VELAApril14girlbench

Oct 2014 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

These last few months I have been so very aware of the ‘circle of life’, the passing of time. It could be because of my own mother and my mother-in-law‘s aging—both are 90 now. Perhaps it is because Galo and I are now considered SENIORS. Whatever it is, I look at people around me working hard to make ends meet, to squirrel away enough for their retirement. As I watch, I am very aware that each generation for thousands of years behind have worked hard to strive to get ahead…and all with the same results. I am also reminded of the giver of life and HIS purposes for our lives. Many of the Old Testament prophets struggled with these same thoughts and I am reminded of “Only one life, will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I am so thrilled that the journey we continue to share is with a commitment to serve the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

In spite of being seniors, Galo and I are feeling the sandwich effect. Our mothers depend on us for love, support and encouragement. Our kids and grandkids look to us for love, support, encouragement, advice. We love to be involved in the lives of each one but it is stressful at times. Please pray for us as we try to be the children and parents that we should be, demonstrating God‘s love and grace in our lives.

We praise God and thank you for your prayers and ongoing support for the ministries that we are involved in. The Lord has blessed and we see growth in each area.

The internet evangelism ministry which started last year continues to grow. Since it was launched 232,696 people have visited the website, 25,779 people have made decisions for Christ and 3,327 have written asking for prayer or council. This is an awesome opportunity to reach the increasing number of people who spend the majority of time connected to the internet.

The VELA team continues working on the National Plan of Evangelism which is to see 20% of the population of the country of Mexico become believers by 2020. We call this VISION 20/20. Please pray as we motivate, train and mobilize Pastors, leaders and local churches across the nation towards this end.

Our Partner Churches continue to grow. We are continuously hearing testimonies about how God is using the churches to see lives transformed. Some examples are: a man named Carlos who was a drug addict has come to know Christ and is in recovery; a woman who was contemplating suicide was invited to a concert at one of our Partner Churches and gave her life to Christ; there are stories of children sharing the Gospel with their parents. Please pray for the Partner Churches as they are working together to organize ―Days of Hope‖ Evangelistic campaigns that will take place simultaneously from October 24 – 26. Their hope is to reach new people for Christ who will be discipled through their churches.

DVBS at the “Rock of Horeb Church”

DVBS at the “Rock of Horeb Church”

People coming to know Christ at an evangelistic breakfast

People coming to know Christ at an evangelistic breakfast

VELAOct14pic3On September 26 and 27 the VELA team in Mexico hosted two Women‘s Conferences. During the first conference 165 Pastor‘s wives and leaders learnt about ‘Finding Your Identity in Christ’. They had the opportunity to lay their burdens at the foot of the cross and partake of the Lord‘s Supper together.

VELAOct14pic4The second conference was about ‘Women in the Workplace’ and was attended by 320 women who were challenged on their responsibilities as daughters‘ of God to develop healthy, strong relationships.

In closing, as we look back, we thank you again for so many years that you have upheld us and prayed for us. As we look into the future, whether it be long or short, we would ask you to pray for two things for us. First, that we finish the race well—strong and faithful to the end. And second, that we pass on the passion for souls to those around us. Thank you for your faithful support.

From both of us and on behalf of the VELA Team,

Joanne Vasquez