“From Stealing to Healing”

On October 11, 2009, “Forjando Nuevos Destinos” (Creating a New Destiny) Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center in a part of Tijuana known as Terrazas de Valle organized a “Fiesta Familiar” (family festival). The men wanted to reach out to the community and give back some of the blessings they had received from God. People come to Tijuana from all over the world. People are drawn here for work, but then must leave behind their families and friends. The people here do not feel “at home,” or as if they belong in this town. The Family Festival helped recreate a sense of community and increase the value of family.

Carlos Vazquez, the director of the Rehab Center, said, “We used to steal things from our own families, friends, and our neighbors because of our addiction to drugs and alcohol. But now that God has changed our lives through His word, He has given us the opportunity to bring healing and transformation to our community.” Carlos continues to explain that the rehab center’s motto is “Sanos Para Servir” (We are healed to serve). He often tells how the men in the center are praying that they can bring healing and transformation to their homes, communities and even all of Mexico. They are proud to say that they are ready to serve wherever God opens a door.

One of the Mexican pastors told James, “When God transforms one drug addict that means there is one less delinquent in the community.”

Drama coordinated by Armando Franco

The event was sponsored by Emmanuel CRC in Calgary, Canada. They were here for the event with a Service-Learning Mission Team for seven days. They worked side-by-side with the men from the center to coordinate the event. There were dramas about drugs and AIDS. There were original lyrics preformed in rap-style written by the rehab men. Jose, a former drug addict who is now studying at the Presbyterian Reformed Bible Institute preached that day to over 500 people who had gathered there in the park area. In all, over 65 people of different backgrounds from Canada, America, Mexico, and Korea worked together to reach out that day and of the 500 attending, over 50 responded to accept Christ as their Savior that day! What a blessing to witness these grown men be transformed and go from stealing to healing. Praise be to God.

If you want to see this event, go to www.youtube.com and type “sanos para servir FND rehab center.”

SPECIAL NEED

Pray for us as we are fund-raising for a different CRWM vehicle that will be suitable in Tijuana. The current vehicle we have has high mileage and many issues. If God is touching your heart to support this special need, please read below and send your donation to: CRWM

2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49560

800-346-0075

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CRWM will make every effort to use your gift for the program or project you designate. Gifts to programs or projects that are oversubscribed, or cannot be completed, will be directed to those that have similar intent or ministry location.

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Please make checks payable to Christian Reformed World Missions and include # WMLA 805763 on memo line. Donate online at www.crwm.org/donate.

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HAVE A BLESSED UPCOMING THANKSGIVING DAY!