Casa de Niños - Support Letters From 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

In today´s economic times everyone knows how important it is to do the best with what you have been blessed with. No over spending and keep within your budget. Casa de Niños is no different. We must keep within our means and see that no over or unnecessary spending occurs.

January 2010 found 22 people around the dinner table, 4 other kids that we are helping outside the home, 6 University students to support, two unexpected vehicle repairs, taxes to pay, license plates to purchase and much more. When it came to the end of the month did we stay with in our means? Sorry to say no. We had to draw from the savings to cover quite a bit of the new year needs. This is not uncommon at the beginning of each year as offerings are low and expenses are high. There was no over spending but just taking care of business as usual. We just need to be better prepared for the low months and that is why we watch the savings account very closely.

The purpose of the monthly support letter is to encourage you by reading of a few events in the lives of the children you support. We report and allow you to decide how you will support the ministry of Casa de Niños. The Higher Education Fund is nearly depleted and we prayerfully ask that you please consider supporting these young men and women. It currently costs $266.00 per month per student (6 CDN students). This has been a major undertaking for all of our CDN supporters and we thank you all so much.

Happening now is a big event in the lives of 4 of our University students. They received their Mexican Passports and are working to acquire their American Visas to come visit you in July of this year. Angela, José, Efrain and Luis are coming to the USA!

On March 14th, 2010 of this year there will be a special Sunday Lunch at the Markle Church of Christ, Markle, Indiana to help these CDN students have the opportunity to personally meet you. The objective of the meal is to raise the necessary funds for their travel and for their continuing financial needs of their studies.

Again on March 14th there will be a special after Church Meal at the Markle Church of Christ. All the area churches are invited and all other CDN supporters. This is a big undertaking but also a big blessing for them and you. You will be able to see them in person next July and hear from them how they have been blessed by growing up at Casa de Niños.

Please mark your calendar for March 14, 2010 - Casa de Niños after Church Lunch Special!

At the end of January 2010 we took all 20 CDN kids on a journey north to the city of Piedras Negras to visit missionaries Daniel and Claudia Llamas at Colegio Biblico. We enjoyed special meals that you will only find in Northern Mexico, enjoyed visiting and staying at the Bible College (Colegio Biblico). The kids enjoyed singing special music and worshipping with other brothers and sisters in Christ at the Rio Escondido church just outside of Piedras Negras. The kids played a great game of soccer and attended a youth meeting with the youth group of Rio Escondido at the Bible College. One big event that they will never forget was crossing over to the other side! Daniel took them to see the big Rio Grande River and step over into the American soil of the US (just on the bridge of course). It was a great time of visiting and sharing with our missionary friends Daniel and Claudia.

Well, what´s been on the menu lately!

Beans and rice of course with lots and lots of tortillas. Have you ever tried lentejas or cactus with potatoes. Both are very nutritious! How about red or green eggs, the kids love both! The hotter the better. There´s been lots of vegetable soup as the weather is still cold here. Other favorites lately have been bean soup, rice milk, tuna, white spaghetti, salad, bean bread with cheese and on Sunday nights lots of popcorn.

The kids are eating well and studying hard! Help when you can and pray daily for the children of Casa de Niños.

David and Sheri DeBolt

December 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

December is a month of financial challenges each year for Casa de Niños.

Year end bills, University tuition, both the year end and the next semester payments are due. Insurance and much more always come at the end of each year.

Also saving ahead for next year's taxes and licenses and the beginning of the year bills stretches the Casa de Niños budget during December.

This past December 2009 was no exception, but as always everything is met and God is given the Glory for touching so many lives to help support Casa de Niños.

This past Christmas we did not have gifts under the tree, but instead they were put under a large cloth drawing of the birth of Jesus. The Christmas story was read from Matthew and Luke and each child was reminded of the most special gift that was given to them.

Some very important projects that will take place during 2010 are to raise more support for the 2011 van and car replacement fund. Painting the house and installing a security fence around the property and a security alarm system. These projects are separate from general funds and the Higher Education Fund.

God bless you for your love and gifts to Casa de Niños. They are making a difference in the lives of many children. Throughout 2009 together we cared for 24 children. Casa de Niños is fulfilling its purpose and that is to provide a Christian family for each and every child.

David and Sheri DeBolt

November 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

"Family inspires us." It is what motivates Casa de Niños to move forward each day.

Every child that comes to Casa de Niños comes from a broken family. Alcohol, drugs, divorce, abuse and abandonment. You name it, Casa de Niños has dealt with all kinds of family problems. Family is what each child yearns for and at Casa de Niños, through its family atmosphere the children learn to become part of our Christian family.

"Left for dead", was written on the social worker's report of Jesús, a boy we received in October. Only 12 years old, he was never allowed to go to school, worked full time to support his father's alcoholic life. Repeatedly it said he was physically and sexually abused by his father and his father's friends. He never knew his mother, who died when he was a baby. Jesús was found by someone who said he had been beaten up and tied to a tree like an animal by his father who left him there to die after beating him for not bringing home enough for his habit. Unfortunately today his father is a free man, but Jesús is set free from abuse. After entering Casa de Niños we quickly put Jesús in school, bought him a Bible and now he is learning that a Heavenly Father loves and cares for him deeply. Psalm 27:10

Brothers, sisters, mom, dad, laughter, discipline, security, love, hugs, tears, you name it you will find it in our home. Family inspires us to give each child the love and care they deserve.

Casa de Niños is fulfilling its purpose by striving to build a family for each child. Our University students are working hard because they know that families are supporting them. A prayer or a penny, everything makes a huge difference for these once abandoned and abused CDN students. If you would ask them what means most to them about Casa de Niños, it would be family.

Thanks Casa de Niños for allowing David the opportunity to visit his family during the month of November (4-28). It was time well spent in Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana and Arizona. Our family has grown and is far from each other, but our family inspires us!

From our family to your family.

David and Sheri DeBolt

October 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

October 2009 was a BUSY month for the maintenance man of Casa de Niños. Gas line repairs (a $1,200 project) were done and he installed the final 6 emergency lights (32 in total). A lot of plumbing repairs and electric work was done due to a lightening strike early in the month including 2 garage door motors repaired also due to the lightening. Also 6 computers were repaired. Replaced several broken windows due to the soccer ball, repaired 13 locks, cleaned the water tanks, recharged fire extinguishers, the pick up is now out of the body shop and much more was completed.

The to do list is a never ending list and still has several large and small projects to complete. One major house repair for early 2010 is to paint the exterior of the home.

Another busy column in the Casa de Niños books for October was the school column. Thanks to all who supported the Higher Education Fund for October. Your are truly making a difference in the lives of our University students. They are working hard and they are very thankful for your support and prayers. Please continue to support this fund and pray for Valencio, Ithamar, José, Efrain, Luis and Angela.

Casa de Niños and the Ontañon Church of Christ attended the Lomas Church of Christ on October 4. David preached for the Lomas dedication service as their 2nd story is now under roof. It was an exciting day for the Ontañon church and Lomas church. Lomas celebrated a dedication of their building, and Ontañon celebrated their 17th birthday.

October 14, Angel and Marcos both from Casa de Niños were baptized and November 1, another member of Ontañon (Cari) accepted Christ and was baptized.

