THE TIMES OF ATTACK AND VICTORY
So this last month has been filled with ups and downs in regards to physical and spiritual trials. James 1:2-5 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
There are so many ways that we learn in our lives and each trial each hardship each difficult task should lead us closer to God. Likewise with every victory, with every success and with every answered prayer we should be lead closer to God.
This is what happened to our family this past month. I honestly do not want to get into details, but I do want to let you know that the foundations of our faith were tested this past month. As you were praying for our family you were lifting us up before our almighty God. This is a testimony of Gods people working together in the spiritual battles it speaks of in Ephesians 6:12-18
You know what the great thing is? It is that we are able to send out a letter like this that is full of pain and anguish that is so real that it makes you want to literally vomit, and that the outcome of that pain and anguish is victory through Jesus Christ. Victory because we were lifted up in prayer and through the power of prayer we were able to keep our focus on Jesus Christ. So thank you for all your prayer support you really do not know how much you helped us this past month.
THE ONGOING WORK
We had a very busy month, we were in contact with almost 30 pastors visiting them and building relationships. The pastors are like none I have ever seen before. They have very small houses, they have very little money, they have a desire to learn and better themselves without letting their life circumstances get in the way. As we get to know and build relationships with these men we encourage one another through our common denominator Jesus Christ.
We have been able to work with a new feeding kitchen, and that has been a very humbling opportunity. This feeding kitchen feeds 130 children, mothers and seniors daily (week days) from what the pastor makes and we are excited to see how God is providing for them. There are about another 200-300 children, mothers and seniors in another area that this pastor and his wife would like to reach one day.
I am preparing to teach a pastor and leadership course in September that will stretch me in many ways. To date we have about 40 students with the possibility of more by the start date of September 14th.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Mari continues to be my prayer support here as she also is a mother to Jaxon and Leah. Mari is driving through Rosarito and Tijuana on her own with the kids with great confidence. Jaxon is being a little boy just growing and getting to know some more friends. Leah was at the YUGO Rosarito Outreach Center as an intern this summer also.
PRAYER REQUESTS
The more pastors I get to know the more help I need with the Spanish language. I have now hired an interpreter to be with me wherever I go for ministry and with that it takes extra finances. Juan Salinas is a husband and a father that has devoted his life to the ministry as my interpreter. Juan has three children and a wife and is trying to live off of $400.00 that I pay him. We are seeking to raise $800.00 per month for Juan and his family as I can not complete the task set before me without the aid of an interpreter. Please pray that God would provide the $800.00 per month for Juan and his family.
Please continue to pray for our safety as we are all over Tijuana and into the prison once per week doing ministry. Pray for Mari and the kids as they are home and also driving to the grocery store and to friends houses.
SUPPORT INFORMATION
If you would like to join our prayer support team please feel free to contact YUGO Ministries and let them know that you are praying for the Penners and they can pass that information on to us and we can add your name to our list of names that pray for us daily that encourages us each time we look at it.
If you would like to support our family financially or Juan and his family financially also please contact YUGO Ministries and let them know how much and if you desire monthly cheques, debit cards or credit cards or once per year broken into 12 individual equal payments.
YUGO INFORMATION
YUGO Ministries Canada 780-461-0891
P.O. Box 231 yugocanada@yugo.org
ST. Albert AB.
T8N 1N3
Thank-You again for all of your prayer support that continually helpes carry us through the hard and good times alike. I also want to thank-You for all your financial support that you continue to enable us to fulfill the calling we have here in Mexico as your missionary representatives and partners.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Irv, Mari, Leah and Jaxon Penner
