Friends of CPTLN México

LWML support CPTLN

2006-07-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

The women of the LWML PSWD voted to support the work in Tijuana with the approval of a grant project. The women of the LWML Oregon/Washington-Alaska invited Director Melissa Salomon to be the mission speaker at their June convention. From there, Director Melissa traveled to Iowa West to speak about the work in Tijuana to women assembled at convention on beautiful Lake Okiboji. Thank you!

Group from Bellevue, Washington Come to Work

2006-07-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

From the 25th to the 29th of May we received a service team from All Saints Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington near Seattle. Kathy Dallman, pastor Dallman´s wife, had just returned from China where she led a team to assist the government teach parents play therapy. She is a professional marriage therapist and she gave our CPTLN staff a workshop on Christian Counseling which was excellent. Ron Maxam and Mel Pettit were our computer resource experts. They installed software and set up an electronic newsletter. Lori Pettit, a Preschool Director, and Cris Maxam prepared materials we were going to use in our JOEL school drama and our Children’s Fun Day scheduled out at the Lirio de los Valles Lutheran Church, our newest mission.

Home Church Begun

2006-07-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

- Our volunteer, lay pastor Francisco Lugo continues working with the family of the man that was kidnapped for 76 days. This is a beginning mission work because they gather between 35-45 people Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday evenings. The kidnapped man gave Pastor Lugo a watch for Father’s Day and said he was his “spiritual” father and because of him he knew freedom not only from his period of captivity but to know the freedom that only Jesus provides.

CPTLN at Family Fair in Tijuana

2006-07-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

- On the 12th of May we participated in a Family Fair called “Let´s Take Care of Our family” and led a workshop on The Values of the Family. We distributed the booklets of “ What to do in the Face of a Divorce” and “Family Violence.”
- We participated in a children’s festival on the 20th of May making available the booklet of “Stable Parents, Happy Children” to the adults and the “Pet napping Mystery: Puzzle Club” to the children. We partnered with the Alliance of Evangelical Pastors and the Municipal DIF (the Government’s Social Welfare Agency). The event featured Muppets, games and clowns and we participated in a gift distribution for the children.

Welcome Gaby Mendoza PROYECTO JOEL

2006-07-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

Joining us is Gaby Mendoza who will be working with Legna Lanza and begin to transition into the position of coordinator for Proyecto JOEL. Gaby is studying at the Teachers University here in Tijuana studying Educational Intervention. She is a strategic thinker and has already devised her three month work plan! In the last three weeks she has already met with various government officials and has planned a sports outreach in joint partnership with the DIF for July 15. Please pray for this event.

Welcome Pastor Josue to CPTLN Staff

2006-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Newest member of our staff is Pastor Josue del Carmen. He is the pastor of our newest mission, Iglesia Luterana Lirio de los Valles in Tijuana. Formerly a supervisor with the Mexican Census Bureau, he will be heading our evangelism and Equipping the Saints program and training as well as the community outreach through our "sobreruedas" program. Please keep him in your prayers.

God Frees A Kidnapped Man

2006-04-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

CPTLN volunteer Francisco Lugo leads family in a prayer of thanksgiving when kidnapped man is freed. Seventy six days of daily study of God's Word and fervent supplication for the freedom of a kidnapped family member of this large family has ended. After having grown in the knowledge of God and His grace, the family has not disbanded their evening ritual of study and prayer. They continue to meet on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays with the freed man now joining their prayer group. They now pray for families who are victims of kidnappings.
The freed man told Francisco that throughout his ordeal when he was given little food and was blindfolded the entire time, he never gave up hope. He said throughout he would wonder if God was able to hear his pleas. He felt God wouldn't abandonded him and is now convinved that God was with him the entire time and did hear his cry for help.

