Sometimes the Need is Just So Great

I'm so glad that I serve a big God.  Sometimes the need is so great, but God in His greatness directs our steps in how to meet the need.  For instance, today was the first time I ran out of shoes.  Usually I purchase around 10 to 15 pairs a month.  Today was the first time I ran out.  When I finished dispensing shoes, I saw a lady that had been waiting and asked if I had any her size.  I looked at her feet and then I looked at mine.  Next thing I knew I was pulling off my shoes and giving them to her.  You see, I had another pair in the car that I had switched out of so they'd stay nice for "special occasions".  When I realized I own two pairs of shoes I realized that I had more than I needed.  

I don't share that story so that I can look good. I actually have seen Hector many times give the shoes off his feet and today his daughter gave her shoes as well.  (I've learned so much from this family.  Mostly how God provides over and over again.) I share that story because I can't escape how blessed Americans are.  I was recently in the states with friends and was hit with the abundance of food and clothes we all have.  I even visited a Starbucks a couple of times and thought with the money I spent on this one drink I probably could have fed a family in the colony.  At the same time, I don't feel guilt because of treating myself to a mocha from Starbucks.  I guess what I'm trying to say is I can live with or without Starbucks.

What about you?  Is there something you can't live without?  Why not put the money aside that you usually spend for your wants, but not needs and see how difficult it is.  Even better, give the money you saved to help someone with their needs.  If you can't think of anyone in need....I can help you out.

Shoes $12 @ Walmart = 4 tall drinks from Starbucks. 

Visit From Friends of Placerville

We were so blessed a few weeks ago to meet some more precious brothers and sister from Placerville.  They came and served the people of the river colony.  With smiles of compassion, they helped distribute food and clothing to our friends in need.  

No matter how I try to explain to people how precious these people are, I'm learning that meeting them face to face is really the only way.  While our friends from Placerville were distributing food and clothing a lady approached Hector and Maribel with some paperwork.  She was sobbing and didn't know what she could do about her situation.  Hector called me over to her and explained her circumstance.

The paperwork that she had with her contained information telling us that her brother was basically being released from the hospital to die.  It was her younger brother and she wanted to know if we could help her bring her brother home.  She needed to rent a room to take care of him.  As Hector gave what he had to give, I headed over to my car to get some money to meet her need.  I bowed my head in prayer while I was in my car and once again told the LORD, "I need more money.  The need is so great.  Please send me more."  As I started to walk over to Hector, some of the men that were visiting asked how they could help.  Once again I was blown away not only how fast God answered me, but how generously God met the need.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm being tested in my faith when it comes to the needs of others.  I know that God doesn't expect me to meet every need myself, but He does seem to check on me a lot in the stewardship of what He's given to me.  

Never make the mistake of thinking what you have is yours.  It's not.  It's all God's and it's on loan to you.  What are we doing with what God has given us?  Do we trust Him?  Do we really believe that if we seek His kingdom first that He really will meet our needs?  

When I see what has happened in the U.S. economy, I can't help but wonder if it's a test of the church.  We've been so blessed that it's easy to think that our skills or intelligence have something to do with it. 

This last year I have met all kinds of givers.  I know of some that give away everything left over after paying off their bills.  I've met some that have requested money for missions instead of birthday gifts.  I've seen some take the jackets off of their backs and some the shoes off their own feet to give to someone in need.  All of these people have one belief in common.  God is faithful to His word.  If He says He will meet all of your needs if you put His kingdom first, then He will.  He's not a man that He should lie.  He's faithful.

Emergency Relief Needed

Thanks to you...
~ Funds for 10 walls have come in to help the 7 families that have lost their homes.  
~ Hector and Maribel are doing better.  Please continue to pray for them for strength.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

~PRAY!  We need much prayer for wisdom and physical strength for Hector and Maribel especially.  Hector is still recovery from back surgery and Maribel is recovering from bronchitis.  God is already using them in a great way.  God is giving us favor with the people.  

