El Sauzal News

Last weekend, October 6th and 7th, El Sauzal was part of a large missions conference.  Missions Fest Seattle was held for the first time, sponsored by 70 local churches, and 90 exhibitors.  With capacity crowds, it was an exciting event with many great ministries represented.  We were able to offer conference attendees a short-term missions opportunity that is relatively close to home.  We met many people looking for an opportunity just like ours.

Missions Fest is an idea that started in the mid 1980s in Vancouver, Canada.  From their website:

It is a weekend when people of all ages come together to participate in a variety of missions related experiences. Colourful exhibits, which represent organizations that work in most countries around the world, provide current information. Keynote addresses are given by world class speakers who have international acclaim. Children participate in workshops and programs that raise in them the awareness of the existence of many people groups. The youth are challenged to reach out to others during their rallies and seminars. Music is important in these gatherings; international flags and costumes are part of the decor. Along with these activities, over a hundred seminars are integrated throughout the three days.

Thanks to support and donations, the Orphanage and the Foundation paid nothing to have our booth.  Everything was donated - from tortilla chips and prizes to give away, to our banner and brochures.  More than $1500 worth of support, services, and in-kind items were given.  We are grateful to SeaTac Bible Church, Taylor-Made Printing, Azteca Restaurants, and the many individuals that gave.  We are happy to have been able to share El Sauzal’s work with so many people!

Our colorful, fun booth was completely donated!

 ”Me and some of the kids from the Orphanage.” - Janel, Washington state

I went searching the web to see what others were saying about El Sauzal, the ‘word of mouth’.  I found lots of interesting stories and photos, from personal webjournals and websites from individuals, churches, businesses and rotary clubs and organizations.  I thought I’d use a couple of posts to share some of the comments, starting with stories from individuals.

Personal Stories and Photos

The Averill family website tells how the family visited the Orphanage in July.  It also has daughter Janel’s Mexico 2004 report and photos:

“What an incredible journey!  This was my third year visiting the El Sauzal Orphanage, and this time I got to go as a “leader in training.”  It was neat for me to see the children there again and renew friendships.”

Gina, 37-year-old from Texas says:

“5 things I would do with 100 million dollars:  I would make a grant to El Sauzal Orphanage in Mexico for their needs.”

James Pearson of Ever Moment photography has a great black and white photo of Orphanage kid Sergio, along with a post called ‘Play, no matter what’:

“I’m just glad that he [Sergio] was having that sort of fun that all kids should have.”

Google Earth member measureyougive has created a link to see the Orphanage with Google Earth.  (You need to have Google Earth loaded to see the Orphanage.)

The Tsang family traveled from Toronto, Canada to the Orphanage in 2005.  They have tons of photos and captions to see, including nursery pics, work projects, kitchen photos, and taking the Orphange kids to the local pool.  

Stay tuned.  Next, I’ll be giving links to what churches are saying about the Orphanage.

We recently received a large donation from a family in Oregon.  Along with their generous gift, they included an encouraging note.

Our son, Sean spent several of his spring vacations helping [at El Sauzal Orphanage] thru First Baptist Ashland.  It was a very dynamic and impacting life experience for all of us.  We take so very much for granted in our “comfort zones” here in the USA.

With your help, the Orphanage helps hurting Mexican children.  They also aid their local community.  But your help also allows El Sauzal to impact the lives of volunteers.  How exciting to see that as people give of themselves to El Sauzal, they get so much in return!

Arturo with his family, daughters Miriam, Monica and wife Carmen.

After the recent food distribution, a community member, Arturo Gil wrote a letter to thank the members of Placentia Presbyterian Church for their generousity of time and money.

For many years when I visited the Orphanage, I would see Arturo in church, playing the bongo drums.  He has always greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm.  His letter reflects his open attitude.

San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico
10 June 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters, to those who can not be here today. 

We know that your hearts are very close to the families in this place because of your tremendous love.  It is our desire that the grace and peace of the Lord will be increased in each of your lives.

Through the years I have come to know the precious people that visit here and enjoy their work with the Food Distribution. 

For me it is gratifying to see the desire of my USA brothers to work on this day that started out cloudy and became sunny and warm.  You visited some casas [houses] over some pretty bad roads.  I could not get tired in admiring your ministry. Please accept my gratitude for your wonderful job, for everything that you do, for using your personal vehicles, for the Lord’s power that is in you, for your time, money, prayers and much more.  Mil gracias one more time.

You may be asking yourself, “Who is writing this letter?”  Please allow me to present myself.  My name is Arturo Gil.   And my name like yours is written in God’s Book of Life in Heaven.  But I also live with my wife Carmen and two daughters in this beautiful town.

The Food Distribution date happens to also be the date that my youngest daughter, Miriam turned 15 years old.  Turning 15 is a very important date in the life of a Mexican family and we, me and my family celebrate this date working side by with you in this river of blessings.  Thanks be to God!  You make us feel extremely blessed.

A woman who I love, Carmen my wife, Monica and Miriam my daughters and me Arturo Gil send our affectionate greetings and our desire is for you to take courage in the overflowing love of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is the Glory, the Honor and Praise.

Arturo’s letter shows his heart.  When you help the Orphanage, that help often extends to the surrounding community, and blesses others.  Many, like Arturo, are grateful.

Pastor David Throop unveiling the new plaque.

Last weekend a plaque was put up outside of the Orphanage’s dental clinic. Pastor David Throop of Placentia Presbyterian made the dedication.  The plaque, written in both Spanish and English reads:

This Dental Clinic is dedicated to the glory of God and in loving memory of a special friend, John Shoji Nitta, D.D.S. In appreciation for his generous love for God’s children at this Orphanage.  Dedicated this 10th day of June, 2006 by his many friends of the El Sauzal Orphanage and the Placentia Presbyterian Church.

The John Nitta Memorial Dental Clinic was started before 1990 by Dr. John Nitta and his family. The Arnold California Rotary and the Nitta family donated two dental chairs, an x-ray machine, and air and vacuum equipment.

Dr. Nitta and his staff visited the Orphanage whenever they could, providing dental services for our children.  After Dr. Nitta moved to Fresno, California, a group of dentists from Pleasanton, California donated their service annually.  When Dr. Nitta passed away unexpectedly in 2000, the clinic was named in honor of him.

Over the years, many dental professionals and students have visited and volunteered at the Orphanage. They have helped the children and the local community.  It is an honor to celebrate Dr. Nitta’s vision and memory with this plaque.