to the LORD! The are excited to come back Wednesday night for the service and Friday for the men�s cell group. It�s exciting to see their hunger for God! Jesus came to save the needy and He touched their lives this morning!

Friday night we had an organizational meeting. We were organizing the different ministries in the church (childrens, helps, music, visitation, etc.) And those who were interested, let us know what area they wanted to help in. There were about 5 or so who wanted to be a part of the worship team! So my week is now full!

Mondays at 6 pm I�m teaching guitar to Mois�s. Tuesday at 6 pm I�m teaching drums to Nancy and Sara�, as well as more instruction for Giovanny. Wednesdays at 5:15, is bass class for Mois�s, Oscar, and Celene. Then Thursdays at 5:00 I�ve got keyboard class for Abid and Giovanny. Then at 6 we have worship practice. (which Chacho just put me in charge of. I guess I�ll be leading the praise Sunday mornings and he will do the worship. Basically, we�ll just be working together. But if I do praise, it will free him up a bit.) Finally, Friday all I have is the cell group for the youth that I�m teaching. Oh yah, and Saturday we have worship practice at 6 again! I think I�ll be busy! Please pray for me! Pray that the LORD will use me to help raise up true worshipper to serve before Him in music. I�m excited about it! And next week I�m looking at starting a voice class for the singers....a real basic class that is! Just to teach how to sing the melody and hear the note...

Praise the LORD I�ve been feeling alot better! I�m taking a little medication from the doctor. I forgot to tell you that I finally went to the doctor, I guess. They say I probably have the beginnings of salmonella. Salmonella is the start to typhoid, which definitely isn�t good. So we are watching it to see if that is what it is and I�m on a no-fat diet by orders of the doctor. After a week or so, I�ll go get a blood test and know more. But God is my healer. I believe in the wisdom of going to a doctor before you die, but ultimately, God is my healer! And I�m feeling about normal now. Thanks for your prayers. They are working!

Wed. Mar. 28 - morning

Prayer request! Can you please pray for me. I�ve been battling some sort of sickness. I haven�t had a good appetite for quite a while. And ever since I got back from Oaxaca, my stomach has been in disorder. (Changing from diarrhea to constipation, to both at the same time, if you can believe it!) Yesterday, my energy was totally zapped along with headaches, etc. But, hey, I�m doing really good down inside! It�s just this body that isn�t doing so well. But I believe in a God who heals ALL of our sicknesses. Lupita has been threatening me to take me to the doctor! NOOOoooooo.... Well, finally I gave in, so I guess I�ll go this afternoon and see what he says! Please pray that God will totally heal me and bring me back to normal. Thanks so much! It�s so good when our trust is in Him!....p.s. Mom, don�t worry none, I�ll be fine. :-)

Tues. Mar. 27 - 8:00 A.M.

Yesterday, I worked on a few odd projects and washed my clothes. (That can be a job for a single guy!) Then at six o�clock I had a guitar class with Mois�s because he wants to learn more on the guitar. It was good to spend time with Mois�s. The time spent together is more important than the guitar lessons, definitely. Anyways, I guess I�ll be teaching guitar Monday nights for the next few weeks! PTL!

Here�s what my weekly schedule looks like, more or less. Monday nights, of course, the guitar class with Mois�s. Tuesday nights presently I don�t have anything going. (it�s a nice break, but for how long?!!) Wednesday night is the midweek service. Thursday at 5:00 P.M. I�m teaching keyboard classes; a half-hour class for Abid and a half-hour for Giovanni. Then at 6:00 we have the regular worship practice. Friday comes around and I have a cell group at 6 in the evening. And now we are into Saturday, which is preparation for Sunday and worship practice in the evening again. Sunday, of course, we have the Sunday morning service which usually lasts until 2 or 3. And after that, I�m generally pretty exhausted and so take a few hours to relax. So right now, I have Tuesday evenings open, but I highly doubt it�ll stay that way! It�s good to stay busy, though. Let us be "always abounding in the work of the LORD"!

Sun. Mar. 25 - 8:35 P.M.

Today, I taught children�s church. It was a blast. I think it was the most exciting time I�ve ever had teaching children! We learned about obedience and they loved it. I played harmonica for an object lesson and we just had a neat time! Praise the LORD. These children are so special. Working with children is exciting because you have such an opportunity to affect them in the right way.

The service was beautiful, too. we had a special time with the LORD in worship. His presence came and touched my own heart as I played keyboard. The presence of the LORD changes, renews, and restores us. It�s so awesome!

