Pray for your missionaries.......

So many times I feel so blessed. The situations that are new to us here in Mexico have been easier because so many of our co-staffers had experienced it before us. Doctors, working visas, surgery, dental work, car work done, join soccer teams, etc. etc. All these things we had help with. I often think of those missionaries who are on their own. Those that experience firsts with no ones help. Who don't have a group to debrief tough times. Who struggle with a new language, new culture, burdens of a ministry, or plain tough times. As I reflect on our year here, we count our blessings, but we also take note of the many difficult times we have had. We know that God has brought us through them with many of your prayers. We covet your prayers. Missionaries get down and depressed too. Please continue to pray for us in 2008.
Pray for our continued focus to be on the Lord.
Pray for the low times that God would see us through
Pray that we would be obedient no matter what He asks from us.
Pray for our children that they would have more friends.
Pray for our language skills to grow leaps and bounds as we see our ministry in relationships.
Pray for patience as we trust God in big ways.
Thank you for your prayers. If you know other missionaries who are on their own, pray for them. Then contact them so they know you have not forgotten them. That you have their back in prayer. What a ministry you can have that way.

Thanks to donations from Northstar Vineyard......

Our boys, along with the other staff children have a new school. Ben, Luke and Mark would like to tell you about it. Ben likes having more space then the old school. Luke says it has air conditioning. Mark likes the fun bean bag chairs they can read in. This new school has a room for the K-2nd grades and a room for the 3-5 graders and a central room for the library and joint teaching sessions. It has been great to have more room and really be able to move about as they do their school work. We have so many needs with the children's homes that we serve and the needy communities that we work with. Having such a great environment for our kids to learn in allows the staff to do and serve where we feel called to without our children going without. Thank you for all the people who funded and worked on this great school.

Over the top.....

I've been wrestling with reverse culture shock. Ok, I think I am. Anyway, I have realized while being home for 10 days for Christmas how much I was used to and can jump back into having excess at my fingertips. Food is the biggie. Any kinds, around any corner. Eating as much as I want or can. I am reminded of my friends who don't have enough to stay healthy. I so struggle with what I need and what I want or should have. Somehow life in the US is easier. I don't have to be reminded of the way other people live and yet would I really be happy. I am in deep emotions and by no means am I saying living in the states is bad. For me its seems easier to live the simple life. Any thoughts on my ramblings? I'd love to hear from you.

Merry Christmas Everyone....

As we gear up for a return trip to the states to spend Christmas with family and friend, I wanted to thank God for all that he has done for us. We often take time out to remember what has happened over the year. So here it is

New Believers in Christ: Teens like Carolina, Gabby, Angel. It all comes down to this. Mexicans, Americans, teens, young children all asking Jesus to forgive their sins and be Lord of their lives.

Baptisms: We were overjoyed to be able to baptize several Americans as God grabbed their hearts during their mission trips here to Monterrey.

Continued Ministry to Children’s Homes: After adding Rayitos de Luz (Rays of Light), a new children’s home in desperate condition, we now serve 9 children’s homes in Monterrey and its surrounding areas. That means that we are continuing to provide Care for Today to over 400 children in the name of Jesus.

Field Trips: One option that groups have when they come is to take children from one of the homes on a field trip: an amusement park, swimming, hiking in the mountains, etc. This gives the kids an opportunity to do something that they’d never have the chance to do, and it gives their caregivers who are on 24/7 a much needed break.

Teens on Campus: After adding 10 new teens to the Hope Ministry, we are now at an all time high of 27 teens on campus living in 5 different Teen Homes. That means that there are 27 teens continuing in education rather than ending at 9th grade. That means 28 kids have the opportunity to get a college degree and find Hope for a drastically improved life over what they would have had if the Hope Ministry did not exist or wasn’t well-supported from people like you.

Construction Projects:

· Two new Teen Homes bringing the total to 5 with groundbreaking for 2 more already underway.

· A medical clinic is half way finished, providing a road for even more comprehensive ministry to those we serve.

