Baja Compassion Ministries

Important update for you, our supporters.

2011-10-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

THE PFINGSTONS WILL BE MOVING SOON!

With much prayer and consideration we are moving our home base to a small town in northern California. Though this will signify a reduced roll for us Pfingstons, Baja Compassion will continue on.

As God provides, the Pfingstons will make trips down into Baja California for hands on ministry; signing, helping, building and counseling. From our new location we will continue organizing retreats, and other administrative tasks, inline with the ministry and vision as

God leads.

PASTOR CARLOS SUAREZ CONTINUES IN ENSENADA

The deaf church and ministry continues to thrive under the care of Pastor Carlos in Ensenada, Mexico. Pastor Carlos will continue to work under the umbrella of Baja Compassion.

The Pfingstons are moving mostly due to Lonnie’s medical needs and insurance requirements.

You have been faithful in supporting the Pfingston family through Baja Compassion Ministry and we are extremely grateful! There is no way we could do this without you!

While we do not expect you to continue support for us, should you feel led to give elsewhere, we would like to reassure you that your donations will continue to be applied directly to the ongoing ministry of Baja Compassion in Mexico

Baja Compassion Ministries, from our new home base, will continue as a means for Pastor Carlos to receive financial support, and all donations to Baja Compassion are still tax deductible.

Our new corresponding address is:

Baja Compassion Ministries 1000 Lake Davis Rd Portola, CA 96122

Since the beginning of Baja Compassion Ministries our vision has aways been not only to interpret for the deaf - but to bring the deaf of Baja California into a fuller life in Jesus. An abundant life - rich in His blessing.

Through the years you’ve helped us reach and love the deaf of Ensenada. Now in this time of transition, we are excited for the ministry that is still to come!

We are so THANKFUL for all you! Blessings on you!

Sunday service for the deaf Sep 26th

2011-09-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to use some TECHNOLOGY! . . .

2011-08-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

it's my first time taking my laptop and recording Pastor Carlos - it's all in Mexican Sign Language. But I hope to be able to record and upload a higher quality video.

The deaf church has really been growing. They have moved from the little room they gathered in to the larger double sized room.

Also - Praise the Lord - Deaf Ministries Worldwide gifted Pastor Carlos with a new laptop and projector! That is what he is using in this teaching - it's WONDERFUL!

And if you do watch this video - I hope you see what we've been seeing - Pastor Carlos more at ease preaching. It's been a long road here - where before he seemed to not have his footing, now you see a confidant and sure pastor! It's wonderful to see.

I know it's because of the prayer support he receives -

Wanna support mission, eh?

2011-05-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

This young lady and her family have been a huge help with the deaf church that meets at Calvary Chapel Horizonte, when I heard she was going on her first missions trip to CUBA! I became excited to do what we could to help. So let me share her letter:

Hi my name in Nora Michel and I've been serving the lord for over two years. I decided to dedicate my life to Jesus and that's why I joined the Missions Ministry of Calvary Chapel Horizonte Ensenada. I received His call about a one year ago and since then I've been participating in various local missions’ events.

Today, God has opened the door to be part of a missions’ trip to Cuba in July!
The group will be in Cuba to support Calvary Chapel Havana & serve with the youth, children & women of the church and the area it serves. There are plans for a youth conference in Diezmero, several women's conferences in Havana and in the countryside as well as a children's summer program.

The group heading to Cuba consists of my friend Holly, our missions’ leader Lety and her daughter Monica and Tania Domingo, our Pastor's wife who will be blessing the Cuban ladies with several women's conferences.
As a team I know we will be truly blessed by the Lord and the plans He has for us and for the people of Cuba.

Our trip begins on July 21st where we fly from Tijuana to Mexico City for a 2 day Pastor's conference. On the 24th we fly from Mexico City to Havana. The plans are to spend time in the countryside of Camajuani to join the Calvary Chapel Downey Missions team and bless the people with Youth & Women's conference and then head back to Havana and spend a week with Calvary Chapel Havana serving and blessing them as well. On August 8th we fly back to Tijuana with a lifetime of memories & tremendous growth in the Lord.

I'd love to have your support in constant prayer! And if you desire to support financially, I'd appreciate your donation (:

*Make all checks payable to:
Horizonte Ministries
PO Box 1199
Bonita CA 91908

* All financial support is tax deductible.
* In memo section of check, please write: Nora Michel - CUBA MISSION 2011.

*Or you can find me in Calvary Chapel Horizonte!

Thank you for considering joining me in support for this trip for God's Kingdom.

Carlos Suarez trip to Ciudad Juarez

2011-05-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to see more pictures from Pastor Carlos's trip to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico for the pastor conference and to follow Pastor Carlos on Facebook Click Here

Pictures from Honduras

2011-05-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Lonnie will add commentary to these pictures as soon as I can pin him down . . .

Ciudad Juarez and the Deaf

2011-04-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

The town was Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico and it just happens to be among the worst affected parts of Mexico’s drug-related violence.

It also happens to be a place where the Deaf Pastor and Leaders Conference was being held.

After His wife passed away, leaving him with his two small children, Pastor Carlos seemed to be just keeping his head above water. But in this last year we are seeing him really get his footing. He is finding a maturity as a Pastor that is encouraging to see.

This conference was the first of it’s kind that he was able to attend in his history of being a Pastor.

You know how many other deaf pastors showed up?

None. Zip. Zero.

Just Pastor Carlos and the hosting Deaf Pastor and his church. Be it for fear or for distance - because really - how many deaf Pastors are there in all of Mexico? NOT ENOUGH!

But this translated into an intense meeting between God and Carlos, for a time of refreshment and edification

PRAISE GOD! He needed it!

And he has returned. Safe and sound, and recharged. It was a blessing!

And THANK YOU to all those that helped him afford the opportunity!

HE IS BACK~

2011-04-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

After to Haiti - Lonnie tells me - Honduras is the poorest country in the world.

Lonnie has returned from Honduras! Lonnie is well and happy to be home, but quite moved by his experience there.

