Deep sea fishing for John

Deep sea fishing with the local villagers was quite an experience for John on April 6th, 2010. He was invited by the Base Spanish language school director, David Nelson, to join him and the local fishermen of the village for the morning excursion of bringing in the nets that had been set out the night before. High waves crashing against the shore require exacting experience on when to push out and launch the small fishing boats. One minute too late and the next wave is upon the boat, lifting it up and turning it over, dumping all the equipment that has been placed inside for the fishing trip. One minute too early and you are hitting the breaking of the wave which slows the process for launching way down and again, puts you in the position of hitting that next incoming wave.


On this day, the haul was not too large but the currents of yesterday had been too strongly mixed and had tangled the net so that parts of it had to be cut off. The haul was pulled out of the net and placed in coolers. A big block of ice was picked apart and scattered around between the layers of fish as they were packed. David shared many tidbits of information with John about the different kinds of fish and the ways to handle them because most of them have sharp fins and barbs that can easily cut the hands deeply. Some fish were described as being quite dangerous because they can carry venom or electrical voltage up to 200 watts. You would definitely want to learn what you were handling before you reached your hands into the net too casually. A red snapper and jack of around 2 lbs each were cleaned out and put aside for John to carry home. Once they reached “home”, they were immediately washed, seasoned, and baked in foil for a late breakfast at 10:00 am. Big smiles were all around the table as John, Joyce, and Chris dug into such a sumptuous fare. We were blessed and thankful for the Lord’s gracious provision. Until the next trip!

Youth Explosion 2010

Bienvenidos!  Welcome to Roca Blanca.
All through the month of March, the Roca Blanca campus people have been preparing for the coming Youth Explosion scheduled for March 30th - April 2nd .

They are expecting close to 6,000 people, mostly youth. Many hours of labor have gone into clearing and cleaning the adjoining open fields of coconut trees. Coconuts have been harvested, dead branches pulled down, bush-hogging and mowing have followed the burning of the dead materials. Palm branches were pulled down to make tamales, temporary toilet and shower stalls, and to roof the top of lifeguard stands and fast food stalls. Chalking is in many of the fields to designate parking and walking areas. Many trips have been made to town for supplies and many more have been made far and wide to bring in donated equipment such as wiring, freezers & refrigerators, tents, four wheelers, cattle for butchering, big pots, and much more. Companies are delivering and erecting large tents and sound systems. Porta-potties are trucking in. Wiring is being strung from tree to tree to add outside lights and plug-ins. The acreage around the campus is being quickly transformed. Inside the hotel, hours have gone into deep cleaning of every corner and cabinet and ceiling including all the storage rooms. Every piece of wicker furniture has been re-oiled and every room refrigerator has been restocked to ensure happy guests. The medical clinic has been stocking first aid supplies and lots of rehydration powders. Several of the language students currently studying Spanish are also planning to sleep and help in the clinic through this event. They will get plenty of opportunity to practice the Spanish they have been learning. One student is a registered nurse (from France) who is planning to practice here in Mexico. She will get to practice her Spanish and her profession before reaching her post.

The week is now upon us. Campers are piling in from everywhere in buses, cars and trucks, and on foot. Suburbans are going to the airport to pick up the speakers’ families and musical guests. Everywhere, food is being prepared. We have an outdoor cafeteria in the acreage off the campus for the campers and another one on the campus for the workers. We have outdoor fast food stands where you can buy tacos, enchiladas, playudas, tostidos, cold drinks, popsicles, and much more. Then, we have the hotel kitchen with extra workers for the 25 guests and Joyce’s kitchen, full of baked goodies for the hotel coffee shop.

The meetings started Tuesday night with around 2,500 but by Wednesday, the meeting tents were completely full and overflowing. Each meeting lasted 3-4 hours and were held 3 times a day. There was a 3 hour free period in the afternoon when many enjoyed playing soccer and volleyball on the beach or going swimming in the ocean. It is rather hard to say anyone was swimming because the waves and currents are too strong and many were from inland cities and mountain villages where they have no pools or beaches. There were many lifeguards, one or two boats beyond the swimmers with lifeguards, and two four-wheelers traveling up and down the beach all day for security purposes. Much precaution was taken because there was loss of life in one of the previous years. We did have one close call that was rushed to emergency in the nearby town of Puerto but, most of the casualties were minor injuries or were related to heat exhaustion. There were teams of security guys all throughout the day and night to keep the campers and campus guests in their respective areas and to discourage trouble. We thank the Lord for His watch and care over the campers and workers throughout the week.