Wed. Mar. 21 - 7:40 A.M.

Wow! I�m back. No, I didn�t drop off the map, I just haven�t been able to keep up on my journal! Today is the March for Jesus here in Zacapu! After the march, there�s going to be like a little concert in the main square to lift up the Name of Jesus. Four worship teams from various churches are going to play and ours is one of them! So we�ve been practicing....Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. And the last practice is at noon today. We are excited to lift up and glorify Jesus in the main plaza in Zacapu! Chacho is going to preach as well. May the LORD touch hearts today.

Sun. Mar. 18 - 10:15 A.M.

Today marks 6 months here in Mexico! How time has gone! I can�t hardly believe I�ve been here for six months. PTL! He is so faithful.

Thurs. Mar. 15 - 1:00 P.M.

You have to hear about my adventure about being left in Acapulco on the way home! I was supposed to meet Chacho Tues. evening and we were going to catch a bus to Morelia that night. We done different things in the afternoon and were going to meet each other to leave that night. Well, somehow or the other, we couldn�t find each other in Acapulco and Chacho had already bought the tickets. So since he couldn�t find me and I couldn�t find him, he had to choose either to loose the tickets or leave me a note! He left me a note saying that he was sorry he couldn�t find me and that if I could, make it to the bus station by 9:00 P.M. Well, I read the note at 11:00 P.M.! I thought "Wow, Josu�, you get to find your way home from Acapulco! What a blast!" So off I went to the bus station. They said the only bus directly to Morelia left at 9:00 and the next one leaves tomorrow at 9:00! Yippy skippy! I ended up buying a ticket to Mexico City and then to Morelia! What a riot! But I arrived home safe and sound. Praise the LORD. He is so awesome the way He always takes care of me. When I walked in the door at home, everyone was so excited to see me and relieved! PTL!

Tues. Mar. 13 - 8:15 A.M. Acapulco again!

Wow! We are back in Acapulco. I can�t believe how fast the trip went.

Sat. morning we got up at 4:30 A.M. after about 4 1/2 hrs of sleep to catch a ride out of La Concha. There was a road that went out another way. I am amazed at the dedication I see in the pastors here. They are simply sold out for Jesus. Twice a week a pastor hikes the 15 km mountain trek that we did to preach to a meagre handful of believers, without pay, of course. The believers in La Concha don�t have a pastor yet, so this other pastor covers for them. Dedicated to the Gospel, they live by faith. Yet their faces glow with the joy and life that they have found in Jesus!

Saturday, we went and visited more villages. we must have walked at least another 5 or 10 km visiting, encouraging, and inviting the believers in the area for a meeting Saturday night. Somehow the LORD have me strength for that day, too! At one point we had to cross a river which was over 100 yards wide. The good news is that it wasn�t over waist deep at the deepest point. The bad news....well, alligators live there, too... I didn�t have the opportunity to see any, though!

Sunday morning we preached in another church. They don�t have a building, so we me under a large shade tree. Then we continued on and finally arrived back in Tacubaya. We had left Tacubaya (our base) Thursday with nothing more than and extra t-shirt and toothbrush. I�m not kidding! We took baths in the rivers and never really changed! (That must be every boy�s dream!) Sunday evening we had another service there in Tacubaya. I felt utterly exhausted and dehydrated from lack of wate, but the LORD have me the strength and energy for the meeting. PTL!

Monday morning I taught keyboard and guitar lessons again. I gave them plenty of homework and hope to continue working with them the next trip. We left in the afternoon for Acapulco and arrived here last night. The plan is to relax today and take a bus tonight for Zacapu, arriving home in the morning.

Sat. Mar. 10 - 4:30 P.M.

Praise the LORD! I had no clue what I was in for this trip. I�m learning how to persevere when my body says "no sir!". It has been great, though!

I�ll pick up from where I left off....The church service Thursday evening was really beautiful. Afterwards we went and stayed at one of the elder�s house. (My bed was a straw mat on the cement floor along with my friend, David.) We got to bed around midnight and got up to catch a ride the next morning at 6:30. The people are so nice and giving here. It�s been sweet seeing and encouraging our brothers in these churches.

