Erin Brumit - Matamoros, Mexico

Contentment in the Lord

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have now spent three years in Matamoros, Mexico with AIM, and each year has looked so different! They have all been good, some have brought more challenges than others, but looking back, those are the years when God has been able to accomplish more. His glory shines brightest when circumstances are the darkest.

About this time last year I went through a dark season spiritually, where the desire to serve the Lord was lacking. I had grown tired of ministry and tired of the spiritual disciplines. In August I blogged about how the Lord began to turn this around while I was in Puerto Rico. I won't go into detail here, but I wanted to mention this to explain where I am now.

One night a couple weeks ago, the Novas team was worshipping the Lord outside, praising Him for the beauty and wonder of His creation, and I was just overwhelmed by His goodness! All I could do was praise Him and cry, but these were tears of great joy, not the tears of sadness that they had been in the last season. During the time that the Novas team was at the Gateway I had been seeking the Lord for some direction in ministry, and a few weeks ago, He began to reveal some answers. In this I have seen a glimpse of His faithfulness and timing. He is continuing to increase my love for Him, and offer new direction and open doors for ministry. We may not always understand His ways, but as Scripture mentions many times, it is all for His glory!

Thank you for playing such an important part in this ministry! God bless!

Back to Blogging!

Thu, 3 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wow! This season of ministry has been more exciting than I can even begin to explain! For two months this fall the Gateway housed the training portion of the Novas Project. Thirty college-age participants learned practical ministry tools, while also getting hands-on experience ministering in Matamoros, Mexico and in the farming community where we live. I was blessed to be able to be a part of what God was doing in these participants! They sought Him and followed His leading in ministry with such passion!

Just a week ago, we sent them off to the countries they will be serving in for the next six months. It was sad to see them go, but I know that the Lord has great plans for each team as they serve Him in Swaziland, South Africa, Uganda and Nicaragua. Reading their blogs, I see that He is already beginning to use them for His glory. Please keep them in your prayers as they step out to minister in these countries.

This week I am in Gainesville, Georgia at AIM's main office. I am walking into a season of transition, so I'm taking some time to meet with my leaders here to plan out the next couple months while also reconnecting with some of my coworkers that I only see a couple times a year.

Thanks for your faithful prayers and support! I'll have more updates to come soon!

To Love the Lord

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This summer I went to Puerto Rico to lead a couple small youth trips, but as I lead others, God did more in me that I had expected. I have to preface this by saying that before this trip came along I had been getting burned out with ministry, church, missions, etc. I had been serving with a church here in Matamoros, and all the responsibility had drained me spiritually. So as I went to Puerto Rico I went excited about the opportunity but in need of the Lord's refreshing touch.

The number of days the first group had allotted for ministry was less than normal because at the end of the trip we were all part of the youth conference that our host church, Centro Cristiano de Restauracin, was presenting. As we worshiped each day I realized that I had forgotten how beautiful it is be in the Lord's presence, to worship Him with all my heart. It had been a while since I had enjoyed "church" or had much of a desire to be there. The conference offered sessions for leaders apart from the youth, and God used these times to heal some of the calloused areas on my heart.

I have so much more I could say, and I hope to share more in future blogs, but for now I want to sum it all up by saying that Puerto Rico, and this summer as a whole, has been as been a time for me to learn how to fall in love with the Lord all over again. It has been a time of learning to place relationship with Him before ministry, before acts of service, before everything. For now my prayer for myself and for all of you is that we may continue to fall more in love with our Lord and allow love for our neighbor to flow from that. Thank you for all your prayers! God bless!

Puerto Rico!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

My month in Puerto Rico has arrived! I landed in Puerto Rico's capital city, San Juan, June 19th, and will not be heading home to Mexico until July 13! I am leading a couple youth group trips to Cabo Rojo and Isabela, two cities on the island of Puerto Rico. Right now I am with a group from Church of the Savior from Kentucky, and we are having an amazing week so far! We have already seen the Lord lead us to the right places at the right times to touch lives of people He is reaching out to. You can follow my time in Puerto Rico on AIM's Puerto Rico blog site. Please keep me and all the particpants in your prayers. Thanks and God bless!