He tells me that of the groups that came down while there, he knew the most spanish, so his spanish being as it may - he was the interpreter . . . .

His high school spanish teacher would be proud.

He did a lot of traveling in taxicabs as he was often sent out to find this part or other to build the orphanage - and Lonnie used that captive audience to share Jesus.

He says that the people's hearts are open to hearing. He doesn't know if anyone accepted Jesus as their savior, but as he was building a home for kids - he was also planting seeds for the Kingdom!

Look what Lonnie's doing!

2011-02-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to see the project Lonnie is working on in Honduras!

Bueno es alabar(LSM) ; Michelle Pfingston

2011-02-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

Update

2011-01-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

Lonnie will be going to Honduras to help build an orphanage in a town called Santa Barbara.

Yes, Baja Compassion Ministries will be helping Footsteps Missions from the beginning of February until the beginning of April.

You can remember mommy (Michelle) at home with the three kids in prayer if you like! :-)

Deaf women's Bible study will be starting up again January 11th.

And - our marvelous helper that we've had since last May, Gaby Suarez, will be going home Jan 18th . . . indefinitely. She is taking time to see what God wants from her. Where he wants her to be.

Naturally we'd LOVE her to stay with us - here working with the deaf in Ensenada - but we want her to follow God's leading as well.

SO- pray for God's clear leading ~~to stay here, come back!~~ in her life.

Guest Speakers Urge Deaf to Action

2010-12-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

We had guest speaker Eugene Gehm come down for a couple of Sundays to speak to the deaf congregation, encouraging the deaf to be witnesses for Jesus. Eugene and his wife Linda(also deaf) stay in contact with the deaf in Ensenada and are true encouragers!

If you’re interested in seeing his messages (in Mexican Sign Language) you can at HERE

Kelly Lynch, our guest speaker at the women's deaf retreat taught something similar; reflect Jesus and you affect people- God seems to be saying it's their turn, now, to rise up - And they do!

Rita blows me away with her understanding of God's character. You might remember the last news was them being persecuted by other deaf. Rita said that through it all she trusted Jesus to defend her and her husband, and He did! Officials fined the accusers for bringing up the unsubstantiated accusations!

The deaf retreat went GREAT and we had a few wii sport injuries, but mostly just a whole bunch of fun and spiritual growth.

Rosalba garcia has parents who are deaf, so she signs fluidly and just got her professional certification in mexican sign. She is an advocate for the deaf working with the municipal government and a believer - and very young - pray for this bundle of energy and her future!

Margarita - the deaf lady that suffered a stroke- is recovering and still suffers from side paralysis. She gets around with help, but holds tight to Jesus.

Digno y Santo (LSM); Michelle Pfingston.mp4

2010-09-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

The game is on!

2010-08-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's official!

me and Kelly

We are going to have a deaf women's retreat in October 22-24 . . .

YAY!

And our guest speaker (per request of the deaf ladies themselves) Kelly Lynch~(who also happens to be a personal favorite of mine)

YAY!

And we have just booked the beach house from Lantern Hill ministries . . .

YAY!

And now for the rest of the work. Could use your prayers and if you have any suggestions, or would like to volunteer to help . . . that would be AWESOME!

Could use your prayers

2010-08-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

One of our ladies - Margarita - suffered a stroke this week.

She suffers from paralysis on her right side.

In Heaven...

2010-07-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last week in the deaf women's bible study Antonia shared with us about her experience. She said "I dreamed that it was shaking and in the clouds I saw a big bright light coming down someone was there, and he was Jesus. I could not see well but I saw his light shining and he had his arms outstretched towards me, and he said he would take me with him to Heaven. Then an angel without wings came and stood besides me, encouraging me to go. And I was really happy because I would be in Heaven with Jesus'!
We rejoiced at hearing this because- despite that she can not read or write and has a limited vocabulary - she understands the Word of God because He expresses Himself to her! It is wonderful to see how God communicates through dreams, especially with deaf!

GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR US!

2010-07-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

In the women's bible we spoke of being beautiful in Christ's eyes and in attendance for the first time was Francis Lizbeth (for those who know her) she is not lovely by the world's standard and she was moved to tears.

She's been on a long path of doubts, confusions and sorrows. Her battle, lately, has been wanting to have a baby - without being married. Her desire is to be unconditionally loved and have constant companionship. God brought her at just the right time, and we spoke to her of HIS unconditional love and companionship!

Pray that she has clearly understood.

La historia de Cristo 1

2010-06-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Latest news!

2010-06-07T19:54:00.001-07:00

Let me open my heart with you for a moment.

Just a short time ago we seemed to be walking though the valley of the shadow of death. Pastor Carlos and his two young children recovering from his wife's’ death and Lonnie recovering from a kidney transplant and accompanying physical disabilities. Not to mention the tremendous emotional repercussions for all involved.

At times it was so hard for everyone in Baja Compassion to continue the work that had to be done, we were not even able to write. A good friend pointed out how absolutely essential it was to let you - the people who love and care about us - know how desperately we needed prayer. We did. Plus - we KNOW there are those who never STOPED praying and supporting us - even through our silence.

We write today to tell you GOD HEARD, HE ANSWERED and HE IS GOOD!

And we are IMMEASURABLY GRATEFUL!

With Virginia’s death (Pastor Carlos’s wife) we lost a huge pillar in the deaf women’s ministry. Now we have started up a deaf women’s bible study that meets every Tuesday afternoon in a small cafe in Ensenada. For several months it was just me and Rita, a lady that I would like to see rise up to take a leadership role among the deaf women. And we continued in faith - and now we have two more that regularly attend.

Antonia - a deaf lady that never had any scholastic training, does not read or write, and came to know Christ through our first deaf women’s retreat we had in 2007. Margarita is in her 50’s and she too has had no prior schooling and - in fact - is still grasping the hang of communication in sign language with a limited but growing vocabulary. It makes the teaching of this bible study a slow but - oh so - blessed time!

