MEETING THE NEED OF OTHERS - PART 2
This year we celebrate a Golden Anniversary of Ministry (1972 - 2022). Following are a few opportunities we have had over the years. We have housed and hosted over 2,000 visitors. Most were Americans, but we have also housed people from Mexico, Korea, Japan, El Salvador, Dominican Republic and Honduras, who enjoyed the comforts of our home. There have been groups as large as 50, and as small as a Dad, Mom and children. We had visitors who endured 911 with us. We have had Christmas, Easter, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Break groups. We have had High School, Bible College and University campus groups. We've helped Bible College students do their mission internships with us. We hosted a group of Grandmas all over 80 years young. The mission itself has taken mission trips to help families in need. There we planted corn and beans on a hillside and covered ourselves with banana leaves when it rained. We´ve walked miles to evangelize in places very few have ever seen. The mission has provided countless VBS programs, camps, church dramas, puppet shows and church choirs. The mission provides each Easter season a special sunrise service and endless amounts of Church dinners that last all day. The mission housed over 100 when we were twice in charge of the Mexico National Christian Convention food service. Over 1,000 meals were made each day in our 3 kitchens. We have held church leadership seminars, wedding receptions and funerals in the mission. We have held weekend youth retreats with the most in attendance of 160, from a 3 state youth conference. Housing, meals and worship were all provided by the Ontañon Church of Christ and the ministry of Emanuel Mexico Mission. Our centrally located ministry is home to all the area Christian Churches for prayer services, planning committees, youth events and Bible Studies. The mission has found us in the streets passing out food and blankets to the homeless, providing shelter to homeless children, attending a homeless shelter's Christmas Eve meal to give a simple plate of food for a smile in return. We have taught for over 20 years at a nearby Bible College. No pay, no travel expense for our work, but a deep satisfaction to see young people hungry for the Word, as they in return will go into all the world. The mission has buried one of its own and to grieve with many who have lost loved ones. Church families, homeless families, desert families, mountain families, inner city families all have received the loving message that Jesus is their eternal hope. We have driven far, broken down many times on the highways, been given a meal and shelter when we most needed it. God has led us to mechanics in the mountains and in the desert and even to the inner cities. Emanuel - God with us, through every moment and every situation. The mission vehicles have done their share of service. Major repairs included: motors, clutches, shocks, tires, batteries, brakes, electrical systems and many front end repairs due to the streets and roads of Mexico. We have worked together with other missionaries, churches, children's homes in the area to simply meet together, to love, to sing, to laugh, to cry, to pray and to encourage one another. Proud to say in the past 31 years we have fully paid for 2 vans and 3 cars, all due to generous and loving supporters. We never took out loans or incurred any debts Bought the church property debt free beside the mission and most recently did a complete remodel of the open patio of the mission, all done by a generous church offering. Fifty years of ministry, fifty years of triumphs, fifty years of obstacles, large and small, but in the end we can say with confidence, Emanuel. Meeting the needs of others is not about what we will receive in return. It is about giving all you have and more at times. It is about a grateful heart. Fifty years of meeting the needs of children, youth, adults and families in the inner city and so many other places near and far from home. From our last update we have received enough to purchase the much needed Bibles the ministry needs and Jose was able to help lead a 3 day weekend retreat of 130 youth as their worship leader. Currently the van is back at the mechanic shop for more clutch and brake repairs due to the mountain trip taken last month to Oaxaca. Our Golden Anniversary story will continue all year. With your help we will continue meeting the needs of others. Jose Manuel Gonzalez Field Director of E.M.M. Ontañon #910 Barrio: San Miguelito San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. 78339 Mexico David and Sheri DeBolt Directors of E.M.M. 6389 S. 500 E. Markle, IN 46700 All gifts are tax deductible. Donations can be made out to: EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION Mailing Address: 2950 E. - 350 N. Bluffton, IN 46714 We invite you to join us at The Open Door’s
13th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser!! Community is at the heart of Empty Bowls. After a few difficult pandemic years, The Open Door is excited to bring this event back to Dakota County with new energy and a new location! For a suggested $30 donation ($15 for kids), guests enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread and leave with a hand-crafted empty bowl as a reminder of those who are hungry in our community. Get Tickets Now!
We’re hoping to re-energize this event with fun for the whole family in 2022! Join us for games, entertainment and great food. The Empty Bowls Fundraiser is critical to The Open Door's hunger relief efforts. Your support will help bring fresh and healthy food to thousands in Dakota County. |
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