SPRING REPORT

PURPOSE

As we reach the half-way point of 2007, we have an opportunity to see how we are realizing objectives we set at the beginning of the year. We focused on our purpose for ministry, development of staff leadership & team building, terminology & organizational structure, and ministry programs & systems.

After three months of preparation we entered into the busy spring season, which we have just completed (Feb 1 – Apr 30); with attendance of 1,400+ persons from 36 different groups, from the US & Canada. We introduced our new home program “HECHOS 2007” to the teams, ventured into new communities (Uruapan & Sauzal), hosted two retreats for local Mexican churches and continue to develop an ever widening community of relationships in Mexico.

COMMUNITY

Mardy & Brenda Barnes continue to grow quickly into valuable members of the EOC team. Mardy’s wisdom, skill, heart and mature spirit have allowed him to gain the respect and trust of the Outreach team (many of whom have been hurt through past leadership). He is a true example of walking the talk. He is a patient teacher, with attention to detail & quality. We are seeing real fruit in his work!

Brenda is a full of energy, passion, ideas, love, laughter and a heart for hospitality. She not only connects well with adults, but has become the “camp Mom” to our young staff and youth teams. She puts her touch on Women’s ministry, New Home Care Packages, staff lunches or any opportunity she gets to love people through hospitality. We are so blessed to have them!

Pastor Abraham Valdez has also become an incredibly valuable addition to the team. He is a crucial link between EOC and the local pastoral community. In addition he serves a pastoral role for our staff, leading many of our staff bible studies, and providing counsel through the continual reconciliation needed in a team of diverse individuals. His vision is being broadened through this process, and we continue to envision the building of more “canals” in this process of connecting teams & resources through YUGO to the Mexican Church.

HOSPITALITY

From a mission team perspective, we continue to raise the quality of their experience (a crucial foundation for continued growth). We are continuing to communicate more effectively with teams prior to their arrival (thanks to the great job AJ does) and this directly relates to their perceived quality of outreach. Additionally, with higher quality meals, addition of video highlights in team chapels, and an overall attention to detail, this is having an affect on our expenses, and I continue to be attentive to operating within our current budget & pricing; although we are currently over-budget in a few key areas for year to date. I do not take this lightly, and with continued assistance from Bob, I am working towards the balance of building growth momentum versus going broke!

We are assessing the reality of what it costs to provide ministry at this level at our current pricing; and will address this further in the next update at the conclusion of the summer season.

OUTREACH

What fruit we are seeing! At this writing we have 26 pastors participating in the Home Program.; which is really becoming a vehicle for evangelism & discipleship. Of the 34 families receiving houses via this new program, 22 were not believers, but HAVE accepted Christ as their Savior, and are now attending church! We set a goal of ¾ of the houses being used for evangelism, yet a number of the pastors are exclusively selecting non believing families. Even connecting some of these families with other churches located closer to the home. The level of unity we are starting to see among the pastors is incredibly encouraging.

From the church teams’ perspective, I continue to receive very positive feedback. Groups are thankful the families are being followed up with, after they receive Jesus (and their house). Some how the tone is much more purposeful when a pastor arrives at EOC Monday morning, to meet the team and take them out to a family that he has selected. This direct relationship with a local pastor is also giving a higher percentage of teams an opportunity to participate in a local church service (something which was often discouraged before). The result is more groups becoming interested in other aspects of outreach in addition to home building.

The team is coming together, we are focused on the goals and excited to enter into the upcoming summer season. Knowing that when a team is prepared for service, in heart & mind; and we strategically connect them in the community, God shows up and miracles take place!