The Ontañon church has experienced a 65% growth in attendance during 2009. José is doing a wonderful job of preaching and leading the music each week. His hard work is showing results. Ontañon has set 2012 as the year for their 2nd story building project. They will celebrate 20 years in 2012 and with the attendance growing as it has been they may begin their building project sooner.

Speaking of dates, 2011 is the year for our vehicle replacement to take place. Plans are to replace both the Van and the Car debt free as we did in 2001. Time flies by and the miles and repairs are adding up on both vehicles. To date we have $4,281.00 set aside for both vehicles for this exciting project. We have a long way to go, but we did it once and with God's blessings we can do it again.

Soon to be printed is the new Church of Christ chorus book that José and Sheri began several years ago. It started with 11 chorus' and now has 126. This will be the 5th printing and we hope to send as many as possible to churches and church leaders throughout Mexico, free! José and Sheri along with others have compiled today's new chorus', favorite songs and hymns of our church members.

God bless everyone who works, prays and gives to the ministry of Casa de Niños.

Serving with you,

David and Sheri DeBolt

September 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

September has come and gone and now it is nearing mid-October. We are busy with a house hold of 19.

A Casa de Niños story---

Have you ever heard any one say thank you after you have wrecked their car? José was running some errands for the home and if you have ever traveled the back streets of San Luis Potosi, you know they do not have any stop signs. On some streets corners they have antique black or red arrows that are nearly rusted out.

Well, José was on one of those streets and he ran a red arrow and smack! He hit an old man's Dodge Dart. The man had no car insurance and his car had no license plates (common in Mexico). The damage was bad to his car, our pickup just received minor damage to the front bumper which the insurance company will take care of for both vehicles.

When David (Dad) arrived on the scene there was a calm about the accident. The old man was totally calm about the entire scenario, even if it was José fault. After the wrecker arrived, the paper work all filled out, the old man said "thank you, I have never known a young man so kind as José, I knew he was a Christian." What a good witness José was for the home and the church.

David had the opportunity to preach at the Colegio Cristiano del Centro (Central Christian College) chapel services September 22-25. It was good to share with the young men and women about the ministry and encourage them as they study at the Bible College. Second year Bible college student, Diego, is helping us at the Adobe church each week end this school year. That helps us as we do not have to travel there that often now, but more importantly Diego is visiting on Saturdays and preaching each Sunday.

At the end of the month all the bills were paid and all the University tuition's taken care of. Thanks to all that support the ministry on a regular basis and for all those that supported the Higher Education Fund during September.

Thank you for making Casa de Niños a priority in your budgets.

God bless.

David and Sheri DeBolt

August 2009

Dear family and friends,

What word defines August more than any other? School. Vacation time is over and school is back in session. Presently Casa de Niños has 17 children and young adults who call CDN their home and are all back in school. Besides that number we are helping two other University students (Valencio and Valentin) and two High School students (Bilga and Daniel). Casa de Niños has also taken on the responsibility to help two of our neighborhood preschool children. Their father was murdered last winter and their mother is still devastated and came to CDN for help and advice.

How can we cover all these extra expenses and still feed, cloth and educate the 17 we already have? Very simple. The more we help others God just showers down His blessings without us sometimes even being aware of it.

Casa de Niños has always reached out to the neighborhood. Over the years we have helped flood victims in the north and earthquake victims to the south. We are helping a church in the desert and Bible College students who are now spread throughout Mexico. Casa de Niños has sent funds to help children in Taiwan, bought chorus books for a Hispanic church in the inner city of Cincinnati, Ohio and so much more.

God wrote it along time before Max Lucado penned the words. "Its not about me...." Like any mission field or missionary there are more opportunities to help than funds. We probably say no more times than yes but we try our best to meet the needs of those around us and the world.

One of Casa de Niños biggest outreach projects for 2009 was completed during August. The Adobe church roof was completed. A beautiful brick ceiling is now protecting the building´s walls as the hurricane rains have finally reached us here in the desert. The floor is still made out of dirt and there are no windows or doors but that has not stopped the Adobe people from praising God for their beautiful building.

If someone were to ask, "How can we help Casa de Niños at this time?" The answers would be like this.

#1. Give God the glory!

#2. Give Casa de Niños to God in your prayers.

#3. Give a word of encouragement to one of the Casa kids, especially the University students! How? Write them at cdnfamily@prodigy.net.mx

#4. Give a material gift of love to Casa de Niños. We have a long list of needs and if you write us we will tell you those needs. Send all material gifts to our forwarding agents and when groups come down these items are packed and sent with them. These gifts help more than you realize!

#5. Give financially as the Lord blesses your lives. Give like you have never given before and God will bless you and your family more than you can ever imagine.

In what ways can you help financially? Regular giving and special giving such as the Higher Education Fund and the van and car replacement fund.

It has never been about us. It has always been about God and His children who call Casa de Niños their home.

Casa kids - Ithamar, José, Efrain, Luis, Angela, Jonhy, Chuy, Aaron, Marcos, Joni, Pancho, Mauricio, Fernando, Angel, Nacho, Jesús, and Alejandro

Back to the books for all the Casa kids!

David and Sheri DeBolt

July 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

July 2009, thirty-one days jammed packed with activities.

To begin the month the kids were still in school and finished on July 14.

Cincinnati Christian University student, Craig Shady, finished his internship with Casa de Niños. January 1 to July 9.

The Bluffton First Church of Christ, Bluffton, Indiana, arrived on July 18 and helped with our inner city, Ontañon Church of Christ, VBS. Attendance for the children was 77 on the closing day. We had a house full all week with over 100 including kids, guests, teachers and helpers. Bluffton also worked on the Adobe church site for a day and did so much more until July 25.

Casa de Niños was the summer VBS mission at the Dover Christian Church, Dover, Ohio,

July 12-17 and was represented at the Lake James School of Missions, Angola, Indiana. Craig Shady represented CDN as part of his internship at both events and from what we heard, he did a great job!

Finally the kids got their long awaited vacation time at the end of the month as some would begin school on August 3.

July 28 - Swimming all day at Gogorron!

July 29 - Local Zoo and Amusement park!

July 30 - Afternoon at the Movies!

July 31 - Fourteen hour trip to Leon, Mexico to buy shoes! Leon is the shoe capital of Mexico and a great place for back to school shoes. In all 28 pairs of shoes and tennis shoes were bought. It was a fun day watching the boys at the shoe outlets trying on and buying shoes.

These four days were not only fun days for the kids but days to challenge their characters and to help build their self esteem. At the local amusement park there were challenges like the wall climbing, giant chess game, rodeo bull riding and at the zoo they actually walked through the museum with interest and enjoyed all the exotic animals. Going to the movies just helped them feel like they are just normal kids. Swimming, well that was just a fun day in the water. What kid doesn´t like the water! Getting to pick out your own shoes is an important part of growing up. Kids that are raised in a children´s home want and need to feel just like everyone else.

Our guest housing has been used for a total of 210 days since January 1 to August 10. That means that your mission has housed and hosted guests 210 days out of the 222 days so far. What a (great) grateful (full) year!

What has been written is only the tip of the iceberg, but you get the idea that Casa de Niños is alive and well with 14 energetic children full of life and love. Casa de Niños will become the home to three more children in August with a total child count of 17. Our newest member to CDN, Marcos, arrived on July 27.

