Friday 20 March 2020
Hope, faith and love to each one of you at this time of uncertainty and fear for many. I want to encourage you that we can hope in God. He will not fail!
Be full of hope, be full of faith and be full of love.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3v15.
People all around us are full of fear and panic right now, causing them to act irrationally. They need hope, faith and love and we can be agents of these through Christ in us. Let’s watch our confession at this time, let’s speak words of hope and faith to encourage others and let’s speak peace and life to them around us, building them up and quietening their fears. Let us be outward looking rather than self-preserving and let us ask God for creative ideas that show His love and care to others at this time.
Are you self isolating? Don’t fear, or be downcast, but instead see this a great opportunity to get the things done at home that you have been putting off. Maybe this is a great time to learn another language (duolingo is a fun language app that I use). It could even be an opportunity to learn a new skill via YouTube videos. Most importantly, there’s now more time to read Gods Word, worship, pray and listen to good teaching on the internet. Grab hold of His promises in the Word and speak them over your life and build yourself up in your faith at this time.
Walk in peace, secure, protected and abiding in Christ.
Here in Mexico people are using preventative methods to keep this virus at bay – schools are closing, ministries are suspended and some, although not all, churches are closed as well. I am very pleased to announce that we still have plenty of toilet roll in the stores, so if you need some, pop over to Mexico and pick up a pack!
I have regularly been visiting the refugee shelter with my friend Madai. Many of them are separated from their spouse who is already in the USA. One guy named Angel has his hearing for asylum on March 24th and is asking for prayers to be reunited with his wife and daughters – they have been apart for 2 years.
We have heard that a local church has organised a team to buy paint and they are going to decorate the shelter. This is such a blessing
This shelter has plenty of food donations coming in, which is amazing, but they lack personal hygiene products, so I am putting together personal packages for each person. Thank you to each of you who support me, because it’s your support that makes such things happen and allows me to be a blessing to the needy.
Refugees are so vulnerable here. I have heard some really shocking stories. Please pray for these dear ones to be protected and healing for those who have known trauma.
The team I am with here have an amazing, well organised ministry on the street to prostitutes and others in sex trafficking. They give out free food and drink, have an area for free manicures, the women each receive a rose and they are shown and told about the love of Jesus. It’s beautiful to both witness and be a part of. There’s live worship and people can stop by and ask for prayer. It’s wonderful to see people responding to Gods love.
Each week I go to a kids and youth bible club where there are games, worship, bible teaching, drama and snacks. It’s set in a poorer community of the city and sadly some of these vulnerable kids have already been in rehab due to drug addiction. Drugs is a big problem here in Juarez.
I have been continuing with my Spanish classes. Some lessons are harder than others on my brain, but I am getting there!
I have met so many lovely people here, the culture is very warm and friendly, being together is very important here and they love to eat and spend time together that way. Many I meet are intrigued that I’m British and not American. They love our accent and I’m often asked questions about the same three topics – food, the climate and the Royal Family.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, amen!
Much love and prayers for you all,
Trudi
xx