And we do not shy away from the deep truths. :-)

One more HUGE answer to prayer has been Gaby Suarez, with her precious 3mo old little girl, joining us at Baja Compassion! She is wonderfully qualified to help us in the office and in the ministry. She knows both Spanish and English, has 3 deaf siblings (Pastor Carlos being one of them!) so she signs very naturally both ASL and Mexican sign language and knows her way around a computer. SO PLEASED are we to have her here for the summer.

At the moment Gaby is seeking supporters for ministry here. If you feel lead to support Gaby at Baja Compassion Ministries just make a note of it somewhere with the gift, and we’ll make sure that it gets to her. The same goes for Pastor Carlos.

Ever Thankful for YOU!

OH! I almost forgot - Lonnie is doing SO much better - we are more than overjoyed! Keep praying for him!

In spite of me.

2010-03-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

As I write this I'm sniffling and sneezing. My eyes itch, my nose is running, my skin is crawling, my head feels painful and heavy - and I'm running a low grade fever. A bad case of allergies.

I certainly didn't want to go and lead our deaf women's bible study. I wanted to stay in bed. But Rita (deaf) and I have been meeting for about 5 or 6 months now and just recently we've been joined by one more deaf woman - Maragrita. So I prep lightly and head out, praying that God use me- in spite of myself.

Wouldn't you know we had two new ladies show up!

And it was tricky - out of the 4 deaf ladies there only one can read a bit. Two have had no schooling whatsoever so even their sign language vocabulary is limited. The third had been taught a type of pidgin american sign language and only knew a limited amount of mexican sign language.

As you can imagine the lesson went slowly - and I had a couple of times where I would go into defining an idea (like - who was moses, what is a Pharisee) and lose my train of thought- COMPLETELY! So again, I just pray that God was able to use me - in spite of myself.

Funny side note: I was sneezing before we started, and as soon as we closed in prayer I started sneezing agin. But all during the lesson I didn't have to use a kleenex, not once.

I hope the ladies were blessed and went away with something and I pray they did.

It's in God's hand now. I'm just thankful I didn't give in to what I wanted but went anyway.

How about praying for these ladies that attended today? Thanks.

From Pastor Carlos

2010-02-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends.

Praise God! Our family is very good and I thank for your prayers for us. Please continue to pray faithfully to God as he works in my life. My children grow taller and continue well in their schools. Leilani, she is 8 years old and Jeremiah is 5.

Our ministry with Calvary Chapel deaf Horizonte (Calvary Chapel Ensenada). Deaf people continue to respond to God's words. Their hearts grow spiritually. We average approximately deaf 20 on Sundays, for Bible study and some deaf by Wednesday where we are currently studying 1 John. Even some hearing people have been attending our services. They learn both about deaf culture and the preaching of mine.

I teach Mexican Sign Language (LSM) on Tuesdays. Our interpreters, Michelle Pfingston, Yesenia Beckman and Elvia Gaxiola love singing with sign language. Michelle, Yesenia and I meet on Friday to go over and discuss interpretation for the worship songs. My hearing friend, Jose Michel, who is a student of the LSM class is interested in helping the deaf. Jose has been video recording my teaching of LSM. If you are interested in seeing these videos please see our website: www.sordomudoyciego.blogspot.com (also www.cchorizonte.org) Pray for God touches the hearts of some more hearing to join with us minister to the deaf.

Blessings to you all!
Carlos Suarez

About Lonnie

2009-01-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

The good news is that God answers prayers!

Amen?

AMEN!

You all prayed and the surgery was a success!

8 days later Lonnie was able to attend my brothers long anticipated wedding with no problems.

He looks better, feels better and let me tell you - the kidney is doing a great job because he's having to take potty breaks more often than our own little ones!

Thank you all for praying.

December's newsletter

2008-12-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

Moving forward

I’m taking our worn down mini –van down the dirt and rock road, on my way home from interpreting at a bible school for our deaf Pastor Carlos. I bottom out a few times, but it goes with the territory and my mind wanders to the bumpy road it’s been since our last letter to you in May. *whew*

Like the road, it’s been rough. It’s the first anniversary of when Carlos lost his wife-my best friend- and he was left with his two young children and a small but growing deaf congregation—Many people ask how he is doing. He is moving forward and keeping so busy that he is perpetually exhausted.
Then, during our summer trip, Lonnie got so bad, he was continuing to lose weight and had no strength or energy—It got real scary, and he was hospitalized a couple of times -so we had to look at some serious questions about whether or not we could move forward too.

Before

Out of necessity, the deaf ministry was scaled down during this time so we could focus on family,-but the ministry continues. When we are not at doctor appointments we’ve been busy with interpretations, Sunday worship, continuing to meet with Pastor Carlos on a weekly basis and being a help to him as much as possible, and we’ve set a tentative date for our next deaf women’s retreat for April.

After

The good news is God answers prayers and on January 9th Lonnie is scheduled to receive a kidney from his brother Kerry from Missouri. We anticipate at least three months of recovery—but after that everyone expects a full recovery and Lonnie will go back to being “normal” again—at least as normal as Lonnie ever was. ;-)

Lonnie’s brother is sacrificing more than his kidney. So Lonnie and I are raising funds to cover some of his lost wages—if you’d like to help- please make a check out to Baja Compassion with a note or memo indicating that it is for Kerry.

We ask that you cover Lonnie and the family- extended and otherwise -in prayer during this time!

Thanks all!

A baby boy born.

2008-08-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

OK - I'm cheating since I didn't think to pull out my camera the last two times Rita came by with her new baby boy (Born August 6) - but little Nelson looks very much like his sister pictured here.

And Rita looks just as happy!

She went to church on Sunday (amazingly, and against all the cultural norms here! A mere 4 days after her boys birth) and then she came over afterwards and I had the honor of teaching her how to nurse her baby.

This is her third baby and she formula feed her others. She said that she tried to ask the nurse in the hospital for help but they couldn't do it. They tried, apparently, and failed. But, really, they were quick learners and the baby latched on with just a few adjustments.