Why not rather be wronged?

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I would like to share with you a story of a Mexican pastor, and of his godly example that we can all learn from.

A few days ago I spoke with a pastor here in Matamoros that AIM has worked with in the past. Some time ago, he had received a donation of land to build a church, and last summer it was finally finished. This pastor has a great passion for the Lord and for the gospel, so the church has been growing quickly. However, a short time ago, the owner of the land came to him asking him to return it. This pastor had a decision to make: fight for the land that he had been working on over a year and risk losing members in the process or accept the wrong done to the church and thereby be an example of love and peace to the church and the community.

This pastor chose to accept the wrong done to him and to the church, and they moved their meetings to a nearby location. This spoke so strongly to me of this pastor's character. It also reminded me of Paul's words to the believers in Corinth in a time when they had been fighting amongst themselves. Paul states in I Corinthians 6:7, "Now therefore it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?" I have been thinking about this verse for a while. It is not easy to accept wrong, to let ourselves be cheated, but is that what the Lord ask of us sometimes when unity is more important than whatever else may be lost?

Why don't we all chew on that question for a while and see what the Lord has to teach us?

God bless!

Shades Mountain Project

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last week a team of almost 60 teenagers from Birmingham, Alabama came to the Gateway for their Spring Break. These young people could have spent this week at home, at the beach, or with family, but they chose to spend it ministering alongside a new church here in Matamoros. This group from Shades Mountain Baptist Church worked with the church Esperanza Viva in the colonia Juarez on the other side of Matamoros, with Pastor Francisco and his wife Maribel. For me, this was a week of training, as I am in the process of learning how to lead projects just like this one in various locations.

Francisco and Maribel have only been pastoring Esperanza Viva for five months. They had been praying for God to send them helpers, and God sent them 60! The team from Shades Mountain gave VBS classes four days last week, and each day the church filled up more and more with neighborhood children and their parents. On the last day the team put on a fiesta for the children, with music, hamburgers, different activities, and candy. The church was packed!

Esperanza Viva has already seen fruit from this week. They have so many new people that they don't even fit in the few benches the church has! Please pray that God would continue to provide workers (and benches) for this new church. Whenever a youth group like this one comes to Matamoros, the church they work with is blessed by having extra laborers, just as we have seen in Esperanza Viva, but the youth are also blessed by having their eyes opened to see God move in mighty ways. On the last night of the trip, we held a debrief session for the team, and they shared things they had learned throughout the week and were going to take home with them. Many left with a greater passion to share Christ at home, a greater desire to seek Him, and a hunger for His voice and leading in their lives.

Thank you for your continued prayers! God bless!

Another trip to San Fernando

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Friday a group of us from Castillo del Rey in Matamoros again packed into a van and headed to San Fernando. When I say that we packed into the van, it is an understatement; I counted 25 people including kids (I just hope our insurance company doesn't read this blog). Our visit this time was not for a wedding, but rather a dinner for married couples. Those of us who are single went to serve our married brothers and sisters. However, we were all able to listen to the teaching and gain some wisdom from the messagePastor Abel had to share.

I was encouraged by the number of people who wanted to be a part of this event with our mother church in San Fernando. Since returning to Matamoros at the beginning of the year I have seen Castillo del Rey begin to grow. A couple new families have begun to attend. In addition, Manuela and Lorenzo, who have been a faithful part of the church for around five years, are beginning to see their adult children have an interest in the church. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we seek to glorify the Lord and spread His word in Matamoros, Mexico.

I would also like to give you an update on Clara. She is now back home with her husband! Please continue praying for her, that the Lord would encourage her and draw her back to Himself. Thanks & God bless!