Friday morning after riding on the back bumper of a pickup for an hour or two, we arrived in the next village. (I was hanging on the back �cause there were about 26 people on and in the truck!) We had a prayer meeting and leadership meeting with the pastor there and the 7 or 8 brothers that came with Chacho and I. After a bite to eat (and I�m talking REAL Mexican food, now!...I ate boiled banana for the first time...), we hiked to "La Concha". (La Concha is a little village way up in the mountains. We hiked 15 km to get there. Up and down mountains on a footpath! It was a test of endurance for Chacho and I who weren�t accustomed to it! I was wearing sandals like the Mexicans there wear. The only difference is that my feet weren�t calloused like theirs�, so after my feet got raw & I couldn�t hardly keep going, I went barefoot. Then when I couldn�t take it barefoot, I�d switch to the sandles! No one said missionary life would be easy...

Okay, so we are in La Concha. Dirt streets, adobe houses, pigs, chickens and such running around, and little children who don�t even have clothes. Modern living has long since gon out the window. The people there use everything that grows or moves, I do believe! I really wish I could�ve videotaped these places. I watched a young girl carrying dinner home. She had an dead iguana by the tail in one hand and an armadillo in the other! We took baths in the river that night and got to bed about 12:00. I realize more and more what life is really about. Whether we have or don�t have things, Jesus remains the same. Seeing such deprived, primitive places motivates me all the more to reach them for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the love of Jesus that unifies us. It�s something how a 20 yr. old "gringo" from the states can bond hearts with ancient Mexicans "lost" in the mountains of Mexico. I can�t hardly imagine going back to live and work in the States. I think my heart is lost in Mexico.

Thur. Mar. 8 - Afternoon - Oaxaca

I�m in a little village up in the mountains and we�re waiting for a ride to the next church to preach. Okay, to catch you up....we arrived in Tacubaya, Oaxaca Wednesday afternoon just in time for the evening service. Chacho preached and encouraged the brethren there and I had an opportunity to greet and exort them in the LORD, too. It was a really good service and we got to bed around midnight! Then this morning, Chacho had a teaching for the leaders. Meanwhile, I taught a music class for the youth who wanted to learn keyboard for the ministry. We had 9 or 10 learning keyboard and guitar! I taught for about 5 hours because they kept wanting to learn more! Hopefully we�ll get a chance before I leave to teach one more lesson. They learned fast and were even starting on a song this morning. They have a great desire to learn.

Evening

Praise the LORD We arrived now at the church in Oajintapec. I�m sitting in the little church as we wait to begin. I wish you could see what these out-in-the-boonies places are like! Well, gotta go!...

Wed. Mar. 7 - 7:45 A.M. Acapulco

This morning we�re heading out from Acapulco to Oaxaca. But I must tell you about our earth- shaking experience yesterday! I was lying on the bed in our hotel room, OK? I was nearly asleep when my whole be shook! Then less than a second later it vibrated and shook violently again! It felt like a semi had hit the building....except worse! I heard stuff like dishes falling and some people yelling. And then it was over just like that. I�ve never been in an earthquake tremor, and I am awed at the power of God. WOW!

Mon. Mar. 6 Acapulco noon

I�m sitting on the beach of the Pacific with waves almost reaching my toes. The smell of saltwater and fish is mingled witht the cries of seagulls. It�s hot and sunny and I�m sure glad to be alive! I consider this time in Acapulco as a sweet gift from God. It�s simply beautiful here. This seems like more of a place for vacationers that missionaries.

Last night before we left, had a neat experience. (yes, we ended up leaving last night by bus and arrived in Acapulco this morning.) I was on my way home from downtown when I ran into a young many who told me he was ready to commit suicide. He was also addicted to drugs and the smell of alcohol was on his breath. But Jesus came to heal the sick, not the healthy. Jesus came for such people as this lost sinner. I spoke life into him that God loves him and has a special plan for his life. Meanwhile he kept begging me to help him. I said you don�t need me, Jos�, you need Jesus! So I explained how to accept Jesus and led him in a real basic sinners prayer for salvation. You gotta be real basic when you�re witnessing to someone high on drugs. But I believe God is bigger that drugs and hears the prayer of a desparate drunk. After praying right on the street, he had a smile on his face and a hope and trust in his heart. It was really something! LORD, continue to touch and deliver Jos� Rafael.

Sun. Mar. 4 - 10:00 P.M

We just got back from an emergency call for one of the brothers in the church. He was getting paralyzed on one side of his body. It turned out that we had a spiritual battle for a bit until he was set free. The was nothing wrong physically with him, it was spiritual. But the power of God is so powerful, that it doesn�t matter what will try to destroy us, the power of God is greater! He was set free!

After all this, I�m not sure if we are leaving for Oaxaca or not tomorrow. It may be Tues. Flexibility is the key to living on the mission field! We�ll go to Oaxaca in God�s time. We want to make sure our brother is doing all right and stays stable and free before we go.

