Time in Fast Forward

As I've mentioned before, I'm sure that time runs faster here in Mexico. How can it already be the end of November? I haven't even gotten used to writing 2010, and soon it will be time to change to 2011!!!

The nights have cooled down, while Santas and snowmen are appearing in shop windows. The image still makes me chuckle as I wipe sweat from my brow. However, the signs point to the fact that another holiday season is upon us. Logan's ready to get our tree up and begin making our Christmas ornaments that we give away. We will miss being with our family in Alabama and Canada, but we look forward to celebrating the holidays with some our dear friends here in Lazaro Cardenas.

The last month has been full of bountiful blessings. We welcomed a new precious sister into the kingdom. Juanita has been with us for about a year. It's been fun watching her grow in her knowledge and relationship with God. Her decision was not made lightly. She loves learning, and ponders these new truths in her heart. She's a blessing to us all.

One of our dear sisters began a new ministry with the Casa del Anciano (Home of the Aged). Angie leads a team that visits the aged each Wednesday. Their love and care for the residents is testimony to God's love and care for us all. Angie is passionate about getting some of the ancianos to our Sunday Celebrations. Her little Volkswagon Bug can be seen on route from the asilo to the church building as she makes several trips to accommodate all those who want to attend. As church planters, we are thrilled to see our brothers and sisters empowered to minister to others with the passions and desires that God has placed within them.


Our family decided to celebrate American Thanksgiving since I goofed and served chili dogs for Canadian Thanksgiving (oops). We bit the bullet and paid top peso for a turkey (and it was worth every peso we spent!). I was even surprised to find one lonely can of cranberry sauce on the top shelf of Soriana. We unpacked Granny 'Vera's china, crystal and silver to set the prettiest table you've ever seen. We shared the meal with 8 of our dearest friends and co-workers here in Lazaro. As wonderful as the turkey and dressing were, my favourite part of the day was our sharing time. We each expressed things for which we felt grateful. It thrilled my heart to hear my precious friends talk about their renewed faith in God, their thankfulness for La Comunidad de Cristo, and our friendships. THIS is what Thanksgiving is all about!!

Logan has been enjoying the festivities of the Mexican Revolution. He participated in his first parade with his Karate club. He also has been hard at work in memorizing a group poem declaring his promise to fight for Mexico!! I was very proud of our little white boy whose face shined in a crowd of brown ones as he confidently spoke of his desire to be like the Aztecs in their simplicity and wisdom, and seek after the liberty that Hidalgo and Morelos initiated in universal harmony. He's one amazing little guy!!

Finally, we have received news that our non-paying renters in Saskatoon have finally been evicted. What a nightmare that has been. We are grateful that no damage was done to the house. We are extremely grateful for MANY who have helped us deal with the problem. We especially appreciate Ian MacLeod and Sue Willienic for their tenacity in dealing with the renters. Because of their service and sacrifice, we did not have to make an unexpected trip back to Canada. Thank you so very much!! We have been reminded of the lengths to which the enemy will go in order to disrupt Kingdom work. It all took a toll on Bernard (as well as wearing out another battery on the Vonage phone), but God's faithfulness shone in all the weariness and mess. We figure we must be doing something right here to have the enemy so riled up. We look forward to having new renters and closing this three-month chapter of our lives.

As we get closer to the holiday season, we wish blessings galore on you and your families. Please remember us in your prayers as we miss being with Kresten and Ashley, as well as our other family during the holidays. We hold you in prayer as you continue to enhance the name and reputation of our Lord in your corner of the world. Blessings abound!

Until the next blog,

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

The Impact of the Mundane

I have just enough "spunk or spirit" in me to occasionally like to see people squirm (but just a bit). One way I like to "put folks on the spot" is ask, "Tell me, what has God been doing in your life these past weeks?" or "What has God been teaching you?" Reactions vary from a you- must-be-from-Mars look to the deer-in-the-headlights look. But sometimes, much to my delight, I receive a huge smile and an ear-full of just what God has been doing in my friend's life. I LOVE that!!! One of the perks I enjoy about writing a blog is that it keeps me thinking about what God IS doing in and around me. I can't count the number of times in a week that I mentally write my blog around marvels that God has done in our lives or the lives of those with whom we have the privilege to work. Unfortunately, most of those blogs never get published.

But you know, sometimes our lives go from day to day a bit like the droll reading of the 'begat' chapters. You know the ones I mean. We've all read them in our read-through-the-Bible-in-a- year schedules: Matthew 1:2f Abraham begat Isaac, Isaac begat Jacob, Jacob begat Judah and his brothers, Judah begat Perez...yada, yada, yada.

