McLellans in Mexico
October 2009
Hello Dear Friends!
Thanks so much for your interest in our ministry here in Mexico. It is an exciting time when we consider the news we are hearing of the many evangelistic Bible studies taking place with folks in the tribe and even here in the large city of Chihuahua. All is well here in the dormitory for MK’s. We are glad to say that we are seeing positive things happening in relationships moving all too maturity. The children are all doing well in school and as of late we have all been enjoying good health.
The other side of the story is that Mexico is a potentially dangerous area to be in. Although the violence doesn’t take place in our immediate area, nor is it directed to foreigners in any way, it’s still a threat and risk to those that are innocent bystanders. Just this past week the contingency committee received reliable information that some of our missionaries (Irv and Shirley Bauman) are in a hot area and need to be evacuated from their location. Apparently, there are two cartels that will be fighting it out for that area of turf for the growing and harvesting of illegal drugs. Needless to say, the following day the Baumans were flown out of there ASAP only taking with them things that would fit in the plane. This is a difficult time for them…not knowing when they will be able to return to their home and ministry out there. We have been caring for their children, Sonya and Cory, here at the dorm. Of course, having your dad and mom in town for any length of time is nice, but the stress of knowing why they are here is also something that weighs on each of them. Thanks for remembering them during this time.
On Thursdays, Beth and another gal are having a kid’s club…many of the children’s moms have also begun coming. During their time together Beth teaches a Bible story emphasizing God’s character in each of the lessons. The kids get to play games and make a craft also. Much planning and energy goes into this time with the kids. Please pray that these kids and their mothers have open ears to God’s truth of his love for them and the salvation they can have through faith in Christ.
I have been helping with base maintenance by building cabinets and counter tops for the school’s office, helping with these projects has been good. I have many opportunities with co-laborers and students and try to encourage them on. A couple of weeks ago I was asked to assist in a clean up after a flood on the west coast of Northern Mexico in the San Carlos, Sonoraarea after the hurricane Jimena. Two of our missionary families were located in that area working on Bible translation for the Guarajio Indians. We evacuated them 6 weeks ago and we returned to do the clean up with pressures sprayers, shovels, and wheelbarrows. One of the homes had up to 7 foot of water in it…as you can imagine the sewer sludge had permeated everything. The other home had only 2 foot of water making it possible for the family to return to that house…the other family found a home elsewhere. We were able to help them get settled back into their homes so that they can continue on in the work.
We are in close contact with Erin, Caleb, and Emily. Emily is doing well at adjusting to college life at Cornerstone University, there have been some difficult times for her, but she is doing well. She is learning what it is to have a car…and keeping it going also. Erin is working as a nanny for two families, in a shared nanny situation. She works 4 days a week equaling 40 hours a week and enjoying it! Her boyfriend Brian was recently baptized and is meeting with a mentor on a weekly basis. This is so good to see that he has taken on his relationship with God very seriously. Brian just started a new job as a computer programmer for the equivalent of the NYSE in Chicago. Caleb and Sharon are busy with landscaping, waitressing, enjoying married life, leading worship at their church, working with the youth group, and saving up for a trip to Mexico at Christmas time. Caleb would love to bring Sharon to show her where he grew up and we would love to have them! We have much to thank the Lord for, especially the work he is accomplishing in our children’s lives.
This coming year we are up for another year of furlough. We are in the midst of making the decisions as to what we are going to do for this coming year as to where to live, etc… There is uncertainty in our returning to Mexico after our furlough year…as there isn’t going to be the need of a dorm, therefore no dorm parents will be needed…does this mean we will be heading another direction?…friends we just don’t know at this time… We share these things so that you can be praying with us. Thanks so much for remembering us before Our Father in heaven, the one who loves you and I deeply. :)
Ben for all of us McLellans
