Allbutt Journalings
What have we been doing in recent days
An online web journal (weblog) of Mike & Vanessa Allbutt. (Updated as often as we remember to.)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Moving Ahead
Hasn't the year gone by fast? If you are like us then you will already be making plans for the new year to come. We are so pleased at what God has done in and through us this past year and we look forward to the year ahead.
Mike enjoying a recent surf swell.
Housing
In our last newsletter, we shared our expectation of living in the same house until we returned to Australia in mid 2010. Circumstances have changed for the owner of the house, who will be returning to live here soon. We have been blessed to house-sit these past two years, paying only minimum rent and using the furnishings this house came with. Within a week of being informed, we had a new house to rent. Over the past few weeks we have been preparing for the move which we will be doing shortly.
Our new house. (Yes the road is steep!)
We need to thank everyone who has ever prayed for the sale of Mike's website business, because your prayers have been answered! The payment has gone through, and we have finished paying off land! It's the first time we have bought land, and the funny thing is, it won't be in either of our names. Due to Mexican law, only Mexicans can own land within 50km of the beach, so our little white skinned, blonde haired, blue-eyed Mexican (Olivia) will be the legal owner. Our plan is to build a home on this land sometime in the future.
Travels
In September we took a road trip to Cuernavaca (near Mexico City). While we were there, Vanessa flew to Cancun to visit her close friend Melissa from Australia, who was on here holidays. It was an awesome opportunity to catch up, more so since Melissa returned home to find her cancer had spread, and was not responding to treatment. She died a month after the Cancun trip. It hasn't been easy for Vanessa, but we are very grateful for the weekend spent together, and the good memories she has of her friend.
While in Cuernavaca, Mike was able to go to Mexico City to process lots of official documents. The outcomes are that Olivia is now the proud owner of an Australian passport, and Mike has a 5 year visa to enter the USA. This will make our future travels much easier.
In October, Mike left Vanessa and the kids for the second time in two months, to travel with Mando to LA. Together they attended the US Christian Surfers conference which was a good time of refreshment and making connections with many Christian surfers. We are hoping that mission teams will soon come to serve Christina Surfers Mexico in years to come.
Ministry
The Surfers Bible in Spanish (Biblia del surfista) is now available! We received and nearly distributed all of our first box, so a HUGE thank you to all those who help fund-raise for them. We've been able to give away many bibles to the local hard-core surfers and friends who are really seeking God. Please pray with us that those who read them will be impacted and changed forever.
Christian surfing movie at the beach.
Since the National Selection Contest in July, we have been able to help out at two other local tournaments: a bodyboarding contest for local youth in October and the big November Surf Contest. Our main role has been to keep the beaches clean, managing the bins and serving free water. But more than that, we seek to be a positive presence on the beach. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and for conversations held with locals and tourists who attend these contests.
Beach trash cans are now permanently at key locations.
We have been blessed to see Thursday night Bible studies grow, and have started running the Alpha course for those who want to know more about Jesus. We continue to pray that the people we have contact with will not only hear, but also understand and make decision to follow Jesus.
Vanessa continues to run the Mothers' Group every Tuesday. The group has really grown, with about a dozen mums involved. We are not sure what next year will hold, as we have been meeting at our current house. The house we are moving to will not be appropriate for hosting the group, but we trust God will provide an adequate venue. Vanessa also meets with other ladies' Bible study on Monday nights. Although there is not a big attendance, it has been a special time of refreshing and encouragement for her.
Family
Joel & Priscila in a recent parade in town.
Joel turned three in September, and has joined Priscila in going to kinder. This gives mummy a few hours leisure time during the week, while Olivia sleeps. They both enjoy going to school, especially the days they get 'tacos' for their recess!
We also celebrated Olivia's first birthday, and are amazed at how quickly this past year has gone by. She made the transition from crawling to walking now, so hopefully she'll keep up with her brother and sister now and be less frustrated.
Praise Points
- For the many good relationships we have here
- For an excellent opportunity to serve the community recently
- Thursday night surfers bible study is developing well
- For the safe travel of Mike and Mando to USA and the networks made at the conference
- The Spanish Surfers Bibles are being distributed (but more needed)
Prayer Points
- Those who read the surfers bibles will be impacted and changed forever
- Alpha course participants will become followers of Jesus
- Outreach to ladies via playgroup & bible study
- For guidance in decisions regarding ministry and how to be most effective
- Unity of the team as it grows
Thanks again for all your prayers, support and interest. We appreciate you!
Adios from Mike, Vanessa, Priscila, Joel & Olivia
P.S. Merry Christmas and happy new year.
