Wapato’s Mission Mexico 2011

Dear Friends and Family,

Back in the summer of 2002, a small group of people from Wapato Valley Church loaded up some vehicles and took off on a seemingly endless journey to Guaymas, Mexico.  Our task:  work on an orphanage.  When we got there we found a big hole in the ground, which we proceeded to line with rocks (in 106 degree heat!) over the course of a week.  In the evenings we would go to local villages, play music and “football” with the kids, and show the Jesus film.  In the end, we saw many give their hearts to Christ, as well as the septic system for the orphanage established.

Since then, Wapato has sent a team down to the same location nearly every year (sometimes twice a year.)  What began as a septic tank has turned into a fully functioning orphanage with 2 host families, numerous children and a sweet relationship with local missionaries Jesse and Jenny Navarro.  It has been a blessing to partner in these efforts and see people's lives changed, as well as encourage talented, wholehearted missionaries who have the skills, but often lack the resources to move forward in the vision God has given them to reach their community.

This spring we will be taking our trek south, once again- though this time the longer leg of our trip will be via plane to Arizona, where we will meet up with friends from Heart for Missions, Int. (the agency that takes us down).  I (Pete) am especially looking forward to this trip as I haven't been down since the first one.  I'm also thrilled that both Amy and Annika will be going on the trip, as well.  Annika went for the first time last year.  It was a tremendous experience that stretched her faith.  It also created in her a tremendous desire to serve children.

We would be so encouraged if you would partner with us in this endeavor.  We need to come up with $650 per person (= $1950 total for the three of us).  This amount covers plane tickets, other traveling expenses, food, supplies and project money.  If you would like to be of encouragement by lightening the load a bit and supporting us financially, it would be much appreciated.  And/Or if you would be so kind as to lift us up in prayer:  for safety, effectiveness, clear minds, compassionate hearts-- and mostly that God's will (whatever it might be for this trip) be done- we would be eternally grateful.  Thanks you all for being such incredibly loving friends and family.

Gratefully,

Pete, Amy & Annika Rusaw

Annika’s Corner

I’m so very excited to go on this mission trip again because last time was amazing. I loved helping at the orphanage. Another reason I am excited is because last time we didn’t get to go to church in Mexico, and we should be able to this time. This trip will be extra special because one of my best friends, Andrea, is going and I want to be part of the experience with her.  (I have great enthusiasm for going again!)

Donations

Donations can be sent to Wapato Valley Church, P.O. Box 570, Gaston, OR 97119

*If you send a check, please DO NOT put anything on the “for” line.  You can insert a note that states the donation go to us, but for tax purposes please do not note it anywhere on the check.  The church will send you a receipt.

**If you’d like to make a donation online, you can follow the link:  https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=870689615&vlrStratCode=YPnhsCv%2bVNA%2bLNb%2fmr%2bjxhdGfKDoZMjwlh4vOjaT6h5jj2hKOLJ0A2rRcEcIQj2L

or simply go to www.networkforgood.org, go down to the “donate” tab and search “wapato valley church” in “oregon.”  You’ll then be taken through a series of steps whereby you can donate and designate funds.  Thank You!!!