2007-2008 in review

2008-06-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

From the Pastor

2008-06-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

CC Horizonte deaf ministry. The deaf congregation continues to grow with a faithful attendance of about 25 people, and that has been the amazing hand of God! Also, God is working in the hearts of the hearing congregation of CC Horizonte and they to are starting to join with us! I truly believe that God has used Virginia’s passing to capture the attention of our deaf. Before they believed that they had plenty of time, and now we see a change in their attitude, aware now that their life is a gift and they may be called to account for it at any time.

The deaf are learning so much, yet we come into the same difficulty that they get caught up in the difficulty they have to read and understand the bible. My heart really wants to make a Mexican Sign Language (LSM) bible on video. It’s very needed because the deaf culture doesn’t just pick up and use books like the hearing culture does. To pick up and read a bible to study it is a foreign idea. They are much more visual and pictures and videos are an easy means of obtaining information. But I find myself so overwhelmed and my energies spent. Plus, there are some signs in LSM I don’t know, so I don’t feel my vocabulary is up to par. I really need your prayers in this area.

Likewise, the deaf being so visually tuned, I have a great need for a laptop with a portable projector so that I can make my studies on the computer and then project them onto a screen, and make the lessons more accessible and comprehensible to the deaf.

Nevertheless it’s exciting; right now 4 hearing people from the church are learning about deaf culture, learning sign language and little by little are getting involved, hopeful to help with interpretation in the future! These 4 have been faithful to Tuesday night sign class which I teach. I teach this class at no cost, no profit to myself, it is a ministry for such a time as this.

I have a praise God for our group of about 40 people, both hearing and deaf, that went to Rancho Sordo Mudo two weeks ago. 40! That was an awesome show of support and it was a very pleasant time enjoyed by all. We hope that it touched them and inspired them with the need to GO! Praise God.

Family: with Virginia gone I’ve been grappling with the question “Now what.” Where we live the house is too big for me. Yet I don’t want to leave Ensenada, move to another place, no, instead me and my family will continue to live here. Because the deaf are here, and the ministry goes on. So please be praying for us, that God leads us to another house that we can afford and the right size. Meanwhile I am learning how to be a single parent, and what they say is true, it is not easy! With my attentions going towards the children and trying to continue with the ministry here, I’m finding I need to relearn my balance . . . like learning to walk again.

Leilani and Jerimias? Leilani continues at school, and now Jerimias has joined her. I have explained to both of them that their mother has gone to heaven. Still, they both will come to me to ask question about their mother. Leilani understand her mom is in heaven, although she misses her greatly. And she will go through highs and lows. But Jerimias will come to me again and again asking where mom is. So again and again I explain that she went to heaven, and then he comes back with the question “mom went to heaven” . . . ah yes, he is 3 and will be 4 in August, so the understanding will come, it’s just taking some time.

I can not thank you enough for the generous support you have shown towards me and my family. It has been a struggle and your generous giving has been lifesaving. Please continue to pray for this support to continue, I am tempted to get a job, but I just don’t know how I would be able to fit it in. I would appreciate, if you feel that God is sharing something with you to share with me, please feel free to tell me. And again thank you all, and do not stop praying now! We have only just begun.

So . . . what is going on?

2008-06-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have our first group come down!

They are expected this last week in June.

With them we are busy planning a surprise baby shower for Rita (deaf) who is due with her third baby in August and her husband (also deaf) is out of work.

Also we are going to have a deaf BBQ social open to all the deaf around . . . I'm really hoping that we see some new faces then!
It is just so exciting -

Oh, and one more thing before we go - I just relayed a call for Rita's husband to inquire about a job and they said that he should come down, fill out an application and they have interpreters there standing by !!!!

So he is on his way now.

Go ahead, cover him in prayer. He needs the job.

*UPDATE*
I am so excited about this; Mario (Rita's husband) just got back, and he said that he got the job! And those other interpreters? A hard of hearing young man who is a close friend of ours! How cool is that?!
God be praised.

Our May newsletter

2008-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

A new face was in church last Sunday. A young man maybe about 13, tall, skinny, curly black hair. He was with his dad, who seemed to know a few signs. This young deaf youth seems to know less. You could tell he was a bit shy about being with us.

I wonder if this is the same young man that was mentioned to me by another mother from my daughter’s school. I gave my sign language book away to be given to this youth and his family. They didn’t want to send him to the residential deaf school near by, and instead, tried to mainstream him without the help of an interpreter—only now they are hitting a wall, because he seems to be getting nowhere. Praise God he’s here now!

It’s a “Praise God” post folks!

The deaf congregation is growing every week! And the interest that the hearing congregation is starting to grow. A couple is studious in learning sign, and wanting to take a part in the deaf congregation a little bit, more and more, and there are others . .

The deaf women's retreat was such a blessing to all! Yamile Grey from Washington state was our guest speaker full of God’s Spirit and a heart, which she left here when she went back. We were 11 in all. And thanks to Grace of Seal Beach we were able to treat these ladies to a special treat out at a fancy restaurant to tie into our theme of “Come, Dine with Me.” (thank you!) We were able to minister to new Christians in the faith, and minister to some old hurts—God’s grace was abundant!

Plus we have started our deaf women’s bible study that meets in our home, sometimes Yamile leads the study via web cam! Yamile signs so fast that her hands are often a blur! So full of God’s passion! What a blessing!

And suddenly it is summer. In June we are busy making preparations with a visiting church group. Among other things, we are planning a barbeque outreach to reach more deaf in the area. Then we are planning our trip up North to visit friends, family and churches. Sharing what God is doing here and catching up with everyone . . . We are so excited! If you are interested in us sharing with your church, let us know!

Carlos and his family are doing well. His little 6 year old girl has had the hardest time with the loss of her mother, but she lead her class in a signed song for a public performance last Sunday. When I spoke to her teacher afterwards, her teacher said that she really started to come back to life as she was able to teach those around her sign. So please keep them in prayer.

when God fills in the gaps

2008-03-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Often - and I do mean often - I feel like I am barely getting by.
You know, that you are doing so many things that you are doing little well.
Well, every since my friend Virginia passed away, my efforts towards the deaf women's retreat have been half hearted.
She was my co-conspirator - ya know?