Another Mexican Wedding

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marcial and Leti, who have been working with Castillo del Rey here in Matamoros, were married two days before I went home for Christmas. The evening of the wedding, nine of us from the church piled into a van and headed to San Fernando where the wedding was held. It took us nearly two hours to get there, but it was worth the time spent driving. This couple has been a huge blessing to the church as they help fill the void until we find a full-time pastor, and it was a joy to share in their special day. I thought you might like to see some of the photos. I also posted more in the "My Pictures" section to the left. I hope you enjoy looking at them! God bless!

Undate on Clara

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you for all your prayers for Clara. Please continue to place her and her family before the Lord in prayer. Her husband, Isidro, came to the church last night again asking for prayer for their family. He told us that Clara had left this weekend with their three children. Through all of this, he has begun to seek the Lord again, and now Clara seems to be the one struggling in her faith. It breaks my heart to see all the pain in this family that is so dear to me, and I can only imagine a part of the sadness the Lord must feel looking upon us as we choose to walk apart from His will. I wish I could tell Clara what to do and how to hold her family together. However, my words may encourage her or "turn on lights," but I know that the Lord must work in her heart. Please pray that this struggle would only draw both Clara and Isidro closer to the Lord and that He would restore their marriage and family. Thank you & God bless!

Prayer for Clara

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I apologize for the long break since my last blog. Christmas at home was short, but I was able to see so much family in that short time. I am now back at the Gateway in Matamoros, Mexico, ready for another year of serving the Lord (and enjoying the warm weather!).

I would like to ask you all to pray for my friend Clara and her family. She and her husband, Isidro, have been struggling these past couple months, and yesterday when I showed up at her house they were fighting. They are about ready to give up on their marriage. I was able to speak with them for just a few minutes before she had to go to work, but I know that our prayers are even more powerful than any words I have to speak. Please join me in praying that God would heal their marriage and restore peace to their family. Thanks & God bless!

Staff Conference

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This week I am at AIM's main office in Gainesville, Georgia for the STM (Short Term Missions) Staff Conference. Being new to the short term side of AIM, the time I have spent here has been a huge blessing. It has given me the opportunity to catch the vision for what AIM is doing in short term missions, while also seeing how my small part fits into the whole. We truly are the body of Christ, each with a specific role in the ministry He sets before us. As I fulfill my role in building relationships with Mexican pastors and churches, others are connecting with and preparing the visiting churches from the States. Besides all this, others are planning out all the logistical details for the week-long projects. None of us could do the work by ourselves, but as a body we are able to fulfill the work the Lord has given us! Thank you for all your prayers! God bless!

Thanksgiving

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! This year I spend my third Thanksgiving in Mexico. Each year it looks a little different, but it is always a blessing. Wednesday the Gateway staff had a Thanksgiving dinner together, and then I spent yesterday with the family of Flor and Jacque Goy, the directors of AIM's Mission Training Institute. Even though I could not be with my real family, God has giving me so much spiritual family here at the Gateway. I am surrounded by brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers! I pray that during this holiday season God reveals His love to you by those He places in your path. God bless!

The Conviction of Things not Seen

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lately, I have been staying busy here at the Gateway: visiting pastors, reconciling receipts, teaching English, and everything else that comes up from day to day. It is easy for me to get caught up in everything that I need to accomplish in any given day, but in the midst of work and busyness, the Lord has been reminding me that my first priority should be to seek Him. Out of seeking His presence comes the strength to face whatever comes my way.

This past week has been a struggle for me, but I have come to appreciate the hard times because it is in those times that I am drawn to seek the Lord more. I have been struggling to see the Lord's answer to some of my prayers, but recently I was encouraged by a sermon on faith out of Hebrews 11. I am sure you are all familiar with the first verse of that chapter, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This verse encouraged me to keep trusting, because God is faithful, even when we cannot see what we think ought to be in plain sight. So for now, though not seeing, I wait with faith in the Lord's answer.

Thank you for faithfully praying for this ministry I am a part of! God bless!

That They May be One

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I just have a short thought for you today. I would like to share with you something that the Lord has been teaching me during my time here because it is just as applicable to church and life in the States as it is to the mission field. I hope it is a blessing to you today!

