Canote E-Notes 01/01/12

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We are kicking off Day #5 today...our final full day... on the mission field of Mexicali, Mexico and Day #1 of 2012.

It has been a glorious week where we have seen God work in and through us and our ministry teams in mighty ways. PTL! He has kept His promise to meet our needs and equip us to accomplish what He called us to accomplish. God is gonna what He's gonna do!

We have been so encouraged and blessed to partner with our fellow workers as God "blesses the nations".

We've never been with a group any more passionate and genuine in their faith. God has truly assembled a "dream team" of His people surrendered to His lead - chasing hard after His perfect plan.

We were very honored to be included in a special surprise wedding ceremony this week! Mike & Becky Letherby, here from Caledonia, Michigan, are a married couple who have spent their wedding anniversary with us here in Mexico the last several years.

Their team decided to plan an entire renewing-of-their-vows ceremony complete with music, a pastor (Chris), flowers, etc. Alex even sang them a love song mid-ceremony! The happy couple was overwhelmed with the love and effort that went into their surprise.

God has also provided a staff for this week of team ministry that is second to none. Irv & Mari Penner along with their 2 children, are missionary candidates here with us from Canada. Irv, a former pastor, has lead a daily staff devotional time.

God has used that time to bond our staff team together and help us stay focused on why we are here and who we are actually serving.

There are many stories to tell of God's handiwork but it's time to get back at it...

Canote E-Notes 12/29/11

It's a beautiful new day that God has made, here on our mission field for the week, in Mexicali, Mexico.

Having wrapped up Day #1 for our ministry teams and secured a good night's rest, we are ready to get back at it. Our teams were pleased to see a good number of children, teens, and adults show up to be ministered to yesterday and they are looking forward to building relationships over the next few days.

Last night's Prayer & Share in chapel was very encouraging as the team members shared first impressions of this cross cultural discipleship experience. We know from experience that God will be working in and through each of them this week in BIG ways.

Several of them shared how last year's trip changed their lives. Some who came this year, shared how those that came home telling stories of last year's trip impacted them and convinced them they HAD to come check it out for themselves.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We ask the teams after Day #1 to identify anything that might be holding them back from giving their very best for God this week.

In the way of a prayer request, here is that list: fatigue, emotional baggage, spiritual warfare, comfort zone, fear, and just general distractions from focus. Please pray over this list.

Satan doesn't want us here, doesn't want people to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, and doesn't want the above list of issues to be overcome. However, we serve a God who is much bigger than all that! PTL!

The pics are from our prayer time last night and a view of the mountains from our base camp.

Can't wait to what God has cooked up for us today!

Canote E-Notes 12/27/11

Hola from Mexicali, Mexico!
Chris here, I'm putting technology to the test by doing a blog post via iPhone... we'll see. I'm here with Chewy, Alex, and JP. We're doing a week of team ministry with YUGO Ministries - hosting a team from Caledonia, Michigan. We have converged on this mobile outreach center along with the other YUGO staff and volunteers.

We arrived yesterday afternoon. We spent the evening unpacking and getting settled in. Today we are wrapping up the final set-up, cleaning, etc. in order to be ready to receive our team.

Our kitchen team including chef Ron Struska has already been feeding us very well. We had a big pot of chili last night, Belgium waffles for breakfast and stir fry for lunch! Wow!

The boys have just finished setting up all the sound equipment and are rehearsing for tonight's kick-off in chapel.

Tomorrow is the first big day of ministry. We know God is with us. We are honored and blessed for the opportunity to join Him on His mission field.

More updates to come... We very much appreciate your prayers and we're counting on them.

Merry Christmas!

May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note

and make way for a fresh and bright New Year!

Here's wishing you a

Merry Christmas!

and a

Happy New Year!

Canote E-Notes 12/15/11

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." ~ Luke 2:6-7

Feliz Navidad!


We sure hope you and your family are having as much fun celebrating this holiday season as we are!  Granted, it's the busiest time of year... but, it's also our favorite time of year.  We've already enjoyed Christmas caroling with the children's ministry kiddos at our home church, lots of Christmas shopping, and several holiday parties and get-togethers including plenty of tasty treats!  As always, we try hard to keep at the forefront, the true REASON FOR THE SEASON.


Christmas Music Ministry
This last weekend included two Christmas programs with a chance to make lots of Christmas music:  Canote Family style.  This year's music included old standards, bluegrass and country styles, and even a jazzy "White Christmas" with dad and the boys.  We'll work on getting some video up on our YouTube Channel ASAP.


New Web Site

www.yugo.org

After months of planning, design, and review our Launch Team at YUGO Ministries was just recently able to take the new web site live:  www.yugo.org.  Check it out!  It's brand new and super fresh!  It even includes a mobile version.  Click here for information about joining our family in Acuña, Mexico in 2012.

Mexico
In the midst of all the hubbub of this busy holiday season, Chris and the boys are also finalizing the logistics and travel plans for their annual New Year's Outreach with YUGO.  They will be leaving on Christmas Day flying out of St. Louis and into San Diego late in the day.  The following day, after picking up a big van and trailer, stocking up on supplies, etc. they will be heading south of the border for a week of Team Ministry in Mexicali, Mexico.  They will host a large ministry team from Caledonia, Michigan.  Look for updates from Chris while they are on that trip.




Sermon Links
Below are links from recent sermons delivered by Pastor Chris.  They are located on our Canote Family web site:  www.thecanotefamily.com.  


"Mary Had A Little Lamb" 
Luke 1;26-38


"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"
Psalm 139