· SMCA-The Sierra Made Christian Academy where the missionary kids attend school now have a new building in which they can spread out and will double as a computer lab for the teens on campus in the Hope Ministry.

· A new church building is underway at the Cadereyta shanty town for even better ministry and outreaches.

· Numerous improvements in living and play conditions for the children in the children homes.

Outreaches to Cadereyta and the Rio:

· Around 50 meals served to entire communities

· Medical team ministered to those with illnesses and injuries

· The gospel was shared

· Relationships were made

Thank you for your prayers, your support, your encouragement, hours of serve and love for the children of Monterrey, Mexico. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
The Huffers

Feliz Navidad in the Rio

Our family had a great opportunity to help Meme bring Christmas to the children at the Rio. Meme, Betty and our family brought things for a fiesta grande last Sunday. The afternoon consisted of Betty sharing the Christmas story to the children. Ben, Luke, Mark and Greg helped with the crafts of hats and ornaments. Several of Meme's neighbors helped cook and prepare flautas to eat. A pinata helped it to be a true Mexican party with many dulces (candies) inside. Gifts for everyone topped off the afternoon. It was really fun and a blessing to be apart of this day. About 80 people attended and it was fun to share our family with all of their family.

more party photos

Our kids are touched by those who want to stay involved....

This summer an intern, Brittany, made some deep connections with the girls at the Manantial de Amor girls home. Just a few weeks ago, she sent down some things for the girls. It ranged from Twister game, nail polish, crafts, candy and photos of her and the girls. They absolutely loved receiving their care package. They remembered her and they were delighted that she had remembered them. I love this ministry and how God works in people's hearts to have a lasting relationship with these kids.

We all were blessed by the Women's group this week...

32 women came from the Cincy area to serve with us this week. They provided Christmas for 8 children's homes this week and also had an outreach with the women from the Rio. They gave gifts, decorations, time, love, their skills, gave up their comforts to reach out to so many. We were all blessed. Praise God for a full and fulfilling week. Here are just a few photos of our week together.We paired with the women at the Rio and made blankets, handed out groceries, sang and prayed together.
Manantial boys singing to us.
We shared our skills and talents. For Amy it was playing soccer and Pablo enjoyed it.
The women brought many crafts to make with the kids. These two girls, Sandy and Katia, are quite the princesses.

Praise God for how He is using the groups that come here.....

Today I was enjoying spending the morning with the girl's at Casa Hogar Manantial de Amor . Living in a boy dominated household, spending time with 15 girls making bracelets, painting nails, playing twister and listening to High School Musical 2 was a lot of fun. As we were enjoying one another, Connie, one of the director's at Manantial as me to come into the kitchen. She explained to me that one month ago they had no food. (I believe it was about the time Anderson Hills came here to serve and saw their empty pantry). She continued to tell me that they began praying specifically for meats and vegetables for them to eat. She then opened their refridgerator. "Now look what God has done for us," she said. I need to tell you that when Anderson Hills left after their week, they gifted a lot of money for Emergency Food needs at the children's homes (not just Manantial). A women's group also was here this week. So between the two funds we bought 80 kilos of meat for them. They also were gifted vegetables from another resource. Connie said, these girls are seeing that God provides. They are learning that God will provide all of their needs. Thank you Anderson Hills and the Women's Group both from Cincy for being used by God. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord's leading.

