Let us allow our TCM students and graduates ministering in Russia guide us in praying for their country this month.
vimeo.com/293135570

SACRIFICE  AND  STEWARDSHIP

"God blesses our sacrifice, but He also blesses our stewardship" a quote from Jason Vallotton.

Either it's 100% or nothing, those were our thoughts back in 1987, when we entered into the ministry and then on to Mexico in 1991.  It would be a whole new world of uncertainties such as learning a new language and living in a different culture.  Some said it was sacrifice, we considered it more of a daily challenge to depend on God in a more profound way.  Our resources would be limited and then there was the need to account for every gift given to us, stewardship.

A former missionary told me one time, "Are you going to be like most missionaries and continually ask or are you going to live by faith?"  We could wrap it all up in the following verses of Philippians 4:10 - 13  "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Yes, we have  needs and a few of you without asking have stepped forward to help us with our current transportation need (Bluffton FCC & Daron and Melissa).  As you know we had an accident on July 4, and to date we continue to wait on the insurance company that declared our vehicle "totaled".  With the extra gifts given toward this need it will help us once again get back on the road.

Moving back to the inner city we have monthly expenses like most people: rent, water, gas, electricity and telephone bills to pay.  Also included in our monthly expenses are the ministry needs we have.

Once again a supporting church (Valley) stepped up and out in faith to help our minister, Jose, with monthly support of $100.00.  God is good to help this young man of faith.  He receives $50.00 a month from the Ontañon church as well.  Again Philippians is true for Jose, who at a young age lived in the streets begging for food and now preaching the gospel and can boldly say "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength".  How many could live on $150.00 a month?  That's true sacrifice and stewardship!   


Projects and goals of EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION:
Special message from Jose:  "During the month of September, we began Sunday School for the adults of the congregation at Ontañon.  During the month of October, we will begin activities (Saturday) for children and also a youth group.  I ask for your prayers for all that is planned for this month of October, that it will be the will of God."

Jose has a passion for helping the poor and the hungry.  Jose has associated himself with a group of Christian men who help provide food for widows and children's homes here in San Luis Potosi.  The group is called:  "Man does not live on bread alone...", Matthew 4:4

With Emanuel Mexico Mission's help, they will be opening a kitchen to provide hot meals to those that truly live without and have an organized means to give to the needy.  Emanuel Mexico Mission is working hard to meet the needs of others.  We are currently looking into a few sites for this kitchen / pantry to best meet this need.

The Ontañon Church of Christ continues to reach out to the inner city.  In September, they began after school tutoring classes and the response has been great.  Once again Sacrifice and Stewardship is at the forefront of all we do.  

It's because of you we are able to reach out in new ways to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in the inner city.  Sacrifice and Stewardship; two words we have been honored to carry throughout our 27 + years of ministry in Mexico.  Looking forward to year 28!

David DeBolt

Thank you again for your love and support.  You can stay up to date on our ministries by checking on our FACEBOOK pages:
       
       EMANUEL MEXICO MISSION
       IGLESIA CRISTIANA EN ONTAÑON
       DAVID DEBOLT
       SHERI LYNN

ENDINGS  &  BEGINNINGS
Recently I was told "There is a reason for every ending, becuase God has plans for a new beginning". 

During our journey to San Luis Potosi on July 4, we had a serious car accident.  We had just ended a wonderful 3 year ministry with Colegio Biblico.  Three years of blessings, serving young men and women who have a passionate desire to learn from the Word of God and a motivation to preach the Good News that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The 2004, vehicle we used for over 10 years was totaled, but God will provide for a better means of transportation, we are confident in that.  We may have ended our ministry to help young men and women from Colegio Biblico, but we will continue to preach, teach and love those that God places in our path.  Ontañon Church of Christ continues to work closely with the Bible College here in San Luis Potosi (Colegio Cristiano del Centro).  Jose is working with students each week as they come to Ontañon to serve the church.

Later in July, we served at a church camp (July 22 - 26).  An entire year of planning and preparation went into making that week a complete sucess.  We saw lives changed, hearts surrendered to Christ and funds raised to help "Feed My Starving Children".

Like any activity, you anticipate and plan for, there is a closing.  Camp ended, but new beginnings were made that week that will never be broken.  The camp kids raised enough funds to feed 3 children for a year and had a matching gift from the Valley Christian Church - plus one.  So 7 children in total are being fed for an entire year through the ministry of "Feed My Starving Children".

It had been two years since we were able to visit our daughter, Renae and her family in California.  We took advantage of every second to make the most out of our 11 day visit in August.  Precious memories fill our hears with time well spent with our grand daughter, Isabella, who is now 8 years old.  We tearfully said good-bye at the Oakland, California, airport, but there will always be the next family visit and we know it will be just as if we never left.

God never closes a door without opening a new one.  Coming back to the Ontañon church in August we experienced a new church plant as 48 members left to start a new church in the Balcones del Valle area of San Luis Potosi.  It was a 2 year growth plan and it worked without any problems.  Perfect unity and harmony as we said good-bye to 48 members of the church, but knew it was God's will and timing.

Jose continues to oversee the Ontañon ministry and we are proud to say that the average attendance for August at Ontañon was 24.  Total seating capacity of Ontañon is 55.  There never has been a Sunday with more than 60, but now God grew His church in these two locations to more than 72 in just one month.

Endings and beginnings, I'm glad for those opportunities to see and experience changes.  What does the future hold for us?  For sure endings at times, but always looking forward to the new beginnings God has in store for His servants.  

Matthew 28:19  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded.  And surely I am with you always , to the very end of the age."

Serving the Kingdom with you.
David and Sheri DeBolt

DRESS A GIRL founder, Rachel Eggum Cinader, recently traveled to Uganda with Hope for Women International. Dress a Girl is one of their programs.  Why we support Dress a Girl Around the World. Here are two sets of pictures of little girls in Uganda before and after they each received a new dress. Then a group picture of several little girls in their new dresses.

"Today in the village an old woman approached me. Through an interpreter she told me that she was in her eighties and couldn’t see well. She said, “If you come to see where I live you will cry!”

I asked a Ugandan staff member to accompany Diane and I as we walked to the woman’s home. She invited us into her little hut. She had clothing/rags spread out—that’s where she sleeps. 😢 She did have some food but her possessions were scarce. I asked if we could pray for her and she said yes. I asked God to bless her home, to watch over her and I’m not sure what else. I cried, “God you have blessed me so much. Forgive me for wanting more.😢”

As I finished praying for God to bless her a verse came to mind. “If you have a friend who is in need of food and clothing, and you say to him, “Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat hearty,” and then don’t give him clothes or food, what good does that do?” (James 3:15-16)

I asked the staff member, “ Is there a nearby place to buy her a mattress?”
Yes ! They sent someone on a motorcycle to get one. What joy as we carried it to her hut! She was so excited! She hugged it! She danced! We sat on it! She laid on it! She will sleep well tonight. ❤️ God is so good!