LAS AVENTURAS DE CHACHO LIBRE

The Ministry of Love . . .

2012-02-11T04:19:00.001-08:00

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails . . . and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
During my transition between ministries, all the Lord has called me to do is love Maribel with the love He has poured into me thru His Holy Spirit. Please pray for me and Maribel, the most amazing woman of God I have ever met, and all those years of waiting on the Lord for that special lady, now only seem like a few days . . . to God be the glory.

Original Heart Made Joy, Fit

2011-12-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken over a year ago on a visit to Okinawa, Japan, while on a four-month sabbatical from the Casa de Esperanza shelter.
I had gone to visit my daughter in October, and I remember the day I took this photo - it was the day that I DIDN'T want to get out of bed and visit a nearby town known for its amazing street shopping opportunities, but I went anyway, doing some fasting and praying along the way in hopes of hearing clearly from the Lord what my next step was in ministry.
The Lord definitely spoke to me that day - I was to return to the shelter, and He would restore the original joy I had while serving there in the beginning, which He has done.
Really wasn't sure what the 'fit' part meant - I would have a healthy heart again? Not that I have any heart problems, but the 'fit' part kind of fell away and was forgotten, until last month.
Most of my friends know that I have been praying for that perfect 'helpmate' (over 15 years), and each time I tried to 'seek' one, the Lord would just say 'no, be patient and wait, and I will do it.'
After almost 16 years of waiting, my patience had worn thin, until just last month, something really amazing and exciting happened - the Lord blessed me with this amazing friendship, this amazing young lady, and to say that this feels like the perfect 'fit', would be an understatement.
Please pray for us, that God would work out every single detail, and as the Lord has said, "He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them."
Shalom and Love
Walt aka C.L.

Amazing Young Ladies . . .

2011-09-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

These three kids (l-r), Fernanda, Gaby, and Yareli, have been at the Casa for almost two years now, and I kind of keep wondering where the time has gone.
A little over two weeks ago we went to the beach as usual, and I had been telling the oldest (Gaby) that she needed to set an example for the other younger girls when it came to helping around the Casa and on outings like to the beach, that way, I could be lazy and just relax!
So as I sat there in my beach chair enjoying the ocean breeze and watching 12 of my kids enjoy themselves, the Lord allowed me to see these three in a whole different light.
I saw each of these young gals come to the aid and side of some of the smaller kids and act like big sisters, especially with the newer kids.
I was so overwhelmed by what the Lord was doing thru these three young ladies, I began to weep and thank the Lord for His hand being upon them since they arrived at the Casa, and how HE had grown them into these amazing young girls in the Lord.
I remember texting my fellow missionary (big Gaby) back at the shelter, letting her know just how beautiful a work God had done in these three lives, and by just 'seeing' God's amazing handiwork, brought me to tears.
It made everything that I had to endure and suffer thru as a first-year director at the Casa, worth every moment of heartache, to see the fruit of the Lord.
God is so faithful. He is able.
Shalom
C.L.

My Water Tank

2011-09-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

A few months back we went thru a lot of trouble moving our water tanks (2500 gallons each) to the back of our property, and one developed a tear of several inches in the worst place, the bottom. No worries though, because we had two other tanks that held plenty of water. We actually repaired the damaged tank, only to have it leak badly again.
Fast forward to about three weeks ago, and now another tank had developed a tiny, slow leak on the side . . . I drove into town hoping to find the right material to plug this tiny whole, and nothing worked.
The good news is, a gentleman who overheard my conversation with the counter person, told me he had repaired tanks like this before, and was more than gracious to come out and repair our tank. I remember praying before I went to look for the materials, but never imagined the Lord would hook me up with the right person at the right time.
Sometimes we can be so oblivious to how the Lord wants to be involved in our every day lives, regardless of how small or large of a matter it may be - in my case, the repairs on my tanks.
I remember driving back to the Casa with this guy in my car, thinking, "Lord, did you just hook me up the way I think you hooked me up!!??" I was completely overwhelmed by God's amazing handiwork on my pathetic, puny life.
God is so faithful . . . now, if I could just trust Him and be patient, I know He will bring me a wife too . . .
Shalom
C.L. - single for the Lord since 03/96'

"I Need Cover Fire . . . "

2011-06-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer."
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Last year while crossing the border into Tijuana (see photo), I was harassed, pulled over, ridiculed, fined, held in custody for hours, threatened, sent back to the U.S. a number of times, and almost had my car impounded once. All this happened when I tried to do things legitimately so I WOULDN'T get hassled. All I was trying to do was bring blessings (supplies, clothes, food) to Casa Esperanza. The enemy is a liar, a thug, and a thief!
The truth is, I was ready to give up - I didn't want to bring anything across ever again and hassle with those border people.
When I got back from a four month sabbatical in January, I made it a point to have a U.S. cell phone with me at all times so I could text message everyone back home just minutes before hitting the border, asking everyone to pray for God's favor and traveling mercies as I attempted to bring more 'blessings' to Esperanza.
In the last six months, I have probably crossed that border into Tijuana as many times as I did the previous year, and only by the grace of God and your prayers, I have NEVER been stopped!!! Praise Him!!!
I will admit I get this sick feeling in my stomach just as I'm entering the border wondering, "Lord, is this the one time I'm gonna get stopped and detained?"
Then when I finally reach the other side of that entrance gate (Mexico in red letters) and get the 'green' light to pass on thru, I just start praising the Lord and rejoicing because I KNOW that my homies back home have prayed for me, and I get to drive on thru to Ensenada with a huge smile on my face!
I have sent that text to pray so many times, it has become automatic for me -- ALWAYS send the text before reaching the border, "I need cover fire!" aka, please pray for me.
And for whatever reason, the Lord has seen fit to honor your prayers every single time!
Today for the first time just after crossing, it occurred to me that the Lord could 'allow' me to get hassled, harassed, and test my faith and patience like it was tested to the maximum last year.
But I praise the Lord that not once have I had do deal with any border agents, and that truly has been a huge blessing for me. I can't even begin to explain to all who receive my text via my cell phone, just how much I appreciate your prayers as I cross that border one more time. I am indebted to you.
Truly the prayers of my righteous friends availeth much!
Much love, from south of that border crossing I use to hate.
Shalom.
C.L.

