Latin American Ministry

December 2011

2011-12-02T06:00:00.001-08:00

Greetings in the powerful name of Jesus! As always the fall ispassing way too fast for me. It is my favorite time of the year and filled withso many wonderful memories. The Lord hasbeen so good to us and we are truly grateful for all his blessings.

The month ofNovember started with a trip to Houston to Iglesia Sobre la Roca. Pastor LoretoDiCesare and his staff received us sowarmly. Pam preached a powerful message on the work of the Holy Spirit in ourlives. It will long be remembered as a life changing word for many. Juan &Maribel Magaña, some dear friends, traveled with us and Maribel served astranslator for Pam. The results of the message were powerful. The altar wasfilled with people hungry for a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit's power in theirlives. It was truly a great time.

One of thebenefits of serving as Pastor of a predominately Hispanic church, is theabundance of good Mexican food prepared fresh and often. Their two rulefellowship code is "Big and Often." We have been blessed to have beeninvolved with our church for many years and look forward to more great thingsto come.

As a church we have beenrenting a Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation facility to hold our services. Ofcourse this requires set up and take down every week. Yesterday we celebratedour first service in our new location. The Church of the Nazarene offered usthe use of their building as a location for our ministry. We were so excited toaccept their Kingdom minded invitation. Pastor Freddy Williams and I became acquaintedduring the tornado relief effort and have maintained a friendship since. Hisoffer was both accepted and appreciated by our church. Thank you Church of theNazarene.

Wings of Hope, Omega, Christmas 2010

We are once againplanning a great Christmas celebration for all the children in the feedingcenters. Javier and his staff are already busy planning the parties. As alwayseach child will receive an assortment of presents and a special Christmas mealprepared and served by the loving staff of each center. Each of the childrenwill hear the story of Christmas taught by the teachers at each location. Earlyin December we will be hosting an evening out for all the directors at a localrestaurant in Saltillo. It will be a special evening for them. They all do somuch to make the work successful and we are so appreciative for their sacrificeof love. All of their work is voluntary and we thank God for them and want toshow them that they are loved.

Pam and I want to thankyou yet again for your unselfish giving to this ministry. We are so blessed tohave you on our team. We pray that you will enter the new year with anexpectancy for a harvest from good seed sown in good ground. LAM is blessed tohave you as a partner.

Have a very MerryChristmas, take time with your family and loved ones. Enjoy the sight andsounds of the season and remember that Jesus was born so that you and I couldbe born again.

Your Friends,

Jim and Pam Stockdale

2011-05-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings from all of us at LAM. We hope you experienced the best Resurrection Sunday you have ever had.

We made another great annual trip to Garland, TX this month. The children's ministry at Iglesia Sobre La Roca once again blessed LAM with their 2010 Christmas offering. Although a little belated, we thanked them publicly with a presentation of a beautiful plaque for their help. We know there are many worthy ministries out there and we thank all of you who make our work easier with your generous support. We are blessed to know you.

Refueling in Crosset, AR

When Pam and I flew to Garland, an interesting thing happened. It is a trip that can often be made without stopping for fuel but it became impossible this time due to a 40 mph head wind. We made a non eventful landing at Crosset, AR (CRT), refueled and continued to our destination. I could have made the tragic mistake that so many pilots have made. I could have said, "I've made this trip may times before, I know I can make it." To have done so would have been a grave error.

How often do we as Christians continue on our journey, knowing that we need to stop and refuel? We continue going through the same spiritual calisthenics we've been doing, only to find out, as Samson of old, that our strength has drained out. We must make regular fuel stops along our journey. These stops must not be based upon the distance covered, but upon the time the engine has been running. My airplane will run 4:45 minutes and then regardless of how far I've come, where I am, or who's on board, the engine will shut down. You too have a limit, be sure to make note of it. Learn to say no, I can't, another time, maybe tomorrow, etc. I hope you have a spiritual fuel stop planned soon! We need them often, even daily. Don't allow yourself to become so absorbed in serving, that you forget to feed yourself. The results could be devastating.

Pam's father often tells us both to take time to smell the roses as we travel through life. Truer words have never been spoken. The refreshing smell of a rose after a rain or the marvel of a hummingbird as he drinks deep will both do you good. Each will cause you to ponder about the power of God's creativity. Between the sharp thorns of a rose bush he chose to grow one of natures most aromatic and beautiful flowers. Through an aeronautical marvel he chose to demonstrate his ability to defy logic through a bird not much larger than your thumb. The only bird in the world who can fly backwards. Indeed a wonder! We must take time to refuel.

Your Friends,

Jim &Pam Stockdale

April 2011

2011-03-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

I consider myself to be a man who has been blessed indeed. Whether we are sitting with a table full of children and listening to their stories, celebrating the acomplishments with the feeding center workers or talking with the Director of Operations at the Saltillo, MX airport, we are accepted as people who care enough to do more than talk.