And email us back with news of what you have been up to!
Labels: report
[By Mike 10:30 AM ] +
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hot Weather Happiness
If you don't use Facebook then you might be asking "What have you been up to these past few months?".
We are doing well and continue to plod along with life here in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Apart from our normal activities of being at the beach, involvement with short-term mission teams, participating in weekly groups & bible studies, we have also had some cool things we want to tell you about.
National Surfing Contest
The surfing champions of every state came to compete in the National Selection Contest in July. We were given the responsibility of keeping the beaches clean by placing trash bins on the beach and ensuring they were emptied. We were encouraged to see how positively we were received by contest organisers and attenders. Thank-you to everyone who donated so we could purchase these bins!
We were also given the opportunity to show the Walking On Water movie (a Christian surfing outreach movie) on the Friday night, which was attended by about 300 people.
Throughout the weekend, we had the tiny Surfer's Bibles, which we were able to hand out freely. On the final day of the contest we were encouraged to set up a free water stand and sell Christian Surfers merchandise and Bibles.
We feel that our involvement in the contest was well received and of blessing to many. As a team, we were able to work together in an amazing way to accomplish the tasks required, but also to be available to have meaningful conversations and encourage the people we encountered.
Trip to El Salvador
Two weeks after the contest, Mike and Andy (who was living here for 6 months to help with Christian Surfers) did a 24 hour bus trip down to La Libertad in El Salvador. There they attended the Americas Christian Surfers Conference, a three day conference for leaders of CS in every country of North and South America.
Not only was it an excellent time of encouragement for them personally, it was also an amazing opportunity to connect and partner with all the other Christian Surfers ministries in countries nearby. Many ideas have been born from these 8 days away.
In the future
The immediate future holds a trip for Mike to the US. After meeting some representatives from CS US while in El Salvador, Mike feels the need to attend the CSUS conference in October, with the view of partnering more with them. As the US is so close to us, a healthy partnership with them can be a real blessing to both countries.
This trip in late October would also be an excellent opportunity for Mike to have the first meeting with the board of directors, which exists as an accountability and governing board to Christian Surfers Mexico.
Ministry wise, there is a small beach here where the local grommets (young surfers) go to learn to bodyboard or surf. At this stage there is no outreach to this young group. We are still working out how to best get involved but some of the are ideas of having a tournament, weekly outreach events or beach movies.
We have also been challenged about how to network with other surfers around the country, to encourage and facilitate surfers who are Christian to use their surfing for reaching others. We are not sure what shape this will take as yet, but there are a few ideas we are looking at.
As a family
The rainy season is here, and yet we've had very little rain so far. It has meant a very hot summer, and heat rashes on all the kids heads and necks. We've also been dealing with some kind of stomach complaints and head colds at times. And as we love to share in our family, it has gone from one family member to another!
We are in the process of obtaining Australian citizenship and passport for Olivia. We also need a visa for Mike to enter the US. Both of these require personal interviews in Mexico City, so we are planning a road trip as a family in early September.
During this time away, Vanessa will have the opportunity to have a little holiday. She will fly to Cancún to catch up with a very dear friend from Australia, Melissa, who has a terminal disease. For a few days Mike will be caring for Priscila and Joel with friends in Cuernavaca.
We are also still waiting for the sale of Mike's website business to go through. It has been a long drawn out process, and the latest hiccup has to do with the amount to be paid. This is a huge prayer request for us, because we are still needing to make the final payment on the land we are buying, and we depend on the sale of the business for that.
House wise, we have the design of the home we would like to build, but are not in a position to start. We are planning a trip back to Australia mid 2010, so we are expecting to stay in our current rental house until then.
We are sad to see Andy and Olivia head back to Austria. This couple have been here for six months, and have been a huge blessing and encouragement to our team. The news is not all bad though, as they have gone home to pack up and make the arrangements to move to Puerto Escondido long term. We expect them back in January 2010.
Spanish Surfers Bibles
Next week we should have access to Surfers Bibles in the Spanish language. Some other Spanish speaking CS nations have been working on these for the past few years so it is a great accomplishment and much need resource that will aide out ministry greatly.
Our desire is to be able to give the word of God away through these new testaments but they cost money. Each bible will cost us about $2.50USD to give-away so we are raising funds to help us get these bibles out to surfers here in Mexico. Donations can be made via the Christian Surfers website.