Enough people wanted the women's deaf retreat to happen that I quite literally trudged on. This time planning with a co-missionary interpreter, Yesenia. She also is a mother to three young boys. So between that mother and this one, I'd say our planning and organization could best be described as "winged".

But you know, God filled in every gap where we missed it . . . . the speaker, Yamile Grey, was a deaf, on-fire, spirited Colombian who really really had a heart for these ladies.
We had 7 women come - so including us (Yamile, Yesenia and myself) we were 11. That is Grrreat, really!

The place right on the ocean was beautiful, and God really anointed the classes.
It was thrown together, but came out beautifully.

One special note, back when Virginia and I were first planning this we had said that if we could get a church to sponsor it we'd like to surprise all the ladies to a fancy dinner since our theme was "Come dine with Me."

After she passed away I was able to get that sponsoring so then my next task was to find a restaurant to take them to. I was blessed to be able to work a deal with what in downtown Ensenada is considered one of the more fancy-er places to eat "El Rey Sol". French/Mexican cuisine and french decor - The women LOVED IT! They said they felt like queens!

They kept taking pictures of the entrees as they came in.

I took a moment and pointed out that this is exactly what Virginia had hoped for them. And although we wish she where here with us, we knew she was at a banquet much finer than this . . .

Yesenia said "Thanks for making us cry, Michelle"

It was a blessed time.

Now for pictures!

There is one picture thrown in here of a close up of me - very non-flattering - it is a shot of an allergic reaction I had to who-knows-what that made my eyes swell up. The picture is actually of me doing better, but you can still see the puffiness . . .
And the baby is mine. The only guy allowed on this trip because he's still nursing.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

From the Pastor

2008-03-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

First and foremost I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the great support in both monetary form and in the much desired prayer! And also the support via the kind words, your comfort, your shows of your care for me, this ministry and my family . . .

The time from when my beloved Virginia got sick until her death was a mere 56 days.

On December 14 she went to bed with a very bad head ache. At about 8:30 the next morning, December 15th, after a restless night where the head ache did not go away, she was making her way to the bathroom and fell unconscious.

My family, my friends, my church and several different groups help me to pay for the medical cost and other expenses. Virginia’s mother came to stay by Virginia’s side and help care for her.

During this time there was a man who came by selling tamales. He is a regular to our door, coming every Saturday, and a Christian too. We’d communicate by writing our messages back and forth – but he had an interest in learning sign, so Virginia and I would teach him some sign language whenever he came by.

He was able to share with Virginia’s mother about Jesus. Since she does not know sign, our attempts had fallen . . . well - on deaf ears, or more accurately, a deaf heart. It had been a long time prayer of Virginia’s for her salvation, and this man was able to lead her to Christ! When I told Virginia about this, at that time Virginia was able to sign with one hand, and she said “No, you lie!” When I assured her I was not, Virginia was so happy!

Then my daughter had her 6th birthday January 15th, and we carried the cake into the room where Virginia was and showed her the cake, and blew it out with our little family crowded around Virginia’s bed.

Also my wife had her birthday on the 31st of January. It was amazing to see how many friends came, both hearing and deaf! Our home was PACKED with well wishers! Unfortunately, she was in a great deal of pain. 4 days later she spiked a high fever and was vomiting. It was now the 4th of February and we took her to the general hospital.

Oh! so many things went wrong at this point . . . and as she worsened we had her moved, with Rancho Sordo Mudo’s director Luke Everett’s help, to a private hospital where she would get better care. That was Thursday afternoon. On Saturday the 9th of February she died.

We would have celebrated 9 years of marriage on the 20th of February.

2008-01-09T19:06:00.001-08:00

Update on my dear friend Virginia.
She got a feeding tub put in her nose today.
She's not out of the woods yet.
And I am working on the deaf women's retreat. I should be working with her and every moment, every decision that I'm making, and all the planning makes me miss her more.
She would be so glad to hear how well things are falling into place.
We have a guest speaker coming. Her name is Yamile Grey.
There is a good possibility that we will be having the retreat here!
Now to raise funds for a surprise for the ladies at the end of it, and air fare for our guest speaker. . .
Virginia needs to be a part of this.
Keep praying!

Update on Virginia

2007-12-18T21:48:00.000-08:00

Virginia is still in coma and her family is only allowed to visit her for 5 minutes at a time. This is to protect others and Virginia as well.
We are waiting to hear the results of the test to find out which kind of Meningitis she has, either bacterial or viral. From what we understand, bacterial meningitis is the more severe and life threatening. They are treating her for this until they get the results back. It should take about three days.
Thank you for your continued prayers!

Urgent prayer request for Virginia

2007-12-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

This is an urgent prayer request that is being posted by a friend of Michelle (via my computer since hers is still not working).
A dear friend of ours, Virginia Suarez (deaf pastors' wife) had been sick for a few days and on Sunday morning she passed out and has only woken up once since. She is still in a coma at this time. The Doctors say that she is dehydrated and that her sodium and potasium levels are very low. They had originally diagnosed her with diabetes but they just rediagnosed her with menengitis.
As you can imagine this has really shaken up their family. Her husband's mother is visiting for the holidays and is able to be the mediator at the hospital and make sure she is getting the best care. She will be having a neurologist come and check Virginia in the morning and if she is not getting proper care she will be asking for her to get a transfer to a better hospital.
We covet your prayers for her.
1.For her to wake from coma and for the doctors to effectivly treat the correct problem.
2. That she would be getting the best possible care.
3. For the family, her husband Carlos and the two kids. For their peace and comfort during this time.
4. For their financial situation. They do not have any insurance and do not have the resources to handle a situation like this.
Thank you so very much!

For I know the plans I have for you.

2007-11-28T11:56:00.001-08:00

As most of you know, Lonnie is on peritoneal dialysis. His kidney's failed about 3 years ago. We have praised our Lord for peritoneal dialysis because it allowed us to continue to serve here in Mexico.

