Christmas fiestas

We just got back from Reynosa where the mustard seed kids had their Christmas fiesta. Last Saturday was the Matamoros fiesta. The children and their families where truly blessed! Thanks to all of you who already sponsor a child here in Mexico.

We are getting ready to expend the program and we were glad to be able to see both fiesta and appreciate the difference between the smaller group (20 children) and the larger one (63).

One of the major difference between the sponsorship program Phil and Karen started here, as opposed to what world vision does, is that they make it "up close and personal"!

Each child is placed in a Church (if they don't already attend one) where they receive biblical teaching. The parents of the sponsored child are required to attend a parenting class on a regular basis. The children participate in a special program at least once a month and they also receive the visit of the area coordinator at least once a month to ensure their basic needs are met and that the child is well adjusted at school.

The coordinators are the ones making sure the family has enough food, enough beds and make note of families who need a house. They also attend to the child specific needs regarding schooling : materiel needs but also academic needs. Some children may need tutoring.

This program has for objective to be as complete as possible. Therefore the model one the smaller group seems to best meet that objective. Even if 63 children doesn't seem that big, we could definitely see the advantages of keeping the groups small. Rather then enlarging the group, in Reynosa for exemple, multiplying the number of small groups, seems to be the way to go.

Your prayers for this ministry are greatly appreciated! It is a big step for Phil and Karen to take the ministry to the next level. We praise God for the team He is building here to help with that process and we believe there are more workers that will be joining us in the next few years.

May God bless you and may you have a Blessed Christmas.