Praise Points
- For the meaningful relationships we have here
- For an excellent opportunity to serve at the Surfing various contests
- For the safe travel of Mike and Andy to El Salvador and the time they could have at the conference
- The Spanish Surfers Bibles are now available
- For the opportunity Vanessa has to go to Cancún and visit her friend
Prayer Points
- For guidance in decisions regarding ministry and how to be effective
- For health & safety as we will be travelling by car to Mexico City
- That we will be granted the documents we need quickly and without any hiccups
- That Vanessa will have opportunity to talk with her friend while in Cancún, as she is not a Christian
- That we will successfully have the Board of Directors up and running by October
- For the fast sale of Mike's business, that the total will cover the remaining money owing on the land
- We will have enough funds to give away surfer bibles
Thanks again for all your prayers, support and interest. We appreciate you!
Adios from Mike, Vanessa, Priscila, Joel & Olivia
P.S. Joel & Olivia will be celebrating 3rd & 1st birthdays in September & October.
P.P.S. Mike's parents will be joining us for Christmas as long as their health issues improve.
And email us back with news of what you have been up to!
Labels: report
[By Mike 10:25 AM ] +
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
H1N1
Greetings from Mexico. We have been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late.
Swine flu
If you were wondering how we were affected by the swine flu epidemic, the answer is we weren't at all. In fact, we have never heard of anyone even knowing anyone who was affected. So other than schools being closed down for a week and all public events cancelled or postponed, life has been very normal for us. There are several rumours going around about the government allowing the situation to be exaggerated for political reasons, but we will never really know what happened. So we continue on with life.
The rains
The wet season has started, which means lots of muggy nights and stinking hot days, until the rain comes. Then it's lots of water everywhere (carrying all the rubbish to the beaches), and more mugginess! The rains also bring more visiting surfers. Many stay for a few months to surf the big waves, so we would like to make good connections with them during their stay.
Surf contest & beach bins
The national surf contest, which was meant to take place in May, has been postponed to July, due to the influenza virus. We have been given the green light by organisers to take care of beach clean ups. Mike has been busy locating large trash bins to place on the beach, as well as designing identification labels for each bin.
We would like to say a huge thanks to all those who contributed towards buying the trash bins. We have received enough to purchase all the needed bins, as well as pay for the signs to label them.
Visitors
We have enjoyed having three short-term teams of volunteers in recent weeks. They have been able to help out around the community in practical ways and have seen firsthand what day-to-day life is like here in Puerto Escondido. There are more teams planned for coming months, which we look forward to.
Surfers Bibles
Mike has most recently been busy assembling small Surfers Bibles to hand out to surfers. We came across these small Bibles through some friends from the US.
The Bible is smaller than a credit card, and it has ten pages with surfing pictures and Bible verses. The verses chosen talk about God being in control of the ocean and waves, of Him being mightier than the thunder of the great waters, that through Him our righteousness can be like the waves of the sea, and that we can only obtain righteousness through Jesus Christ.
We are still also hoping to have the official Christian Surfers bibles in Spanish in the next few months.
Family
As a family we are doing well. The children continue to grow and develop well. Olivia is now 7 months old, Joel 2 1/2 and Priscila just celebrated her 4th birthday with a Princess party.
Mike heads down to the beach most days to surf and talk with the surfers. We are pleased with the good contacts and rapport that has been developed since arriving in 2007.
Vanessa is still involved in playgroup every Tuesday and takes part in the ladies Bible study every Monday.
We also continue to be involved in the weekly surfers Bible study every Thursday night. We are excited to have around 30 people attending each week.
Housing
The owner of our current home would like to renovate it with the view of renting it out to tourists, which means we need to look for alternative accommodation. We have some months to consider what to do, so it is not urgent for us to move just yet. This is a huge prayer point for us though, as it would be very difficult to find a house to rent that has the space we need at a reasonable price.
One option would be to build our own home on the land we bought, but we would need to find the finances to make it possible.
Praise Points:
For health, and quick healing for Vanessa when she had mastitis earlier in April. - For the opportunity to serve at the national surfing contest.
- The provision of finances to purchase trash bins for the beach.
- For God's continued provision for everything we have needed, physical, emotional and spiritual (and protection from big fat scorpions).
Prayer Points:
- For unity and protection of our team, as we work together to reach the surfers.
- For opportunities to share with surfers in the upcoming contest.
- That the small surfers Bibles can be an effective way to spread the good news.
- For wisdom in deciding our future accommodation, and the faith to rest in God's provision.
- For more older children in playgroup. We have lots of babies, we need a few more 2 or 3 year olds. Poor Joel gets a bit bored for lack of playmates!
- Mike & others from here will head to a Christian Surfers regional conference in El Salvador in mid-July.
Thanks again for all your prayers, support and interest. We appreciate you!