Pam and I feel that it is important to spend some special time with the directors of the feeding centers from time to time. We enjoy taking them to a nice restaurant in Saltillo and celebrate their great work. It is such a blessing to see them enjoying the special treatment. It is always a great time.

When we arrived at the feeding centers the children were so excited to see us. They ran and embraced us and couldn't wait to hear the story of my knee and eye surgeries. I told them the complete story of how the knee and eye where operated on. They looked on with great interest and told me about how they had prayed for me and were so glad to hear the good reports.

For many years we have been landing at the airport in Saltillo and have been so blessed by its Director, Eliseo Valdez. In order to help us with the feeding centers, he has waived all landing and parking fees since 2006. We have formed many lasting friendships with the men who work there and are so happy to be received with so much care. On this trip we had prepared two 8x10 collage pictures to give to him for his office. He seemed genuinely happy to have them and pledged his continued support of our work for another year. That is certainly a blessing since it costs about $20.00 per night to park and $15.00 for landing. It can easily add up to $100.00 each trip.

We were blessed to be at a new church this month. Rivers Edge Church of East Texas received us and our ministry so kindly. They have been supporting our work for several months but we had never met them before this visit. It is amazing how God connects people in the Kingdom. Pastors Phil an Kristine Brown are doing a great job and the church, while only one year old, is growing and putting down deep roots in the beautiful town of Lindale, TX.

We look forward to seeing you sometime this year. Keep us in your prayers as we continue to travel a lot and preach the gospel every chance we get. The church in Tuscaloosa continues to grow as well and we are excited about this years work on both sides of the border.

Your Friends,

Jim &Pam Stockdale

2010-11-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

Regardless of our station in life we all have something to be thankful for. Tomorrow we will celebrate Thanksgiving with our family, extended family and friends. It is an annual event that we look forward to all year. By the time this letter arrives in you mail box it will be over. Does that mean my thankfulness has also ended? Most certainly it must not! To be thankful is a matter of will not emotion. While we can always find something that we don't like, we must find things daily for which to be thankful for. Thanks moves the heart of God. I sat in the home of a precious family just last night who have so moved Pam and me. This family of 4 came here with nothing, from the worst of the violent cities along the border of MX. The first time I went to their home (2 months ago), was to take them some much needed "stuff." They were sleeping on the floor, living without beds, furniture, and indeed even very much food, yet they were so thankful to be here and out of the violence of Juárez. This whole family of 4 makes a living working at McDonald's. They speak very little English, but are overjoyed to have a job, even if at McDonald's. After tithes, offerings and taxes, they make very little per hour, but have no complaints. They invited us to their home to give us an offering. This family is a lesson out loud to all of us who have so much.

If you ever get a chance, go visit a car junk yard, you will see the rusted out dreams of yesterday. Those cars were someone's goals, who thought, "If I just had that 1982 Cutlass!" Look at it today, just scrape metal, the former owner now needing something new. Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with you wanting something new but remember, happiness will never be found in the abundance of what one possesses (Luke 12:15) but in the treasure of your heart. True joy is buried within and the shovel of thankfulness will dig it out. May we find the will to be as Paul instructed in 1Th 5:18 "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. You want to walk in God's will; you can start by being thankful. "Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting."

I'm thankful for my brother in law Randy Lott, who in 2002 started taking flying lessons, which inspired me to hear the Lord ask me, "Do you still believe you will have an airplane someday; isn't it time you learn to fly one?" In just a few days I will be loading that airplane with coats and clothes as I once again head back to Mexico. It will be my great pleasure to leave money with Javier for the purchase of Christmas presents for the children at Wings of Hope. To see the smiles on their faces is always a great reward. Salutation, it is because of your help that we are able to help others. I am so thankful for you.

May you always have a grateful heart and enjoy this beautiful season with friends and loved ones. Until we meet again,

Blessings and Peace be unto you.

Jim &Pam Stockdale

June 2010

2010-06-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from another great trip to Mexico. It was a journey filled with challenge and triumph! Thank you for everything you do to help us do our job! Your partnership is beyond value!

Our speaking schedule took us to Athens, TX and Abundant Harvest Church. Pastors Marc & Angela Jones were great hosts and received us so warmly. After a great Sunday morning service with them we departed in the afternoon for San Antonio, TX to pick up two passengers.