My personal, all-time favourite begat chapter is Genesis 5: Adam begat Seth and lived 800 more years, and then he died. Seth begat Enosh and lived 807 more years, and then he died. Enosh begat Kenan and lived 815 more years, and then he died. Definitely a cure for those LONG, sleepless nights! Yet, where would WE be without those long genealogies? Mundane? Sure. Important? You betcha!! The Saviour of our souls came from all those begats. He was planned even BEFORE the creation of the world. He was promised even as the pomegranate juice dripped from Adam and Eve's chins. He became God Incarnate lying in a box from which cattle were fed. Had papas not begotten sons, Jesus would have been only a passing thought in the mind of God.

There really hasn't been any monumental happenings in the life of the Krogsgaards these last few weeks. Yes, it's even a bit mundane at times--work with Logan on the computer with his English, cook and eat by 1:30, hustle Logan off to school, do a bit of visiting, run a few errands, prepare the next study, make a few phone calls, wait for the next person to show up for a study, wash a few loads of clothes, clean the floors, mend some skirts, run to help a distressed family, go visit the newly born baby, shop for fruits, shop for meats, shop, shop, shop...etc...SIGH..., and then she died. (Oops, we're not that far into the story yet!!) Mundane? ...Hummm, sometimes. Important? You betcha!!

We thank God every day for the opportunity to represent Him here in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, Mexico. We don't live idealistic, utopia lives.-- Who does this side of heaven? But what He has called us to do every day is important. No fireworks, no earth shattering news, no special announcements interrupting the regularly schedule broadcasts...just life! --Life in relationship with our Father, and life in relationship with those He has created. What could be better? Thank you to every church and individual that/who sacrificially gives so that Bernard, Logan and I can live and work on the Mexican Pacific Coast. La Comunidad de Cristo is growing both numerically and spiritually. I have included a short prayer list for our prayer warriors.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the real deal is even better. We would LOVE to have you come visit God's work first-hand. Just let us know!!

Until the next blog,
Alicia, for the Krogsgaards

Thank God for the MANY ways He has blessed us and His work here in Lazaro:

-wonderful team: Malcolm/Tammy Pointon, Glenn/Caroline Pointon, Ivan/Stefanie Ponce de Leon
-awesome church family that is growing numerically and spiritually
-faithful and prayerful supporters

-healthy and happy nine-year old boy, Logan, who is very much a part of our work
-healthy and happy 21 year old adult children in Canada making their own way in life
-experienced a powerful prayer night last Saturday/Sunday

-experienced an excellent marriage seminar-many visitors

-many thanks to Ian MacLeod and Sue Willienic who have handled BIG problems with our house in Saskatoon

Petitions to lay at our Powerful God's feet:
-that Malcolm and Tammy can be back with us on a permanent basis SOON

-that Mexican leaders will be raised up to carry La Comunidad de Cristo to maturity

-that God will continue to give us all physical safety

-that God will touch and heal the marriages and families of the church as a testimony of His power for all those in Lazaro Cardenas

-our next Marriage Enrichment Evening is Nov. 1

-people with whom we are sharing the Good News: Hector, Juanita, Karina, Edy, Luz Maria, Robin, Lupita, Lorena, Zachary, Elia, Beto, Saul, visitors in our groups, visitors on Sundays

-that God will raise up more church planters to plant on the Pacific Coast

-wisdom in making a decision to move to bigger facility or multiply into two services

-that we can rent or sell our house in Saskatoon (We need MUCH wisdom in this area as it is taking WAY too much time away from the work we have been called to do here in Mexico.)

Happy Anniversary to Us!!

The Krogsgaards arrived at our Mexican Pacific "sweet spot" Oct 2, 2008. In some ways it's hard to believe we've been here two years, yet somehow it feels like we've been here much longer!! We thank God daily for the honour and privilege to enhance His reputation here in Lazaro Cardenas. We love the work He's giving our hands to do. Thank you to our oh, so faithful supporters. We couldn't be here without you. We pray God's blessings on you as you bless our lives with yours.

We had an extra special week hosting two lovely couples from Texas. Wes and Ellen Shutt supported by Southern Hills (our supporting church), Reid and Meriden Overall, supported by Richland Hills, and three others have been training to church plant in Concepcion, Chile. We were THRILLED to have two couples from this team walk along with us in our ministry last week. We were challenged and inspired by these godly folks. Their hearts overflow with the love of Jesus. I look forward to hearing the many good things God will be doing through this team. Their projected departure is January.

