UPDATE FROM MEXICO
Emily Jerome
As I came to Mexico, I expected to have to completely start my life over, from top to bottom. The rental apartments in Mexico are simply shells... they don't have outfitted kitchens... And coming with only two suitcases meant that I would need to start from scratch, completely... Kitchen cabinets, appliances, furniture, EVERYTHING!!
I checked out a couple places within the last 5/6 months, and early in February, was sure I would move into one apartment close to the center of Izcalli, even going price shopping for the kitchen I would inevitably need to start so I could eat when I moved in..... THEN, as I was finishing that price-shopping trip, a precious friend met me in the store to sit down and chat. I had my price-list in my hand and she told me that her family has a house and it is not being used and would I want to move in there? If so, she would LOVE to live with me, so I can get accustomed to living in Mexico as a single person.
WHAT??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME????
It took me very little time to pray over that option! I was MOST concerned about living alone in a new nation, so having Lili offer to live with me was a wonderful offer, and throw in a house that is completely furnished and ready to live in?! YES!!!
I have been amazed by the grace God has given Lili, as well, because, culturally, it is not a normal decision for a single young (23) woman to move out of her family's house before she gets married. What has made the difference is that God has independently spoken very specifically to her that she is to move out of her family's house and move in with me for this season. She knows God is moving and working in her life, and it's a definite walk of faith. I am proud of her!
God has been so faithful to us! I can testify that the GRACE OF GOD is so evident down to the smallest details.
THANK YOU, team! Your prayers are moving mountains! Thank you for walking with me on this journey. I know you are fighting on my behalf and I am eternally thankful! May God richly bless each and every one of you!!
Well, more testimonies to come.
With love from Mexico,
Emily
To send support or an encouragement, click here:
www.ywamconnect.com/sites/emilyjerome
UPDATE, May 7, 2010:
Just a quick note to let you know I am alive, well, and thriving in Mexico! God is continually providing for me, opening doors I never could have dreamed, and allowing me to experience his wonderful presence. Thank you for your constant prayers, love and support!!!
In this last month, through two preaching engagements with the same Pastor, a door has opened to train his youth. We've never worked with this church before, so I thank God for this new contact!! Either this month or September, we will begin a three-month long "night school" for youth and young adults. It will be set at night, so that students who have full days of school and adults with full days of work, can attend a night class of discipleship and mission preparation. The purpose of the training is to prepare the team to go on a short-term outreach to Mexico, first, and to another nation, second.
Please pray for me, as we embark on this new adventure. I will be in touch with more details.
God bless.
Emily
Phil Gazley is the Social Justice Ministries Coordinator for the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Network of City Initiatives. Phil was previously a Pastor and an area director with YWAM in Canada. Since 2000 Phil has specialized in issues relating to human trafficking and refugee resettlement. With antitrafficking work, Phil is a trainer of law enforcement, social service providers, faith based organizations and community groups.