But now we need prayers for clear vision, since Lonnie's numbers are not so hot (to put it mildly), the doctors threatens that he may need to go back to hemodialysis. That would be 3 times a week and a full days worth of recovery, since it wipes him out. Also, it's painful for my needle-phobe hubby.

Admittedly, Lonnie could do a whole lot better if he just took all his meds and ate right, so now he is really really trying, but it is his weak spot-that's for sure- and all my loving nagging wouldn't help one bit.

As it is, the doctors want to see him twice a week to give him shots to boost his red blood cells, since they are particularily low. This makes him animic, which makes him easily tired.

This has the potential to change things

a lot of things

So the prayer request is this: ". . . asking God to fill [us] with the knowledge of his will. . ." Col 1:9

For I know the plans I have for you.

2007-11-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

The deaf church of Ensenada

2007-10-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Good news!
Last Sunday there were 28! people in attendance.
Doesn't sound like much, I know, but we have had about 10 people come on average before . . . so the numbers have more than doubled.
And almost all of them need Jesus, or training in the Christian walk!
Isn't it wonderful . . . .
It is wonderful to ~~hear~~ see their many questions, its even more delightful when you see them amazed at who Jesus is, or what he has done for them.

So, here are some pictures of some faces we are beginning to see in regular attendance . .

2007-10-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

The Suarez family stopped by yesterday. Not an unusual occurrence, they wanted to know if they’d received any mail? Did we get them the milk they needed?, and just to visit . . .

Oh, yes, and tomorrow morning Carlos will need an interpreter for a meeting. Did we still plan on meeting for worship song practice this Friday and when did Lonnie want help for some of his projects?

Also lets talk about starting a bible study on Saturdays for the ladies, Carlos is going down for a deaf rights march in town, are we going to be there? and there are so many deaf couples and people to continue praying for . . . . .

· Newly saved Manuel and his wife are struggling—
· Jose and his wife are getting divorced - How painful for them and their 4 kids
· Jorge and Dana we haven’t seen or heard from them in a while . . .

But Praise God! We’ve had two more come to receive Christ last Wednesday! And that the camera Carlos needed along with a computer for editing has come through so he can start working on his vision of creating Christian deaf DVD’s . . . So exciting!

All this plus the blessed addition to our family—Alexander Paul was born by cesarean September 17th. Again, Michelle’s recovery was quick and relatively painless (thanks for the prayers!) so that meeting mentioned earlier? With 2 week old Alex in a sling, Michelle was able to interpret for Carlos. And this Sunday she’s back in the signing worship mode . . .

The Lonnie file:

2007-10-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

An update of the projects Lonnie has been working on:

Casa de Porvenir drug rehab center—They’ve been out there starting the laying out of the buildings and roads. They just had a group come down and help finish up a septic tank and leech lines. They just started their center in August with a couple of guys. At the same time their director Carlos Carrion had just become a full time Mexican missionary. Lonnie warned Carlos that he will work harder and longer than he has ever done before as missionary director. Something Lonnie lives out now with our ministry and is enjoying doing so every day.

Church of Porvenir— New 3,000 gal. septic tank and leech lines. One of the big problems that Mexico has is with their sewer systems. One blessing that Lonnie’s Engineering background has really helped out in is the design and installation of septic tanks. Praises to God after this one is finished it will be the 3rd system built with a 4th system planned to be built later this year.

Children’s Ministry building—Olive Tree ministry just had a group down and we were able to get the plumbing roughed-in and get some detail framing completed in order to start sheet rocking as God provides.

The other day Lonnie was working with William, one of the gentlemen at the Casa de Porvenir drug rehab center and a new Christian. William said usually when he “helps” people they just give him the broom or shovel, Lonnie had him working on the piping and with great appreciation William said that Lonnie was the first guy to teach him as he worked.

It is our privilege to be working here in Ensenada every day in everyday things . . . Where Christ is working in their lives and we do our part to nurture His work. We put our life out to His service even though it may seem non-glamorous. Doing our part so that His will be done - His kingdom be furthered.

Our privilege!

An answer to prayer!

2007-08-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone . .

Anyone?

With Lonnie going crazy on different projects and me trying to get ready for a new baby I've been letting some thing slide, like this blog . . . My apologies!

Anyway, I am EXCITED to let you know that, if you recall the prayer posted here about Pastor Carlos getting a camera and computer to make Mexican Sign Language DVD's . . . . IT'S HAPPENING!

I just got done translating for him on the use of the camera! It's easy too . . .we are so thrilled, and soon he will be getting a computer for editing that will be kept at the church . . .

We Praise God!

So, now, pray that Pastor Carlos gets hopping - cause it is a needed thing!!!!

Here we are . .

2007-07-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

It's been an active time. Lonnie continues to work on several drafting projects and construction in Porvenir for several people.

And jobs keep lining up.

So much so that we are considering finding land to build our own home somewhere a little closer to where all his projects are.

I would continue to work with the deaf here in Ensenada, interpret on Sundays and other situations, but what I do isn't a day to day commute like what Lonnie does, and if the deaf need me to make phone calls they usually can text message me or instant message.

No matter what, though we would like to purchase land for ourselves.
Also, since Lonnie's work projects are lining up, he is looking for either a volunteer or a student to teach his drafting and construction skills that could help him out.

And so we ask your prayer for guidance and God's leading to a "promised land" :-)

We are blessed to be working for the family of God.

LSM at Rancho Sordo Mudo

2007-07-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

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This is the children at Rancho Sordo Mudo during their graduation. They signed a song in (mostly) Mexican Sign Language.

Although they are taught a sort of American Sign Language (ASL) with a Spanish twist, they are now beginning to start to teach them Mexican Sign Language (LSM). But the trouble is that the volunteers at the school are mostly American. The school resources and signing resources are mostly for ASL so it is difficult to find volunteers capable to teach them sign in LSM.

But it is changing, slowly, but surely. Because the signs are different - with similarity's sure, but different nonetheless.

Still, we (and they) are grateful to learn ANY type of sign to communicate and then learn the 3 R's and finally but most importantly . . . about Jesus. That sign is the same in LSM or ASL.

In the trenches again!

