In April of 2008, twenty members of the Oregon City based church Household of Faith will undertake a great step of faith in service to the residents of Vicente Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico through the Cruz family outreach, based in Tule, Oaxaca. Team Leader Bryan Ferguson will be returning to Oaxaca for his fourth time, each time bringing more people to meet his friends and "family" in Oaxaca. Bryan's introduction to Oaxaca came in 2004 when he visited the Pimpollo Home for Children in Juchitan, 6 hours south of Oaxaca. Since then, his involvement with introducing others to the Cruz family and partnering with Mission Oaxaca has been instrumental.

Last year, the Household of Faith participated in building a new classroom at the local (and impoverished!) school. This year, projects include the possibility of a new classroom, but also adding Pisos (floors) to more homes. As if that wasn't enough, Bryan's wife, Tina, has been working with Elisabeth Saunders in exploring sewing projects both here and in Oaxaca. Those possibilities include sewing school uniforms, pillow cases, curtains, and more. The team is also considering a trek to Espinal to visit and help our friend in ministry, Kristin Leitz, at Casa Isabel (see www.casaisabel.org).

Kristin has also made great strides in her ministry. This year, through help from stateside friends, she hopes to purchase or construct a permanent home for the young women who live with her during their transition to a more stable life. We're very proud of our association to her and will be helping her construct a website in the first quarter of 2008 that encompasses her hopes for those in her care.

The Marshall Christensen Foundation (www.themcf.org) and Mission Oaxaca will be exploring partnerships in Oaxaca in 2008 to bring Servant Leadership to more budding leaders. Through our friends in Pasco, we have learned much about our own ministries and especially the importance of working together for greater results. The MCF has continued to progress in our work abroad and at home through the Int'l Servant Leadership Program and the summer Academy. It is the goal of Mission Oaxaca to identify individuals who will benefit from this training and facilitate their participation, whether stateside or in Mexico.

On December 19, Mission Oaxaca will be hosting an all day visioning retreat with six other organizations, including Interlink Resources, The Marshall Christensen Foundation, Good Shepherd Community Church, Mt. Scott Church of God, Center for Sharing, and Leadership Development, Inc--all organizations who demonstrate a valuable sense of community and adherence to the importance of Christ-centered solutions. The purpose of this retreat is to continue exploring the intersecting relationships that continue to unfold and how to work together more effectively with magnified purpose and results. We're excited about these organizations participation as we seem to be working in one capacity or another with them, but individually. The 19th is about putting us all in one room and seeking God's purpose for our fellowship. Please pray for this event as it could shape the future of some or all of our work.

On behalf of the Iglesia de Cristo, Mission Oaxaca thanks all of your willingness to step forward in faith. We're all better for your example. At this time of year when we are pulled in so many directions, I would also like to say thank you to those of you who have stood beside Mission Oaxaca during the past few years. What a blessing you have been in helping us accomplish more than 40 pisos, a classroom, a kitchen---and lots of new friends-- in only two years.

Okay, down to business. We have a special opportunity at year end. Both sponsoring businesses of Mission Oaxaca have really stepped up and presented a challenge to each of us who give to Mission Oaxaca. Any gift that arrives to us before the end of the year will be matched by our sponsors. That means that your gift to Mission Oaxaca, Casa Isabel, or The Marshall Christensen Foundation will be doubled! Any gift will go directly to the production of Pisos in Vicente Guerrero.

It only takes $200 to put one family on a clean and level surface, above the dirty soil that they are living on now. Will you give all or part of one Piso Sponsorship?
It only takes $100 to sponsor a student scholarship in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, or Philippines...Will you give toward a scholarship?
It only takes $100 to sponsor a resident of Casa Isabel for a safe, protective environment while learning to make life long decisions...will you support these women?

Donations to Mission Oaxaca or Casa Isabel can be mailed to in care of Center for Sharing, 723 W Clark St, Pasco, WA 99301 with the specific ministry in the subject line but made out to CFS.

Donations to the MCF can be mailed to The MCF, 44490 SE Phelps Road, Sandy, Oregon 97055.

Please consider this challenge. It's a great opportunity to be a great steward of what we've been blessed with. Whether your gift is to Mission Oaxaca, Casa Isabel, The MCF --however God is speaking to you, we're grateful for your generosity and are grateful for your part in our unfolding ministry of servant leadership.

And what a great reason to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

Blessings,
Chris Anderson
Mission Oaxaca

Email: chris@missionoaxaca.org
Phone: 503-913-2816