During our Opening Ceremony, a Pastor commented:

..."We want to thank you for obeying the calling God has put on your heart to reach out to the youth and the churches across Piedras in this unique way.  We have seen a notable increase in attendance at church by new youth and even some adults who otherwise have maintained their distance at church."

Our opening Ceremony, "Kick off" for VBM's soccer league "Victoria" was attended by over 250 players, sponsors and supporters. The Soccer League, apart from the desire to provide a healthy environment for the youth to play soccer, has the vision of encouraging each team to leave spots open on their team for unsaved youth.  Many of our youth have friends and brothers who have been invited to church but don't come.  Put together a soccer game and they all are there!  As well the vision includes the opportunity to play "with" other churches (not against) and fellowship, bringing about more unity and a good testimony to those who are unsaved across our city.  Lots of youth are in church but without their parents being saved.  We pray their families and friends will attend the games to support them and experience a very different atmosphere than that which exists in other soccer leagues and games across our cities (parents fighting, drinking, etc.) 

In November we had an attendance of 68 teachers, staff and administration from the David Livingstone Institute.   This is a Christian Pre-k - Junior High School.  The conferences given by VBM focused on communication and were so very well received that we were invited back in January!   Last week there were 83 in attendance for our workshop on Constructive Criticism, Instructive Communication, from the David Livingstone Institute.   One comment from a teacher’s evaluation reads:
              "Thank you for always, boldly including the Word of God in your conferences.  The video clips, anecdotes & written materials you give provide great examples of your points which personally inspire & encourage me greatly."

The evangelism of children and youth is extremely important as 50 percent of Mexico’s population is 15 years of age or younger. God has given us the vision & challenge of establishing a much needed Children’s & Youth’s Outreach Center.

Serving the Youth, Children and their families in Piedras Negras, Mexico,  Vine and Branches Ministries focus is specifically on establishing & implementing Outreach Programs & Educational opportunities, meeting a physical need, which serves as a doorway to present the salvation of Jesus Christ and experience the power of developing a personal relationship with Him.   We have purchased land & will begin building VBM's Outreach Facility, Dorm and Conference Hall on a strategically placed property, (3.6 acres)  in the rural area of our city where we and many needy families we work with live.  After School, Recreational, Open Meal, Computer and Training Programs as well as Camps & Retreats for youth & children, & Teachers Conferences will be offered from this future facility.