The Ontañon church celebrated twice during July with 2 baptisms. One from Ontañon and another member from the Lomas Church of Christ. Our church is blessed to have water each week and at times other churches call to use our facilities.

Again the Ontañon VBS was a huge success thanks to the help of the Bluffton First Church of Christ, Bluffton, Indiana. Our very own José (age 21) was the VBS director and did an outstanding job of leading and coordinating the week. The Casa de Niños kids, some now young adults are growing up to become the future leaders of the Ontañon church. What a blessing to be able to see this happen.

Our Ontañon missionary, Ebert López, came to San Luis Potosi, for a visit and to update the church on his work in Oaxaca, Mexico. Ebert stayed with us for a total of two week at the end of July and for the beginning of August. Everyone enjoyed hearing about his work in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico.

What does August look like so far? Another full month as all the children get ready to go back to school, with their brand new shoes!

David and Sheri DeBolt

Dear family and friends,

If you are a Casa de Niños child, June is always set aside for a trip to the dentist. Several came home from their visit with a good report and the new kids to CDN well, that was another story. Lost fillings, cracked teeth and cavities were taken care of on their first visit to the dentist. Why do I mention this routine activity for most of us? A new child to CDN may never have seen a dentist or it has been years since their families had money to send them. At Casa de Niños helping a child build their self confidence starts at the dentist office. For a new child to CDN their goal for their 2nd visit is to hear from the dentist "job well done" and that brings on a great big smile!

During June we had help in the kitchen for a few days from University students who are studying to become chef´s. Their main reason for helping was part of their social service requirements for their University classes. The kids enjoyed some really fabulous meals and very economic as well. They even showed the kids how to wash the dishes more efficiently. Having a three sink kitchen means there are a lot of dishes every day to wash.

To end the month on a high note we celebrated with Omar David López a teenager who attends the Ontañon church. He was baptized June 30, by José who serves part time at the Ontañon church. If you remember José has been a member of the Casa de Niños family since 1999 and is studying psychology at the University. José once lived in the streets as a small child and today he is serving the Lord in many ways! What a great way to say thank you to all who support Casa de Niños. José prepares and leads the worship services and is one of many who share the pulpit each month. Omar just happens to be Daniel LLamas´s nephew and Daniel taught José how to play the guitar and baptized José, so you see José and Omar have had a great example to guide them both.

University update. Once again we are very thankful for all who have supported the University students. Valencio, Ithamar, José, Luis, Angela and Efrain have all completed another year of classes and are looking forward to another good year of learning. Even though they are on vacation from classes for the month of July they still have school expenses to cover.

Looking ahead to July. We are ready for our VBS at Ontañon, receiving and working with a group from Bluffton, Indiana, helping to put on the roof of the Adobe church and much more.

Your support is making a difference in many ways for many children. Two examples from June were José and Omar and countless smiles each day at Casa de Niños!

Dear family and friends,

And the Lord added Jesús Heladio Palomo Reyna (age 16) to the book of life! One of our newest members to the CDN family since January, Jesús Heladio, accepted the Lord as his Savior and was recently baptized.

To make a long story short over 8 years ago Jesús Heladio (Chuy) attended for the first time a VBS program at the Mission that the Pavon ministries have here in San Luis Potosi. Now over 8 years later due to family problems the government family protection agency sent Chuy to us. Some sow the seed while others water but it is the Lord who brings in the harvest. Pray for Chuy as he now grows in his new Christian walk. His biggest fear is that his family will not accept his decision but he is confident that the Lord will lead him through all the tough times that are ahead of him.

We all made it through the May flu virus without any problems. We have been trying for years to get the kids to wash their hands more often and without a doubt they are doing so now. At home and at school it is a new routine to have alcohol gel in the class room, kitchen, patio areas and any where else the children are active. Lots of oranges are in their diets as well to keep them healthy and active!

A big thank you goes out to everyone who keeps supporting the Higher Education Fund. It is important that we continue to pray for and support our 6 University students. Any amount of support is very much needed and appreciated.

During the month of May 2009 we had 17 registered here in the home with an average of 19 people per day, due to church activities, benevolent projects and guests that visited Casa de Niños. The kitchen is a busy and happy place at Casa de Niños! The food bill is higher but thanks to your faithful support the kids are happy and healthy.

Saying your sorry is a hard thing for many to say but it cleanses the soul and makes things right with those that have been hurt. That was the case for 18 year old Javier. Javier lived at Casa de Niños from 2001 to 2004. One day he just decided he had enough of the rules and regulations that go along with living in a children's home and just walked out. Now 5 years later Javier came by to say how sorry he was to have left Casa de Niños and for the things he had stolen. Javier came to Casa de Niños in a wheel chair this time due to a gun shot wound in his right knee. Like so many kids that have left I keep track of them from a distance and had heard that he was caught in the cross fire of a street gang fight last November. We do a lot of praying for the children that leave CDN before they are ready and we truly live out Proverbs 22:6.

The amazing story Javier has to tell is how God has been with him all this time and how he can recite all the verses he was taught and sings from memory the songs we taught him in Sunday School. You see Javier never got past the 2nd grade but was baptized March 9, 2003. For those that may remember him he still has that great big smile and is happy that God somehow saved his life. Pray for Javier as Casa de Niños is now helping him with the therapy he needs to regain strength in his leg and someday be strong enough to walk again.

Just watering the seeds that others have planted.

Dear family and friends,

April 2009, was a time of revival and renewal. For 13 days (April 4 to 16) Casa de Niños took the children on a mission´s journey from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to Oaxaca, Mexico. Their adventure took them camping, eating exotic foods like cricket tacos, preaching, serving, teaching, singing, swimming, fishing and much more. They found out that they can survive without electricity, T.V., cell phones, I Pods, running water, hot water and their comfortable beds at Casa de Niños.

They hiked and got real dirty. They washed their clothes by hand. Some got sick but did not complain. Some complained and never got sick! All in all it was an experience they will never forget. Most of them got revived and renewed and came back home with a new energy to serve and be different. That was the main purpose of the trip!

As the month closed most of you know that Mexico became the hot spot for the most recent flu virus. For another 13 days plus (April 25 to May 17) Casa de Niños was on a lock down and no one was allowed to leave the home. We took all the necessary precautions here in the home as well as outside the home when we did have to leave.

The time being locked down and locked in gave the children another opportunity at revival (survival) and renewal.

Two extremes; the first one of living in the wonders of nature and the other being confined inside the walls of Casa de Niños.

Both experiences gave the children the opportunity to become closer to one another and to God. Their Bibles got used a lot during the camping trip and even more during the flu experience. Today, May 18, the children finally got to go back to school and life is becoming normal again, but the children will never be the same after all they experienced during April 2009.

Living life to it´s fullest,

David DeBolt

March 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

March is a time of celebration for Casa de Niños. Founded in March of 1972 by missionary Pat DeVore, Casa de Niños continues to provide the best care possible for children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected.

During March 2009 Casa de Niños became the home to 15 year old Aaron and 12 year old Pancho. Aaron´s mother is in prison and his father left for the United States when he was 6 years old. For the past nine years without a visit from any family member he was raised in a Catholic children´s home and said he never wants to go back there. For Pancho his mother died over a year ago and his father is an alcoholic. Pancho has been living with one of his older sisters and she was not able to care for him any more.

