An Exciting Video Update...

Things looked quite a bit different around here this time last year. This week I came across some pictures that I took in February of 2020. Things were very busy and very exciting. The orphanage was noisy with children. Our english classes for the community were off to a great start. We launched our sewing project which provided jobs for some of the moms of our kids at the orphanage. We had begun construction on a building that would become our new recreation room.

And then things drastically stopped and everything seemed to change. During this time of change, we have sought to continue to care for and minister to children and those in need here in Mexico. Even though that looks very different now, the intentions and motivations are the same. In fact, in some regards, we are even more excited about the new opportunities that change has brought forth.

For the past 2 or 3 months, I have sought to find the best way to share with you all some of these changes. Last month I was in Florida for a board meeting as well as sharing at a church. I asked my good friend Daniel (who is one of my board members) if we could do a video interview. So the two of us sat in his office and talked through some of these changes and answered questions that have come up as of late. I’m really really excited about the 21 minute or so video that came from our time together.

Many of you have faithfully walked this journey with us over the past 8 1/2 years and we are forever thankful for that. Jackie and I would love if you would take a moment sometime, grab a cup of coffee and watch this video.

The Steadfast Love...

This past Monday I had a meeting at the high school.  It was the first time i’ve been there since things shut down back in March.  My temperature was checked at the door, seats were marked with an X for social distance seating, and of course everyone had their face masks on.  The teacher talked about how the students are doing working remotely, possible plans for when the school might reopen and then passed out the first quarter report cards.  We are REALLY proud of Carolina who is in 11th grade.  She is excelling in school and had an overall score of 9.4 out of 10.  Even though school has been either from her room or the office, she is doing a fantastic job.

At the end of the meeting, the teacher said something really interesting.  He was talking about the challenges that some of the students and families are facing doing remote schooling.  One of those being the amount of cellphone data that is needed for assignments and communication.  For the high school, all communication and homework assignments are done virtually via an app called WhatsApp. He went on to say that normally when the students would come to class, he would collect their cellphones in a box so they wouldn’t be a distraction during class.  Now, students are having to rely on their phones because that IS their class time.  He finished by saying “isn’t it interesting how things in our world have flipped around due to this pandemic.”

Some might call it “the new norm” or “unprecedented times.” 2020 will definitely be a year that will always be remembered and really changed the course of things.  It was so difficult having to cancel missions trips, golf tournaments, speaking engagements, basically everything this year. Especially because those things are such a vital part in what we do down here in Mexico.

Thankfully, even in the midst of a global pandemic and things being completely turned upside down and cancelled, we have a God who forever remains faithful.  He has continued to show His faithfulness every single day.

Take our annual House of Blessing Golf Tournament for instance.  Having had to cancel our two physical tournaments in WA and FL, someone suggested having a “virtual” event.  I really had no idea how this would turn out or if it would even work.  I was absolutely amazed to see over 45 people who participated, playing golf, mini-golf and disc golf from 3 different states, and raised over $2100.  Amazing!

What about our Back To School Drive?  Normally, we do a big drive every year to raise money for school supplies, fees, uniforms, etc for all our kiddos.  Since school is remote and via television, I wasn’t sure there would be an interest to raise funds.  Once again, I was amazed.  A church in Oregon raised over $2600 to help with school needs.  Incredible!

As we head into the weekend may we be forever reminded of the goodness of the Lord and these wonderful words…

Lamentations 3:22-23…The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; GREAT is Your faithfulness.

HOB Virtual Golf Event

For the past 8 years, the House of Blessing (HOB) orphanage, located in Bachiniva Chihuahua Mexico, has been a part of an annual charitable Golf Tournament in beautiful Washington State.  Over the years, hundreds of golfers have come out to play and raise tens of thousands of dollars for the orphanage.  Last years tournament was our biggest one to date, raising over $16,000. We were so excited to not only have our tournament in Washington, but also one in West Palm Beach Florida. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we were forced to cancel both our tournaments this year.  This was definitely a bummer and disappointment, however, the HOB Golf Committee and Board of Directors came up with an exciting, new alternative.  We are very excited to announce our first ever House of Blessing “virtual” Golf Event.  We hope with these new twists’ on our normal golf tournament, we will still be able to accomplish 2 things. Those who love golf and tournaments will have a chance to get out, enjoy fresh air and play golf. We also will be able to help raise funds to support the orphanage and work in Mexico.

We are also excited because unlike a normal golf tournament, people from all over the United States can join in on this special event. Our Golf Event will be held the week of September 18-26. For some people, it might be a challenge to play golf on one specific day. This is why we are having the event for a week.

Please take a moment to check out our promo video below that has all of the details about the event. You can also visit our brand new website, www.hobgolf.org to get details, registered, etc.

Help us spread the word by sharing the event and video on social media, with your friends, churches, etc.

Looking forward to this time. If you have additional questions you can contact the golf committee at golf@thehouseofblessing.org or jason@thehouseofblessing.org.