In case you missed it in the Niños News, we have an exciting announcement.  On January 1st, Dave Cosby joined our staff as Director of Advancement.  With over 40 years in the banking industry and over 20 years as a Niños board member, Dave took early retirement to work at Niños.  He brings a wealth of experience, great insight, and a love for the Lord.  His email address is:  david.cosby@ninosdemexico.org and his mobile number is:  (636) 675-4176.  Please welcome Dave when he comes to share about what God is doing at Niños!

Dear Friends,

Over the years, our main property, the Genesis property has been surrounded by what has become an urban development area. The situation has changed from what was once a quiet and remote location to a city in our “backyard.” While we still consider the location relatively safe, with the population growth the crime has increased. “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” (I can say that because I was born and lived in Kansas for 21 years!). There have been break-ins while we were away at church. Wheels and tires were stolen in the middle of the night. There has been vandalism. Trespassing is a weekly, if not daily, occurrence. For the safety and future of the ministry, we need to act.

We need to build a chain-link fence, a long one, around the back part of the Casa Genesis property. The front portion is completed except for a gate to enclose the driveway. This is a necessary phase in what will lead to added security and newer facilities for the children, staff, and generations to come. The next phase will involve a block wall around the entire property. We hope to complete that in 2011. At that point we will begin construction phases to update the homes, school, clinic, short term mission trip housing, staff housing, and administrative offices. If we have new ministry programs at that point, those facility needs will need addressed as well.

A gift of $2500 has been given by a supporting couple to pay for half of this fence. They gave it praying many of our other partners in ministry would help multiply it by giving the necessary $5000 total to finish the chain-link fence at Casa Genesis.

Can you help? Can you match it?

Contact me if you have any questions!

–
Seth Thomas
Executive Director
Niños de Mexico

We are excited to announce Lee and Ruthie Wiggins are coming on staff at Niños de Mexico. They recently retired from teaching in the Kirkwood, Missouri area for many years and will be moving to Mexico on January 21, 2010. As a servant-minded couple, they approached us this past year about how they might partner in serving at Niños. Lee will work to develop a musical component in our private school, teaching instrumental and vocal classes. Ruthie will work alongside our kindergarten and preschool teacher in teaching the many new young children who have come to Niños recently. As a couple they will also strive to fill a grandparent role in the lives of the children. They bring a great deal of experience, wisdom, and love for developing children. Please welcome them as they join our team. Their email address is: lee.wiggins@ninosdemexico.org.

We are excited to announce a new arrival to the Niños family!  His name is Job Benjamin and he is a month old.  Benjamin was born around December 6, 2009, and was brought to us by the local government on December 15th.  Benjamin was found abandoned on the street, wrapped in a blanket and plastic to keep him warm, and picked up by local authorities.  After an examination at a local hospital the officials brought him to Niños de Mexico.  They knew we would provide a loving, family-oriented place for him to grow up.  Benjamin was welcomed into the Esperanza Home with arms opened wide–the other children and house parents received him as their own, and have made him a special part of the family.

As you probably already know, with a baby comes extra expenses–from diapers to formula, play cribs to medical examines, babies can cost quite a bit.  We want to give you the first invitation to join with us in offering little Benjamin a helping hand to get a jump-start in life. Would you please consider sponsoring Benjamin in our HUGS program; Helping the Underprivileged Get Started, Child Sponsorship Program?  If unable to presently commit to an ongoing partnership, would you consider a one-time love gift, dedicated to Benjamin’s needs?

We are honored to welcome baby Benjamin to our family, as he has touched our lives and brought about a new smile in the Esperanza Home. Join with us in offering little Benjamin the very best in life!?

On September 12th, we played at Meramec Lakes Golf Course in St. Clair, Missouri. This was the first year we have held the tournament at Meramec Lakes, but several new teams came out and it was a great day after the fog cleared! Thank you, Kerry Klenke and many others, for your dedication to the tournament! Thanks Ron Cowan for all the sports memorabilia!

On September 26th, we played at Briarbrook Country Club in Carl Junction, Missouri. The participation and money raised was such a blessing to Niños. Thanks, Mick O’Hanahan and the rest of the gang, for putting the tournament together!

On October 10th, we played at Pelican Bay Country Club in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was a humid sunny fall day, and there were so many people involved. Thank you, John Danio, Mark Salerno, Rob Rodriguez and crew for doing a great job on the tournament again.

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, hard work, and participation involving Niños’ fall golf events. While these events may seem to some like simple fun-filled activities, they play such an important part in the overall ministry that is Niños de Mexico.