Over the past couple years God has taught me a lot about the unity in which He desires His church to live. Some of these lessons have come the hard way, through experiencing disunity in the church and missions, while other lessons have come through seeing God's heart for unity as shown in Scripture.

When I read John 17 as Jesus prays for the church toward the end of His ministry, I cannot help but notice that much of this prayer was focused on the unity of believers. He prays that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world might know that He was sent by God and see His love for them. I have seen that without this unity we are unable to work together for God's glory. The witness of how we love one another reveals to the world God's love for them.

The world will know we are Christians by our love, so I encourage you (and at the same time remind myself) to seek out ways to love your brothers & sisters in Christ today.

Castillo del Rey

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You may remember that I mentioned after arriving back in Matamoros that the church I work with, Castillo del Rey, has been going through some rough times, and we are now just a faithful few who attend. However, I believe this time of pruning is coming to an end and the time of fruitfulness is soon to follow. The Lord has been giving us a greater vision and passion for what He desires to do in this place. He has been placing in the members of the church the desire to spread the gospel with their neighborhood.

A few weeks ago Rufino, a member of the church, was asking what we needed to do in order to see the church grow, and that night the message was about the people of the church going out to do the work of the ministry. Since then we have been planning out how to reach the neighborhood around us, or rather around them. It has been exciting to see Rufino and Graciana catch the fire to spread God's love!

As a part of all the changes, Katie and I have been given the responsibility of the Thursday night Bible study. Also, every couple weeks the church in San Fernando is planning to send a full worship team to the service here in Matamoros. Last Sunday was the first time they made the trip to Matamoros, and the worship was beautiful! It was great to see the church looking full again!

I believe that God will be faithful to use this remnant for His glory. Please join me in praying for God to move mightily in Castillo del Rey. God bless!

The Journey

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

   Things are going well here in Matamoros. I love the relaxed atmosphere of the close-knit community we live in outside the city. I am getting involved with the church I have helped at for two years, catching up with friends and acquaintances, teaching English at AIM's Mission Training Institute here in Matamoros, and getting to know some ofthe pastors AIM works with throughout the Spring and Summer. I would also like to let you know about a new program that is coming to the Gateway in the new year.
   In January AIM will start a new program here at the Gateway called the Journey. It is an eight month program for young adults that focuses on training, leadership, ministry, art, and agriculture, all stemming out of community. The Journey will begin with five months of training and discipleship, and during the last three months the participants will disciple and lead the many high school students who come through the Gateway on week-long projects.

    You can find out more at the Journey's website. I hope you enjoying checking out what is new here at the Gateway! God bless!

One More Trip Through the Mud.

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When you first arrive in Matamoros, one thing you will notice is the poor condition of the roads. Many are uneven and full of pot holes, while others are dirt roads that turn into mud lakes when it rains. It is easy to get frustrated and bogged down with all the extra trouble the mud causes. However, I am beginning to learn that God can use even something as challenging as the mud streets to bring glory to His name.

Many of you have heard the story of how we met Rufino and Graciana two years ago because our ride had gotten stuck in the mud. God used that to open a door for ministry, and they have become a backbone to the church here. When many others have become discouraged with all the changes in the past year, Graciana and Rufino have proved faithful. God gave Rufino a dream that one day the church would be full, and he is committed to working to see its fulfillment.

In addition to this, last week Katie and I were able to become better acquainted with Carolina, a girl from Granjas. We have known her mother for years, but Carolina has not always lived with her. This past Thursday Katie and I were visiting in Granjas, and Carolina wanted to come to a Bible study with us, so we all jumped in the jeep and headed to the next neighborhood over where it is held... but we never arrived. Since it had rained in the past week there were still large muddy sections in the streets. As we approached one, Carolina told me not to try to go through it, but I said, "I have a jeep and can get through anything" (in Spanish of course). Always be careful to say something like that! We ended up stuck in the mud for about half-an-hour until two men came and helped push us out.