Adios from Mike, Vanessa, Priscila, Joel & Olivia
P.S. Vanessa celebrated her 29th birthday last week, Mike turns 35 in June and we will celebrate our 7th year of marriage.
Labels: report
[By Mike 10:20 AM ] +
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
2009 Underway
It's great to be able to praise God for His provisions and care. We have several reasons to praise Him:
MaNe
After a few months of planning, praying, writing, fund-raising and shopping, we have the first (as far as we know) Mexican Mothers group/Playgroup up and running, called MaNe ('Mamás y Nenes', which is Mums and Bubs). It's been great to see eight different mums come along, mostly with children 2 years old and under.
After five weeks of meeting, the children are warming up to the place, the routine and the other children. It has been encouraging to see the variety of mums, some are Christians, some are not; some Mexican, some foreigners. It's also good to see them interact and share experiences.
One of the goals of this group is to get mothers thinking about how they raise their children, and to expose them to Christian values and beliefs. So this last week we invited Myra (a mother of four, also working with us in the surfing community), to share her experiences of mother and wife. We also want to incorporate book reviews and maybe evening discussion sessions. The options are several, and we look forward to seeing how God uses this time.
Having MaNe at our house has several advantages, as well as disadvantages. It has been a busy time for Vanessa, preparing, setting up and cleaning up. But the mothers are now getting more involved in this process, as they also get used to the routine. We have also decided to employ a lady to help clean up the house, which will allow Vanessa to do other things.
Visas
I think we must hold the record for how long it takes to change a visa from tourist to religious worker. We began the visa process in April last year, and we will pick up the visas this week, all of 10 months later! But Praise God it's done for this year!
Now we can go ahead and do all the things we need to do: get number plates for our car, register Olivia, get her a birth certificate, register her as an Australian citizen and get her passports!
Land Purchase
In April last year we decided to purchase two small blocks of land adjacent to each other here in Puerto Escondido. The value of land here is skyrocketing, so we thought it would be a good investment in the long term. We have just recently finished paying one block of land, which we are excited about. (Photo taken standing on our land.)
We are hoping the sale of Mike's website business will provide enough to pay the remainder. We would like to eventually build our own home here, but for now we continue to enjoy the house and awesome view that God has provided.
Website Business
Mike has found a potential buyer for the website business. Even though the economy has changed, we are hoping that the sale will still go through. Mike doesn't have the time to invest into commercial websites, and we would like to see all the responsibility of it off our hands, as well as paying the land off.
Family
We all continue to be mostly well. We have all been sick with colds and coughs, Olivia included, but we are slowly getting past that. The children continue to grow, both in size and learning.
Priscila's Spanish has improved a lot, even though she says she still doesn't like school. She did have a nice time though on her first school excursion the other day when they went to see iguanas, turtles and crocodiles.
Joel has started to make some more sounds, and a couple more words. After getting some feedback from a Speech Pathologist, we hope to see him expand his repertoire of animal sounds and grunts to include helpful words, like drink, food, yes, no, mummy, daddy, please, thank you..... :)
Olivia is four months old now (time flies). She's bigger than the average Mexican baby, as well as whiter and balder. But she has a huge smile and bright blue eyes that Mexicans just love.
Mike's Spanish has also improved, but his teacher has changed jobs, so he no longer has that regular learning time. We need to find another method of learning for him that fits with his lifestyle and needs, whether it be with another teacher or regular practice/reading times.
By having a house helper Vanessa is enjoying not having to sweep and mop the dust out of the house regularly, or wash, hang and iron clothes, wash the fridge or stove, clean the bathroom, or change the bed sheets and towels. With three small children, she has enough to do in a day sweeping crumbs, mopping up little accidents and spills, wiping faces and hands and changing nappies, not to mention cooking meals, washing up, and acting as police, judge, doctor, teacher, evangelist and mother. She feels as though a third of the weight has been lifted off her shoulders..... or maybe a quarter! :)
Ministry
We continue to be involved in several ministries here. Vanessa attends the ladies Bible Study, which has really grown into a prayer and support group for each of the women. We also take part in the Surfers Bible Study each week, helping with food, taking the study or running the children's program.
Mike continues to go to the local beach break each morning, sometimes surfing, sometimes just talking with the surfers. It's important to us to see each chat as an opportunity to deepen the relationship and to share what we believe. (View some photos of Mike surfing.)
Mike continues to help several people with computer/website related issues, with the same goal in view: to develop a relationship that will lead to sharing his life experience and the gospel with them. We've been able to do this as a family as well, as we've met other families with young children.
We also praise God for the recent arrival of a young married couple Andy and Olivia (from England and Austria) who will be here for the next six months, learning Spanish and helping out with Christian Surfers, as they seek God's leading in their life.