When The Lord Rebukes You . . .

2011-06-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:11,12
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Today was my day off from the Casa, but as usual, someone talked me into running errands for the shelter.
On the way into town with one of our moms, I took one of my kids with me, Gaby (photo), who had asked me to be her godfather for her graduation (a Mexican tradition) from 6th grade last year.
Over the last few months, and especially during my sabbatical away from the Casa, I had COMPLETELY forgotten that she was even my goddaughter.
So as usual, the Lord started dealing with me on this issue. In fact, just as we passed Domino's pizza in town, the Lord reminded me not only of what I had forgotten, but how I had treated the other adolescent girls when they had made similar requests. How I had spoiled them (in a good way, a dad's way), but had not really taken that extra step for Gaby.
I felt so bad, that I immediately started to share with Gaby what the Lord had just spoken to me, and apologized to her over and over. How could I have forgotten that she was my goddaughter, and had not given her the same 'dad' treatment I had done for others in the past! I was sick to my stomach.
So after running our errands, I decided to bless Gaby with some dinner.
As we all sat there waiting for our food, I looked over at Gaby who was watching the tv at this taco stand, and again the Lord drilled it into my spirit, how I had missed the mark with this kid - how important it was for Gaby to know that she is loved like a daughter, especially since she grew up her entire life without a dad.
Now I was crying and repenting. This is what the Lord had called me to do since I had arrived at the Casa - just be a dad.
Thank God she didn't see me crying!
I apologized again to her during our meal, and on the drive home I explained to her how the Lord had dealt with me - she just smiled.
Two weekends prior to today, I had sat there watching tv with some of the kids, including Gaby. Just the smallest gesture of hugging my kid that evening and holding her hand had impacted her. The next day one of the kids shared with me that the whole time I had sat next to Gaby, she had been crying - all she wants is to be loved by a dad.
Please pray for Gaby, and all my kids at the Casa - that God bring healing to their precious hearts. That God would continue to use me in that respect.
Which reminded me of what the Lord had spoken to me years before I left for Mexico . . . "you will bring healing to your people."
God is so faithful.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
Shalom
C.L.

A Word From The Lord . . .

2011-06-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

I'm always praying, asking, seeking, knocking, petitioning, wrestling, listening . . . "Lord, am I in the right spot? Am I suppose to go home yet?"
This is the Word the Lord gave me this morning, with some very clear direction where I'm suppose to be, after everything I've experienced since I first arrived in Mexico way back in 2007.
Psalms 37:3-11

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgement as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.
Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
But the humble will inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity."

The above photo was taken from the hills just behind Casa Esperanza, overlooking the inlet from Punta Banda, with Ensenada hidden in the fog in the distance.
The Lord is faithful.
C.L.

The Divine Appointment Maker . . .

2011-06-04T01:27:00.000-07:00

Last thursday I was rushing around all morning trying to get things done so I could head out to San Diego early afternoon and enjoy some 'me' time - but God had a different plan.
After getting everything taken care of at the Casa, I headed back to my house for a quick shower and was already done packing when I recalled I had left something in my car. As I opened and closed the front door, out of habit I automatically locked the bottom doorknob. Crap! Not only were my car keys still inside the house, but so were my house keys, and my front gate was now locked, and my cell phone in my car, also locked.
"No worries," I told myself - "God has a plan."
So I walked back to the Casa, jumped in the Casa van, and headed to my local locksmith (15 minutes away) who is dirt cheap and would have my door opened in no time - except, he wasn't there!
"God has a plan," I kept repeating. So I drove over to the local convenience store to call the locksmith except, there phones didn't work. So I walked over to the local payphone except, that phone didn't work!
So now I'm complaining, "Lord, I just wanna get outta here and get to San Diego for some 'me-time' - is that so wrong!?"
So finally I get to another phone and get thru to my locksmith, who promises to be back in 15 minutes.
So I drive back to his business, and wait outside for him.
What seemed like an eternity to me, I began to pray. When I pray sometimes I just have a straight conversation with the Lord, and it went something like this.
"Lord, for whatever reason you've allowed me to lock myself out. So now I'm here . . . waiting. You obviously have some divine appointment for me. Am I suppose to meet my future wife here? Is there someone I need to pray for? Who am I looking for? Whatever you have for me Lord would you please bring them right now, because I know there's a reason I'm here."
Some kid walked by and I asked him if he knew the locksmith - "no" he replied.
Then some guy walked by and I asked him the same thing - same answer.
Then minutes later the same guy starts walking to his car parked out in front with a decal on the side of his door that says (in spanish), "The Potter's House."
It finally dawned on me who he was, and we began talking about Casa Esperanza - we had talked months before, and I began to share with him my frustration of trying to get out of Ensenada to get to San Diego, but God had brought me here instead to meet somebody, and that somebody was him.
He shared with me how the ministry (rehab for drugs and alcohol) he oversees needed rice and beans, and I explained to him how the Casa had an 'overabundance' of rice and beans. God is so good!
I also mentioned the need for some guys to come over to the Casa to do some work twice a week, and his reply was he was hoping to have some of his guys go out and help other ministries. God is too good!
Then today on the way back from the beach I ran into Steve Crews (Reality in the house!) who was headed to, you guessed it, the Potter's House.
That was God's reminder that today I was to take over the rice and beans, which I did, and I saw Steve and his wife.
We serve an amazing God who is always looking out for us, always wanting to use us to bless His family in Christ.
That thursday I finally left for San Diego three hours later than expected, but I arrived just at the perfect time to get across the border in less than an hour, when normal 'wait' times are 90 minutes or more.
By no coincidence just the day before, the Lord had taken me 'out of my way' to another ministry (women's rehab for drugs and alchohol) who were also in dire need of rice and beans, which I get to deliver tomorrow.
God is faithful - it feels so good being used by the Lord like this. Vessels of honor.
All glory to Him.
C.L.

