Alex and his new clothes

There’s a boy named Alex that’s been in our care for well over a year now. His parents abandoned him and his siblings years ago, and he has since been separated from his brothers and sisters as well. He came to us alone with only the clothes on his back and a photocopied picture of his little sister, who he worries and prays for regularly like a good big brother. We gave him a set of new clothes, and he acted as if we had given him gold.

Alex told us how he was given hardly anything at his last home and was even banned from eating if he didn’t behave. This place eventually kicked him out for bad behavior, but since he has been in our care, he is a completely different boy. When I pray for each one, Alex is one of the very few that always offers to pray for me. In fact, I don’t even have to pray for him. As I was saying goodbye to the boys before leaving for Thanksgiving this past week, Alex actually came to me to ask before I left if he could pray for a good trip. He’ll place his little hand on you and pray the most fervent prayer you ever heard.

My "son" Alex and me

I recently surveyed the kids and asked them the question, “How do you know that God loves you?” Alex’s reply touched me the most: “Because I’ve been given clothes and a new family.”

We often question whether or not God loves us based on what we believe we lack. However, I think Alex can teach us that you can be confident that God loves you by focusing on what you already have. I shared this story to my sister Sheri while in Dallas for Thanksgiving, and she was moved to buy Alex some new clothes. Before I left my family, several of them donated a whole lot of clothes for many of the kids. It’s something they really need and ask for regularly, even before toys etc. I was so excited to deliver this blessing to them.

The bag of clothes for the kids and some treats to celebrate my return

As I flew back, I started to really miss my family. We are very close, but I only get to spend time with them a few times a year now. Upon landing, I learned that the airport had lost my bag which had most of my clothes and several other necessities. My coat would have been especially useful as it began to snow of all things. However, having learned from Alex myself, I focused on what I did have: the bag full of clothes for the kids! What a blessing it was to see their smiling faces and excitement as they modeled their new clothes.

Later I got a call from the airport saying they had found my bag, and when I went to pick it up, they handed me a $50 voucher that I will use to see my family again soon. God, I just love how you love me!

Want to donate too? The kids always need clothes! In fact, they often ask for clothes before toys etc. I know the boys especially need jeans/pants.
Send in new or used clothes »
Ask me for sizes etc. »
Donate online towards a clothes shopping trip »

Alex and his new clothes

Juan and the new clothes he asked for to dress nicer for church

Gustavo was very excited about his new clothes

Cristian really needed these new clothes too

The girls checking out their new clothes

Lucia and her new shirt

And her new shoes

Raymundo wandered into the wrong clothes pile

The bag of clothes for the kids and some treats to celebrate my return

This update is dedicated to my mom Shirley, my sister Sheri, and my whole family. I am constantly amazed by you guys and what huge hearts you have. Not only do you support me, but you have taken these kids into your own hearts. Apart from my own life, you truly impact the lives of these kids with your immense love.

Karely was very surprised

A child’s birthday is a big deal. It’s like a holiday to celebrate just you. That one special day when everyone remembers you, your birth, and that you’re running out of fingers to hold up. For many lucky kids, this special day is lavishly celebrated each year thanks to very loving and able parents. For that first birthday, you may even take out a line of credit to create a small theme park in the backyard. Once you recover from that, the parties become lesser of a presentation each year, but without a doubt, childhood birthdays are the best of all until you’re old enough that people start celebrating the simple fact that you’re still alive.

Goofing around with "Tavo"

For kids like ours, birthdays are already of this matter. Their special day comes, and I believe they ask, “Does anyone notice I’m still alive?” Many of their parents are not there at all and if they are, they simply don’t have as many resources as other parents do to tell their children that their existence is indeed acknowledged. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with one of my closest boys Gustavo whose birthday came and went without me even knowing. He said no one remembered but his mom who gave him a hug and told him ”Happy Birthday.” “That’s a lot for me,” he said. Quite moved by this, I took him to the amazing VIP movie experience we have here in Juarez. However, I guess like all parents, I learned after that first time that I’ll need to be more resourceful.

A supporter allowed these three brothers to share a birthday celebration

As the parents of 100 children, it’s quite a task just to acknowledge their birthdays. There are multiple celebrations needed each week. The ministry once had a faithful volunteer that would bring cake each month to celebrate all the birthdays of the month at once. However, with this new program, I wanted the need of individual attention to be addressed. We do have many wonderful supporters that send gifts for certain children’s birthdays, but I recognized a need to acknowledge every birthday from the people who daily act as their parents. I know for me, some of these kids literally call me “dad,” and they ask me what I’m going to do for their coming birthday… good question!