As you see, 37 years later Casa de Niños continues to reach out to children who need a loving Christian home.

God bless all those that supported the Higher Education Fund during March 2009. With the help of a special Missions of the Month gift, 2 personal gifts, 1 regular gift and a weight loss incentive plan gift we have enough to finish the school year and have a good start for the fall semester 2009-2010. A "simple truths" quote says, "Inch by inch, life´s a cinch; but, yard by yard, life is hard." Together many of you are helping us inch by inch with the Education Fund.

One church in particular set a goal to support the Education Fund.

The following is part of a letter from their missions committee, "Last August our pastor, Dave Burkman and one of our elders, Kirk Douglas, wanted to lose weight and look "Less Like Santa" by Christmas. They accepted pledges as incentive to lose weight and all the money would go to the Casa de Niños University Fund. With the combined weight lose and the amount of pledges people made per pound, we collected $1,976.00 for the University Fund... I pray that God will multiply this so that it is enough for the students to continue their University studies". When did this gift come? Just at the right moment, March 2009!

What an incentive and what a blessing for our University students. Dave and Kirk made our young people get more serious about heir studies and their diets. We see them setting new goals, working harder at their exercises and trying to keep their weight in line. A quote from Jose this morning, "no more donuts for me"! The "simple truths" saying was not talking about the waist line but how we our goals and follow through with them. Little by little, inch by inch, the job is getting done for the Education purposes of the Casa de Niños young men and women. God bless you all!

Each Sunday during March 2009 found us enjoying a different family activity.

5 Family day in the park - Baseball and a cookout

12 Canoe rides in the park and an evening downtown stroll with ice cream.

19 Family missions trip to the adobe church.

22 An all church grill out and afternoon service.

29 Attended a united church service with 613 in attendance.

Finally we had the privilege to take part in the wedding of our first boy that we accepted on May 5, 1992, (Jesús Manual de la Cruz Rios) then only 5 years old.

Jesús was married to a beautiful bride (Jasmine) on March 27, 2009

He was bursting with pride as well as nervous and crying. Angela his little sister (she has lived at Casa de Niños since March 1993) along with his older sister (Sabina) and her husband and two boys and his mother were all together for photos and other wedding activities. What a joy to see Jesús all grown up and now taking on the responsibility of a new family. This is seeing the purpose of Casa de Niños fulfilled.

God Bless you for the love and sacrifices you give to each child at Casa de Niños.

David and Sheri DeBolt

February 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

A preacher once told me "people don´t want to hear the negative side of things just the positive side". I have found that to be very true and very challenging at the same time. Try writing about there only being enough for 2 more months of College tuition for the University students of Casa de Niños is something most do not want to hear about or will respond too.

People respond to positive challenges, big goals, or projects that can be accomplished in a short period of time. Managing a children´s home has been a challenge and takes years to see results. We have cared for 131 children, received 1332 guests, and have accomplished countless projects. One day at a time. We report you decide!

You´ve all heard people say "we work 24/7". Stores are open 24 hours a day, hospitals and gas stations are open 365 days a year and the list goes on. Many people work double shifts to meet the needs of their business or to provide for their families. Farmers work around the clock when the harvest is ready. Another missionary recently said, "we work 24/7 with our eyes wide open, and our minds never shut down". That was the wife of another childen´s home director here in Mexico. And that is 100% true!

No one said it would be easy 18 years ago taking on the problems that plagued Casa de Niños both in Mexico and the United States. We worked hard, suffered at times, certainly did without, but we survived and the mission has thrived. We breath and live Philippians 4:10-13 everyday. When we came on board we saw a 30% drop in the giving just because of the new change of directors. Over the next few years we simply worked hard, reported, prayed and lived by faith. Today we have a budget that is 30% higher than 1991. With the increase came new projects, more children, new challenges, expenses have certainly gone up and new responsibilities to manage.

Along the way we felt the pains of lies, robbery, fraud, beatings, distrust from many and even death knocked on our door when Jorge died in 2001. But here we are today continuing the ministry that we were called to do.

Here is another numerical figure for you. 24/7/365/52/18/5/19 and counting. I will not explain the numbers but it does mean we have seen a lot of water under the bridge so to speak. For the last 19 days, 5 months, 18 years, we have worked 52 weeks a year, 365 days a year and yes you guessed it 24/7. Opps, I explained it!

It has been very rewarding but very challenging and costly at the same time. As many of you know Sheri has taken a furlough from the ministry of Casa de Niños. She is currently living in Phoenix Arizona with our daughter Renae. Her health could not take the constant stress that is required to operate the home both from the state side and from Mexico. Another reason is the current economic crisis. Yes, it has hit your missionaries. We can no longer afford our personal health insurance. Over the last 18 years our health premiums have grown tremendously and there have been months we have gone without pay. When times are good we get paid and later get caught up. The current crisis has seen the food prices and other bills grow at a rate that is not in line with the income for the ministry needs of Casa de Niños or us personally.

Remember I am writing positively not negatively!

The day we came on board I said "Casa de Niños is not about your missionaries but about the mission".

The children are the mission and the priority that keeps up going everyday. We would like to take care of more children but with the current financial times that is impossible and with our University needs it is restricting our budget greatly. The van and car replacement project for 2011 debt free is on hold, the 2nd story project for the Ontañon church for 2012 is on hold as well as many other projects. The children come first and the ministry must continue to provide the best, the safest, and the most efficient outreach possible with your mission dollars.

During February 2009 we cut spending by 49.9% compared to January 2009. We cut the daily cost of food per plate, per person by 4% without cutting down on nutrition. Medical expenses were cut 77%. We did see increases with a few unexpected repairs. Both washing machines went out, a sensor on the thermostat for the van went bad. Like most budgets there are a few fixed areas that is hard to cut, like the college tuition's. We did see a drop in all the utilities mostly due to simply turning a few things off. One example, the hot water valve is shut off on all bathroom sinks. Simple but it has dropped the use of our gas.

The purpose of these cuts are two fold, one, to show you that we are working hard with your mission dollars and looking ahead to the future. A drought may come someday and we need to be prepared. Take our water supply for example, we have rationed the water in the home for 18 years now and we have never went a week or a day without water. Once there was a 14 month drought here in the desert but Casa de Niños never ran out of water, in fact we were even giving water away to our neighbors. How could we do that? We simply planned ahead and fixed our focus on the future. That is the same with the income of Casa de Niños and with Sheri taking a leave of absence at this time. We are being responsible and accountable to you.

We have not stopped working with or for the children. We are just as busy today as ever. Sheri is currently a Hospice volunteer in Phoenix, continues to translate, and is working on a new 100 page Christian chorus book for our church. While she is staying with our daughter her heath insurance needs are being met at a much lower cost.

Thank you for reading and for staying with me so far.

Remember I am writing positively!

Come May we will have to ask two of the University students to drop out due to the lack of funds. Study and pay as you go is my philosophy especially on the mission field. No mission or missionary should never, never, have any debt! Especially no debt when school is finished! That is wise use of your money. I know everyone is crying over their lost pension funds, lost savings accounts etc. As a missionary we cannot worry or have money as our priority but we must report the facts as we see it. As Christians we must never forget what the Bible says "we live by faith not by sight". Dont´t let the current financial times get you down or let you forget that GOD is in control of your savings not any man or bank. If you have watched the news lately GOD is taking care of the crooks, liars and thieves. We don´t need to throw the first stone at these people.

