Dear Friends,
Much has happened since we've last written. For that I apologize. During times of transition, it is often hard to know what and when to communicate. However, we appear to have finally settled into a new normal. Over the last year, we have slowly settled into our new church, finally daring to call it home. After attending for almost a year, I stepped out and became a youth leader yet again. Unlike previous churches I have served at, this one had a shortage of senior youth leaders. I have greatly enjoyed building relationships with the girls and encouraging the group in their relationship with God. Now, as one of the youth leaders, I will be heading to Mexico with my youth group over March Break.
Over the past few years, our church(Calvary) has built a partnership with a ministry in Mexico. Each calendar year, they send a team from the church to build houses. This year, our team will be building a house for a single mom and her eight year old daughter. Currently, they live in a very tiny apartment. It has a serious mold problem due to a leaky roof, which is causing health issues. The mother has been saving to purchase the land and our team will provide the labour and building materials. We look forward to sharing God's extravagant love with them through our acts of service.
We have quite a bit yet to raise, and I need to personally raise $500 for my part. If you would like to support me in this trip, you can donate online here:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s2103
Please specify that it is for Grace Van Bruwaene and the Mexico mission. Or you can send a cheque payable to Calvary United Church designated to Mexico Missions-Grace Van Bruwaene and mail to Calvary United Church, 48 Hawkesville Rd PO Box 189, St. Jacob's ON, N0B 2N0.
The team is putting on a fundraiser this weekend. We're hosting Calvary Cafe-an evening of great food and talent. Doors open at 5pm. We will be serving a spaghetti dinner with some delicious desserts. Tickets are $10/person, $5/child and $25/family. Children five and under are free.
If you are not able to contribute financially, please keep me in your prayers. Although I am very excited about this opportunity, I am also aware of the challenges we face. Please pray for safety during the trip as well as wisdom. I desire to lead my girls well and hope to encourage them in their faith during the trip.
Thank you so much,
Grace Van Bruwaene
PS: To learn more about the ministry we're involved with, go to
http://www.eocyugo.org