When we were in Mexico near the end of February, an interesting thing happened. In route we flew directly over San Antonio, TX and as we were passing over that sprawling city I commented to Pam that "We really need some contacts here in this beautiful city." The second day after arriving in Mexico, Javier told me he would like to introduce us to a Pastor friend of his, staying at the same hotel, visiting

here from...you guessed it, San Antonio, TX. Just two doors down from our room this man comes out of his room and hears us speaking English to each other. He says to himself, "This person is from the U.S." and about that time he sees Javier, Pam and me talking. After an introduction and brief visit I told him about my recent comment to Pam and our need for a contact in San Antonio. He told me if we ever have the chance, to come and see him and on this trip we took him up on it. He and a young man from his church picked us up at the San Antonio International Airport, took us to supper, to our hotel and then to his home to meet his family. They took such good care of us and even picked up our guests the next day at the airport terminal, what a great blessing they were to us. It amazes me how God is always listening to our hearts cry and ready to open doors for us. Doors that he opens always lead to blessing.

We arrived in Saltillo Monday afternoon and just 4 hours later Jerry & Ann Jett from Harvest International Ministry arrived. They were both such a blessing as were Maribel and Kara. We visited two of the feeding centers and were treated to a marvelous program at each. If you haven't seen the video from this trip you can do so by going to www.youtube.com and in their search box type: LAM Update May. You can select the video from the list and I know you will enjoy it. Pass it along to friends and family for their enjoyment too. If you do not receive the email updates you can sign up for them at our web site and then you will receive the video updates as well.

Javier & Mily's house is nearing completion now and is only lacking the final coat of stucco on the walls & ceiling. Then the fixtures will be installed and they can move in. It is still several weeks from completion but so much closer than before. The two upstairs rooms will give them the room they have needed for so many years. Even with the added space of two rooms and bathrooms, their house is still very small for 5 people. It is just more evidence of the dedication and devotion these wonderful people have to the work of the gospel.

Jerry preached a powerful message on Wednesday night entitled "Facing and Conquering Our Fears." After his great message we were all ready to storm the gates of Hell armed with nothing but a squirt gun! At the conclusion of the message the altar filled with young and old, seeking a divine touch from God.

We Love you,

Jim &Pam Stockdale

2010-03-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings in the powerful name of Jesus! As we prepare for one of the most celebrated days of the year, Easter, I want to remind you of a very important fact. As a believer, resurrection day means so much more than the commonly celebrated day to attend church, hunt Easter eggs, buy new clothes and have dinner with Momma & Daddy. It is the day that our savior, Jesus the Christ, defeated death, hell and the grave by openly triumphing over them all. Colosians 2:14-15 says, "He canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with it's binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross. (15) And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession." The greeting used by the first century church was simple. When meeting a fellow believer one simply said, HE IS RISEN! The reply was, HE IS RISEN IN DEED! There were no thoughts of Easter eggs or the latest fashions. Their primary and single minded purpose was to continue growing stronger in him, who was risen indeed!

Construction is well under way on Javier and Mily's house. (that is the correct spelling for Mily's name) As with many construction projects there is a certain amount of tearing out of the old before the new can be added. Isn't that much like our own lives. Doesn't the bible say something about "Old things have passed away, and behold all things have become new?" Well some things are certainly passing away and others are becoming new on the Argüello's house! To God be the Glory! We are so excited for them!

As you may remember, we are planning the 2nd Annual Ride For Hope. The dates for the ride will be October 10-20. As before, we will depart the Tuscaloosa area on Sunday afternoon for an overnight in Jackson, MS. Last year's ride was so memorable and any of you who enjoy motorcycles, serving others, and want to be a part of a missions trip, start planning now so you won't miss this great opportunity. You will need a passport so get yours ready now. October will be here before you know it.

In May of 2000 I made my first mission trip to Latin America by visiting Cuba. It completely changed my life and the life of my family. Part of getting ready for that trip was getting a Passport. On March 5th of this year that Passport expired. I thought about the many trips I've taken these last 10 years with it and looked at the stamps on it's pages. It has now expired and can no longer be used as legal identification. Each of us comes with an expiration date that only the Lord knows. I knew when I came out of Mexico on Feb 26th that I could never use it again. I had no regrets, for I have used it to travel to many parts of the world. I look forward now to the new one which will arrive in just a few days and to the places I will take it. When my body reaches it's expiration date, I want to be able to say to the Lord. I have no regrets. II Tim 4:7-8 says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. (8) Now there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing."

Jim &Pam Stockdale

2010-03-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report to you that the airplane is airworthy for another year. Thanks to John Hudson and the great people at Grace Aviation we are in the air for another year. John is also Pastor of the 2nd Baptist Church in Kingstree, SC who graciously received me while I was there. Even though there was plenty of work to be done, it was done with a merry heart and all is well. It was a busy trip this year with a different speaking engagement nearly every night. I was excited to share in 3 meetings on Sunday and even had a chance to talk to a Motorcycle group on Monday night. Some of them are hoping to join the 2nd annual bike ride this year, which once again will be lead by Larry Biggers. They have aptly named the trip, "Ride for Hope." It is scheduled for the middle of October. If you're interested it will follow a very similar schedule as last year, a minimum of a 10 day ride. The distance makes it impossible to do an enjoyable ride any quicker.