Reid and Meriden

Ellen and Wes

Our team had a wonderful Wednesday Prayer time. We reserve each Wed. 11:00-1:30 for sharing what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of those He gives us to touch. After sharing, we spend time in prayer. Lately, we have all felt the attacks of Satan in our personal lives. James exhorts us to "consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds..." We all feel that we've have reason to have much JOY these days. This particular Wed., rather than concentrate on the lives of those we are touching, we spent much of our chat time transparently revealing the various ways we see the enemy's attacks in our lives. (Now, I'm not saying that any negative we pass through in our lives is from Satan, but when you stack all the things that are happening in our lives at this time, one has to wonder if the enemy doesn't have a bee in his bonnet.) James explains his reasoning as to why we should consider it a joy to face trials: "because the testing of your faith develops perseverance, which leads us to be mature and complete." After our time of reflection and confession, we listed off the MANY blessings that we see from God's hand. What an awing experience. Truly we serve a mighty and powerful God who cares about the tiniest detail of His people's lives. We are so very blessed. In comparison to Satan's blows, God's blessings far out-weigh anything the enemy sends our way. We know we are more than conqueres in Christ Jesus!! Amen!!

This week-end was an exceptional blessing as we hosted 8 representatives from Ivan and Stefanie's supporting congregation, Monterrey Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. Barry Stephens presented three sessions on marriage enrichment, while Ivan translated. The praise team opened and closed each session, then gave a short concert to end the week-end. Many of our family participated, as well as invited their friends and family to attend. We were overwhelmed by the response. It was a fast and furious three days for our visitors. But their time and sacrifice was a pleasing offering to our Master!! We look forward to the next seminar!!! We pray that La Comunidad de Cristo would be a shining example to Lazaro Cardenas of families walking righteously in God's Way!

Thank you to our prayer warriors who bring us before the throne on a regular basis. We could not being doing this work without the power of our Master. The task to too daunting for just our human strength and wisdom. Would you pray specifically for godly wisdom as we train more servants, as well as investigate other worship options/locations to accomodate our steadily growing family!

Until the next blog,

Happy Thanksgiving, to our dear Canadian family and friends!!!

Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

As a little girl, I remember my mom singing that little ditty when we pulled into our driveway after a trip. Two weeks ago, I was a bit gitty in Ixtapa as we stepped out of the airplane to 27 degree C tempertures. For this southern cold-blooded gal, it was a welcomed relief from the below normal summer tempertures of the Saskatchewan prairies (burrr). Our internet news reported snow in some parts of Saskatchewan on the last day of summer...boohoo. Alas, we find ourselves here on the Mexican Pacific Coast again bathed in constant sweat. The rain continues to pour and the mold welcomed us to our Home, Smelly Home!!! The Mexicans say we have about six more weeks of rain. I've decided to enjoy it while we have it. Eight months is a long time to go without a drop of the wet stuff.

We have mixed reviews concerning our three weeks in Canada this summer.
The highlights:

*seeing our twins and other dear family members (Thanks G'pa for the great B & B.)
*visiting with some of the churches and individuals whom make it possible for us to be in Mexico
*attending the WONDERFUL wedding celebration of Tiffany (Bern's niece) and Layne

Our first week and a half was dedicated to visiting some of our supporters. After a way-too-fast coffee with dear friends, Marlo and Robin Dunlop, we headed off to Kenosee Lake to visit with the Moose Mountain Church. (They sure put on a great pot luck!) On the way we had the joy of staying overnight with Kresten's adopted family, Lowell and Darla Peterson and gals in Weyburn. We had the opportunity to get a peek of Kresten's corner of the world for the summer at his work and home. We are so grateful for the Petersons, the Oberkirsches, and others who welcomed Kresten into their world with open arms. He had a GREAT experience in Weyburn.

After saying good-bye to Jim and Judith Sedor in Carlyle, we headed north to Dauphin, Manitoba. We were royally spoiled by Mike and Debbie Bolton. Logan even got to go for a ride on Mike's four wheeler with his pal, Ronald. That evening, after stuffing ourselves from another AMAZING potluck, we had the opportunity to chat about God's work on the Pacific Coast. We felt so loved and honoured by our families from the Mountain View Assembly and The Crossing.

Heading back south we ended up at the Mitchell Ranch in Southern Saskatchewan for Tiffy and Layne's wedding. This truly was a highlight as we visited with many friends and family. The "cowboy" wedding was lovely, and Tiffany was the prettiest "cowgirl" bride I've ever seen!! Everything was simply PERFECT!! Congratulations, you two!