Running Errands For The Lord . . .

2011-05-29T04:15:00.000-07:00

Gal 6:9,10
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Way back in August of 2007 when I first arrived at Casa Esperanza, all I did for hours was hoe weeds, and take kids to the local candy store to buy chips and soda on my break - it seemed like a cool thing to do, and the kids loved it.
Yesterday afternoon for about the millionth time, I took some of my kids down to buy some 'cheeps' as a reward for cleaning out our van, and on the walk down I began to grumble asking the Lord, "Why am I doing this?"
Then something really cool happened.
This new brand of spanish peanuts had just arrived at the little store (actually it's a neighbor's house), and I was only too eager to try them along with my ice-cold Coke.
As we walked back with my kids jabbering away at me (I wasn't paying attention), the Lord just dropped a bomb of insight and blessing on me.
As I was eating He reminded me of someone who had taken me hundreds of times when I was kid to the local liquor store (after our Saturday gardening jobs) in Montecito to buy those same exact nuts and a coke - my uncle who had passed away last year. The Lord reminded me that those same precious memories I had of my uncle (my dad's twin brother), these kids were never going to forget walking down this dusty road and being blessed.
After a few more steps the Lord tweaked my spirit again (kids still jabbering), and this time reminded me of my grandmother who had passed away just days before I was married way back in 78'.
When I was a kid, she would always yell out her window (our home was literally just a few feet away) and ask in spanish if I could do a 'mandado' for her - run an errand for her. I did not like (I was a kid) running errands for her, which meant I had to walk all the way down to the local neighborhood store (a block away) and buy something, either tortillas, mexican sweetbread, something, then bring it back.
Then the light went on - I had been running errands all day with some of the moms from the Casa, driving like a maniac to different stores, back and forth, with a pile load of kids jabbering away, for hours.
The Lord reminded me that I had forgotten just how special that was for my grandmother, to have her own grandson run down to the store and bring back groceries for her with some pocket change. God was letting me know just how special it was to these moms at the Casa, to have someone help them run their errands, even though it didn't seem important to me. (Repentance.)
Before I could even take another step with tears welling up in my eyes, the Lord reminded me just one more time - how I had run my own errands in Carpinteria for years, always seeing my aunt in town (she never drove) and never bothering to pick her up. How on the day just before she passed away in the hospital, God had sent me to pray for her, and on that day she received the gift of salvation.
God had sent me to run the best errand of my life - to lead my aunt to Jesus the Christ.
So this is why I do what I do
God is so good. All glory to Him.
Shalom.
C.L.

New Kid On The Block . . .

2011-05-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

My newest grandson - Samuel-Noah Walter Requejo, born three weeks ago, chillin' with his sister Victoria. Got to see him for the first time this last weekend. God is sooooo good!
Shalom
C.L.

Alone, But Never Alone . . .

2011-05-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

My original plan as a missionary was to come to Mexico for six months, and then leave and go back to Reality Carpinteria and serve at my church . . . that was way back in February of 2007.
On my way to visit my homies in Carp last thursday, I felt the need to pray for my safety - a precious sister prayed for me on my way out of Ensenada, and before I could even leave, the front right tire (axle and c.v. joint) fell off - for the third time . . . God is good - He protects us.
When I left for Mexico back in 2007, I only had 3 grandkids - now I have 6, and every time I'm gone for a couple of months or so, and I head back to the U.S. to see them, it seems like they have grown inches over night. I continue to pray that the Lord will 'allow' me to return as soon as my season in Mexico is over - I miss my kids and my grandkids.
Being at Casa Esperanza though, the Lord has blessed with a ton of kids to call my 'own', and that is exactly how I treat them - like my very own. God is so good. He always provides us with everything we need and sometimes with the things we miss most.
As a single parent for years, it has been even tougher being a 'single' missionary - and every time I complain to the Lord that this really sucks and I don't want to be single any more, He always reminds me that even this 'time' of singleness is only for a season, and that He is with me daily filling me with His Holy Spirit - that He will never leave me or forsake me.
Then there are days when you feel like the whole world is against you, and the Lord provides you with this amazing fellowship like He did this last Sunday, chilling with my missions pastor and my homie B-Money (pastor B-Twice), always offering words of encouragement.
And to my friends who always send me back to Casa Esperanza with a car load of blessings for the moms and kids here - truly I have the best friends back home who are always praying for me and got my back when it comes to the necessities of the Casa - much love to you all.
This is the life of this missionary - always alone . . . but never alone. God is faithful.
Shalom
C.L.

