April 2017 Update

    It has been three months now since we began working in the Mesa del Nayar. We have primarily been helping out at the boarding school that was founded many years ago by our friend Fray Pascual Rosales, who passed away over two years ago. Since his passing a group of alumni have taken over the leadership, and through many difficulties continue to fill this important need for the Cora and Huichol people. The school provides kindergarten, primary, and secondary level education and the opportunity for scholarships to universities and trade schools. One of the keys of the success of the school is the discipline that the kids are required to maintain. Their schedule starts at 6 AM with devotions, then an hour of work projects; tending the gardens, splitting firewood, cooking, and cleaning. Then after breakfast, classes begin and with one short break, go until 2 PM when they split up into their work groups for more chores. Around 4 lunch is served, followed by workshops and tutoring. For those not involved in classroom activities there are sports such as volleyball or soccer. Then at 6 everyone gathers for devotions again which are led by one of the students, with Martin’s help. After a light supper, usually a cup of thin oatmeal or rice, the students work on homework or other projects until bedtime. In addition to the director and teachers, the kids are overseen by student leaders who help guide them and maintain discipline.
    Even when the school was directed by Pascual, a Franciscan monk, we were welcomed and encouraged to share God’s Word and love. Now, under the leadership of the alumni group, we have been invited to help lead the Bible classes as well as the morning and evening devotional times. We have been joined by Martin Garzon from Arrayanes, Pastor Horacio’s son, who has now been here full time since January. During the week, Martin teaches Bible, Geography, and Natural Science, as well as directing the students who work in the gardens. He has felt called to work with the Cora for a long time and this opportunity is a perfect for him. During our days at the school, Monday through Thursday, Kai has been attending classes, with a special emphasis on building a solid foundation in Spanish. Faith teaches the English classes, while I focus on work projects and teaching the computer workshops.
    It is our desire to begin a Bible study group outside the school with members of the community, but so far it has been slow work. I hope that by April we will be meeting each week with some of the local families to begin sharing the Firm Foundations study, as well as audio recordings of the New Testament in their language.
    Recently we have cut back on some of our travels here in the mountains due to an increase in violence and robberies on the roads. Last week a Catholic priest from this area and his group were confronted by armed men with the intent to rob them. It appears that the priest decided to continue on instead of stopping and the armed men opened fire. The priest and others who were with him were hit and after a couple of days in the hospital the priest died. In addition, there have been reports of others being assaulted between the Mesa and Cangrejo. These situations motivate us to be diligent in prayer and to be sure that we are making smart decisions. We trust that God is protecting us, so we continue to work here in the Mesa and visit other communities whenever possible. Please continue to pray with us for protection.
    For the past couple of years Faith and I have been praying and talking about what is next for us. We believe that it is time for us to return to Washington permanently. To that end, we have been working to help Martin establish a long term ministry here in the Mesa, looking for ways to continue to support him, and encouraging others to join him in his work. Our plan is to finish out the school year here in the Mesa, and after the graduation in July, load up our truck and move back to Washington. We would really appreciate your prayers during this very scary, exciting, and emotional time.
Jay, Faith, & Kai TenBrink