Sat. Mar. 3 - 10:00 A.M.

Last night I started my first cell group! I taught just 2 basic principles to lead a victorious Christian life. We need to PRAY and READ our BIBLES every day. It was basic, but really good. Mois�s and Giovanni came and after the teaching, we had a neat time of prayer and worship. We met in La Casa de Paz while there was almost a hurricane outside! My little roof was actually going up and down because of the tremendous wind. And then the water started leaking in my roof. After that the electricity went out and we were left in the dark with my little flashlight. But you know what, the LORD came in the midst of it all! We had a great cell group!

Then we piled in the van since it was dare, raining, and very windy. I brought them home and was very happy to return home myself as it was too dangerous to be out in the storm. But Praise the LORD, He is with me wherever I go!

Tues. Feb. 27 - 5:00 P.M.

We are still recuperating from the weekend and trying to get our act together. The LORD touched so many this last weekend. The way He works is so beautiful. Friday we had a service until about 10 o�clock and after dropping the brothers off, I got to bed about 12:30 A.M. Giovani stayed in La Casa de Paz with me. God is really working in his heart and transforming his life. It is exciting to see! Then Saturday we had teaching from 9 or 10 in the morning until 2:30. Then while everyone went to eat, Jorge and I worshipped in the church. I played keyboard and he sang. The presence of the LORD was so sweet. I cannot live without the presence of the LORD in my life.

Then I ran and got a bite to eat. Oscar from Pueblo Viejo wanted be to teach him keyboard. He�s only about 10, but if somebody has a desire, I believe they can learn! So off we went to the church while every finished eating, etc. I gave him keyboard lesson 101 and about 2 months worth of homework! Then Valentin wanted me to show him some things on the keyboard. After that and hauling a load of chairs to the church, it was about 5:45 P.M. (the meeting was supposed to start at 6:00). Lupita told me to get some rest to be prepared for the meeting. Well, I did....and woke up at 6:30! Time to run and wake up later! Anyhow, we had a beautiful service and before we knew it, it was Sunday morning.

One thing really special happened to me this weekend. After church Sunday some of the ladies were selling pozole (a kind of soup!) to help raise money for the church. Everyone was eating and I was hungry, but all my money was gone. I had a little bit left in the bank, but didn�t get a chance to get there. So I was in line for pozole without a peso in my pocket when my friend, Valentin, put a $50 peso bill (about $5) in my shirt pocket! The pozole and coke only cost 10 pesos, but he told me it was all for me. It blessed me so much because I know they don�t have much at all, yet he gave so abundantly. Probably $5 isn�t much in the States, but here it�s a precious gift.

This morning I brought a bunch of stuff back from Luz�s house, because everyone ate there this last weekend. We had a cooler, pots, propane stove, etc. to bring back in the van. Then I tuned our old Dodge van up with new points, air filter, etc. I adjusted the carb so hopefully it�ll run more efficiently. It runs a whole lot better now. I think I needed to get my hands in an engine again anyhow. I enjoy that type of work. Then you have to get rid of that "engine grease-under-the-fingernail" look!

Well, that�s the update for ya! Praise the LORD, we had a wonderful conference! Blessings you. May you continue to grow in the grace and power of God.

Mon. Feb. 26

I guess I haven�t written in my journal for almost a week! Oops. Here�s what�s been happening in a nutshell... Wednesday night we had a good service and then I got to bring several people home in the van. I�ve got to bring them home several times now this week. You see, some of the brothren in our church don�t have cars and by the time the meeting is over, it�s too late for a taxi, etc. Then Chacho or I get to bring them home. I love it! Thursday and Friday we were running here and there getting ready for the conference this last weekend.

Jorge and Pastor Angelica came down from the border. Jorge & I really "clicked" when I first met him in January in Alamo, TX. We had a great time together this weekend. He is such a blessing and encouragement to my faith.

Wed. Feb. 21 - 2:07 P.M.

Hi! This I�m typing this in the computer shop in Zacapu right now. I�m looking forw this weekend and praying alot for the LORD to work. You see, we are going to have the mini-conference this weekend. Friday fornight, all day Saturday, and into Sunday we are going to be having the conference. Our church will be packed with about 4 or 5 other churches plus several churches from Zacapu that we invited and some brothers from the border...I think it`s going to be near crazy with activity! But we are really praying alot this week for the LORD to come and take control as it is His Spirit that makes the difference.

