Twelve days.  Not enough days to develop a habit.  Not enough days to lose 20 pounds.  Not enough days (at least for me) to memorize Psalm 119.  But definitely enough days to influence two very unique ministries.
CERVI, the only pregnancy resource ministry in the entire country of Brazil, has the enormous task of ministering to pregnant teens, unwed mothers, and women recovering from abortions.  The needs are great here.  At one month of age, little Claire, pictured here with her mother, is a testimony to their faithful and patient counseling.

To accomplish the mission God has called the staff of CERVI to, it is important that they realize that local needs are best met locally.  My agenda in Brazil was to teach stewardship principles but, as is often the case, God had more in mind.  The staff were in need of a pastor and I was able to spend time listening and praying with individuals on both their board and staff.

Back-2-Back Ministry in Monterrey, Mexico is a well run ministry that ministers to orphans and abandoned children as well as runs a ministry for short-term mission trips. While most of their funding in the past has been a result of the short-term trips, with the unrest in Mexico the number of short-termers traveling to Mexico is down by three quarters.  They are finding they need to rethink their funding model.  The staff do an amazing job of ministering to youth of all ages.  It was eye opening for them to realize that for their ministry to continue and grow they must do a better job of sharing their mission with fellow believers in Monterrey instead of solely relying on supporters from the US.

Twelve days.  Praising God for the opportunity He gave me to minister to people in Brazil and Mexico.  Please take a moment to pray for the ministries of CERVI and Back-2-Back.  God is doing an amazing work with His people around the world.  Thanks for your support which allows me to serve Him and help to multiply His work around the world.