Grampa's wheels then took us to Saskatoon where we spent time with our dear church family. It was a joy to share the work of which they have been such a vital part. We get such encouragment from our family there. (Now we're getting into the "not so great" part of the trip.) The next four days were spent cleaning and showing our house to potential renters--NOT what I want to be doing when we've come so far for so little time. The GREAT part about those four days was spending time with Kresten (who worked as hard as we did) and Brad and Crystal Peterson. Thank you for eveything!!

We give a million thanks to Ian MacLeod for managing our property while we are in Mexico. That's a HUGE gift. Thanks, Ruth, for lending him to us so often!

Finally, we returned to Regina for a week of visiting with the twins, G'pa, Dave, Rich and Sue. The time went WAY too quickly. Bernard had to dedicate more time than we had hoped in trying to get the house rented. His efforts paid off as we signed a rental agreement the Wednesday before we left, for which we are extremely grateful. As always, good-byes are painful, but we were so very thankful for the time we were able to spend with our loved ones. (Thanks to Rich for getting up at the crack of dawn to take us to the bus station.) Our overnight stay in Calgary was with Bud and Marlene Ashby. It was lovely to "catch up" a bit with them, and Logan had a great time with Ethan. Bud was very gracious to transport us to and from the bus station and airport. (Thank you, Bud.)

We hit the Mexican soil running, and again are immersed in the reality of life in our corner of the world here on the Pacific Coast. Our team is reunited, except for Macolm and Tammy who are still in the States for the next few months. We were all glad to see each other back home fulfilling our various roles in God's work. We love being home and worshipping with our Mexican family. On our first Sunday back with La Comunidad de Cristo, there were at least 17 new people worshipping with us that we did not know!!! Our hearts are always tugged in two directions: longing to be with our twins in Canada, and longing to be where God has led us to church plant. It has been said that missionaries are happiest on the airplane between two places--perhaps I identify all too well with that.

Until next blog,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

Jesus Wept

How many of us parents have experienced it?--Our child walks in with a "more than usual angelic" look about him, proclaiming that he has been in his room memorizing scripture. Feeling quite triumphant in our parenting skills, we settle down to hear the results of our child's great spiritual initiative, only to be met with five words: "Jesus wept. John 11:35." Of course, after seeing the slightly disappointed frown on our faces, our child retreats to his "sacred study" in hilarious laughter. Okay, so REALLY, were we expecting a ten minute rendition of Psalm 119 or WHAT? Hey, at least he knew the "address" of the verse, which means he must have looked it up in his concordance, right? Okay, so we're groping for straws here, or are we?

That shortest of all verses is actually packed with powerful meaning. Of course Jesus was sad that Lazarus had died, but did not Jesus purposefully wait for that very event before he traveled to Bethany? The message was sent from Lazarus' sisters, "Come, Jesus! Lazarus is very sick." Jesus had plenty of time to get to his dear friend before his death. It was the hope of his sisters that Jesus arrive and heal their brother--Did Jesus not have that power? So why did he wait?... Jesus had a higher purpose that could only be accomplished in the death of his dear friend. His purpose would be realized only in the presence of great pain and sorrow. His life mission was to show the world His deity-His power, so that through that belief of WHO He is, we might grasp the hope and promises He offers. His dear friend must die so that Jesus could raise him from the dead, demonstrating His power over death. (Now THERE'S an object lesson for you!!!)

Even though Jesus knew his friend would live again (not only spiritually, but physically), he still wept. Why did he weep? He knew the outcome. He knew Lazarus would walk the earth again. He knew he would again feel the embrace of his sisters, his friends, his Lord. So why the troubled tears, Jesus?... I believe Jesus wept because He witnessed the pain and sorrow that results from living in a fallen world. Jesus created perfection; sin brought a spiraling downward fall from that perfection. Sin brought guilt, fear, self-sufficiency, problems, pain, sorrow, and death. Jesus looked around Him and wept for what could have been-what was meant to be.

This week I have been given a glimpse of what Jesus might have felt that caused Him to weep.
Tuesday was especially full of spending time with hurting people-hurt caused by personal sin-hurt caused by others' sin. The spectrum went from broken marriages, Christian couples living in sin, babies being born out of wedlock, childhood rape and death. Reflecting on all the pain and sorrow, tears streamed down my face as I thought of what could have been-what was meant to be. Jesus created us to be in relationship with Him. He created us to be His crown and glory. But, what do we do? We mess up everything that was created to be good through our own thinking and desires--our sin. We ignore the One who loves us most, while grabbing at the lies of the enemy. No wonder Jesus wept!