Legna working PROYECTO JOEL

2006-04-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Legna is working hard scheduling various JOEL activities around Tijuana. She is working with Andrew Fitzgerald to organize a JOEL-CPTLN sponsored sports program in June.
Keep her in your prayers and the many young people that she is mentoring and coming into contact with also.
If you want to send her a note her email is:
legna@cptln.org

Graphic and Web Volunteers

2006-04-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

We are happy to have joining us for the next four months two young women who are studying Web and Graphic Design at the university. They will be with CPTLN doing their senior project.
Thank you Sandy Rodriguez and Griselda Alvarez!
They have a busy schedule of projects from webpage creation to design of literature and promotional materials for a summer conference to the preparation of presentations Melissa will be giving at LWML conventions this summer. They are amazed we have so many opportunities for them to show their talent!

Lirio de los Valles - Sanctuary Being Built!

2006-04-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

The foundation was poured over the weekend and the walls are going up this week. Next week the roof. Worship on Easter! Isn't that amazing?

Iowa West LWML Convention Invitation

2006-03-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to be able to visit the LWML women at their convention in Iowa as their mission speaker. A group of LWMLrs visited Tijuana after their trip to the Rose Parade and painted rooms and bunks at our Centro Concordia. These Iowa women are hard workers!

They have a very nice newsletter that talks about their visit to Tijuana in January.
Click on http://www.idwlcms.org/harvest/spring06/lwml.pdf to read the LWML news.

Message from the Director

2006-02-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Harvest ministry of Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones Mexico,

Thank you for walking along side of us here in Tijuana through your prayers and continued support of our ministry programs. Knowing that you are an invisible army of prayer warriors behind us makes us even more grateful workers.
It has been a privilege to serve the congregations and missions here in Tijuana with the Equipping to Share Program. We have been receiving wonderful feedback from the many volunteers who are recognizing and realizing their unique ministries.

Blessings,
Melissa

Theology and Ministry Training Begins a New Course

2006-02-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

Using the Hispanic Institute of Theology/Concordia Seminary, St. Louis materials and under the servant leadership of mentor, Rev. John Durkovic, one of two groups studying in Tijuana use the CPTLN office as their home base. LBCM underwrites their materials. They are beginning a new course in New Testament studies. Please pray for these willing servants.

Marta - Guided by God's Hand

2006-02-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

Marta's husband died one year ago. She wondered how she would support herself and her four children. She said the material from CPTLN encouraged and reminded her to trust God. With the encouragement from her friend, CPTLN staff member, Tere Montoya, Marta began a preschool and she began to listen to Tere's dream of a mission church in their neighborhood. That dream became reality when Lirio del Valle Lutheran Church began and Pastor Josue and his wife, Betty came to serve the people of Marta's neighborhood. The church sanctuary will be built next month but alot of neighbor people, including Marta, have put sweat equity into building the church community that is already worshipping in a provisional space on the church property. Marta tells us that God has not let her or her children go hungry and He has always provided everything they needed. Marta is a charter member now of the new lutheran mission in her neighborhood. She has a new dream.....perhaps a preschool or day care could be a part of the new mission's future. Marta is ready to serve where God may need her.

Now Receiving OnLine Donations with a Credit Card

2006-02-07T23:18:00.000-08:00

Brand New! Responding to a request from adonor and thanks to the hard work of Leslie Tucker of our International Department, you can now give to the ministry of CPTLN Mexico through our Lutheran Hour Ministries web site credit card center!

Go to : www.lhmgift.org
Click on: Go to the link that says " Donate Now " and click on the pull down menu choice that says " Support an International Ministry. " There you can designate your gift to the MEXICO office along with your credit card information.

Your gift will support the local budget that the Mexico office raises. If you have any difficulties or questions, you can contact Leslie Tucker directly to make your credit card gift. She can be reached at the toll-free number (800) 944-3450. Of course, you can also contact Melissa Salomon at melissa@cptln.org for additional information.

GRACIAS!