Amanda with some of her new friends

It wasn’t long that my sister Amanda came down to visit me here for the first time. She was moved by many things, but one in particular was how the birthdays of the kids seem to come and go without much acknowledgement. We talked about some ideas that could realistically celebrate each and every child’s birthday, on their birthday. Even better, her and her husband began supporting me monthly, and soon after her visit, she had a birthday plan completely worked out. It was through this tremendous support that we started the new birthday program this November.

They all wanted to lick the candle!

It’s very simple what we do, but it has shown to satisfy the tremendous need these kids have on their special day. With a calendar of all of their birthdays, I have the privilege of creating each child’s little birthday cake made just for them. It’s simply a packaged cupcake dressed in chocolate syrup and whip cream topped with sprinkles and a candle, but the kids go wild over it! The birthday boy or girl definitely feels special, and the other kids gather around on their own to present the cake and sing the Spanish Happy Birthday song. We have already celebrated four birthdays in just the first two weeks. We have much hope that this inexpensive and easy program will satisfy all the kids, especially given their new persistence in making sure I know when their birthday is too.

So maybe kids don’t really need the small theme park afterall. We could save the money to take some extra time off work and give our kids the individual attention that they really want.

Girl’s birthday cake

Karely was very surprised

She made a wish and blew out her candle

Wish comes true!

Boy’s birthday cake

Jonathan could hardly wait for his cake!

Diana’s birthday

Making a wish

They all wanted to lick the candle!

She couldn’t wait for a fork!

Goofing around with “Tavo”

A supporter allowed these three brothers to share a birthday celebration

 

This update is dedicated to Michael and Amanda. I hope you realize what awesome things you are doing through your constant encouragement, monthly support, visits, and the love that you show moment by moment to your own two children. Thank you for sharing the blessings you have for your children to bless so many others.

This is a video slideshow I made of our school Isaac Newton Academy to show you some highlights from the past school year, 2008-2009. It really is a great school, and I am honored to teach Computing there each Friday. They do so many different activities for the kids, and they have such a great time while learning what they need to know. Best of all, they are shown much love and attention with small class sizes, assistants that work with each teacher, and they are taught the most important thing of all, that Jesus loves them! Check out their website to see many more pictures…

Carlos and me

Money is not usually something missionaries or kids in a children’s home have to spare, but things work differently in the kingdom of God. Somehow, gifts from our Father, just go farther. Like the Bible says, He calls things that are not, as though they are. By all worldly definitions, we are very poor here. I don’t work for a paycheck and the kids certainly are not sent to us with allowances from their parents. And yet, let me show you how we are rich.

The other day I was driving into the home from school, and two of my boys, Carlos and Andrés, came running to me yelling, “Adán! Please help us!” I thought someone’s life might have been at stake, but no – just pizza! Their school, a local middle school that we send them to, was taking a trip to Peter Piper Pizza (we have them in Juarez!) the next day, but the parents were required to pay for their children’s food and games. Well, we are essentially the parents of these kids, and two of my sons were asking me for my help.  They didn’t even worry about being able to play the games. They just asked for $2 each so they could eat pizza with the rest of their class.

For a missionary/college student, $4 is a lot of money! But I wish you could have seen their faces. They explained how they had already asked everyone else, and no one was able to donate anything to their little cause. Considering them as my sons, I did what any other good father would do - I opened my wallet to see what I had. This is where you can see the economy of God.

Andrés and me

Now, I don’t even pray for my needs nor my finances. It’s something that God promises us, and that’s like money in the bank. Sure enough, over these past several months, God has just poured in financial support from all over place, and I find myself having more than I truly need. Leftovers. Because my supporters have been blessed with more than enough, they have blessed me with more than enough, and I was able to give these two boys $10 so they could eat and play plenty of games with their classmates.

They were shocked and replied, “This is way more than we ever imagined!” That’s just like our God. It was a perfect opportunity to teach them that I too was surprised when I looked in my wallet, but that we as sons of God always have everything we need and more. We are not orphans! But this waterfall of blessing didn’t stop there!

The next day, I asked the boys how the trip went. No doubt they had a great time eating pizza and playing games. However, what they were most excited about was the fact that they helped some of their classmates. These are kids that actually live at home with their parents, and they were sent to school with no money to participate in the outing. Our two boys, boys from a children’s home, were sent with so much more than they needed, that they shared it with these other kids so that everyone could eat pizza and have fun. This is the kingdom of God.

