As most of you will remember, I settled in Saltillo, Mexico with plans to work with Bro. Paul Deem of Directline Ministries, renting a building from him and working in connection with his ministry in Mexico. His daughter and son-in-law were planning on living on the same property in Saltillo and running the Mexican branch of Directline Ministries, as well as assisting in the children's home at times. Since my last prayer letter, there have been several changes at Directline Ministries- the main change being that Bro. Deem's daughter and son-in-law are no longer planning to come to Mexico. As you all well know, I have been through a LOT of changes over the past few years. It seems like I am constantly being faced with decisions, adjustments, and various "bumps in the road". It seems that Satan has really fought to hinder this children's home ministry before it could ever be started, but God has been faithful and continued to bless despite a few necessary revisions in plans. After the recent changes with Directline, I really prayed and sought the Lord's Will for my next step in ministry. After much prayer and counsel from my pastor and mission board, I felt that it was best to establish the children's home independent of Directline Ministries and simply continue in faith, trusting that the Lord would continue to provide everything I need- whether it be fellow workers, housing, money, etc. After several weeks of prayer, the Lord lead me to the perfect house! The rent is a good bit cheaper than what I was paying before and has a lot of space and privacy. It is located in the same neighborhood as Bro. Deem's property so I would still be close to them, as well as close to another American missionary family who lives 2 streets away. I know Bro. Deem's ministry will continue to help and assist hundreds of people in Mexico, so I am happy to still be located near their ministry. I know they will continue to do great things for the Lord. The new house is a large 3 bedroom house, with another large building on the property that would be great for dormitories in the future. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was the house God was leading me to for the moment. I am currently renting with an option to buy, but I am also continuing to look for property. I feel that my best option would be to stay at this house for a while, set aside the money I will be saving on rent, and build a bigger house as I have money and time. I feel that owning my own property would be the best thing for me instead of always renting or trying to work around other ministries. Buying property and building a house to fit the exact needs of a children's home will be the cheapest and best plan in the long run. The house I am renting now though will be great and have plenty of space for the moment- it will house app.10 children (not counting the extra building on the property which can be turned into more dorm rooms) I really love the house- I am very excited and can't wait to get things open and running in the new facilities! I will be posting some pictures of the house/property on my website www.almmexico.org

Because my pastor, mission board and I feel it is now best to establish the home outside of Directline Ministries, that will mean a change in my paperwork with the government. I already applied for my residency papers but there was a problem involving the permission papers for my car. That means I had to cancel my original application and will have to reapply as soon as possible. Please pray for this process as I reapply and get all of my papers in order to open the home. Things have obviously not progressed and turned out quite like I had hoped, but looking back on everything I can still see God's Hand upon this entire journey and how He used all these changes to bring me to the exact place where he desires me to be. Sometimes people disappoint or fail us, but God never fails! He is always faithful! I am so glad I can always depend on Him!

In the meantime, I have had one little setback. Last week, I fell and broke my foot in 2 places. The doctor said the bones I broke are very delicate and can be damaged further if I put any pressure on them at all. He told me to stay off of it completely for 4 weeks and to wear the cast for 6 weeks. Since this means I cannot drive, get up and down by myself, stand to cook, etc- living by myself for the next 4 weeks would have been impossible. I decided to come home for a little while to stay with my parents until my doctor says that everything has healed and I can continue my normal activities. Please pray for my foot to heal quickly and properly! Please pray also for my overall health, as I am fighting some ongoing health issues such as thyroid, etc.

When I return to Mexico, I will prepare to open the children's home as soon as possible. The need to open is very great and children are waiting. I have already met the first children who will be moving in- their names are Andres and Chata. They are 10 and 12 years old and were abandoned by their mother when they were very young. Their father has tried to raise them by himself all these years, but it has gotten extremely hard as he is working longer hours in order to provide for the family. The children have been split up among relatives for the moment and neither of them are happy. The relatives are not Christians and tend to be very abusive and hateful to the kids. Andres and Chata are ready to move in with "the teacher" as they call me. They just want to live together again as brother and sister and I hope we can make this a reality for them very soon! They are very precious children and I look forward to welcoming them into my home! They have only been to church a few times but they really enjoy it and soak everything up. I am already praying for the salvation of these 2 children and asking God to do a wonderful life-changing work in their hearts! Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Don't forget to visit my website to see pictures of our new facilities! I have already moved in my things and the house is ready for children. A missionary friend of mine (Bro. Ted Dehart) is building me a few bunk beds this week, so as soon as I can get back and receive my approved paperwork, I will be ready to open! Thanks to my mom, my uncle Phil Joiner and the Dehart family for all of their hard work to get me moved in the new house as I sat there in my cast telling them where things were supposed to go! I can never thank you enough for all of your help... and patience!

Thanks for all of your continued prayers and support. It means a lot to have so many fellow Christians out there lifting this ministry to the Lord in prayer!

May God bless you and grant you all a joyous and happy holiday season!