It made for an eventful evening, and stories like this are always more fun when you tell them later than when you are living them out. Katie and Carolina ended up covered in mud (I got out clean only because I was driving the jeep), and we all had a lot of laughs along the way. Even greater than a fun story, we now have an open door to visit Carolina and bring her to church. Please pray that the Lord's will would be done in her life, and that this relationship would be for His glory. God bless!

God of the Remnant

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Last night I visited Castillo del Rey, the church I have worked with for two years, for the first time since arriving in Matamoros. As Katie Joy and I drove up to the church we thought that no one else was there, but as we drew closer we could see that the front door was open. Inside were Rufino and His mother Graciana. After waiting for some time, it was still just the four of us who had made the trip through the muddy streets to the church. As realized that no one else was coming, we began to pray; the four of us prayed for the church and for neighbors and friends in need of the Lord's touch. It was a precious time of sharing with brethren and joining together to lift up our burdens before the Lord.

I was reminded of Matthew 18:19&20, "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." I know that the same Lord that taught multitudes was present in our small meeting!

This church has been through rough times during this past year, and the numbers have dwindled to just a faithful few, but God has been continually reminding me that He always leaves a remnant. Every time Israel strayed, He left a remnant that remained faithful to Him; when the nations took Israel and Judah captive, God left a remnant to care for the land. Now, he has left a remnant in Castillo del Rey, and I believe that with them He is going to mighty things. Months ago God gave Rufino a dream about the building we are now meeting in, and it was full of people. Though now we are a small remnant, we are waiting for the Lord to fill that building just as in Rufino's dream! Please join me in praying that He would use this remnant to bring glory to His name and to draw others into His kingdom. God bless!

Back in Mexico

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I arrived in Mexico last night after a day full of the normal airport stresses. But my luggage and I both made it here, so I guess that's all that matters. It is great to be back. In some ways it feels like I have not really been gone. It's almost like coming home; it is such a familiar place. I will have more updates for you soon, but for now I need to get moved the new house. I pray that you are all doing well!

Here is my new address many of you have been asking for.

Erin Brumit

PO Box 130

Los Indios, TX 78567

Haleluyah!

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Five days from now I will be sitting in a plane on my way back to Matamoros, Mexico! This summer has been a great time of refreshment and healing in many ways. I have loved spending so much time with my family and friends back home, but now the time has come to return to Mexico. As I prepare to return, many thoughts have been running through my mind. I have been battling with the anxiety of leaving, while also feeling the excitement of arriving in Matamoros once again.

With all that has been going on, I have at times been getting discouraged in my prayer life. Just the other night I was bogged down with so many prayer requests and concerns, exhausted by going through them once again. Then, the Lord reminded me that more important that all my worries and questions is His praise! No matter what I am leaving behind, preparing for, or going through, His praise is most important. I cannot let my worries overshadow my praise of Him! In this season of my life, Psalm 150, which is devoted entirely to praising the Lord, has become one of my favorites.

So as I return to Mexico I ask that you would keep me in your prayers, but even more than that, I ask that you join me in praising the Lord of all creation! God bless!

Matamoros After the Storm

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Anne Milligan, who works at the Gateway in Matamoros posted a blog update on how they are doing. It sounds like they made it through the storm alright and things are getting back to normal. Thanks for all your prayers. Here is what she had to say about Matamoros (from the Gateway's blog on 7/28/08):

Hurricane Dolly blew through the Gateway leaving behind mostly superficial damage, and flooding all of Matamoros. Strong winds forced trees prostrate as waters rose, filling houses and stranding vehicles. Outhouses blew over, porches peeled off, and structures fell to the ground. Life on both sides of the border took a harder hit than we anticipated.

Less than one week later, much of the water has seeped back into the ground. The city is back in motion and life is beginning to regulate itself again. Due to the poor infrastructure, some areas of Matamoros are still inaccessible with flooded streets or muddy impasses. However, our own ejido got power back days before many of the homes in south Texas that were affected by the storm.