Greg, Is no easy

"Greg, is no easy!" This was the consistent refrain that I heard from Edgar on a recent visit to Casa Hogar Manantial de Amor. Earlier today, I traveled to this home to spend some time with the kids and the encargadas (care givers). As I am B2B's new captain for this area of ministry, I am beginning to make a concentrated effort to better know these kids, their caregivers and all of their needs so we can better come alongside them.
I first traveled to the boys home and saw how the improvements that the Anderson Hills (my childhood church) group had made in early November. All that they had done was doing well and holding strong. But as I spoke with Samuel, one of the caregivers, he let me know of a couple lights that weren't working and of two window spaces where there is no glass at all. They've done their best to cover the openings, but with temperatures dipping into the low 50's at night, you can only imagine how chilly it must be in their rooms.
After my visit there, I traveled a short distance to visit the girls home and found Edgar, the director there. As I spoke with him. I asked him if there was anything the home needed or if his family needed as well. As he answered, over and over he would say, "Greg, is no easy." I want to make it clear that he was in no way complaining and never gave the impression that he thought the ministry to which he has been called should be easy. But I know from experience in various ministries, there are just times when you are compelled to say, "Man, this is just not easy" whether it is paying unexpected medical bills, trying to provide for his family, or just wanting to provide something simple and nice for his family (like coffee for his wife). He mentioned as well that on the rare occasion when he has a 'day off' the funds are not there to be able to do anything, even having money for gas to just get away. Sometimes, being in ministry means these simple things make life 'not easy'. So having experienced many of these at various times, my heart really exploded with empathy for Edgar and Connie and their two little girls, Damaris and Hannah.
On top of this, there are the constant needs of trying to run a children's home. Edgar and Connie listed need after need that they could use help in meeting. From needing new cabinets in the kitchen (the old ones have many rotted boards that the doors are just falling off to the floor), clothes, lice shampoo, dishes, feminine products for 17 teen age girls, etc. You can imagine the ongoing cost of trying to meet the needs of running this home. We at B2B do help as much as we are able, (almost half of their monthly needs are met by B2B), but while he is grateful for the money and resources we send, he said with a snap of his fingers, "it is gone like that!" I can only imagine!
Edgar is also a part time pastor at his church, doing various things, but it is a voluntary role that he fills. He is also discouraged that his senior pastor doesn't share his heart for missions and the church gives no assistance to meet the needs of the home. He has begun searching the papers looking for a job he can take on to help their situation. But that would mean working all day and then coming home to work in the casa hogar and you can imagine how draining and emptying that would be.
So while I am looking here for more ways to better meet their needs, I am also seeking your help. Mostly, I am asking that you pray for Edgar and his family and the kids of the casa hogar. They have great faith (as I was leaving, Edgar said, "As it says on American money- 'In God we trust'- that is what I do!"). Pray for God's resources to come to bare on this home in regular ways to help meet their regular needs for food, utility bills, clothes, toiletries, etc. Pray for opportunities for Edgar to be able to take his wife and kids out and enjoy some time away and the means to do so. Pray for an encouraged spirit for Edgar and Connie as well.
I am also asking you to consider spreading news of these needs to people you know (if you feel led to do so). Maybe a Sunday school class or a small group Bible study or a church's mission committee or whomever might be interested in coming alongside this home and being a regular partner to meet their needs. If this is of interest to you and you want more information about what partnering with this home might look like you can contact me at huffer@back2backministries.org.
I want to say that we will not use this blog space often to ask for financial assistance. I was just so compelled by Edgar and his position (having been there for many years myself) that I feel led to share this with other caring people.


Thank you in advance for your earnest prayers on behalf of a brother in need.

Greg

Happy Birthday Greg

With all the work that goes on around here, we make sure we take some time out for fun. Last night we celebrated Greg's birthday (early as it is Nov. 30th) with a 1970's murder mystery party. Fun was had by all. Here are a few photos from the party.

A week of things to be thankful for.....

These pictures give a summary of our thanksgiving week. Greg and I lead 4 outreaches between the 2 of us. We spent time at the Rio and Cadereyta with three groups building a soup kitchen at each location, giving testimonies of what Jesus has done in our lives, sharing food and clothing and blankets (as it is getting colder reaching 40-50 degrees at night) and creating new friendships. The boys had a great time joining Dad in working on the property one day this week. They initiated joining Dad. It is fun to share as a family. As I mentioned before we all gathered on Thursday however I underestimated. The final count was somewhere in the 90's. We have so much to be thankful for. It was a great week.

Connection that God makes...