Rollin' With The Five-Oh . . . The Power of Prayer

2011-04-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday my plan was to get a lot of work done at the Casa, i.e., taking care of our weed abatement process.
Instead my kids coerced me into taking them to the beach - my favorite thing to do anytime of the day.
It had been hot all day, and at 3:30pm we took off down to our local spot and the water was amazingly warm and the temperature perfect for swimming. My kids kept saying over and over this is "the best time we have ever had at the beach!"
While down there enjoying the break from work the Lord reminded me of what I had prayed years ago when standing on the beaches of Carpinteria when my own kids were small - "Lord, some day I want a job where I can just take kids to the beach and relax." That was back in 1981.
After the beach trip we dropped in at our local ice-cream parlor, then headed back home to Casa Esperanza, and as soon as we made the left-hand turn at the stoplight the Five-Oh (Maneadero Police) was on our tail with lights flashing and siren blazing!
We came to a stop and as the young officer approached our van he looked pretty agitated . . . "You cut me off!", was the first thing he said to me. I guess he thought I had turned on a red light, but I explained to him that that particular light doesn't give you a yellow and assured him I had made my turn when it was still green.
He said it didn't matter and now I had to pay him $600 pesos (about $51 dollars). One thing I've learned down here is you don't argue with the Five-Oh . . . you just pay them and move on.
So as we drove back to the police station I began to pray for God's favor, and as I stopped to withdraw some money, I saw him on his radio talking to the Maneadero station, where most of the peace officers know me. They are the ones that usually bring physically abused moms in the middle of the night to Casa Esperanza, hoping to find a place of refuge.
When we finally got to the station the officer's demeanor had completely changed - I got out of our van and as he waved me over to his window he said, "So you work at Casa Esperanza?"
It's amazing how a little quick prayer to the Lord can availeth so much. This officer told me (my translation), "Walt don't sweat it - just be more careful next time."
That's my testimony. How amazing is the Lord to answer our prayers ever so quickly, and even thirty-years later almost to the day, the Lord reminding me of His answer to my prayer down at third-beach in Carpinteria back in 1981.
Praise Him!
Shalom
C.L.

Miracle At Parcela 185 . . .

2011-03-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

In this photo is one of our Casa families, Ruth (blue jacket), and her daughter Gaby and son Kevin.
Last Saturday afternoon Gaby had pulled me aside and asked me to pray with her, because her grandmother had slipped into a coma, and according to the news they had received from family back in Chiapas (near Guatemala), there really wasn't much hope left.
Later that same evening when Ruth came home from work, I was already on my way out, but she approached me in tears, asking me to please pray for her mom - I explained to her that I had a ton of friends back home who love to pray, and I would send them an email requesting that.
Fast forward to today - I had to take Ruth to the doctor with her son who was sick, and on the way back Ruth begins to share with me how her mom came out of the coma!!!
I was like, " Say what!!!??? You mean to tell me that your mom was in a coma, and she came out of it?? NOOO WAYYYY!!!"
That was my response, and with Ruth laughing, she explained to me that it was truly a miracle - that her sister's husband, who is a professor of mathematics back in Chiapas, could not believe what had happened. Her mom begin to recover very slowly this last Tuesday, until she recovered so dramatically that she went back home from the hospital, and is feeling so much better!
Then the doubting Thomas showed up - I asked Ruth if they were sure she was in a coma - maybe she was just really drunk and passed out for four days!
With more laughter, Ruth shared with me that not only did she come out of the coma, but because of what her sister and brother-in-law saw with their own eyes, and after sharing with them that I had sent out a request to all my friends to pray for healing, today, her sister along with her husband gave their lives completely over to the Lord.
To which I replied - wow, that really was a miracle, and I see how the Lord used it to bring real healing to your family.
Ruth says thank you to all those who lifted up her mom in prayer. The fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much!
All glory to the amazing God that we serve.
C.L.

Just A Few Simple Words . . .

