Dear Friends;

I am sorry for the slow response. I pulled a tendon in my leg and
have spent some time with it elevated. A Blessed New Year to you!
Ours was quiet. The patio church gave out turkey soup, tortillas
and tracts and had a lovely time. Our Little Joe went home the day
before Christmas and although he has the "gripa", he's adjusting well.
I still have Cricket, Juan Enrique and Jake. It is possible that Jake
is reacting to withdrawal from drugs. I didn't see it at first, but he
trembles a lot. We are going to take him to see a pediatrician tomorrow.

I praise God that you found us and are interested in helping us.
Sometimes we really feel "out there" with the ministry, as we are not
fully supported and need to look for our own support.

God Bless you in your efforts. In Christ, Penny

Dear Freinds; Enclosed please find a picture taken of "Jake" yesterday afternoon.
A miracle happened for him and his mom. It seems there was more to
Jake's story than just a mom in the hospital. There was a cycle of
drunkeness and abuse and no one had been to see Jake for 2 weeks.

I thought it strange and sent my worker out to check, but hadn't
heard. Then Ted and Renie got a visit from the pastor in Los Olivos
where Jake's family lives. He told a story of an abused young girl
who had been near death after a c-section. Renie knew right away and
called me. Then Ted and Renie went to collect the girl, Antonia and
her mother-in-law. She fed them and in a quiet moment, Antonia said
she wanted to get away from him. Arrangements were made to take her
and her son to Casa del Pastor in San Vicente where Lisa, the director,
would help Antonia heal (she'd lost about 10 more pounds!) and teach
her how to support herself.

In truth she was not married to Santiago and not obligated to stay.
The mother-in-law came back to make veiled threats, but we told her
that Antonia must go now to be protected. The mother-in-law was
afraid, too, that he would think it was her decision and hurt her more.
This is just what our ministries is about - healing wounded people,
be they sick children, broken relationships, or disabled.

Jake needed to be with his mom. His mom needed her son.
A drunk abuser kept them apart. Caroline said that when Jake was
placed in his mother's arms, the look was so beautiful that she
couldn't explain. She was so touched as mother and son were reuinited.
Antonia kissed and kissed her beautiful son. This is a happy ending,
folks. Mom and baby are safe. We thank God for putting this together.

...It appears that Juan Enrique has been abandoned. His aunt came to
services yesterday, more to tell me that they had no idea where his
mother and father were except that they were probably in Tijuana
somewhere. So he will stay here, safe, and I'll care for him.

Cricket's family is champing at the bit to get him home. As soon as
the Cardiologist gives the okay, that will happen. I haven't forgotten
Cinthya. She's going to school and doing well. We don't know what her
father is up to, but we are praying for him. At this point, she
doesn't want to see him.

God bless you all. Penny