Pam and I have been busily preparing for our next trip to Mexico. By the time this letter arrives in your mail box, Lord willing, we should be there. We plan to leave home this Friday (Feb 19) headed for Garland, TX (Dallas) to be with a dear church, Iglesia Sobre La Roca. They've been partners for many years. This year during our visit I will give them a full dose of Santiago (James) during the Spanish service and Pam will deliver an encouraging word to their English congregation. (They are a Spanish speaking church with an optional English service) This is one of the few churches we visit (in the U.S.) that during their main service (Spanish) there are not enough seats. People will be standing around the walls, excited to be there. The building will seat 300-350. Pastors Gabriel &Betty Morales have done an incredible job. I'm so excited about sharing the book of James with them. I had an opportunity to share it while in Kingstree, SC also. I love each time.

I am now well into James Chapter 2, learning it in English this time. As the Word grows inside of me I can sense God being able to communicate his will more and more. It is a powerful weapon! I am hoping to be ready to do an English presentation by June of this year. The next 3 months will pass whether I learn it or not, what a great investment into my own life. What greater gift could I give myself? I challenge you to take a few verses and learn them until you can quote them during your day. When stress and pressure start to push you around just start quoting the Word. It doesn't really matter what it's about, everything takes a back seat to the Word of God. You will be amazed how much better your days will pass if you just take a Gos-Pill.

Lord willing, Javier and Milly's house will be under construction by the time you receive this letter. I am so excited that they are going to receive the two new rooms and bathroom to their home that they have been patiently waiting on. The law of sowing and reaping is not a U.S. law, but rather it is a law in the Kingdom of God. Milly & Javier sowed seed in faith believing for this day and now we are so excited to be a part of their harvest. Did I tell you that the addition is already paid for? When we began to talk about those rooms being added and when they started sowing, we didn't have the money in our hands to do the work. Now, thank God the money is here! It is so exciting to be a facilitator in the hands of God! Thank you for helping us help others!

2010-01-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

If 2010 passes as quickly as 2009 did, maybe I should start by saying Merry Christmas. It will, after all, be here before we know it.

This month has passed quickly. For those of you who receive the email update (if you don't but would like to receive it simply go to www.latinamericanministry.org and sign up for it) you saw

the video of my most recent trip to Saltillo with long time friend Jerry Jett. Jerry is founder and President of Harvest International Ministries. (The video is attached with this posting) He was a great blessing on the trip and was blessed having been there. His love and genuine concern for our work was evident through his ministry's participation and partnership.

Pam and her father, James Lott, spent many hours cutting, sanding, and varnishing small crosses to give each of our children in Mexico. I was able to take them on this trip and personally put them around the necks of many of the children. They seemed to be truly grateful.

The little girl pictured here had a cross of her own which I saw her playing with during the presentation of the new ones. After lunch was finished and the children were leaving, she came up to me and said she wanted to give me something. I opened my hand and she placed her little cross in it. It had a metal ring attached to it so I put it on my airplane keys to remind me to pray for her. Her name is America.

The windows are being installed in Omega even as I write this letter. I am truly thankful to all who helped pay for them. We are now starting on the 5 doors and believe that before winter is over we will be able to close and lock them to protect the few possessions they have.

In January of 2009, Millie gave a special offering in faith and wrote a small note to herself reminding her that she had given that offering as a seed for their house to be finished. (she told me this after I told her what I'm about to tell you) While we were there Jerry asked me what he could do for this Pastor and family who have been so faithful to the call of God on their lives. I quickly told him we had been hoping to complete Javier & Millie's house with the two bedrooms and bathroom that they had started years ago but had never been able to complete. Without a moments hesitation he said, "consider it done!" When I told Javier and Milly, they were so excited. That's when Millie told me about her seed. I tell you this, simply to remind you, what you have given in faith as a seed, don't stop believing in God's ability to, not only repay you, but to go far beyond. No farmer sows a field expecting to only recover his seed. James said the farmer sows, and patiently waits for the rains & harvest.

I hope you will plan to make a trip to Mexico with us in 2010. We hope to be there many times this year, Lord willing and would love to have you with us. Blessings and peace in all you do in the Kingdom of God this year.

To all our partners, you can expect your 2009 donation statement in next month's news letter. If you need it before that time, I would be more than happy to send it to you early. We are truly thankful for your support this year.

