Home for the summer!

We arrived home safely, June 22nd, excited to see our place again. It was overgrown with six foot weeds in the enriched soil of the flower bed that hugs the front wall of the house; the front yard was a wild meadow full of pretty flowers. Only the garden seemed to remain bare and open. A neighbor had cut a path with his weed-eater to the front door, allowing a narrow passage way. The chopped weeds had pasted themselves to the door and dried there. We looked inside cautiously and were wonderfully surprised how lovely everything was, just as we had remembered it. Our daughter had cleaned and swept. We felt fully welcomed. We unloaded, unpacked, and dropped into bed to sleep…for two days. Seriously, we could hardly do anything before we would be dropping off to sleep again. We were more exhausted than we even knew.
John had developed a blister on his leg the day we left Mexico to return home. Three days of hard travel caused his leg to be swollen and feverish just below the knee. The previous flesh-eating bacteria had erupted again. He fought it with everything he knew and cried out to the Lord; He sent forth His word and healed him (Ps 107:20). It was three weeks before he could walk on it again, and several more weeks before his strength was returned but it was healed to return no more. While he could do no work, and little else, he was blessed to be able to visit all his family on his birthday. A week later, we spent a day with my family, celebrating my brother’s short two week rest period at home from Afganistan.

There are three weddings of nieces and nephews to attend during the summer: two in our home town and another in Kansas City. We have some pics to share of those. There was a joyful reuniting with our church Life Group and other friends at the Sunday services.

Then, there was work, sweat, and tears…that is as in old clothes tearing from the strain of it all. The yard has to be divested of stumps so others can help us keep it mowed after we were gone. There must be twenty-plus stumps in the yard. We have dug, chopped, burned, and cut them with a chain saw; whatever seemed appropriate for the size and hardness of the wood. We borrowed a swisher, a big weed-eating machine to hack down the meadow that was our front yard and prepared it for mowing. We had construction materials and tables to move, or remove. Welcome home? They are not yet conquered but definitely diminished.

Spanish books were brought home for studying through the summer but they don’t seem to be getting opened too often. Too many people to see, places to go, and things to do.

We attended a wonderful missions conference with the people of Mexico and Roca Blanca in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Victory Christian Center the first of Aug. We were encouraged and inspired by the experienced missions teachers, and enveloped in the fellowship of missionaries from around the world. Sharon Honeyman, Joyce’s cousin, opened her home to us while we were there and we had a lovely visit together.

This is August and we plan to head south again the end of Sept. Please keep us in prayer that we will complete those things that are necessary for our return to Mexico. Please pray for us to know how to prepare for our return. We are in question as to our housing there which brings up more questions about what to or what not to take with us. Please pray for John’s health that he will return to full strength. Please pray for us to receive the Spanish language as a gift from God. Please pray we can be a blessing to the people we work with (missionaries and base staff). Please pray for the harvest of many precious people among the Indian tribes there. As you read the Word daily, when you find a scripture that reminds you of us, please pray it over us. And please, send us your prayer requests so we can pray and help bear your burdens.

Graduation day and homeward bound

Graduation day…was on a Friday morning but the whole week was busy with preparations for it along with many extra chores. A number of cakes were ordered for last meetings together so Joyce was baking up a storm, and then made some cookies for the travel home. Our truck was in big demand to haul something almost daily. We hauled two mattresses: one for the hotel, one for a affianced couple preparing their new home. We hauled a new air-conditioner and washing machine for the hotel plus the hotel cook and her weekly groceries for the next incoming team. In between all the hauling, we were opening the coffee shop early mornings for our guest speaker of the week, packing to leave, cleaning up the space we lived in, washing clothes, and trying to attend as many meetings as possible. Our speaker was named Moses. He was 78, an eighth grade graduate with an honorary doctorate from a teachers’ university in China. He had traveled 98 countries of the world teaching and preaching, and was full of love and life and plenty of stories. He was such a joy to be around and gave some sound teachings along with encouraging prophetic words from the Lord for each student that was graduating from the Bible school. Friday, we had to have our suitcases and picnic stuff packed in the truck in preparation to leave from town after the graduation. We transported a few people into the graduation ceremony and left in good order. It was a terrific graduation service full of worship, prayer, and rejoicing. On our way out, John was stopped and hugged by a number of the fellows he had worked with. We left feeling blessed to have been a part of their lives for these short five months and with hopes to see many of them again.

