LA CASA DE ESPERANZA: It's Been A Minute . . .

Monday, September 7, 2009

It's Been A Minute . . .

Some of you may already know that our Casa founder, Terry, had to leave us at the beginning of August to be with her brother, who just recently passed away. Please pray for Terry and the rest of her family. She has also been led by the Lord to pursue other ministry opportunities, but will remain on the Casa board of directors.
I was recently installed as an "interim-overseer", serving alongside Adriana (our other director), and we are currently praying that the Lord will raise up a husband & wife team for the Casa, who will serve with compassion, love, and continue with the Casa vision.
Please continue to pray for us as the Lord sorts thru this transition, and that His perfect will be done concerning Casa Esperanza.
Shalom
Walt aka ChachoLibre aka 'Interim-Overseer-Guy'
p.s. That's me with the paper

7 comments:

Tim Halberg said...: that video was touching and inspiring man.

I feel that I have a heart for Mexico and the Baja areas and am stoked to see that you're down there doing this.

Thanks for sharing and I pray God is blessing your ministry and time down there.; December 4, 2008 11:55 PM
Rachel said...: Hey! My school took a missions trip to Mexico and a group of us girls worked at Casa Esperanza for a week. What a blessing it was to see the videos! I recognize some of the kids. Is Michelle still there? She would probably like 8 or 9, I guess. Anyways, my school was Vanguard University...I think they go every year. Thanks for updating your blog and keeping us posted. Blessings to you!; December 10, 2008 11:07 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey man, I know you. you that short guy kinda tall; January 5, 2009 7:39 PM
Anonymous said...: you remember me? i came down with that 1 group. i was wearing a christian t shirt and had a red hat on; February 5, 2009 6:32 PM
Anonymous said...: dude; February 10, 2009 4:41 PM
faith_freak04 said...: Thank you so much for posting this video. When I was thirteen years old I came down with a missions team from my church in MT and we helped out the Casa Esperanza team and took the children to the beach. It is amazing to see this video and see pictures of the old house where we helped and to see what God has abled you to do. I cried watching this because I realized how much I miss it there....the good news...I have talked to Terry and I am coming for a month this summer! I am so excited to meet everyone and see what the lord leads me to do! YAY~~~; March 6, 2009 12:45 AM
Anna said...: I can down to Ensenada with my youth group from Washington State the past two years to work with Dennis and Debbie, and the children from Casa Esperanza touched us deeply and I hope that we impacted their lives like they impacted ours. God bless you all.; July 20, 2009 8:10 AM

Our Casa Program

When a family enters the "Casa" they agree to attend our discipleship program which includes a comprehensive bible study for women, parenting classes, adult education, and marriage classes. Reading, math, and writing skill classes are also available. The program continues monthly along with job skill training in sewing, cooking, computers and more, all taught in a practical hands-on way at the Casa Esperanza.

The money earned by each mom can be used to purchase a small plot of land to build a home for her family, or for further schooling.

Vision of Casa de Esperanza

Casa Esperanza is located 80 miles south of the U.S./Tijuana border and 15 miles south of Ensenada. Our goal is to introduce our Mexican women and children to a new life of healing and freedom through Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. While they reside at the "Casa", the goal is to disciple them to grow in the knowledge and grace of God through His Word. When they leave the Casa, our prayer is that they will continue to live as women of faith and quality, trusting the Lord and sharing God's love and the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. We pray that the children will also come to know God's great love for them, and learn to obey Him and understand that He has a plan for their lives.

Matthew 25:34-40

" Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."

To all our faithful supporters - you probably already know that in July (see Bee Fire) the backside of the old Casa suffered structure/wall/roof damage as well as the loss of a couple shower stalls and access to restrooms. We are hoping to repair this 'quickly' so that no further damage is sustained before the rainy months (Nov-Dec) are upon us.

Our amazing contractor/construction overseer Dennis Hollenbeck (www.ltpalmas.org) has given us an initial cost estimate of $1116, which will simply secure the building from the outside elements (please see photos above).

We are praying that the Lord will 'inspire' someone(s) so we can forge ahead with this project, but especially get our showers and bathrooms back up and running.

Unfortunately, there is the urgency to get the outside repaired (original estimate) first before the rains come.

If your are inspired to help with this project, please send any donations to our regular donation address and PLEASE note in the memo line Casa Esperanza - "The Burn Project". Also please email me at chacholibre@gmail.com so I may advise you if we have already met our specific goal, or if you'd like, you may note on the memo line 'general construction fund'. We currently have other projects that also need to be completed to make the Casa a safer and healthier place for our moms and kids.

For more specific cost information or construction questions, please email Dennis directly at dennis@ltpalmas.org.

Shalom

Walt aka "Interim-Overseer-Guy"

NEWS FLASH!!! - We have already received such a positive response, that we only need $616 to reach our goal of $1116!! All glory and honor and praise to the Most High God!!

Thank you to all . . .

The Infamous Bee Fire

On Wednesday morning 7/15, I drove out to U-Turn for Christ (christian rehabilitation center) to pick up the '3 amigos' who do a LOT of work for the Casa and are a huge blessing to us.

One of their tasks for the day was to rid the old Casa building of a huge swarm (hive) of bees that had taken up residence there, and were stinging some of our kids.

After lighting a small fire to smoke them out, somehow an ember got away, making it's way inside the hay-bale wall, and igniting a slow burning fire.

Immediately the 'bomberos' were called in, and it took them almost exactly one hour to arrive!! Ay caramba!!

Praise God that we only lost a small portion of the backside of the building, but unfortunately we also lost the use of 3 good restrooms and showers.

Please pray that the Lord will provide so we can repair the damage, move our nursery (more info to come), and complete our boys restrooms (more info on the way) which is under construction so that the shortage of showers is dealt with quickly.

