June newsletter
June 2019
As I (Bryan) was on the road to our home church to give an
update about our ministry, I saw hundreds of marathon runners. For 26.2 miles,
they experienced both joy and hardship. I am sure many had thoughts of giving
up as the miles wore on and on with the finish line nowhere in sight. However,
the runners were encouraged by fellow racers, cheering supporters, refreshing
drinks and music along the way. Also, veteran racers were serving as models to
the less experienced runners.
As I watched them, I realized that engaging in full-time
ministry work can be like running a marathon. It takes patience and
dedication. The work can be slow, challenging and tiresome, especially if it
appears no immediate progress is being made. However, there are moments when
needed encouragement comes as well as unexpected moments of seeing lives
impacted.
For example, a few months ago, Brenda started giving Martha,
a girl at Pan de Vida, a ride to violin class once a week at the same music
school that Ariadne and Alex attend. Once Martha’s violin class ends, Ariadne’s
viola class starts. In the meantime, Martha, Alex and Brenda wait in the
reception area of the school. To pass the time, Brenda and Martha will talk and
play games. For many people, they would see nothing out of the ordinary,
but Brenda’s actions made a deep impact on Martha. The girl made a homemade
card and gave it to Brenda for mother’s day. Martha appreciated Brenda for
treating her like a daughter and being a role model to her.
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Mother’s Day Card from Martha to Brenda
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Another example is Danny, who recently left Pan de Vida upon
graduating from high school. He doesn’t know his biological father and his
mother had no interest in raising him. When we arrived in Mexico two years ago, Danny was in the last year of high
school. I taught him English and Bible. Despite my efforts in teaching him and
interacting with him, he appeared to have no serious interest in
spiritual matters or in academics. However, he surprised me when one
day he wrote in an end-of-class survey that he saw me as a good husband and
father. Even though he appeared to be indifferent in class, he was
paying attention to my actions outside of school.
In addition to the moments in ministry where we have seen
positive results, we have been encouraged by many people in the past two years
who have invested into our ministry with money and prayer. Also, we have
received help and uplifting words. We are grateful for all the support.
Everyone’s contributions have meant a lot to us and they enable us to continue
on.
At the beginning of the year, it was a challenge to teach
English to around 70 kids between kindergarten and high school. My work day was
full with continuous teaching. It was difficult to have the time and energy to
plan all the classes and grade all the papers. However, three Canadian
volunteers arrived after the semester started and helped eased the teaching
load. Also, a bilingual Mexican woman has been assisting in a few of
the classes. Also, it was a great blessing to have 2 volunteers from
last year came back to briefly help out again.
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Bryan Teaching
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With all the help, we were able to have smaller class sizes
which resulted in more individualized instruction. The kids need a lot of
attention especially with their difficult backgrounds. Also, with
more time freed up for me, I am able to better prepare my classes, help the
other teachers, coordinate classes, and supervise the high school students when
it’s their turn to clean the school.
We started using English textbooks that were previously
donated to Pan de Vida from local schools and individuals. Also, thanks to the
increased support to our ministry, I was able to buy two curriculums, one for
young children and the other for teens. The teachers and students love the new
curriculums.
Since the beginning of the year, teams from both Canada and
the USA have come since the start to assist in construction and maintenance
projects. In their free time, many of the team members have served as English
conversation partners with the kids. This has been a big blessing.
The kids get to practice their English with native speakers. Many team members
have said this was a great way to connect with the kids and develop
relationships with them.
Also, I had the high school students teach Spanish to
the team members. This was a great way for them to give back to those who come
to serve and it showed them what it is like to be a teacher.
However, the English classes are not just limited to English
instruction. The kids are learning other skills as well, such as the value of
learning, taking notes, studying, and self-discipline. Also, many teachable
moments arise during the class time. Teaching English is a way for
me to connect with the kids. I take advantage of every opportunity to talk to
the students about the Bible, because it’s the Word of God that will make the
biggest impact on their lives.
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Teacher’s Day Party
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Brenda continues to home school our kids. Ariadne is in 5th grade
Alex in 1st grade and Brianna is in Kindergarten. At
the beginning of the year, Brenda was teaching a remedial math class for high
school students at Pan de Vida. Now, she tutors two girls in their free time
with math.
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Math Tutoring
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Other Highlights
My family and I hosted a Super Bowl party at our house. We
had mostly junior high age boys at our house. One boy who knows nothing about
football was grateful to be there, because it was the first time he was invited
to anyone’s house.
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Super Bowl
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prayer time
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We went to Texas for a month to get new passports for
Ariadne and Brianna and to get a new visa for myself and a car permit. We are
grateful to everyone who generously gave to cover all our travel related
expenses, including new tires! Praise God!
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Ariadne & Brianna
new passports
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Brenda is pregnant! The baby will be born in December. Please pray for Brenda
and the pregnancy. Please consider helping us with the estimated
$3,000 American dollars in costs for the pregnancy and delivery. Also, we
need a crib, diapers and baby clothes. We would appreciate any
help you can give.
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Ultrasound at 15 Weeks
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Financial Update:
Year to date, we are at 32% of our
monthly budget goal. Please think and pray about giving financially to our
ministry on a regular basis. The need is greater at this moment, especially
with 3 growing kids and another one on the way. Any amount counts; no gift is
too small particularly when many people are giving. An increase in
our monthly support will allow us to better provide for our family and serve
more effectively at Pan de Vida.
. Your prayers and giving enable us to fulfill God’s calling for us to
serve in Mexico.
Sincerely,
Bryan and Brenda Ottoson
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