Working among damaged and hurting people (That's all of us, by the way.), Bernard and I have learned that we cannot take on the responsibility of solving people's problems. We ask God to use us as His instruments to direct people to our Master, but we have no power within us to straighten out the mess into which we humans get ourselves--that's the Holy Spirit's work. However, even with that personal boundary in place, it burdens my heart to see God's beloved creations groping for "band-aids" when the real cure points to a "heart transplant". Indeed, Jesus wept; no doubt, he continues to weep as his precious loved ones succumb to the devastating consequences of sin in our lives and world. Yet, in His weeping, He proclaims that the victory is His. He extends His arms, beckoning us to leave our old ways behind, and try His road for awhile. How much pain and damage must we endure before we realize that His yoke truly is easy and His burden is light?...sigh...

Until the next blog,
Alicia, for the Krogsgaards

A Jumbled Mess

My mind is a jumbled mess as I try to sort out what I want you to experience through my words. I have so many things I want to share. God brings countless experiences into our lives; I just wish you were here to share them with us. But then, I am reminded that you are experiencing your own encounters with God in your own corners of the world. Won't heaven be a blast as we all gather to experience our God together??!!

As I sort out my jumbled mess, the common denominator in all of it is PEOPLE. I want you to experience the wonderful friends that God is placing in our lives. Our paths continue to pass through the paths of some amazing people. (Try to say that real fast three times!)

Our hearts are aching as we manage an empty spot in them. Our team mates, Tammy and Malcolm Pointon have had to make a difficult decision to return to the States for an undetermined amount of time. It was a decision they have put off until the last possible moment, hoping that their situation would change; however, due to the economic crises, people simply are not investing in beachfront properties in Mexico at this time. Because Malcolm's company supports his family, as well as several others here in Mexico, he and Tammy have deemed it necessary to return to the States so that they can work and fulfill their monetary responsibilities to themselves and to the others they support. We miss them terribly and pray that land sales will pick up or construction contracts will be won so that we can welcome them back with open arms to complete the work they have begun in the Kingdom. Not only are we missing them, but we must adjust to not having their son, Jordan, with us. We are pleased to say that he has decided to join the 2010-2011 Adventures in Missions class in Lubbock, Texas. We are extremely proud of Jordan in his decision; but we will miss him terribly.

I've written about my mother's legacy living on here at Playa Mirmar through "Memaw's Manor", our beach cottage that is dedicated to hosting Kingdom workers for rest, relaxation and re-creation. We use our cottage most week-ends for our family re-creation, but we often dedicate the Saturday or Sunday to inviting others to re-create with us. What a blessings these times have been. We love watching our friends enjoy the beauty around them in the surf and the sand. We eat together, play together, and get to know each other in ways that just don't happen in our times together in the city.

We saw Sara, an emotionally disturbed young woman, laugh and play for the first time since we've known her. Her mind is tormented by conflicting "voices". After much convincing, she joined in a game of pool tag and had the time of her life! I began to wonder if she had ever "played" before. I pray she will have more times to join us for more play time!

Gina, our new sister in Christ, carries a huge burden of single-handedly caring for a rebellious fifteen year old and a high-energy four year old. Her eyes give away her deep concerns and weariness. It gave me great pleasure to see her nap in the hammock as the rest of us cared for Naomi. She woke up refreshed; we were blessed to watch Naomi discover all the wonders of the sea. On another occasion, Kelvin, Gina's son, who refuses to have anything to do with "those church people" had a great time body-surfing with Bern and Logan. It was a wonderful day of bonding as friends.

Miramar is a great place to get to know new people. Olga and Hector walked into La Comunidad de Cristo one Sunday because our preacher, Ivan, and his wife, Stefanie, love sushi. On one of their many visits to the sushi restaurant, Olga, the restaurant owner, noticed something "different" about Ivan and Stefanie and asked them if they were Christians. Several months later Olga and Hector are an important part of our family. We had the privilege of inviting them to Miramar. It was a lovely day of building our friendship. That friendship led to their confidence in us to help them through some family difficulties. So often I feel terribly inadequate to be doing what God has called us to do, but as with the case of Olga and Hector, He gives us the opportunities and the words to speak into the lives of those He brings to us.

Miramar also offers us a place to gather for some fun and fellowship with our various Bible Study groups. Socorro, my gregarious, people-gatherer friend, suggested our Wednesday night group enjoy a Sunday afternoon at the beach. We immediately replied, "Let's go to Miramar!" In one afternoon our study group grew from the usual 6-8 people to almost 30!!! Bernard and I just couldn't believe it when Socorro showed up with a few of her "closest friends and relatives" (about 20) in the back of a borrowed pick-up truck!! Oh, how I love Mexicans! We had a great day getting to know new friends!

