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Persevere!

Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.   -Romans 12:12

This word hit me hard at the women's retreat we attended at the beginning of the month. After my "I-don't-want-to-suffer" breakdown, God sweetly reminded me of His heart: Rejoice in the love of my salvation! It's not the suffering we're called to, but the perseverance through it to produce in us the joy and privilege of getting to walk WITH Him...

And along the way we get to accompany others - praying
 that they encounter Him! 
Moments like this - even when just a few take look at God's Word - are glimpses of hope. Pray with us for these ones to hunger for more, seeking after Him with all their hearts! Many are facing family difficulties, pursuing false gods (namely, "la muerte"/ saint death), struggling with addictions, violence, apathy, etc.
This month we had a couple good times with some of the Twist and Crece church leaders.  Special praise for Karla as she has experienced marked renewal and encouragement after a time of real struggle.
(Left to right: Hector, Jocelyn, Karla, Karina, Brayan, Xau)

We're very thankful that each of them are stepping up and are capable of, or learning to teach kids' church! It's a big help.
Children's Day is officially the 30th, so last Saturday we had two outreach events: one right out front of Crece church/Twist Ecatepec, and one at the new site we've started visiting once a month. The family who hosts the new outreach space open their patio one Saturday a month for kids from that side of the neighborhood.  They aren't believers yet, but we're praying for breakthrough - and special restoration as many in the household are addicted to alcohol. 
↑Normal site: in the park just across the street from Crece/Twist facilities 
↑New site: Activities included games, face paint, bounce houses, trampolines, a lesson, prizes and, of course, candy bags for everyone! 
Jumping back for a minute to the women's retreat: The six of us from Crece got to join 100 other women from different churches.  God spoke to each of us, especially to those of us who didn't want to go!  While we were there, one of the ladies in my room asked, "Couldn't we do this for Crece? It's so good and so necessary." To which I responded that yes, it would be possible, just a matter of logistics and planning... 
Well, that night we jotted down ideas of what and how we could do so, and this Saturday (May 3), we'll be having a day-long women's retreat of our own! Please pray for this time to really be fruitful and filled with the Spirit. Pray for the women who are reluctant to come to take the step and that it can be a wonderful time - refreshing others as we have been refreshed. 
In Mexico, students get TWO weeks off of school for Spring Break. So, here's one of our outings - riding the cable car with Abuelita Tere :)  There are several now around the city, but we hadn't gone on one yet!

After many years, (ten to be precise - I was recently looking at a goals doc from 2015), we are finally taking the step to hire our first full-time staff member!  Her name is Priscila (Pris). The goal is for her to start in June. We met when I was pregnant with Liam, and soon thereafter she started helping us babysit. Over the years, she's cared for our three babies, worked at our home, partnered in Twist, outreaches, trainings and more. Now, she'll be on full-time. This is truly a dream-come-true for her and for us. 
You can continue to give toward her fund as well as other part-time and future full-time staff we're working towards.
Best attempt at an Easter photo 😅

Thanks so much for taking the time to look at this!  Bless you, and Happy Children's Day!


...



Online giving link: 

CHECKS TO: HEARTS IN ACTION INTL, INC.
Memo: Mexico Mission
Send to: 7104 Africa Road Galena, OH 43021

Specific giving links:
P.S. - a specific request we have is to buy a new washer-dryer set since we don't have a dryer and rainy season is coming soon.

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