It is His Spirit that breaks the yokes, that sets us free, that gives us vision, that renews our hope, that builds our faith, that puts the fire in our hearts for Him. Esp�ritu Santo, ven con su poder, con su fuego, y toca nuestras corazones. Jes�s, yo te amo y te adoro. (Holy Spirit, com with your power, with your fire, and touch our hearts. Jesus, I love you and worship you.)

Tues. Feb. 20 - 10:30 P.M.

This morning I painted the office in the church and a couple of doors. This evening we had worship practice and then off I went to play raquetball with Wesley. Wesley is the pastor of a conservative Baptist church here in Zacapu. He�s originally from Raystown, Pennsylvania and is a great brother in the LORD. We had a great time playing and I arrived home a half an hour ago, good and tired! But it was fun. I love to fellowship with other brothers in the LORD and I�m seeing how the love of Jesus is what crosses the denominational barriers. Some time we are going to go fishing. Blessed be the Name of the LORD!

Mon. Feb. 19 - 9:15 P.M.

Today, I spent the day helping lay brick above the church with Antonio, Jes�s, Giovani, and Antonio�s friend. I wore shorts and a t-shirt and so added to the sunburn from Friday and Saturday! But we got the brick laid....I�m working on my Mexican tan, though I don�t think I�ll ever quite "fit in" as far as looks go!!!...

Right after finishing up top, we had music practice! Though we were a bit tired, the practice went really good. Well, another good day has passed with one more on its way! Blessings and good-night! ~ Josu�

Sat. Feb. 17 - 9:30 P.M.

I spent the entire day today building a 12�x 18� roof over the car. All we had was a tarp before, so this should be a lot better. I finished at 5:25, just in time for a shower and then off to worship practice at 6:00 P.M. I think we had the best worship practice today. There was so much joy in the praise. And the presence of the LORD came when we practiced the worship songs. It was so awesome! The LORD�s presence is so awesome. I�m looking forward to tomorrow and asking Him to anoint us with His Spirit.

Thurs. Feb. 15 - 10:30 P.M.

We had a wonderful worship practice tonight. Praise the LORD! I can feel the LORD�s presence even in our practices. Antonio usually comes on his bike, whick is 20 km round trip. That�s dedication, since we have practice 3 times a week. It�s a sacrifice for him to come; but it�s so beautiful to see his faithfulness to the work of the LORD. It costs us something to serve the LORD, but it�s worth every drop of sweat!

I am so happy down inside as I see God doing so many things. The children�s ministry is now in full swing. Abid is our key person in the children�s ministry. She definitely has the anointing for it. We continue to ask God to raise up leaders for the children�s ministry to help carry the load.

The cell groups are going strong. We continue to teach and instruct believers how to become disciples of Jesus. There�s good, solid Bible teaching in the cell groups and we literally see God touch and change lives through this. I�m not personally teaching cell groups yet. I�m kept busy with the music and kids ministry. (Besides the never-ending "to-do list"!) Praise His Name. Be glorified, LORD Jesus!

Wed. Feb. 14 - 10:30 P.M.

Praise You, Jesus. Today I worked on various odd jobs from wiring in an outlet in the house, to staining my little stool, to fixing a leaking pipe. It was a good day of work with all kinds of little things to do.

Oh, yah, happy Valentines day to all! May the love of our Savior fill you up.

Sun. Feb. 11 - 9:50 P.M.

I�m sitting on my bed in La Casa de Paz as I write this, sleepy and happy and ready for bed! Today was a wonderful day, quite frankly. Oscar�s wife, Umbelina, came to church. PTL! She asked me to come and visit Oscar again because she said it really encouraged him when I stopped over yesterday. All we did was chat and play guitar, but the LORD has a way of working through us even when we don�t realize it. Thank You, LORD!

I taught the kids this morning. There were 14 kids, but I didn�t have much of a chance to worry about it, because I was supposed to lead some of the praise and worship! I guess too much stuff was happening to get stressed over any particular thing! The praise and worship went beautifully. I�m still really excited about this worship team the LORD is putting together. The guys are learning so fast and are excited about it.

We pray as a team before practices and of course before the services. It is so beautiful to see their hearts when each one prays. We all just want to be used of God and help bring people into worship. I�m encouraging them to dig in spiritually in their personal devotions, etc. I would rather have a team of poor musicians with a heart burning for God than a team of great musicians who lacked the heart. This next week we are going to hit the practices hard to prepare for the conference in a little less than 2 weeks! Sorry guys, but I hear my bed calling....signing off! ~ Josu�

Sat. Feb. 10 - 11:40 P.M.