2007-05-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Lonnie has been digging trenches for the sewer lines for Ventana Ministry lately!

It's hot,

It's dirty,

but he is never happier then when he is able to use his skills for others.

1 Peter 4:10

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

After a good days work!

The rehabilitation center.

2007-05-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

This month has been busy with a rehab center that Lonnie has been asked to design and help build. He's been out in his 'classroom' working on drawings and measurements every time he has felt good enough to work.

To keep in prayer, he hasn't been feeling 100%, and we have been watching that closely, but could still use your prayers.

In the meantime, I thought you would like a visual of what we do here:

God's Roof -Children's Minstry Project

2007-04-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

God's Roof - Children's Ministry Project Porvenir, B.C. Mexico

What happens when you build something on faith? Things end up the way God wants it which is not always the way we had envisioned them. These pictures tell it all.

We were blessed with free roofing material for our project. This is the finished roof for one of our projects. I call this our rainbow roof. We were blessed with a high school group who helped us lay the shingles.

One side is a rainbow and the other side has three different type of shingles. The awesome thing about this a perfect example how God often provides in our lives. We wait around praying for what we want and God provides what we really need not necessarily what we want.

P.S. the eaves are 20' to the ground. Praise God no one got hurt!

You've all been praying, haven't you!

2007-04-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled, thrilled to tell you what happened on Sunday.

A miracle before my eyes.

Our deaf pastor, Carlos, asked me on Sunday to be his interpreter with a meeting he wanted to have with the Calvary Chapel of Ensenada Pastor Juan Domingo .

In the meeting with Juan he explained about his video making vision, to make videos in Mexican Sign Language of the Bible, some devotional DVDs and preachings. Barely had Carlos gotten the words out "I want to make DVD videos for the deaf in sign" when Juan Domingo jumped up and brought in another man . . . Paul, and another from Calvary Chapel of Chino Hills.

These two were MORE THAN WILLING TO PROVIDE CARLOS WITH ALL AND EVERYTHING HE MIGHT NEED TO DO THIS!

It sounds like Carlos will be getting a video camera, DVD burner and a computer capable to handle the work! Praise God!

And Carlos just went in there to ask for Pastor Juan's prayer about this vision that God had put on Carlos's heart!

God timing, God's grouping and God's work . . .

I stand amazed at the way God opens doors!

Now if we can just keep in prayer that what was promised doesn't get put on a back burner but instead it's results are seen in a timely manner.

From the Pastor

2007-04-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our deaf congregation continues studying in the four gospels. I do believe that the deaf are starting to really understand.

And Praise God we had a deaf man, Manuel, come to accept Jesus as his savior, where previously he had been with the Jehovah Witnesses. A true victory in Jesus to be sure! He understands the Good News and is beginning to really grow spiritually, although still a ‘baby’ in Christ.

I mentioned to our hearing congregation pastor of Calvary Chapel of Ensenada, Juan Domingo, about the two who were recently saved (including Antonia from the deaf woman’s retreat). And we spoke of their desire to be baptized. I asked if Juan would be willing to baptize them and he thought I should do it!

It would be an honor.

Our deaf congregation is motivated; they pay rapt attention and are asking questions . . . but once they leave the church and go home it is so hard for them to study the bible on their own. The words are big and difficult; the semantics of grammar are sometimes incomprehensible. A few have an easy version of the bible that they are able to understand, but most do not. It is a different culture they are trying to figure out and it is a challenge.

One woman whose soul is hungry for Jesus asked my wife if she could borrow her bible devotions that were done in ASL. But there is nothing for those that only know Mexican Sign Language. Now this woman knows a bit of ASL, but even then she doesn’t understand ‘full’ ASL and so the bible devotional helped, but was still difficult to follow.

It is on my heart, my hope and prayer to make some bible devotions in Mexican Sign Language. It is a request that I’ve set before the Lord and a much needed thing.

To make this happen I would need a video recorder, someone who is skilled at doing these types of things and, personally, to study more Mexican Sign Language so that I am careful not to make any mistakes in ‘translation’. I know it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit and on him I will depend.

I could do this on my own (with God’s help), but if I could get the assistance of someone better skilled at video recordings, then I know it would be quicker and faster that we could make and spread this resource. Please continue praying for this video ministry that God has put on my heart.

Sunday

2007-04-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Sunday) I will be serving as an interpreter for an English speaking group at the church in Porvenir.
Funny how I feel less confidant to do this interpretation than I would to sign.
Well, guess that's how it goes.
Also, since Lonnie finished the last project with the spring break groups he has been working on the project for Olive Tree Ministry and I am just trying to pin him down for a bit to tell you about it . . and hopefully post pictures.
He mentioned how he was uncomfortable with heights on that 12 foot wall . . . well these last days he's been on the roof of a two story building!
Talk about God stretching you right where you'd rather He not!

Interpritation vs. the giggles

2007-04-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

This Sunday while I was interpreting worship we came to a song called "Christo Vive".

It's fast, and repetitive.

Christ lives, Christ lives, Christ lives,
my savior is not dead,
He is not in a tomb
my savior is not dead,
He is resurrected!
Christ lives, Christ lives, Christ lives!

A fun song . . . but like I said, fast and as I saw the deaf congregation keep up with the pace of the song I suddenly had the mental image of the action song "head, shoulder, knees and toes" and almost busted into a pile of giggles right there!

I managed keep it to a wide smile and we all had fun celebrating that Christ indeed is alive!

He has Risen!

2007-04-07T19:30:00.001-07:00

Really, something to celebrate EVERY day.

It's Spring Break!

2007-04-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

And for most of us missionaries it means that it is anything but a "break"!

All last week and all this week Lonnie has been working in the "Gran Ciudad de Porvenir" with Ventana Ministries and the groups that have been coming down to work.

We have been working with a group of around 90 high schoolers on fire for the Lord. We broke into smaller teams and we were assigned small projects around town. Our project was a test of facing our fear of heights. We are replacing a broken down fence on top of a 12' high soccer back stop. It is a simple project that would only take a day or two but with the height issues it has taken us the whole 2 weeks.