What does Matthew 6:19-21 remind us to do? Look it up and live it! When was the last time any of you invested your money for a spiritual cause and not stored it up for yourselves? The times are showing everyone where their hearts are; on heavenly matters or earthly treasures!

Investing in the life of a child is not only life changing for them but eternally rewarding for you. I am not saying these words so you will give to Casa de Niños but for you to seriously think about your spiritual lives and your giving. Like the saying goes, "you can´t take it with you but you can send it on ahead". The world could be turned upside down for God if all those billions being spent and billions that were invested unwisely were directed towards heavenly projects. Missionaries around the world have to do without so people can line their bank accounts for those unexpected rainy days. Hey, wake up world it is raining down sin all around us everyday!

Positive thinking. This is a monthly report not a sermon.

Finally, as we look ahead to this summer we are having three groups come to visit the children´s home. If you could send used cloths or items with them it would be of great help. This past January the Casa de Niños, University kids held a Bazaar and raised their own funds ($800.00) for their bus money, books and other supplies for this semester. During this coming summer we would like to hold at least two bazaar's here in Mexico to raise money once again for these school expenses. This also helps out our neighbors who like you are being hit hard by the current financial problems and to help us cut down on buying clothes and other items for the children.

Remember, thinking and reporting positively!

1: Watching the Casa de Niños budget closely.

2. Sheri is getting the much deserved rest after 18 years of full time 24/7 service.

3. Invest in your spiritual lives you will be glad someday you did.

4. Send us your used clothes to help our University students.

Working hard 24/7

David DeBolt

January 2009

Dear family and friends,

God is good! That pretty much sums up the month of January 2009.

Trust in the Lord! That pretty much sums up the faith of those who support Casa de Niños.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! That totally sums up the love and enthusiasm everyone has for the ministry of Casa de Niños.

The Bluffton First Church of Christ, set aside Casa de Niños and our Education Fund as their goal for their January 2009 Mission of the Month. What a blessing to have the extra funds given towards the Education Fund for our University students. That got 2009 off to a great start as we begin a new year and a new semester for all the those living at Casa de Niños. Meeting the needs of one College student is a challenge, having 5 is an enormous challenge. I am confident that the goodness of God will get us through this University journey.

January 2009 also brought with it several new changes. New Kids! We currently have 14 children in the home. Thanks to your generous giving we were able to meet all the expenses for January plus several once a year expenses. License plates for three vehicles, Taxes, 6 month dental visits, all tuition payments for the 5 University students as well as their new semester fees were covered.

We realize that everyone is facing new challenges brought on by the difficult financial times. That is why we are tightening the belt here at Casa de Niños and cutting back and shutting off all unnecessary items. No extra purchases or special projects will be done throughout 2009. The children are our priority not projects so we hope you will continue to support the ministry as we all work for the well being of every child. One special project which is a requirement from the Mexico government is the emergency lighting. As of this writing we have 16 of the 29 emergency lights installed. We are also continuing to install energy saving light bulbs and are seeing a difference in the bill. My only challenge continues to be, is getting the kids to turn of all lights that are not needed or when they leave a room. Sound like your home?

The 2008 annual meeting has been canceled this year. This will cut back on travel and other unnecessary expenses at this time. The board of directors will meet and go over all the 2008 financial reports and plans for 2009.

We look forward to a great year as we work together for all the children who call Casa de Niños home

David DeBolt

December 2008

Dear Casa de Niños family and friends,

Thank you for blessing the children of Casa de Niños throughout 2008. It was a year filled with challenges, changes and lessons to be learned. Throughout the year we cared for 26 children on a full time basis. The challenges were to meet all their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The changes were brought about as we saw each one grow individually in strength and spiritually.

The children were blessed with an abundant table each day, clean clothes to wear, a warm soft bed to sleep in each night, sports to stretch their muscles, a good education and fed spiritually to know Jesus even more.

Other important requirements through the year that were met were doctor and dentist visits, 5 University students met all their tuition payments, transportation needs, upkeep of the home and much more.

We gratefully and thankfully work with everything that is sent and make sure that the children are always the #1 priority.

Beside the challenges and the changes there were many important lessons learned. A few examples: Nacho (8) planted his first garden and received many lessons as well as a bountiful harvest of green beans, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, chilies and sweet corn. Angela (17), who came at the age of 1 1/2 is now studying Psychology at the University. She wants to dedicate her life to helping children receive the same benefits as she did while growing up at Casa de Niños. José (20), studies Psychology at the University and continues to lead the Ontañon Church of Christ each week through music and God's Word.

Finally as 2008, comes to a close we are thankful for your past support and look forward to all the challenges, changes and lessons to be learned throughout 2009. God bless you and your family.

David and Sheri DeBolt

November 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Working with what has been given, has always been our priority with your gifts and offerings here at Casa de Niños. During November, 2008, we dropped the food bill by 10 cents per plate per meal, 73 cents. There was a $1,393.28 drop in expenses compared to October 2008. There was an average of 14 people at Casa de Niños during November. How did we cut back? Eat more beans, cut out the kool-aid (no sugar), buy corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, are just a few examples.

What are the University students doing these days? Working. Angela is an Avon girl. She got straight A's in her first semester of classes and has a whole University of Avon customers! She loves it and it gives her extra money to spend and save.

Try juggling a 14 member household with 5 of them in college. It's not an easy task especially with the financial stress on everyone. We are working hard with what has been given! God bless all those that gave to the Education Fund during November and during 2008. Without Casa de Niños not one of the University students would be who they are and where they are today. Valencio, Ithamar, José, Luis and Angela just keep up the good work! Can you help us with a year end gift or a new year gift to help the Higher Education Fund keep going, or just regular expenses? Thank you so much if you can.

During 2008, we cared for 26 different children. All ages, all sizes and all sorts of challenges. Your prayers are the most essential gift we can receive and for that we are thankful. 2009 is just around the corner and we are looking forward to another house full of children and challenges.

Thank you again for your ministry with us as we look forward to a joyous Christmas season and a challenging New Year 2009.

Your missionary,

David DeBolt

Dear Family and Friends,

Missionaries are unaware and out of touch with what's happening in the world. That was the missionary before the Internet, cable TV and all the other modern technologies. We are well aware of the global economic crisis and we are constantly in touch with in seconds with those that support Casa de Niños.

Basic prices for food and energy have been going up in Mexico along with the rest of the world. We are seeing less in the grocery cart, but a higher bill. Natural gas has gone up 400% since we began in 1991. Just one example of how we are constantly tightening the belt on our spending.

Plain and simple, we take care of kids that have been abandoned and abused. They need to eat and study. I heard on the news the other day "The US is in a near depression state like 1929, but we still have our cell phones, computers, etc."

Remember you live in a first world environment, Mexico like most of the world lives in 3rd world conditions. The US is a rich country and will overcome this down period in their economy.

Thanks to Glen and Angie, to the Beechwold and Valley churches for giving to the Education Fund for our University students. Your extra support has helped reassure our young Casa de Niños students that they can continue to pursue their goals and dreams. These people and churches are living by faith and are living examples of II Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight."

In these hard economic times we are blessed to have supporters who believe in the mission of Casa de Niños. Supporters who look beyond their needs and the present economic times.