Miramar is a great retreat place just to spend time with those we love. My dearest friend and sister, Rosy, loves to get away with us to Memaw's Manor. We stole her away from her normal family duties just to spend time with her and her son, Jared. Logan has had a pretty sad heart as we're getting adjusted to not having the Pointons with us. Logan's loss is huge because Miss Tammy was his walking buddy. Logan spent more time at Tammy's house than at the Manor. His love runs long and deep for his dear friend. Mr. Malcolm was his fireworks buddy. Logan knows how to get Mr. Malcolm wound up for a good round of evening fireworks. Jordan was his four-wheeler buddy. Logan loved it when Jordan stopped by to pick him up for a ride down to the lagoon hoping to get a peek at the crocodile. These losses are great, but perhaps the greatest loss of all was knowing that Tammy and Malcolm took Isa and Pumba, the family dogs with them. Logan hardly knows what to do with himself now that all his Miramar buddies are gone. So, we invited Jared and Rosy to help fill that gap for Logan. Even though Jared is much older than Logan, they bonded from the first time they were together. (I think it was to pillow fight up in Jared's room that was the cement to that bond!) Our day together provided hours of chatting under the palapa and walking on the beach while Jared, Logan and Dad did some serious swimming and boogie boarding. It was a great way to spend the day.

I never fail to feel the love of my mother as we gather with friends, or simply enjoy time together as a family at Memaw's Manor. Thank you, God, for the treasure of a wonderful mother. Thank you, God, for the gift of family. Thank you, God, for bringing into our paths many amazing people who touch our lives with theirs, and change us forever. We are, indeed, blessed people!


Thanks, Bern and Loggie for my birthday present-the first of many birdhouses to decorate the surroundings of Memaw's Manor--a definite reminder of Memaw!

Medical Mission and New Family

Rain, blessed refreshing rain! I know those of you on the prairies of Saskatchewan are having a hard time identifying with my pleasure of the rain, but after 7 months of hot and dry, the moisture and cooler tempertures are so welcome here in the tropics!! I hear the farmers are planting rice on the prairies this year instead of wheat--when the fields finally dry. Too much of a good thing, eh? Chin up--the snow will be back in four months; it can't rain forever. When you get totally fed up with the wet stuff, you just remember you have a warm place in the tropics that will welcome you and yours!!

Speaking of blessings, we experienced a wonderful celebration last Sunday. Please welcome your new brother and sister to our family!! Gina has been comtemplating her need to have Jesus wash her clean for several weeks. She and I have been studying together on Friday afternoons for many months. She has been walking with Jesus for a few years, but was never really committed to the relationship. Socorro, my dear friend and sister, invited Gina to be a part of our Wednesday Bible study. Gina quickly realized that she knew very little about God and His Word, so she asked me if we could study individually. We began with Genesis and ran through the seed line of Jesus. Gina is like a sponge. She understands quickly and takes God's Word to heart. As we were studying deeper into the life of Jesus, she realized her separation from God and asked, as the Jews did, "What must I do?" Having already studied the books of Acts, Galatians and a bit of Hebrews on Wednesday nights, she realized that the work of salvation is through the grace of God, but she knew, too, that she must participate with her obedience. She walked in our celebration service on Sunday with a huge smile on her face. "I've decided to make Jesus my Lord and Saviour. I'm fearful of this huge commitment, but I know I must have God in my life." It was a glorious occasion, especially after Ivan had delivered such a beautiful picture of the Shepherd leaving the ninty-nine in search of the beloved lost one! Please pray for Gina as the enemy tries to disilllusion her in her decision.

Along with Gina, Edgar also requested baptism. Edgar and Angles have been with us for years. This is the couple "X" that I asked you to pray about in my last blog. Through this very difficult time in their marriage, Edgar has had a "wake-up call" concerning the most important things in his life: his God and his family. Edgar stated that his "religion" has been one of non-conviction; simply religious acts. He has a long haul ahead of him in his marriage and raising his children in the Lord, considering the great errors he has made in the past. He is leaning on the grace of God to get him through. Please continue to pray for Edgar and his family.