We praise God that through the wonderful music and speaking ministry, many hearts were revived and reborn. Throughout the camp meeting, services began at 8am till 10:30-11:00 then they ate breakfast. The next meeting began around 11:30-12pm and lasted until 3-3:30. Lunchtime followed with some free time. The evening meeting usually started about 6:30pm and finished around 10-11pm. Then, they would get their evening dinner. The fast foods stands and the three snack shops were always open for business. On the last day, one of the main speakers came dragging back into the hotel sopping wet, very sandy, but grinning from ear to ear. When asked why he had been in the beach, he replied he had been baptizing about 500 people. He was so overjoyed he was dancing most of the evening service, along with all the other happy campers. But then dancing was what they did for an hour or more every meeting. The worship was vivacious and full of boisterous singing. The speaking was passionate and powerful. It was hard to believe on the last night that after many hours of meetings, and three and a half days in the heat and humidity, they still had the energy to dance and sing strongly for almost two hours.

It is interesting to note the special offering taken in this week. It was for the poor and needy village we found on our last medical outreach trip. We will have the privilege this month (April) to go back to that village and take beans, rice, and a few other staples. The offering that was taken will help tremendously to ensure they get the food that they need, plus, more trucks to haul it up the arduous journey through the mountains. We pray that this will help to open wider the door of that village to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your many prayers that covered this Youth camp. We pray this update will encourage you as your prayers encouraged and supported us and all who were here.

Two lovely business ladies

A blessed birthday.....
We would like to introduce to you two of the lovely ladies who are living on this campus. This is Sokoro (right) and her sister, Veronica (left). In 2003, the village of these two ladies heard and received the gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. An illegal alien working in the USA heard the truth and was set free. He returned to his people, the Muscos, to proclaim the Good News. Soko and Vero were among the first new believers and are zealous to serve the Lord. They have given themselves entirely to serving others through their professional capacities as office manager (Soko) and computer lab manager (Vero) here on the Base. But, you will just as easily see them serving in the big outdoor kitchen, washing someone’s truck, or anything they can find to put their hands to. We are very blessed to know them and call them Sisters in Christ. We have been invited to go and meet their people soon.

Campus jobs

It takes many various forms. John’s truck has been in great demand and has been greatly appreciated. He has hauled many people both inside and in the bed and he has hauled supplies both large and small. Probably the largest as yet was several loads of roofing tiles for the director of the Prophetic School of Music and Worship, Charles. John, himself, has been in great demand to repair water systems, washing machines, pumps, etc and to rid houses of swarming bees and bats. Bro. Alan Buster of Kansas City, who traveled down with us, was a great help those first three weeks. John so enjoyed his company, fellowship, and work partnership. Now, John’s work is taking a new turn. He has agreed to temporarily adopt an American young man to mentor and instruct and Chris will help John in Spanish communication. Pray that John will be able to learn the language through him as he really desires.


My work has been mostly hospitality with lots of baking and some sewing on the side. We have both enjoyed having an open door at a place where many guests can come and go throughout the day. We have met a lot of people in a short time in this manner. Not sure what the days ahead will hold but everyday is a big adventure and usually as full as it can be. We are full of God’s joy and hope to spread it to everyone we meet.

Medical Outreach

We felt very privileged to be invited by the medical clinic director to take a weekend trip with them and their visiting medical personnel. There is a husband/wife doctor team with their interpreter who come every year from New York for three months. In addition to that, there are 7-8 health care students from a New York’s Elim Bible School studying, observing, and participating for 6 weeks. Along with a pastor, his wife who is the cook, and several interpreters for Spanish to Mixteco, the Indian dialect, we made quite a caravan in four large vehicles going up the mountain. The last two hours of road became the worse we have ever driven for such a length of time. Words can’t adequately describe them but to give some understanding let us just say we could only drive 3-5mph in clouds of dust those two hours. We were only too happy to arrive at our destination, unload, and begin setting up tents while the cook prepared a hearty and hot meal.

Yes, we enjoyed the luxury of tents with air mattresses and sleeping bags under the beautiful starry nights, shower stalls with cold water and sheets for doors, and a bathroom with a bucket flush…you fill the bucket and you flush. We also had an early morning wake-up call by a donkey whose bray would challenge the roosters of the surrounding area to reply, which they did well into the next hour.

