An email of Encouragement from Linda

One Sunday morning Cheryl received an email from a complete stranger but in the end realized that our world is small and our God is HUGE.


My husband and I have traveled several times to Mexico since 2006. We became very close friends with a dear Mexican family and their adult children, particularly the beautiful, musically talented daughter Heather and her family. We've become close by walking with them through the darkest, toughest, most painful years of their lives. During this time Heather’s mom held fast to her faith in Jesus Christ.
Life kept crashing down around Heather and her mom but through the trials Heather kept a positive outlook. She left her verbally abusive husband and she became a single mother to her 3 kids aged 6, 8 and 13. Heather took her children to church with her mom, but she herself became like a boat without a rudder. Two years ago Heather got involved with another man and had her 4^th child.


FAST FORWARD:
On April 28 of this year Heather was suddenly taken from her home by force, by the police and she's been in the Ensenada prison ever since. The wheels of Mexican Justice have been extremely slow, or non-existent, but God IS working behind the scenes. Since Heather’s incarceration, I've been in contact with her mom every 2-3 weeks. We do not have the means to bail her out, so we trust God and his perfect timing. We are trusting God to do His greater purpose and to do His perfect work in Heather, even behind the prison walls. Through all of this, we have seen several amazing "God-happenings". For example, very late one night, I was praying and crying for her. I asked God to wrap Heather in His arms right then and there, even if through a dream, to give her a reassurance of His care for her children.



A few days later, Heather’s mom reported that Heather had called her and said, “Mom, please don't worry about me! My heart has become much calmer, and I have real peace from God. God has put His peace in my heart! I had a dream of God holding me and my kids in his strong hands. The peace and the love that I felt was so strong that I began to sing to God. He has given me HIS reassurance that my children are in His hands, and are going to be OK! I sing all the time now, songs about God's care and salvation and His mercy and love. The women here ask me to sing so that they are able to relax and sleep. They ask me to pray with them and sing for them. We read the Bible together. Don't worry about me - I am singing and praying with women, and God has given me His comfort and peace, His tranquility, right here!" [This was mid-May.]




 ALL THIS TO SAY: On Monday, August 10, I connected with Heather’s mom. She was happy to report that she and the kids finally got to see Heather on Sunday [August 9]. Heather gave her mom a certificate for safe keeping. It was a Certificate of Baptism.  Heather said that she had been baptized during the past month!  What a delight for all of us to hear this and that it happened right there in the prison. Heather also told her mom that the decision to give her life to God was not another impulsive action but a real thought out decision.



This was my first time hearing that there were real Christian ministries serving within the prison! I was so intrigued by this that when I spoke with Heather’s mom, I had to ask her about the Baptism Certificate. She looked closely at the fine print on the bottom of the page and it said "bautizado por Celebremos La Recuperacion". Heather’s description helped reassure me that this was not an off-shoot cult group doing this in the prisons. I spent the better part of last night, and this evening, googling and learning about Celebremos La Recuperacion, all this to say THANK YOU for your ministry there. We're praising God for your partnership with Him in working inside the prison. I'm so glad I got to learn so much more about ministries in our beloved Mexico! The "Amazon Prison Ministry Wish List" and "Chad cutting toothbrushes" helped remind us, here in our comfort, of Heather’s reality! We needed that.


Blessings,
Linda & Nick



*names have been changed to protect their identity*

Road to Recovery, Fifth Edition

Dear Ministry Partners,

I want to share a couple of verses from Psalm 33 that are dear to my heart. This is a little reminder to me that I serve a powerful God who has all things under control. Be encouraged!

Psalm 33: 4-6
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

WHAT?!?!  Oh yeah, you read that right. Our God breathed out stars!!!  Seriously, what a mighty God we serve.

Your Sister in Christ,

Jody

                                        From left to right: Sandra, Lorena, Cheryl and Karla

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20

These four ladies have taken the Great Commission seriously and have been called to "therefore go" into the Ensenada Women's Prison and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them. They pour out love each week on the women they endearingly refer to as "Our Girls" on the inside.  Please pray for Cheryl, Karla, Lorena and Sandra as they are on the front lines of ministry.

A testimony from one of “Our Girls” on the inside: Paula

I would like to share a story with you before I share our next prayer requests. Recently we hosted a baptism ceremony in the Ensenada Prison.  Paula, one of "Our Girls" on the inside was baptized. Paula came to know Jesus personally through the Celebrate Recovery program ... here is her story.