Our trip home was full of experiences. We set out to travel 140 miles the first night to Oaxaca City. It took us six hours to reach there as we traveled round and round, up and down the mountains, usually at about 20mph. We were thankful to arrive and unwind. We had rooms booked in a 17th century building that had originally been a convent and then a prison. It had thick stone walls and a big inner courtyard but was beautifully remodeled to make a world class hotel. The people flowing in and out were very Caucasian looking but spoke Spanish as though it were their mother tongue. That was very confusing till we realized these were mostly people of the original Spaniard descent. We had been living and working mostly among the Indian people with their tribal dialects, some villages of which have been integrated with shipwrecked Haitian slaves several generations ago. There was a very sharp contrast and it gave us a bit of culture shock that first night. The surrounding area was cobblestone streets and quaint old buildings and cathedrals of Spanish architect. It would take a camera to adequately show the beauty of the setting. One of the Bible school students had family there and had traveled with us. Her family blessed us with a delicious seafood meal at their restaurant the next day before our leaving. So, we got a late start and a late ending to the second day.

At our second destination, we stayed in a hotel next to a Sirloin Stockade. We wanted someone to pinch us and make sure we were still in Mexico. The following morning, we wanted to pinch someone else for the highway robbery prices they charged for the morning buffet. It was an elaborate buffet, complete with a chef that would make fresh omelets to your liking, but help us, $15 a plate for breakfast?

The third day we had two exciting ventures. John had often prayed, asking the Lord to keep air in our tires until we reached home again. We heard a big explosive sound and slowly made our way to the side of the highway. We were moving at 80mph now, along good toll road highways that cut through mountains, bridging large gaps rather than winding around and around them, and they also bypass several large cities. We slowed down to pull off on the side and saw that our tire had blown off the outer tread but still was holding air. PTL!!! John was taking out the spare when another truck pulled up behind us. Out hopped three orange angels and took over the entire job while we watched in happy amazement. They were a highway assistance crew dressed in orange jumpsuits. With all the hundreds of miles for them to cover, how they came to be right there, at that exact time, seemed very amazing to us. He was so glad for the help. We happily shared our homemade cookies with them and exchanged big smiles and handshakes before we were on our way once again.

We made it to the border on Sunday afternoon and we saw overhead that there were long lines waiting to go across. It was 106 dgs and the air conditioner froze up while we were idling and waiting. We were looking for Bridge #2. A policeman pulled up alongside us on his motorcycle and reminded us to buckle up. We had just left the vehicle inspection office and in our getting separated from the Olsons, we had forgotten about buckling up. The police began to ask for John’s license when we explained our confusion and apologized for our lack in buckling. He forgave us, went into the intersection, and detained all traffic while he motioned us to do a U-turn and head back the way we came. Wow! That was a big surprise. So, we found the right direction but we crept along every block trying to find which one turned onto the second bridge. A man behind us honked at us. We motioned him to go ahead but he stopped alongside and asked if we needed help then preceded to lead us straight to the bridge we needed. Two more angels sent to aid us along our way. We felt truly guided by the Lord and made our crossing without complications to find the Olsons on the other side in Laredo…at a Wal-Mart parking lot. We pushed on to Austin, Texas for the night and arrived in Springfld, Mo. on Monday afternoon with grateful, happy hearts. Its always good to be on the field where God sends you, but there’s never anywhere to compare with home. Thank you dear supporters who prayed and payed for our safe return. We have plans to be home a couple months before heading south once again. Hope we see many of you in our short stay here. God bless you each and every one.

Weekend to Amuzgos

Can you imagine what it would be like to be visiting in the only Christian church in a town of 20,000, and with it being only seven years in existence? Can you imagine such a church being of 200 members, many of them people over sixty-five years of age, and so thrilled to finally know the One true God and His Son, Jesus Christ before they know Him in eternity? Can you imagine being the daughter of a man who was a drunkard for many years but who now, knowing Jesus for four years, is a loving, godly father? Can you imagine how her life has been transformed in just a few short years from a struggling young lady, hoping to make a decent life for herself with her Business Adm. degree, one among many, many youth, to now being a believer and an assistant administrator of a growing missions base? All these are realities; dreams come true because God reigns!