Our daily schedule is about to get more busy in coming months as we will be involved with a number of short-term teams who will be coming to Puerto Escondido to work on various projects. These are always good times, but require more energy and time.
We apologise for the lengthy letter, but we trust you enjoyed the read and the photos, and that you can join us in praising God for what He has done and will continue to do.
Adios from Mike, Vanessa, Priscila Joel & Olivia.
P.S. The vehicles are doing well apart from being unregistered.
P.P.S Checkout the brand new Surfistas Cristianos México website.
Labels: report
[By Mike 10:15 AM ] +
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
End of 2008
Another year has raced by...and we would all like to share our personal highlights of 2008 with you.
Mike's highlights:
Just being here in Puerto Escondido and feeling at home is a big highlight. We have been living here over a year now and have settled in well. It has been a pleasure watching my family adjust and grow to life here. Things are not the same in Mexico as they would be in Australia but our family has adapted well and enabled us to be involved in the call God has on our lives.
I personally really enjoy being out and about connecting with people from the surfing community. There have been many good surfing days throughout the year and just as many good days simply talking with the local and travelling surfers. There are many opportunities to do ministry and it is always exciting to look back on a day and know that you were right where God wanted you to be so you could be a blessing.
Each Thursday evening we have been involved with a surfers bible study and it was exciting to see the group grow in numbers and consistency of attendance. Those who come have been hearing the word of God proclaimed and experiencing the love from a caring community of believers.
At various times in the year some things have not gone as planned. We have had all sorts of issues with vehicles and electronic items every month. Through these trials I have been able to see God's hand on the situations and in His timing the issues have been resolved.
Vanessa's highlights:
The biggest highlight was the arrival of a baby girl into the family. Everyone said that it would be a boy because of the way I carried, and I was convinced it would be. But God gave me the desires of my heart, and Olivia Joy was born on October 30th. The birth experience is something I would like to forget, but having another little princess has been a real joy.
Having family and friends visit is always a highlight. This year we enjoyed the company of Mike's sister and brother-in-law, two Christian Surfers staff members, friends from our Melbourne church, who took a detour here especially to see us, and my parents. Each of them were generous enough to replenish our stocks of goodies that I miss so much from home.
All the packages, letters and emails we received have been a huge source of encouragement to me. I feel as though most of my heart is still back in Australia, so it's always nice to know that we are remembered.
This year I have also had the chance to meet and get to know some of the women in the community. I look forward to furthering these friendships in 2009, especially as we launch our playgroup in January.
Priscila's highlights:
I turned three this year, and since I am a big girl now, I started first year of kinder. I don't like school much because it's an effort to learn Spanish, and I don't really like to do anything that requires a lot of effort. But I can say lots of things in Spanish now, and I understand a lot too.
This year I also learned to swim, because I love to go to the beach and the pool without wearing floaties. I love playing with my brother (or bossing him around), cuddling my new baby sister, dressing up in my Mexican outfit, dancing, singing and watching princess movies.
Joel's highlights:
In September I entered the 'wonderful' twos. I am discovering how unsuccessful trantrums can be, as well as how much I like to have my own way. Mum and Dad are forever telling me to quieten down, to share my toys and to not hit people or bite them.
But they also tell me how much they love me, and what a big boy I'm growing up to be. I love going out with Dad on the motorbike, going swimming at the beach or pool, Mum's cuddles and holding my new baby sister.
Olivia's highlights:
I'm out!! I have room to stretch and move, and I'm loving being held and cuddled. I was a whopping 4.3kg (9lb 5oz), and I haven't stopped growing since.
Now that I have my ears pierced, no one asks whether I'm a boy. People were never really sure, even though mum had me wearing pretty dresses. There are no doubts now!
Thank Yous:
In November we received a huge red box sent by sea mail, that was full of all kinds of goodies. To the person/s who sent it, thank you very much. Since there was no note or return address, we have no clue where it came from. But we are very grateful.
To all the people who donated toys, books and money for the start of the playgroup, a HUGE thank-you. Things are coming together now and we hope to be starting late January.
2009 Prayer Calendar
The brand new 2009 Christian Surfers International Prayer Calendar is now available for purchase! It features Mexico in October and is a great way to visualize and pray for Christian Surfers around the world, showcasing breathtaking line-up photos; along with updates, prayer requests and key dates for 2009 from each Christian Surfers affiliated nation.
Buy one of these calendars for $12 from Mike's parents in Brisbane. brian@allbutt.net or 07 3261 7368. The profits will support our ministry expenses, including the purchase of the newly released Spanish Surfer's Bible. These Bibles are the perfect tool to sharing the gospel with the local surfers.