2011-03-24T23:40:00.001-07:00

During January and February I really hadn't had much conversation with our new kinder teacher, Maribel (19), until about the end of February.
She came to us thru a government program which supports students who want to continue on with a higher education, but don't have the funds to do it. So they are sent out as rookie teachers, and in doing so, the government pays for most of their college tuition which is a pretty sweet deal.
We were so blessed at the Casa to get Maribel, because my co-director Samuel was able to request a christian teacher, and Maribel is a role model for all of our girls and young moms at the Casa - an amazing young woman of God.
Maribel came to us from the small town of San Quintin, just about two-hours south of us.
For about a week at the end of February the Lord had been laying on my heart to speak just some simple words to Maribel. To let her know that I love and care for her like a daughter. So for about a week I was disobedient and never bothered to share those words - I just wasn't going to do it.
Then one afternoon after dropping her off at the bus center, I finally stirred up enough courage (prompted by the Holy Spirit) to share those words, and I did it quickly and nervously before she jumped out of the car, and then she gave me this puzzling look and just said, "okay."
"Lord, why did you have me say those words!", was my complaint after I drove off. Boy, did I feel like an idiot.
Then the next day Gaby, another missionary at the Casa and also one of the overseers of our moms and kids, grabbed me and pulled me aside just after I arrived and blurted out, "YOU made Maribel cry yesterday!".
Now I really felt bad. What had I done? Didn't you tell me to share those words with her Lord?
Gaby explained to me that Maribel's real dad had abandoned her at a very young age, and she had never heard those words coming from any father figure, until I shared that with her. That was the reason she was crying - she felt so blessed and special to finally hear a 'dad' share those precious words with her.
Wow - isn't God amazing? And the scripture that the Lord placed on my heart after having several more father/daughter chats with Maribel was this - Prov 16:24: "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
It is so sweet to be used by the Lord to truly bring healing to one's heart and life, simply by sharing just a few simple words.
All glory to the Most High God!
Shalom
C.L.

Prayer and Divine Doctor Appointments . . .

2011-03-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Back in mid-February I was able to take Fernanda (10) and her mom down to San Quintin to the Good Shepherd hospital, courtesy of Steve Crews and Mexican Medical - a huge thanks.
The night before we went I had sent out a huge prayer request to lots of people -- that God would give us divine favor, and wisdom for the doctor.
For years Fernanda had been battling with what appeared to be tumors on her neck, and the mexican doctors down here were stumped and told her mom her only alternative was to go to the U.S. for help - that was over two years ago.
When we finally got to see doctor Gonzales at the Good Shepherd, within minutes he knew EXACTLY what was ailing Fernanda, just based on all her medical history and the protrusion on her throat.
Just days before he had had a similar case, and explained to us in detail what was happening to Fernanda's throat - I only wish you could have seen the relief and smile on her mom's face after hearing exactly what finally made sense, when in the past all Lulu (mom) had heard were 'guesses' from other doctors.
Please continue to pray for Fernanda, who will probably have surgery later this month to correct this ailment - that all goes well, and that she will never, ever again have a problem with her throat.
All glory to God.
C.L.

When God Justs Gives You Mad Favor . . .

2011-02-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

Today I went on an errand to see if I could get a 'discount' on dumping the Casa garbage, which I had been doing solo for a couple of years until help arrived last year.
After getting back in January I learned the price had jumped from $50 pesos (over a year ago) for a truck load to $200 pesos, beyond my budget.
I took our old blue van "Mah-teh" (that's slang spanish for Tomate), who has seen better days, and arrived at the old dump, only to have Mateh die on me in the middle of the road, blocking all traffic to the dump. It was okay because up ahead was a back hoe repairing the drainage for the creek that ran under the road, so nobody was going anywhere, and I was forced to get out of my van and ask for help.
This guy (top photo) walks up to me and starts telling me a little bit of the history behind the dump, the ravine, and all the property that he owns. That's Mr. Pabloff, who owns La Jolla Beach Camp, which is a really cool place to stay and visit, and home of "aguas calientes", where hot mineral waters ooze up thru the sand, and just by digging a hole where the water breaks, you have an instant hot (sometimes too hot) mineral bath.
He said there was a possibility that I might be able to get a discount, but wasn't sure, and just to speak to his son Miguel back at the Beach Camp.
So then I told him my van won't start, and this gracious gentleman offered the use of his own personal mechanic, just in case.
My old blue van started, and I immediately started praising the Lord -- praising Him because if the van hadn't died, I probably never would have left the car to speak to Mr. Pabloff. I just would have backed up and left. God is good.
So I went over to La Jolla Beach Camp and spoke to his son, and as I'm explaining my dilemna to Miguel, he politely tells me that the dump is privately owned, and I had to speak to the owner for a possible discount.
Somehow we got on the discussion of Casa Esperanza, and how many years we had been dumping up there, and how some of our moms had worked for La Jolla during the busy summer months in years past.
Then before I know it Miguel is on his cell himself speaking to this guy who runs the dump, and just says a blue van is going to be coming up maybe every week to dump their garbage, and to charge them only half, and to put the other half on his personal account! I'm standing there not even believing what I'm hearing, but at the same time, praising God for His amazing favor! And yes, before I left to run the errand, I prayed all the way over there asking for God's favor.
After Miguel hang up all I could say was, "man, God bless you. Thank you so much!"
I had a chance to meet his wife and another gal, and I just kept thanking them and in my heart, kept thanking God for His amazing favor.
Today the Lord really blew my mind, how He 'tweaked' everything to work it out. All glory to God. Praise Him!
C.L.