Adrian and Ever eating authentic Indian

We see it all the time here, in both times of plenty and little. Last week was my first time to host the weekly staff meeting at my place. It’s expensive to feed 10 or more people, and they were worried if it would be too much of a strain for me. What a blessing it was to be able to tell them not to worry, that I would be honored to finally treat them all for a change, that new support money had just come in and that it wouldn’t be a problem at all. In fact, I had so much leftover from this dinner too that I was able to invite eight of the boys over the next day for maybe the nicest dinner they’ve ever eaten. And there were still leftovers! The boys brought it into the home where the caregivers were happy to finish it.

However, God’s loving provision is seen in times of very little as well. For instance, during the recent season where I hardly had a peso to my name. I was saddened because I hadn’t been able to tithe anything at church, but one Sunday I somehow had 50 pesos (less than $5) in my wallet. It was such a joy to finally have something to give, that I gave it all. Not an hour went by after church when I was walking in a little corner store, and there on the floor was 50 pesos. No one claimed it - another miracle in such a impoverished city. God just wanted to show me that as I give to Him, that He is even more able to give right back to me.

There are so many other examples! Like later around that same time, when I needed $5 to pay for a shirt that all the teachers in our elementary school needed. I didn’t have a penny on me, but I already knew I could tell them with confidence, ”Sure I can pay for it.” The next day I went to my college, walked into the computer lab, and there, under the chair I just happened to choose, was a $5 bill.

Let me tell you just one more! Once I had to go to downtown El Paso to pay for a parking ticket, and I didn’t even have a quarter to park at the meters. I prayed, and the only meter that was unoccupied still had an hour on it! I parked, had my ticket dismissed, and left with additional time still on the meter for someone else. Leftovers!

What happened when Jesus was invited to that party and they ran out of wine? He turned basically bath water into more, it was even better wine than what they had, and the Bible says it equalled up to 180 gallons! What happened when all those people were following Jesus and they got hungry? He took a couple of fish and some bread that this one kid had, fed all something-thousand of them until they were full, and there were more leftovers than when they had started! As we invite Jesus into our lives, as we follow Him, that is how He blesses us – in abundance.

Our Father uses gold for pavement! Surely He has way better things for you, His child. And no doubt, you will have leftovers to bless others.

Eric and Miguel enjoying dinner

Fernando and Andrés, enjoying the samosas

Adrian and Ever eating authentic Indian

Former trip to Peter Piper Pizza – it’s pretty much the coolest place for a kid to get to go to in Juarez

Carlos and me

Andrés and me

 

This update is dedicated to Derrell and Ginger. I will always remember the day I no longer had a car to get myself to school, and that same day you guys called me up and told me your truck was mine to use. You guys were so content in the blessings you had, you chose to bless me from your abundance. You could have sold it, kept it for emergencies, made use of a dependable truck somehow, but instead, I cannot put into words what a blessing this has been to me and these kids.

Performance from 2008-2009

Out of such ugly circumstances, our children have the opportunity to apply their talents and create something beautiful together through our dance program. They eagerly await each class and advance by leaps and bounds given the opportunity. I think it’s very healing for them as well. Some of our children have been through the most horrible of events already in their young lives, but then to see them perform with such skill, such confidence, such beauty, it truly inspires us all.

As we start a new year in the dance program, I have the privilege of teaching two of the many weekly classes, a Gymnastics class and a Creative Movement class just for the smallest boys. These little boys have truly inspired me this week. They are often the most difficult for us to care for because not only are they the youngest with the most needs, but they have every bit of the energy and adventurous spirit that comes with being a boy. When you get about 20 of them together, even the most simplest of tasks can be quite a challenge. Consider the task of lining up.

As my first class with these boys began, it was obvious right away what an issue we were going to have in lining up. In order to do the various activities, they would have to line up quickly for each one. However, they would scream all the way to the line, start fist fights and pushing wars for first place, and as others would run all over the room, others would just refuse to get up at all. Having experienced the power of God and the potential that He has put in these children, I knew there was still hope for this class. Others had already given up on them, but here at Emmanuel Ministries is where that stops. I simply adjusted my expectations for the day and met the kids at the level they were at: lining up.

For the rest of the class, that’s all we did – practice lining up. I challenged them by explaining the importance, stating the rules, and timing them each time. The first several times were no different, just as chaotic, and I won’t lie that it didn’t challenge the hope I had. We still had some class time left, so I just kept going, stating specifically what went right and what went wrong each time… “These three lined up perfectly. Good job! But I saw some pushing back there so we need to do it again.”