Praises to the Lord nobody has seriously fallen from the ladders or scaffolding yet. We still have two more days of work until completely finished please keep us in prayer. When I agreed to help my pride would not let me confess that I am petrified of heights. But praise God He has been my strength and courage through this project! God is Good!

Sad news.

2007-04-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

This deaf couple and their little boy are being torn apart at the seams. Soon their divorce will be finalized.

*sigh*

The mother is not walking in the ways of God, and when anyone approches the father he just says "leave me be".

And we know it is their little boy that will hurt most of all, who is now staying with his grandmother.

Our hearts ache for them and families like them . . .

Help Wanted

2007-04-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

It has been needed for a long time . . . an assistant for Carlos.

He is looking for someone who is willing, and able to learn Mexican Sign Language if they don't already know it, that would study and mentor under him to help with the ministry.

From inside the fold or someone with a heart for missions . . . if you could bring this up in prayer . . .

Know someone who wants to volunteer some time? E-mail us!

The deaf womens retreat

2007-03-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

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The angels rejoice because the last lady pictured (Antonia) accepted the free gift of Salvation while at the retreat!!!

And that alone would have made this time all worth the while! But the blessings of it did not stop there . .

We studied Psalms 23.

It was in a small beach house with scented candles, chocolates and little goodies all around . . .

We had good fellowship, relaxed, joked and generally, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Also we made a bracelet that followed the 23 Psalm:

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. - One white bead for "sheep"
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, - a green bead for "green pastures"

he leads me beside quiet waters, - a blue bead for "quiet waters"
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. - a clear bead for "righteousness"
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; - a black bead for "valley of the shadow of death"

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - brown bead for "rod and staff"
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. - another brown bead for "a table"

You anoint my head with oil; - a yellow/orange bead for oil
my cup overflows. - a purple bead
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, - a pink bead

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. - a gold bead for "the house of the Lord"

I don't know about you, but this bracelet helped me to memorize all the this Psalm . . pretty cool if you ask me.

Febuary Update

2007-02-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

The place is reserved, a guest speaker arranged, the flyers posted, the brochures handed out, and the announcement made in church. It is becoming one of the biggest outreaches the deaf women’s ministry (all three of us !) have done yet.

Imagine our delight as we prepare for our first ever deaf women’s retreat! We have invited all and any deaf women from Ensenada and even as far as Tijuana. It will take place March 9-11 so we are at the point where we are awaiting responses from the women. Also our guest speaker is Linda Gehm. She is deaf, a missionary from Oregon with her husband, Eugene, also deaf, and have worked with the deaf in Mexico for over 17 years.

The awesome part of this is that it has been a long time prayer of ours that Carlos Suarez (our deaf pastor) would find a peer, a mentor to get some encouragement and spiritual refreshment from. And the Gehms plan to stay with the Suarez for a week over this time of the retreat, and we anticipate that Carlos will be greatly blessed by the visit.

Do, do, do pray:
· that the women come,
· that they understand the messages
· that those who don’t yet, come to know Jesus,
· those that do, pray they find a deep walk with him!
· And that Carlos be blessed by the Gehm visit and get some answers too.

Lonnie's year review

2007-02-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

We thank God that this last year Lonnie was able to complete several projects with Baja Compassion Ministries:

End of January we finished up one of our larger projects of 6 months with Ventana Ministries. The job included the setting up and remodeling of 4 double wide mobile homes, and the installing of a commercial kitchen, food pantry and dinning area. One in particular was extensively gutted. The variety of this project has allowed our guys to learn a lot of different skills. One day we were framing, hanging up sheet rock, and painting. Still another we were installing sinks and urinals. We did everything on down to flooring (wood laminate, carpet and linoleum).

The project also included all underground water and waste piping and electrical wiring. In addition to a 10,000 gallon underground water tank and 3,000 gallon septic tank system we also constructed a pump house/storage building over the water tank. We built wooden decks for each of the homes. All wrapped up in huge chain link fence.

We were really tested by all the different aspects of this project, trying to keep 3 to 4 people busy each day with materials and instruction while at the same time keeping within the shoestring budget. In the end Ventana Ministries are very pleased to have their new base up and running and we are grateful to been given the opportunity to help them.

With Olive Tree Ministries, our second large project, is a two story wood framed structure 7,000 sq ft children’s ministry building. We are currently still in the framing phase. This past year has seen the slab go in with the wood framing of the first and second floors and the roof up. We had to use a crane to lift the trusses up to the roof. I think it was the first time anyone has ever seen a crane in the small town of Porvenir.

We have the siding and most of the windows up and are currently ready to shingle the roof and then start the interior items. This project, like a lot of projects here in Mexico, is patiently waiting for groups and money. Our ministry oversees the construction when they have groups coming down to work. I hope this will be completed some time in 2007 or early 2008. We have lots of work to do on this one.

With Casa De Paz Orphanage our ministry helped draw up a set of plans for a new toilet room 25’x35’ building. They had some large groups come down and built this rather fast 2-3 weeks. Our plans helped give the director a clearer picture of what he had in mind.

Feburay update part 3

2007-02-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

Praise report: Now some answers to prayer:
· in December Michelle underwent surgery and had a large cyst removed along with one of her ovaries. The surgery went well without any complications and recovery was pretty close to painless – we know this is a direct result of those who were praying for her during this time.
· Now we are pleased to announce that Michelle is pregnant and due in October for baby Pfingston III. J
· In large part to the giving of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach we now will be able to have a debt free mini-van for our family! Thank You!
· Lonnie’s health (living with peritoneal dialysis) is still holding strong, we thank God for each day He gives Lonnie to continue to do His work.

Again, it is through the prayers and faithful support of each of you that lets us do this ministry God has set before us. We are humbled and grateful.

To support our ministry

2007-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

If you would like to support the ministry and receive a tax deductible recite, please make checks out to

Baja Compassion Ministry
c/o Pfingston
PO Box 5801
Chula Vista, CA 91912

And if it is specifically for the Suarez, please leave memo saying so on the check.

Thank You!