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