If you would like to sponsor a child for $30.00 a month you may do so through our on line secure payment link which uses PayPal or you may mail your check to: Latin American Ministry, 8317 Meadowlake Dr. W, Northport, AL 35476

Your Friends, Jim and Pam Stockdale

October 09

2009-10-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever considered yourself an enabler? Well, neither have I but it occurred to me this morning that we are just that. Through your partnership with this ministry we are enabling scores of children and adults to survive another day in an environment that is daily claiming lives. We enable children to escape the cold by providing warm clothes and hot meals. We enable them to hear about a better way and the hope of eternal life . You and I are enabling souls to discover that someone cared enough for them to leave his throne and come to offer the unattainable. Wow! Aren't you glad to be enabling someone? You are truly a world changer and are leaving a global footprint!

Pam and I have just returned from Mexico by motorcycle. What a trip it was. We were joined by some long time friends as well as some new ones. Thanks to Pastor Larry Biggers & wife Janet, from Northside Chapel, for planning & organizing the trip. We traveled over 2400 miles together with no incidents or major problems. Clark Goetting, Bill Berry, and Jeff Bagley helped make the trip a success.

They all sacrificed their time, effort and money to go with us. Upon arriving at the feeding centers, each of them were smitten by the love they felt from our children. At each place we visited we made commitments and investments that show that our love and concern, is more words. At Tanquecito we worked on lighting, and painting. Again, enabling children to enjoy the best we can provide. From Tanquecito we went to a new location called Loma Linda. In English, this is Pretty Hill. However, there is nothing pretty about it outside of the needy children and mothers we found waiting there. Again, enabling more children to find a new hope We committed to invest our time, effort and money into them by opening our fourth center in Saltillo.

From Loma Linda we visited Omega. As did Tanquecito, they blessed us with a beautifully rehearsed program that showed their love and gratitude. Each of those who came with us were in tears as the children, many of whom were crying as they worshipped God, sang, danced, and spoke with us. They presented us with rocks which they had each found, washed, painted and signed. Pam will put them in her garden so that she can pray for each child by name as she walks and prays. (Something she does daily) Unknown to Omega, a couple of months ago Pam asked me if we could bring rocks from Saltillo with the children's names on them for that purpose.

I had not mentioned the idea to anyone. Is God great or what? Again, we committed to close the windows and doors there by starting with 3 windows on the north side of the building. By faith, we will complete all the windows and doors before winter. Once again enabling the children to have a warm place to enjoy their worship, lessons and meal.

So, as you can now see, you and I are enablers, but don't fear, we are in good company. I recall the words of Paul "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry...And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (1Ti 1:12-14) Jesus himself is an enabler and it is by his grace that he has enabled us, to help others succeed! Thank you so much for your help!

To see a video of this trip go to http://video.yahoo.com/watch/6267830/16265760

Blessings,

Jim & Pam

2009-08-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

I have been sitting here in my office reading over some old newsletters I’ve written through the past few years. I came upon the letter I wrote for Aug of 2005. It was the letter about visiting Saltillo for the first time and meeting Javier and Millie and their family. Little did I know then what would develop over the next few years. I know that God ordered my steps on that first visit. I can still see the tears in the eyes of the Argüello’s the first time I told them about our desire to help children. It seems like only last year we began… I received a letter from a dear friend and mentor last month who also works in Mexico, and he was asking God for 8 more years, to do the work he is doing there. At that time he will be 80 years old and will have been in MX 40 years. Wow! Larry Myers you are an inspiration to all who know you! I only need 30 more years to catch up! I began thinking about all the changes he’s seen over the years and how many young strutting peacock missionaries he has seen who were going to change things and do it better, yet with the patience of Job, Larry has stayed faithful to his vision and call to build churches and people. One at a time he has built congregations and buildings all over Mexico, while the strutting peacocks got tired and moved on to something that paid better or was the latest fad.

You and I are building our legacy now. Together, each time we feed one more child, preach one more message, or help one more person find their place in life, we are putting another piece of history in place, at which we can someday look back at with joy to have made a difference in so many lives. I fully expect to someday participate in ordination services, business grand openings, and attend college graduations for children who have passed through our doors. We aren’t just buying another meal for these kids; we are opening a door of hope and a way of escape from the vicious cycle they are trapped in. To make a positive change in someone’s life is a powerful and serious thing. We are thankful to God for having been given the chance to make a difference.

By the time this letter arrives in your mail box, Pam and I will be in Mexico. Today is Wednesday, July 22, and we are leaving on Friday morning. We have one student who is coming for a week and will arrive on Sunday. We will be there and ready to receive her when she arrives. She will spend the week with us and help with us with the feeding centers, work in the youth group, and have some classroom time with Pam and me. She will be there to get a taste of Missions and what it could mean for her life. She will be making some big decisions in the next few years and we want to have a positive influence on those decisions. This will be the first LAMP student, although in an abbreviated course. We will also be taking a dear lady from our Hispanic group who has worked with us on many occasions before and will be a HUGE blessing to Pam in the area of translation. Pam and she are a great preaching team and I will be able to set back and listen to some fine preaching.