Adios y feliz año nuevo. (Bye and happy new year!)
PS. Connect with us via Facebook.
Labels: report
[By Mike 7:14 AM ] +
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Now on Facebook
Today I got onto Facebook.
[By Mike 3:39 PM ] +
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
End of the rainy season
Family News
They say that time flies when you're having fun. Well, we are not sure if it's all been fun, but the past two years have flown by. We still have vivid memories of arriving home from hospital with a new bundle of joy. And the other weekend we got to celebrate that bundle's second birthday. We did it in style, having a traditional aussie BBQ on the day Mexicans celebrate their shout for Independence. We had snags in bread with onions, kebabs and salads, and the necessary fruit salad with ice-cream and pavlova. We even set up an inflatable pool for the kids to swim in. It was great fun, especially for young Joel who turned 2.
Mike has well and truly dived into Spanish and the conjugation of it's verbs. Not always fun, but we trust it won't be long before we see (or hear) the fruits of his labour.
The school year started in October, and with it started Priscila. She began first year of kinder at a public school. It has taken her a while to get used to it. We think she feels a bit lost in a large class of Spanish speaking children. But her Spanish is certainly coming along, as well as her English! We are continually surprised with the things she remembers and says.
There are only about a month left until we have baby number three. Although looking back, it seems this pregnancy has flown by, it hasn't been the easiest. And it is getting a little harder for Vanessa. She is feeling more uncomfortable and sore, and not enjoying the humidity or lack of sleep. But things are coming together. We have been blessed with what we need, having borrowed most baby items. We have also found a doctor to attend the birth, so Vanessa is feeling more settled with the approaching labour.
Our visas seem to be a very drawn out process. We are currently awaiting our original certificates (which seem to be lost in the world postal system) to be authenticated. We have missed the deadline for these documents, and may have to pay a fine, but we are trusting the ball will get rolling again quickly, to finalize the process.
Current Ministry
Mike has just finished taking a 4 week bible study on the book of Jonah at the weekly Bible study we attend. He continues to go to the beach each morning, and seeks to spend time with the locals, encouraging them in their walk with God. We continue to see young men in the surfing community who fluctuate with their commitment to God, or simply hold out from making a decision to follow him.
Vanessa has taken on the preparation of the ladies Bible study every Monday night. In the past few months we have seen that while young men fluctuate in their walk, it's the wives who have drawn closer to God. The ladies began a book 'The Power of a Praying Wife' and have been encouraged to faithfully pray for their husbands, accepting that as women they cannot change them, only seek the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Future Ministry
It's almost a year since we have arrived in Puerto Escondido. We feel settled into life here, and as the year comes to a speedy end, we have been thinking and praying about our ministry with Christian Surfers, it's purpose and involvement here.
These are some ideas of what we'd like to see next year:
- The board of directors for Christian Surfers Mexico to be set up and running (initially based in the US with the view to a fully Mexican run and owned organization in due time). This board overseas the ministry decisions and effectiveness here in Puerto Escondido, and eventually, Mexico.
- A weekly surfer's outreach event at the local beach, involving some food, surf videos, plenty of interaction with surfers and a simple message of hope. We hope to see this as a contact point to invite young surfers to the weekly Bible study and/or church.
- A weekly Mother's Group or Playgroup, hosted at our home, as an outlet to build relationships with the mothers and wives in the community (we recently sent out a document outlining the purpose and needs for this ministry. If you did not receive it and would like to know how to get involved, please download the Playgroup document).
Praise
- For a year of protection, health and settlement in Puerto Esondido
- For an uneventful and safe pregnancy
- For the possibility of Vanessa's parents being able to visit in November
- We killed the 1.9m snake before it did any harm to us :)
Prayer
- For safety in upcoming labor and birth
- For a special time as a family, as the dynamics change with the arrival of a new family member
- That the visa process will be completed quickly
- For wisdom and guidance with plans for next year's ministry opportunities
- For speedy sale of Mike's website business, that we might finalize payment of the land we're purchasing
Thanks again for taking the time to read our newsletter. The next one should be a month away and include news of our next baby.
We are keen and able to talk with friends over skype for free. Our skype id is mvallbutt or mikeallbutt.
Labels: report
[By Mike 6:43 AM ] +
Monday, August 25, 2008
New Surfer Mums Ministry
We are writing to inform you of a new ministry that we would like to see happen next year. As this year comes to an end (rather quickly) we have been thinking more seriously about our roles here in Mexico, and what God would have us do. It is almost a year since we arrived here and we have been grateful for the chance to settle in to culture, routines, language and ministry. But we are also keen to do the work laid out before us.