Legna Lanza - Proyecto JOEL and Angel Scholarship

2006-01-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

Legna coordinates the Proyecto JOEL at CPTLN México. She works also with Lutheran Border Concerns Ministry in providing support to the lutheran missions in Tijuana. Her father, Rev. Angel Lanza was a church planter here in Tijuana and is now with the Lord. In honor of the work her father began here in Tijuana, CPTLN began a scholarship program administered through Proyecto JOEL in partnership with Lutheran Border Concerns Ministry called Proyecto Angel to provide a small study stipend to children who would otherwise not study for lack of financial support and who are connected to one of our lutheran missions. As part of their participation in the Angel Scholarship Program, they participate in the Proyecto JOEL outreach in the schools. Orphan Grain Train also provides school supplies and backpacks to the children participating in Angel Scholarships.

Legna has carried on her father´s work in addition to carrying his name (Legna is Angel spelled backwards). She is a valuable collaborator with CPTLN Mexico and has a passion for youth work. She is a graduate of the DCE program at Concordia University Portland. Please pray for her and the work öf Proyecto JOEL.

Angel Scholarships

2006-01-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

There were one of the first familes reached by Pastor Abdiel at Iglesia Luterana San Pablo in the area of Tijuana known as Maclovio Rojas. Young Jose and Juana are only two of the six children that this single mother has. The house they live in has no windows. These two young people receive a grant of $140 a year for their studies. Young Jose is the lead guitarist in the group that accompanies worship under the direction of Pastor Abdiel. Young Juana collaborated with Legna in the Proyecto Joel booth set up during open market day and has a servant heart. She is one of the first to invite other young to their booth and the activities led by Legna. Please pray for this family.

ELS Volunteer Serves Family of Kidnap Victim in México

2006-01-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

It has been seven days today that ELS (Equipping the Saints program)volunteer Francisco Lugo has been asked to pray with the large extended family of a kidnapping victim. The man in his 40s, owner of a successful junkyard, has abducted one week ago and his family has been asked to pay a large ransom for his safe return. The money is too large for the family to cover and they have been gathering each evening to pray for God to intervene. The family of 12 gather 40 people each night from 8 to 10pm with Francisco Lugo as prayer leader, to ask for their loved one´s safe return.- They are studying the Bible together for the first time and they have read and discussed several of the CPTLN booklets. Two of the siblings (of the 10) who had been estranged for their spouses are gathering together to pray. There has been the comment that God is working to unite their family. The matriarch has said that when their loved one returns they will continue meeting to study God´s word and pray together.

The WET Rose Parade

2006-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

What an amazing experience riding on the Lutheran Hour's Rose Parade Float. The Float this year was entitled, "The Miracle of Faith" and among the riders were Dr. Maier, son of the original Lutheran Hour Speaker who is a delightful man with an even more delightful and beautiful wife, who accompanied him. Rev. Tom Rogers and Rev. Dr. Larry Stoterau, President of the LCMS PSWD also were along for the ride.

The rain did not let up the entire time we were on the parade route. Rather, towards the end, the rain was mixed with a strong wind. I was sitting on the non/camera side of the float.... in fact, right under the right side of the cross.....directly under. The rain funneled off the cross and right onto my back. They gave us rain suits but this was not much protection after about 20 minutes.

Yes we were wet and cold but it was beautiful greeting the people on the parade route and giving them God's blessing too. I was able to greet many people in spanish with a new year's greeting and a blessing. I was the recipient of many blown kisses by young children. Especially gratifying was the man who waved to us but when he saw that we were the "Lutheran Hour" he ran ahead to tell us "Thank you for sharing the Gospel!" There were many people who sang along with the music of "Amazing Grace" that our float played and shouted out "Jesus" or "God Bless You". The four hours went by quickly but I was grateful at the end to get into warm and dry clothes!

Blessed by a child!

2005-11-30T09:20:00.001-08:00

CPTLN is on the road giving Evangelism support to our local lutheran missions through a new program called "Equipando los Santos(ELS)" (In English, Equipping the Saints) What a blessing it has been to help equip the saints to share their faith in Jesus Christ!

This little girl came to the Equipando los Santos workshop with her mother. We sat together after the presentation for a delicious lunch of Mexican posole! She and I became quick friends as you can see by this photo. What a gift and joy!

Women's Retreat - Evangelism Workshop

2005-11-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

This was Equipando los Santos workshop #3 at the Women´s Retreat at Centro Concordia, Tijuana, B.C.