Last week was dedicated to hands-on service to the people in and around the little village of Feliciano. A team of 19 doctors, dentists, nurses, and helpers from Lubbock, Texas served 484 patients during the four day clinic. We were well received by the grateful people in the area. We are known by the people in this village because Miramar (our week-end get-away) is located nearby. Malcolm has employed several from the village as well as bought from the stores and services there. Malcolm comissioned Sandra, one of the "movers and shakers" of the village to arrange the clinic location and advertisement. Sandra did that and more! She fed us. She promoted us. She helped with appointments. She was with us every step of the way (except for the day she had a tooth extracted). Many seeds were planted to any church plant God may move us toward in the future. What a blessing the team was to us and to the kind folks in Feliciano. We look forward to another clinic there in the future.
The experience was "life-shaping" for Logan. The medical staff was gracious to allow Logan to get into the "thick" of it. He began as our helper in the pharmacy, counting pills, (spilling a few..sigh), and translating for the patients. He decided he might like to be a pharmacist-that way he wouldn't have to deal with blood and guts. The next day we couldn't find our little pill counting helper. Word came to us that he was with the dentists helping pull teeth...So much for no blood and guts! Now he's thinking it would be fun to be a doctor or dentist. I guess he'll add those two possibilities right behind 1) astronaut 2)miner. How impressionable are little minds. Thank you, helpers, for broadening his horizons! (A special thanks to Susan for the "tatoos" and music!)


On a family note--we have two gratuades of whom we are extremely proud: Ashley graduated from the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology with her certificate in Continuing Care (Thanks Uncle Dave, Uncle Bill, Auntie Wendy, Kristian, Kresten, Taylor and Whitney for being there to hoop and holler as Ash crossed the stage.), and Logan was graduated to "el cuarto grado el la Escuela Fransisco J. Mujica"(which means he passed to Grade 4 in the Mexican school system) AND he graduated with the fourth highest average among the 14 students in his class--not bad for a kid who's just learned to speak Spanish in the last 18 months. We are also proud of Kresten who, although didn't graduate, did manage to land a cushy, all-benefits-are-yours kind of job in Weyburn. (haha, just bugging you, Kresten) He has had a wonderfully rich experience working with our much respected friend, Lowell Peterson, as well as being able to benefit from the nurturing care of one of my favourite people in the world, Darla Peterson (AND their daughters). How lucky can a guy get?? Thanks to all the folks in the Weyburn church who have welcomed Kresten for the summer.

Bernard has been busy making arrangements for our two weeks back in Saskatchewan the end of August. We look forward to seeing many in our family as we gather to celebrate with Tiffany and Lane in the exchange of their commitments to each other. Hope to see many of you then.

Blessings in your corner of the world,
Alicia for the Krogsgaards

May/June Events

I may need to introduce myself to you. It's been a while since my last blog, so I'll try to catch you up on some of the things that have been happening in our corner of the world. The most precious event was the visit of our daughter, Ashley. She was with us for two weeks. The first week was uneventful because the students here were in exams. Week two was a bit more adventurous as she got to see a bit of the city with a few of the youth. She "palled" around with us going to all our activities. She took in two Wednesday nights with the Youth Group. She's fairly adept at understanding enough Spanish to know what's happening around her. I think if she stayed here for a while, she would pick up Spanish quite easily--she's her little brother's big sister in that way. Her last day was full of fun as we visited the beautiful beaches of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo before she flew out in the late afternoon. We spent a few hours with some of the AIMers from various parts of Mexico--really neat young adults--inspiring!

While Ashley was here we celebrated Logan's 9th birthday. How can it be that he's already 9 years old? We had a fun party. Bernard's a great dad in taking the boys to the soccer field for a few games and pinata. Meanwhile Ash and I made pizza. Ash was amazed that a kid's party would last until 11:00 pm. It's a night-life here in Mexico!!









We continue with our weekly activities and studies. Our Monday night leaders' group has gotten a bit smaller, but it still continues to be a highlight of our week. God is raising up some great leaders. We pray for more leaders to train. Those prayer-warriors reading this are invited to offer a prayer for upcoming leaders: Rosy and Fransisco, Claudia and Tato, and Marco and Junuen.

Tuesday continues to be my "jail" day. Our little group has grown from three gals to six. Two of the girls were released this week so we're down to four. It's a real joy to visit with them each week. We feed them spiritually, then feast on food we bring. You've never seen gals eat until you see our friends devour every morsel we bring them. They are so very grateful for the food, as well as necessities like toilet paper, shampoo, soap, etc. It's a privilege to be God's ambassadors at that place. The girls enjoyed Ashley's presence, too. Please pray for: Robin, Carla, Angeles, and Lupita-that the truth of God's Word and Power will continue to change their hearts. Thank God for Carmen and Imelda, sisters who accompany me each week. Both are tireless servants of God. They represent our Master beautifully.
Tuesday evenings is our standing date with Dimas and Paty, our neighbours around the corner. This is their first study of the Word of God. They are keen to learn, but their shoe shop monopolizes much of their time, so they often choose not to come. We still leave the evening open for them, praying that they will show. They are a precious couple.

