Friday, September 25, 2009

June - August 2009 Prayer Letter


June-August 2009

Over the  Summer I got to ask the question “what do cucumbers and koalas have to do with one another?” Normally the answer would be absolutely nothing.  But since much in a missionary’s life is rarely described as normal then cucumbers and koalas do actually have something in common.  Before you think I’ve been in the sun way too long let me explain.  While on furlough I had the opportunity to help out in two different Vacation Bible Schools, one in my home church and the other at another supporting church.  The theme of one VBS was Veggie Tales, so we had cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables  as our “friends”.   I had the opportunity to work with a really great team and get to know quite a few of the kids .

The other VBS I got to work in incorporated an “Outback” theme, so instead of vegetables we had koalas, crocodiles, dingoes  and kangaroos.  This VBS ran 5 days straight, while a little hectic it was entirely different from the other.  I had the privilege of sharing a missionary story (TiFam by CEF) with the children.  This story has been around for what seems like forever and yet it still fascinates children.  You can’t help but love the reaction of the kids when you tell them they’ll have to “come back tomorrow to see what happens”.  The kids were so enthralled, it reminded me so much of when I heard my first missionary story as a child.   At the first VBS I directed crafts and snacks, which sounds like the easiest job, but wow coordinating pudding scooping and sprinkle sprinkling  to 150+ kids is no easy task.  All the helpers survived and the kids got to see concoctions for snacks they’d never seen or hoped to see again!

God truly worked in both VBS programs, in the second church they’ve seen families get saved, baptized, join the church, become involved and even invite friends themselves...all because of a VBS their child attended and the faithful follow-up of church members.  In both churches we saw children who came to know the Lord as their Savior.  Working in both of the VBS programs made me miss ministry in Mexico so much but this sure did help with the homesickness.

Over the summer I also had some knee surgery which was minor and went really well.  With recovery and physical therapy the whole thing only took about a month and the knee seems to be functioning well again, thankfully.  The Lord provided some wonderful people to help care for me during the week of recuperation and through physical therapy.  Even my being faraway from home or family, is not a challenge to the Lord.

In other news last time I wrote I’d asked for prayer as I shopped to replace my vehicle, I am so excited (even now) to report that  the Lord provided exactly the vehicle I had prayed for and at an amazing price, the whole transaction was so smooth.  I am now well-equipped to traverse the crazy roads of Mexico City.  Thank you so much for praying.

My time on furlough truly has been a time of refreshment, I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of my supporting churches, spend time with family and friends and just recharge for my return to the field in November.  It doesn’t seem as if the time will come fast enough but at the same time it has flown by.

I thank you for your faithful prayers and support, I truly am reminded daily that there are many who pray on my behalf, I don’t take that for granted.

For Him,


Cynthia Castillo


April - May 2009 Prayer Letter

April-May 2009

Dear Praying  Friends,

Flu viruses, earthquakes, face masks, cancelled church services and scary newscasts seem to be the order of the day in Mexico City right now, but even in all that the Lord is in control.  I’m currently on furlough but have been in contact with my team and fellow missionaries. Sunday services had to be suspended temporarily by request of the Mexican government.  I am pleased to report that no one in our ministry has been affected by the fu.  Please keep Mexico City in your prayers, things are beginning to return to normal.


Prior to leaving on furlough I had the privilege of doing teacher training.  Of the group Maribel has been teaching for 2 years, but is always open to learning all she can to be a more effective teacher.  The other four ladies are new to teaching and are anxious but excited to be able to teach as well.  One of the blessings of our time together doing teacher training was the fellowship and growing closer as a church family.  We learned a lot together but we also grew closer in the Lord.  Please pray for these ladies as they step out of their comfort zones to become teachers.


I would ask for your prayers for the church at Lindavista where I served for the past year in helping to reestablish their children’s ministry.  They are still going through the process of finding a pastor.  Please pray for wisdom as our team decides the best time to exit.  Much has been done in laying a healthy foundation once again and teaching Godly principles of leadership to help them in their search for a pastor.  I left the children’s ministry just prior to leaving on furlough with what was needed to continue.  Pray for those that have been left in leadership that they will seek to continue to honor the Lord and reach and grow children in their relationship with the Lord.


I’ve had the opportunity to visit a few churches and also speak to several classes in a Christian school.  It’s always such a privilege to speak to young people and challenge them to choose His plan for their lives.  I still have some weekends available while on furlough, if you have room in your church calendar, I’d love to share what the Lord is doing in Mexico City, my contact info is above.


Some of the things I’m doing on furlough include doctors visits, visiting family and car shopping.  My left knee has been a problem for some time so I’m taking care of that.  As far as family, I have had so much fun reconnecting with my nieces and nephews...wow do they grow up fast, some of them are teens now, they weren’t when I returned from furlough last time!!!  


And finally the car thing, I’d ask that you help me pray as I go car shopping in July or August.  My car has been so great...I’ve done deputation in it as well, as two terms and two furloughs, but the time has come to retire it.  I’m looking primarily at SUV’s due to the roads in Mexico City (those of you who have visited know exactly what I’m talking about), and more specifically a Nissan Xterra due to its suspension and truck chassis.  Yes, I never thought I’d car about either thing over color and cuteness, but a vehicle is a vital tool to ministry.  I’d ask that you please help me pray for wisdom and direction and above all a really great deal!!  Many have been praying with me about this so I’m excited to see how the Lord answers.  If you’ll join me in praying about this drop me an email and I’ll be sure to let you know how the Lord answers.


With every letter I always say thank you for your part and yet that always seems so inadequate, but it’s the best phrase we have in our vocabulary so THANK YOU!!

Cynthia Castillo
Mexico City