All three of our ministry sights are accessible by road. The structure we are building for Pastor Jesus's church still stands. Participants now have a new chance to meet the immediate felt needs of others. This storm opens new doors for ministry, and many people are excited to step out.

Quick Update

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After a couple comments to my latest blog about Hurricane Dolly I just wanted to let everyone know that I am not currently in Matamoros. I will still be home in Tennessee for about another month, but many of the people I have minstered alongside and to are still in Matamoros as Dolly pours her rain. I do ask that you please continue to keep the people of Matamoros and Brownsville in your prayers. Thanks & God bless!

Hurricane Dolly headed for Matamoros

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am sure that many of you have heard in the past couple days that hurricane Dolly is headed to the Brownsville, TX/Matamoros, Mexico area. Matamoros is where I have been working with Adventures in Missions for the past two years. Matamoros is a city that floods very easily (I have seen it flood twice myself due to heavy rain storms), and many of the houses in the poorer areas of town are not well built. Please join me in praying that God would protect the people of Matamoros and its neighboring areas. Thank you.

You can see more about hurricane Dolly and its impact on the Texas/Mexico border on the Weather Channel's website.

Traveling & Judy's Birthday

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I'm finally back home from a couple weeks of traveling and visiting family, friends, and supporters. It has been great to have time this summer to catch up with so many of you. I was in Bumpass, Virginia for Aunt Judy's 50th birthday party, and we had a blast! She decided to go with a hot pink theme rather than the typical black of a 50th birthday. She thought she might as well have some fun turning 50. (When I turn 25 in August Judy and my cousins will be visiting us, and I'm sure we'll have a great time then, too!) I put up some pictures from my time at the beach and in Virginia so you can see it for yourself.

For those of you nearby, I will be speaking this Sunday night, July 20th, at First Christian Church in Elizabethton at 6:00. I will be sharing about what the Lord did this past year in Matamoros, as well as explaining what my new role will be when I return to Mexico in mid-August. I am excited to let you all know more about what I have been doing, and I would love to see you there. God bless!

Quick Update from Erin

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I am enjoying the time I have this summer to spend with my family and close friends back home. I have finally been able to get some rest after a busy year in Matamoros, and God has been using this time to refill me in preparation for another season in there. This week I am at Myrtle Beach with my parents, and soon my cousins will be here, too. They are really more like my little brother and sister, because we have spent so much time together as we have grown up. (When you look at our pictures you know that we could pass for it, too! They are the two on the right). So, though I look forward to returning to Matamoros, for now I am taking in all the blessings of community in family.

Update from Mexico

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have been home for almost two weeks now, and my mom has been keeping me busy with work around the house. We have been painting all week, and we still have a lot more to do! A few days ago I received an update from Tony & Kelley Crumbley, who helped with the FYMs this year, about some of the people I was working with in Matamoros. I thought you might like to know what has been happening there since I came home. Enjoy!

After a quick breakfast Martin and I grabbed some Bibles and books and headed out to Las Granjas, near the city dump. Clara, a small group leader from one of the local churches, had requested three. As soon as we wheeled into the colonia Mary and her twin girls up the street about 50 yards hollered out, "Hola, Tony, do you have any Bibles? I need one!" I always like to hear that question. We promised her we would be right there after we made a delivery to Clara's house.

After entering Clara's house she began sharing the struggles she faced in her small group and trying to get people to come to church. It was hard, but Martin and I tried our best to encourage her and share with her examples of those who struggled to live for God in the Bible. Well, Martin did most of the sharing. He has a way about him that can encourage and lift up the most desperate. After 30 minutes or so we prayed with Clara and then we left as she smiled and thanked both of us for our visit.

From there we were off to Mary's house to carry her a Bible. Seems her neighbor, who is not yet a believer, told Mary how much she liked reading the Bible we had given her weeks earlier. She even said it was beautiful to read. Wow! What a perfect description of the Word? As we talked with Mary she told us of a recent funeral she had went to. She told us of many other things but she talks so fast I only get about every 20th word of her Spanish. Her Spanish is like machine gun fire, rapid and all over the place.