We visited the Amuzgos village with an excitement in our hearts because when we first met Socorro, (Soco to us) the newly appointed assistant to the administrator of Roca Blanca missions base, we connected in the Spirit, with a great love for one another. As we grew to know one another, we realized that our hearts and visions were the same and we could benefit one another and the Kingdom of God by helping and encouraging one another in those visions and dreams. Socorro (which means “helper”) is from a farming community that lies nestled in a high mountain valley where they grow corn (maiz) as a primary crop along with other vegs and fruits and raise the typical farming animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. The majority of their women embroider for many hours a day making the most beautiful dresses of bright colors mostly on white or cream fabric. They are made with intricate designs of flowers, animals, and people and often include strips of ribbon or ric-rac. It is amazing to see them laboring over dirty fires and sweeping dirt floors and streets in these gorgeous, light fabrics. How they stay so clean shows many hours of care for their clothes. The men commonly are wearing the western clothes but still often carrying their machete throughout the day as it is their weapon and tool for all things. Who needs a shovel, a pick, a chain saw, a fruit peeler, or scissors? A man with a machete can do many, many things, and they work hard every day with it to carve out a living for their families. However, alcoholism, hopelessness, and godlessness has many of them in bondage; slaves to sin and destruction.



The church of Amuzgo is a growing light to the people of this small tribe that are found in a few villages along the coastal mountains. It all began about ten years ago when a man from their tribe, working in the USA, found Jesus and heard the call to go back to his own people and share the Good News. Bro. Alex and his friend, Bro. Luis, returned from good businesses and good lives in the States to birth a new hope, a new dream, a new life in Christ. We were blessed to meet them, spend time in English conversation with them and their families, and to rejoice in spiritual fellowship together this past weekend of June 4-6th. We carried Soco and her sister Vero back to their village where we received an open-hearted, loving welcome from her family, her friends, and her people. We walked many dusty roads and mountain fields with her and her father, listening to their dreams that were being revived from years of loss through alcoholism and defeat. We walked the streets of the town meeting and greeting people everywhere we went. We enjoyed the best Mexican home cooking we’ve had since coming here in January. Sunday, we went to their new church body and were received with great kindness and respect as farmers and as missionaries. John gave a testimony and message on the bigness of our God. The pastor interpreted in both Spanish and the native Indian dialect which was tonal and fascinatingly different than anything you would expect to hear in Mexico. The older generation still communicate only in their old tongue so it was necessary for him from time to time to speak in both languages to the people. Some of those from the older generation were so enthralled with the testimony and Word of the Lord that they stood the entire time John was speaking. Imagine such hunger, imagine such eagerness to hear the Word of God, imagine standing for an hour of worship and another forty-five minutes of someone speaking about answering the “call” of Matt. 28:18-20!!! When the pastor gave invitation to “go forth”, it wasn’t only the young people who came but the oldest, shortest people of the church. Many of these older ones had stunted growth. Their hands had short stubby fingers from hard labor; their feet had toes splayed apart and with little or no arch from years of walking barefoot or in hard, leather sandals. They were the most amazing and responsive people, boldly willing to be anointed for preaching the Good News to others with the signs and wonders of miracles and healings to follow them. Out of the sixty some people in attendance that Sunday, there were about twenty people who came forward and they touched our hearts deeply as they gathered to be prayed over and again later as they surrounded us to pray over us and send us forth with the prayer that we would come again. How astonishing to realize there are still people who have never heard about the wonderful salvation of Jesus. What a joy to know God is still at work to reach all people, all tongues, all nations for His glory and His Kingdom. To God be all the praise.



We regret that we are unable to provide pictures of this trip and these people as our camera has been missing for about three weeks. We will make effort to post pictures of the Amuzgos during a later visit this year.

Sea Invasion

We had one exciting day as we watched the ocean waves pounding and pouring over the embankment of the beach.  It spilled over into the fishermens' boats, toppling some of their palapa shelters, causing their boats to be overwhelmed.  It took 8-9 men together to move their boats back away from the rage and grab their nets inland.  The swimming palapa fell, stray catle looked like they would be stranded on a small strip of ground but they were finally hurried off into safer ground.  Its pre-rainy season and the ocean is shifting in anticipation.  The overflowing water has all disappated, and the ocean has regressed but continues to pound so that the fishermen are not going out for fishing.  God is a magnificent creater of power and beauty and awesome things.  Behold the glory of the Lord!

Korean team

It was an unusual trip in most every way. From the Seoul Korean Baptist Church of Houston Tx. came a group of ten Koreans (that Church for the tenth time). Among them were two doctors, one chiropractor, three hairdressers, and four who worked among the children. They flew in on Saturday, spent the whole evening preparing their gift bags, and hit the trail early Sunday morning towards the mountainous district of Ixtayutla.


For John, it was the fourth trip for hauling luggage and food up the mountains since our coming in January. Thank the Lord again for a wonderful big truck that can bless so many, many people. John had been given Ps 124 for this trip by his brother and he prayed that as they were leaving. He would surely need it.