My past is filled with severe physical, emotional and sexual abuse including being violated by my own brothers. My mom eventually sold me to a man where the abuse continued. My life was filled with fear, anger, resentment, rage and revenge.  The day came when I could no longer stand the injustice carried out against me and I murdered my brother and another person.
I was sent to prison. Attending the Celebrate Recovery program I wrote out my inventory and came face to face with my need to forgive and be forgiven. I wept as I shared my story with the Celebrate Recovery group. I felt guilt and condemnation for carrying the blood of others on my hands. That guilt and condemnation are now in the hands of Jesus because I know that I am forgiven and set free.

Seven women walked through the waters of baptism. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness as "Our Girls" on the inside experience His love and forgiveness.

~the face of "Our Girl" has been blurred and her name has been changed for her protection~

God is doing a tremendous work in the prison and other areas where we take the Celebrate Recovery program. Paula’s story is just one of many we hear week after week.  We get to see first-hand Gods amazing grace and mercy as He heals the brokenness of his people in Mexico.


We need your prayers! We have other correctional institutions and churches asking for the program. In order to expand the Recovery Ministry we need prayer.

 -Pray for our Recovery Team for wisdom as we prepare to set up Celebrate Recovery training and a conference so we can prepare more leaders and facilitators

-Pray for more monthly donors and one time large gifts so we can expand the ministry. (the Recovery Ministry reserve account needs to be built up significantly to facilitate the growth of the ministry)

-Pray for God to touch the hearts of others to join our weekly prayer team. This ministry was birthed on prayer and needs to continue being bathed in prayer. (contact us for more information)

-Pray for Paula and others like her that they will continue to press into God and find healing from their brokenness.

International Gospel singer Nancy Unsworth 

shared her powerful testimony during the baptism event. 

She also sang for "Our Girls" on the inside. What a blessing!

Rae-Ann gives out gift bags to "Our Girls" on the inside after the baptism event.

You too could be involved in meeting the needs of "Our Girls" on the inside by visiting our 

Amazon Wish List.  

NOTE: Mexican prisons do not provide toiletries to the inmates.

We believe that God desires to bring hope to the people of Mexico. He sees the depth of their suffering and has not turned a deaf ear to their cries to be released from the cycles of violence, abuse, depression, victimization, neglect, poverty and hopelessness. We believe that the Celebrate Recovery program can be used as a tool to help transform Mexico into a nation filled with the hope of Jesus Christ.   Thanks for joining us in prayer.

 Our first ever wedding at Celebrate Recovery. Eduardo and Elizabeth found healing from their hurts, habits and hang-ups through the CR program.  While they still face struggles they are united together with Christ walking the road of recovery as husband and wife.

International Gospel Singer Nancy Unsworth joined our Recovery Ministry team 
hosting a concert at Calvary Chapel Rosarito as well and in various 
other ministry sites including the Ensenada Prison.

Would you pray about becoming a financial partner in the Recovery Ministry?  We need $1000 of monthly support to meet the needs of the ministry. Currently we are at 40% of our monthly financial needs. Your monthly commitment of $25, $50, or $100 per month will enable us to meet those needs and expand.

If you feel that God is calling you to come along-side the Recovery Ministry please click on the "to make a donation" button at the top of this page.  The link will take you to the YUGO Ministries website where you can join our team online - please indicate RECOVERY MINISTRY when donating.  If you have any questions regarding the donation process please contact us.   

Thank you for walking with us down this road of recovery, 

for praying for us and for encouraging us.

Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!  Revelation 7:12

 

A testimony from one of "Our Girls" on the Inside: Sharlene

SHARLENE'S TESTIMONY

My name is Sharlene and I am a believer in recovery struggling with the old me because I want to be a new being.

My life before recovery was difficult, I did not appreciate the gift that life gave me; I did not value my life as I should have and did not recognize the fears of my heart. In other words, I was the kind of person that walked without faith, I did not understand many things in life and I could not express my feelings. My relationship with God in that time was distant and I only cried out to him when I was in trouble.
I kept others at a distance and I treated others the way they treated me. The lowest point in my life came when I started using drugs and I allowed someone to physically abuse me. Because  of the mess that my life had become I ended up in prison.

One day I heard someone speaking about the Celebrate Recovery program and I signed up.  Since I’ve started working on the Steps and Principles of the program I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I’ve learned how to pray.  CR has helped me to become a better person, allowed me to recognize my fears and insecurities. I’m no longer in denial. Since I started working on my recovery I find it easier to communicate with others and I am able to confidently share about God’s truth and what He has done in my life.  I am learning to love others in the same way that God loves me. My life has changed completely.  I know that God is with me all the time and I am convinced that my strength comes from Him. I appreciate what is going on in my life now and I am able to encourage others to give their lives to God.