This morning I read the manual for our new mixer from cover to cover and spent all morning in the church practicing and getting it all set up. I�m so excited because now we actually can play worship & praise music without constant sound problems.

This afternoon I went over and visited my friend Oscar. He and his wife haven�t been in church for several weeks. He has to work tomorrow, but his wife is planning to come to church. They want to have me over for supper sometime. Here�s the deal, they�ve got tacos made of intestines or brains. I�m not sure which would be better! We�ll see. :-)

Fri. Feb. 9 - 4:20 P.M.

Guess what? Chacho�s not going to make it back for the men�s cell group tonight. He called and asked me to take it for tonight. He called and asked me to lead it tonight. That could just about make a feller panic if he wasn�t careful! It starts in an hour and a half so I need to go pray for something for them right now! PTL! Life is exciting! :-)

11:00 P.M.

I�m really too tired to write, but I ought to let you know how it went with the men�s cell group. There�s normally 10 or so, but only 3 guys showed up this time. It was really good anyhow. I shared on the love of God and how important love is according to I Cor. 13. I felt the Holy Spirit�s presence and direction as I shared. It was so neat. It�s incredible how the Holy Spirit covers over our weaknesses and inabilities. Glory to the Name of the LORD.

Chacho arrived tonight from Pueblo Viejo at 10:00. He brought the new mixer for the church with him! This is like Christmas for me! I can�t wait to try it out tomorrow. It�s a 6-channel Yamaha mixer. PTL! We are blessed!

Thur. Feb. 8 - 5:30 P.M.

Praise You, Jesus! Chacho left for Pueblo Viejo today (about 3.5 - 4 hours away). We went to attend some church matters over there, but he will be back tomorrow. I think I�m here to kind of be here so the girls aren�t by themselves....basically to hold the fort down.

This morning I biked to Confrad�a to visit Antonio (our new bass player!). He�s sick with something, so I don�t think he will make it for practice tonight. I got back pretty exhausted �cause it�s about 10 km one-way! Then I went in the van to pick up Sara� and Azalia since Chacho is in Pueblo Viejo.

We had a huge shock yesterday! Chacho brought a refrigerator home! Before all we had was one of those tiny camper or apartment fridges. Needless to say, we are still trying to adjust to actually having a "real" fridge!

Tues. Feb. 6 - 9:50 A.M.

I started reading Ezekiel this morning. Reading about his vision got me all fired up! I need more of God. I want to daily walk in and feel the power of His Presence in a greater way. I want to start fasting one day a week especially for more of the His Presence in my life, for faith to heal the sick, and for power to live in victory. I want to be constantly burning with a passion for Jesus!

Mon. Feb. 5 - 10:45 P.M.

I had a wonderful surprise tonight. My brother-in-law, Jon Petersheim, called! It made my day! We were just finishing worship practice when he called. It was such a blessing because I receive very few phone calls.

Mon. Feb. 5 - 9:35 A.M.

Thursday night and Saturday night we had music practice. We were given a bass guitar when we went up to the border in January. I started teaching Antonio bass on Thursday and he�s really getting it! I�m so excited because he�s learning so fast! Antonio (bass), Mois�s (guitar), Giovanni (drums), and myself (keyboard) did 2 praise songs Sunday morning. It is awesome to see how God is putting the team together. We really broke through into freedom in these songs Sunday morning! Chacho got a chance to praise and receive from the LORD off the stage which he said was a great blessing. Normally, he leads the worship and praise and doesn�t get a chance to just receive from the LORD in praise. I�m excited about what the LORD is doing! Today, I want to start teaching Abid keyboard. (I�m trying to work myself out of a job!) Then when she can "man" (ok, maybe this isn�t politically correct�.) the keyboard, I�ll just lead by singing! The last step will be to have someone else lead and I�ll be completely out of a job on the worship team! I can�t wait to watch how God will work this all out!

Incidentally, as I�m typing this on the computer, we have music practice in 30 minutes! (And I haven�t uploaded this yet. I better do it fast and run!)

Fri. Feb. 2 - 5:30 P.M.

The LORD did a fast healing in my body! I was only down with the cold for yesterday. Today I had energy and was almost at full speed again. I put some legs on a bed for Lupita, fixed a leaking water line at the church, and even built an A-frame doghouse! I�m trying to get my list of "things-to-do" knocked out. What a good day we live in!

Thurs. Feb. 1 - 9:40 A.M.

