So, to explain a little more about what we are doing….the ministry in Mazatlan is based on “marketplace ministry”. The idea is that instead of raising funds, there is a business that supports the mission. This amazing idea allows a family or group of people to minister in a community without having to rely on outside money to sustain them. The couple we will be staying with, Tom and Heidi Lonsdale, have 2 coffee shops called Looney Bean each located near the beach catering both to locals and tourists.
In addition to the shops, the Lonsdale’s have a heart for young people and wanted to find a way to minister to them. A program has been developed starting this fall to bring 8 students each semester down from the States to work, learn, live and grow in a different culture. They will live at the house, work at the coffee shop, take some classes and volunteer in the community for about 3 ½ months. Then a new group comes in the second half of the year. With all that going on, it is necessary to have more than one couple working. Steve & I and Justin & Elisabeth have committed to at least the next year to helping the Lonsdale’s carry out their vision.
This is such an exciting time for us! We thought that there is no better time than now to do something different and go on an adventure. We ask for your prayers for us and we will continue to use this blog to send updates.
-Beth
