We all have gifts that God has given us.  We all have been tried and tested at some point in our lives.  

As I was watching and listening to José preach this morning I was so thankful for the gifts that God has given our Jose.  I say our Jose because we share a brother and a son as your missionary partner in central Mexico.  

There is no doubt that José loves Jesus.  He had a hard and difficult childhood but God protected and blessed José.  Protected from what could have been a whole different road from that which he is traveling today.  
He is not afraid to get his hands dirty or do the work that maybe others could or should be doing.  José does it because he simply loves Jesus.  

Attached are a few photos of what José did this past week and today. 

#1 Worked to help make the church more functional.  Making an opening for our church kitchen to better serve others.  Next Sunday we will be celebrating with a church meal after the service and using what was Jose’s office and now is the church kitchen.  Sheri and another church member checking out the works after the service today.   Next Saturday is a work day with cleaning, painting etc.   

# 2 Doing what he loves most.  Preach.
 
I just couldn’t help but share about what you are doing here at EMM and for the trust and friendship we all share through Jesus Christ Thank you all so very much.

God bless you Valley Missions Team and Valley Family.  
David DeBolt 

NEW BOOK - NEW OPPORTUNITIES

After 22 weeks of being closed we were able to open the doors of Emanuel Mexico Mission on August 23, 2020.  The summer of 2020, will go down in the history books as new challenges and opportunities faced us each day.  

As we enter into September 2020, we begin our 30th year of serving the Lord in Mexico.  We use September as a way to close out another season of Christian Service.  We filled 365 pages of, now an old book, and look forward to filling a new book with new opportunities.  Each page in this new book is blank, but filled with lines that daily the Lord will write from the experiences and opportunities we have to serve others.  

One of our most recent opportunities to serve is providing school lunches to the children in our neighborhood.  As children returned to school, they are learning from home.  Helping with these school lunches gives their parents the opportunity to not worry about cooking their noon meal, so they can concentrate on helping their children.

Since we live in the inner city, all the houses are wall to wall and all have flat roofs.  The following is what I heard the other day from one of our neighbors.  

Mom:  "Do your homework"
Child:  "No, I don't want to"
Mom:  "Do it, it's your job", etc.

Probably sounds familiar to some of you.  Each brown paper lunch bag is decorated with a message that God loves them and is filled with a sandwich, cookies, apple and a small box drink.

Jose has his sermon series all planned out for 2020-2021.  Vacation Bible School 2021 is being written and planned.  Summer 2021 Camp schedule is on the calendar.  A Seminar to attend in October 2020, will provide Jose the opportunity to strengthen his faith and knowledge.  Maintenance, repairs and projects on the mission facility are on the books for the rest of 2020-2021.

PRAYERS & PROJECTS

Replace the main refrigerator:  We could say to this refrigerator "Well done, good and faithful servant".  It has served its purpose well for over 25 years, but in the past 18 months, we have invested more in repairs than needed.  It went down again 3 times in August 2020.

Repair the Church baptistery:  Each time we fill the baptistery it leaks.  We have a list of materials needed and an estimate to repair it.

Jose - VISA:  During the pandemic, Jose's VISA expired and was not allowed to renew it.  The American Consulates are now open and Jose now has the opportunity to fill out the necessary paper work and apply for his VISA.

New plates and cups for the mission:  The main kitchen has only plates and cups for a dozen people.  Church meals, youth activities and groups require us to buy disposable plates, etc.  50 plus cups, plates, bowls, spoons and forks would provide the necessary means to cut expenses for groups and church activities.

Facebook Page:  EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION

David and Sheri DeBolt
Jose Gonzalez