Piedras Negras - Black Rocks

2011-01-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

This is a funny story that can only be told thru the Lord's amazing sense of humor and timing. Back in November (see related story and photo below dated Dec 28th) I remember the Lord had told me that He would restore the original joy I once had when I first started working at Casa Esperanza way back in late 2007 & 2008. Those were the days when I spent most of the time with my kids - just hanging out with them like a dad.
This last year as co-director was a challenge to say the least, and the enemy had robbed me of a lot of that joy I once had in those early years - but in just these last three weeks after my return from sabbatical, this is exactly what the Lord is doing! Restoring the joy of just ministering to my kids, hanging out with my kids, and having the opportunity to love and treat them like my very own. I praise God for that.
So last Saturday after meeting three missionaries from Cali at the toll booth in Ensenada, the Lord again reminded me of what He was going to do this year - restore my joy of serving here, because truthfully part of it had been stolen.
As we were driving back into town the Lord brought to mind the time when I was a kid and how excited I use to get driving down with my parents to visit family in Ensenada. I would always ask, "are we near the black rocks yet? Have we reached the black rocks!?" I knew that once we reached that location (see photo), Ensenada was just around the corner, and that 10-hour drive was about to end! Do you remember 55mph speed limits?
God has this amazing way of knitting our lives together and showing us His purpose - I was reminded of that joy as a kid entering Ensenada, and then recalled where the Lord had first taken me when I came back as an adult in 2007 - a friend and I would go out to Las Piedras Negras Saturday mornings with food and gospel tracts to witness to the homeless and the drug addicts. That was exciting. We saw some radical stuff there, and we also saw God do radical stuff.
So last Sunday when I took out the Casa family for a boat ride in the harbor, the Lord again tweaked my heart and just very quietly spoke to me as those Black Rocks came into view again - He was going to restore EVERYTHING the enemy had stolen from me. The joy and excitement that comes from serving the Lord.
We serve an awesome God.
Shalom
C.L.

My Sweetheart Griz - Grizelda

2011-01-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

Last thursday a week ago I was playing four-square with the Casa kids when in the middle of our game, the Lord directed me to 'go see your daughter'. I knew exactly who He was referring to, so I went to pick up a mom and then headed to the home of Griz, who had been at the Casa for years up until a year ago - God had an amazing purpose for me to be there for 'my kid', and all I ask for those who read this is to pray for Griz - that God would protect her, heal her, and place her in a loving christian home. Please pray for 'my kid' Griz, who had been at the Casa since I first arrived way back in March of 2007.
Much love.
C.L.

Das Boot - Get Ready

2011-01-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

Last week on my way to the Casa I saw this amazing boat out in the harbor - one of the largest cruise ships I have ever seen in the bay of Ensenada. So I grabbed my camera and went to take a 'shot' near the big Mexican flag downtown. The cool thing was as I was snapping away a loudspeaker came on and I heard someone (the captain?) giving his passengers directions - couldn't really make out the words, but immediately the Lord put on my heart the story of Noah, and how God had given him direction to build the ark because the flood was coming - to board the boat with his family so that they would be saved.
Then again the Lord reminded me that we are currently living as in the 'days of Noah', and that the captain of the ship, Jesus Christ, is coming again to save His family, and God is giving us direction in these last days to be ready. For some of you you may not want to hear this, but this is exactly how the Lord speaks to me. The Lord is coming very soon, and I'm always praying that my entire family will 'board' with me. Let that be our prayer for all of our families.
Shalom
C.L.

When The Lord Challenges You...

2011-01-14T00:11:00.000-08:00

Wednesday nights are usually spent with a short bible study/devotional time with all the moms at the Casa, except, my devotional leader (Sammy, co-director) is on vacation. So I spent tuesday and tuesday night praying and asking the Lord, "what should I share Lord?"
I got home that night so tired after a very long day, as I was falling asleep and still hadn't studied, the Lord made it very easy for me - "just share your testimony." That was so cool -"thank you Lord!", as I fell asleep.
Then the next day my girls got bucked off that horse (see story below), and some other things didn't go right, and by the time 7pm rolled around, I wasn't feeling 'up' for doing any kind of sharing, especially a testimony.
So I sat there for an hour in a chair, just praying, asking the Lord to give me the words and the Word to speak. When the Lord tells you to do something, just do it - He's got your back.
In what was suppose to be a short 30 minute testimony, turned into an almost two-hour testimony on how the Lord had worked in my life, and all the wonderful miraculous things He had done, and the amazing healing power and faithfulness of the Lord demonstrated by Him throughout my 30 years of walking with Him.
Before I even started, I had explained to all the moms that this was something the Lord had told me to do, and when I was done, they were all encouraged by the fact that God is faithful, even when sometimes I had doubted Him.
Now the moms at the Casa know my entire life story, and how the Lord has had His 'hand' on me, and has never let go.
All glory to the Living God.
C.L.

A Story About Prayer . . .

2011-01-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday for the first time since coming back from the States, I was able to take my kids out and just 'chill' with them - they had been 'cooped' up for too long and were itching to get out and just have fun. So we decided to go to the beach and run around in circles, literally!
We ALWAYS pray before we leave in the van (thanks Brooke & friends!), so we prayed for a few minutes, and were on our way to the beach. On the way we passed Roberto, who always blesses us with free horseback rides, so when we came back from the beach, we decided to go horseback riding.
We prayed before we left the beach - we prayed before we got out of the van to mount the horses - each time, we prayed that God would protect us and watch over us - then that lame black horse for whatever reason started to buck, and two of my girls (photo up top - Yary & Rosa) were thrown off the horse and landed on their backs - it scared the living daylights out of them and me, and now I had two of my girls on the ground sobbing.
I began to praise God that they were'nt seriously hurt - just scared and a little bruised.
When we all got back in the van, two of my other girls were crying because they were scared too - somebody asked me, "what just happened? We prayed that God would protect us?"
I was asking myself the same question, and the only response I could come up with was, "Thank God that we prayed sweetheart - I can't imagine what would have happened if we hadn't prayed."
Another one of my kids said the same thing, "yeah, I'm so glad we prayed."
I asked my two hurt kids if a double-scoop of Thrifty's Ice Cream might take away some of the hurt and pain, and as they were crying, they both nodded yes.
By the time we got to the ice-cream parlor, they were already laughing and joking about what had happened, and my moms took it pretty well too.
The Lord is faithful.
Walt aka C.L.