**names have been changed to protect identity**

Road to Recovery, Fourth Edition

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time,
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You in the next.  Amen

 

 

On May 25th we went into the Ensenada Women's Prison with the Baker family.  Not only were we able to share the Word of God, we also had the opportunity to do some creating with "Our Girls" on the inside with this awesome new craft.  Who would have thought rolling little pieces of paper could turn into something so beautiful.

  

Celebrate Recovery in Canada:

Have you ever been an answer to prayer?

     My introduction to Celebrate Recovery and Prison Ministry began with a short term missions trip in July 2014. I felt called to join our church team and headed to Mexico to build houses.
     I volunteered to be a part of the team that went into the prison; it was their Celebrate Recovery Graduation Day and I was asked to share my testimony. I felt safe and accepted at the Ensenada Prison by the “Ladies on the inside".  A stirring in my heart started.
     Returning to Canada I spent much time in prayer; I had never considered prison ministry before. I told my sister-in-law that I was interested in prison ministry, she gave me the name of a lady to connect with.  Volunteer training took place and I became a co-mentor with a young Bible College student, Kristen. 'Triangles' was the name of the program where two Christian ladies come alongside an inmate and disciple her.  We discipled our girl from October until January - she was paroled to another city. I felt God moving me in the direction of Celebrate Recovery as I remembered how impacting it was for the Mexican ladies. I found a local church who offered the CR program and started attending.

One night I mentioned the reason why I was attending, not only to grow personally but also to observe how CR was run so that Kristen and I could bring it into the prison.  A lady quickly handed me a note and said to meet her later on.  She had been praying for two people to lead CR at the minimum security prison. PRAYER ANSWERED!

     I now serve as a co-facilitator of Celebrate Recovery in the minimum security prison. The joy I feel at the growth I see in our girls is hard to contain.
Thank you for letting me share.
Sherry 

A word about Donating Items:

Did you know that the Mexican prison does not supply any personal items such as shampoo, toilet paper and deodorant to the inmates?
Are you interested in helping to meet their needs?
We have an Amazon Wish List where you can go online and purchase items. These items will be sent directly to our National City office which is right across the border from us.  This means that your donated items will be placed into the hands of those that need them quickly. It also means that you may go shopping whenever it is convenient for you.   

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

~ protection over our Prison Ministry Team as they minister every week.
~ protection over the facilitators in Celebrate Recovery as they meet with their small groups.
~ strength for "Our Girls" on the inside as they grow in their walk with the Lord
~ that God would raise up financial supporters for the Recovery Ministry.
~ continued growth in the girls that Sherry meets with every week.

And my God shall supply all your needs
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 

 

A testimony from one of "Our Girls" on the Inside: Laura

My name is Laura and I am a believer in Jesus who struggles with having a hard heart. My life before Christ was empty; I had no interest in knowing God. I lived in sin and the only thing that mattered to me was hurting others and using drugs. I isolated myself from the people I loved and I also cause much harm to my children. I was arrogant, full of pride and very hurtful. The lowest point in my life came when I started mistreating my children and then I got them involved in the bad things that I was doing. That’s what life was like when I came to prison. One day somebody shared with me about the Celebrate Recovery Program that when my recovery began. Now that I have a relationship with Jesus Christ I can tell you that there have been changes in my life. God gave me the grace to change; in my own strength this would have been impossible to achieve. With Jesus Christ and the help of Celebrate Recovery I have been able to gradually let go of the things that hindered my freedom. I have learned how to talk about my problems and how to trust others. I am able to interact with other people in a positive way and treat others with respect and love. I am also able to receive love and respect from others. Best of all, I have discovered and experienced true love, the love of God.

 

Today I am free of addictions, free of anger, resentment and evil thoughts. I know that by the grace of God I can say that I will not go back to being the woman I was before. I have learned to forgive and to ask for forgiveness when I hurt someone. Change was only possible after I gave God the chance to guide my life.  My life is so different now that God is in control. I love Him with all of my heart and day after day I put everything in his hands; my relationship with Him grows daily. I like to encourage others with what God has done in my life and I feel the responsibility to reflect what God has done in my life through my behavior and attitude towards the inmates and authorities here in prison. My desire now is to live for the glory of God.  

  

Thank you for letting me share.  God bless!

**names have been changed to protect identity**