The local people are 4 ½ - 5 foot tall and are descendents of the ancient Aztec peoples. The older generations still wear a different costume. The men wear white pantaloons with a loose white top, banded by a white or black tie belt. The women are topless but wear a white shawl for public dress that covers them most of the time. The younger generations are wearing modern clothes and are learning the Spanish language.

We were in three villages over the weekend. Every day we would have to pack everything, including the mattresses and sleeping bags and lock them inside the clinic only to drag them back out again at night and set up camp. The first village, El Mosco, had a growing church and somewhat prospering family farm. A missionary from Roca Blanca had taught them tree grafting and talapia fish farming. Still patients were plenty and came from all the surrounding areas on foot. These people are used to walking 1-2 hours anywhere they need to go. There were 40 consultations that first afternoon which is quite astonishing when you consider most every consultation required two interpretations to be made. John was busy driving to pick up more interpreters and I spent the time praying over the people individually with Pastor Jesus (Haysoos). They were required to see the pastor between their consultation and pharmacy pick-up. Many agreed to pray a prayer of acceptance of Jesus Christ.

The second village was poverty stricken. We had to build makeshift consultation rooms by hanging a tarp from trees and dividing it with sheets. The people were hungry and thirsty so most of their complaints were of head and stomach pain. The day ended with the nurses and students crying over our inability to truly help them.

The outhouse was the highlight of that day. It was built for these very short people and so we were struggling to get in and out while straddling the little hole in the ground. John look like he was literally going to wear the whole outhouse when he came out or at least tear it to the ground. We were all thankful to reach that cement outhouse with the bucket flush later in the day. The driving was very tiring that day for John as he had to go on several other trips in outlying areas. One patient he endeavored to take home finally had to walk the last portion because there was no more road and the path became too narrow for the big truck. His highlight was being able to preach the Word on Sunday morning. Many seeds were planted in the hearts of the people those four days. Many prayers are needed for the watering and growing of those seeds. We were very thankful for the experiences and believe there will be more opportunities ahead to teach and preach there and in the surrounding areas. Please pray for the grace of God to be with us and for the endurance of our truck as we travel.

Moving In!

The first week was hectic. We were living out of suitcases while we sewed curtains, installed appliances, repaired water leaks, and made numerous long trips to town just to get everyone settled in. Roca Blanca is located against a small village, Cacalotte, but the nearest shopping town is Puerto Escondido, 35-40 minutes away and we weren’t real sure where anything was or how to ask for it.

John & I were given a room on the ground floor of the hotel near a large kitchen. People would be at the door by 7:30am asking John for help and he would be gone most of the day. Others would stop by to visit or be revived with cold drinks and fruit or desserts. We got to know everyone pretty quickly in this manner.

Bro Duane had a heart attack just before our arrival and he was out of commission. Sue, his wife, was trying to keep up with everything and at the same time oversee the construction of a cottage further up in the mountains where they could get away to allow him to recuperate quietly. Major transition was being made daily when we stepped onto the Base.

After the first week, we had 12 distinguished American guests planning to arrive so all hands were called on to overhaul, repair, and deep clean the hotel. John & I were taught to run the coffee Barista and I was commissioned to bake lots of goodies. Wow! We still didn’t know our way around town but somehow found the supplies and parts we needed to get our jobs done. They were great guests and we had some lovely fellowship and connecting times with them. I’m sure my daughters will be excited to know we met the owner of NBC (½ of ½ price store). He was just one of our guests and he plans to return.

The beach and ocean is just out our door but it was the second week before we could even take a simple walk along it and we have yet to actually go swimming. Now that is just crazy.

Roca Blanca is a virtual garden with well planned landscaping. Animal life is wonderful here. Lots of birds, bees that have swarmed into a nearby pipe (oops! John didn’t get them all out of there), and bugs galore. Sundown finds us running for the mosquito spray. We have sighted some whales and dolphins from the fourth floor of the hotel where the Barista and guest dining is situated. Sorry our cameras aren’t strong enough to capture a picture of them but you are welcome to come down and see them.

While our business guests were here, we drove them into town and lunched at a local Italian restaurant while we enjoyed a wonderful testimony of how Franco, the owner, was transformed from being a druggy new ager and warlock to a divine saint of Jesus Christ. We also visited a small local children’s home. Their small band performed welcoming tunes for us after which we played some games with them and gifts were distributed.