Recently God brought a couple to B2B with a heart to help those in the Rio and Cadereyta. Because of them Carlos Antonio has a Nebulizer to help with his severe asthma and breathing issues. Praise God. Below is Carlos and his mom Maribelle.

Feliz Accion de Gracias.....Happy Thanksgiving

There are so many things to be thankful for. Jesus, family and friends top the list for sure. Spending the holidays away from home really make you appreciate what we have always had. It can be easy to get caught up in what we are missing. Greg is on an outreach to the Cadereyta today and I went on one yesterday to the Rio. Spending time with these great people allow me to see what is really important. It's not always the gigantic meal, but those around the table. (this is something I'll have to remember when I'm making the turkey and it is dry....) Tonight the staff of B2B will all eat together. We will have something like 60-70 people sharing in a meal together sharing what we are thankful for. Its such a loaded question. If we are honest with ourselves each one should be able to share for hours. As I am counting my blessings with my family and B2B family please know you will be among those that I am thankful for.

Thank you for your continued prayers on Nuri's behalf....

She still hasn't had her baby yet. She is doing well though. It is amazing how a girl can be so ignored within this community. Please continue to pray for her. I believe she is anxious about having this child. Due dates are random out there as no one really keeps track of time. Pray for her and her babies safety. Pray for Nuri's anxiety and that she would know God has her surrounded by His love. Thank you.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. " James 5:16

It's raining, and hailing,,,,,

Yesterday a handful of us were on the porch talking. As we stood there we began to notice a storm coming in over the mountains. We saw the streaks of rain developing over the mountains. As we continued to watch, we heard a slight roaring sound. To me it was like listening to rain on our tin roof while we are inside of our apartment. However here we were sitting outside. We were hearing the hail approach our property. It was a wild experience. Before we knew it, it was upon us. pea size hail . What seemed so cool soon became scary and harmful. I was reminded by my neighbor that my oldest boys were in our apartment alone and I might want to check on them. Upon entering our house, I couldn't see them. I had to yell over the pounding hail on our roof. After a short bit I found them hiding in their bunk beds. Scared and wondering what was happening. After a little coaxing I drew them out to see the beauty of the hail and the storm. It was interesting to me that my feelings toward the hail had everything to do with where I was. Inside I felt safe and interested in the storm. Outside I was overwhelmed and scared. I think this is true with many things like trials, suffering and death. When we have Christ in our lives we aren't spared the hardships but we are assured His divine power for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Its difficult to put into words when God impresses my heart. I pray that he will connect the dots for you.

Continue to pray for Nuri...

Please continue to pray for Nuri, the last time we were out at the Cadereyta (last week). She was in the hospital with complications with her baby. When we ask her neighbors they just don't know. Nuri is someone that people don't see often because the "family" she is with keep her inside caring for children and the house. Pray for health and that she can know that Christ loves her.

There is nothing like family....

As we said earlier, Greg's parents were here just last week. We enjoyed sharing life together for a few days. We also had the pleasure of having my (Cathy) sister, Connie, come and visit. She was here for a couple of days and really took time to spend time with us and enjoying one another. One day the boys and I took Aunt Connie to Mount Chipinque where we enjoyed hiking and riding down the cement slides. Aunt Connie came to school and shared about her trip to China with the K through 5th graders. It was good timing as Ben is studying China in school. We enjoyed eating out and long talks. Thank you, Aunt Connie for loving on us. We love you.
Greg, Cathy, Ben, Luke and Mark

Thanks Anderson Hills!!!

We recently had the privilege of having a group from Anderson Hills United Methodist Church come down and serve along side of us. We have been blessed by this church so many times before and this week was no exception. Anderson Hills is the church in which Greg grew up in and came to the Lord in and they have partnered with us from the beginning of our ministry here with B2B. A special blessing was that among the 17 that came from the church were Greg's parents, Mike and Marcie (my mom in the first picture above and my dad in the third).