My Tortilla Guys - Faithful To The Core

2011-01-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

These three 'cats' to the left are my tortilla guys (clockwise) - Ruben Garcia Pizano - Gabriel Cervantes - Pedro Cervantes - they are all christians, love the Lord, and for the last 16 months that I have been picking up corn tortillas from each of them, EVERY Sunday, they have faithfully given to us dozens, and dozens, and dozens, and dozens . . . of corn tortillas, a major staple of our diet at the Casa.
On any given Sunday, I may come home with the back of my trunk filled with over 50 kilos (about 150 to 160 dozen) of tortillas. I can't thank these guys enough for all that they have been doing for the Casa, and this dates back to years before I arrived.
Please pray for each of them, and their business - that God would bless them in a mighty way, and they would continue to be led by the Lord to provide for us.
I had been gone for 4 months on a sabbatical, and on my first Sunday back, I told each of them how much we appreciated all they do for us, and to check for their photos on the blogspot.
Much Love to my Homies
C.L.

When The Lord Reminds You ...

2011-01-13T11:07:00.001-08:00

After several delays I finally made it to the Casa on 1/5, and on the very next day I got to meet with the group in the photo (at left).
As I was sharing about the Casa with one from the group, she began sharing where the group was from, and mentioned Assembly of God in Lancaster, a church I had attended several times way back in 89'.
So I got to share a testimony with her, how the Lord had taken me to that church one Sunday, after being invited for several months by my sister-in-law to come check it out.
I remember at that time in my life I still 'felt' like there was something missing in my relationship with the Lord - so I went upstairs to the balcony (the upper room) just as worship had started that morning, and to my right were a bunch of high school kids worshipping the Lord like I had never seen before - they had hands raised, and some were even crying, while worshipping.
I don't know why, but all I remember is I started to weep too, and said to the Lord, "I don't know what they got Lord, but whatever it is, I want it." That's all I prayed that morning, and I remember from that day forward, my relationship with the Lord grew by leaps and bounds, and truly just falling in love with Him. All glory to the Most High God.
Shalom
C.L.

The Reality of Ministry

2011-01-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I was up watching some of the older Casa videos, and I was deeply saddened by the fact that the reality of any ministry is, not everyone who hears the gospel is going to receive it - or some may receive it, but will soon forget it, and it does not take root. And with some, it may take root for a little while, but they are quickly carried away and consumed by the ways of the world. That has been the case for quite a few moms who have come and gone thru the Casa.
If you get a chance, please take a moment to watch some of the older videos I've posted at the Casa Esperanza blog page,, and pray for my moms and kids who have 'passed' thru the Casa - that they would completely surrender to the Lord, and that Christ would reign in their lives.
Thank you so much.
C.L.
"My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

When The Lord Gives Direction

2010-12-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

During my sabbatical I had been wrestling with the idea of what was next for me. Am I suppose to go back to Casa Esperanza, or remain here in Carp? If I had stayed in Baja during my time off, I probably would have been swayed to stay in Mexico. If I had remained in Carp my entire season of rest, I would have told you I'm staying home. What I was hoping to 'hear' from the Lord was what HE wanted me to do. It was in Okinawa, Japan, where I heard clearly from the Lord about several things, including where the Lord was directing me to go. The photo above is just one of the ways the Lord revealed where He wanted me. What was really cool about that day, I had set out praying and fasting, jumped on a monorail to a town called Naha, and was walking along the most popular street for shopping. Then I ran into that sign, and just had this big smile on face and said, "Okay Lord, you can't make it any clearer than that." When it comes to doing the will of God I can sometimes be very stubborn and pretend not to 'hear', so sometimes this is exactly what the Lord has to do to get my attention. I finally had peace about where the Lord was taking me, and I'm confident that the Lord has a 'good' work waiting for me back in Ensenada.
Shalom