She too thanked us for the Bible as we departed. As we drove off I could not help but smile at how God uses even non believers to get His Word in the hands of those who need it most. Wow, God is good!

Tony Crumbley

Support Update

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Over this past week I have been looking back over my budget to make any necessary changes for the coming year and my different role with AIM in Matamoros. When I return to Mexico in August my budget will be $800 per month, which is a little less than it was this past year. My monthly supporters from this year were committed to around $700 per month, with special gifts making up the difference. During June and July I will be at home and will not be receiving a check from AIM, but my support account will remain open and any support you send in will be ready for my return in August. As I return to Matamoros I am taking on a position that will not be limited to a one-year commitment, so I have divided up my budget according to months rather than a year at a time. Monthly supporters enable to me stay on the field long-term, but one-time gifts are also helpful in reaching my support goal and covering unexpected expenses. I would like to thank you all for your prayers and support over this year, and I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider continuing in this. God bless!

All for the Glory of God

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lately I have been reading through the book of Isaiah, and the past few chapters have given me so much awe of the Lord in seeing how all He does is for His glory. In reading through Chapters 43-45 God says that He created us for His glory. That is an amazing thought to ponder, that we were created to glorify the Lord, the Creator of everything! He goes on to say that He wipes out our transgressions for His own sake. Even His forgiveness and redemption are to bring glory to His name. These are very humbling thoughts. Yes, the Lord loves us so much that He redeems us and He draws us to Himself, but ultimately it is all about Him. It is all about us causing His name to be glorified among the nations. It is all about His kingdom coming and His will being done. It is all about bringing glory to His Holy Name.

I am beginning to fall in love with the book of Isaiah, and I look forward to sharing with you more of what the Lord is teaching me through it. Be blessed!

The Next Step

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Now that the FYM program has finished and everyone has gone home, many of you may be wondering what I will be up to in this next season. Waiting for an answer from the Lord was a long process, another lesson in patience. I have known for a few months that I was supposed to continue working in Mexico after the FYM year, but I was not sure what that would look like. I looked into a few different options, which all sounded good, but I wanted to find the perfect thing. About a month ago God brought along an opportunity that seemed like a great fit. As of August I will be returning to the Gateway, AIM's short-term mission base to help build ongoing relationships with the churches and pastors AIM works with in Matamoros. This will involve visiting the pastors and churches before the short-term trips arrive, checking in with them after the teams leave to make sure follow-up is happening, and looking for new churches to work with. I will have the chance to be a liaison between Mexicans and Americans, working for greater unity between the two. I am excited about this new opportunity to continue serving the Lord in Matamoros, Mexico. For now, I will be at home for a little over two months to prepare for another year in Mexico and to share with you all what the Lord accomplished during this last year. I ask for your prayers as I begin this next step in ministry.

During this week I will be working on my budget for next year, and I will let you know of any support changes as soon as I am finished. Thank you again for all your prayers & support. God bless you all!

A Great Year

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today Naomi & I dropped off all the FYMs at the airport in Brownsville. The young men and women who left today are not the same ones we picked up in September. It's not that we changed students as some part in the year, but God has done so much in each of them that they are returning home different people. The past nine months have not been easy; we have had more challenges than I have ever seen in my life, but through it all I have seen God do so much!! I thank God for allowing me to be a part of leading this team. My greatest joy this year has been seeing what God can do in the lives of people who are committed to serving Him with all their hearts. I have seen a team fight for unity and perseverance, I have seen a nineteen year old who has so much conviction of God's will for her life that she refuses to give up no matter how hard it becomes, and I have seen the Lord produce tangible fruit because of the faithfulness of a small group of college-age students. Thank you for all your prayers throughout this year; you will never know how much God used you and your prayers this year, but believe that He has because we could not have done this without you. God bless you all!