One of Mike's biggest priorities over the past twelve months has been to spend time at the beach, networking with the locals and getting to know them and be known. While Mike is doing that, Vanessa has spent most of her time at home with the children. We recognise that this is her role and her priority at the moment, while the children are young. But we also recognise that there are many women within the surfing community who are in the same situation, that is, at home with young children. We have been considering starting a Playgroup or Mothers group next year, with the vision of furthering the relationships. While Mike has come to know the men at the beach, this group can provide the opportunity of Vanessa getting to know the mothers and children in a fun, relaxed way.
For this group to go ahead though, there are many things that need to happen. Attached is a document outlining the vision, purpose, structure of the group, as well as the many needs, from prayer partners, to donations of toys and materials, to finance. With this information, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to get involved and help us start this new ministry opportunity. So if you are interested, please see the attached document for more info. And if you have any questions about it, please just click on 'Reply' and write away.
For more news about how we are going, please keep your eyes out for the latest release of Re:Puerto, coming soon to your very own email inbox!
Labels: playgroup
[By Mike 12:44 PM ] +
Monday, June 16, 2008
Change in Seasons
Greetings to everyone. Many things have been happening in the past few months, so sorry this is a lengthy newsletter. But we trust you enjoy the read!
Family Updates
We recently celebrated Priscila's third birthday with a party. Priscila had been asking for a pink and yellow party for months before hand, so that is what she got! We also organised a jumping castle for the event, which was a huge success with all ages.
Now that she is three, Priscila has started to attend Kinda two mornings a week. She has taken to it like a duck to water, and always comes out with a big smile and with stories of dancing, singing, playing and coloring. She has also picked up a lot more Spanish. The first words I noticed were: 'It's mine!'
We also enjoyed two weeks with Mike's sister and brother in law, who were able to stock up our supplies of veggimite and beetroot (among many other things!). We travelled with them to the states' capital of Oaxaca, and visited ruins, museums and craft shops. We also spent considerable time relaxing by the pool.
We visited El Tule tree, which is the biggest tree in the continent. During the visit, Joel went for a trip and landed with his forehead on the corner of the metal bench. But after the shock of seeing all the blood and the screams, and the great care of the local medical center, he returned to his normal self.
Our biggest event for the year will occur in late October, when we expect the arrival of our third baby. Vanessa is currently five months pregnant, and after surviving the first three months of nausea and horrible home sickness, she now only has to deal with the increasing size and uncomfortableness.
It's rainy season! This means it actually gets fresh when the sun doesn't shine. It also means it gets very muggy when it does shine. With all the water falling down, we have discovered all the holes in our ceiling. So Mike has been working hard to patch it up and clear the property so water can drain away quickly. It has been an eye opener to see the amount of water that can fall in 24 hours. And the season has only just started!!
Mike has arranged for a private tutor to commence formal language learning. This way Mike can learn at his own pace. He has reached a point in his Spanish where he can communicate what he needs, but using incorrect tenses. He feels ready now to take the next step.
Ministry Updates
We continue to attend the Thursday night Bible studies, building relationships and encouraging those we meet. Mike continues to go to the beach most mornings for a surf or catch up. He seems to have been made for this job, as he is able to start up conversations with so many people, seeking to bless them and help them.
He has also been spending some time practically helping friends in the surfing community with their needs, such as building a web page for a small business, setting up a website business for a family to run, translating menus and designing logos for a new business. He seeks to use these opportunities and his skills to further relationships and be an encouragement to our friends.
We recently attended a skate contest, the second oneorganised by our fellow workers, Mando and Myra. The aim of it was to build relationships with the local kids from the area, to encourage them and share God's love with them. It was a good time, with plenty of food and laughs.
Vanessa continues to attend a ladies Bible study every Wednesday night. It has really grown into a support group, with many of them struggling with relationship problems or facing decisions or changes in their lives. Vanessa continues to pray for guidance in terms of setting up a mothers group.
As it is summer now there are more tourists around, as well as community activities. There are two mission teams from the churches that Mando and Myra are affiliated with who will be visiting in the coming weeks. They will be running evangelism and beach ministries while here, and we hope to get involved with the work they do.
Other Updates
We continue to wait regarding visas. We are currently 'in process' and haven't heard anything negative so far. We are grateful for the provision of a lawyer based in Mexico City, affiliated with our local Baptist church, who is completing the entire process on our behalf.