 ~ Funds are needed to purchase 8'X16' garage doors for a quick solution for shelter.  These families are not asking for brand new homes.  They need shelter to live in ASAP.  The community will come together to build their shelters, but they need funds to purchase the walls.  This is our moment to seize with the love of Christ.  Hearts are softening because of the love of God shown to these people already.  Please help us seize this moment of opportunity with us.  Thank you so much and God bless you to bless others.

Send checks payable to: 

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 6434

Chula Vista, CA 91909

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Pay Pal 

rschmidt316@yahoo.com  is the information you need to leave a donation in my Dios Me Ve Pay Pal account.

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You can call me at  (831)809-3099  if you have any questions.  My number will not cost you anything extra for calling Mexico.  My number is a Watsonville number and I have an international plan.  It will not cost you more to call me.  It will only use up my minutes:)

or

You can email me at rschmidt316@yahoo.com with any questions

More Fires

Tuesday morning, May 2, I received a phone call from my friend Hector that I was not prepared for.  He was calling to tell me that we had lost five members of a family to a fire in the colony.  At first we thought the fire had been caused by accident, but we soon learned differently.  The fire was the fulfillment of a threat made.  We're not sure of all the details, but what we were certain of was more than we could find words for.  

We lost a mother, two of her young children, her teenage daughter and 6 month old grand baby.  I still can not fathom the hate and rage behind such a horrific act.  As a drove to Ensenada quickly after the phone call, I could still hear my friends voice on the phone replaying in my mind, "Robin, we knew these people.  We prayed with them and played with the children."

As time passed, I learned more and more details.  Some were more than I needed to know, but the most difficult one for me get passed was the mother.  I had prayed with the mother (Maria) shortly after we came to our knew location for dispensing food.  I remembered how she waited for us to be finished giving out the food.  She came with her friend Laura and asked Maribel and I to pray for her. When we asked her what her need was she said that she was very afraid for her life and the lives of her children.  She had been robbed and stabbed and was facing a threat on her life and family.  I remember wondering how to pray.  In all my years of serving the LORD I had never had such a prayer request.  I prayed for God to protect her and hugged her.  

Recently, when we had different houses in the colony that had been set on fire, I saw her.  Her house had been burned.  She only had a room the size of a small kitchen area that remained.  Her and her 7 or so other family members were going to have to sleep in this small little place. As I look back, she seemed very quiet.  I didn't realize it at the time, but she was probably terrified.  Whoever had threatened her had made an attempt on her life, but had only succeeded in burning down her home.  

The story seems to be that a neighbor offered their house for Maria and her kids to stay in until they could rebuild.  It was the neighbors house that Maria and her kids died.  As this horrible crime was committed, I'm told that another threat was made to a nearby family that they were next.  That family was Laura's family.

When I arrived in the colony, I saw Laura and her daughter Leslie.  Ten year old Leslie was traumatized.  She had lost her closet friend in the fire and was fearful that she and her family would be the next victims.  Hector, Maribel and I prayed for this family.  They asked us for some money for gas for their car.  They had packed their clothes and were going to leave to relocate.

I went to the wake for Maria and her family last night.  Never have a seen such a sad sight.  Five coffins with pictures of the children that were from many years past because they had nothing current.  A room filled with people that had no hope and some of them filled with rage and the desire for revenge.  Children coming up to me and Maribel crying and scared.  The three of us were the only ones representing Jesus and the job ahead of us was huge.  

As I listened to Hector address the family and friends I began to pray.  I knew enough Spanish to understand him telling them how to have eternal life and to hear him pray for the emotions of rage and revenge to be set aside.  That justice was God's job.  He gather six remaining teen and young adult sons to the front, asked the men in the community to some forward and offer their support as he laid hands on these young men and prayed over them.

It all still seems too horrific for me to take in.  On the other side, I remember that God never wastes ANYTHING.  I am convinced that He has the attention of quite a few and we are about to reap a harvest of souls.  May the Light of Jesus push back the darkness in the colony.  May Jesus be seen in the team of Dios Me Ve.  Most of all, may God reveal Himself to the lost in colonia #89.