Throughout each year we have supporters asking for specific financial reports, progress on the mission and the children. I have a saying that I like to tell the kids often, "Everything we do, say and give is for the good of the children."

We simply report and allow you to decide and pray about your giving to Casa de Niños.

To those that have faithfully grown with us through your financial giving, thank you.

To those that may be considering on cutting back or cutting off your giving to Casa de Niños, remember Casa de Niños is not about a missionary couple, but a mission to children.

To those that may be considering on giving for the first time or raising your support to Casa de Niños, step out in faith and God will bless your life.

For 36 years Casa de Niños has served faithfully and for 18 years David and Sheri DeBolt have served diligently for the well being of each child. Everything we do, say and give is for the good of the children.

God bless you as together we serve and give our best to each Casa de Niños child.

Dear Family and Friends,

Three years, three months and three weeks of work all came to an end in September 2008.

Three years of working and completing the necessary paper work required by the Secretary of Health. Three months of writing and working on an operations manual for Casa de Niños and finally three weeks of working on the water system of the children's home, all were apart of September 2008. All three jobs were a part of the Mexican Health Department safety and maintenance regulations for Casa de Niños.

There are 9 books we have written and accumulated information with the main resource book being the new Operation Manual. You want to know how to organize or run a children's home, we have the information! Also all the children's health records and other data were updated (health certificates, blood tests, medical exams).

Another 2008 government requirement that was accomplished in September was the new larger sign on the front of the house. It has both the Mexican and American name of the home on it (Casa Hogar Infantil, S.L.P., A.C. - Casa de Niños).

In all there were 8 areas or items that needed to be updated and accomplished for the State Health Department, seal of approval for another year of service. Seven of the 8 are now finished, with #8 still waiting for the necessary funds to accomplish the job. It is to install emergency lighting throughout the home. We have a letter stamped by the Civil Protection agency that will get us by until we have the lights installed. The lights go out often and sometimes dim down to lower than a candle's light.

Just remember all the above mentioned came at a cost! As the home ages there is more maintenance work to be done as well as the vehicles. The car had a week and a half in the shop during September. The van is in need of new shocks and the pickup, the motor is finished due to a flash flood accident in September.

Next month we will update you on how the five CDN University students, Valencio, Ithamar, José, Luis and Angela, did with their first exams of the semester. Thanks to Larry, Joan, Lori, Troy and Mary for giving to the Casa de Niños Higher Education Fund during August and September. Without your help, the kids would have had to stop attending classes. More help is needed for next month.

All that is done, all that is said, all that is spent and all that is accomplished is for the good of each child living at Casa de Niños.

Dear family and friends,

Back to School! For every parent those three words mean that their children once again need new clothes, shoes, books and much more. At Casa de Niños it is no different. Kids grow, kids eat, kids get dirty, kids wear things out, basically the Casa de Niños kids have needs just like your children or grandchildren. And just like your children the Casa de Niños kids wear hand me downs, patches over patches and their tennis shoes get repaired at least three times or more before they are called worn out.

A few things we don´t cut corners on are their meals, church is a priority, prayer is a daily practice, Bible reading is part of their vocabulary lessons, and play time is, well they are kids. They need the exercise.

Our five University students are also back to the books, but for how long? To cover their monthly needs with tuition's, books, Internet, materials and transportation it costs $266.00 per student per month. They get no snack or lunch money. They eat before school and eat when they come home.

Stretching the budget, making sure that every thing is in order and paid on time is a challenge. The question I am looking into right now is how much longer can the University students continue to study until the Higher Education Fund runs out. The answer, about a month and a half.

Casa de Niños has never done without and very few times asked for special funds or needs. Why, because of your faithful and loving support. Sure the low peso has affected our budget, higher U.S. gas prices and summer vacations have affected Casa de Niños more this year. Christmas is coming and the list is endless as far as excuses. Casa de Niños has a daily commitment to each Casa de Niños child that includes food, clothes, a warm bed to sleep in, a good education and so much more. We have children from kindergarten to the University and together we are responsible for all their needs.

Let´s pull together so the older children can finish their goals and dreams and allow more little ones to begin a new life at Casa de Niños

Casa de Niños is family and you're part of it! God Bless you all as you pray about your part in the ministry of Casa de Niños

July 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Money, planting, missions, to do list and an egg are the focus of this month's letter.

During July the peso dropped to under 9.70 pesos per dollar. So what does that mean? You send dollars, we then must exchange those dollars into pesos. You send the same amount, but we receive less for what you give.

Example: $1,000.00 dollars X 10.70 pesos = $10,700.00 pesos (Jan. 2008 average)

$1,000.00 dollars X 9.72 pesos = $9,720.00 pesos (July 2008 average)

A difference of $980.00 pesos. Take $980.00 pesos and divide it by 9.72 and it shows we have lost $100.00 dollars of your original $1,000.00 dollar gift in the process of the money exchange since January 2008.

Natural gas has risen over 400% since 1991, the food bill is much higher as well as gasoline, electricity, water and then there is school. All sounds familiar doesn´t it.

What can you do to help offset the peso/dollar fall? Just give a little extra. Without asking, a church in Minnesota raised their monthly support by $10.00 dollars. Praise the Lord. With good management all the bills are paid, the children are happy and full and the new school year is off to a good start, all because God is good!

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11

"Green Acres is the place to be..." Remember that old television show? A city couple moved to the country for "fresh air" and got much more than they expected. Well, this old farmer (David) moved to the city and has lost contact with the soil and fresh air and in the last 21 years got much more than he ever expected. 125 kids to raise!

Recently Nacho (age 7) and I planted green beans, corn, carrots, radishes, onions, tomatoes, cauliflower, chilies, red hot chilies, peppers, melon and pickles all in an area only 2 feet X 4 feet on the Casa de Niños patio. Nacho had a great time and is patiently waiting for the seeds to sprout. I added a little Miracle Grow and fertilizer to help along the way.

We have received some new boys, with more on the way:

These 6 new boys join Ithamar, José, Luis, Angela and Nacho.

We are called to plant the gospel seed, spread a little fertilizer called faith and regularly water the soil of a person's heart with prayer and allow God to make it grow. Pray for these new boys as we help them grow and learn about Jesus. Nacho and I will let you know how our patch garden turns out. Almost everyone was making fun of our little "green acre" garden, but wait until the harvest!

When a doctor is sick, who attends to his needs? Who cuts the barber's hair or who fills a dentist's cavity? Ever think about those folks who help you out all the time? How about a missionary? There are conventions, workshops, newsletters and much more to help him, but when that is not enough what does a missionary do? Who does he turn to for help? During July, I experienced what a missionary needs to do every now and then; Go on a Missions Trip.

We serve people all the time through the children's home, the church and our visitors ministry. We are constantly giving and to be honest receiving very little at times. Not that we are asking for anything.

During July, I took a Missions Trip, along with 3 of the Casa de Niños kids for ten days. We drove 17 hours south to Oaxaca, Mexico, and then it was only 4 wheel drive for over 3 more hours to our final destination. We drove over huge rocks in some of the most remote places of Mexico. We went through miles of mud, traveled along narrow steep donkey trails and passed by coffee trees and banana trees high in the Mexican Mountains. We visited Christians, preached the gospel, baptized a young lady, sang, gave out gifts, did without all the comforts of home, ate some strange foods, got some much needed rest and much more. We, like most of our visitors, went on this trip to serve, but we came back so blessed.