Fours days to Roca Blanca

Whew! What a trip we had to Roca Blanca. It took four full days of travel but was a pleasure all along the way. Let me start at the beginning. Wednesday in Springfield, we met Alan Buster, a farmer from Kansas City, who was going to travel down with us. That day, our first leg of journey was only to Tulsa, Okla. where we were to meet the Olsons. They are a family of four, James, Cassie, their daughter Saralynn, who is 10 years old and Andy, who is 7. They are the new administrators in training at Roca Blanca. It was a foggy and rainy day. Just before reaching Tulsa, we saw a horrible accident with an eighteen wheeler and car. The car exploded into bits and pieces and burned. . We stopped but realized if we didn’t leave quickly, medical and police would keep us backed up for hours. Other vehicles and persons ahead of us were already attending the needs of the scene so we went on and arrived at Joyce’s cousin Sharon’s house on time as planned. While there, we picked up 7 sewing machines a ladies’ group were donating to the Base. We dumped out a couple of containers of truck and tool stuff into the truck bed to insure enough space. A cousin of Joyce, Sharon Honeyman, blessed us with a dinner, a bed to sleep in, and a hearty breakfast next morning before we headed out.



We reached Laredo, Texas the first night and slept well. Wake-up was 5:30am and after finding coffee, we began the border crossing about 7am, finishing around 10 am with a breakfast of muffins in between waiting periods. We paid customs on the sewing machines and the 7 computer towers we were carrying but they didn’t search or harass us. The Lord be praised. So, we pushed on to reach Delores Hildago, Mexico by night.

We chose to take the Mexican toll roads up to where we turned off to go to this village just north of Mexico City as we wished to bypass the capital city with its busy streets. They were very good roads, the drivers were very careful and considerate, and travel was easy. Once we turned off the toll roads, we still had good roads for the most part but we also had topes, big speed bumps. They are at every village before, in between, and after. You had better find them and slow down or suffer pain and sorrow both to your body and your vehicle. We also had a secondary reason for going to Delores Hildago and that was to pick up boxes and boxes of ceramic tile, a sink, and accessories for bathroom and kitchen. Oh my! We somehow got 20 plus boxes in among our already full truck bed and still closed the cover. We want to stop right here to praise the Lord for the truck He truly blessed us with. Even with such a heavy load, it didn’t show anywhere and therefore, even when we later passed several check points of police and/or military, we were never searched. To God be the glory because He knows all things…ahead of time.

You will wish to kick us for not taking more pictures at DH. We arrived late and were tired and had to wind through very narrow streets to find our hotel for the night. John was about to come unglued as he sometimes had to try 2-3 times before he could maneuver a turn. Its not the thing you feel like doing after driving new roads for 13 hours. But the town was wonderfully quaint and we were right on the square next to their beautiful Catholic church. We headed out for a late supper watching the locals strolling leisurely around the square socializing here and there. The first true Spanish town, meal, and culture was exciting to experience even as tired we were. The heavy dark wood furniture as old as could be, the big ceramic vases so full of color, the stucco walls brightly painted, and everything decorated for Valentine Day too. John and I enjoyed our first fish tacos, restaurant style, with mango juice.



Early next morning we were ready to leave and realized there was no one to open the locked front door, the parking lot wasn’t open, and we were going nowhere until after at least 7:30am. So, we waited then went to where we picked up the tile. Awesome, handmade tile and sinks and accessories. Hope you can view the picture well enough to get a good idea of the beauty and craftsmanship. ‘We left DH around 10am after coffee and the last of the large banana muffins. Sure was glad to have them along. Stopped mid-day for a lunch on the tailgate of the truck with sandwiches, chips, cookies and whatever other offerings could be added. That day we went through San Miguel de Ayendo which is an exquisite town of fascinating shops, many tourists, and many retirees from many countries. If we have spelled this correctly, you can probably find it online and view it more in depth. We are all desirous of going back through there and stopping a day to see it. We again stopped late in the evening, found some dinner and went to bed. I especially enjoyed the red snapper soup that evening with hot rolls.



The fourth day, we found our coffee and pushed hard all day with little stopping so that we might reach Roca Blanca by 6:30pm where a lovely dinner was waiting us. We and Alan were given rooms on the bottom floor of the hotel with access to a large kitchen and so far, here we have remained. Thank you so much for your prayers for our travels.