Shalom

C.L.

p.s. In the video below what you don't see is the swarm of bees attacking the fireman.

My Story . . .

Hello everyone! My name is Mirjam Pieters and I am from Holland.

Through a pastor I met on the internet I came to find out about the Casa Esperanza.

He sent me a newsletter and I started e-mailing Terry (founder of Casa Espee) and finally asked her if I could come down (overseas) to help.

And so for the past 2 & 1/2 weeks I have spent time with the people here in Mexico.

I don't really have an impressive story of how God called me to this place, I simply have a heart for people.

I love to travel and meet people from different cultures and I feel it's always good to step out of your own world into another.

It's easy to serve the Lord when you are in your own comfortable surroundings, but it's entirely different when you step out of your comfort zone finding yourself in a place you don't speak the language, and allow the Lord to teach you new things.

I have grown to love the women and children that I have met very much.

The kids here are no different than those in Holland. They just need lots of love, hugs and attention so they can grow up knowing that they have a future, and can become strong women and men in Christ, and know that they are loved.

For that, you don't need to speak the language.

And so I play with them - hug them - we play games together.

I enjoy working with the women too, although we have difficulties understanding each other.

I don't think they realize how much I learn from them. They are really friendly and hard working. I enjoy watching them play jokes on each other and having fun with each other.

They are beautiful ladies seeking to serve you and I find that very touching.

I am very grateful for being able to come here and I can only hope I was able to make a little difference in their lives as they made such an impact on mine.

Mirjam

Missionary Opportunities at the Casa

At this time we accept volunteers, both short and long term. If you would like more information or are interested in working with us, please email us at casaesperanzamx@yahoo.com.
We DEFINITELY could use some short and long term volunteers to assist in maintenance, gardening, garden and animal care, child care, teaching and tutoring primary and secondary kids. We also could use help in the kitchen (can you cook?!), cleaning and organizing, bookkeeping, someone to run errands, etc.
We also could use experienced people in construction, electrical, plumbing and roofing.
Also helpful would be someone skilled in communications to help with our newsletters, special projects, and publicity.
Room and board are available.

Financial Support - If you would like information on a complete list of materials that we use on a daily basis, please let us know.

Casa Esperanza began in an empty rented house in Maneadero, Baja Mexico on 5/1/2001 . . . not knowing how to proceed, except trusting in God's promise that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then everything we needed at that time would be added unto us.
The Lord has kept His promise as we continue to trust in Him for all of our needs. He has given us a great home (see above photos) with all the amenities on a 2 and 1/2 acre ranch lying near the base of the mountains with a view of the ocean in the distance.
Over the years we have been able to give shelter and aid to hundreds of women and children - some from as far away as Cuba and El Salvador. Our greatest census was 61 women and children living with us at one time.
We have celebrated 4 weddings of our gals, and are soon to celebrate a 5th this month. All are serving the Lord!
God is providing help for our moms and kids through parenting classes, marriage classes, discipleship/bible classes, psychological help for our children, and adult school for the moms.
In our 7 years we have not missed a meal and have always managed to pay our bills.
We have been blessed in every way by your prayers, support, and hard work, for which we are so grateful. With the blessings, we've also had to overcome tribulation, temptation, opposition, and grief.
We have weathered all with the grace of God and the prayers of the saints - the Lord has worked it all to our good and our growth.
We want to thank everyone for all you have done for us, and hope you will continue to be a part of the Casa de Esperanza, the house of hope!
With all our love, Adriana, Terry, and all the moms and kids of the Casa!

So far, I know of five places that groups can stay while visiting us in the Cantu area, just a few miles from the Casa.

The HummingBird Inn (011-52-646-154-2019) is located just 4 miles west of the Casa, located on the same road on the way to the Bufadora. They have been known to sleep up to 40 people in a group, with plenty of outside room for tents and motorhomes.

Further down that same road, approximately another 3 miles, is La Casa Blanca ,(U.S. 714-544-8293) which also hosts missionary groups from the States, with also a capacity of 40-plus people, and lots of good info with maps, directions, and safety precautions while traveling.

Right on the beach are the homes of the Armenta's located at Aguas Calientes, and again only 4 miles from the Casa. Please contact them for more details. (U.S. cell 805-794-0958)

You will also feel safe and taken care of at Las Tres Palmas (located 10 miles north of us), owned and operated by our very own construction overseer Dennis Hollenbeck and his wife Debbie. They can be reached directly by calling (U.S.#) 858-605-1403.

Finally our good friends, JJ and Abby Williams of Lantern On the Hill, who continually minister at the Casa, are conveniently located right on a private beach and surf spot just 6 miles from us and can also handle large groups. They can be reached by calling toll free 1-800-257-6404, or by cell 818-802-2219.

All five locations are owned and operated by people from the U.S., very accomodating, very comfortable, and very blessed to assist those who come down to bless us!!

Shalom - Click hi-lighted link to see their info.

Walt aka Chacho

LA CASA DE ESPERANZA

Monday, September 7, 2009

It's Been A Minute . . .

7 comments:

Saturday Night at the Fights!

Welcome to the Bufadora!

About Me - ChachoLibre

Who Visited Us? From Where?

Blog Archive

About the "Casa"

Kids Stuff

Our Casa Program

Vision of Casa de Esperanza

Matthew 25:34-40

Our New Co-Directors

The "Burn Project"

The Infamous Bee Fire

Our Latest Missionary Visitor From Holland

My Story . . .

Missionary Opportunities at the Casa

Tax Deductible Donations May Be Sent To:

THE ORIGINAL CASA ESPERANZA IN MANEADERO

Our Contact Information

A Safe Place To Stay While Visiting Us

Help a Brother Out