A missionary needs to step back from what he is doing every now and then and just plain go on a missions trip to refocus on his ministry. Our 3 Casa de Niños kids that went along with me were like the American teenagers that visit Casa de Niños. They want to go back and most likely we will next year!

Without money, missionaries cannot do their work properly and have the resources to plant the gospel. We get tired of worrying more about balancing the budget and seeing that we have enough to eat rather than doing all we can for others. We are called to serve. Having over 1,321 visitors come to Casa de Niños since 1991, it was starting to become routine or just part of our job description.

Having now gone on a missions trip (my first time since 1991) once again I am ready to better serve you and the ministry of Casa de Niños.

Current needs we are working on.

1. We are having to remodel the church bathroom and one of the Casa de Niños bathrooms due to water damage.

2. School has started and we need school supplies, book bags, uniforms, shoes, tennis shoes, tuition payments and much more.

3. New emergency lighting is needed in the home. (A government requirement)

4. Replace all 4 Fire Extinguishers. (A government requirement)

5. Replace all regular light bulbs with energy savings bulbs. (yet to change are 41)

God bless you all as we pray about our financial situation, sow the gospel seed for Jesus, do the mission work we are called to do and keep meeting all the needs of Casa de Niños.

In closing, while I was on my trip to Oaxaca, Sheri was helping out at the Pavon VBS here in San Luis Potosi. The first day while going to the VBS the car overheated and lost all the water from the radiator. After consulting with a local mechanic near Pavon he assured Sheri that everything would be fine. He filled up the radiator with water and put in an egg! An egg in the radiator! It worked for the whole week while I was gone. The egg plugged up the hole in the radiator and on my first day back it started leaking again. Who would have thought of an egg in a radiator? Now I know why Mexico is the number one consumer of eggs world wide!

Dear family and friends,

Many have been asking where is the June letter? Well, there is a reason I have been waiting for July 13 to write about the events of June 2008.

Angela and Luis spent the major part of June studying and taking special courses for the entrance exam for the University of San Luis Potosi. July 5 was the exam and July 13 the results were published in the city newspaper.

Sunday, Sheri went to the corner about 7:30 a.m. for the newspaper and gave the paper to Angela and left her room. A few minutes later we heard a lot of jumping and screaming. Angela passed the exam! In her field (Psychology) there were 665 students battling for the 170 desks waiting for them in August. Angela is in! Congratulations, Angela! The University called the home about 2:00 p.m. and told Luis, "Congratulations, you're in!"

A lot of hard work and prayers have been taking place during the entire month of June and July here at Casa de Niños. Angela is the first Casa de Niños child to enter the University of San Luis Potosi in its 36 year history. Angela came when she was only 1 1/2 years old. Today, Angela is 16 (Aug. 16, is her 17th birthday) and preparing for the ministry through the field of Psychology.

Luis graduated from High School last year (2007) and has been pumping gas and stocking shelves in a local grocery store. He told me this last spring, "I came too far and the home has done so much for me to pump gas." He will be studying economics. You made the right decision, Luis, congratulations!

Missionary, Clinton Looney, recently told Angela and José "What we need is more young people like you preparing for the ministry through the University."

Every gift and every prayer means so much to each Casa de Niños child. So here is our

2008 - 2009 list of Casa de Niños University Students:

Valencio Accounting 3rd year

Ithamar Graphic Design 3rd year

José Psychology 2nd year

Angela Psychology 1st year

Luis Economics 1st year

What an exciting day for Angela and Luis. Now, the work begins for them both and for you, with the constant support and prayers of you all. Through your support they will make the world a better place.

Can you help with a special Education Fund gift to get the 2008-2009 school year off to a good start? Can you continue to pray and support them through out the year and through their school careers.

Any gift and any size will be a blessing. Remember this saying? "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Believe me, you do make a difference in the life of every Casa de Niños child. Angela, Luis, José, Ithamar and Valencio are proof of that!

God bless and praise the Lord with us as we celebrate this exciting event for our kids.

Dear family and friends,

To the "least, the last and the lost." I recently read these words and immediately began to think of the 118 children that we have cared for since 1991. God did not place Casa de Niños in the most beautiful part of the city. We are surrounded by trash, drugs, gangs and everything else that an inner city offers. God also did not give us educated or wealthy children that have been raised in a loving environment to care for.

What God has given us and where He has planted us is in the perfect place to care for the lost children who wander the streets alone, the last of those that have been literally abandoned or battered and finally the least of these little ones. The children of Casa de Niños come hungry, dirty, uneducated, unwanted, but before long they feel their stomach full at each meal, warm water to shower with is a real blessing for many and an education not only in a normal school, but an education about Jesus.

Our six University students once were the "least, the last and the lost". Now they are in their final stages of Casa de Niños. We have been there with them when they began to read and write, receive honors for the best grades, being picked to say those special words on Mother's day programs, we´ve been there when they had a fever, rushed them to the emergency room and so much more. By supporting the Education Fund you can help Valencio, Ithamar, José, Efrain, Luis and Angela be the persons God has planned for them to be. They will change the world and the world will be different because you cared for the "least, the last and the lost." If you would like to support just one young person or all of them with a special gift to the Education Fund, please contact us. Any and every little bit will help us to see that all their Higher Education needs are met. They have come so far, let's not stop on them now!

On Sunday, April 20, the United Church Service found 290 gathered together. Praise the Lord for such an overwhelming attendance. There was not enough room for everyone in the small church (Mexquitic), but everyone outside stood by the windows or doors and sang and listened to God's Word being preached. "Unity in the Faith" was the principal message (Ephesians 4:13) as we continue to reach out to all the Churches of Christ in San Luis Potosi to become united in faith, love and harmony. The smallest church in the city, Ontañon, is the driving force behind this outreach. Throughout the Bible we read that God used "the least, the last and the lost" at times to do great things for His kingdom. The Ontañon Church of Christ, like Casa de Niños, is hidden in the inner city, but is doing great things for the kingdom of God.

The Ontañon church continues to reach out into the mountains of southern Mexico in the state of Oaxaca, where Ebert López, preaches and teaches. Ebert shared in April via telephone with excitement how he is able to not only receive the funds necessary from Ontañon each month, but how he is using those gifts to share God's Word throughout the mountains of Zaragoza, Oaxaca.

In mid-July, Casa de Niños will be visiting Ebert and allow the children of Casa de Niños to visit and work with their missionary that Ontañon is supporting. The experience will be an eye opener for all of them for sure. Most parents plan a summer vacation at the beach or a day away at the amusement park for their children but this summer the children of Casa de Niños will be hiking in the mountains, doing without all the luxuries that they have and much more so they can share with the children of Zaragoza, La Victoria and the other churches that they will be visiting while helping with VBS.

The Casa de Niños children receive so much everyday, soon they will be given the opportunity to experience the art of giving to the "least, the last and the lost." That opportunity will be coming soon in mid-July 2008 on their own missions trip to Oaxaca, Mexico.

God bless you all for your support and prayers for each Casa de Niños child.

Dear Family and Friends,

The March winds blew strong and hard nearly the entire month of March. Dust storms, tumble weeds and much more make the transition from a wintery desert scene to a spring oasis. Flowers are blooming, new life is springing forth and the weather is dry and hot.