We have been in South Dakota this month and enjoyed a working vacation in Pierre. We were blessed to be with the Perryman’s and Tabernacle of Praise. This church and pastor have been a great blessing to our work and we thank them for their monthly support and their generosity while we were there.
Keep pressing on and someday we will look back at the many lives we have helped together!
Your Friends,
Jim and Pam Stockdale

May O9

2009-05-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

It is so easy to focus on what the news media tells us is happening in our country but consider this. The unemployment rate in the US is only 3% higher than it was before we entered what the news media calls “the worst recession since the great depression.” Unemployment in the US is at 8.5 % currently. In 1982, unemployment was at 10% and home mortgage interest was at 17%. Today’s interest rates are at or near an all time low at just 4 3/8%. (Dave Ramsey) This is not a time to be fearful and afraid. One of the greatest weapons the Devil has always used against God’s people has been fear. How many times did God say “Fear not” to the nation of Israel? There are over 365 fear not references in the bible. That’s one for every day. You can count on the Devil to blow things out of proportion and try to make you fearful. The opposite of faith is not doubt, it is fear! Fear will cause you to do things that you would never do walking in faith. Perfect love casts out fear! The trump card over fear is the love of God. His love is too much for fear to handle!

So, if you want to make a statement in the face of fear, continue doing something for someone else out of the love of God that abides in you. I guarantee that you will feel faith rising up within you as you do, and you will soon overcome the trap that the enemy has set for you. It sounds to me like the Devil is up to his same old tricks, Fear tactics. Don’t believe it! Even if this was the worst time since the great depression, does that change God or his promise? A thousand times no! “Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and He is revealing through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2Co 2:14

I was blessed to baptize 3 new converts this month in Tuscaloosa. We not only get to work out of the country, but are also privileged to bring the good news to people right here in Alabama. Everywhere we go we find people in need of the love of God. We are sowing seeds into many different nations. We have ministered to people from Mexico, Guatemala, Columbia, Cuba, Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Honduras, and even the U.S. What a small world it has become. We are endeavoring to make a global footprint.

These two little guys pictured here are bowing their heads as we say the blessing over the food about to be received. This is the highly coveted “private table” at the Omega feeding center. The children race to be the first ones to arrive and by doing so, get to be one of the two special ones who sit here. I was touched by their sincerity as the blessing was being offered for the food. Are you still grateful enough for the blessings in your life that you take time to bow your head and offer thanks for the food he has provided you?

The change boxes are still doing a marvelous job of collecting change for the children. Pam and I still go once a week and collect the money. It is long days spent on the road right here in Tuscaloosa, and then still more time counting the change but we are happy to do it to see the smiling faces on children who would otherwise not have a hot meal. If you are interested in helping us, we have a great plan to help your church or group raise money. Please contact me to learn more.
God bless you as you continue to give out of the love in your heart for the work we are doing. We value every partner and pray for you daily. May the God of peace keep you and bless you,

Your Friends,
Jim and Pam Stockdale

Lift

2009-04-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

The law of gravity has existed on earth since the first day of creation. It is the force that holds everything in its place. Because of gravity, water stays in the oceans and rivers and not in the sky, rocks are either on the ground or falling back to the ground. Gravity keeps you and me from floating off into space. It really is a good thing. Although mans first flight was not officially accomplished until December 17, 1903, the law that allows it to happen has been here since the dawn of time. Air flowing around an airfoil is subject to the Laws of Motion discovered by Sir Isaac Newton. This air flow causes an equal and opposite reaction, as stated in Newton's Third Law and in this case, it produces lift. The law of lift for an airplane is really rather simple. Air flowing over the wing's upper surface accelerates as it passes along the shape of the wing. The result is a decrease in pressure on the upper surface of the wing which results in the phenomenon known as lift.
Ok...so what's this about? Each of us faces discouragements and setbacks in our lives, jobs, families, relationships, churches, ministries, etc. While the devil is busy attacking us and trying to pull us down, Jesus has made a way of escape for us. He gave us his Word. We can rise above our circumstances by using the Word of God as a law of lift in our lives. Are you speaking what you know is true, based on God's word? Or, are you repeating what the world is screaming at you? You can say "well our church never taught us to guard our speech" if you want to, but consider the following. For as long as gravity has held everything down, lift has been available, but unused by man until 1903. Birds have been using it since the fifth day of creation and would pay little heed to any warning from man that flight is impossible.
As I speed down the runway, in my airplane, at 65 mph you could race along beside me in your car screaming "it'll never work, it's impossible to fly!" At that point I have the option to believe you or to believe what I know to be true about lift. I can choose to speed headlong into the trees at the end of the runway, or I can pull back on the controls and soar off the same runway and over the obstacles looming ahead.