There were 34 women in attendence.

17 received their ELS pins as official volunteers with the commitment to make 20 contacts per month and receive ongoing support and training from the CPTLN ELS coordinator.

Prayer Plea "Use me, Lord"

2005-11-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

CPTLN was asked to present the evangelism workshop ELS at the annual Lutheran women's retreat. I asked the women to write down the names of 10 family or friends close to them who don't know the Lord. They wrote a quick list and here we are praying that God would turn stone hearts to flesh that beat with faith in a living God. As our prayer leader was coming to an end, I could hear the whispers that grew louder and more numerous, "Use me, Lord, Use me."

Bartola - Serving God

2005-11-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

Bartola was a guest of a member of one of our lutheran missions. She just lost her husband this month. Her burden was great and her friend thought the retreat would help her. She surrendered her life to Christ at this retreat and she has committed to serve as an ELS volunteer. After the retreat she came up to tell me: "I know God has a purpose for me and he wants me to dedicate my life to Him now that my husband is gone."

Women's Retreat - Leaders

2005-11-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

What a great ELS workshop we participated in today. It was led by Marina Perez (bible study leader) and Betty PeÑa (worship and song leader) both wives of lutheran pastors in Tijuana. Tere Montoya and I led the Sunday workshop on ELS.

Here we are gathering for a quick picture.

Bocados de Esperanza - Mouthful of Hope

2005-11-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Francisco Lugo - Coordinator of CPTLN´s Mouthfuls of Hope.

This volunteer has taken on the ministry of distributing the CPTLN booklets along with homemade sandwiches to family members of those in the hospital. Often, family members are with their ill and do not eat because they have to cover the expenses of medicine and care for their ill family member. This dedicated disciple of Christ, member of Iglesia Luterana el Divino Salvador, prays with the familyand gives them physical and spiritual nutrition.

Evangelism Workshop #2 Iglesia Luterana Divino Salvador

2005-11-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

Mari is one of our regular volunteers. She was very excited to receive her ELS pin at her church's workshop. During the presentation she asked to speak and give her experience distributing the CPTLN booklets.

She said she visited a woman who had ordered some AVON products through her and the woman had alot of problems with her husband. Mari shared the booklet "Resentimiento o Perdon" with her and encouraged her to read it. The following week Mari visited her again and the woman said: " I have to tell you the day you came to my house last week I was so desperate I had decided to take a bottle of pills and end it all. I read the booklet you gave me very carefully. You saved my life with that booklet." Mari said, "It was not me, it was God!"

36 people were in attendence and 13 committed to participating in the outreach program on a continuing basis.

Equipping the Saints Evangelism Workshops in Tijuana

2005-11-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is little Abner from our visit to Iglesia Luterana San Pablo. He is the son of the pastor and is 4 years old. Last year, when he was three, he visited my office with his parents and recited from memory the 23rd Psalm, the Lord's Prayer AND the entire CREED!

EQUIPING THE SAINTS WORKSHOPS
Staff member Montoya is back from maternity leave and we thought about what effect it would have on our ministry and support of ministry in Tijuana to change her duties and make her an ELS support field person. This would accomplish not only effectiveness for the ELS program but also address the area of real concern for us which was data collection from the field for our follow up and reporting.

18 persons were present for the workshop and 8 committed to serving as ELS volunteers.

The goals of the ELS support field person are:
1. Visit each mission where ELS has been given and meet with the ELS volunteers (in our case those who received their ELS pins were those who committed to serve as ELS volunteers by distributing 5 booklets per week. They also committed to gathering data for their church and our office and keep in contact with---follow up---with those people. )

2. Collect their follow up data and make sure the pastor has a copy.

3. Give the ELS-V their 20 new booklets for the month.

4. Collect stories. Find out what works what doesn't work for the benefit of their team and the continuing development of the ELS program.

5. Do a "training" session on some aspect of the outreach to continue to equip them.

6. Encourage them, celebrate their work, recognize their efforts and find ways to thank them, whether it is by a special bookmark etc on a quarterly basis.