The Casa de Niños Annual meeting was held on March 9, at the Markle Church of Christ, Markle, Indiana. A good attendance was held even though the cold weather blasted through much of Ohio and Indiana that weekend.

Special Easter Services were help on March 23, at the Ontañon Church of Christ. Samuel Gonzalez brought our Sunrise Service message. José did a marvelous job with the music. The kids really looked nice for our Sunrise service and Breakfast on Easter morning. Eleven pairs of shoes and tennis shoes were bought during vacation as well as a Spring/Easter haircut.

As far as the children go they enjoyed two weeks of Spring vacation from March 15 - 30. Keeping them occupied during their vacation time is sometimes difficult, but not this year. They enjoyed their time swimming, time in the park, helping clean the house and spent their second week studying. That's right, study! Three of the Bible College girls along with one of our church members who is a second grade school teacher helped with classes at the Bible College. They studied math, reading and Spanish. So many of them are so far behind I thought it would be a good idea to get some extra help in these areas. How did we motivate them to sit in a class room during vacation? Swimming! As soon as they were finished with their classes they got to go swimming each day or play soccer. A kid's dream, a soccer ball and a pool! The University kids got only one week of vacation and many of them enjoyed their free time or worked.

We ended the month by joining in a combined Church of Christ service on Sunday the 30th with 614 in attendance. The Ontañon Church is planning another united service on April 20, at the Mexquitic Church of Christ, which is located out by the church camp. Pray that God continues to unite the Christians in San Luis Potosi in love and harmony.

Please pray for some projects that Casa de Niños is working on:

TRANSPORTATION FUND: Replace the van and car in 2011, debt free. Current balance: $3,531.00

EDUCATION FUND: Currently we have 4 University students with two more this fall. Pray that the necessary funds are available so they can continue to study and prepare for the future. If a church, Sunday school class, a family or an individual would like to support a specific young person in this manner please let us know.

NEW PROPERTY PURCHASE: It is getting closer to becoming a reality. An adjoining property to Casa de Niños is being purchased for the future ministry of Casa de Niños. When the contract is signed, we will begin the process of securing the funds to repay the interest free loan that has been given to the home for this purchase.

Exciting things are always taking place at Casa de Niños and we thank you for joining with us in these adventures. Please pray for the children and that the necessary funds are there each and every day to cover all of their needs.

Thank you, Warren Church of Christ, for your love and encouragement. Your March 2008 Mission of the Month is greatly appreciated and will help us with new tires and license plates for the 3 vehicles that help meet all the needs of the Casa de Niños children and its ministries. God bless you all.

Looking ahead. Sheri will be at the Decatur Church of Christ, Decatur, Indiana on May 4 for their morning service. If anyone would like a May 4 p.m. or midweek visit and presentation of Casa de Niños please let us know. Available Northern Indiana: May 5-8 Available Southern Ohio: May 12-14

David DeBolt

February 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

All the bills were paid for by the end of the month, but things seems to be running a little tight or short at the end of January and February. The peso continues to drop, which gives us less pesos to work with.

Casa de Niños is now the home of 5 new boys, Juan Alberto (10), Juan (10), Axel (8), Daniel (10), and Alvaro (7).

Your faithful support and prayers keep the home on the cutting edge of providing the best care possible for children like Juan and Axel, who are brothers. Their father died and the mother has eight children. She needed help, Casa de Niños was there!

Alvaro, a street boy who ran away from home and another institution, Casa de Niños was there for him!

Juan Alberto, who has an attention deficit problem and was suffering physical and verbal abuse by his mother, Casa de Niños was there!

Daniel, another street boy, Casa de Niños was there with its doors open to help children find love, protection, warm meals, clean clothes, a cozy bed, school and Jesus!

Please plan to attend the Casa de Niños Annual Informational Meeting and Banquet to hear about these children and the others who call Casa de Niños home.

March 9, 2008 6:30 p.m.

Markle Church of Christ

Markle, Indiana

Updates, photos, video presentations, birthday lists, financial reports and all the tacos you can eat will be waiting for you at our annual meeting. I guarantee you will go away filled with information about your mission work with Casa de Niños. The meeting and the meal is for the entire family, so don't miss it.

Casa de Niños is growing and we ask for your support to grow with us and your prayers to strengthen us as we reach out through the many ministries Casa de Niños covers.

Don't forget: March 9 6:30 p.m.

Markle Church of Christ

Markle, Indiana

All the tacos you can eat and more.

Your missionary,

David DeBolt

January 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

New year, new everything! That is what we are experiencing at Casa de Niños. A new year brings with it new projects, and new possibilities of reaching out to better care for the children God has placed in our care.

A new life, we have moved out of the facility of Casa de Niños and with it brings us a new routine and it seems as if everyday brings us a new challenge.

We work closely with our new house parents to see that every need is met for the children of Casa de Niños. A new child arrived in January, Juan Alberto, age 9, and as I write this letter 4 more young boys will be arriving this week (Feb. 4 - 8).

January 20, also found us (José and David) leading the united church service of San Luis Potosi. The attendance was 206. Praise the Lord as the Christian community is uniting in love and harmony. I was given the opportunity to preach at a 4 state youth rally on January 25 and attended another area youth meeting on January 26 in another state.

We are busy with our new responsibilities at the Bible College and making sure that Casa de Niños provides the very best care for each child.

Ithamar, Valencio and Efrain are now back into their work at the University. Thank you for continuing to support them in their Higher Education studies. Tuition has increased for all of them, but for now funds are available.

Luis will be enrolling in the University next August. He came by the other day and has now chose his career and is ready to get to work at his future. The past 6 months has been a good test for him, as he moved back home and has been working full time. He has a new attitude and appreciation for what he has received the past 12 years at Casa de Niños.

Nacho, Johny, Jose de Jesús, Juan Alberto are 100% boys and are helping out all they can to make their home their home! Juan Alberto said the other day "Can I stay here until I'm 19?" I think he likes his new home.

Rick Warren wrote, "You've probably heard the expression--"You can't take it with you"--but the Bible says you can send it on ahead, by investing in people! The Bible teaches "By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven--it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." (I Timothy 6:19, LB) So what does this mean? Throw off anything--that you allow to stand in the way of your mission. What's keeping you from being a world-class Christian? Whatever it is, let it go: "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back." (Hebrews 12:1,LB) Store up your treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20-21) - Jesus taught you should use the time, talent, and resources that God gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be friends for eternity who will welcome you when you get to heaven! Send it on ahead - What can you do today to invest in people? The investment may be your time, your talent, or your treasure. God guarantees it will be the best investment you make - an eternal investment that will also help you to live "a fruitful Christian life down here as well." (I Timothy 6:19, LB)

God bless you for investing in the lives of the young people and children of Casa de Niños, who are true treasures from heaven.

The gifts you give are heavenly investments for your eternal future and the eternal future of each Casa de Niños child.

IRA's are good, tax deductions help at the end of the year, the stock market goes up and down, the crops may be sparse or plentiful but one thing is for sure, when you invest in Casa de Niños your gift gives both you and each Casa de Niños child eternal rewards.

New year, new everything! Isn't January nice as we are given the opportunity to start everything new once again!

Your servant, friend and brother,