PLEASE OPEN OUR PHOTO ALBUM: Children's Reading Room & Soccer Field FOR THE LATEST PICTURES about the progress on the Children's Library.   Link to watch our video update Jan - April 2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZAtl4KISw

 How thankful we are for God's timing and provision!  We were able to get the shingles done on the roof thankfully just in time as heavy spring rain began. 

Alex continues to prep for the electrical installation by installing the light switch boxes and finishing up some details on the exhaust plumbing for the bathroom.  As this is done and as funds allow  the next step will then be to move onto installing the electric cables, insulation and drywall within a few days of each other.

Supplies were purchased and the next phase of work (after frame up) was scheduled to continue with electrical, insulation and sheet rock going in mid March.  However, after being on stand by awaiting scheduled visitors, with incidents in the news about drug related violence along other border cities, some groups suspended their trips our way for the moment. In light of these changes, we are challanged with undertaking the remaining work ourselves or considering hiring skilled hands to assist us.   The final few hours of work remaining to "finish" leveling off the soccer field in front of the library is on hold as well.  The equipment we need to hire is on stand by as we conisider how to meet the many ministry needs in light of our current budget & changes in spring plans. Lord willing this year the doors to the children's reading room will open & children's soccer clinics will begin.  We trust in Jehovah Jireh!

In reference to border violence in Juarez & Laredo, thankfully no similar incidents have occured along our border here in Piedras Negras.  As the situation involving the government and drug cartels escalates, our country is beginning to experience tensions until now unseen.  

A gift from our friends at University Baptist Church in Houston, TX  enabled us to pour the foundation of the Reading Room.    Three carpenters from Washington, NC arrived in  March to frame up the entire Reading Room.    We trust that God is at work. He is using the talents and means of many willing hearts throughout His body to accomplish His work here in Piedras.   Surveying on the property is done and machinery grading the construction areas are currently underway.     Would you please prayerfully consider how God would use you to meet our financial goal for the Reading Room project?

(SEE PHOTO ALBUM HERE FOR PICS) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaL17KS2Wng ,   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcUm2o8l1r0, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhNBTrY2Jyk  Click on these links to WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THIS OUTREACH PROJECT:    After four months, VICTORIA, our Outreach Project (christian soccer league) ended in June its first tournament and team Marana-ta came out the winner in first place. Over 250 youth participated from 19 different churches.  There were 65 "invited" youth (unreached) and of those 43 accepted Christ, are congregating and many are begining to be baptized.  Also, one of  our referees accpetd Christ and Alex had the honor of participating in his baptisim! PRAISE GOD! Several local businesses have gotten behind the league and the Mayor's office has granted us a 6 acre property in a great location in town for exclusive use by Vine and Branches Ministries and it's Outreach Project the VICTORIA soccer league! The property is being cleared and cleaned and plans are underway for the VICTORIA soccer park!  As well the city wants to work with us on our other ministry property in El Ejido, as they are sending out (for free), work vehicles cleaning and clearing this property as well in order to use it for a home soccer field too. Demand was high to continue the league over the summer and so we enrolled the first 10 teams in a "lightning" round before starting our Second Tournament this September.  There are already 18 teams signed up from 23 different churches for our second tournament and the kick off ...

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 72 percent of Mexico’s population is 24 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.