Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)

                                 Where do they go from here?

                                          by  Dottie Sprenger

 
The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves.  
Mark 12:31  The second is this, ' YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

Puerto Penasco is our neighbor and is in need. Little stands are set up everywhere trying to sell something so they can survive. Relatives bring auto parts, tools, clothes, and luggage from America to their hurting relatives to sell, trying to help.  

It was a thriving and large condo project that was being built and sold on the beach, but now is mostly vacant; largely because of the scare of drug dealers, advanced by the media. Children, born in America, forced to leave Colorado and Arizona because their parents are illegal. The children don't understand. They just know that they want to be in America. A little girl from Colorado was forced to move to Mexico after being in America all her life. She is twelve. Her parents are illegal.  

Our laws are a mess. Our government has known for years that these people are here and having children. To enforce a law after these children have lived here for years and send them back to poverty is devastating. We need to look at the laws again.  

We began our trip to Puerto Penasco about noon. Phyllis was to be with us but she couldn't get off work. It was a pleasant drive. Not much traffic. Phil said that it is because of the drug scare. The media keeps repeating some drug killings near Texas, many miles away, and it hurts all of Mexico. Phil assures us that it is safer in Mexico than in Phoenix. We were to find this to be true, we felt very safe.  
Proverbs 18:10  The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.

We arrived at five p.m. and checked into our hotel. It is a beachfront hotel. The air and the sound of waves are very soothing. Our room has a great view of the sand and water with Old Port in the distance. Boats, sea doos and other craft are seen on the water with waders and families having a wonderful time on the beach. The temperature is in the 80's and the water is warm. My two granddaughters, Tierney and Gillienne, are sharing a room with me. They hurriedly put their luggage down and were on their way to the beach. They had half an hour till we had to head back to the church.  

Phil and Phyllis have worked hard with very little, but with God all things are possible and they have accomplished much.  
Matthew 19:26   And looking at them Jesus said to them, " With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
   
The church was built by young, teenaged people coming on short-term mission trips. Most had never done any building before, but they had youth and strength and with Phil's guidance they built a small place. As the church grew they knocked out walls and made it larger. Over the years they have added rooms and built a second floor of classrooms. The church auditorium holds more than 200 people. They also use rooms for doctors, dentists, a kitchen and an office. 

This evening, we worked with fifteen leaders and workers who wanted to learn how to use the EvangeCube--evangelism cube for outreach. After the presentation they got up and practiced. They did a great job. Now they will be able to go out into the neighborhood to show and tell the way to Heaven.  
Psalm 20:6   Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

I also taught them how to use the evangelism bracelet. They promised to use it to tell others. If we really believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the only way to heaven we need to tell someone. It was nearly nine o'clock when we finished. They brought pizza. It's been a long day and we are happy to retire for the night. We returned to our room and the crashing waves.  

The Bible tells us to go and tell.   
Mark 13:10   The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.   We have been able to reach some already with the Jesus DVD and Romans and have taught others how they can go and tell. That's Multiplication.  
 
Saturday morning we stopped at a corner cocina (Kitchen) where we had a burrito. The owner was from Cuba. We gave him a DVD to show in his cocina and a Romans. He was delighted. The vendors were setting up all around the block by the church. Some had much, some had little to sell but hoping someone would buy something. There are no jobs. 50, 000 people have left this area, we are told. The only industries here are tourism and fishing.
Mark 1:17  And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." 

Tierney, Gillienne and I went to each vendor with a DVD of Jesus and Romans talking to them in broken Spanish. Es de la iglesia acai (It's from the church over there) or un regalo para usted (A gift for you). We got many laughs; maybe we lightened their spirits for a moment.  
Ecclesiastes 3:4    A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.    

Back at the church, I was able to present the Gospel several times to different groups using a young lady, Dalila, to translate. Many prayed to receive the free gift of Eternal Life. God knows how many were truly born again. Many came to thank us and hug us. These precious people for whom Christ died are so grateful for everything.  
Romans 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

In the late afternoon, we left for the place called "The Invasion." These are people who have lost everything and have no place to go. They are squatters. They find wood, tin, cloth or anything to make a shelter. These are the poorest of poor. Al and I have been to nearly 70 countries. This is right in with the poorest of the world. No water, no bathrooms, the ground for their pillows.  
Proverbs 14:21  He who despises his neighbor sins, But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.  

Sixty five children and forty seven adults attended the Good News meeting. It was hot, but we had a makeshift awning to shelter us from the sun. I was able to present the Gospel to all using the cube. They responded to the invitation. Some were believers while others prayed for the first time, God knows. Then they learned a Bible verse. The adults and children were then separated and each group was taught a Bible lesson.  
2 Thessalonians 2:15  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

A wonderful group from America came with hot dogs, drinks and other snacks. They also made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which the children saved for another meal.  We took the Pastor and his wife out to dinner and we were able to give the waitress a DVD and John and Romans in Spanish.  

There are very few jobs. For those who do, their pay is $4.00 a day. These are desperate times. Phil and Phyllis bring food every week. Phyllis holds a full time job to pay their bills and still tries to go on the weekends to Mexico. This week she couldn't come until Saturday. She started out and around Ajo, her car broke down. She had to go back to Phoenix. All of their transportation is old. They keep repairing them when needed so they can keep going. I say that they come on a wing and a prayer.     
Psalm 63:7  For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
God is on their side. They work miracles with the little they have. Go with them sometime and you will be amazed and blessed.   

Today is Sunday, Tierney and Gillienne are up early and out looking to replace Tierney's seashells. Someone took hers yesterday when she was in the water. Maybe they can sell them. We left for church around ten o'clock. The many rooms will be used for classes. Yesterday they were used for the doctors and nurses and patients, meeting their physical needs. Today the spiritual needs.  
3 John 1:2  Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.  

God is good and has willing servants here to keep this wonderful work going. They could use more finances. They could use more partners to go and help. As far as we could tell, it is a safe and beautiful place to go. Our only concern was when we came back to Phoenix in the Maryvale area; four police vans came around the corner toward us with their lights off and stopped. It is known for drug dealers in this area. We had gone there to drop off a young woman who came back to Phoenix to pick up her three young daughters. Her husband has been deported and can't come back to America so she (an American) has chosen to go back to Mexico to live.  
1 Corinthians 4:1  Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  

Pray for these people. We cannot even imagine what they are going through. God is at work here in Puerto Penasco. It has been a privilege to work for our God with these wonderful, dedicated people. Thank you Pastor and Blanca, for your help and support during our days in Rocky Point and for your on-going dedication to the people here.

Talk with Phil and Phyllis. They can use your help. They also can use things that you don't want any more that are still in good condition so that they can sell or use it in Mexico. Eyeglasses, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, measuring cups, furniture, clothes, cars, and trailers to name a few. 
You can review more detail on donations on their website -- NewBirthMexicanMission.org   
 
We love you all,
Al and Dottie Sprenger
Tierney and Gilliene

Springfoundation@cox.net

  

John 20:21  So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you;
                                 as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." 

 
Romans 15:33  Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.