We kept them and the entire group pretty busy from dawn to dusk and they worked hard and enjoyed their time here. The day they arrived we traveled to Casa Hogar Douglas in the evening for a cookout and playtime with the kids. We served hot dogs and nachos and played soccer and other games with kids. It was a fun time. The next day we traveled to Manantial de Amor for a day of work ranging from putting up a chain link fence to painting, putting in a sink and waterproofing their palapa (a shleter for shade). While we were there, some ladies from the group realized that there was no food for dinner that night and their hearts were gripped with concern and sadness. The Lord moved in their hearts to be a solution to this problem, both that night and long term. What a blessing that these people were here at this time!

The next day we took those same kids on a field trip to an international art, music and cultural exposition that Monterrey is hosting called the Forum. It was a very different kind of day with many different things to encounter, but I think fun was had by all.

On Sunday, after church, Cathy led the group to the Rio for a day of outreach ministry. Anderson Hills had brought several hundred pairs of shoes to donate to the poverty stricken here in Monterrey and after a foot washing ceremony, they passed out around 200 pairs of shoes to kids and adults alike and gave them a nacho and cheese snack. Testimonies were shared, prayers were offered and money was given for medication needs in the Rio. It was a very moving day. Lilanthi, a pastor from Anderson Hills, spoke and Sharon said a few words as well to the group of people that had gathered.

The final day before we sent them off we put them to work as well. We were able to pour the steps for our new medical clinic and a sidewalk for the new school. They worked hard from the moment they got here to the very minute they left. We are so grateful that we got to host them, and minister alongside them. It was so encouraging to see them come alongside us in even more ways than they already have. With the ongoing partnership that Anderson Hills wants to have, we look forward to even more fruitful ministry trips in the future.

A special thanks to my parents who ventured our way. I know that it is not easy having us so far away and it means so much to us that you took the time and made the effort to come and see our ministry, where we live and just be with us enjoying life. We love you and look forward to heading your way at Christmas time.

Pray for Nuri.....

I have no photograph of Nuri. Partly because she is so shy and I wanted to build a relationship with her first. I never got the feeling that she was proud of the fact that she was pregnant at age 15. She has quite a story and I have shared some with many of you. She has a past full of hurt and is not surrounded by family that fully accept her for who she is but for more of what she can do for them. I met her in April when she first found out she was pregnant. She seemed 15 then. Now she is due and looks like a woman who has been through so much. Please pray for her. We went out to the Cadereyta last week. She wasn't there. She was at a clinic, perhaps giving birth. A woman who said she was her mom (although I know she wasn't ) was there. She gave me the creeps. We prayed with her for Nuri, and her family. Please pray for Nuri's health as she will continue to take care of her "brothers" as well as her new baby. Pray for protection for her and the children. Pray for salvation and protection from the enemy as I believe they are into something ( my spanish keeps me from understanding it all). I plan to go early this week to hopefully see her and the baby and even have a photo to share with you (maybe;)
Thank you.

Para Aguas.......

One group gave away umbrellas at an outreach at the Cadereyta. Itwas a great hit. We had a really good church service with Pastor Jose Angel talking about how God made it so that we as mother's have the opportunity to give our children a lot by raising them in a Christian home. Three women came to Christ that day. It was a great day.

Meet Sarah

This is Sarah. She is 6 years old. Lives with her Mom and sister. And is as sweet as she looks. She lives in Meme's Rio. Its a community of 60 or so who live on the river banks . This land is really the government's land however these people have squatted there long enough that they legally can live there. I recently began visiting here in hopes to start a children's time with possibly songs, a snack and a Veggie Tale in Spanish. Please pray for me as this is definitely going out of my comfort zone. I have had a chance to meet some of the kids. It is Sarah here that the Lord used to grab my heart and give me a desire to do this. Will you pray with me for the following things. Pray that I will find the right time for me, Meme, the kids as they are in school in the afternoon (which is ideal time for me). Pray for protection and discernment. Pray for the souls of these little ones. It is my hope that as God works in the hearts of these kids, their parents will want to know the good news of Christ as well. Pray, Pray, Pray. Thank you.