PTL. We serve a good God! Yesterday, I framed a little 10 ft wall in the house. We�re putting a division inbetween the living room and the dining room so we can have a separate room to teach the kids in. I was trying to ignore a nasty cold that was trying to grip me. I frankly don�t believe in being sick. But by the time the evening service started, my voice was all but gone, and my nose was running like a faucet! Oh, bother. I was having difficulty swallowing, too. But do you know what my Bible says? "We are more than conquerors!" That means we win! That�s wonderful news. No matter what comes against us, I�m convinced that we have the victory in Jesus.

Today will be a day of study. It�s a blessing though, �cause I have a lot I�ve been wanting to study....kids lessons....guitar lessons....keyboard lessons....and instructional videos to watch, not to mention the ever-present need to study Spanish!....Praise the LORD, we are winners!

p.s. Yes, I did get out of the house to get this on the web for ya�all, too!

Wed. Jan. 31 - 10:00 A.M.

Yesterday, Chacho asked if I could start a cell group with Mois�s, Abraham, and Giovanni, the youth! That would be a stretcher, but a good one! Abid and I are taking turns teaching the children each Sunday. It looks like I�ll be getting busier! Oh, yah, and we�re going to have a mini-conference next weekend with 3 or 4 churches and some of the brothers from the border. Time to get ready for lots of activity!

Tues. Jan. 30 - 10:15 A.M.

PTL, I think summer is on it�s way! I�m sitting in the sunshine as I write this. Yesterday, I studied and practiced guitar until noon. Then I washed my clothes (which incidently are still on the line.) and organized our little backyard. At 6:00, Chacho, Mois�s, Giovanni, and I practiced some praise songs. We�re trying to encourage and teach Mo� and Giovanni since they both love music.

We are tentatively planning to go to Oaxaca the 26^th of Feb. It sounds like I�ll be teaching some music workshops. So now I�m studying and practicing every day. I want to be able to teach keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, and drums to those who want to learn. Also, Valentin from Lombard�a wants me to come once a week and teach his team drums, bass, and keyboard. I�m really praying about how the LORD wants to use me in music ministry. I still feel like he�s bringing me to a place to be able to teach music to help build worship teams. I�m excited to see what will develop!

Sun. Jan. 28 - 8:00 A.M.

Thank You, LORD, for Your abundant mercy and love. Last night we got back from Lombard�a around 9:30 P.M. We had a really good trip. I even made it there with the mixer by bus! I still get amazed at how the people here use whatever they have and make it work. Valentin (the pastor in Lombard�a) was getting a drumset working when I arrived. He had wielded some brackets together to hold the pieces together and asked if I could tune the drumset up. (They sounded like a garbage can rolling down a hill, to put it mildly.) I worked on them for a couple of hours and I think they are now usable! PTL!

Then we had a little service that night. It was beautiful. The joy and life they have in their small church is a great testimony to me. The service went �til who knows when and it was around 12:30 when I finally crashed on the floor for the night. The climate over there is tropical and always hot, so their houses are pretty open. You can watch lizards play on the walls or think about how blessed you are that you have a mattress between you and the floor.

When Sara� was going to bed (on a matress on the floor, too.), they found a scorpion between the blankets and the wall. I was very happy not to know about that �til morning. But God always takes care of us!

My alarm sounded at 5:30 the next morning. About 7 or 8 of us youth crawled up to the top of a volcanic mountain before daybreak to watch the sunrise. It was something else! Then we shimmied down the inside of the crater basin. Wow! What an experience. There was a tunnel about 3 ft wide and 7 ft high from the inside of the crater to the outside of the mountain. We walked through it, being careful to to touch the walls because of the spiders that live there! The whole deal was quite an experience. I had never been inside of a volcano crater before. Then we got back in time to eat chivo for breakfast. (Goat meat in a kind of soup.) We had a neat time interacting with them and Chacho, Lupita and the pastors were busy all morning getting details together for the up coming trip to Oaxaca and the in Feb.

Well I need to get ready for church this morning. Ta-ta for now!

Fri. Jan. 26 - 7:15 A.M.

Guess what? Today we get to go to Lombard�a! We�re going to encourage the pastor from the church there. I get to go on a little adventure. First, I take a bus to Morelia to pick up our sound mixer. Then, I catch a bus to Uruapan, and lastly, another bus to Lombard�a. Should be exciting! Somehow I�ll meet Chacho and his family there.

Jan. 25 - 9:35 A.M.