As they realized we were going to do it until they did it well, I think they realized it was actually expected that they could do it well. I can’t tell you exactly what triggered what, but all of a sudden, they just did it perfectly. It shocked me. Not a word spoken, no pushing, no fighting for places – just this perfectly straight line before me of the most beautiful smiling little boys, probably shocked themselves. Just to be sure this was actually happening, we did it a few more times including once for the head of the dance program. We shocked her too.

There is hope. A friend once told me, “Don’t despise small beginnings.” That has never been more powerful than it is here with these kids. We may have to start small, very small, but what amazing things result when we don’t ignore what God can do with the smallest beginning.

Practicing cartwheels in Gymnastics

Having fun exercising in Gymnastics

Some of the boys in Creative Movement

Reciting the Bible verse at the end of class

Performance from 2008-2009

Performance from 2008-2009

Performance from 2008-2009

This update is dedicated to Michael and Sheri. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement that is enabling miracles to take place here. Together, we are planting and watering seeds in these children that their own children will someday be thankful for many years to come.

Amanda and I with the new shirts she got us

I had the privilege of having my sister Amanda come visit me here in Juarez for the weekend. We had so much fun! Amanda is an amazing person with a huge heart. We laugh and laugh together, and I love how adventurous she is. The kids really enjoyed her stay as well, and I think she has made many new friends!

We had a full weekend of activities but also rested a lot too. Amanda provided a movie night for the boys complete with ice cream, soda, and other good junk food. We watched Mary Poppins and the boys were fascinated by it! The next day, Amanda helped me tremendously teaching my computing classes. With her help, I think it was the first time my younger class which is also the biggest actually finished all of their assignments. Later, we had a very authentic Mexican eating out experience in this awesome hole-in-the-wall place nearby. We got to sleep in on Saturday and then had a really fun afternoon downtown where Amanda bought me my “Made in Mexico” shirt! Later we got the VIP movie experience with a wonderful couple in the ministry and had a great relaxing with them there. Sunday morning we hiked a small mountain with the older boys and had a blast! We had a prayer time at the top, and on the way back, Amanda had a lot of fun riding in the back of the truck with all the kids. She also had a great time worshiping with us at church, and then later we had good ol’ American hamburgers with others in the ministry. We hung out at the house with some of the kids having fun playing the Wii, and then later that night we played an intense game of dominos as we had fun with some of the other staff members.

It was so hard to say goodbye to Amanda because we had so much fun catching up and laughing constantly together, but I am so happy to have had the honor of her visit, especially as her husband and two new twins are missing her very much! Thank you Amanda for the blessing you have been this past weekend and always. I love being your brother : )

Amanda bringing peace to Juarez

Amanda treated the boys to a movie night

Many hands hungry for ice cream and soda

They had so much fun!!

Once the sugar starting kicking in

We played a fun game to learn some English

Amanda awarded candy for a job well done

We hung out at the casa playing the Wii

We toured downtown Juarez

Inside the main downtown cathedral

One way to make a living is refusing to move until someone pays you

Another shiny guy, but this one didn’t move at all

We met one of our ancestors

Why did the chicken walk around downtown?

We hiked up a small mountain with some of the boys

The boys conquering the hill

We had fun exploring a cave on the way up

Finding peace in the cave

Jesus waiting for us at the top

View of Juarez and El Paso from the top of the hill

Very excited to have made it to the top!

Hunting for frogs on the way down

This is how we roll in Juarez

Amanda with some of her new friends

There’s always one that touches your heart profoundly

New friend Chuy

Some more new friends

Amanda saying goodbye

Amanda and I with the new shirts she got us

Can you imagine in this day of age a child of 9 years using a computer for the first time? We have had laptops for babies for awhile now, and just across the border it’s normal for a home to have multiple computers where it’s the children that teach the adults how to use them.

Me with some of my 6th grade students

Here at the ministry’s school Isaac Newton Academy where I teach Computing to the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, we have had a very successful first week. How exciting it is to see the students in their new grades, and what a privilege it is to be able to introduce computers to a new group. Many of them reported that yesterday was the first time they used a computer or the internet, and for the vast majority of them, this one hour class once a week is the only time they have to use computers at all.