I encourage you to dust off that bible you've had tucked away and embrace it as you would the Law of Lift if you were trying to fly...for indeed, that's what we are trying to do. I believe I can fly!
Blessings,
Jim

April 2009

2009-04-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

From our growing family, we bring greetings to all of our dear friends.
Pam and I have been so busy this month. We are excited about the many things God is doing for us. Neither time nor space will permit me to share them all but here are a few things that are happening.
It seems God is always requiring each of us to step up to one more task. Let me share a brief story with you to explain our most recent one.
A year ago Pam had two dreams which we have pondered a good bit. In the first dream she was in a delivery room giving birth and both of our daughters were there as her coaches. A few weeks later March 08 she had dream number two: Once again she was in a delivery room and the doctor said, "I see 1, 2, 3, 4, and there could be more..." then she woke up.
One night, the week before Valentine's Day this year, Pam woke up thinking about those dreams and a way to incorporate youth into missions in some sort of training program. The next morning she shared her thoughts with me. As we continued to discuss it in the following days, we realized that we were talking about some sort of Intern program that would train young men and women for the mission field.
That very week we went to Iglesia Sobre La Roca in Dallas, TX on our way to MX. (It was Valentine's weekend this year) Pam preached in the first service and at the end of her message (having said NOTHING about interns), a young lady 19 years old came up to her and asked; "Do you have an intern program?" Pam brought her and her parents immediately to me and introduced them. It was an amazing coincidence. NOT!!! We have spoken 100's of times in the past 5 years and have never been asked this question. What are the odds?
We know that God is moving us to begin a mission’s preparation program. Since we will be preparing missionaries for work in Latin America, we will call it Latin American Mission Preparation, or LAMP.
This young lady is already preparing to attend. Javier is so excited about this new leg of LAM (pardon the pun). Unbeknown to us, he has been praying about an intern program for years. Please help us pray about the path we should choose for developing young missionaries. Also, we need a short slogan to accompany the name LAMP. Some suggestions have been made; “Taking the light to the darkness”, ”Shining a light in darknesst”, etc. Please send us your ideas. The winning slogan will receive a free gift.
If you or someone you know would like to attend the summer course (3 weeks), July 19-Aug 8, please contact us for more details. We also plan to develop a long term program which will be a nine month course. In this program you will have in depth language studies, bible studies, teaching/preaching skills, music, and many other areas of focused mission preparation.
Plans for a fall Motorcycle Mission Trip are well under way. We already have several people planning to make the trip. This is a great opportunity to visit the Feeding Centers and enjoy a cross country trip on your bike. The exact dates will be forthcoming but, the proposed time is mid October. The trip will be 10 days with stops in some beautiful places along the way. We will spend one night somewhere deep in Cajun country, two nights in beautiful San Antonio, TX. We will be in Saltillo, MX 3 nights and 4 days, just to name a few of the places we will see. You will get to see and meet the children in the feeding centers as well as attend a powerful church service you will not soon forget. We hope you will plan to join us for an exciting time.
Your Friends,
Jim and Pam Stockdale

March 2009

2009-03-31T16:52:00.000-07:00

Imagine your life as a single parent, with little or no hope of change for the better. Your only hope is the Feeding Center where you and your daughter go for food, clothes, and teaching. Ironically the name of the center is Wings of Hope. This is the story of such a young woman. With her daughter Denise, Diana came to the center 3 times per week for what we offered. (Denise is the little girl that asked Pam, do you have Jesus in your heart?) She found more than food and tempora

l things. She found the love of a savior and in time, much, much more.

A man, by the name of Jose Luis, was coming from the church that staffed the feeding center, to work with the children. In the process of time, his eyes feel on Diana, the single mother raising an 8 year old girl in a terrible place. Having lived a less than exemplary life style, Diana was not the perfect choice for most men, yet to Jose Luis; she was the woman of his dreams. A romance budded and soon hope came to life for them. Jose Luis asked Diana and Denise to join his home. They were married in 2007 and soon after, they left Saltillo to work in an orphanage in

Baja California. After serving for two years there, they have now returned to the place they were rescued from. Now Denise has a new little sist

er named Bitia, to keep her busy and a nice home to keep her warm and safe.

Today Jose and Diana are back in Saltillo working in the Feeding Center where their paths first crossed. I asked Diana why they had returned, she told me, “In the orphanage, the children had everything they needed supplied to them, but here the children need so much more. God has called us back here to work with these children who have so little.” I was so moved by what she said and am so thankful to have had a part in her future.

Life has completely changed for Diana and Denise, (now 12 years old.) As a partner to this ministry, you too had a hand in this testimony. We are all helping create tomorrow’s testimonies of success.

