May Newsletter

“You are special to our family.”

Brenda’s sincere remark made “Tim” cry. She said this to him as he was preparing to receive Jesus Christ in his heart. What a blessing to be part of that moment!

Tim, as well as every other kid at Pan de Vida, desire to be part of a healthy family. They long to feel loved and special. The kids at the orphanage feel alone and hurt after they were either taken away from their families or were abandoned.  Brenda and I try to treat each one as if they part of our family. We take a genuine interest in all of them. It’s a challenge when they are so many children that need attention, especially since they are still dealing with past trauma.

 Brenda continues teaching 3^rd grade. However, this semester will be her last. We have decided she will home school our kids full time.  We have realized that it’s not possible for her to teach both the kids at Pan de Vida and our kids at home.  Brenda will continue helping where needed at Pan de Vida, such as in the boys kitchen and with tutoring in elementary math.

Bryan took on more English classes in order to more effectively teach the kids, but short-term volunteers have come and helped out.  In addition to English, the kids are learning more verses and praise songs. They are also learning how to pay attention and be respectful in class. Both Brenda and Bryan strive to take advantage of every moment to point the kids to Christ, encourage them in their walk, and connect with them.

Bryan’s high school Bible class continues on in the book of Proverbs. Little by little the students are opening up more and there have been some great conversations about life. They are learning to think critically about issues that they face now and later on in life. Recently, they started presenting a chapter on their own to their class. Soon my students will present to the class a designated chapter from the book. Bryan is still providing help where needed with the youth group for teens that meet on Saturday nights. Also, at the beginning of the year he started co-teaching 15-year-old Sunday school class. The month of April was spent studying how Jesus is the Bread of life. The kids have been slow to accept the new class, but Bryan remains faithful with teaching the Word.

Ariadne’s viola teacher was so impressed by her hard work, dedication and ability that she was given the opportunity to take an additional class during the week free of charge.

Alex is enjoying attending kindergarten at Pan de Vida. However, we know he that will be happy next semester at home with his mom homeschooling him.

Brianna easily connects with the kids at Pan de Vida. All the students enjoy her presence. They all want to play with her and talk to her.

Updates:

In the last newsletter, “John” needed asked for prayer for his mom.  Thanks to God, she is well now.

Ariadne and Alex are learning responsibility with the recent adoption of 2 cats.

We adopted a stray dog.  Oslo showed up one day in the front of our house and refused to leave. He is a good guard dog.

Bryan spoke at a local church about our ministry. We were surprised when they took up a special offering for us.

Our kids got Mexican passports which make it easier and cheaper to enter Mexico.

“Frank” is a 19 –year-old struggling with post-orphanage life. After living in Pan de Vida for many years, he tried to reunite with his parents and siblings. However, his Christian convictions conflicted with their sinful lifestyle. Frank was later disowned. With no place to live and no job, he sought out a mutual friend for help. Shortly later, we got to know him.  We also have been helping with both his basic physical and social needs. We are also praying for ways to minister to him spiritually as well. We have been modeling to him what a Christian family looks like. Frank desires to be independent and live on his own. He has been looking for jobs and options for studying at college.

Upcoming: 

Once the school semester ends in the middle of July, we plan to return to the United States and stay until the fall semester starts in late August.  We will be driving from Mexico to Nebraska. We would love to visit with anyone on the way and reasonably out of the way too.  Please let us know if you are interested in seeing us.

The teens at the orphanage will be attending a weeklong camp this summer. They have been working hard to raising money to cover expenses. The dates and camp site have yet to be determined.

Prayer Requests:

Financial support. 

Please consider giving to help us continue in our ministry.

Connections with the kids at the Pan de Vida. Due to their past experiences, it takes time to gain their trust.

Frank to stay centered on Christ despite all the obstacles in his life. 

Our developing relationships with the kids at the orphanage.

The kids at the orphanage would have a desire to seek after God.

Bryan’s high school students presenting chapters from the book of Proverbs.

The kids in Bryan’s 15-year-old Sunday school class will have a desire for the Word.

Visit our blog at http://ottosonmexicomission.blogspot.com/  for photos, more details and updates.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support. 

Sincerely,

Bryan and Brenda Ottoson