Newsletter: Fall 2009
October 9, 2009 by Rancho
The Local Drug War
Some of you are aware of our current situation and the danger that surrounds us. Due to the sensitivity and severity of the drug war here, and the fact that this is going online, I will just be giving you some recent facts in hopes of directing your prayers for us.
This drug war has been going on in Juarez for a while now, but just this July it expanded out to us. The front page of the paper recently said that in the greater Juarez area there were over 300 deaths due to the drug war in September. Even though our fence and gates are complete, our trust is in the Lord. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for continued safety for all staff and children here. Recently, I have personally just missed unknowingly driving through four different gun fights by five to thirty minutes each.
Visits by American teams have been minimal to non-existent at best which also causes another adverse effect for the Ranch. When teams don’t come, our support drops. So we could use prayers for that as well. Teams will be notified when it becomes safe again to serve here.
Thank you very much for keeping us in your prayers!!!! The Lord is a very present help in times of trouble. He has been our refuge and our shield.
Meet Allan
This summer, we accepted a new little boy who has a severe case of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (his mother drank and did drugs when she was pregnant for him). His name is Allan, and although he is seven years old, he has the mind, speech, and motor skills of a two year old. When he arrived it was obvious that he had been neglected and physically abused to the point of cigarette burns on his back, and various scars all over him. His behavior can be wild and alarming at times, and he needs as much supervision as ten little boys. Because of this, I considered the possibility of placing him in a different children’s home, but I knew that no one wanted him.
The staff members, however, were very willing to take him in, even though it meant a lot more work on their part. He seems to love being here and even calls Pancho (one of our staff) Papá. And although Allan is frequently very mean and aggressive with the other children, most of them have been surprisingly patient with him. It is encouraging to see that he has made some progress in his behavior and communication skills over the past months. Please pray for Allan’s healing and salvation, as well as for patience and wisdom for all those who care for him.
Our Christian School
As a result of the drug war in our area, enrollment in our Christian School (kids from the surrounding community) was down by over 80 students at the beginning of the school year. Recently, we have lost about two of these students a week because people are fleeing the area. But because of the extreme kindness of our wonderful supporters we can continue the children’s Christian education at the school, and continue to care for the growing number of kids here at the orphanage. Thank you!!!
New Kids
We have had many new children brought to us recently due to the events of the drug war in Juarez and all the surrounding boarder towns like ours. Most of these children have come from severe abandonment and abuse cases. Many times new children seem sad, scared, or lonely when they first come to us. Please pray that they would find peace in the Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ, who will never leave them nor forsake them.
Fresh Water
Thanks to the Lord, Mark Schlax from Sovereign Grace Church of Apex, NC was able to repair one of our two damaged water tanks. We will be installing the first part of our water purification system in two weeks!!! Thanks to the guys at Hope Builders in Gaithersburg and Mark of Living Water Irrigation in Santa Fe and those that gave towards this project. Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
We would like send an enormous thank all of you who have generously and sacrificially given to the children and staff of Rancho 3M for the Glory of God. Please accept our deep appreciation for all that you have done to help us. THANK YOU!!!
Comments
3 Responses to “Newsletter: Fall 2009”
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Dean,
This blog is great! Thanks for putting it together. I know you guys are facing many trials right now with the drug war all around. I respect you for the faith that you demonstrate in God’s sovereign and powerful hand. Trials have clearly not stopped you from ministering to those in need. You are sharing the love of Jesus to these kids and that makes the Gospel only shine brighter to all who are watching!
Brett Campbell
Sovereign Grace Church
Chesapeake, VA
Our church, Sovereign Grace Fairfax, Virginia, is praying for your continued safety. We are so sad that we cannot be there with you at this time, but we believe that God is in control.
I’m from Covenant Life Church in Maryland and I’ve had the privilege of going on the missions trips to the Ranch twice. On the trips I got to know one of the girls, Ana Karin very well and I learned that today, November 22, was her birthday and I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday and to tell her I love her and am praying for her everyday.
I’m so grateful for this newsletter/blog that I can read and be informed through. Thank you Dean for all you do!
Praying for you guys!
Janelle M.