4th grade exploring inside of computer

In 4th grade, we explored the insides of a computer and played online activities to begin learning the basic parts. See how you do!.. (Matching Activity | Who Wants to be a Millionaire Game | Our 4th Grade Activity Website) 5th grade practiced using Microsoft Word by typing an original story or poem. They did so well that later we got to play some online games. In 6th grade, we practiced online research and began a project where we are dismantling a computer to rebuild it. We’ll see if it turns on again once we’re done! It’s possible we may just end up with some kind of modern art piece, but no doubt we’ll have fun learning about computers. Knowing how to work a computer can open so many doors for them!

Eidi excited about first day of Computing class

Javier writing a story in 5th grade Computing

4th grade Computing class learning parts of computer

5th grade class in Computing

The unfortunate computer 6th grade will be dismantling

6th grade beginning to dismantle a computer

6th grade learning the insides of a computer

Ricardo learning the insides of a computer

6th grade class after computer dismantle

Me with some of my 6th grade students

4th grade exploring inside of computer

This update is dedicated to Michael and Amanda. Thank you for your immense support and love that enables real changes to take place here. Together, we are helping to open doors for these kids to a brighter future.

Praise Report - Aug. 24, 2009

Carlos is home safe!! We praise you, God! Last night the father dropped off what was able to be raised, only a portion of what was being demanded, and a short time later, their boy was dropped off nearby and reunited with his family! Thank you so much for all of your prayers and encouraging messages. The family wants to be sure you know that they appreciate you from the very bottom of their hearts. No doubt this family is closer together now than ever before, and I believe God will use this situation that has passed to do greater things in their lives. We can also pray that the money that passed through many saints of God which is now in the hands of these criminals emits the power of God’s holy kingdom and authority wherever it goes. Thank you again for joining us in this victory.

Update – Aug. 23, 2009

The abductors are allowing Carlos to call his family and he is saying that he is okay. The money being demanded has been decreased some and the family continues to raise funds. Thank you for your prayers!! It is controversial to pay abductors like this for fear that it will simply encourage more abductions, although the loss of a loved one is obviously a great cost initially. The family has made the decision to try to raise the money and rescue their boy as the abductors have been cooperating more than typical for these crimes. Through many tears and prayers, their friends and family are supporting them and we have much hope that Carlos will be released safely soon. Please continue to pray as the Spirit guides you. Thank you!

Original Request – Aug. 22, 2009

Please pray for Carlos and his family. One of our staff members is close friends with this family. Carlos was kidnapped last night and is now being held for ransom. The evil people set a deadline for this morning to have a large amount of money in their hands or they would murder Carlos. The family has requested more time as they gather money from anyone willing.

Please join us in prayer for the quick and safe return of Carlos! Please pray for supernatural peace and wisdom for the family. Please also pray that these evil people are neither awarded the money we are all scraping up. May God turn this situation around for good. May the victory we have in Jesus be clearly evident.

This is a cool opportunity to do something a little different to kick off this coming school year. I want to share this with you because I know what a blessing it is to give and how important it is to pass this principle down to our children.

Your child can in essence go back to school with a child in Juarez, Mexico by not just shopping for his or her school list, but for the school list of one of the kids in our children’s home as well. It can be as simple as getting a couple of extra notebooks or set of pencils, or perhaps as fun as letting your child pick out an extra backpack that he or she thinks a boy or girl the same age in Mexico would like.

The first day of school for our children, 2008. School begins August 24th for us this year.

If you are interested in having your child participate in this opportunity (and you don’t have to have children in school or children at all to donate!)…

1. Click here to view/print the list of school needs for our children.
2. Go shopping and allow your child to help select the items for his or her new friend in Juarez.
3. If you and your child would like a little more fun, have your child write a note to one of our children to perhaps wish them a great school year to include with the items being donated. We would love to have a child you have blessed write back to your child!
4. Mail your donation to this address:
   Emmanuel Ministries
   c/o Wendy Anderson
   7008 San Marino Drive
   El Paso, TX 79912

Use the comment area below to let us know you are participating and perhaps how this experience was for your child. Thank you! As you bless us and our children, I trust it will bless you and your children as well.

Kindergarten graduate of our school, Isaac Newton Academy

4th grade class

Flag ceremony at the school

I put together this video to show just how lavishly we have been loved over this past year. Thanks to everyone who shows their love to these kids in each of their own unique ways. It truly changes lives.

This update is dedicated to Donavon and Natalie. Thank you for your strong support from the beginning and all your many prayers that are so evidently making things possible here. Together, we are showing the immense love God has for these precious kids.