Winter Storms Wash Out Bridge

In January 2010, wild winds, extremely heavy rains, raging waters and poor construction teamed up together tearing away a segment of the bridge we must cross to enter or leave San Vicente. We were cut off from all travel for a good while until the rains subsided and the waters calmed enough allowing for some precarious crossings over the usually dry riverbed.

I thank God that only one section came crashing down, it could have been so much worse. The same thing happened in Vicente Querrero, an hour or so down from us, leaving them stranded as well. We became an island as no one could come to or go from San Vicente as there were no roads in or out that were passable.

Daily the crowds would gather waiting for help to come, which it finally did. It took many long days for the workers to fill in the gap left by the collapse. But, in the meantime as the water became less violent and dropped a bit more, people found other ways to get over the river.

As the days passed by and the town ran out of supplies, the people came up with a very good idea. Tractors would sell rides to those wishing to leave. The prices varied, the first time I crossed riding on a tractor it was thirty dollars both ways.

As the water fell even more and became less dangerous tractors began pulling vehicles and people over the riverbed. Of course, this offered more hope and freedom but also charges for those that needed to get to the other side.

Once you crossed, were unchained and could start your engine, you were free.

Eventually the water became so low that tractors were not needed, cars could make their own way across and then in a few more days the breech had been filled in and stabilized. So much so that even semis and trailers were driving over it.

Now, it looks like state officials are actually going to repair the bridge this time. When this happened about 30 years ago, they only left their provinvial fix in place. But these rains finally did that job in. It lasted a good while, but now it's time for a real repair job to take place.

(Click on the pictures to make them bigger)

Carnival Ministry May 2010

Team: Casa De Dios, is a very faithful and consistent ministry group that comes, shares and works hard while they are here and they always leave the face of Jesus in the hearts of those they see while they are in Mexico. Lord knows the personal sacrifices they make to keep this long-term ministry active. May God bless them as much as they blessed the children (and adults) of Iglesia Familiar Nueva Jerusalen (New Jerusalem Family Church).


Face Painting Station At The Ready

Waiting Patiently to Jump

The Children Listen To God's Word In Spanish

A Bible Message Was Given Before The Play Began

A Little Winner

Roulette Wheel & Prizes

A Castle-Shaped Jumper Provided A Lot Of Fun

Hot Popcorn My Favorite Food

Bags Of Prizes

About 200 Children Came To Play

Lined Up To Play

Dangerous Entrance/Exit To Carnival

Used Cel-phones For The Needy

For almost as long as I have been in Mexico, the daily wage has remained about US$5.00 per day, not per hour, rather, per day. You can't do much with that amount of money, not even in Mexico. It's very hard for an elderly person, a struggling student or a single mom to find enough extra money to purchase a cel-phone.




With the donation of your used cel-phone, they can now have access to authorities, family and friends and doctors and hospitals. This is a great step forward for these poor people. Your gift would mean a lot to them.




Your phone doesn't have to be new or super fancy, but it must be in working order. You do not need to donate your chip as it will not work in Mexico. The phone requires a different chip and that will have to be purchased and programmed in Mexico. So your donation is safe and secure.

Please, E-Mail me at...ranchosantafemax@aol.com and I can send you the mailing address for your phones.


Thank you and God bless you. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Worry Produces Forgetfulness

Worry Produces Forgetfulness

Worry makes it so that one forgets Who is the One that is actually in control of every thing in the Universe. And, when you focus on only you, you worry all-the-more. Then, you become even more anxious for many things, and eventually even the smallest of things can look big when your are worried about so much. You worry because your companions at work don't appreciate you and that your boss makes you work in excess, and that your superintendent doesn't understand you, or that your congregation doesn't help you when you are down and out. With the passing of the time, your agenda becomes even more important than that of God's time schedule. You become more concerned with yourself and your life and goals, than you do in being pleasing to Him.

Take a moment, if you are able, where you might come to see that you are doubting the discernment of God. God has blessed you with talent. And, He has done the same with your neighbor. If you worry about the talents and life of your neighbor, you will neglect your own life. But if you don't worry and take life as it comes, trusting in God and in His abilities and His care for you, you will be an inspiration to yourself and your neighbor.

Worrying means you want to be in charge of things before it's time for you to take over. The best that you can do today is to rest in the Hands of Him that has control of everything in your life. Make sure that He is really in control of everything. Then there will be no reason, and no place for worry in your heart, mind, body or soul.

Choose to live in peace.

1 Peter 5:7
Tossing all your anxiety, worry and cares on Him, because He is careful of you.

John 14:1
Don't let your heart be upset; you believe in God, believe also in Jesus. After all, He is the Author and Finisher of your faith.