Dear Ministry Friends and Family, This has truly been a “November to remember”!!
As we write this update to you, we are just rejoicing for the beautiful work that the Lord is doing in people’s hearts! (Granted, it may not be “multitudes,” but it is certainly in individuals!) One individual who (whom many of you already know) is very dear to our heart is Vicenta. We've seen how, at times in spite of severe criticism, she has walked faithfully with the Lord for many years. It has been her dream for a long time of serving the Lord as a missionary. Beginning in September, that desire came to fruition, as she entered into YWAM’s missionary training program called Discipleship
Training School (DTS). Although we are not too surprised, it has been awesome to see her grow in leaps and bounds in her walk with the Lord. As the Lord has wonderfully and graciously provided for our family and the work He has called us to here, He has also put it on our hearts to encourage and help our dear sister Vicenta in her missionary endeavors. There has been, and continues to be, a cost for her support to serve as a missionary. Both as a family, and as a church body we contribute regularly towards her financial expenses. In December, though, she will be going on her school’s two-month outreach to Guatemala, facing additional expenses. When I talked with the trip’s leader, he shared about many of the challenges that await. It will most certainly be a trip that will stretch the imagination and faith of those involved. I say this because many of the places scheduled to minister in are gripped by strongholds of darkness. Occultism, promiscuity, profound poverty, sickness and hopelessness are only some of the scenes that will be encountered. To be forewarned, though, is to be forearmed, so please join with us in bathing Vicenta, the team, and those they will be ministering to, in prayer. An additional prayer request would be for the youth who are attending school. They too face challenges that are difficult to comprehend or even compare to youth in America. One of their biggest obstacles to overcome are the prejudices of many of the people themselves. We’re not certain if these voices are raised out of jealousy and envy, or just plain ignorance.
Nevertheless the results are the same as we have seen many youth quit their education in discouragement and disheartenment. They are often taunted by youths and adults alike that all their enthusiasm and effort is a waste of time. Coupled with such disparaging comments is the additional reality of covering the cost to continue on. The Lord has put it on our hearts to come along side those who are making the effort to stay in school. By your generosity, MCF has been able to establish a small educational fund. It isn't much, but even as the Lord multiplied a few small fishes and loaves to bless many, so too we have seen the difference even a little help can
bring. We’re not sure, but it seems to convey to the kids in a tangible way, that yes, God loves them, and there are people who love and care for them as well! Enough so to help them (in a huge
way!) stay in school. We would like to ask you to prayerfully consider helping either Vicenta, or the educational fund to help the students. More than anything, though, we covet your prayers for them! For they
truly are mighty in the Lord to break down strongholds
in people’s lives. For those who would like to help, please be sure to designate the gift’s purpose so they can be allocated accordingly. On behalf of our family and Mixteco brothers and sisters, we thank the Lord for you, and for the fruit of your love as shown in the numerous words
of encouragement and gifts that we receive.
God bless you!
Andy Alvarez
