May 18

Enter His gates with THANKSGIVING 

and His courts with PRAISE. 

 Give thanks to Him and praise His name. 

For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal;

 His faithfulness endures through ALL GENERATIONS.

Psalm 100:4-5

Liam. Little goof!

What a privilege to rejoice in HIS love! We've been blessed and are ever renewed in His presence.  Praise God for His unending mercies!  Pray that we can give thanks in all circumstances and cling to His goodness.  

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Highlights from the month of May: 

Daniel: (Below - one of the more tedious tasks of his internship - sorting clothing donations for Kids' Club Twist.) 

Daniel has been interning with us for the past two months.  He has been a great blessing - getting involved in all different aspects of ministry, like... writing lessons for Twist, preparing visuals, teaching English classes at a school, taking photoshop classes, Skype meetings with missionaries, teaching at Kids' Club, planning and facilitating outreaches, a mission trip to Oaxaca, video production, preaching and sharing with teens, leading worship, giving choreography workshops and more. 

We pray he's been encouraged and challenged by his time in Mexico City.  As his internship comes to a close, pray that he be filled with God's wisdom and discernment for next steps in life and ministry.

Teacher training:

(Below - teachers participate in a "Bible drill" verse challenge.)

This was the first time we'd worked with this church: Mount Zion.  The children's leader heard about us through a friend of ours and invited us to do a day's training.  Pastor friends  from another church in the area came as well!  

Here's Daniel teaching the choreography workshop!  He's really good at choosing meaningful worship songs that keep kids engaged and establishing movements that they can follow along with. 

Kids' Club Twist:

Every Saturday the two host churches have been faithfully welcoming kids to Twist!  While it's a stretching commitment for the leaders and teachers, it's also rewarding to see kids and parents impacted by God's Word. 

Pray for each leader, volunteer and teacher to be filled and refreshed by God's Spirit.  We're also asking God for more workers to partner - both in service and in financial support - so that His Word and power can continue to bless these communities. 

For Mother's Day - a special clothing give-away!   

Also for Mother's Day: a devotion time just for moms and at the end of the day each group of kids sang for her :)  

Training session Twist Valle de Chalco:

Part of our commitment with each Kids' Club is to equip teachers and volunteers to be more effective.  One of the keys is their practical experience!  But we're working on developing strategies for both group and one-on-one feedback.  

Focus areas include: preparation, human relations (with kids, other teachers and parents), classroom management, creativity and energy, effectivity, attitude, personal growth and spiritual growth.   

Jesus Cruz teaching on having an attitude of service

Ale: (short for Alejandra; photo below)

Often behind the scenes with planning, coordinating, writing or meeting one-on-one with Twist Kids' Club leaders, she's been a vital part of the ministry.  Praise God for her willingness and devotion.  Pray for her and her husband Lalo to have every need met and to fulfill their calling! 

Ministry bit: 

Continual education - 

If we're going to facilitate growth in others, we need to be  growing.   One way we're challenged to keep up our own learning is through courses at our local church.   Every Thursday we attend a discipleship class that requires Biblical study during the week. Additionally, we're currently taking an 11-week class called Top Teachers which is designed to  more effectively teach God's Word. 

Family news:

Xau's sister Yazna is in town!  She's been busy, but we're glad to see her and that she gets to see some of her nephew!    

As baby Malakai's birth comes closer, Xau and I have been making frequent visits to the hospital where he'll be born to take required classes.  Since it's a research hospital - and honestly one of the best in the country (praise God!) - they want their patients to be informed.  

And! Pray that we'll be able to go through with the new accompaniment program where Xaume can be with me in the delivery and the first 24 hours (When Liam was born it was just me - which is very common in Mexican public hospitals.) 

Just so you get an idea - this is a picture from their website  of the exercise workshops we're taking.

We're excited!  Both for the baby's arrival (due end of July) and the new ways God is moving in our lives.  Please keep praying for stamina, renewal in the Spirit, wisdom and most of all, God's glory! 

Thank you for reading, praying, supporting, giving, and partaking in this adventure with us.  Be blessed in Jesus' Name! Let us know how we can be praying for you!

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Tax-deductible giving 

Checks to: Hearts in Action

Memo: Mexico Mission

Send to: 7104 Africa Road
Galena, OH 43021