This trip to Mexico was a busy one for Pam and me. We were very blessed to once again visit our friends at Garland, TX. Iglesia Sobre La Roca is a powerful and exciting church that is filled with people who are hungry for the presence of God. They packed into a building, for two services, that is much too small for such a large congregation. (This is a problem many Pastors would like to have.) I asked Pastor Gabriel, what is the key? He said, “Just love the people, and the rest will take care of itself.” They receive us there as family and we are so thankful for their love. Their children received a special change offering which totaled $1460.00 and selected LAM as the recipient. We were once again blessed by their generosity.

Your Friends, Jim and Pam Stockdale

February 2009

2009-03-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend and Partner,

This year will soon be history as we race toward the end of the first decade of the 2000’s.

I am always amazed by the difference in attitude of people. I entered a store a few days ago to collect one of our change boxes. A woman was behind the counter I didn’t know and blurted out as I exchanged the box, “I have a problem with that!” (With customers in line) I enquired as to what she meant and she began to tell me, “I’m a Christian, but I don’t think we should be helping th

ose Mexican kids when there are children suffering here.”

Of course the real problem she has is a prejudice in her heart, or illegal aliens, yet she was taking it out on children whom she has never nor indeed shall ever meet.

The immigrant debate is one that will continue for many years I’m sure, yet does that somehow relieve our responsibility found in Psalms 82:3 (and many other references too) “Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need.” Interestingly, David didn’t specify which poor and defenseless to help, or which race. I think they all qualify, it just depends upon us.

Just a few minutes after encountering this hardened woman, the manager at one of their sister stores gave me a different comment. She said, “Yesterday a young boy came in the store, just old enough to read. He was reading the

box and looking at the pictures. He handed me a 10.00 bill to pay for the gas his mother had bought, took the change I gave him and ran back to the car. In just a few seconds he was back with a dollar bill in his hand. The box was so full of change he couldn’t get the bill in. After working at it he looked up at me and asked, “Can you help me, I really need to give this dollar?” “I pushed a knife into the slot, and made a hole big enough for him to insert his dollar. He looked up at me and said, “thank you, I really needed to give that!”

The manager was beaming with joy as she related this story to me.

I pictured the little boy running back to the car and telling his

mother something like this, “Mom, there is a box in there collecting money to feed hungry children, can I give something?” It didn’t matter to him if they were Mexican, Japanese, Indian, or American. He just wanted to help.

Hunger has no prejudice. It affects the rich or the poor, black, white, red or brown. We are honored to have been given the assignment found in Luke 9:13 “…you give them something to eat.” When the Jesus makes

something plain to you, it becomes a mission for which you will give all that you have to complete.

Thank you for your blindness to race, nationality, or political posture…we could never do this work alone.

Your Friends,

Jim and Pam Stockdale

January 2009

2009-03-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend and Partner,

It is impossible to visit a place of extreme poverty and be untouched by the need represented there. Such was the case with Gary Bishop, who accompanied me to Saltillo this month.

I was so blessed to have this new friend along with me and to see the impact that the trip had on him. He not only shared the aviation, navigation, & communication work load that goes along with flying a private aircraft, but he also shared the joy of seeing our children. He was truly moved by the experience and has already mentioned a return trip in 09.

We arrived at Saltillo Monday afternoon, Dec 1^st. The airplane was full of boxes and suitcases with gifts for the children. These were unloaded and reloaded into one of our vans there and whisked off to Javier and Milly’s house for preparation for the Christmas party. Our plans did not include being at the party, since that was held later in the month closer to Christmas day.

This trip was a busy one and we were on the go a lot. After being in the plane all day Monday, after a quick shower we headed to a home meeting. This was the first experience for Gary to have “Genuine Mexican” food. There is something amazing that happens when people break bread together. Jesus knew this well kept secret and encouraged it. An

open and receptive attitude is the results of an evening dining together and I was asked to share a few thoughts before leaving. I spoke about Jesus’ command that we make disciples. They are not born, or bought, they are made. It takes time, effort and money to do so. Once again we had invested all three into these fine people.

We visited

the Omega feeding center and were pleasantly surprised to see that the city of Saltillo is improving the area by paving the roads, installing water lines, electric poles and wires. For those of you who have visited this area, you would not recognize it now.

There is a new church building, the road in front is now graded and paved. I barely recognized the area. It’s amazing what the Gospel does to an area. We don’t take credit for the changes that are being made there but we do rejoice with our workers for what we are seeing done. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has a way of transforming people and places.

Before

We were blessed to be in all 3 centers on this trip. Each one is progressing nicely and doing the work we ask them to do. I was blessed to hear a powerful lesson in all 3 centers. This is extremely important to our vision. It’s not just a place to receive nourishment, but also to enrich and nourish the mind with the truths from Gods Word.

2008 is now in the past and we must press on toward the needs and dreams for tomorrow. We pray for you and ask that you pray for us as we press on to do the will of God in our lives.

Your Friends,

Jim and Pam Stockdale

Latin American Ministry