I made it home by 12 noon yesterday. They after getting somewhat "landed" here again, I went to church at 6:00 P.M. It was such a beautiful service with the LORD�s presence covering us. After the service, Chacho and Lupita went to pray for a lady that struggles with demon-possession. I stayed with the girls at home. By faith, this woman will be set free! Please pray for her deliverance.

Well, I think we are up to date again! Sorry it took so long....

Jan. 23 - 6:00 P.M.

PTL! I�m sitting on the bus in Reynosa, waiting to go to Zacapu! I�m so thankful that I can go. Everything in me is waiting to get there! The LORD is so good....(hey, the bus is starting to move...)

My parents and brothers left for TN this morning, all of us fighting the tears. But what a blessed time we had! From the chaos we had for a while in my family, the LORD is bringing it around and bringing us together.

After they left, I stayed in the community in Alamo, TX. Then my friend, Jorge, asked if I could help him paint. So off we went to paint a house untio my bus ride at 5:30. We had a good time working. But the bad deal was that the van wouldn�t start at 4:15 to go catch my bus. (I think the LORD was just helping me to stay relaxed and at peace!!) I found one of the neighbors at the jobsite who then gave us a jump. Thank You, LORD! Jorge then took me to the bus station just in time! I�m learning that the LORD is ALWAYS in charge. No need to get worried.....yah, it�s easy to say, I know...!

Jan. 19 - 8:00 P.M. (From the City of Victoria, Mexico)

This morning Mom and Dad and my brothers and I left for the border. We made it here to Victoria in 10 hours. PTL! We�ve had such a great time together.

I�m anxious to get back to Zacapu. There�s so much to do. Besides minor problems and fix jobs, I�ve got several kids I want to visit and encourage. I�m excited to get back to work after all thhis travelling!!! My heart is definitely to serve the LORD on the mission field. There is honestly no other place I�d rather be. The LORD is so awesome and His ways so beautiful. I�m learning to really put my trust in Him.

Jan. 16 - 9:00 P.M.

Wow! I can�t find time to keep up on my journal. We�ve been so busy with activities. I�ve been showing my family lots of places; it�s been a great time! There�s so much I want to do with them and so little time!

Today we went to visit Jes�s and Esperanza. Mom and Dad loved it and Nathanael and Aaron got some bamboo for a suvenir. Then we went shopping in the market and my brothers each bought a machete!

God is doing so many good things in my family. With the broken relationships we had, He is mending and bringing healing. It�s awesome to watch God bring my family back together. Praise the LORD! He is so good. I have so much to be greatful for.

LORD, take me and use me for Your purposes and plans.

Jan. 14 - 10:15 P.M.

PTL! I�m so happy to be back in Zacapu! :) We had a beautiful service this morning. It was so much fun to introduce Mom, Dad, Nathanael and Aaron to my friends. After church we went to Antonio and Sandra�s house in Confred�a. They don�t speak English so I got to translate for my family. It was so much fun. It�s just dirt roads and such out there. It was a neat experience.

Jan. 7, 2001 - 3:00 P.M.

My, this has been quite a trip. It�s been really good, but I�m more than ready to get back home to Michoac�n, Mexico! There�s no place like home.

I�ve been busy up here in TX. I�m staying in the Bethany Christian community in Alamo where Chacho and Lupita came from. A couple of days I spent painting, etc. in the church office. Jorge and I had a good time working together. (He doesn�t want to let me go back to MX! He�s a great brother in the LORD.)

The Bethany church here as a food bank ministry. I got to help out with that. They have a service to preach the Word to the people and then they distribute the food. Nicki, the worship leader, asked me to play keyboard for the service. I love worship and praise. Nicki and I really hit it off. One night we stayed up �til 2:00 A.M. recording a song together!

Yesterday I went along to the kids ministry in Progreso, Mexico. There were 700 - 800 kids there! After the little service we gave out toys to each one. I couldn�t believe how many kids came. I still don�t know where they all came from!

The last 2 days the LORD has been showing His love to me in devotions. It�s been so refreshing. The LORD is showing me a key to falling in love with Him. That is to begin prayer with praise and adoration to Him. To come to give, not just receive. I praise and worship Jesus and tell Him how much I love Him. And then His presence comes and I feel His love. It�s a basic concept of giving and receiving love. I look back and recall all those times when I would go to prayer to receive and receive and not give my love to Him. Of course I love Him, but I didn�t tell Him. The LORD has met me these last 2 days is a sweet, beautiful way. Oh, how I love You, LORD.