Bernard studies with Ancelmo each Wednesday morning. He has been visiting with us for a few months. He's asking some very good questions. Pray for his salvation.
Our team gathers for chatting and prayer each Wednesday morning/afternoon. This gives us opportunity to catch up with what God is doing in each of our lives, and in the lives of those God has given us to influence. We never cease to be amazed at the things He does in lives because of, and often, in spite of us!!! God is faithful as we strive to work along with Him.
Wednesdays is my night to lead a group study. The study consists of several mature Christians, as well as those who have yet to claim Jesus as their Saviour. We are concluding with the study of Acts, which included Galatians, parts of Hebrews and I /II Thessalonians. Our next study will include I and II Corinthians. Please pray for Gina, who is only a step away from claiming Jesus as her Saviour; Cesar who is just beginning his journey; Sarah, who is tormented by mental and emotional issues--May Jesus release her of these chains!
Meanwhile, Bernard spends time with our dear friends, Lorena and Javier, in our home. Both continue to grow as they journey with Jesus. Lorena is a Christian. Javier is, for the first time, studying, and seriously looking at this man named Jesus. Please pray that his heart will soften toward his need for a Saviour.

Thursday is our "study" day, as well as a day to slip in other opportunities that come up. The last three weeks have been filled with marriage counseling with one of our young couples. It doesn't look promising. It hurts our hearts for them as a couple and their two young children. How cunning is the enemy!!! Please offer up prayers for "couple X", as well as for us-asking for wisdom in helping them.
Thursday evening is Bernard's group study where he mentors Rosi and Fransisco. It's a dynamic group with many new seekers. Pray that the seeds sown will fall in fertile soil, grow, and produce a hundred-fold!
Meanwhile I enjoy spending time with Karina, a precious University student from the first LST project. She is growing in her faith. She never used to pray because she didn't know how, nor thought it was an option for her. After studying about prayer, we prayed together, then I challenged her to pray every day. Most weeks she reports that she prays all the time, and has her sister praying with her now. How exciting is THAT??? It only comes from the power of God. Please pray that Karina's faith continues to grow from "being a good person" to having a relationship with Jesus.

Friday morning is scheduled for the orphans' home. We don't attend every Friday. Our role is to support the team. We try to be with them at "Casa Hogar"once a month, then gather them every two or three months for prayer and celebration of what God is doing in those young boys' lives. Our dear friend, Sharon Fox, donated Spanish Bibles to all the boys and the workers who listen in on the studies. Many treat their Bibles as cherished treasures!! What a gift! Please pray for those young hearts who are learning about the One who created them. Thank God for our amazing team: Blanca, Imelda, Monica and Sergio.
Friday afternoons give me a chance to spend a few hours with Gina. She's expressed her need for a Saviour who will clean her of her sin. We continue to look at Jesus--Who is He? What are His claims and promises? She sees truth easily. She realized her need. Pray that the enemy does not snatch the growing seeds from her heart.
Sometimes we end our work week with Dimas and Paty if they were not able to come on Tuesday evening.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons are spent at our Missionary Retreat "casita" called Memaw's Manor that was a legacy gift from my sweet mother who passed away two years ago. It's a great little place to invite those we want to get to know better. We walk on the beach and enjoy one of the surrounding pools. We grill; we eat; we fellowship. It keeps us healthy and gives Logan and his friends plenty of running room. Thank you, Lord for my mother's gift!!!

Logan continues to learn many things: Spanish school, English homeschool, karate, fireworks. The last is his passion. It makes me a bit nervous, but he gets more than his share of Science experiments!! The internet is quite the information resource! He has tons of friends with whom he runs around the neighbourhood. It's a GOOD place to raise an adventurous boy!! Please pray that he will grow to be a mighty servant of God. Would you also pray for Kresten and Ashley who are now adults, but who are far, far away from us? Kresten is working in Weyburn this summer with a petroleum company. (No, it's NOT British Petroleum) Ashley has finished her Continuing Care Program at SIAST, and will graduate June 25!! We are SO very proud of her. Wish we could be there to cheer her on the stage--This is the biggest sacrifice we make being here in Mexico. She has already landed a job in the hospital--just where she wanted to be!! We miss our kids so much, but trust that God loves them EVEN more than we do!

Thank you for your interest in the blog. Thank you for all those prayer warriors who bring our family, the team, the church, and the work before the ONE who changes hearts and lives. Our invitation is always open to have you come and visit. (A word to the wise: It's TOO hot in the summer. Plan to come in the winter months. We are melting right now before the rains set in.)

May God's blessings abound in your corner of the world as our blessings abound here. We serve a faithful and mighty God.
For the Krogsgaards,
Alicia