Big Needs, Perfect Timing

As most of you know, I (Greg) am the captain at Manantial de Amor (MDA), a wonderful children's home here in Monterrey. Much has been happening here as of late.

Where to begin. I guess I'll start with the major project that has been going on for about 1 1/2 years. MDA had some major water erosion problems that were close to threatening the structural integrity of the building. With much help, I tackled this problem and every inch of the way, I felt I was way over my head. But what else could I do? These problems needed to be addressed and I was there, so we tackled them. I cannot begin to accurately say how much help I received along the way, but I know that it couldn't have happened without every person that jumped in.

Recently, I asked Jim to help me pour two sets of concrete stairs. I had already formed for the stairs and Jim and I would mix the concrete by hand. We expected it would take half a day to pour the two sets of stairs. It actually took the entire day and in honesty, it was the hardest day I've had here. But the wonderful thing about it is that it was the second to last step of completing the WHOLE project! It has been 1 1/2 years in coming! I am super excited about it and praise God for getting me through it.

Not too long ago, Edgar, the director at MDA, sent me a long list of unexpected expenses that the children's home is facing. Major expenses. From braces for three different girls to school enrollment to unexpected water bills, etc. The list goes on and on. Then, just a few short days later, a government official shows up to inspect the children's home (the boys location) and leaves a two page list of things that need to be done (within 5 days). No offer of helping come up with the money to pay for these projects. Just have them done in 5 days or we will take the kids from here and put them in the DIF, the government run home- not a good place.

So I was a bit overwhelmed as I wanted to help with all of the needs, but had NO resources with which to help. Even now as I write this, I realize what a God thing it was for me to not have any money because I almost always have a cushion with which to help with emergency needs like this. I guess God wanted to show me that He is the source of our help and nothing else.

Well, I sent out an email to a few churches that support us and that have worked at MDA before just seeing if there would be anyway they'd be able to help. One church responded by sending $5,000! In addition, I began receiving donations that were collected from B2B'S Christmas Catalog and the donations all addressed the needs that Edgar had sent me.

I am assured that when we minister and face tremendous needs ALL OF THE TIME that God is always aware of every need. He never balks at the size or the seemingly 'when it rains it pours' timing of the needs that come up. He just does what He does. He is so faithful and I am so grateful.

Praise God!

PS- I forgot to mention the $150,000 USD donation that came in to purchase a new piece of property on which to bring the boys and the girls together on one campus! He's just AMAZING!