We have entered into an agreement to purchase some land here in Puerto Escondido. It is a thriving community, quickly growing into a very popular tourist destination. Because of this, land value continues to grow. We have found a block of land close to town and the beach, with great views and the sea breeze. Our aim is to sell Mike's website business once the current contract ends. We trust the sale will bring in enough to cover the remaining cost, as well as provide some left over money towards building a suitable house for us.
Prayer Points:
- Health for Vanessa, as she has struggled with pain in her pelvis while lifting Joel
- For continued protection and development of the baby
- For a smooth completion to the visa process
- For the right outcome to the sale of Mike's business, which will be available in July
- That Mike will quickly understand and learn Spanish grammar
- For the community we seek to reach, for spiritual breakthroughs in individual's lives as well as the community as a whole
- Visiting summer mission teams
- Guidance as we continue to spend time with a couple with marriage difficulties, as they are currently considering divorce
- That we will continue to support each other in our marriage
Praise Points:
- For a good relationship with fellow workers Mando and Myra
- For the amazing continual support we have received from home, both financially and prayerfully
- That Vanessa has a good friendship with a local lady also with young children, and they are able to spend time together for the children to play as well as encourage each other with everyday frustrations and challenges that come with raising children and keeping a home.
Thanks again for your interest, support and correspondance.
Mike, Vanessa, Priscila and Joel
P.S. On Sunday just gone, we celebrated 6 years of marriage.
Labels: report
[By Mike 8:21 AM ] +
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
4 months in
Life
The days just seem to fly by. Mike's day consists of going to the beach in the mornings for a surf and/or chat with the people he meets. He continues to practice and learn more Spanish during the day. He hasn't started formal classes as yet, as he finds it more helpful to keep his own pace.
We continue to attend the weekly Thursday night surfers Bible study. Mike has lead it a few times, and Vanessa contributes with meals every second week. Through this study we continue to build relationships with the young people that attend, as well as be encouraged to keep Jesus at the centre of everything we do.
Every fortnight we also meet with Mando and Mayra, the other family we work with. We meet to encourage each other and pray for the town and the ministry. The beach front continues to be a spiritually dark and oppressed place, with many christians slipping into old habits.
Vanessa has also just started to attend a small ladies Bible study group on Monday evenings. This has been an excellent opportunity to encourage younger women in Christ. Many struggle with non-christian or luke-warm christian husbands, all of whom are part of the local surfing community.
We have also found ourselves spending time with a young married couple who have really struggled in their relationship. Due partly to the culture and partly to the local church, we have found very little resources and support for these situations. We really want to help them to sort out their difficulties and share our own experience, but without taking over their decisions and life.
Our family has grown, from two children to four (no, we have not adopted twins!). We have taken in two street pups, who have given us just as much work, if not more, than two babies. The children adore them, and slowly they are learning not to pull on tails or ears, or grab them or throw them. The pups are getting bigger now, so they are learning to fight back with their sharp nails and teeth.
The children continue to settle in. Priscila spends time with the workers here, and she has surprised us with the number of Spanish words she has learned. She hasn't started kinder as yet, as we feel she isn't quite ready.
Joel has a larger range of sounds and even says the word 'mama'. We are now entering the stage of continual fighting between the children, as they both learn to play together and to share their toys.
Where to from now?
Our biggest priority right now is to change our visas from tourist to a more permanent volunteer-worker one (called an FM3). We don't anticipate any problems, but it may take a long time, depending on who we deal with.
The vision of the Thursday night bible study group ('El Faro': the Lighthouse) is to start free surf lessons for the local kids who have no resources, and thus exposing them to a friendly christian environment. Many of them are exposed to negative lifestyles at home and grow up doing following the same paterns if they aren't shown another way to live. This vision for surf lessons also includes surf and skate contests throughout the year.
Vanessa also has a vision to start some kind of playgroup/mothers group later in the year, as she knows there is very little support and activities for mums and children.
One of Mike's priorities is to continue to learn the language. He is aiming to finish the current courses/books he is doing before taking on formal lessons soon.
Prayer points:
- quick and easy visa application process
- provision of surfing boards for the surf lessons
- wisdom in helping our young friends in their marriage
- wisdom in knowing the timing for this mother group and the resources required
- for speed in language learning and continued motivation
We can't thank you enough for all your continued support, prayers and communication. It is such a joy to see photos, hear news, even receive packages! as well as know we are in your prayers. We feel so close to home because of these things. So THANKS!
Mike, Vanessa, Priscila and Joel
Labels: report
[By Mike 6:45 AM ] +
I trust that this Allbutt Journalings helps bring you up to date with what I have been up to recently. If you want to contact me then click here. Thanks for reading some of my thoughts. If you want to read some of the older files then they have been stored in the archives here.