When the Lord Breaks Your Heart for the Brokenhearted

2010-08-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

This last thursday I was told I was taking some of my kids to the eye doctor, Gaby (11), Yarely (10), and Geraldit (9). Yarely (in photo) has been with us almost 15 months, and she has always had this 'drooping' right eye-lid, to the point that she is embarrassed by it, and sensitive when anyone mentions it.
While sitting there in the waiting room, some kid came by selling treats and immediately Yarely said she wanted some. But as she was looking over the goods, the kid very innocently asked her, "what's wrong with your eye?" Yarely turned away and started to cry. I had forgotten just how sensitive she was of her eye, so I hugged my kid and told her, "Sweetheart, don't worry. We're at the eye doctor now, and God's gonna take care of it," although in the back of mind I was wondering if anything could be done for it. We were there for eyeglasses, not surgery.
When we finally got in to see the opthamologist, he asked Yarely the same question, what happened to your eye? She started crying again - and I started tearing up. How was it I had been with this kid for so long, and I had never even realized just how sensitive she was to that eye? I began to repent and ask the Lord, "please God, can we do something for Yarely?"
After her eye examination, the doctor promised us she would be looked at by another doctor to see if anything could be done for that drooping eyelid.
An hour later, this amazing christian doctor is asking Yarely the right questions, and Yarely is crying, and the doctor reassures her that with just a little bit of surgery (plastic), her right eye is gonna look just as good as her left eye, and she will never have to feel embarrassed ever again. So with my kid crying in this lady's arms, the next thing she says is, "Sweetie, don't you know that Jesus wants to heal your eye?" That's when my tears started rolling.
After Yarely walked out, I kept thanking the doctor over and over and over and over again. She couldn't tell me what the price would be for this type of surgery, but I'm praying it's extremely low, as usual.
I had to share this, because on the way to the Casa that morning, I had asked the Lord, "God - would you please Lord, just give me a miracle today. Give me a couple of miracles today Lord, please."
That was my prayer that morning before we went to the eye doctor. God is so beautiful. He is close to the brokenhearted.
That was miracle number one. Miracle two to follow . . . read below.

The Magic Glasses

2010-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

On that same day we went to the eye doctor, I walked in with Geraldit (in photo w/mom Leticia) first to see the opthamologist. Geraldit had only been with us for a couple of months, but the kids had already told me she had trouble seeing - I just didn't know how much so. So when the doctor held up two fingers about two feet from her face and asked her 'how many fingers', she said six. Each time he held two fingers in front of her, from various distances, she kept saying 'six fingers' - she was guessing. I was soooooo glad this doctor took over 40 minutes to really test her eyesight, from every different device he had, and when it was all said and done, he came out with these glasses that hold different lens sizes, placed some very thick lenses into the frames, and what happened next was nothing short of a miracle. I wish everyone could have seen the look on little Geraldit's (9 years old) face that day. She let out this, "Oh my gosh Walt!! I can see!! I can see clearly!!" She was so happy! She kept repeating, "I can see! I can see everything!" Both me and the doctor looked at each other and we were pretty amped too. So I asked Geraldit, "Is this the first time you have seen clearly?" She kept saying , "Yes! Yes!" She mentioned to us she had never had glasses before, although I don't know if that's the case. However, as excited as she was, she did mention, "Walt! I can see you for the first time! I see your face!" So naturally I asked her if I was handsome, and she yelled, "Yes! Very handsome!" So then I asked her how about the doctor to which she immediately replied, "Ahhh -- he's ugly." We both started dying laughing . . . but I love what Geraldit said just moments after she put the glasses on --- "Walt, I have magic glasses!! I can seeeeee!!" For me, that was miracle number one -- Yarely was the second miracle. All praise and glory and honor to the Living God, Who Sees.

The Tortilla Kid Called Chavela . . .

2010-03-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

True Testimony
So today I had to take one my moms to an appointment way out of the way - so far out of the way, we were very close to the home of two former moms who use to be at Casa Esperanza, but were now sharing a home with their kids, six of them. I had been by before a few times to see how they were doing, but especially to see how my 'daughters' Bianca, Chavela, & Leslie (the older kids) were doing.
It pains me when moms decide to leave, or are asked to leave because of disciplinary reasons - especially after becoming a 'dad' to most of these kids.
When I arrived Chavela (2nd grader) came running out and gave me a huge hug, and quickly told me EVERYTHING that's been going on with everyone there! LoL!
So I got permission from mom Erica to walk down to the corner store like old times to buy some cheeps and some soda, the others were in school.
The store is located maybe 20 yards from her house, but within that short walk up the hill, Chavela kept taking change out of her pocket and counting it, and I kept telling her I'm buying the chips - put your money away.
She then told me all about her school, where she went to school (maybe 40 yards from the house), and after we bought some chips and started walking back, she started to take her change out again - so I asked her, "What's up with the taking the change out of your pocket routine girl??!"
Then she broke my heart - "Walt, I just keep counting my money, but I don't seem to have enough to buy tortillas for everyone - we need food."
The whole time we were walking, little Chavela was more concerned with buying tortillas for her family than buying chips.
So now I'm trying to fight back the tears, and I tell my sweetheart don't sweat it - I'll buy you some tortillas to which she replied, "Really??"
We walked back to the house with two-dozen flour tortillas and Chavela with this huge smile on her face. I then had to leave quickly for another appointment and said good-bye, but told her I'd be back again (Lord willing with food).
I drove off with tears rolling down, praying, "Lord, please help me to bless my kids."

The truth is, I didn't buy those tortillas -- you who support me financially, Reality family, friends and family, bought those tortillas -- God just put me in the right place at the right time to bless my kid Chavela.
Thank you for blessing my kid today in an amazing way, when all she wanted was tortillas. God is so good. Praise Him.

Father of the Bride . . .

2009-11-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

A couple months back I got an email from my daughter Allison mentioning some guy wanted to 'talk' to me . . . ha! ha! Jim finally had the guts to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage just this last month -- to which I replied yes!
I am so excited to take a trip back to Okinawa, Japan, for the wedding ceremony. The island is absolutely beautiful, and the weather is warm during November. Please pray for a safe trip, that all goes well there, and that the Lord's hand be upon this wedding, my daughter, Jim, and all that the Lord has planned for them. Praise Him.
C.L.