Rancho Sordo Mudo Valle De Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico Reaching and teaching the deaf of Mexico for Jesus Summer is over and we are entering our 41st year of reaching and teaching the deaf children of Mexico for Jesus, and their families as well.
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they might. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart; Deuteronomy 6:5-6
During the summer, Marisol’s father called me to let me know that his wife was very sick with kidney failure, but that he was trusting in God and asked me to pray with him. A few weeks later, he called again to tell me his wife, Marisol’s mother, had just died. I could hear Marisol crying in the background and it broke my heart. He went on to say; “I know that we will see her in heaven again, because we all asked Jesus to forgive our sins and come into our hearts at the Ranch when you gave the invitation after the children’s Christmas play”. He continued, “I thank God that He has comforted us and will continue to comfort us during this difficult time.” Please pray for Marisol, her father and brother.
Over the years hundreds of deaf children have asked Jesus into their hearts and hundreds of parents have done the same here at the ranch. Each of you that have prayed, given, supported, and served here, all contribute to someone knowing Jesus. Thank you for your giving.
This year we expect to have a full house of students from all over Mexico. They have been showing up each day this week, all very excited to be back, eager to talk about what they did this summer. For some, after 3 months of not really having anyone to communicate with, it is a relief to be back among people who can understand them. Last years “end of school year ceremony” was a bittersweet one, we not only gave out achievement awards and school diplomas, but also shared a final day at the ranch with several students who were graduating and some staff who were leaving. Maria Elena came to us through social services here in Mexico about 10 years ago. She was very shy and sad; she had been living in an orphanage where they had shaved her head because it was easier than shampooing it for lice. She knew no sign language and she had never been in school. Over the years she matured into a fine young woman, she asked Jesus into her heart one special day, she was happy. She got an education, she was one of the quieter girls, hardly ever got in trouble, she has a heart problem that requires her to always take medicine, she is a neat kid. But now she is off, hopefully to become an example of Jesus to her peers, and become a productive citizen of Mexico. Pray for her.
Another graduate was Vania, she also came at a very young age. She is very smart, finished middle school at 15 and was studying high school via the internet. She is back in La Paz with her sister Gaby, who after 8 years decided it was time to go home and be with her mother for a while. They will both be missed.
The annual trip to San Felipe was another fun time as the children and staff played on the beach, went for boat rides, swam in the hotel pool and had a great time. Thank you Eddie and all those who gave to make the trip possible. So far 3 new students have arrived and we are expecting 3 more, pray that they will learn sign language quickly and learn about Jesus. I like seeing the new students come, they are the reason we are here.
Safety and Mexico: After the swine flu scare, the crime scare and the economy scare, we are still here! However, many visiting church groups have cancelled their visit to serve here. It is discouraging when that happens and our food supply is low due to the cancellations. We have been here for 40 years and God has taken care of us. I think all these things are just another tactic of the devil, used to discourage people from coming to bless us and be blessed. Trust in Jesus and come on down. If it was so bad we would not risk our families by living and traveling here. Here’s a photo of Howard with soldiers at a check point, see, their not so scary. (Howard and Janet are now serving the deaf in Guatemala, please pray for them).
Family reports: Luke Everett family After a tough couple years of struggling with back pains, pain medicine and staying motivated, I was able to take the summer off and seek alternate remedies for my back, and spend more time with God. I am now feeling the best I’ve felt in over two years. No longer on pain medicine, and feeling great. I have lots of speaking trips and movie screenings on the horizon so please pray for travel safety and my family while I am gone. Also my workload has increased due to the lack of senior staff, so please pray for strength, wisdom and the motivation to carry on, because sometimes it can be overwhelming. Lucas is attending Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley, California. He is a part of a four year biblical studies program. He is missed. Pray that God will provide for all his needs; specifically a small car and a job that will allow him the flexibility to still go to college. We thank God for a wonderful couple that has opened their home to Lucas to live while he is there at school. Thank you Thompsons! Joshua has officially joined the staff of RSM; he is the assistant to Johnny, the groups & projects coordinator. Sammy is in 3rd grade, and Josefina is as busy as ever, working as a mother, chapel teacher and all around helper wherever needed.
Ed Everett Jr. Family Eddie and his family are doing fine. The tightening of the border has complicated his life in some ways but he always seems to get the job done (unless it’s bringing a fire truck across the border.) Pray that he will be able to get it across soon. The well project is still on hold while we figure out where to “try again” and wait for new permits. He thanks all those who have been helping, offering advice, and praying for wisdom. Isabel is busy taking Eddie B. to school every day and sometimes staying in Ensenada with him. Keep her and her travels in your prayers. Cristina is still running the office and studying business administration and accounting in Ensenada. Steffie is still working at the ranch as wash lady and dads right-hand man (or woman).
The Hearing Everett movie continues to challenge lives and win awards. Please see www.hearingeverett.com for more information, news and screening dates. Also feel free to join the Hearing Everett community and leave your comments. Luke's book "Stepping Out in Faith" How God's plan for one family changed thousands of lives", is now available on audiobooks and digital books. You can order the book or audiobook from the Rancho Sordo Mudo web page www.ranchosordomudo.org.
Prayer needs:
We have a few leadership and staff positions open. Please pray for God to lead the people of His choosing.
For our students and staff as we all learn Mexican Sign Language.
Pray for rain we still need more. Pray for a new well.
Pray that peoples fear will ease. For groups to return and our food supply be increased.