They arrived and set up camp in El Mosco and were rained on the first night. The tents were quickly moved in under the church roof; John slept in the truck. Medical clinic was open for business and the patients flowed through. The hairdressers began cutting and trimming hair when they could find a willing participant, and before long they had a line of young people. The children were given bible lessons with games and songs.

The second day, the ministry was repeated in Pueblo Viejo; the third day in Ixtayutla City. In Ixtayutla, John was crawling along slowly through the town. A small baby boy ran out towards the truck and his momma screamed and grabbed him back to safety in the nick of time. The father was yelling that he was going to get a group and come after us with machetes. John had seen and heard none of this as he was focused on watching forward, leading another of the vehicles in caravan. After passing through the town, he stopped and people who had been riding in the back bed of the truck came around to tell him what had happened. Usually, he was told, a complaint would also be made to the police and a big fine paid to soothe the feelings of the people. Yes, there was no actual accident but, the fear and anger was as real as though it had happened. The Lord’s Word given was prayed several times and was at work in and through the situation. (Psalms124) Nothing came of the threats as God miraculously intervened. God is with us as a mighty Awesome One.

They returned Wednesday in the late evening and went out again Thursday to a nearby village to repeat the different ministries. The medical team believes they saw 150 patients in those three places. The hairdressers wore out three clippers while cutting the hair of 40-50 per day. The childrens’ workers gave away lots of candy, prizes, photos, and made many new friends.

Friday, was their day to go souvenir shopping in Puerto Esc. for long hours in the hot, humid weather but, when they returned, they set up for sushi making and a few extra haircuts. They had brought all kinds of good Korean food and the sea provided the fresh fish that made the sushi that much more special. What a trip for a group of people who were all 50-80 yrs old.

Marriage Conference & Mother's Day

The first Roca Blanca Marriage Retreat was held May 7-9th and it was a success! Charles and Ellie Norton hosted and taught most of it…together. They did a super job. Only four of the eight invited couples were able to attend but everyone of those four were noticeably blessed and excited about making it a reoccurring event. Gifts were in the rooms every day such as: flowers, candies, the Love Language book in Spanish, and embroidered heart pillows. The Fireproof film in Spanish drew many comments the next morning in review. The final lesson on the marriage covenant was followed by each couple taking communion together and renewing their marriage vows. The final meal ended with a wedding cake which each couple cut together while having their picture taken. Every detail was carefully prepared and executed in a loving manner and every couple was so thankful for what it had meant to their marriage. It was especially a blessing to John & I as we watched the pastors enfold Charles and Ellie in prayer and confirm their new endeavor to enrich the marriages of Mexico.

Mother’s day is a BIG celebration in Mexico, at least it was in Cacalotte, the small village Roca Blanca is neighbors with. It follows on the Monday after the USA celebration. John & I weren’t able to attend but we viewed it through our friends and wanted to share a piece of it with you. There were games, gifts, music and dancing, and food until wee hours of the morning. Those mothers sure had a magnificent party.

Harvesting coconuts

Mission Victoria here at Roca Blanca Beach has well over two hundred coconut trees because it was built in the middle of a coconut grove. The older trees are very tall and not many people want to climb 40-50 feet to harvest the coconuts. The coconuts need to be harvested every three months and in a climate that is warm year around, that means four harvests yearly. The limbs are constantly maturing and falling off. They land with a loud swoosh and thud. The coconuts that are not harvested frequently enough also fall from a great height with a resounding thump. We can only pray no one is underneath when they become loose and plummet to the ground. At times when no one was available to harvest the coconuts, they were given away to anyone who would take them down. At other times, they have been sold for the benefit of the campus. John is hoping to promote a more consistent harvest for profit and at the same time create more safety by cleaning the trees of old limbs. A young man, Gabriel, is the climber while John or another man, Fabian, holds the rope that will drop the coconuts and will later drop Gabriel. It is strenuous for the climber and also for the one whose neck is constantly cranked backwards to look high into the trees. (right bottom: John opening a coco for our guests?)

There are many benefits to having the coconuts all around. It provides fresh coconut juice for the guests, and fresh coconut meat to eat or bake with. The palms are used to make the thatched roofs and palapas (open sided building with thatched roof: below/center). The stem from the long leaf is cut free of its leafy parts and dried for a couple months to be nailed as slats for building natural home walls. (Right: an outdoor kitchen so the slats are spread apart for air flow and semi-privacy.) The old coconut shells are taken off by the truck loads to use as a source of fuel for baking the adobe bricks. The tree trunks provide tall, straight, four-sided posts and lumber. Nothing goes to waste as the local people use the resources God has blessed this area with.